Bookstores, Weddings and Steampunk, Oh My!

                                                           

 

This was a great weekend because I spent it doing fun things with friends. Friday night my husband Dan (the silent partner who wears many hats: audio, video and computer tech for his tech-challenged spouse along with playing chauffer whenever I need to get somewhere without getting lost) were in the charming town of Millville, New Jersey. I was there to do a book signing at Bogart’s Bookstore and Café.

                                                               

I’ve mentioned many times on my blogs that there is something magical about this town, the residents and especially the bookstore. There are many ghosts that dwell in that town and it may be because of its rich history and the fact that there is a river nearby. Water is conductive to spirits. There is a story that Millville had an underground railroad at one time that was used to fight the horrid practice of slavery. There are ghosts in that town. I sense them and I’ve written about several of the ghosts that stay at Bogart’s Bookstore & Cafe. My guess is that the owner, Amy, has such a pleasant and welcoming personality that people, living or dead, want to be around her.

                                                           

Today Millville has an arts district named the Glasstown Arts District. A public art center with galleries and studios is the hub of activity, and is open six days a week. Seven full-time galleries and ten part-time galleries and studios are open mostly on weekends and on the third Friday of each month. Wheaton Arts and the Creative Glass Center of America includes a major collection of early American glass with contemporary glass from CGCA Fellows and working glass artists in a restored 19th century glass factory. The Levoy Theatre successfully re-opened on September 9, 2012. You need to visit this town on their Third Friday and Third Saturday events and if you do, stop in and say hello to Amy.

                                                          

I had fun at my book signing and per tradition took a photo with the first person to buy a book. Thank you, Glenn Lillie.

                                                               

On Saturday, my husband and I headed to Chester and the New Hope Baptist Church for the wedding of friends, Cynthia Cain and Geoff Bilbow.  Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Bilbow.

                                                               

 

                                                                             

                                       Me with Cynthia's oldest daughter, McKenzie

                                                                              

Saturday night was the grand return of Gil Cnaan’s Dorian’s Parlor. It was held at the William Way Center at 1315 Spruce St, a beautiful building. I convinced my friend and fellow author, Loretta Lombardi of “You’re Hot, I’m Hot” a cookbook for lovers, to join me in the celebration of Dorian’s return.

                                                                           

Gil Cnaan on stage

            

We met such wonderful and talented people and enjoyed the endless parade of Steampunk fashions and were entertained by such acts as The Wandering Cellist

                                                                       

 

                                      and Eli August & the Abandoned Building Band.

                                                               

Thanks to Montague Jacques Fromage, I have a few pictures to share with you.

                                                                           

                                                              Montague on left

You don’t need to dress up in Steampunk to attend one of these events, but once you’ve visited an event, I’m sure that you’ll be dying to get yourself an outfit.

                                                              

Jane and Marie

                                                          

 

 

 

In the News

                                                         

I had met Rita Manno, reporter and also in charge of her own Public Relations Business, when she did a story on the South Jersey Writers' Group's first anthology Tall Tales and Short Stories from South Jersey. She mentioned me in that article because she was interested in what made a grandmother of nine write about zombies.

                                                         

Over the past year, Rita discovered that I was also into Steampunk and that I was known to all my friends as Steampunk Granny at Dorian's Parlor: https://www.facebook.com/DoriansParlor


But what really interested her was  my ghost investigations under the guidance of the South Jersey Ghost Research/ Sanctuary Paranormal Team that worked out of the Ghost Hunter Store in Burlington New Jersey. You can learn more about Dave Juliano, Marti Haines and Jeanne Butler- Lee here: http://theghosthunterstore.com/about/

                                                            

Although my family has been experiencing paranormal events most of our lives; it's an inherited talent, I got involved with professional ghost hunting through friends Rita and Jean. We each have our own unique ways of sensing the spirit world. We took several classes with Dave's team and went on several investigations with them.

                                                             

This past year, my friends and I became friends with another ghost investigative team, Keystone Spirit Seekers. Check their site here: http://keyss.webs.com/  We went on a very productive investigation at the Selma Mansion this past year.

                                                           

Thanks to Rita Manno's interest in my book, Roof Oasis, which is the first in a apocalyptic series with a twist, I have been featured in the Burlington County Newspaper. Thank you, Rita Manno. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritamanno


Here is the article featuring me.

http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/life-style/local-feature/she-s-a-trained-ghost-investigator-a-writer-and-a/article_ac22af22-283f-55cf-af4e-0ecd753f4e93.html


The phone has not stopped ringing with friends and family calling to congratulate me about my book and my being in the newspaper. I'm still in shock. I work very hard at writing, sometimes spending many hours interviewing people, writing recaps for television shows, movies and books and just trying to keep up with my blog and completing  book two of Roof Oasis called Saving Solanda.

                                                          

I have met the most talented people and made many life long friends because of my writing. I love what I do, but I don't travel this road alone. We never do. I have a support system with my family, friends, and fellow writers that keeps me going even when I think I can't write another word. My poor husband, Dan, has been anointed the job of agent, video, audio and tech person along with the job of chauffeur. Thank you, honey.

