Spiritdog Studios

Magic Mushrooms

 

 

I think most of you have heard the term "magic mushrooms" before. It means "a psychedelic mushroom containing psilocybin".(here )Living in the Northwest, mushrooms grow everywhere, so I don't pay much attention as most of them are poisonous and I don't know a lot about mushrooms. Until a couple of weeks ago I came upon these beauties-------

 

  

They are called Amanita Muscaria. (here ) And of course we all recognize these from Alice in Wonderland-- ( "Perceptual phenomena such as macropsia and micropsia may occur, which may have been the inspiration for the effect of mushroom-consumption in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." )

 

 

The funny thing is, in all my years of walking in the woods, this is the first time I have come across one of these, and of all places---believe it or not---I found them in the parking lot of a Target store. That got me to scouring the parking lot--yes every tree (they grow under the pines). I found two of these plus a whole lot more. I picked them all to take home and photograph as most of them had been stomped on and would not have lasted much longer.

 

Of course now I have an obsession with mushrooms.Who knows whats lurking out there??

So now when I walk in the woods, I hunt down mushrooms.

Here is just a sampling I found in the woods-----

 

Shhhh--I do believe I saw a fairy or two--- 

 

 

Maybe a fairy condo??? 

oh--the fairy princess bower--

 

 

I wonder if Mr. Caterpillar is home??? 

 

  

I want to learn so much more about these curious fungi. Do you have some of these where you live? Or different kinds? Or know some fungi secrets???

Please do share!!

 

 

Happy Halloween 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fanciful Twist Halloween Party 2014

Welcome to our Halloween party!

We want to thank Miss Vanessa of A Fanciful Twist for hosting another wickedly fun Halloween party!

 

 

 

Come along, don't be scared !

But, then again, maybe you should be! HeHeHe!!

 
( click on pictures to enlarge)

Bug--oh Mister Bug--where are you??

 

EEEEEEK!!

What is that thing on your back Mister Bug?

Oh, that's just Charlie. He wanted to come to our party so I said I would give him a ride.

Hmmm. Okay, but he is going to scare all the guests.

That's the plan, Mom. But Vanessa won't be scared. She's not scared of anything.

I can't believe she is coming to our party!

Well, Mister bug, you had better get down to the pumpkin patch and find some pumpkins.

You know how Miss Vanessa loves her pumpkins.

Why don't you take Mister Trec with you?

I think  Charlie scared him. He's hiding--so he thinks--hehe!

Mister bug I'm not scared. I'll go. I've been practicing my roar.

Yes, we know Miss Lizzee!

 

 

I'm going to find a very special pumpkin for Miss Vanessa!

 

Oh dear, I think we're lost.

 I wonder if the skeletons might know the way.

Oooooh--look at the size of that bone!!

I don't spose he would share?

C'mon Miss Lizzee, I see the gargoyles. They protect the entrance to the pumpkins on Halloween.

 

 

Legend says that long ago the pumpkin king got into a great battle with a giant human. He wanted the pumpkin king to carve up for Halloween. The other pumpkins defended the king, but there just were not enough of them left to over take the giant. So many people were hunting the pumpkins for Halloween that there were very few left.

After that night the Gargoyles have been guarding the pumpkins every Halloween. Now you can only have a pumpkin if you know the magic word.

Mister Bug, what is the magic word?

Ummm-- it's---ummmm---oh no! I forgot! Oh, Miss Lizzee, I have to get a pumpkin for Miss Vanessa.

What am I going to do?

I know! We'll go see the fortune teller. She knows everything!

 

 

Oh no Mister Bug! We can't --she lives in the haunted house.

Oh Miss Lizzee, its not really haunted.

Let's go--hurry! 

It looks like a party.Let's go in.

 

Oh this looks yummy! I'm so hungry--lets have something to eat.

You are always hungry Miss Lizzee.

I'm thirsty, too. I'll have one of those please.

Miss Lizzee--NO--that's for the vampires.

