tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53192872058049257982024-03-13T04:36:42.366-07:00Siren School where education is an adventure in self-discoveryLecole Sirenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187470375671133837noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-43964933319701206562021-09-03T10:21:00.002-07:002021-09-03T10:21:14.434-07:00Siren School turns 10!<div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Sanndi Thompson of Sanndi Art for this heartwarming toast that kicked off SIren School's ten-year anniversary mermaid tea.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cheers!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AGmVXcftqPE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-50512043294231821212021-04-18T08:05:00.002-07:002021-07-01T08:08:31.550-07:00Hera—goddess among women and goddesses<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flR7OpP5vyc/YN3aDTz0UYI/AAAAAAAAxMk/YiRn11UThIk9m4HDMrDab3GarBftIWqkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s773/SoaLee_04.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flR7OpP5vyc/YN3aDTz0UYI/AAAAAAAAxMk/YiRn11UThIk9m4HDMrDab3GarBftIWqkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/SoaLee_04.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://soa-lee.deviantart.com/art/Hera-goddess-and-a-bird-be-me-208329792" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-size: 11.2px; outline: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><b><i>Hera</i></b></a><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.2px;"> by CG artist Soa Lee</span></td></tr></tbody></table>revisited from la Vie Sirene</span></span></i></span></div><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Protector of women and marriage, familiar with magic</span></i></b></p><div class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Hera is the wife and one of three sisters of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Zeus</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Olympians" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Olympian pantheon</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Greek mythology</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Greece" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">religion</a>. Her chief function is as the goddess of women and marriage. Her counterpart in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">religion of ancient Rome</a> was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juno_(mythology)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Juno</a>. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cow" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">cow</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">lion</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peacock" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">peacock</a> are sacred to her. Hera's mother is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhea_(mythology)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Rhea</a> and her father <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cronus" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Cronus</a>.</span></span></div><div class="p2" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Portrayed as majestic and solemn, often enthroned, and crowned with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polos" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><i>polos</i></a> (a high cylindrical crown worn by several of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goddess" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Great Goddesses</a>), Hera may bear a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">pomegranate</a> in her hand, emblem of fertile blood and death and a substitute for the narcotic capsule of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opium" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">opium</a> poppy. A scholar of Greek mythology <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Burkert" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Walter Burkert</a> writes in <i>Greek Religion</i>, "Nevertheless, there are memories of an earlier aniconic representation, as a pillar in Argos and as a plank in Samos."</span></span></div><div class="p2" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="s1">Hera was known for her jealous and vengeful nature, most notably against Zeus's lovers and offspring, but also against mortals who crossed her, such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelias" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Pelias</a>. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_(mythology)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Paris</a> offended her by choosing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Aphrodite</a> as the most beautiful goddess, earning Hera's hatred.”<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span class="s2"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[Wikipedia]</span></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Some of the more famous myths featuring the goddess include:--</span></i></span></div><ul style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li3" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="s3"><a href="http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/HeraMyths.html#Seduction" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">Her marriage to Zeus</span></a></span><span class="s1"> and her earlier seduction by the god in the guise of a cuckoo bird;</span></span></li><li class="li3" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="s3"><a href="http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/HeraMyths.html#Hephaistos" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">The birth of Hephaistos</span></a></span><span class="s1"> who she produced alone and cast from heaven because he was crippled;</span></span></li></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li3" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/HeraWrath.html#Leto" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Her persecution of the consorts of Zeus</a>, especially Leto, Semele and Alkmene;</span></span></li></ul><ul style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li3" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="s3"><a href="http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/HeraWrath.html#Herakles" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">Her persecution of Herakles</span></a></span><span class="s1"> and Dionysos, the favourite bastard sons of Zeus;</span></span></li><li class="li3" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="s3"><a href="http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/HeraMyths.html#Ixion" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">The punishment of Ixion</span></a></span><span class="s1">, who was chained to a fiery wheel for attempting to violate the goddess;</span></span></li><li class="li3" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="s3"><a href="http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/HeraMyths.html#Argonauts" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">The assisting of the Argonauts</span></a></span><span class="s1"> in their quest for the golden fleece, their leader Jason being one of her favourites;</span></span></li><li class="li3" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="s3"><a href="http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/JudgementParis.html" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">The judgement of Paris</span></a></span><span class="s1">, in which she competed against Aphrodite and Athene for the prize of the golden apple;</span></span></li><li class="li3" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="s3"><a href="http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/HeraMyths.html#Troy" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">The Trojan War</span></a></span><span class="s1">, in which she assisted the Greeks.</span></span></li></ul><div class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: xx-small;">[sources: Theoi.com, GreekMythology.com & Wikipedia]</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-22332212774404902192021-04-11T10:56:00.000-07:002021-07-01T08:08:46.698-07:00A goddess of living love<p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>revisited from la Vie Sirene</i></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">I posted a content call asking Siren School students to nominate a woman whom they felt was a modern goddess incarnate. The following is the first response I received, and certainly the most passionate. After reading about the siren in question, I understood what all the fuss was about, and decided to feature her on our cover. If ever there was a goddess of unconditional love, it is Alev Johnson.</span></i></b><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" /></p><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjRadXbgOwg/UbjRt1Hci8I/AAAAAAAAG3M/K8BYpoIRPBY/s1600/alev+johnson+goddess+genie+6160_104213405807_5549706_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #009eb8; display: inline; float: right; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjRadXbgOwg/UbjRt1Hci8I/AAAAAAAAG3M/K8BYpoIRPBY/s400/alev+johnson+goddess+genie+6160_104213405807_5549706_n.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="264" /></a>"Good morning! I am the siren that nominated Alev Johnson. How can I possibly write about her without making it sound like I'm gushing, or writing a puff piece about a friend? Simply put, I can't. I do know Alev personally and just last night I was thinking that I'm so fortunate to know her because she is one of the most fascinating people I know. Alev is as you stated, gorgeous, but in addition she is also a very intelligent, sophisticated, and classy lady, with delicate and refined taste. She's incredibly sexy, romantic, and sensuous, as well. In addition, she''s creative, funny, kind, caring, down-to-earth, and one of the most dedicated and hardest working mothers I know. These are the obvious adjectives and nouns that describe her—it's hard not to notice these things about her immediately. However, what I love and admire most about this charming and lovely lady is her love and devotion for her daughter. She has been a single parent since her daughter's birth. Alev has made great sacrifices and overcome difficult challenges for her daughter. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Now her daughter is an intelligent, beautiful, polite, and well-mannered young lady, who is graduating from high school with very high marks and going on to a university of her choice, to study Animal Science because she loves animals and wishes to be a veterinarian. Alev couldn't be prouder of her daughter. When she speaks of her, she literally beams with obvious pride and joy, and of course, she should. This is the most obvious thing about Alev, her love for her daughter, but this wonderful mother has many sides to her and all of them are quite interesting and fascinating. What fascinates and intrigues me most about her is her dancing. She is a belly dancer. She designs and creates her own costumes, as well as her own line of jewelry! This is one ambitious lady. When she's not busy with her daughter's projects, she is in the middle of many of her own projects. She is also a very kind and caring friend, who saves dogs from being put to sleep, always gives simple, yet great advice, and always has a smile and maintains a positive attitude and outlook on life and would like to open a project to assist the homeless population in Long Beach, CA as well as own her own blues lounge someday. And last, what I love most about this beautiful lady is her ability to be soft and vulnerable. In a world that celebrates being tough and harsh, Alev is humble and soft, the sweetest and affectionate, most willing to be vulnerable person I know. This is why I nominate her to be GODDESS." ~Erica</blockquote><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fafafa; clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3P6SocKlV4/UbjRtiULw3I/AAAAAAAAG3Q/gQhncWyp7zQ/s1600/alev+johnson+23622_383141940807_7093232_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #009eb8; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3P6SocKlV4/UbjRtiULw3I/AAAAAAAAG3Q/gQhncWyp7zQ/s400/alev+johnson+23622_383141940807_7093232_n.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #674ea7; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><i>Please note while enjoying Alev's impassioned answers, that English is not even her native language! Yet another mind-boggling achievement of this living goddess.</i></span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></span><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Let's start with the toughest question first. Why do you think your friend Erica nominated you to be her choice as the woman she knows who best expresses the term <i>goddess</i>?</span></b><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></b><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">She always told me how much she respected me and admired me as a dancer, but also for being a strong individual and a loving mother -- for working hard to make ends meet while raising my daughter to become a sweet, kind, smart and loving young lady :)</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Erica mentioned that by far and away the most important thing in your life is your daughter. Based on your appearance I expected you to have a toddler, but I learned she is graduating from high school! What can you tell us about her and the way you've raised her?</span></b><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Yes, my daughter is my life, my everything! The moment I was pregnant with her, she was my guardian angel and I knew that my life was going to be filled with lots of love from her.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I left her biological father when she was 9 months old and moved with her to the US when she was 4 1/2 years old. I was a very strict mother. I believe that respect, courtesy and manners should be taught to children at a very early age. I taught her to eat with a knife and fork as soon as she could eat on her own, always taught her to respect others, young or old. I always explained to her that she can only get respect by earning it. Always to treat everyone as she would want to be treated. I never </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">mothered</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> her but gave her lots of love, telling her everyday how loved she is, how proud I was and still am, always kissed her good morning and goodnight, and was always honest with her with anything she would ask about.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">She wanted to dance at the age of 6, so I enrolled her at a dance studio and she has been dancing ever since. From classical ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, tap, Flamenco and even Persian dance till age 13. Then we moved from L.A. to Long Beach and she continued dance at the Renaissance Performing Arts HS, which she will graduated from on June 13th as valedictorian!!! And she will be attending UCSB this August! I can't be more proud!!!!</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qeSqX0OmnfA/UbjRtDHeFTI/AAAAAAAAG3E/_0ORwfGsg30/s1600/alev+MEI_F0135-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fafafa; clear: right; color: #009eb8; display: inline; float: right; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qeSqX0OmnfA/UbjRtDHeFTI/AAAAAAAAG3E/_0ORwfGsg30/s400/alev+MEI_F0135-1.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="264" /></a><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></b><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></span><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">You do so many things: perform belly dance professionally, design costumes, model, sell your own line of custom-made jewelry, advocate for homeless humans and animals alike... not to mention raising a child as a single mother, how do you do it all? </span></b><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Before I moved to the US, I was an immigration officer in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. When I moved here, my whole life felt like it collapsed -- culture shock, hard to find work, especially when you have no family or real friends and a little child. But I never gave up and knew i could make ends meet with dignity.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I started working by passing out flyers for a restaurant with my daughter next to me (no one to watch her) which was one of the hardest times in my life. But then I started making friends and spreading the word that I was looking for work. I worked as a hostess, a server, then as an assistant loan officer and as a second job (besides office work), I was working 5 nights as a bellydancer. By that time my daughter was going to school. I would pick her up, make dinner, get her ready for bed, then went off to work at night.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I maintained two fulltime jobs for about a year and a half till I physically burned out. I decided to continue my belly dance profession and quit my day job so I could be there for my daughter, because i barely got to spend time with her. I created my own business cards and started to advertise my dancing and started dancing at private events, restaurants and night clubs. I couldn't afford to buy my costumes so I made them myself including the accessories, and that's how I started my own line of jewelry.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Clearly, all of your activities come from your overflowing heart and creative soul. Are there any projects that you've yearned to take on or experiences you'd like to try?</span></b><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I love anything creative, from gardening, jewelry/costume making, painting, carpentry, you name it! Love them all! What I would love to do is learn to play the saxophone and travel! I haven't been able to travel and take a vacation in over 7 years and miss it so much! I also have jewelry making with soldering and molds on my wish list, would love to have more options and use my creativity on a higher level.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fafafa; clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-61-EDXptI/UbjRuNiJlHI/AAAAAAAAG3k/T27_sxOc9jA/s1600/alev+johnson+iguana+jewelry+63648_469893835807_1610865_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #009eb8; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-61-EDXptI/UbjRuNiJlHI/AAAAAAAAG3k/T27_sxOc9jA/s400/alev+johnson+iguana+jewelry+63648_469893835807_1610865_n.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><p><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">What do you do in all your 'free' time *wink*? </span></b><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Besides all that, I make some time for myself to enjoy the sun, my back yard (I love gardening) and spending quality time with my daughter. In the mornings have my coffee, check my emails, pay bills, take care of my two wonderful dogs, clean the house, run errands and later at night off to work.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Many women face the challenges similar to those you've experienced, but not all have come through them wtih such elan. What advice can you give women who are struggling with challenges?</span></b><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></b><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">It wasn't easy, but I feel proud and strong and believe that if I can do it, even without having a college degree, all women and mothers can do it! As long as you set your mind to it and have the will to succeed and love your child more than anything and truly want to raise them by not just feeding, dressing or housing them, but also by teaching them the value of life and that anything we want we need to earn and all is well worth it!</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fafafa; clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: black; float: right; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 4px; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AvaMZLimFE/UbjRs3bJqAI/AAAAAAAAG3I/mvjnUpONe1E/s1600/alev+MEI_15EDIT-2-1-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AvaMZLimFE/UbjRs3bJqAI/AAAAAAAAG3I/mvjnUpONe1E/s400/alev+MEI_15EDIT-2-1-1.