| Disconnected |
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| 12:05pm 05/09/2008 |
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I've been feeling rather disconnected with everything as of late. Perhaps it is the stress with Oscar finally catching up, as well as the loss of Duncan. Ravenari described it best a couple of days ago... feeling unreal. Like I'm.. not there at times. It's a horrid feeling, very draining at the best times.
In a attempt to cheer myself up I bought books. I bought a glorious Roger Phillips book; wild foods of Britain, and am still bidding on that other book of his that I've been needing to get; Wild flowers of Britain. I need it to finally start planning the garden, using only the native species.
Next to nature-geekery, I bought Early Ireland by Michael J. O'Kelly. No idea on what to expect yet, but we'll see it when it gets here. At bargain books last night I bought Decoding the Celts by Claire Hamilton & Steve Eddy, and Lady Gregory's Complete Irish Mythology. If anything, they should prove to be a pleasant read. (Or make one hell of a fire!)
I saw the Irish film 'the King's wake' by John McCloskey the other day.. gorgeous work. As described on the BBC website; Irish Language animation. In the third century BC, Ulster's battle with Connaught ended in victory, but the years have not been kind to those who have survived. [S] Then a Weather Update.
I'm slowly working through commissions again. All I can say is that at the best of times it really sucks to make a living off artwork and crafts. At times you're really busy, and at others you can be commission-free for months. In between I'm trying hard to make the best out of what I have done, and try to get licensing deals, but I just feel invisible. |
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Read 13 - Post |
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| Celtic Animal Series |
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| 12:13am 04/09/2008 |
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Now taking orders in advance for this Mythical line, we've started the run with 8 designs; seal, dog, falcon, wolf, dragonfly, wild boar, salmon and snake. They have a matted/roughed up silver background, making them look more stone-like. The animals are raised from the rough base and are gold. The designs are based on a modern-day blend of Pictish and late Celtic styling.
I'll try to cover a animal or two per week with a small blurb about this animal, and what it can mean to you or a friend.
Today, we're taking a closer look at the dragonfly. Please click on the image for more information.
Previously covered animals;
Seal
Dog
Falcon
Wolf |
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Read 3 - Post |
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| Tonight we dine in Kells! |
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| 01:03pm 02/09/2008 |
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Okay, we 'dined' in Kells..
Yesterday was a busy day, but we planned to make the most out of it. I'm in desperate need of a chest-freezer because projects for taxidermy are finally being brought in. Next to the freezer hunting we needed to get in touch with Oscar's vet to book a check-up appointment. And later that evening we were expected in Kells at the School of Falconry, to pick up dead specimen they didn't want/need anymore.
And so, after treating Oscar's burns and playing with him until he was tired, we set out. First stop, Belfast. Where our idea was to check for chest-freezers. We found one shop, but they didn't have any in the size I need them in (around 200 liters), so rest of the day spend in Belfast was spend with much glee from me, as I discovered a 'Rituals' shop in Victoria Square!!
As we entered, we got offered some white or green tea while browsing the shop. They also give other free treatments, such as facial massages. PURE heaven I tell you. Gareth was standing there, just observing me smiles and squeals, until he gave in and told me I could pick out something as a gift. I choose, after much debate and inner conflict, the 'Honey Harmony' bath oil. With it came, as usual with Rituals, TONS of free stuff :D That was my evening settled!
After browsing in Belfast, we went towards Kells. We needed to find the Tildarg road, and had two hours to do so. We just casually made our way further up North, until the sign for 'The Holestone' popped up, which took our interest. We took a turn, and went to find it;
The Holestone's site was soon spotted in a field, but when entering the field we didn't really see anything but a giant rock formation. We felt it should be around there somewhere, but couldn't see. I returned to the sign, and read it was about 1,5m high. Upon saying that, Gareth shouted that he found it. It turned out to be on top of the rock formation, with the coarse bushes sheltering it from clear view.
It was a lovely sight, with a even better view from up top. Of course we did the holding hands through the hole thing ;)
So, with two hours to spare, and nearly at the School already, we decided to head to dinner somewhere. First we followed the signs for Kells, but Gareth choose Ballymena instead, thinking it would be a larger/better town. Upon reaching Ballymena we tried to find a nice place for dinner, but sadly, almost everything was closed.. Next to that it looked like a rather.. well... dead town.
We got back into the car and drove to the village of Kells instead. A lot smaller, but there was a nice fish&chips shop called Sizzlers. Sweet gods... the portions they served were MASSIVE. We had a nice 'romantic' fish&chip-shop-dinner in the back of our car which had the back seats removed in case we did find a freezer.