Buttt??--Don't ask!

Everything looks so delicious.

Miss Lizzee--you would eat anything.

 

There's one of Charlie's friends.

 

Charlie says--DO NOT---eat the eggs--OR ELSE!!

 

OH! What beautiful apples!

I can eat the apples. That nice witch told me I could.

Who??--I would NOT eat those apples Miss Lizzee!

Do you think????--YES!

Poison?? But she was so nice--she called me Dearie--only my name is Lizzee.

Finally--something I can eat!

Do you think it's okay if we take some desert?

Here she is! Miss Fortune Teller, we came for the magic word so we can get a pumpkin.

 If you want the magic word, you will have to do something for me first.

There is a special mushroom--with special powers --hehe--. I need you to bring me the mushroom. It grows under a magical tree at the bottom of the hole the bats guard. But you have to bring it to me by midnight.

Now--be off with you--and hurry!!

Charlie will distract the bats so we can get the mushroom.

 We found it!!

Miss Lizzee---this is better than any old pumpkin and I know Miss Vanessa loves mushrooms, too!

But Mister Bug-- I don't think we should. It has powers!

Oh, Miss Lizzee that's nonsense--she was just kidding. 

I don't know------

We better get home before the party starts.

 

Maybe this nice witch will give us a ride.

 

Mom--Mom. I wonder where she is? We'll put the mushroom in the refrigerator to keep it fresh till Miss Vanessa gets here.

Hi Mom--we were looking for you. Where's Miss Vanessa?

Well, she waited and waited for you, but she had to leave to get to her own party. She said she will see you there. Did you get her a nice pumpkin?

Oh we got her something even better. It's a magical mushroom.

Mom?? Whats the matter?

You mean that pretty red mushroom? I'm soooo sorry, but I ate it. I just couldn't resist--it was calling my name. 

Oh no--do you think that's why I'm feeling so strange?

I feel positively ---wicked-------

 

 

I would like to dedicate this party in memory of Miss Onyx.

2001-2014

 

 

Thank you all for coming. You can go here to continue on with more parties.

My previous parties can be seen here.

Thank you again to Miss Vanessa!

 

All photographs were taken by Chrislyn and are the property of Chrislyn / Spiritdog Studios. 2014 ©

Miss Onyx 2001-2014

 

When I saw the date of my last post, I could not believe it has been almost a year. 

Unfortunately, I have to start again on a sad note. Our Miss Onyx left us on July 5th of this past summer.  I have been beyond sadness. Miss Onyx was my four legged soul mate. She was my shadow, my studio muse, my heart and soul. Her greatest pleasure in life was just being with us. Anywhere, anytime. She was such a happy dog. Her big brown eyes--well, you could see to her soul. 

I know many of you know her from my blog parties. She loved fashion. Any chance she got to dress up she was so proud, sadly she hated the camera.

I knew she was not right around the beginning of the year, but no diagnosis. The Drs. said it was her age, as she was healthy as could be. I did not agree that it was just age, as she was spunky as ever. Until one day we got a dreaded diagnosis. Lung cancer. How???

By then her time was short, but we made the most of it. I am in tears writing this. It will be some time before the hurt stops. It seems like just yesterday we were rescuing her out of a ditch. She was only about six months old. 

I am coming to terms slowly. I found this poem and I believe it to be so true.

For you--Onnie---my beautiful girl---

 

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?

I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.

All is well.

Henry Scott Holland

 

Moon Glow

 

I am obsessed with the moon. I love to just sit and bask in the glow of the moon.

I will get up in the middle of the night just to have the moon's glow on my face.

You too?

 

Here is a picture I took last night. It was rather foggy out, but the moon was bright.

The fog made the pic a little dark, but I think it brings out the moons

mysterious quality.

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click to enlarge pictures

 

 

Here are some pictures I took last month. I was surprised to get such detail.

 

 

 

 

 

The moon in the shadows of the trees .

 

There are nights when the wolves are silent

and only the moon howls.