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/AlevDancer" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Follow Alev on Twitter</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">As a mother, what would you like to whare with the generations of women who will follow you? </span></b><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">For those wonderful women and mothers out there I would like to say:</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /></p><ul style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Enjoy everyday, spend as much time with your loved ones and your children as you can</li><li style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Teach your children the value of life and give them the freedom in making there own choices, but guide them through it so there choices are wise. Give them lots of love, praise them when they do good but let them earn the praise</li><li style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Be a full time mother but yet make time for yourself to enjoy what you love to do</li><li style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Know that even when hard times hit you, don’t give up because I do believe that the sun will shine after the rain</li><li style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Have your pride, but allow a helping hand when its handed to you through hard times</li><li style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Believe in yourself and your instincts. They will never fail you!</li><li style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Respect yourself, and allow yourself to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and don’t make the same mistakes</li><li style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">And listen to your children and show them that there opinion counts and is respected. Believe it or not, when you respect your children they will respect you back. I always told my daughter to obey my wishes out of respect and not out of fear. That way they trust you in sharing what goes on in their life, mind and heart.</li></ul><p><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Wishing all the wonderful women out there a blessed and successful life filled with love, joy and peace!!!</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #351c75;">When I wrote to Erica to let her know that I'd interviewed Alev and how touching I found her answers, Erica responded with words too heartwarming not to share in conclusion: </span></i></b><br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /></p><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">"Alev is all love. She always makes everyone feel so incredibly welcome!! My gosh, I've never experienced so much genuine love and affection from anyone before!! Everytime she sees you, she envelops you as if she hasn't seen you in years when she just saw you a couple of weeks ago!! She gives these wonderful hugs and you always want to keep going back, just to have someone celebrate you that way. Everyone who knows her has nothing but love for her. All she ever speaks of is her pride and joy, her daughter. Once she mentioned that that when her daughter went away to college, she was going to travel. I am very excited for her and keep wondering which will be the very first destination she visits. I hope she goes, although I'll miss her terribly when she does. I hope all her wishes come true."</blockquote><div style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuIP4yMcOe4/UbjRtSXPGUI/AAAAAAAAG3g/bYmLhuUEB2Q/s1600/alev+bellydanceandjewelry.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuIP4yMcOe4/UbjRtSXPGUI/AAAAAAAAG3g/bYmLhuUEB2Q/s400/alev+bellydanceandjewelry.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-18373921000854215962021-04-04T10:36:00.000-07:002021-07-01T08:08:57.115-07:00Love goddesses<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lcd-PJWPQnY/YFom3IKSbTI/AAAAAAAAv5c/CBIxiGsUnNQ8-QiZpELE62p5MvDZomGvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/by%2BGreg%2BSpalenka%2Bfor%2BRoxanna%2BIllunated%2BPerfume%2Burl-1_mini.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lcd-PJWPQnY/YFom3IKSbTI/AAAAAAAAv5c/CBIxiGsUnNQ8-QiZpELE62p5MvDZomGvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/by%2BGreg%2BSpalenka%2Bfor%2BRoxanna%2BIllunated%2BPerfume%2Burl-1_mini.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">art by Greg Spalenka <br />for Roxanna Illuminated Perfume</span></td></tr></tbody></table>A</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">love deity</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">is a</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deity" style="background-color: white; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">deity</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">in</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mythology" style="background-color: white; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">mythology</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">associated with</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_love" style="background-color: white; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">sexual love</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lust" style="background-color: white; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">lust</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">or</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sexuality" style="background-color: white; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">sexuality</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">. Love deities are common in mythology and may be found in many</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytheism" style="background-color: white; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s4">polytheistic</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">religions.</span></span></h3><div class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Albanian folklore</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prende" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Prende</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of love</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Armenian mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astghik" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Astghik</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of fertility and love</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Aztec mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xochiquetzal" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Xochiquetzal</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of fertility, beauty, female sexual power, protection of young mothers, pregnancy, childbirth, and women's crafts</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xochipilli" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Xochipilli</a></span><span class="s3">, god of love, art, games, beauty, dance, flowers, maize, fertility, and song</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tlazolteotl" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Tlazolteotl</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of lust, carnality, sexual misdeeds</span></li></ul><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s8"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ixcuiname&action=edit&redlink=1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Ixcuiname</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of the carnality.</span></li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><ul style="list-style: disc; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s8"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tiacapan&action=edit&redlink=1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Tiacapan</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of sexual passion.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s8"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Teicu&action=edit&redlink=1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Teicu</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of sexual appetite.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s8"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tlaco&action=edit&redlink=1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Tlaco</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of sexual longing.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s8"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Xocotzin&action=edit&redlink=1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Xocotzin</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of sexual desire.</span></li></ul></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Buddhism</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aizen_My%C5%8D-%C5%8D" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Aizen Myō-ō</a></span><span class="s3"> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C4%81gar%C4%81ja" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s9">Rāgarāja</span></a>, a deity who transforms worldly lust into spiritual awakening; his red-skinned appearance represents suppressed lust and passion</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Canaanite mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astarte" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Astarte</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of sexual love, fertility, and warfare</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qetesh" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Qetesh</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of love, beauty and sex</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p8" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b></b></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Celtic mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aine" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Aine</a></span><span class="s3">, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_mythology" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s9">Irish</span></a> goddess of love, summer, wealth and sovereignty</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliodhna" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Cliodhna</a></span><span class="s3"> Irish goddess, sometimes identified as a goddess of love and beauty</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Chinese mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_old_man_under_the_moon" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Yue-Lao</a></span><span class="s3">, a god of love, who binds two people together with an invisible red string.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tu_Er_Shen" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Tu Er Shen</a></span><span class="s3">, a deity who oversees the love between homosexual men.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Peony" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">White Peony</a></span><span class="s3"> (Bai Mudan or Pai Mu-Tan), a goddess who tempts men, especially ascetics.</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Egyptian mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bes" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Bes</a></span><span class="s3">, god of music, dance, and sexual pleasure</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hathor" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Hathor</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of the sky, love, beauty, and music</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastet" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Bastet</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of felines, love, sexuality, protection, beauty, and dance</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Etruscan mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albina_(mythology)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Albina</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of the dawn and protector of ill-fated lovers</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turan_(mythology)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Turan</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of love and vitality</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Greek mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Aphrodite</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of love, lust and beauty.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philotes_(mythology)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Philotes</a></span><span class="s3">, personification of affection, sexual intercourse and friendship.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hera" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Hera</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of marriage.</span></li></ul><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s3">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotes_(mythology)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s9">Erotes</span></a></span></li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><ul style="list-style: disc; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anteros" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Anteros</a></span><span class="s3">, god of requited love.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eros_(god)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Eros</a></span><span class="s3">, god of love,sexual passion and naughty thoughts.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotes_(mythology)#Himeros" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Himeros</a></span><span class="s3">, god of sexual desire.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedylogos" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Hedylogos</a></span><span class="s3">, god of sweet talk and flattery.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hymen_(god)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Hymen</a></span><span class="s3">, god of weddings and bawdy wedding songs.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotes_(mythology)#Pothos" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Pothos</a></span><span class="s3">, god of sexual longing, yearning and desire.</span></li></ul></ul><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peitho" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Peitho</a></span><span class="s3">, personification of persuasion and seduction.</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Guaraní mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurupi" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Kurupi</a></span><span class="s3">, god of sexuality and fertility</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Hindu mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamadeva" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Kamadeva</a></span><span class="s3"> or Manmadhan or Kama, god of love</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rati" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Rati</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of passion and lust</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Lithuanian mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuanian_mythology" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Milda</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of love and freedom</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Mesopotamian mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Inanna</a></span><span class="s3"> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s9">Ishtar</span></a>, goddess of sexual love, fertility, and warfare</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Moroccan mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qandisa" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Qandisa</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of lust who first seduces men then drives them insane</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Norse and Germanic mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frigg" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Frigg</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of romance, marriage, sex and reproduction, married women, household duty, and divination.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freyja" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Freyja</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess associated with magic, shamanism, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sei%C3%B0r" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s9">seiðr</span></a>, sacrifice, war, death, and sexuality.</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freyr" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Freyr</a></span><span class="s3">, worshipped as a phallic fertility god, he was said to "[bestow] peace and pleasure on mortals"</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sj%C3%B6fn" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Sjöfn</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess associated with love</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p8" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b></b></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Roman mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupid" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Cupid</a></span><span class="s3">, the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Eros</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_(mythology)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Venus</a></span><span class="s3">, the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Aphrodite</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suadela" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Suadela</a></span><span class="s3">, the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Peitho</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Slavic mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogoda" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Dogoda</a></span><span class="s3">, Polish spirit of the west wind, associated with love and gentleness</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzydzilelya" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Dzydzilelya</a></span><span class="s3">, Polish goddess of love and marriage and of sexuality and fertility</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lada_(goddess)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Lada</a></span><span class="s3">, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fakelore" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s9">fakeloric</span></a> goddess of harmony, merriment, youth, love and beauty</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siebog" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Siebog</a></span><span class="s3">, god of love and marriage</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%BDiva_(goddess)" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Živa</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of love and fertility</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Vodou</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_La_Croix" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Baron La Croix</a></span><span class="s3">, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loa" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span class="s9">loa</span></a> of the dead and sexuality</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_Samedi" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Baron Samedi</a></span><span class="s3">, loa of the dead, sex and resurrection</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erzulie" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Erzulie Freda Dahomey</a></span><span class="s3">, loa of love, beauty, jewelry, dancing, luxury, and flowers</span></li></ul><div class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></div><div class="p5" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s3"><b>Yoruba mythology</b></span><span class="s5"> </span></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em; text-align: justify;"><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mami_Wata" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Mami Wata</a></span><span class="s3">, a pantheon of water deities sometimes associated with love and lust</span></li><li class="li6" style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="s6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshun" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Oshun</a></span><span class="s3">, goddess of love, intimacy, beauty, wealth and diplomacy</span></li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-15741663118566509182021-03-28T09:13:00.000-07:002021-07-01T08:09:07.986-07:00What is a goddess?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvNWQ6DX-ic/YFoTna2gFDI/AAAAAAAAv48/DpbO8leDJikOw0o1RwBQX27gOkNuO8vwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/p3%2Bgoddess%2Bdefinition%2Bnike%2Bsamothrace.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1239" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvNWQ6DX-ic/YFoTna2gFDI/AAAAAAAAv48/DpbO8leDJikOw0o1RwBQX27gOkNuO8vwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w496-h640/p3%2Bgoddess%2Bdefinition%2Bnike%2Bsamothrace.jpeg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-12994422434350882502021-03-21T07:28:00.000-07:002021-07-01T08:09:14.727-07:00la Vie Sirene's GODDESS issue ...... to be revisited this spring <3