Not long after, we went to the Tildarg road, found the School of Falconry, but not the person we were meant to meet there. Turns out that he went out hunting with a friend. I guess we should have re-confirmed the appointment in the morning to remind him. Either way, we were just in time for his son, and he gave me the birds that were in the top of the freezer. I'll call them up later today to confirm I took the right items.
Back home the hot water was put on, and soon I was steaming away in blessed honey scented oils. Oscar was on walkabout, and came into the bathroom many times to sniff the air. Every time he did he would start licking his lips. So adorable.
When I finally came out of my bath session, Gareth was waiting downstairs with a glass of wine ^.^ In all, we had a very nice day out/off! |
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Read 2 - Post |
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| Duncan, by the wonderful Ravenari |
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| 11:21am 01/09/2008 |
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Shortly after Oscar's accident, I lost my dear buddy Duncan. Duncan, as small as he might have been, helped me through a incredibly tough period of my life, but due to the severity of Oscar's injuries, my grieving process was put in the back of my mind, and on hold. Now that things are finally calming down a little with Oscar, emotions are starting to catch up.. and I've found this rather difficult to deal with.
Ravenari's totem images captured my imagination some time ago. Their swirling patterns seemed to hold the essence of the animals portrayed in a non-violent way, they held them by a gentle embrace. The colours and patterns really spoke to me.
I've always been a visually minded person. I'm much better with images than I am with words... always have been, and probably always will be. And suddenly I 'got' it. I wanted to commission Ravenari for a portrait of Duncan in her styling similar to the other totem animals she had drawn, as I left it would help me in my grieving process.
Unfortunately, she wasn't taking commissions, but she did have the Stoat as a totem on her ever busy agenda, and suggested she'd be willing to change the stoat into a ferret. She didn't have to say that twice.
The image, is nothing short of perfect... down to the dots on his nose, this really is Duncan. I'm glad the image speaks to me (though I had little doubt), and I was even more surprised that Duncan 'spoke' to her as well.
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Read 7 - Post |
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| Orange March... wait... what? |
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| 07:33am 31/08/2008 |
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Last night was spend up in Belfast, cleaning out Gareth's sister's store Loko. Due to some little shite in office she has to move, which resulted in her having to be gone from her premises within 9 months after opening, her partner losing his 'Rogue art gallery' upstairs, and other genuine iffy bits.
It's a skate shop, and I spend most of my time packing the cans of spray paint/art supplies, body jewellery and other tiny bits and bobs... until suddenly, near the end, a sound popped up.
The unmistakable sound of a Lambeg drum could be heard from miles away. And everyone just seemed to stop and watch for a second, as the police cars in front 'carved' a way through the road to make way for... more marchers. Gods, they really don't need an excuse anymore these days. I remembered a line from Billy Connelly's show, and I suddenly heard his voice in my head saying; "I remember the Lambeg drum, and how it scared the shit out of me. Fortunately the locals were kind enough to tell me that I should only ever be scared when the drum suddenly stops".
After cleaning up the shop we left. The folks and some friends were staying behind, as they were getting ready to gut the place and move everything to the new premises... 3 doors down.
Also, my brother's partner has JUST joined Deviantart. She has some GORGEOUS photography, so for those of you on DA why not give her a warm welcome!
Uganda Silverback by ~Mirindi |
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Read 7 - Post |
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| Celtic Animal Series |
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| 07:06am 30/08/2008 |
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Now taking orders in advance for this Mythical line, we've started the run with 8 designs; seal, dog, falcon, wolf, dragonfly, wild boar, salmon and snake. They have a matted/roughed up silver background, making them look more stone-like. The animals are raised from the rough base and are gold. The designs are based on a modern-day blend of Pictish and late Celtic styling.
I'll try to cover a animal or two per week with a small blurb about this animal, and what it can mean to you or a friend.
Today, we're taking a closer look at the wolf. Please click on the image for more information.
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Read 4 - Post |
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| Elderberry Sauce |
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| 04:02pm 29/08/2008 |
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Since I've been having way too much fun colouring my skin pink these days. By popular demand, here's a small recipe on my Elderberry sauce. Mind you, I work on feeling when cooking, so forgive the lack of details.
It all starts with frozen berries....
( Click for elderberry goodness ) |
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Read 10 - Post |
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| Oscar update |
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| 08:39am 29/08/2008 |
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Oscar seems to be healing up. We got some Hibiscrub, to clean his wounds, and whenever possible we're cutting away cluttered fur that obstructs his healing. After the scrub we have to spray Cortavance on the wounds. We're nearly done cleaning him, as we can now see most of the skin underneath all the burned patches (of which most have been cleaned off).