So the reason for this post is to thank everyone who has helped me reach where I am now and where I'm going in the future. You know who you are. Love you all.

Marie Gilbert aka Steampunk Granny

Big Event For Steampunk Lovers!!!!

                                                           

 

 

 

Hello my lovely little zombie snacks!! Guess What?

 

It's time for you ladies to dust off your hoop skirts and parasols, and for you gentlemen to get your outfits pressed. Our fearless leader, Gil Cnaan has big news!!

 

                                                         

 

Dorian's Parlor is back and we're ready to show the world what Steampunk is all about. Steampunk Granny is going to be there and I'm hoping to see all my friends...no excuses... remember I have pet zombies.

 

Save the date: Saturday, September 20th

 

Ladies, Gentlemen, and all others... Storykeeper Events is pleased to announce The Return of Dorian's Parlor! Philadelphia's premiere creatively formal event makes its grand return on Saturday, September 20th, 2014, at the William Way Center at 1315 Spruce St. (right around the corner from our old home at the Philadelphia Doubletree Hotel)! The doors will open to the public at 8pm! And now, thanks to our new home, we are happy to announce that we are an (almost) all-ages event! Anyone age 18 or older may now attend and enjoy our unique event!

As always, Dorian's Parlor will offer the finest in musical entertainment, featuring not just one, but TWO wonderful performers! First, we will have perennial Dorian's Parlor favorite ELI AUGUST & THE ABANDONED BUILDINGS (http://www.eliaugust.com/) joining us! And, also, making her Dorian's Parlor premiere, we will be joined by the lovely and talented PATRICIA WAKE (http://patriciawake.bandcamp.com/) ! We are also happy to welcome back our own house musician, THE WANDERING CELLIST (http://cellomike.com/)! And, of course, you will all be able to dance the night away to the eclectic mix of music provided by our very own friends from COGHEAD (http://cogheadmusic.com/) !

Tickets are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-return-of-dorians-parlor-tickets-12641730757. They are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.


Dorian’s Parlor is a sensuous spectacle of vintage glamour shining in the heart of Philadelphia. This event is a haven for artists, bohemians, socialites and neo-vintage lovers of all stripes and inclinations. Our new home at the WIlliam Way Center offers a grand ballroom, a large lobby area for socializing, and additional rooms for vendors and curiousities.

Dorian’s Parlor will showcase the best in night life and artistic entertainment. In addition to inspired DJs, Dorian's Parlor will feature live performances by bands, dancers and countless other talented artists. Be ready to see gorgeous models draped in the finest garments of some of the foremost neo-vintage designers during the fashion shows. And like an exotic bazaar, Dorian’s Parlor will host vendors and craftspeople eager to sell their finest wares to the revelrous crowd.

Food and beverage refreshment will be available for purchase, courtesy of Cafe Fulya (http://www.cafefulya.com/). Please note that the William Way Center does not serve alcohol, nor may alcohol be brought onto the premises.

The door to the parlor is open. Won’t you come in and stay a while?

Promoting Friends and Contest Results

                                                              

                                                           The Fabulous Lucille Ball

I'm surrounded by very talented people. Well, they may not be Lucille Ball, but they are very talented and I hope their talent rubs off on me. I've done several Author promotions and interviews this year. Some of my friends have made movies and some have published books, while some, design Steampunk clothing or run fabulous Steampunk Event.. It's a new day and a new year, and I want to start off 2014 with promoting some of my friends.

                                                                       

First up is author, Carmen DeSousa. She has several books out and I did an interview of her on the Library, but you can check out all her books on www.carmendesousa.com


I did an interview on Keira Kroft and her new book. Check it out. http://gilbertcuriosities.blogspot.com/2013/11/introducing-wonderful-and-talented.html


John Farquhar, who is a fellow member of the South Jersey Writers Group, has a story in Tall Tales and Short Stories, our group's first published anthology, and also his own book titled What to Expect When You're Dead.
                                                                   

Right now, I'm reading a story by John Jason Lee called Terminal Point and I'm going to tell you that this is one hell of a great book. The hero is Drune, a Federation Hunter who is in a battle of wits and intrigue as he fights his way through one battle after another to get to the truth. I will be interviewing the author as soon as I finish the book.

                                                                     

Jack Flacco, a fellow zombie lover has a great book out called Ranger Martin and the Zombie Apocalypse. It has everything to keep you turning those pages and...not only did I love it, but my grandsons are sure to enjoy it too. Find it on Amazon and buy the book here.

Dawn Byrne another member featured in Tall Tales and Short Stories also has stories featured in Chicken Soup for the soul. Dawn is also known as Super D, my partner is the South Jersey Writers' Group book signing adventures.
                                                                  

To tell you the truth, all the members of the South Jersey Writers' Group are talented writers. Check out our site. Better yet, join our group.