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9TbGZpYInk/YFdX2wKpKoI/AAAAAAAAvz4/5LJzKJx96_UGiX0mBhCST1cxtHBRMGXPACLcBGAsYHQ/s1547/lvs%2Bmagazine%2Bcover%2B070113%2BGODDESS%2B03%2BJULY.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9TbGZpYInk/YFdX2wKpKoI/AAAAAAAAvz4/5LJzKJx96_UGiX0mBhCST1cxtHBRMGXPACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/lvs%2Bmagazine%2Bcover%2B070113%2BGODDESS%2B03%2BJULY.jpeg"/></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-61885491773502898882020-12-09T07:53:00.003-08:002020-12-09T07:53:32.377-08:00Life isn't a competition.<h3 style="text-align: center;">It's a collaboration. </h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCSRXGHLnwY/X9Dyyi-_75I/AAAAAAAAsb8/sRC77gZ5SPQNMkvjg8x0mGrsKslOjjHFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/161005163248-cirque-du-soleil-hand-to-hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCSRXGHLnwY/X9Dyyi-_75I/AAAAAAAAsb8/sRC77gZ5SPQNMkvjg8x0mGrsKslOjjHFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/161005163248-cirque-du-soleil-hand-to-hand.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cirque du Soleil</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-size: xx-small;">#collaborate #coexist #unite </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-90212313663352002152020-09-07T13:01:00.002-07:002020-09-07T13:02:06.035-07:00Revisiting Tammy Derwick, Entrepre-mer<i><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">originally published in la Vie Sirene June 2013</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umoX8tF76aM/X1aRg-Hro1I/AAAAAAAArLQ/mkFZSaJNEio0ElPpEd-S4QLJmdPWM2fPwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/tammy%2Bderwik%2Bjune%2B2013.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umoX8tF76aM/X1aRg-Hro1I/AAAAAAAArLQ/mkFZSaJNEio0ElPpEd-S4QLJmdPWM2fPwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/tammy%2Bderwik%2Bjune%2B2013.jpeg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tammy (left) & her mer-model</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><i>Mermaid Prints, Cutting Boards, Flasks, Coasters, Mermaid Scales Jewelry, Stickers, License Plates, Bags, Aprons, Ladies Shirts</i></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><i><br />
</i></span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="http://www.bethemyth.com/" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Tammy Derwick</a> does it all!</i></span></b><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><i>She created the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/350925268266229/" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Be the Myth</a></b> Mermaid Facebook group that is now more than 750 mermates strong. She'll even turn you into a mermaid without your ever getting wet... by custom-drawing your face on one of her original mermaid illustrations.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><i>Even Lady Gaga collects her stuff!</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><i>I grabbed a few moments of Tammy's time to find out what it's like making a living as a mermaid artist.</i></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">What first drew you to specializing in mermaid themed art?</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Other mermaid enthusiasts! Figure drawing has certainly been one of my many passions, most likely because I am drawn to the appeal of the human figure. I have been an artist and designer for 20 years, and in the art community, I had multiple requests for mermaid art, so I obliged. After pencil drawing maybe half a dozen pieces, I found myself intrigued with the whole mermaid myth. They also happened to sell. All of them sold, ironically, during their very first showing. Naturally, I created more, and wanted to learn more.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">For me, each mermaid takes on a life of their own. Mermaids possess an incredible versatility, intrigue, and challenge.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zJ-N_27gxmU/UXsyZ4ugbLI/AAAAAAAAF8E/Cm2lP5lRIKM/s1600/300667_10150344557513124_911691191_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px !important; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zJ-N_27gxmU/UXsyZ4ugbLI/AAAAAAAAF8E/Cm2lP5lRIKM/s400/300667_10150344557513124_911691191_n.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tammy's traveling <a href="http://www.bethemyth.com/" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank"><b>Be the Myth</b></a> shop</span></td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">You have done an incredible job at making a career out of your passion. What sorts of lessons have you learned along the way as a business woman?</span></b><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">I have learned so much, undoubtedly more than I could ever express during this short interview! But one of the most important things I have learned has been to listen. Dealing with custom projects throughout my entire artistic career, it has been imperative to design exactly what someone wants. The only way to figure that out is to ask a few questions, then let them do the talking. Always treat people well. Be generous, share your ideas, be encouraging to others.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Your design was chosen as the poster art for the famous Coney Island Mermaid Parade. What did that do for your career and what was that experience like?</span></b><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">My first thought when recalling that experience was the joy I felt by being given such an honor. The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is an icon, and to be recognized by the ultimate authority of all things mermaid was of course way beyond encouraging!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">The people involved with operating the Coney Island Mermaid Parade and Museum are just a pleasure. I still speak with them today, and they carry my product line Be The Myth in their museum. Designing the poster for the Coney Island Mermaid Parade allowed me a multitude of exposure. To have one of my mermaids on a poster that was spattered throughout all of New York and also the Coney Island Museum website was an extraordinarily humbling experience.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ4yd6iS8Gs/UXsydID7TFI/AAAAAAAAF8s/JZHmE4_IbaA/s1600/url-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #009eb8; display: inline; float: right; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ4yd6iS8Gs/UXsydID7TFI/AAAAAAAAF8s/JZHmE4_IbaA/s400/url-8.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="292" /></a><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">You always seem to have something innovative and fun going on, necklaces bearing mermaid secrets, special stories behind select pieces. etc. It's like finding sunken treasure! What sorts of surprise goodies are you currently offering?</span></b><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">This, I think, is the most exciting! I have a full line of products and apparel which is constantly evolving. There will always be another product, something new to explore. Researching the latest innovations, and creating something new, while including the mermaid angle is so provocative.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">I guess you could say I get bored easily! I am forever looking forward. Even before one new product has launched, I am already seeking new adventures with another idea. Once it is prepared to present to the public, it is already completed for me, and I have moved on to the next innovation. It is the planning and developing that motivates and excites me. It is truly all about each individual journey.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Right now I am working on a project with Carolyn Turgeon involving the mermaid I created for the 2013 Merpalooza Poster, and I am so thrilled with how it is developing! What's next for Tammy Derwick and your Be the Myth line? After that? It is difficult to answer, I will know it when I dream it.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">How has your involvement in the mer-community enriched your life, personally or professionally?</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70SvbFvg-WU/UXsycdM0AII/AAAAAAAAF8o/6av-CYVHFh0/s1600/mugs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #009eb8; display: inline; float: right; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70SvbFvg-WU/UXsycdM0AII/AAAAAAAAF8o/6av-CYVHFh0/s400/mugs.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">More than anything, I have learned what mermaids represent. We are all connected to one another by common elements and Mermaids embody who we are. Mermaids are graceful, elusive, and mysterious.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">I believe one of the things that ties us together as humans is the intrigue of the unknown mixed with the desire to protect and explore what we do know. I also think most of us are naturally drawn to the ocean, it is part of us.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">If you had unlimited time and resources, what would you like to accomplish in business?</span></b><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Candidly speaking, I believe that unlimited time and resources may actually be a hindrance rather than a gift. Without the things that motivate, where is the fun?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">I would love to see the Be The Myth name become widely recognizable. My designs have been considered very sensual and sometimes provocative. I believe that resonates an emotion and passion in all of us, and serves women well with a positive image of femininity. Not only do my mermaids represent the physical appeal of a woman, more importantly it shows our strength of mind and freedom, which is why I call the company: Be The Myth, Graceful, Elusive, Mysterious.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Do you have any advice for artists working in a specialty genre as you do?</span></b><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Explore your own style, never compare yourself to your competition. In fact, it is probably best to completely ignore what others in your genre are doing, that way you are free to create your own personality. Love what you are doing. If you are not passionate and fired up about what you are creating, no one else will be either.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">To dive into Tammy's world, visit her <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeTheMyth" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Mythical Mermaid</a></b> Facebook page.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5_fcPjcpEA/UXsyb0C3GsI/AAAAAAAAF8c/TTBoKZDYXJk/s1600/Sea%2520Fairy%2520Aqua%2520Tank.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px !important; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5_fcPjcpEA/UXsyb0C3GsI/AAAAAAAAF8c/TTBoKZDYXJk/s400/Sea%2520Fairy%2520Aqua%2520Tank.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-5547067991092423912020-08-17T08:05:00.003-07:002020-08-17T08:05:53.734-07:00A Mer's Best Friend, revisited!<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>original post in </i>la Vie Sirene<i> 15 June 2013</i></span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbrerNacbKs/UXroPwCqOzI/AAAAAAAAF5E/t21Ehw8xnzo/s1600/turgeon-2photo_by_joi_brozek.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px !important; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbrerNacbKs/UXroPwCqOzI/AAAAAAAAF5E/t21Ehw8xnzo/s400/turgeon-2photo_by_joi_brozek.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Author Carolyn Turgeon, creator of <i><a href="http://iamamermaid.com/" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">I Am a Mermaid</a></i>—</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-small;">'a delicate ladylike blog for mermaids and the humans who love them'</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-small;">[photo by Joi Brokek]</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Author, and widely recognized mermaid expert, Carolyn Turgeon, runs a hugely popular blog called </i><a href="http://iamamermaid.com/" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">I Am a Mermaid</a><i>. There, she routinely seeks out and interviews interesting individuals who lurk in and around the mer waters, selflessly promoting others and even putting some on the map! We get to know these mer denizens through Carolyn's incisive questioning. We get to know her rich characters through her books. Now here's your chance to get to know </i>her<i>!</i></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i><br />
</i></b><b><i>Her bio reads like that of a fantasy character, or at least one of those really captivating kids we always regret not getting to know better in school. In her own words she describes the channels she swam to become the mermaid she is today:</i></b></span><br />
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I was born in Michigan and grew up in Illinois, Texas, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. I wrote my first novel at age eight called The Mystery at the Dallas Zoo, about a group of kid sleuths called in to find a stolen tapir. I submitted my first story at age 15, to Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, about a doll whose eyes popped open when you left the room. I went on to write many poems about my soul, and in college wrote a handful of short stories, including one about a strange, magical place called Rain Village. Which would, many moons later, become my first novel. </blockquote>
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In the mean time, I graduated from Penn State and went on to graduate school at UCLA, where I studied medieval Italian poetry. After getting a Master’s degree I left graduate school to write novels, and moved to New York, where I worked as a writer for a large engineering firm and then a think tank and did various freelance work, once writing a love letter for a heartbroken Japanese woman. I also spent a lot of time taking photographs, making collages, and drinking pink cocktails at the Algonquin Hotel. </blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YvTWJFCpZMU/UXroNYAvDtI/AAAAAAAAF4c/-pICu9ZnKxk/s1600/Mermaid-cvr-thumb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px !important; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YvTWJFCpZMU/UXroNYAvDtI/AAAAAAAAF4c/-pICu9ZnKxk/s320/Mermaid-cvr-thumb.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mermaid-A-Twist-Classic-Tale/dp/0307589978/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Click here to sneak a peek on Amazon</a></td></tr>
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Rain Village was published in 2006 and since then I’ve become a full-time writer and published three more novels, all of them based on classic fairytales: <i>Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story, Mermaid</i> (which might be a movie, click here for more info), and my first and only (so far) middle-grade novel <i>The Next Full Moon</i>. I love the combination of beauty and darkness you find in these old stories, and love taking a traditional tale and illuminating it in some new way. I also love the combination of gritty reality with gorgeous, lush fantasy. My newest book, <i>The Fairest of Them All,</i> will be out in August from Simon & Schuster, and is about Rapunzel growing up to be Snow White’s stepmother. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
While I was writing Mermaid, people started sending me mermaid photos and bits of mermaid news and then mermaids started appearing everywhere in my travels. At one point I was staying in Berlin, Germany, where I had a friend who did a mermaid burlesque act, and then I went to see Leonard Cohen in Warsaw and was shocked to find myself in a city whose symbol has been the mermaid since the middle ages. I gave into fate and created my mermaid blog I Am a Mermaid, and started interviewing everyone from Tim Gunn to Alice Hoffman to the Magnetic Fields about these mythical creatures. I talked to so many mermaid lovers and real-life mermaids, in fact, that I found myself giving into their allure. I went to mermaid camp at Weeki Wachee Springs (and wore a tail and swam with a wild manatee) and even got myself scuba certified some months later in Nicaragua.<br />
I’m now based in central Pennsylvania, teach in Alaska at the University of Alaska at Anchorage’s Low-Residency MFA program, and am working on many lovely new projects, only some of which involve wearing a tail.</blockquote>
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>As a diligent blogger, she is constantly interviewing and promoting others. I was delighted to get to turn the tables and shine the spotlight on her! </b> (Kindly pay no attention to the gushing, fawning nature of my questions. Being a fan will cause that.)</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">You're incredibly bright, articulate, witty, and interesting as all get out. So why mermaids? What first intrigued you and propelled you into your unique career?</span></b><br />
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Why thank you, Joy! I’m a novelist (my fifth comes out in August) and my third novel was a retelling of the original Hans Christian Andersen little mermaid story. As I was writing the book, people started sending me mermaid stuff all the time—photos of mermaid statues or paintings they’d come across, mermaid articles, all kinds of stuff. I was also travelling a lot at that time, and started encountering mermaids everywhere on my travels. They really are everywhere, once you start looking for them. I was in Berlin, Germany, where my friend did a mermaid burlesque/singing act, and so I interviewed her, and I went to Warsaw to see Leonard Cohen and realized that the mermaid has been the symbol of Warsaw since the middle ages, so I took a lot of photos and video there… I deliberately went to Denmark to pay homage to Hans Christian Andersen, and basically just started gathering mermaid stuff in my regular life. I even planned a trip to Weeki Wachee when I was in Florida visiting my grandmother, and by pure coincidence received an email from Weeki’s artist-in-residence Julie Komenda the week before. I ended up meeting up with Julie and, through her, tons of the Weeki mermaids. At a certain point, I decided I ought to start a blog to capture this stuff, and then I thought I ought to do some interviews. I emailed anyone I could think of and in early 2011 started to post interviews with people like Tim Gunn, novelists like Alice Hoffman, mermaids like Hannah Fraser… What I love about mermaids is how flexible they are, how they inspire people in so many unique ways, and so I tried to represent that a bit.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">You are considered an expert in the field of mermaids. Do you find it a joy? A responsibility? </span></b><br />