George Carlin

 

Happy full moon !

 

Chrislyn

 

 

Itsy- Bitsy Spider......

 

Meet Herman.

 This not so itsy-bitsy little guy ( we are guessing it's a he ) took up residence

in our garden this year. He moved in around July and decided to stay.

He built himself a magnificent little abode.

We were delighted to meet him.

( click on photos to enlarge ) 

He is a polite neighbor. Extremely quiet. Minds his own business.

 

Poses for close ups. 

 

I can't even describe the architectural details of his work.

It is a masterpiece. 

 

 

It spans several feet--10-12- at least.  

( look middle to right )

 

Sometimes he disappears.  One day by accident, I happened upon

his little secret escape space, tucked in the underside corner

of the canopy.

I never told him, though. 

 

 

I am so glad he never invited us to dinner.

 

Unfortunately, this past week-end we had our first storm. His beautiful

work of art blew away in the wind. We haven't seen Herman since.

 

We think Herman was a garden orb weaver spider.

We don't know what happened to him, but he will

be missed. 

 

Chrislyn

 

 

Happy Halloween

 

 

 

 

 

Chrislyn

Something Wicked This Way Comes Pt. 2

Welcome back to my pt. 2 of Wicked Faerie Queens Something Wicked This Way Comes party.

I do believe I left you all standing on the back deck. So sorry!

Let's go back inside!

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click on pictures to enlarge.

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Here we are in the great room. The kitchen is behind us.

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This year's mantel.

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The opposite side of the room holds my collection of white ware 

and Sir Dracula and his castle.

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The centerpiece for this year. I am in love with these velvet

pumpkins.

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Ohhhh--somebody had too much bat juice!

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Sir Dracula welcomes you.

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He brought along some friends.

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We use this room as a sitting / bar area.

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Some lively "spirits".

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Someone forgot her hat.

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Very mysterious!

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You might want to use the powder room on your way out.

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Your humble mummy servant and his hostess.

We like to pamper!

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And back to the front foyer. I hope you have enjoyed the tour.

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The corpse bride bids you farewell and will see you out.

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Along with her faithful companion.

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Beware of the dark and.......

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Thank you all so much for coming back for the rest of the tour.

To see part one go HERE. To see last years tours go HERE and HERE.

**

Chrislyn

All photos were photographed by, and are the property of Spiritdog Studios.

Haunted Halloween Tea Party

Today is THE big day! It's Vanessa's Haunted Halloween Tea Party!

A big thank you to Vanessa and a big hug for a speedy recovery!

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You're just in time!

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Click on photos to enlarge.

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MOMMMMM!!!!

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It's Vanessa's big party. We're all ready to go.

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Miss Lizzee--what a cute little devil you are! And Mister Bug--well,

lets just say it suits you very well!

I am almost ready to go.

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MOM! WE'RE WAITING!! 

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Oh well, we might as well get comfortable. She could be a while!

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Finally! We're on our way.

Oh my!  Look at the Halloween moon!

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Miss Lizzee who are they?

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They're my new friends. They said they would protect us.

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Can I keep him?? Please??

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Hello little frogs. What's that green goop under the witch's hat?

You don't think???

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YIKES!!

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We had better hurry on to Vanessa's.

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Mister Bug-- look---in the forest. Is that who I think it is? Do you

think she's coming to the party?

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There's the magic mirror! 

Miss Lizzee--DON'T-----

You are definitely the fairest of them all--even as a little devil!

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Mister Bug--don't eat the apples!!

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I sure hope she's not coming to the party!

Mister Bug, that's not very nice. But I have to agree!

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 Mister Bug, do you think this is the 

right way? It sure looks a lot farther than I remember. And a lot

scarier!

Look! I see a house. It must be Vanessa's!

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Oh, I think we made it just in time for tea!

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My, this fellow looks like he's starving!

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Yummmy!  Spiders!

I'm glad someone likes the menu.

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Miss Lizze, Mister Bug, I don't think I like the menu this year.