I want a new appointment with the vet, as I feel all this chemical crap is doing more harm then good. I want to ask if I'll be allowed to use my Calendula cream, as I feel this would be absorbed better, and is healthier for the little guy. Despite his size, he is still a pup.
His tail, sad as it may look, looks like a lion's tail, and I think it's adorable. I do hope it grows back soon, but in the meantime every time he walks by I'm reminded by the weasel from "The King of Ireland's Son". When Gilly asks the weasel for advice he just holds his head up high and says: "have no fear, have no fear". And perhaps I shouldn't..
Either way, have to book a new appointment today.
As requested, a picture of the burns and cleaned up areas. One can clearly see that the worst burned place is in between the legs. We're hoping it'll heal soon :/ The picture isn't exactly pleasant, so be warned.
( Burn picture under cut ) |
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Read 48 - Post |
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| Crap & Frisky kitten O.o |
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| 02:20pm 28/08/2008 |
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This morning's news found me in utter shock. Gun attacks by dissidents in Craigavon, in which some of the dissidents explained that they were bored and rioting seemed like a spot of fun, Petrol bombs, stone throwing, attacks made by kids (some as young as 13!) on police and fire brigade after they are called out to a hit and run in Derry. But this one in west Belfast took today's 'cookie with a foul taste'; http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7585453.stm
Seriously... it's scum of the earth that do something like this to a 84 year old woman with heart trouble, and then attack the fire brigade as they're coming in to help. I hope those kids get knee-capped by the elderly lady's local community. A life time of community service is too good for them.
As a cheer-me-up, I ran across this in a friends journal, and it's just too damned hilarious not to re post; a pole dancer being harassed by a kitten while she's doing her routine at home. Probably NSFW, but a must see;
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Read 15 - Post |
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| An Morrígan |
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| 08:14am 27/08/2008 |
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I've been working on my little tribute paintings (much like Lugh's portrait) when I feel like them. In between chaos I'm sometimes called to sit down, and work on a tribute image. Unfortunately, these are worked on when called on... so to say.
Morrígan has been been pulling quite a bit. When I started with Lugh, I was 'given' in my mind a set styling to follow when doing these images. A mix of traditional work, with a bit more flow than standard illuminated styles. Miach, Flidais and Morrígan have 'called' so to say, but at the moment only the latter is being worked on.
And where does it go? FAR from what I had in mind. I started a image that was based more on realism than anything else. When I finally made peace with what was given, another popped up, looking more stylized and way earlier than the clear illuminated styles. I now have two pieces, and when looking at them, neither is pulling me to finish them as of yet.
Today will be spend working on the backlog of commissions that have accumulated over the past few weeks with Oscar's accident. Everything was put on hold, and answering emails has been sporadic to say the least. I hope the people looking for me to make things for them can forgive me.
![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) sunspiral brought this little gem to my attention. The new movie 'Faintheart'. I had certainly brought a smile to my face as I remembered some of the fun times I had with my 1473 army re-enactment days. A must see for re-enactors and LARP'ers alike;
Faintheart; Official Trailer
EDIT:
Making Elderberry sauce now.. I'm happy ^.^ I haven't been outside much, and it's beginning to show in stress levels. So, spying the elderberry outside, I decided to start picking tiny bits of ripe elderberry, and make some of my beloved elderberry sauce.
If only I had the wine making equipment ready.... elderberry wine... |
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Read 6 - Post |
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| Speaking of falcons... |
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| 10:41am 26/08/2008 |
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Today my work portfolio for wildlife-art went out to the Northern Ireland School of Falconry. I met John at the Gamefair in Ballywalter earlier this year, and we talked about a lot of stuff and possibilities. Unfortunately, accidents had a way of creeping up on me in the meantime, and calls I meant to return got side-tracked to say the least.
So, today a nice little portfolio, price-list and a signed apology went out to the school, and I hope we'll be in contact again very soon.
Today we also need to pay for our doors. My parents gave us two new doors, and they were fitted last week for the workshop. The front door looks great! Once everything is done, I may just put a sign up on the white top.
I also need to get back in touch with Castle Espie about my work there. Much like the school of falconry everything just got side-tracked with Oscars accident.
Speaking of Oscar, he's doing great. I just spend an hour or so with him sleeping on the sofa. The comfy-warmth coming off him was very soothing indeed, and even I nearly nodded off. |
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Read 12 - Post |
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| Celtic Animal Series |
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| 06:30pm 25/08/2008 |
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Now taking orders in advance for this Mythical line, we've started the run with 8 designs; seal, dog, falcon, wolf, dragonfly, wild boar, salmon and snake. They have a matted/roughed up silver background, making them look more stone-like. The animals are raised from the rough base and are gold. The designs are based on a modern-day blend of Pictish and late Celtic styling.