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Oh, well I’ve become fascinated by mermaids and mermaid culture. I have to resist doing too much because there’s so much out there and I could spend countless hours writing about only that. And I’m a novelist! I earn a living through my books, not through my mermaid blog or the writing I’ve done about mermaids for places like The Hairpin.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">What sort of doors and opportunities have opened up as a result?</span></b><br />
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Well I didn’t start out with any kind of real mermaid obsession or anything. I just wrote a novel with a mermaid in it, the same way I’ve written novels with fairies and trapeze stars and witches and swan maidens. But once I started the blog and started meeting and interviewing so many mermaids out there, I found myself more and more wanting to get in the water. And I’m 40, with very pale skin, and had spent my whole life avoiding the ocean and the beach! But when you talk to mermaids all the time about their passion for the ocean, you can’t help but be swept in. In 2011 I attended Weeki Wachee’s Sirens of the Deep mermaid camp for the first time—and swam with a wild manatee that came to visit—and a few months later went snorkeling for the first time in the Bahamas, and a few months after that actually got scuba certified in Nicaragua. Now I love diving, and even went, last summer, on a mermaid diving trip in the Bahama that Malena Sharkey hosted. We went on a shark dive and Chris Crumley was there taking breath-taking photos of Iara Mandyn and Kristi Sherk.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Are there any experience that stand out to you most since you became a mermaid?</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px; text-align: center;">Signing copies at MerCon 2011</td></tr>
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I’ve met a lot of people who are pretty fascinating. I did go to MerCon in 2011 and brought some<br />
<br />
mermaid-y authors in an attempt to add that component, though it didn’t end up working too well. BUT the night before MerCon started, I hosted an evening at the Las Vegas Barnes & Noble, where amazing authors like Matthea Harvey, Timothy Schaffert and Tera Lynn Childs all did short mermaid readings and then Hannah Fraser (who had to be carried, in tail, from the restroom) read a short mermaid piece I’d written. Weeki Wachee’s Kylee Troche was also there in her tail, and former mermaid Arlene Brooks spoke to the crowd, as did mermaid tailmaker Jerilyn Winstead. That was a pretty amazing evening—a very special gathering of people who will probably never be in the same room at the same time again. And a bookstore room at that!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">What do you enjoy most about mermaiding?</span></b><br />
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I’ve only swum in a tail at the Weeki Wachee mermaid camp, so I can’t say I really “mermaid” myself. But I’ve seen plenty of it by now, and just love the idea that someone like Hannah or Linden Wolbert or Dana Mermaid or any number of ladies can put on a tail and dive in the open ocean with sharks and whales and manta rays. It really blows my mind. And when you can free-dove 100 feet and hold your breath for 5 minutes, like Linden, you’re pretty much a full-on mermaid in my book. It’s a beautiful thing, the way so many people in the community incorporate magic so fluidly into their real, everyday lives.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">What changes have you seen in the community since you first dove in?</span></b><br />
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Oh, well in the community itself I’m not sure. I’m not really hanging out on mernetwork too much or anything, but I have been surprised at how there was this burst of interest in 2011 that seemed to kind of die down, from the world at large. And then now, suddenly, there’s this huge resurgence (it seems to me). Just this morning a friend sent me a Vulture article claiming that mermaids are the new vampires—a claim I saw numerous times a couple of years back. There also seems to be a massive amount of interest from reality television. Eric “The Mertailor” Ducharme just got a ton of press from being on TLC. I can’t tell you how many reality tv producers have emailed me for “expert” advice!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">What's on the horizon for mermaids?</span></b><br />
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I don’t know! I suspect, and hope, that people will begin to see it as less an oddity and more a beautiful and creative form of self-expression, especially for women. I know of some press coming out that will take a more thoughtful approach to mermaid culture and hope that trend continues. I also hope that some big fat mermaid movies are on the horizon, including my own (my novel Mermaid is currently being developed for film by Sony Pictures)!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">What sorts of projects have you been working on and what's in the offing?</span></b><br />
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My fifth book comes out in August from Simon & Schuster; it’s called <i>The Fairest of Them All</i> and is about Rapunzel growing up to be Snow White’s stepmother. I’m also working on two other projects as we speak—one is a historical novel and the other a crime novel, and I’m excited about both of them. And I teach in Alaska every July so I’m getting ready for that. This time I’m taking a jaunt up into the Arctic Circle!<br />
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You seem extremely prolific, with all that you do. What do you do just for fun... to wind down?<br />
Well I travel a lot and spend a lot of time with friends and I love to read and wish I spent more time doing that and less time watching television, which I also love! Sadly, I love watching shows like The Bachelor/Bachelorette through every other line is about “finding that fairy tale ending,” which in my book can never be a very happy one. Fairy tales are dark and twisted! Which is why I love them.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">If you had a mermaid bucket list, so to speak, what would be on it?</span></b><br />
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Oh I totally do. I want to dive with whale sharks, with humpback whales, with manta rays, with dolphins… with more sharks. So far I’ve only dived in the Caribbean; there’s a lot more ocean to dive into!<br />
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<i>Thanks to a schedule that is beyond human abilities, you may get a chance to meet her in person in the coming months. Here are her notes on her upcoming doings:</i><br />
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<b>July </b><br />
I will be reading at the University of Alaska at Anchorage’s campus, as part of the Northern Renaissance Arts & Sciences Reading Series, which happens every year as part of the residency held by the Low-residency MFA Program (where I teach). Date and time will be announced! Hear previous years’ readings here.<br />
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<b>August 6 </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Fairest-Them-All-Novel/dp/1451683782" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Click here to check it out on Amazon</a></td></tr>
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<i>The Fairest of Them All</i> comes out on August 6th, and I will definitely be doing readings at Barnes & Nobles in New York City and State College, PA, and likely in several more places. Check her blog for details!<br />
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<b>October 26 </b><br />
I’ll be at Nora Roberts’ store, Turn the Page Bookstore, in Boonsboro, Maryland, from about 11am on, signing books with Ms. Roberts herself and a smattering of other fabulous authors.<br />
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<b>Workshops</b><br />
I’ve been an associate faculty member at the University of Alaska at Anchorage’s Low-Residency MFA Program since 2010, so spend a couple of weeks every July in Anchorage as part of the annual residency and then mentor a few students throughout the year. I also lead private workshops in State College, Pennsylvania, based on workshops I took for several years with author Jennifer Belle in New York. These workshops kept me accountable and helped me through my first two books. In six-week sessions, a small group meets meet once a week for three hours, each person bringing in up to seven pages to read aloud to the group and getting instant, detailed feedback from me and the rest of the group. Occasionally I hold a free workshop, like one I did on query letter writing this past December.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">As if all that weren't enough, she will apparently begin teaching online workshops soon. To keep up with her doings, as well as all the latest and greatest news below sea level, subscribe to <a href="http://iamamermaid.com/" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">her blog</a>. You just might learn you are a mermaid too!</span></i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">The mermaid herself!</span></span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-48474802229874361792020-07-08T06:19:00.001-07:002020-07-08T06:19:18.194-07:00Water and Fire: The Passion and the Fury of Mermaids - revisited from la Vie Sirene 2013<div class="article-content entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cghub.com/images/view/18570/" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank"><i>Fire</i> by tobiee aka Tobias Kwan </a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>by Matthew Morse </i></span><br /><br />A few years ago, it started to become clear to my Facebook friends and family, some of whom I had not seen on a regular basis for years, that I liked mermaids. This started to draw some questions as to my motivation, given that I am a single man in my forties and have no children.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“I have to ask Matt, what is up with the mermaids?”</i> </blockquote>
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<i>“What is with you and these Mermaids? I think you may have a fetish? Just saying.”</i></blockquote>
There are some good arguments for these questions, if one believes that I am the sort of man who objectifies women: the vast majority of the mermaids I follow are significantly younger than I am and they often present themselves in clamshell bikini tops. Perhaps I am nothing more than a “mervert,” a term that one of my dearest friends in the community defines as “someone who ogles and says gross things.”<br /><br />Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. I learned of a community of people and gradually found myself becoming part of it. Why on earth would I want to alienate myself from these fascinating people by objectifying them?<br /><br />Although my initial attraction was to the grace and the style with which mermaids glide through the water, it soon became clear to me that there is a great deal more to them than meets the eye. Their passions include a wide range of subjects, including conservation and environmental awareness, the amazing wonders of animal and plant life under the sea, the humane treatment of those creatures, incredible athleticism and fitness, art of every manner (tailmaking, painting, singing, et cetera), self-esteem, and the incredible possibilities that come when one follows a dream – and how sometimes, that dream can be met with mockery from longtime friends and family. My new friends also raised my awareness of Asperger’s Syndrome, dyslexia, and type II diabetes.<br /><br />When playwright William Congreve wrote "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned" in the 1697 play The Mourning Bride, he must have had no idea how much of an understatement his words would become when applied to mermaids and their supporters. The fury of a mermaid who has been wronged has little equal. There are people in this world who have little regard for crediting artists for their work, preserving the gifts of nature, or honoring the sentience of cetaceans. Knowing mermaids is not always a day at the beach, but often about how human behavior has put that beach into jeopardy – and what we can do to reverse that impact.<br /><br />Both the water and the fire – the passion and the fury – have been passed along to me. I feel myself so fortunate to have been embraced within the mer-community and to have learned from its members. I now find myself helping to carry the banner in their marches on some issues, as well as delighting in the successes in their personal and professional lives, both above and below the waterline. Through a combination of admiration and mutual respect, it is my great honor to share that many of us have gone from strangers to friends.<br /><br />And that, dear reader, is what is up with me and mermaids. If there is something wrong with showing respect and developing community, I don’t want to be right.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-69063211579044404062020-06-23T13:08:00.000-07:002020-06-23T13:08:03.312-07:00Mike Van Daal, tailmaker & pirate - revisited <span style="font-size: small;"><i>by Eleina Fae</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;"><i>[originally published in la Vie Sirene magazine June 2013]</i></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fETdx5GJRnU/UXrx1qGsXvI/AAAAAAAAF64/9B0MVXY4s-4/s1600/936842_510948225608639_145736508_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fETdx5GJRnU/UXrx1qGsXvI/AAAAAAAAF64/9B0MVXY4s-4/s400/936842_510948225608639_145736508_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br />
Trouble ensued when Frederic in Gilbert & Sullivan's </i>Pirates of Penzance <i>ended up as a pirate instead of a pilot as was originally intended. It seems the same tragedy has befallen artist Mike Van Daal, the man who dreamt of being a commercial pilot, but now.... Well, you can see for yourself in this quick snapshot peek at the life of the professional mer-tail-maker of fabulous </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/fliptails" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">FlipTails</a><i> who spends his free time helping his family with their landscape supply business... and engaging in wanton piracy.</i></span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It all started out innocently enough</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A cutie plying his wares</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Beta-fish testing his product </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In a word... wowzers!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But now a pile of perfection lays deserted </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">as he goes off to pursue a life of piracy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7huy-THF_Ik/UXrxz0g-F7I/AAAAAAAAF6Y/A8qjmKvUNVQ/s1600/625446_497794570257338_1296770130_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7huy-THF_Ik/UXrxz0g-F7I/AAAAAAAAF6Y/A8qjmKvUNVQ/s400/625446_497794570257338_1296770130_n.jpeg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A mer-maiden pleads with him to give up his pirating ways</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMC1lnjjkBQ/UXrxycBwKkI/AAAAAAAAF54/j7krUC05-dg/s1600/48052_509513869085408_780280059_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMC1lnjjkBQ/UXrxycBwKkI/AAAAAAAAF54/j7krUC05-dg/s400/48052_509513869085408_780280059_n.jpeg" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">...but succumbs to his rakish piratey charms</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzunu1IrMOQ/UXrxzulDQdI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/YMrFndQzv7c/s1600/582500_465165966853532_65394302_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzunu1IrMOQ/UXrxzulDQdI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/YMrFndQzv7c/s400/582500_465165966853532_65394302_n.jpeg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Good heavens! I hope this is not all that's left of her!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-btdGgen56xo/UXrxxJmaQxI/AAAAAAAAF5g/6NqIny9byNQ/s1600/302410_413020815401381_543386363_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-btdGgen56xo/UXrxxJmaQxI/AAAAAAAAF5g/6NqIny9byNQ/s400/302410_413020815401381_543386363_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">More evidence of his handiwork washes ashore</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUBLLv6y9Gk/UXrxx1XMGrI/AAAAAAAAF5s/w1sOh6nZFBU/s1600/396024_412890935414369_387346668_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUBLLv6y9Gk/UXrxx1XMGrI/AAAAAAAAF5s/w1sOh6nZFBU/s400/396024_412890935414369_387346668_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Since his workshop is unattended while he's off pillaging the seas, <br />
perhaps no one will notice if I borrow this hot little number.... <br />
I've been coveting it for years... Oh look over there! <br />
It's Johnny Depp! <br />
*swipe*</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Editor's note: While la Vie Sirene welcomes content contributions from its resident urban fairy, Eleina, her comments in no way reflect the views of the magazine or its affiliates. In the interest of fair and even journalism, we did some investigative sleuthing to get to the bottom of her claims and went straight to the source. Mertail-maker Mike Van Daal was utterly gracious in answering our questions and setting the record straight. </span></i> <br />
<br />
<b>As a male, what were your first impressions of mermaids? </b><br />
<br />
I have been fascinated with them ever since I saw “Splash”, and was just amazed at how realistic she looked. My mom said I ruined our VHS tape because I would rewind the underwater-scene so many times. It was nice seeing “The Little Mermaid”, and seeing that there were Mermen too.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95Xa1lBwowI/UZ5VAEi5ggI/AAAAAAAAGgw/QbLnjyIVNaI/s1600/mike+flit+tail+van+daal+406726_412892548747541_1513877014_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95Xa1lBwowI/UZ5VAEi5ggI/AAAAAAAAGgw/QbLnjyIVNaI/s400/mike+flit+tail+van+daal+406726_412892548747541_1513877014_n.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mer magnificence of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fliptails" target="_blank">FlipTails - </a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/fliptails" target="_blank">Custom Mermaid Tails by Mike Van Daal</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>How did you make the decision to create a tail yourself? And how did you get into tail-making as a going concern?</b><br />
<br />
That is the million-dollar question. I always swam in the pool as a kid with my legs tied together, and flippers on, pretending I was a fish. I finally made my own monofin when I was 15. Once I got bored with that, I decided to cover it with fabric, making it into a tail. I then kept wanting to make it more realistic, and that’s when the molding started.<br />
<br />
<b>Being one of the few males in the mer community, and especially a tail-maker, you must get thronged by women. How do you handle it all?</b><br />
<br />
It can be very difficult at times. Being a one-man company, I don’t get a chance to answer as many people as I wish I could. I am however very close with my clients. Each order forms a special bond between the customer and me, and I really enjoy that. An order isn’t just “another order” for me. I take each one very seriously, and take my time making sure they are 100% perfect before they ship out. Yes, that takes a lot more time, and that’s why I am limited to the number of orders I can take.<br />
<br />
<b>What is the underwater merman experience like for you when you're swimming in one of your creations? </b><br />
<br />
It's truly amazing. I love swimming in tails, especially ones that I created. It almost creates an “out of body” experience, and it's nice thinking I made it possible.<br />
<br />
<b>Rumor has it you moonlight as a pirate? What do you have to say to these scandalous claims?</b><br />
<br />