Is that eyeballs?-----

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And baby rats?  No thank you!

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This must be the witches cave. Let's take a peek. Miss Vanessa

might be in there. She said she was going to be a witch this year.

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Come on in dearies.

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Miss Vanessa?

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Yes, dearies.

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The stew is almost ready for you.

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We have been waiting for you.

Oh , no thank you Vanessa. We already ate.

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Well, it's been a while since we have eaten and my boys

and I are hungry.

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Ah, where are the other guests Vanessa?

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Oh, they're hanging around. He He!

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We are having the bat gang for dessert.

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And that was poor what's his name.  That's the left overs. He He!

I told the boys their eyes were too big for their stomachs. HeHe!

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Sadly, there is only room in the pot for one at a time.

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I'm sure this fella won't mind doubling up in the meantime.

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Wha--wha--wha--WHAT???

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Oh Oh Oh--Nooooo---I don't think this is Miss Vanessa!

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MOM-MOM-MOMMMM!!

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Let me in!!Let me in!!

Miss Vanessa isn't Miss Vanessa!

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Slow down Miss Lizzee.

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She's going to eat us!

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Miss Lizzee, Mister Bug, I'm sorry I took so long to get ready. You must of 

fallen asleep and had a nightmare.

We haven't even left yet.

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Bu--but it was so real!

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I know sweetie--you do have quite the imagination.

But we'd better hurry. We don't want to be late.

We're all safe now Miss Lizzee.

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Are we ????

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Thank you so much for coming on our little adventure.

To join in on some more spooky Halloween fun go HERE to join the 

rest of the partiers.

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And another BIG thank you to Miss Vanessa!

Miss Lizzee and Mister Bug sends you big kisses.

( Miss Lizzee is reserving her right to decline---just in case!!! )

*****

Chrislyn

To see my past Halloween parties go HERE.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

 Hello everyone! First off, I want to thank Sue of Wicked Faerie Queen for hosting the

Something Wicked This Way Comes Party!

 

This party is all about showing our homes all spooked out for Halloween.

Yes, I go all out for Halloween! It is my favorite holiday.

In fact, I have so many pictures that I am doing this in two posts.

I will post part two on Tuesday, Oct.29.

 

So, welcome to my Halloween home.

( You can click on the photos to enlarge them.)

 

 

 

This is the front entrance. The front veranda is in the background.

 

Come on in---I see the partying has begun.

 

The foyer-- I see somebody let the moths out again! 

 

I see a couple of brooms parked in the tree. Wonder who they

belong to???? 

 

 These guys know how to dine in style! 

 

Over looking the side deck. 

 

Please come in and have a seat. The courtyard / garden area is

straight through the doors.

 

  Please sit down. 

 

 I will light some candles.

 

There is  Mr. Raven. 

 

He is such a handsome devil. 

 

Oh No!! The witches have their spell books out! Be careful! 

 

Let's step out on the deck for some fresh air. 

 

Don't worry--they're harmless--I think! 

 

Maybe just look from a distance! 

 

Don't worry, my friends on the far side of the deck will keep us safe. 

 

Now that we are back inside, let me introduce you to some friends. 

 

 Oh dear, I see some unsuspecting guests have managed to get

themselves captured. But---by who??

We must hurry-- before the witching hour! 

 

Some more vignette's.

 

 

 

Some pics of the gang and some ghost and pumpkin ceramics

I have airbrushed. 

 

One of the guest baths. I do think we found the witches hideout! 

 

This one seems a little lonely. 

 

YES! I BOO believe!! 

 

Lets step out back onto the deck. We can wait here for part two.

 

Thank you all for coming. Don't forget to come back and join us again next

Tuesday! We will be waiting for you!

 

To see my tour from last year go HERE for pt.1 and HERE for pt.2.

 

And don't forget to come back tomorrow and join us for Vanessa's Halloween

Tea Party.

 

But now --please go HERE  to join the other Something Wicked This Way Comes partiers!

Chrislyn