I'll try to cover a animal or two per week with a small blurb about this animal, and what it can mean to you or a friend.
Today, we're taking a closer look at the Falcon. Please click on the image for more information.
EDIT;
Although not in the Celtic Animals series, this item has been a long time favourite of mine. As the image has recently been touched up, I wanted to share the updated version of the famous Fox Ring over here as well;
Celtic Fox Ring by *Illahie |
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| Last couple of days.. |
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| 11:59am 25/08/2008 |
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The last couple of days with our guest from the Netherlands have been very nice indeed. He did manage to enjoy himself, despite myself and Gareth not being able to 'tour him around', with work and Oscar keeping us where we were most needed.
We did take him to the wonderful henge monument of the Giant's Ring one evening, just as the gates were closing. It as wonderful to see such a immense site with no one around except the storm clouds that were rolling in.
On his last day here, I managed to take the day off. Oscar was recovering nicely that day, and didn't seem to need any special care other than sleep... so I went with our guest that afternoon in high hopes of showing him the waterfall over at Crawfordsburn. Sadly, twas Sunday and neither bus nor train were heading in that direction shortly, which didn't leave us with enough time to be back to bring him to the airport.
Instead, we settled for a dander around Bangor, the marina and the seafront, which held a horrible carnival (gold-fish stand and all). In the Marina we were treated to the lovely sight of a grey seal, which promptly started to swim up to a incoming boat to see what was happening on board (or see if there were left-overs). It was a cute sight indeed.
During our walk along the marina's wave breaker, we also spotted something that had perished. At first, it looks a bit like a pig, since the head wasn't too visible and the whole creature was belly-up in between sharp rocks and covered in muck. Upon closer inspection it turned out to be a badger. Someone must have hit it with the car and chucked it into the sea or something, since the city, let alone the marina, is a very uncommon place to find the peace-loving badger.
The remainder of the afternoon was spend in Jenny Watts, Bangor's oldest pub, and we had a pint during some Live Jazz session (which sounded more like dixieland). On our way up High Street towards Gareth's shop we stopped for the local specialty; Maud's ice-cream.
Closing time for Gareth was around the corner, and it wasn't long before we hopped into the car on our way to County Antrim to drop our friend off at Belfast International... (which isn't in Belfast).
We Gareth and I returned home, Oscar had surprised us by leaving his 'doody' in the designated area; the litter box, which is something he had not been able to do since the day he got burned. We're back to pooping all over the cage again today, but he is getting MUCH better by the day..
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Read 4 - Post |
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| Oscar Update |
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| 10:11pm 21/08/2008 |
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Oscar went on his check-ups today. There are a couple of spots on the belly that are leaking a lot of fluids and we were beginning to get worried about it.
We finally got to meet the vet that should have taken care of the ferret to begin with, the man for the exotics; Micheal. He was great indeed, and both Gareth and I feel much better as well.
Oscar is going in the right direction. His medication has been changed as well. Although he'll still be on anti-biotics, he now gets Cortavance once a day, and a disinfection wash twice a day. Hopefully that will dry out the wet wounds in time. Next week he's getting another check-up. the vet was very happy that Oscar is still eating and drinking happily.
I slowly started picking up commissions again, and managed to finish a tattoo for someone. This tattoo is a tribute if you will to her mother. I fell in love with the design during my work on it and the more I look at it the more I like it;
The Heron and Salmon by *Illahie |
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Read 8 - Post |
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| Celtic Animal Series |
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| 02:16pm 20/08/2008 |
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Now taking orders in advance for this Mythical line, we've started the run with 8 designs; seal, dog, falcon, wolf, dragonfly, wild boar, salmon and snake. They have a matted/roughed up silver background, making them look more stone-like. The animals are raised from the rough base and are gold. The designs are based on a modern-day blend of Pictish and late Celtic styling.
I'll try to cover a animal or two per week with a small blurb about this animal, and what it can mean to you or a friend.
Today, we're taking a closer look at the Dog. Please click on the image for more information.
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Read 5 - Post |
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| Oscar updates |
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| 03:24pm 18/08/2008 |
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Well, I'm not going to post pictures of the blisters for obvious reasons, but the reaction of our Dutch guest (rob_d) spoke volumes. He was shocked.