Well, it's true. I do Jack Sparrow impersonations “on the side”, making appearances at events all over. I have been working on my costume for almost 6 years, and have over $7,000 into it.<br />
<br />
<b>As a man, what sorts of challenges do you see in the mer-community, and what changes have you noticed?</b><br />
<br />
I haven’t really noticed too many challenges being a male in this community. I think it’s a pretty open community, and its nice not being judged. When I first started off, I got a lot of weird looks, and snide comments, but they have slowly disappeared.<br />
<br />
<b>At this point in your career you've already accomplished so much. What dreams have yet to be fulfilled?</b><br />
<br />
I am so thankful for how far I have come since I started this business. Its gone further than I ever expected it to, and I couldn’t have done it without all the support from my fans. I have a few big things coming up that will probably be the highest point in my career so far.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-36927058328442616122020-05-11T08:26:00.001-07:002020-05-11T08:26:41.350-07:00Back into the Hudson with Sailor Twain<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[originally published in la Vie Sirene June 2013]</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">A Mermaid's Review </span></b></i><br />
<i>by Micah Moore of the Mermaid Studio </i><br />
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<br />
How can one expect an objective review of a book containing mermaids from someone who is obsessed with them? The answer is: you can't. The review in a nutshell is: Sailor Twain or The Mermaid in the Hudson is a MUST READ.<br />
<br />
Mermaids, in Sailor Twain, are used to symbolize obsessions or addictions that divert our focus from our true course in life. Sailor Twain or The Mermaid in the Hudson highlights the point that obsessions, like mermaids, can be simultaneously inauspicious and propitious.<br />
<br />
With that being said…<br />
The elements other than mermaids that make Sailor Twain a necessity for one's bookshelf are mystery, romance, intrigue, eroticism, flashbacks, love, lust, suspense, obsession, desire, as well as ideas on marriage, racism, sexism and theology.<br />
<br />
Sailor Twain is a tale primarily about a steamboat ship captain whose obsessions alter his life course forever. Its complex story line involves a myriad of dualities surrounding most of the characters, themes explored and the Hudson River upon which the tale takes place.<br />
<br />
Set in 1887 on the Hudson River, infused into the story line are traces of Greek mythology, Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe and Ernest Hemingway. The main characters in the novel are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Sailor Twain, the honorable steamboat captain </li>
<li>South, the seductive mermaid </li>
<li>Dieudonné Lafayette, a French nobleman, who also happens to be the ship owner’s lecherous brother </li>
<li>C. G. Beaverton, a reclusive author who is later revealed in the book</li>
</ul>
<br />
Sailor Twain began as a serialized web comic, which the author, Mark Siegel, wrote on his commute between his home in the Hudson River Valley and his office in New York City. In fact, you can currently sample the first few chapters online by clicking <a href="http://sailortwain.com/chapters" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
The author’s use of charcoal drawings, rather than a traditional medium of graphic novel rendering, lends itself to the mysterious mood of the book. Sailor Twain was drawn in a stylized form of mainly black and white, serving to highlight his highly ethical nature. Dieudonné, on the other hand, was formed in shades of grey, emphasizing his willingness to blur the lines of morality. To learn about the drawing process he used for the book, view the video below.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJgkD45LfbU" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Another fascinating piece of Sailor Twain involves its use of historical topographical maps on its title pages. Siegel’s research involving 19th century maps led to an exhibit at the New York Public Library, “Sailor Twain’s New York,” featuring elements used in the making of Sailor Twain.<br />
<br />
My advice is: get a copy of Sailor Twain for yourself. You will read it countless times. If you don’t want to take a mermaid’s word for it, consider that Sailor Twain was on both The New York Times’ list of best-selling graphic novels and The Washington Post’s Top 10 graphic novel/comic for 2012. Realize, however, that Sailor Twain is not considered a book for children due to its use of profanity and mature themes and images.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://themermaidstudio.com/" target="_blank">The Mermaid Studio</a></b> offers mermaid-themed artwork created by talented artists plus info on where to find mermaids worldwide</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(plus they have a really cool website)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-57770664660049039342020-05-08T14:15:00.002-07:002020-05-08T14:15:13.601-07:00A melange of mermaidy salads<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mermaid Salad #1</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span></b></div>
<i>A quinoa and avocado salad, flavored with sea salt and turmeric and accented with toasted sesame oil and sea vegetables. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Ingredients</i></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKbUR2TH2x8/UWx95ZJycbI/AAAAAAAAFXI/qILW3zgR1Lo/s1600/aHR0cDovL2QzZDcxYmEyYXNhNW96LmNsb3VkZnJvbnQubmV0LzMyMDAxMDk2L2ltYWdlcy83MTg3OTQ1LmpwZw==.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKbUR2TH2x8/UWx95ZJycbI/AAAAAAAAFXI/qILW3zgR1Lo/s320/aHR0cDovL2QzZDcxYmEyYXNhNW96LmNsb3VkZnJvbnQubmV0LzMyMDAxMDk2L2ltYWdlcy83MTg3OTQ1LmpwZw==.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.sears.com/basic-spirit-nautical-pewter-mermaid-napkin-rings-set/p-SPM6303748105?prdNo=3" target="_blank">Set of 4 mermaid napkin rings</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>1/4 cup of arame </li>
<li>1/4 cup walkame </li>
<li>1 1/2 cups filtered water </li>
<li>1 ripe avocado </li>
<li>1 tablespoon organic lemon juice </li>
<li>1 cup dry quinoa grain </li>
<li>2 cups water </li>
<li>3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil </li>
<li>1 tablespoon Braggs Liquid Aminos </li>
<li>1 teaspoon turmeric </li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon sea salt </li>
<li>cayenne pepper to taste </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Directions</i></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><br />
<ol>
<li>Soak arame and walkame in filtered water for 20 minutes or until the seaweed is fully hydrated; set aside. </li>
<li>Slice avocado into 1-inch cubes and marinate in lemon juice. </li>
<li>Place 2 cups water and 1 cup quinoa in medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes. </li>
<li>After quinoa is cooked, place immediately in a serving bowl. </li>
<li>Mix in toasted sesame seed oil, Braggs Liquid Aminos, tumeric, salt, cayenne; set aside. </li>
<li>Drain arame and wakame through a strainer and press out any remaining liquid. Add to quinoa and lightly toss. </li>
<li>Stir in marinated avocado and serve warm. </li>
</ol>
<br />
May be served chilled. Yield: Eight, 1/2 cup servings.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[source: <a href="http://www.kellykeough.com/page32/page32.html" target="_blank">KellyKeogh</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Mermaid Salad #2</b></span><br />
Minutes to Prepare: 10 Minutes to Cook: 30 Number of Servings: 12<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5TaI2p3WJE/UWx35S8hu4I/AAAAAAAAFWw/A5F795QYDUQ/s1600/new-pewter-mermaid-salad-servers-30-victoria_8357021.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5TaI2p3WJE/UWx35S8hu4I/AAAAAAAAFWw/A5F795QYDUQ/s320/new-pewter-mermaid-salad-servers-30-victoria_8357021.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pewter Mermaid Salad Set </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">approx $95 on Amazon and eBay</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">shown here from <b><a href="http://victoria-bc.canadianlisted.com/garden-house/new-pewter-mermaid-salad-servers-30-victoria_3457678.html" target="_blank">CanadianListed</a></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><br /></i></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><i>Ingredients</i></b> </span><br />
<ul>
<li>3 C Macaroni -- cooked </li>
<li>1 C Crabmeat </li>
<li>2 C Frozen cooked Shrimp </li>
<li> 1 C Celery -- diced </li>
<li>1 C Red Bell Pepper Diced </li>
<li>3 Med Dill Pickle, diced </li>
<li>1 Tsp Dill Pickle Brine </li>
<li>1/4 C Sweet Pickle Slices, diced </li>
<li>1 Tsp Sweet Pickle Juice </li>
<li>1 1/2 C low-fat Mayonnaise </li>
<li>1 Tsp Prepared Mustard -- with seeds </li>
<li>1 Tsp Prepared Horseradish </li>
<li>1 Tsp sea salt </li>
<li>1/4 Tsp pepper, white </li>
</ul>
<b><i><br /></i></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><i>Directions</i></b> </span><br />
Cook elbow macaroni till tender, rinse in cold water and drain. Add all the above ingredients, combine and refridgerate for several hours before serving.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[source: SparkPeople user OKANOG]</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ok6IkIuURo/UXACxDuyVbI/AAAAAAAAFcA/FMpTGLwROXU/s1600/il_fullxfull.407664788_1hyq.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ok6IkIuURo/UXACxDuyVbI/AAAAAAAAFcA/FMpTGLwROXU/s320/il_fullxfull.407664788_1hyq.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/118242419/colorful-mermaid-vintage-plate-with?ref=sr_gallery_41&ga_search_query=mermaid+plate&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">Mermaid Plate</a> on Etsy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mermaid Salad #3</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span></b><br />
<i>Or more correctly, 'The Magical Mermaid Salad' </i><br />
<i><br /></i><b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Ingredients & Directions</i></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Soak Wakame seaweed (from the Korean grocery or health food store) in enough cold water to cover it. </li>
<li>While the seaweed soaks, chop cucumber, red onion, red pepper, artichoke hearts, and avocado. </li>
<li>Drain the seaweed and mix all the ingredients together. </li>
<li>Add lemon juice, sesame oil, and sea salt to taste.</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[source: <a href="http://www.rachellouiserosen.com/2012/11/the-magical-mermaid-salad.html" target="_blank">Rachel Rosen</a> 'Fitness Superstar']</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRlYPa-Xk-s/UWxseSBQaxI/AAAAAAAAFWg/EFl9IhSvjZM/s1600/29296_XXX_v1-w2000.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRlYPa-Xk-s/UWxseSBQaxI/AAAAAAAAFWg/EFl9IhSvjZM/s320/29296_XXX_v1-w2000.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: start;">World Market </span><b style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/MermadPlates" target="_blank">Mermaid Plates</a> - </b>$5.98 for set of 2</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mermaid Salad #4</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b><b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Ingredients</i></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li>1 - 16oz box of shell pasta </li>
<li>1/2 cup mayonnaise </li>
<li>1/2 cup sour cream </li>
<li>1 - 16oz package of crab meat </li>
<li>3 stalks celery </li>
<li>3 tsp. lemon juice </li>
<li>1 tsp. celery salt </li>
<li>1 tsp. onion powder </li>
<li>2 tsp. garlic powder </li>
<li>1 tbsp. Mrs. Dash table blend salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<i>No directions given, but mermaids are smart and can figure it all out</i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[source: <a href="http://dworianynlovenest.blogspot.com/2010/07/family-favorite-recipe-mermaid-salad.html" target="_blank">DworianynLovenest</a>]</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mermaid Salad #5</span></span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmyi2wYWN-Q/UWxq4Gy_UvI/AAAAAAAAFWY/K8-Jqpw_PKQ/s1600/HPIM1736.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmyi2wYWN-Q/UWxq4Gy_UvI/AAAAAAAAFWY/K8-Jqpw_PKQ/s320/HPIM1736.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Gorgeous handcrafted ceramics by <b><a href="http://summerlandcottagestudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Summerland Cottage Studio</a></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br /></i></b><b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Ingredients</i></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li>2 (12 ounce) packages imitation crabmeat </li>
<li>1 cup chopped green pepper </li>
<li>1/2 cup finely chopped parsley </li>
<li>1 1/2 cups mayonnaise </li>
<li>1 cup chopped celery </li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped green onion </li>
<li>1/4 cup wine vinegar </li>
</ul>
<b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Directions</i></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><br />
<ol>
<li>Combine crab flakes with vegetables. </li>
<li>Stir vinegar into mayo. </li>
<li>Add to crab mixture. </li>
<li>Chill. </li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[source: <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/mermaid-salad-50490?oc=linkback" target="_blank">Food Network</a>]</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FO3YzhSWYQU/UWx-vcgKEvI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/PNFGmaGP7x8/s1600/BAS_ST-61-2T.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FO3YzhSWYQU/UWx-vcgKEvI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/PNFGmaGP7x8/s320/BAS_ST-61-2T.jpeg" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mermaid Bottle Stopper $22 from </span><a href="https://www.artfullyadorned.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BAS_ST-61&click=126&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine&gclid=CI32zMHbzbYCFcuj4Aod6EIAgg" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">Artfully Adorned</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mermaid Salad #6</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Ingredients</i></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li>16 oz Small Shell Pasta </li>
<li>1 pkg. imitation crab meat </li>
<li>2 1/4 cup mayo </li>
<li>1 cup of milk </li>
<li>1/2 cup sugar </li>
<li>4 green onions </li>
<li>1 sm. bottle of capers (optional, but recommended) </li>
<li>1 green pepper diced small bits </li>
<li>2-3 celery stalks diced small bits </li>
<li>1 tsp salt </li>
<li>1 tsp dill weed </li>
<li>pepper to taste </li>
</ul>
<b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br /></i></b><b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Directions</i></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li>Boil Shells as directed on box or package. </li>
<li>Thaw crab if frozen. In large size bowl put cooked, drained shells. </li>
<li>Add mayo blending well throughout pasta. </li>
<li>Add milk, sugar, salt and again stir well. </li>
<li>Add green pepper, onion, celery, capers and seasonings - mix all well and chill in fridge prior to serving. </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[source: PartyTimeBaby.com]</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Bonus Seaweed Salad</b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqZKSQy8FGc/UbiCda3yKUI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/_XFWHGTJin0/s1600/dsc01614.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqZKSQy8FGc/UbiCda3yKUI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/_XFWHGTJin0/s320/dsc01614.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;">recipe & image from <span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">from alexpicotannand.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ingredients</span></i></b><br />
<ul>
<li>1/4 cup (about 10 g) dried wakame</li>
<li>1 Tbsp lemon or lime juice</li>
<li>1 Tbsp honey</li>
<li>2 tsp toasted sesame seed oil</li>
<li>2 tsp blonde/white miso paste</li>
<li>1-2 Tbsp sesame seeds</li>
<li>dash of cayenne (optional)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Directions</span></i></b><br />
<ol>
<li>Soak dried seaweed in 1 cup of cold water for about 10 minutes</li>
<li>While seaweed is soaking, prepare the dressing: whisk lemon juice, honey, oil, and miso together until smooth</li>
<li>Drain seaweed and squeeze out excess water with hands. This soak water is also extremely nutritious, so if you can find a way to incorporate it into a soup, salad dressing, or just drink it straight, power to you!</li>
<li>Add dressing to seaweed, and toss. Garnish with sesame seeds, and a dash of cayenne. A bit of grated ginger, minced garlic, or chopped green onion is also yummy. Serves 2 as a small appetizer, or 1 seaweed lover.</li>
</ol>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-51807554602474819392020-05-07T17:11:00.002-07:002020-05-07T17:12:07.586-07:00Water dancing<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><i>[originally published in la Vie Sirene magazine in June 2013]</i></span><br />
<br />
<b style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>Go with Your Flow</i></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVvf8L3qUDY/UWtH2cV1EwI/AAAAAAAAFVI/7CH84-QavYs/s1600/Water+Dance+by+Greg+Desiatov+flat,550x550,075,f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVvf8L3qUDY/UWtH2cV1EwI/AAAAAAAAFVI/7CH84-QavYs/s640/Water+Dance+by+Greg+Desiatov+flat,550x550,075,f.jpeg" width="451" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;">Water Dance by Greg Desiatov</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Belly dancers and aqua aerobics enthusiasts tend to gush about the natural, soothing and non-jarring health benefits of their chosen mode of minimal-impact movement.<br />
<br />
A far cry from entertainment created for male seduction and pleasure, middle eastern dance has its root in preparation of the female form for childbirth. Similarly, Tahitian and Maori dance practitioners have long advocated flowing circular movements of the hips as an aid in pregnancy, encouraging women to learn to move with their contractions instead of against them. The muscle strengthening that takes place helps in carrying the baby, protecting the back with increased abdominal strength. Posture and core stability are improved.<br />
<br />
Water-based exercise too offers a non-jarring, nil-impact workout with fluid movements that strengthen and balance. It puts very little stress on weight-bearing joints and muscles, in great part, because of the fact that water buoyancy reduces a person's weight by up to 90 percent. The water serves as a natural form of resistance, keeping the possibility of injury to a minimum. Even better, exercising in water affords 12 times the resistance of working out 'against' air. This increases metabolism, which is invaluable in weight management.<br />
<br />
None of this comes as any sort of surprise to merwomen. <b>Living in the water and undulating as a means of propulsion, mers know the feel and value of using their core muscles and arms in a liquid environment. Not only is it an efficient and effective form of exercise, but provides a tranquil sense of wellbeing unlike any other activity.</b> Muscles work in harmony without the stress of gravity, and distracting sights and sounds are swallowed up in languid serenity.<br />
<br />
In an era of Thighmasters and Shake Weights it's reassuring to know that there is a fitness alternative that is guaranteed to get results. And it's been around as long as women have been having babies and people have been skinnydipping.<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxoRAh5HOd8/T7az2LPBuxI/AAAAAAAABoQ/syH6XXHY2IY/s1600/belly-dancing-for-pregnancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #a51178; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twKsrzppzWs/UWtH2z1HS2I/AAAAAAAAFVY/ou-ui1Dr4Jo/s1600/Water+Dance.+Photo+by+Mlka+Milkina+url-11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twKsrzppzWs/UWtH2z1HS2I/AAAAAAAAFVY/ou-ui1Dr4Jo/s400/Water+Dance.+Photo+by+Mlka+Milkina+url-11.jpeg" width="387" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;">Water Dance. Photo by Mlka Milkina </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-4029184627943694082020-05-05T13:47:00.003-07:002020-05-05T13:48:14.049-07:00"But you all look alike!"<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;">[originally published in la Vie Sirene in June 2013]</span></i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSY95GnPWjU/UXAchdG35MI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/wXRzwCKHDt4/s1600/il_570xN.310597416.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSY95GnPWjU/UXAchdG35MI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/wXRzwCKHDt4/s320/il_570xN.310597416.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92588578/handmade-celtic-mermaid-and-seal-ceramic" target="_blank">Handmade Celtic mermaid and seal ceramic tile </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92588578/handmade-celtic-mermaid-and-seal-ceramic" target="_blank">available on Etsy</a></span><br />
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</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Demythtifying the Stereotypes</i></b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>by Eleina Fae</b></span></i><br />
<i>Contributing urban fairy </i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Note: Neither la Vie Sirene nor Siren School are responsible for the personal opinions of Miss Fae) </span><br />
<br />
We all know how it feels to be lumped into a general category, worse yet, one to which we don't belong. If I had a shekel for every time I've been called a pixie, I'd be a gazillionaire!<br />
<ul>
<li>"You're from Germany. I can tell." "Actually, I'm Dutch. I'm from the Netherlands.. you know, Holland?" "Same thing."</li>
<li>"You'll have to speak English. I don't speak Mexican." "Neither do I, because there is no such language! It's Spanish! Besides, I'm from Portugal." "Same thing."</li>
<li>"I can't tell you Chinese apart." "But I'm Korean. And he's Vietnamese. And she's from Japan!" "Same thing."</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i><i>Not</i> the same thing!</div>
<br />
<br />
Perhaps no fae race has been subject to more confusion and stereotyping than that of the mers. Well, I am here today to set the record straight!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jX0pjrI5k7c/UXAjB2Ztd-I/AAAAAAAAFcY/gaRksMoezfA/s1600/Atargatis%2520Syrian%2520Goddess.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jX0pjrI5k7c/UXAjB2Ztd-I/AAAAAAAAFcY/gaRksMoezfA/s200/Atargatis%2520Syrian%2520Goddess.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Syrian Atargatis Mermaid Goddess</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Ruler of the Seven Seas</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>MERMAIDS </b><br />
To start, let's consider the consensus definition of mermaids: 'legendary aquatic creatures with the upper body of female humans and the tail of a fish.' This is quite correct. But what many fail to realize is that the term <i>legendary</i> does not mean mythical; it means <i>famous, celebrated, noteworthy</i>, that sort of thing.<br />
<br />
Like most life forms, they are ever evolving, with body attributes varying depending on their region. Whereas the tail to leg transformation used to be a painful and costly process, most modern mermaids in North America are able to make the transition to duobus cruribus (two legs), simply by exiting the water. In certain cases, most notably in the Sahara desert, mers who are kept from the water for an extended period of time may lose their ability to return to tail form. Some of these opt to transition into genies.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNlMTxrPkpE/UXApTw8lGII/AAAAAAAAFcg/-5SN1anvW94/s1600/url-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNlMTxrPkpE/UXApTw8lGII/AAAAAAAAFcg/-5SN1anvW94/s200/url-2.jpeg" width="125" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Illustration by</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Arthur Rackham, 1909</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">from the 1811 book <i>Undine</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">by Baron Friedrich de la Motte Fouque</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>UNDINES </b><br />
These elementals are described in European folk tales as fairy-like creatures, but of course, this is not exactly accurate.<br />
<br />
Generations ago, tabloid journalism over a German water nymph who cursed her unfaithful husband led to the race being saddled with responsibility for what is unfairly known as <i>the Ondine Curse</i>, i.e. sleep apnea.<br />
<br />
As water spirits, undine tend to stay close to home in forest pools and waterfalls. Their soothing voices are sometimes mistaken for trickling or running water. Prior to the faemenist movement, undine were deprived of souls, unless they became a wife and mother. Those who stood up for their independence as single females were labeled wraiths —hard to believe in this day and age.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rP49m60LfpA/UXAvAZIvlKI/AAAAAAAAFco/VwYaJIBB2So/s1600/selkie+warwick+hutton+url-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rP49m60LfpA/UXAvAZIvlKI/AAAAAAAAFco/VwYaJIBB2So/s200/selkie+warwick+hutton+url-4.jpeg" width="125" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;">Warwick Hutton<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(presumed attribution)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>SELKIES </b><br />
These lovelies hail from the Orkney and Shetland Islands and are similar to swan maidens, as far as their type of legend goes. While living as seals in the ocean, they shed their skin on land to become human. In the 20th Century, the discovery of seal skins has caused outrage and confusion among unwitting Greenpeace activists who, being unfamiliar with Selkies, assumed the worst.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>SIRENIA </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://society6.com/LuckiiArts/Manatee-SwQ_Print" target="_blank">by Casey Virata</a></td></tr>
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Frequently referred to as 'sea cows,' these aquatic herbivore mammals inhabit a variety of waters such as rivers and estuaries. Manatee are the best known of the breed and, like other sirenians, they have arms for steering, a modified tail used as a propulsive paddle, and hind limbs or legs which are nothing more than bone remnants nestled deep within their muscles. These kind, harmless creatures are often bullied and berated for being fat, but really they are fusiform, hydrodynamic, and highly muscular. Prior to the mid 19th century, mariners called this species 'mermaids.'<br />
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<i>and finally... the primary racist bungle </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtOiuBhgy8c/UXAxKUMefdI/AAAAAAAAFcw/EfVK0fFVdgI/s1600/Odysseus+and+the+Sirens+eponymous+vase+of+the+Siren+Painter+ca+480-470+BC+British+Museum.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtOiuBhgy8c/UXAxKUMefdI/AAAAAAAAFcw/EfVK0fFVdgI/s200/Odysseus+and+the+Sirens+eponymous+vase+of+the+Siren+Painter+ca+480-470+BC+British+Museum.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;">Odysseus and the Sirens,<br />
eponymous vase of the Siren Painter<br />
ca. 480-470 BC</td></tr>
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<b>SIRENS</b><br />
This is an issue I am not going to pussyfoot around. For too long those who have striven for political correctness have muddied the siren waters, confounding moderns and slandering decent siren folk. In short, sirens do not have mertails. These sweet songbirds of the seashore have wings. They also have arms. How else would they be able to play their harps?<br />
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Aside from their depiction in current cosplay and fantasy stories, sirens have long been identifiable as the beautiful bird woman whose song was so exquisite that mariners shipwrecked themselves in their attempt to draw close to the crags on which the sirens perched and sang. More often than not, when a cluster of sirens witnessed a ship getting too close to shore they tried to warn them off for safety. But the sirens' beguiling voices had the opposite effect and lured them in even closer, often to the sailor's doom.<br />
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And so the term <i>femmes fatales</i> became a tragic truism, though having nothing to do with malicious or homicidal intent on the part of the siren singers. In fact, the mortality rate among mariners so distressed the siren community that they went silent, sacrificing their melodious music for the lives of the seamen who pass nearby.<br />
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In 1917, Franz Kafka noted the dearth of siren songs, and in consequence, wrote <i>The Silence of the Sirens</i><br />
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"Now the Sirens have a still more fatal weapon than their song, namely their silence. And though admittedly such a thing never happened, it is still conceivable that someone might possibly have escaped from their singing; but from their silence certainly never." </blockquote>
In recent years, the sirens have begun to slowly re-emerge from the depths of the windswept crags. Their song is now more felt than heard. You must tune in very intently when listening for them, because now their song may only be heard within the hearer's soul. Think back. I've bet you've heard it once or twice yourself.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-61277267956103014512020-05-04T10:53:00.000-07:002020-05-04T10:53:33.230-07:00Sue Beatrice, an artist for the ages<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Originally published in <i>la Vie Sirene</i> in June 2013. Since that time, artist Sue Beatrice has gotten involved in a variety of new media in big ways. In so doing, she's become one of the pre-eminent pumpkin carvers and sand sculptors in the world. The following show where she was when we originally interviewed her 7 years back:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visit Sue's </span><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Natural-Arts/171656562884323" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">All Natural Arts</span></a></b><span style="font-size: small;"> page </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;">on Facebook </span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">to enjoy a few moments of bliss</span></td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">"What are you good at?"</span></i></b></div>
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Thankfully, when most of us are asked that question, some skill or activity springs to mind. Not just something that we love doing, but that we take pride in as well. Such is the case on the popular reality show, <i>Hell's Kitchen,</i> where cooks and chefs compete for the chance to be rewarded for their undying passion, cooking. Nearly every contestant has a moment or two on camera explaining how great their food is and that they have what it takes to win the competition and they know it! Much of the rest of the show is spent showing the grossly improperly cooked food they pass along to Chef Ramsay as being suitable for gourmand consumption... as he makes plain in no uncertain terms. It's enough to make one doubt the abilities of even the most competent, if not oneself.<br />
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On the other end of the spectrum are people like New Jersey artist Sue Beatrice of All Natural Arts. Looking more like a model than a painter, Sue is as genial as she is talented. Plus, she loves the sea, fantasy, Steampunk and most important, mermaids. Her work is full of humor, intense passion, creativity, and an unfair amount of talent.<br />
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Being that I know and adore her, I asked her some rather pointed questions, to which she candidly responded. What you will see below is a minute but representative sampling of the scope of her work. Each piece is a bit of brilliance in its own right.<br />
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<b>Starting with the basics, how did you first get into art, on a professional level?</b><br />
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I'm not certain when I officially crossed the line into being a "professional" artist. I was always selling hand painted items and drawings or making items to give as gifts, even in elementary school. I recall having a table at a local park to sell my pastels and painted rocks to raise money for a local animal shelter at the age of 10. I didn't sell much but it was fun regardless.<br />
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At 14 I had a show at a large local bank and that exposure led to an opportunity to put my works on display in the Congressional Offices in DC. The show was all 2D stuff, paintings, scratchboard, pen and ink, and it was up for a year.<br />
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My first real job was with an advertising firm at age 16. I learned a lot there but most of the tools were outdated even for the time ('78) The owner preferred old school methods such as mounting images using a hot wax roller, ruling pens dipped in ink and rapidographs for precise line art. All type was set by hand.<br />
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At 18 I went to work as a sculptor for The Franklin Mint in their metals division. My print instructor at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts was married to the head of the sculpture department there and showed him some of my work. I was given a few test pieces and hired full time shortly thereafter. I left the Academy at that point figuring that on-the-job training was preferable to paying for classes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">Mermaid painted on sea glass</span></td></tr>
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<b>Getting to know you on Facebook I've found you to be incredibly modest about your achievements. But I'm calling you on the carpet today and asking you to divulge a bit about some of the high-profile projects and companies you've worked for.</b><br />
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Thank you. I guess the first big project I worked on was shortly after leaving the Franklin Mint to start my own company. My first client was a company called Butterfly Originals (it later became Panosh Place). Cabbage Patch Kids had just hit the market and I was asked to create small figurines of them. It turned into over three hundred and they were very popular. More recently I enjoyed working on a series of Harry Potter characters.<br />
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I've had the opportunity to work on some fun projects with Disney over the years. My favorites were the Disneyanna Convention Villains pieces and some large mantle clocks. I've worked on hundreds, maybe even thousands of Disney characters for all types of products. Over the years my clients have included Warner Bros., Waterford Crystal, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon, Danbury Mint, Crayola, and many other well known companies.<br />
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Unfortunately, some of my most high profile creations have non-disclosure contracts that don't allow me to comment on them. These days I gain the most pleasure from my own creations that are not commissioned by corporations. Items such as my pocket watch sculptures and digital paintings allow me far more freedom to express myself than working on commercial licensed characters.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">Sue tries her hand at the digital arts</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">—this piece is my personal favorite </span></td></tr>
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<b>You are versed in so many media. Do you have favorites?</b><br />
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I really enjoy using a variety of materials from sand and pumpkins to carving wax and plaster. I also like working both directly on paper or canvas and creating art in Photoshop. Every form of art has it own set of advantages and disadvantages, yet the same rules of composition and form apply. It's hard for me to pick a favorite since whatever I happen to be using at the time might be my favorite at that moment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">Wondrous watercolor</span></td></tr>
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<b>What is the most difficult piece you ever worked on and how long did it take?</b><br />
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I recall working for several weeks on a centerpiece for the tables for Disney Cruise lines. It was an electrified Lumiere from <i>Beauty and the Beast</i>. I found it challenging due to the thin arms that had to support large "hands" at the ends and keeping everything hollow for the wiring. I was new to moldmaking at that point and there was only the one good copy that I had dremeled out to make hollow. It was crushed on the conveyor belt by the delivery service unfortunately. Since then I have made an effort to mold everything and take LOTS of photos before packing things up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RGizXKCrW7Y/UXFpY-LNW3I/AAAAAAAAFeg/XIhAzrAhCwQ/s1600/229289_121923981223726_4420540_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RGizXKCrW7Y/UXFpY-LNW3I/AAAAAAAAFeg/XIhAzrAhCwQ/s400/229289_121923981223726_4420540_n.jpeg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">I'm thinking Narnia, here</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPVsmIJoB_c/UXFpZLXIffI/AAAAAAAAFec/r1ddpAJaE94/s1600/309226_154219347994189_8093392_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPVsmIJoB_c/UXFpZLXIffI/AAAAAAAAFec/r1ddpAJaE94/s400/309226_154219347994189_8093392_n.jpeg" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">Pan, Wendy and the boys soaring over London</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">on an ostrich egg</span></td></tr>
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<b>Do you see any trends or changes in the business of art?</b><br />
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Sadly, I see commercial sculpture as a dying art. Architectural sculpture is also nearly extinct. Fine art will always have a place but the mass production of art items has skewed the public's sense of value. Some of the most talented artists I know are struggling to make a living. There doesn't seem to be an appreciation of what goes into a finished piece of original art and many people can't differentiate what constitutes a high quality painting or sculpture. Of course, with the economy still sluggish, even those who do often can't afford to make purchases.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RN1Mm5Ls3aQ/UXFpc49hptI/AAAAAAAAFfs/jblHUyNb3ms/s1600/576211_3404459663102_1424650321_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RN1Mm5Ls3aQ/UXFpc49hptI/AAAAAAAAFfs/jblHUyNb3ms/s400/576211_3404459663102_1424650321_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">Her first attempt at sand sculpting</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVYfYv0wFt0/UXFpbwdJsKI/AAAAAAAAFfc/vCGxI6PBYMc/s1600/532674_301578319924957_99111123_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVYfYv0wFt0/UXFpbwdJsKI/AAAAAAAAFfc/vCGxI6PBYMc/s400/532674_301578319924957_99111123_n.jpeg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">Looks like she got the hang of it</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">One of her latest carvings</span></td></tr>
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<b>How has the computer era affected you and your art?</b><br />
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Programs that allow a user to create a virtual 3D model which is then printed out have certainly reduced the need for sculptors but the process is often costly and the finished product often does not have the same spark of life that a hand sculpted model has. Of course the advantages are that the printout can be made any size and emailed to any location with 3D printing capabilites so it doesn't require shipping. I have lost more work to factories in China than to computers. I've yet to jump on the bandwagon with that though. I still prefer the tactile feel of materials in my hands. I use photoshop to paint at times and I do enjoy the fact that the paint doesn't get all over my clothes that way!<br />