Despite it looking as gruesome as ever, we do think he is healing. The old skin is falling off, and taking the hairs with it, but there seems to be healthy new skin underneath it. Whether the hairs will ever grow back is unknown... but honestly we don't care. He could have a bald butt and tail and it wouldn't make me love him less. As long as he gets his mobility back.
It's going to be a long way... but we're well on the road here. As long as we can keep infection off our tracks we should have a good shot at making our goals.
And because vitamin paste makes the world a better place;
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Read 12 - Post |
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| Ronnie Drew |
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| 08:53pm 16/08/2008 |
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Gods rest his soul..
Rest in peace good man. The Dubliners will never be the same without ya. I'm thankful I got to see the old line-up back on the 40 years tour... Man I had a grand time.
Immortal souls, the lot of them
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Read 1 - Post |
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| Celtic Animal series |
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| 09:13pm 15/08/2008 |
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Finally a bit of good news to distract from the worries; my Celtic Animals range is finally in Production!!
By teaming up with the wonderful PeterStone company I've finally been able to launch my Celtic animal range, as I've always felt that the animals were under-appreciated in jewellery (or lacking depth).
Now taking orders in advance for this Mythical line, we've started the run with 8 designs; seal, dog, falcon, wolf, dragonfly, wild boar, salmon and snake. They have a matted/roughed up silver background, making them look more stone-like. The animals are raised from the rough base and are gold. The designs are based on a modern-day blend of Pictish and late Celtic styling.
I'll try to cover a animal or two per week with a small blurb about this animal, and what it can mean to you and a friend.
This week, we're starting off with the Seal;
Seals are believed to possess the ability to stare into the Otherworld as well as your soul. Much myth and legend surround these playful characters. One story tells that they originated from the drowned offspring of Eithne.
Selkies were often mistaken to be seals, as they are shape-shifters. The females can choose to take on a human form by leaving and hiding their seal skin. If a human finds their skin, they would ‘own’ them and could claim them as their wife. But should the Selkie ever find her skin again, she would leave her new family behind to return to the sea forever, without ever looking back.
The Seal is a symbol of pure beauty, always shrouded in mystery. She will bring its wearer both luck and joy.
Seal - Celtic Animals by *Illahie
The silver and gold accented pendant is through the PeterStone company;
And we also have apparel items featuring this design!
Stay tuned for more Celtic animals |
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Read 15 - Post |
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| Updates... |
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| 08:31am 14/08/2008 |
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I am completely devastated by the loss of my buddy Duncan, but at the same time can't let it get to me at the moment. There's more pressing matters at hand, like taking care of Oscar... I do want to thank everyone, everywhere, that left words of support and care. It helped me a lot..
My father send me the last pictures of Duncan, including one after he was put to rest. He looks so.. peaceful. I guess that's what most people say when a loved one has passed away.
Oscar is doing 'okay'. We're not entering day 6, and the first degree burns on the front have started shedding dead skin. His rear and belly acquired new blisters, and his hind paw-pads looks very red/transparent-ish. I just hope it isn't dead.
Oscar gets a small wobble about twice a day, to try and keep his skin active and stimulate the muscles a little bit. He's lost so much weight and body mass already. The blisters look angry, and I'm keeping a photo-dairy of them to see how they're developing. I'm hoping to have one of the vets call by for a small visit somewhere this week to ask his opinion on the developments.
Either way.. if he makes it, his recovery is going to take months |
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Read 14 - Post |
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| Goodbye old friend... |
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| 11:54am 12/08/2008 |
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Just minutes ago my dad put to rest my dear buddy Duncan. This morning he was sick, and when my dad tried to feed him later on he had little to no use at all on the left side of his body. My dad called me up and we both ended up in tears. I told him to do what's right, and he did. I'm very thankful to have spend such a wonderful time with such an amazing ferret. He defied the odds and was able to push through when nobody thought he could.
Words can't even begin to describe how empty I feel right now..
Venice - Family Tree
Branches in the wind
Still standing here together
One more storm to weather
We'll get through it yet
So we're gathered here
Holding on to each other
To let go of another one we won't forget
Now as we say goodbye
To one of our own
We may be lonely
But we're not alone
Though the leaves will fall
And the tears will flow
May it always comfort us to know
The family tree will always grow
Father down to son, mother to daughter
Thicker than water, we are made of this
From the Earth we rise
To the Earth returning
We'll keep a candle burning
For the ones we'll miss
And when we say goodbye
To one of our own
We may be lonely
But we're not alone
Though the leaves will fall
And the tears will flow
May it always comfort us to know
The family tree will always grow
It's stronger than the wind can blow
The family tree will always grow
Please Oscar... Pull through for me |
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Read 86 - Post |
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