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The advent of video games reduced the number of toy companies requiring models. So, in reality, the computer age diminished the number of sculptors in the field long before CAD programs were a factor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkq1deZQ2EA/UXFpbLWLibI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/6Y4-CQpfQv0/s1600/488083_500193640030612_1477982447_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkq1deZQ2EA/UXFpbLWLibI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/6Y4-CQpfQv0/s400/488083_500193640030612_1477982447_n.jpeg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">Wondrousness in the planning stages</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HwRU79XpqI8/UXrC_bwv7GI/AAAAAAAAF3U/zwX4qJvEORE/s1600/527013_407756242607686_1816257959_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HwRU79XpqI8/UXrC_bwv7GI/AAAAAAAAF3U/zwX4qJvEORE/s400/527013_407756242607686_1816257959_n.jpeg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">A steam-powered fairy?</span></td></tr>
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<b>Are there any sorts of projects you've been dying to do but haven't yet been able?</b><br />
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Mostly I just want to find the time to complete all of the half-finished projects and ideas buzzing around in my head. There are a million things I want to do in so many media and scales. I just hope I live long enough to do them all! Scratch that... there will always be more than one lifetime could hold. That's the beauty of art. You never run out of it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">Talk about a great pumpkin!</span></td></tr>
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<b>Do you have any advice for young talents looking to make a career in art?</b><br />
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Yes. Be fearless. If your art comes from your soul, people will feel that in it and it will resonate with them. Don't worry too much about what other people are doing or what you think is "normal" or traditional. If you get too comfortable with a style or medium, switch it up, keep it fresh. Do something else for a while and the creativity will flow. Be wary of safe choices that promise money but not fulfillment.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">Try not to faint.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;">It's carved <b>chocolate!</b>!!</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><a href="http://allnaturalarts.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to visit Sue's blogsite</span></b><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-6447122189596696512020-05-02T17:38:00.000-07:002020-05-02T17:38:02.423-07:00Into the Drink with Drinks<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">[originally published in la Vie Sirene magazine June 2013]</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Living in the liquid realm, mermaids have a penchant for 'the drink.' Today we feature a few of the intrepid souls who have left the sea to offer libations to landlubbers. </span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">The Proud, The Plaid</span></i></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.kiltedmermaid.com/" target="_blank">The Kilted Mermaid</a>, Vero Beach, FL</b><br />
<br />
Kilted Mermaid is a neighborhood craft beer and wine bar featuring more than 25 local and global wines by the glass, and 70 craft beers. Kilted Mermaid has challenged the stereotype wine bar through an unpretentious and playful approach to wine, food and everything in between. Each of our guests, wine enthusiasts and novices alike, are encouraged to drink outside the box through our focused yet unconventional offerings. Our ever changing menus include small production wines and craft beers paired with artisan cheeses, all available in cheese plates and our decadent cheese and chocolate fondues, sandwiches, salads and other small plates enjoyed in a warm, cozy, eclectic atmosphere.<br />
<br />
There is always something fun going on such as Open Mike night on Wednesdays with host Dylan Thiebeau, Trivia on Thursday with Jason, and On Fridays and Saturdays Kilted Mermaid is Vero’s home for original music. Sundays are always different, with Drum Circle the first Sunday of every month, DJ Elevate the third Sunday, and Poetry Open Mic on the fourth Sunday. See events page for more details. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5 pm-1 am Happy Hour Tuesday-Saturday, 5 pm-7 pm Serving food until 10 pm Tuesday, 11 pm Wednesday and Thursday, Midnight Friday and Saturday<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Take a Dive</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iLKKT53lhY/UWmKB5A4FOI/AAAAAAAAFSA/qqOBz7gDX-Q/s1600/mermaid-bar.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iLKKT53lhY/UWmKB5A4FOI/AAAAAAAAFSA/qqOBz7gDX-Q/s320/mermaid-bar.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></i></b></div>
<b>Sacramento, CA's <a href="http://divebarsacramento.com/" target="_blank">Dive Bar</a></b><br />
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Step off the streets of Sacramento and into the tranquil ambiance of <a href="http://divebarsacramento.com/" target="_blank">Dive Bar</a>. In direct contrast to its name, Dive Bar is a haven of cool and class in the middle of one of the nation's most eclectic cities. Dive Bar's approachability and charm are dedicated to vintage good times. The huge aquarium above the bar has a beautiful live mermaid or merman making an occasional appearance.<br />
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The typical dive bar motif conjures certain images: no frills, approachable, slightly dangerous, and a leftover relic from another era. Sacramento's version has refurbished brick walls, dark wood and upholstery, like a cool hangout joint from a different era but with new accoutrements. <i><br /></i><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">The Mermaid is In</span></i></b><br />
<b>NYC, <a href="http://www.themermaidnyc.com/" target="_blank">Mermaid Inn & Oyster Bar</a></b><br />
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With 3 locations in NY, the <a href="http://www.themermaidnyc.com/oyster/" target="_blank">Mermaid Inn</a> makes their popular sea fare readily available to city sailors.<br />
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"The Mermaid Inn is arguably the best seafood joints in New York City for three main reasons 1.Value 2.Service 3.Freshness." —Ryan W. Yelp<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONeQmnaEIa4/UWlRteKCeJI/AAAAAAAAFRM/GCAnWeHiuMA/s1600/favicon-laviesirene-green-tail.ico" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONeQmnaEIa4/UWlRteKCeJI/AAAAAAAAFRM/GCAnWeHiuMA/s1600/favicon-laviesirene-green-tail.ico" /></a></div>
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<i>Honorable mermentions:</i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mermaid-Tavern/109803792461638" target="_blank">Mermaid Tavern </a></b>- Tampa, FL</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFzH0e4yEYI/UbIS4U8yq0I/AAAAAAAAGso/ODgrpJrQIOI/s1600/941939_457348981025928_637347645_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFzH0e4yEYI/UbIS4U8yq0I/AAAAAAAAGso/ODgrpJrQIOI/s320/941939_457348981025928_637347645_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
and don't miss the <b><a href="http://www.neimanmarcushawaii.com/restaurant.aspx?id=2" target="_blank">Mermaid Bar at Neiman Marcus</a></b> in Honolulu, HI<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONeQmnaEIa4/UWlRteKCeJI/AAAAAAAAFRM/GCAnWeHiuMA/s1600/favicon-laviesirene-green-tail.ico" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONeQmnaEIa4/UWlRteKCeJI/AAAAAAAAFRM/GCAnWeHiuMA/s1600/favicon-laviesirene-green-tail.ico" /></a></div>
or our June 23 article about MeduSirena and her show at the <b>Wreck Bar</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfS7sq0jgtQ/UYCPBMg-iAI/AAAAAAAAGGI/wNJIbDE6w8E/s1600/945973_10200766957243519_1763252428_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfS7sq0jgtQ/UYCPBMg-iAI/AAAAAAAAGGI/wNJIbDE6w8E/s200/945973_10200766957243519_1763252428_n.jpeg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">The Deep Blue Sea Martini</span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>submitted by Sanndi Thompson</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li>2 oz. vodka</li>
<li>3/4 oz. sour mix</li>
<li>1/2 oz. blue curacao</li>
<li>1/2 oz.pineapple juice </li>
</ul>
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Pour all ingredients in a shaker and mix well.<br />
Strain into a chilled glass<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">For more mermaidy drink recipes, see the post about our <a href="http://www.laviesirene.org/2013/06/the-magic-mer-tini-maker.html" target="_blank">Launch Party Bartender Bridget</a>.</span></i></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-177007418404078142020-04-23T08:08:00.002-07:002020-04-23T08:08:50.098-07:00Mer-inspired Munchies - Appetizer Recipe<i>by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MusingsOfTheMadMystic" target="_blank">The Mad Mystic</a> </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/yemaya-yolanda-fundora.html" target="_blank">Yemaya by Yolanda Fundora</a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">[originally posted in la Vie Sirene magazine June 2013]</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Yemaya’s Yummy Crab Dip</span></b><br />
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Yemaya is one of the Seven African Powers. She is among the most powerful of the Orishas. Not only is Yemaya the mother of all living things, but she is the very essence of motherhood. Every time you look upon or touch the ocean, you are in Yemaya’s presence. Her most frequent form is the ocean itself. However, she also manifests as a breathtakingly beautiful mermaid. All sea creatures are sacred to her, so this dip may be prepared in her honor.<br />
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You will need:<br />
<ul>
<li> 12 ounces cubed cream cheese </li>
<li> 1/4 cup heavy cream </li>
<li> 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese </li>
<li> 2 6-ounce cans crabmeat <span style="font-size: small;">(for extra creamy dip, use fancy white) </span></li>
<li>1 Tablespoon granulated onion </li>
<li>1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce </li>
<li>3 cloves minced garlic </li>
<li>1 teaspoon lemon juice </li>
<li>Sea salt to taste </li>
<li>Fresh minced dill</li>
</ul>
<br />
Place the cream cheese and cream into a slow cooker. Put the lid on, and heat this mixture on low for about 30 minutes. Add the parmesan cheese, crabmeat, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Put the lid back on, and continue to heat on low for another 30 minutes or so. Mix in the lemon juice thoroughly. Salt the dip to your taste. To garnish, sprinkle the dill over the top. Bon appétit!<br />
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<i>Going deeper: If you wish to acquire a deeper relationship with Yemaya, you may further honor her by performing a simple ritual as you prepare the dip. First, carefully etch YEMAYA onto the side of a bright blue candle. Anoint the candle with saltwater. If you do not have access to the ocean, a mixture of spring water and sea salt may be used. Light the candle to invoke Yemaya. Then, begin making the dip. Talk to her while you work. You may request Yemaya’s help with matters involving fertility, healing, and abundance. You may also choose to simply enjoy her presence in your home. If you leave the kitchen while the dip is heating up, be sure to bring the candle along and continue communing with her. Once the dip is fully prepared, thank Yemaya for joining you. Extinguish the candle to let her know that she is welcome to leave whenever she pleases. Deities usually enjoy consuming the essence of the food that has been made in their honor. Invite Yemaya to help herself first. After about 5 minutes, dig in and savor your magickal creation. Namaste</i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONeQmnaEIa4/UWlRteKCeJI/AAAAAAAAFRM/GCAnWeHiuMA/s1600/favicon-laviesirene-green-tail.ico" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONeQmnaEIa4/UWlRteKCeJI/AAAAAAAAFRM/GCAnWeHiuMA/s1600/favicon-laviesirene-green-tail.ico" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MermaidYemaya" target="_blank">Mermaid Yemaya's signature Coral Reef bracelet</a> </span></b></div>
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$23 and handmade with oceanic love </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-14612735973024819192020-03-28T17:25:00.001-07:002020-03-28T17:25:25.486-07:00Merfashions in footwear & blingMany an uninformed homo sapien has assumed that to mermaids, shoes are a moot point, and that the mer have no interest in them. This couldn't be further from the truth. Many mers are all but obsessed with shoes. In fact, studies suggest that mermaids are primarily responsible for the fascination with high heels and the proliferation of extreme and often dangerous shoe designs over the centuries. Herein are a few.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ukmhMJRQtc/Xn_qsZLh_aI/AAAAAAAAnOA/rLHAhmxZy6QD6fCW06ui4KbsaQvuodWFACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/magazine%2B060113%2Bmermaid%2Bshoes%2Bcollage%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ukmhMJRQtc/Xn_qsZLh_aI/AAAAAAAAnOA/rLHAhmxZy6QD6fCW06ui4KbsaQvuodWFACK4BGAYYCw/s640/magazine%2B060113%2Bmermaid%2Bshoes%2Bcollage%2B01.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m_5cVuEwEs/Xn_qurfBxNI/AAAAAAAAnOI/hdm5AdX1EEkcepedpdvyCcFX-a3-GpXHQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/542692_360028557373268_399611238_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m_5cVuEwEs/Xn_qurfBxNI/AAAAAAAAnOI/hdm5AdX1EEkcepedpdvyCcFX-a3-GpXHQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/542692_360028557373268_399611238_n.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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When it comes to jewelry, there are few beings on Earth who appreciate wearable embellishments as enthusiastically as mermaids. It has long been rumored under the sea that 'bling' is the sonar-like sound their hearts make when they come across something decorative that they can turn into some form of personal adornment. The few examples shown below do not even scratch the surface of the water as to the kinds of trinkets mers enjoy donning.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9O0yRVBm5I/Xn_qyRUchnI/AAAAAAAAnOQ/RMX0G7hsaqQrFM8oCAznx56brEwItwFFQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/magazine%2B060113%2Bmermaid%2Bjewelry%2Bcollage%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9O0yRVBm5I/Xn_qyRUchnI/AAAAAAAAnOQ/RMX0G7hsaqQrFM8oCAznx56brEwItwFFQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/magazine%2B060113%2Bmermaid%2Bjewelry%2Bcollage%2B01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[from la Vie Sirene magazine, 4 June 2013]</span></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-10366567772341531562020-03-26T17:14:00.000-07:002020-03-26T17:14:14.391-07:00Mermaids are always in Fashion - from la Vie Sirene<span style="font-size: xx-small;">[originally posted 4 June 2013]</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;">There's a good chance you speak mer and didn't even realize it. The word humans know as "Squeeeeee" is in actuality an onomatopoeic vocalization mers use to express gleeful delight. We hope the images below will evoke just such a response. </span></i></b></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><b>Mer Couture</b></span></div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">Mermaids are extremely proud of their curves, or as they say, waves. When on land they jump at every chance to glam it up, preferably in a wave-hugging gown. Modern mers tend to favor a few particular color schemes: </i><br />
<ul>
<li><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">aqua, of course </i></li>
<li><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">peachy and neutral colors</i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
—perhaps because of their resemblance to human flesh</div>
</i></li>
<li><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
ooh shiny metallics</div>
</div>
</i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
—hearkening back to their fondness for sunken treasures</div>
</div>
</div>
</i></li>
<li><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
and the occasional bold red or orange... just like bodacious human females</div>
</div>
</div>
</i></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mermaidcouture.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Mermaid Couture</span></b> </a></span></div>
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Chic Nautical Inspired Jewelry</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjNdGHl9qDQ/UWrbVVk4LqI/AAAAAAAAFSY/OAcVAfCQ9a4/s1600/-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d9d2e9; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline-style: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="507" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjNdGHl9qDQ/UWrbVVk4LqI/AAAAAAAAFSY/OAcVAfCQ9a4/s640/-1.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url(data:image/png; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 9; border-image-source: url(data:image/png; border-image-width: 9px; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>When it comes to handbags, mers are most often seen without them. They just really don't need them as they are impractical in the water</i><i></i></div>
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<i>—except for shoulder bags worn while collecting treasure. When a mer is on land her reason for carrying a purse is simple</i></div>
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<i>—it's not to carry things in, but rather to carry things </i>away<i> in. You see, they can be quite the scroungers and it is said that the phrase 'Possession is nine-tenths of the law' originated under the sea. So if they carry a clutch, it is with intent to clutch at whatever baubles attract their attention and abscond with them.</i></div>
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<i>Despite the utilitarian purpose of the mer purse, they do tend to covet the most opulent and elegant of styles, usually in the shape of shells, and often bejeweled and adorned. Here are a few samples of what's en vogue at present.</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Note: These photos have been culled and collaged from a digital library over the last few years. Individual image attribution was never considered when these delights were captured, since this magazine was never something they expected to find themselves featured in. Thus, we welcome any credit info from readers, which we will subsequently post. In fact, we'll give a little something or other to whoever comes up with the most!</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-31774713488287948312020-03-24T09:19:00.002-07:002020-03-24T09:19:48.087-07:00Cover Girl - About la Vie Sirene's Premier Mermaid Model<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tLFqEcCCnw/UYfAAcHVfQI/AAAAAAAAGIs/IMAWFHcu5xY/s1600/941701_488995487821204_1523454927_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tLFqEcCCnw/UYfAAcHVfQI/AAAAAAAAGIs/IMAWFHcu5xY/s400/941701_488995487821204_1523454927_n.jpeg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 14.4px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Datana-Artemis/230231177030971" target="_blank">Datana Artemis</a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">the spark that ignited Siren School</span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">[originally published in la Vie Sirene June 2013]</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;">When considering which exquisite mermaid to feature on our premier issue, the answer was obvious: the girl who first ignited the inspiration for Siren School and ultimately this magazine, Datana Artemis (aka Diana Godin). A lifetime ago, I took a bellydance class from Diana and was at once captivated by her down-to-earth generosity as a teacher and performer. Not competitive or showy in the least, she was comfortable enough in her own skin to express her femininity in a way that put others at ease. Plus, she taught a great and athletic class!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><span style="color: #351c75;">During the cooldown she mentioned something about being a mermaid. Something clicked within me and I yearned to learn more. But then my whole life changed and I moved out of town and yada yada, and so Diana's killer class and the notion of mermaiding floated away as flotsam and jetsam on life's turgid seas.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><span style="color: #351c75;">A few years later the idea for Siren School surfaced, spawned by my desire to trade in swimming for 'water ballet,' an activity I'd adored in my youth. I decided I simply must attend a mermaid lifestyle camp in SoCal, but quickly found that what I was looking for didn't exist. The revered mermaids of Weeki Wachee offer a beloved weekend event that gives participants an insider's feel for what it's like to be a performer. But sadly, I was on the wrong coast, and was seeking a full immersion experience into mer lore, outside of the realm of performance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><span style="color: #351c75;">During the year and a half that it has taken for Siren School to find its fins, I'd never forgotten that mermaidy belly dance teacher</span><span style="color: #351c75;">—</span><span style="color: #351c75;">well, except for her name. Thanks to the wonders of social media we connected, and Diana is now our poster siren, embodying all of the qualities a true siren possesses: grace, humor, guts, kindness, inner beauty, strength... the list goes on and on. You'll get to see her fabulousness in issues to come, but for now, here is a rare opportunity to hear her speak, as it were.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #351c75;">You are literally the poster girl for Siren School. All modesty aside, what do you think it is about you that resonates with women and makes them connect to their inner siren?</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0aCWhwQBE8/UYe_yeCHGMI/AAAAAAAAGIg/YXImb7-fiUI/s1600/379294_461330770587676_1948399623_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0aCWhwQBE8/UYe_yeCHGMI/AAAAAAAAGIg/YXImb7-fiUI/s400/379294_461330770587676_1948399623_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;">Diana on <b><a href="https://twitter.com/Slyminstra" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </b>...and sand</td></tr>
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I believe its the way I carry myself. I have my bad hair days and skin days, but realizing that you can be beautiful no matter what is what makes us the best sirens we can be. Although makeup and getting your hair styled is fun to do, I like to keep it natural most of the time.<br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Other than being fabulous, what do you do for a living?</span></b><br />
<br />
I am a preschool teacher, bellydance instructor, model, full-time mom, and of course, a mermaid performer/trainer.<br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: #351c75;">How did you get into the whole mermaid thing?</span></b><br />
<br />
12 years ago I met Thom Shouse who created Darrly Hannah's tail in Splash! He actually trained me when I first started and I almost drowned him. Thom has been a very special friend to me since then. Thanks to him, I was able to work with many celebrities and have performed in the most beatiful pools I have ever seen. Before I met Thom I used to pretend I was a mermaid whenever I took a bath -- even as a teenager!<br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: #351c75;">How has motherhood changed the way you view womanhood?</span></b><br />
<br />
Ohh man!! Was I a bad kid!!! My mother was right!! "One day you will understand." She always said that when I was acting rotten. And sure enough, at age 23 I had my son, Anthony, and 13 months later I had my daughter, Annalee. When I became a mother life had more purpose and made more sense. I learned what love really felt like -- to love unconditionally. I am now a 30 year-old woman who embraces being able to grow old. I run 25 miles a week to keep my immune system flowing, and I don't diet!<br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: #351c75;">You have recently been blessed with a beautiful romance. What has that done for you?</span></b><br />
<br />
Yes!!! 9 months ago I met Todd Hooper who is a great tattoo artist from Redondo Beach, CA. Todd has helped me a lot! Not only did I learn to love again, but he has helped me to kick booze to the curb. I was never a hard drinker to begin with, but knowing that he has 10 years of sobriety really made me realize that I don't need any alcohol to have fun -- really!!! I survived my 30th birthday, Las Vegas, and dance clubs without having to take a drink these past 8 months. I have recently been introduced to Buddhism through Todd which he has been practicing for about 10 years. Overall, he has been a very positive influence in our life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S97nzVVGVBw/UYe_zq5uTXI/AAAAAAAAGIo/Bp_4bQU9IRQ/s1600/523181_339254189462002_127329063_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S97nzVVGVBw/UYe_zq5uTXI/AAAAAAAAGIo/Bp_4bQU9IRQ/s400/523181_339254189462002_127329063_n.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.meetup.com/datanaartemis/" target="_blank">Bellydancers Unite</a></b> Meetup group</td></tr>
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<b></b><br />
<b></b><b><span style="color: #351c75;">What advice can you share with women who feel they have lost their luster?</span></b><br />
<br />
Get out there and take my Bellydance class!! Find your inner siren, whether by taking Yoga, Pole Fitness, Zumba, jogging, <i>attending a siren school event or online dance class [editorial addition *wink*]</i>...what ever it is DO IT!!!!<br />
<br />
Don't just sit there and wait for something to happen! Make it happen! Find your spark! and keep it lit! Whatever you do, don't put your expectations onto anybody else. Set your goal to make yourself happy and content with who you are and be comfortable wearing your skin.<br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: #351c75;">What are you looking forward to next?</span></b><br />
<br />
I am looking forward to many more adventures!! Traveling, Performing, and hopefully one day -- actually to be specific -- I would love to have a baby with Todd, but not till around 2020 once I'm ready to pass the torch to my daughter Annalee. She can take my place and one day be a bellydance instructor and a mermaid. After all, she pretty much is already!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-18680304309515840262020-03-23T09:07:00.003-07:002020-03-23T09:07:57.823-07:00Keeping the MerMagic Alive with Weeki Wachee's Barbara Wynns <h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>Soul-transporting Interview with Weeki Wachee Veteran, Barbara Wynns</i></b></span></h3>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Joy Siren</span></i><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYSvQ0uQvs0/UXbdtG4Hr6I/AAAAAAAAFmU/HbMTx21oc24/s1600/Barbara+Wynns.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYSvQ0uQvs0/UXbdtG4Hr6I/AAAAAAAAFmU/HbMTx21oc24/s400/Barbara+Wynns.jpeg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weeki Wachee Wynns</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">"I live a really wonderful magical mermaid life."</span></b><br />
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<i>Those were the first words I heard during my enchanting hour-long phone conversation with Barbara, a queen among mermaids. What follows are my questions and notes, roughly taken in between bouts of wonder and delight at everything Barbara had to say. If she'd never set a fin in the water she would still embody all that a mermaid should be</i><i>—b</i><i>right, generous, lively, good-humoured, and a genuinely beautiful spirit. What a thrill to share her thoughts and memories of her journey through Florida's famed fresh water springs.</i><br />
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<b>What first sparked Barbara's interest in becoming a mermaid?</b><br />
<br />
As a Floridian, she was blessed with childhood access to the state's fresh cool springs. At the wee age of 2, her father began taking her diving. When she was 13 she saw her first Weeki Wachee show, an hour-long spectacle with costume changes, tight-rope walkers, water ballet, all performed underwater. In the pre-internet era, getting contact info was not the breeze that it is today, so after 2 years of research, young Barbara managed to track down a P.O. Box address for Weeki Wachee. The day after Thanksgiving of 1966, in her senior year of high school, she was granted an interview. It went so well that the day she graduated she moved onto the Weeki Wachee grounds to begin her career as a mermaid.<br />
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<b>What was a typical work shift like? </b><br />
<br />
"We were owned by ABC at the time; and we were called the '8th wonder of the world.' We were open 9am-5pm with shows on the hour. We usually performed 3 shows, with a 4th show done at time and a half. At the time, there were 32 girls on the roster. Now there are 12. Few roadside attractions have survived over the years. People worked there out of love to keep it alive. Now it is owned by the state and is the only underwater state park with an attraction." So its future looks promising.<br />
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<b>Frolicking about in spring water may look easy but it takes skill and athleticism. What sort of training is required for a WW mermaid?</b><br />
<br />
Performers need to be scuba-certified to utilize the underwater air hoses. As for the time spent underwater, it was generally dictated by the length of a song and its choreography. The only real issue to deal with is the chill that sets in after getting out of the springs. But nothing a hot shower can't remedy. Her primary advice is, "Don't be afraid of the water. It's a thrill to be in there. It's magical."<br />
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<b>What years did she perform with WW?</b></div>
Barbara's record at Weeki Wachee is impressive for any industry. She performed 1967-69, 1972-75, and steadily since 1997. She also volunteers at their annual Sirens of the Deep camp "for the good of the park. We get all walks of life at mermaid camp. It touches hearts."<br />
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<b>Over the decades, what sorts of changes has she seen?</b><br />
<br />
Ever since the movie, <i>Splash</i>, tails have been more prevalent. When Barbara started, the act was of the Esther Williams synchronized underwater ballet variety, performed 15 feet below the surface with buoyancy control, multiple costume changes and air lifts. With <i>Splash'</i>s popularity in the '80's, tails became all the rage.<br />
<br />
<b>Does she stay in contact with many of her mer-chums?</b><br />
<br />
"The reunions make it possible to reconnect with others I swam with."<br />
<br />
Her home has become known as Mermaid Mansion and one weekend a month it serves as host venue to a mermaid slumber party.<br />
<br />
"4-5 of us are a pod and make road trips. We speak the same language. It's a sisterhood... Being a mermaid is a passion. You never let it go."<br />
<br />
In 1997 Barbara and her merpals were invited to perform at the park's 50-year reunion. They were to do one show. But people were so wildly enthusiastic that her reunion group — then 26 strong, now down to 8 — has been performing as often as twice monthly for the last 15 years.<br />
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<b>What did she enjoy most about her time at WW? </b><br />
<br />
"Just being in the magical spring. We get to float doing ballet. The spring is 100 yards in any direction and you are as close to floating and flying as you can be."<br />
<br />
<b>Does she have any advice for upcoming mers who are considering going pro?</b><br />
<br />
"Don't give up hope, keep trying. Whether or not you work at Weeki Wachee, be your mermaid self!"<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONeQmnaEIa4/UWlRteKCeJI/AAAAAAAAFRM/GCAnWeHiuMA/s1600/favicon-laviesirene-green-tail.ico" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONeQmnaEIa4/UWlRteKCeJI/AAAAAAAAFRM/GCAnWeHiuMA/s1600/favicon-laviesirene-green-tail.ico" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The one, the only... <b><a href="http://www.weekiwachee.com/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee</a>!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6pqAIcJub0/UXcgKc6rHnI/AAAAAAAAFng/jhhpfc_As20/s1600/f21731240%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6pqAIcJub0/UXcgKc6rHnI/AAAAAAAAFng/jhhpfc_As20/s400/f21731240%25281%2529.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONeQmnaEIa4/UWlRteKCeJI/AAAAAAAAFRM/GCAnWeHiuMA/s1600/favicon-laviesirene-green-tail.ico" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONeQmnaEIa4/UWlRteKCeJI/AAAAAAAAFRM/GCAnWeHiuMA/s1600/favicon-laviesirene-green-tail.ico" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgUfz6qodbY/UXlUA7umNyI/AAAAAAAAFxM/knWEsJGtbs4/s1600/monte+patricia+ritter+01+mermaid+art300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgUfz6qodbY/UXlUA7umNyI/AAAAAAAAFxM/knWEsJGtbs4/s400/monte+patricia+ritter+01+mermaid+art300.jpeg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I am a Florida based artist living near to Weeki Wachee home of the Live Mermaids. As a cancer survivor I have used Mermaids as my alter ego to express my feelings through painting. I admire the strength and courage of these beautiful creatures and believe there's a Mermaid in every woman.</span>" </i>~<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><a href="http://sarasota.anythingarts.com/profile/PatriciaAnnRitter" target="_blank">Patricia Ritter</a></b></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{<a href="https://www.laviesirene.com/2013/06/keeping-mermagic-alive.html" target="_blank">originally published 2 June 2013</a>}</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-13161347319424085352020-03-22T10:38:00.003-07:002020-03-22T10:38:32.618-07:00Getting Schooled on Mermaids - la Vie Sirene magazine flashback<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="https://www.laviesirene.com/2013/06/getting-schooled-on-mermaids.html" target="_blank">Originally posted 1 June 2013</a></i></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUQErkUmpws/UWge__FSRVI/AAAAAAAAFPo/CUVfmMkXo9E/s1600/Angela+Schommer+mermaid+Miss+August+2009+6256_1185231064938_334808_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUQErkUmpws/UWge__FSRVI/AAAAAAAAFPo/CUVfmMkXo9E/s640/Angela+Schommer+mermaid+Miss+August+2009+6256_1185231064938_334808_n.jpeg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Professional mermaid Angela Schommer</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">of <b><a href="http://www.sandiegomermaids.com/" target="_blank">San Diego Mermaids </a></b>performance troupe</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">mer·maid /ˈmərˌmād/ </span></b><br />
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</b><b>Noun</b>: a fabled marine creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish<br />
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<b>Origin:</b> Middle English mermayde, from mere sea (from Old English) + mayde maid — more at marine<br />
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<b>First Known Use:</b> 14th century<br />
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<i>... so says Merriam-Webster!</i><br />
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Dating as far back as 1000 BC, mermaids began swimming into the cultures and mythologies of Assyria, Greece, China, Europe, even the British Isles. While far from shy, mers can be finicky as to when and where they are seen by humankind. Indeed <i>mermaid sightings</i> have always been deemed a rare and beautiful occurrence — so much so, that charlatans have gone to extraordinary lengths to foist mermaid hoaxes on unwitting wishful mer fans. Even master showman P.T. Barnum got into the act, displaying a faux taxidermied mermaid in his museum in 1842. As for the recent staged documentary by <i>Animal Planet</i>, their enthusiasm is lauded, but information incorrect.<br />
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Today, sophisticated underwater cameras and everyday smart phones increasingly bear witness to the fact that, with or without gills, mermaids exist among good decent folk. To help ease tensions in current mer-human relations, in this issue our contributing urban fairy, Eleina Fae, will give the modern perspective on the subtleties and differences between merfolk, selkies, undines and the oft-misunderstood sirens. This should go far in educating even the most skeptical landlubber. You know the type — the ones who fail to understand why mermaids should obsess over shoes given their lack of limbs!<br />
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Our magazine's format is designed to offer this month's mermaid theme in sips rather than potentially drowning gulps. Being an online (versus print) publication, we can do things a little differently — and so we shall. Instead of publishing a voluminous collection of articles and tidbits all at once, we will post small portions of new content daily, with each themed issue wrapped up in one neat little digital package at month's end and available in various formats. Imagine that, a whole month of fabulous sireny delights. From fin fashion to the business of mermaiding, you're sure to get your mer cravings sated. What joy!<br />
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Our 'in every issue' categories include:<br />
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<li>History & Mystery - facts & fantasy</li>
<li>Sirens in Business - those making a living relating to the month's theme</li>
<li>Neverending Trending - news & don't-miss events</li>
<li>Prettification - home, garden, fashion, fitness, pampering, the works!</li>
<li>Foodie Fix - nummy recipes & eatery reviews</li>
<li>We Heart the Arts - books, art, music, poetry et cetera</li>
<li>Siren's Soul - testimonials & heartfelt sentiments from the field</li>
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Whether you place mermaids in the same class as unicorns and dragons, or think their mythology grew from sightings of Japan's traditional Ama free-divers, you'll find a whimsical, informative and loving treatment of all things mer this month. We look forward to celebrating la vie sirène (the siren life) with you for many issues to come.<br />
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<i>For old school and classic mermaid lovers, the Vintage Mermaid offers the largest assortment of mermaid quilt prints & illustrations of any retail store on the web. Visit their budding <a href="http://www.vintagemermaid.com/" target="_blank"><b>Vintage Mermaid</b></a> site for samples of their exquisite products </i><i>with additional treasures to be posted in coming weeks, </i><i>or swim over to their <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wwwvintagemermaidcom" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> to enjoy more of their vast vintage collection.</i><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-7679505641146446302020-03-21T08:47:00.002-07:002020-03-21T08:47:24.889-07:00la Vie Sirene - revisiting the magazine of the sirens, by the sirens, for the sirens<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Beginning today, we'll be re-posting every entry in the 15 volumes of la Vie Sirene magazine, one per day. </h3>
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Hope you enjoy the virtual stroll down Memory Lane xo</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5319287205804925798.post-51371492754022163442019-10-06T08:56:00.001-07:002019-10-06T08:56:15.743-07:00A broom with a view<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Good morning!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: xx-small;">#aether #omni #omnio #omniocademy #ocademy #omniosophical</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com