Biff Bam Pop is a Pop Culture Site that is the brain child of Editor-In-Chief and fearless leader extraordinaire, Andy Burns. His cast of star writers, entertain and deliver the latest in movies, T.V. shows, books, comic books, music....anything that is on the minds & lips of people in the know. Check out this fabulous site and while you're there, check out my articles.

                                                                    

Christopher Eilenstine is the Director of a new type of Zombie, The Soulless. I did an interview on him for Biff Bam Pop. Check it out.

Joe Parascand who is an outstanding actor is featured in several movies: The Soulless, Mary Horror, Witches' Blood, Sheriff Tom vs. the Zombies, Zombies Incorporated. I'll be posting his interview on my blog, soon and an earlier one on Biff Bam Pop.
                                                            

Gil Cnaan is the brain and grand master of Dorian's Parlor. I've written several interviews on this very talented man, but this is my favorite.

                                                                    

                                                                   
Lee and Ralph from Steampunk Works not only design beautiful Steampunk fashions, but their clothing was used in a recent movie.

I have an amazing Editor and she's helped me get my book considered.

                                                                        

If you're interested in knowing what people I've interviewed, check out my interview page.

This December 15th, my oldest grandson, Jimmy, went to Parris Island for boot camp. When he graduates in March, he will be a full fledge Marine; Oorah!! I wrote a movie review of Full Metal Jacket for Biff Bam Pop and tied the review with my concerns for my grandson and drill sergeants.

                                                                          

I was picked by a very nice group from England as one of the bloggers to be considered for Best Blogger of 2014. Imagine that; from England with the Queen!! The young man who was hosting this contest is an amazing person and I will be posting my interview with him, soon.

                                                                     

                                                                        

 I was one of the finalists, but a worthier blogger, @scarletteflame,  won this year's round. Yeah, I was a little disappointed that I didn't win

                                                                      

 but then I received this message on my blog from a young writer in China.

 have beеn surfing on-lіnе more tthan 3hours as of late, yet I neveг discovered anny interesting aгticle lke уours.
It's lovely pricе sufficient for me. In mу opinion, if all webmasters and
bloggers made goоd content aѕ yоu did, the web might be a lοt mоre
helpful than ever before.
                                                                    

So...for my New Year's Resolution, I'll try to make my blog a kick ass blog; I'll do more interviews and promote more amazing people; I'll try to get in more ghost hunting and Steampunking...and maybe get a few of my short stories published. What will you do this year?

The Gilded Festival

                                                                   

Hey, my little zombie snacks. Check out this site. My friends at Dorian's Parlor are pulling together one hell of a great Steampunk Event. You don't want to miss this!!!!!

Greetings Ladies and Gents! We have been busily working our way into preparing for the first ever Gilded Festival, and as a result it is with great pleasure that we announce the first round of Programming Listings! There you shall find a great many a thing, including child-friendly panels, contests, how-to, and special events! Please go here to take a peek at all the glorious things we have in store for you!
And speaking of special events, we are especially excited to announce two special events… within the grand event that is The Gilded Fest!


We are happy to announce that The Gilded Festival is now rolling out Performer and Guest announcements! We already have a grand lineup;
Performers…
Voltaire
Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer
CogHead
Divine Hand Ensemble
Psyche Corporation
Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys
Guests…
Adam Smith a.k.a. Phineas Phlensing, Esq.
Countessa Lenora
Steampunk Boba Fett (John F. Strangeway)
Triell Freschi
…and we will be adding even more as we get closer to the big event!
We are equally happy to remind you that tickets for The Gilded Festival are on sale now! There are various choices, including children and family tickets, so please be sure to look over the options before you buy. You have until September 15th, 2013 to take advantage of the low ticket prices. After that date, ticket pricing goes up. You can visit our TicketLeap page to get your tickets now.


Hotel Rooms Also, hotel room reservations for The Gilded Festival are still available! But be sure to book your room sooner than later, as we highly anticipate our entire block to fill up quickly! Hotel room prices start at $89.00 (USD/per night). You can visit our DoubleTree Hotel registration site to make your reservation now. Alternatively, you may also call the hotel to reserve your room. If so please be sure to tell them your are booking for the Gilded Festival, and the reservation code is SKE.

Steampunk's Awesome "The Gilded Festival" in November

                                                                  

Okay, my little Steampunk aficionados, I have some big news. No! The zombie apocalypse did not begin. Don't worry, I have my katana ready. This news is about the big festival coming up at the end of November. The brains behind this big event is our ever talented Gil Cnaan. He's responsible for Dorian's Parlor, and the very popular Steampunk events held in Philadelphia. I had the chance to interview Gil about "The Gilded Festival" and I'm excited to share the big news with you.
                                                                        

You all know how much I love Steampunk and in fact I posted about the last Dorian's Event on Biff Bam Pop! But this is really big news and I'm so excited.


                                                                     

                                                                                                                             


Now, my lovelies, let me introduce you to the one and only Gil Cnaan, Mr. Steampunk, himself!


What is “The Gilded Festival? Where? When?

The Gilded Festival is what happens when the staff at Dorian's Parlor say "We love doing this event, and wish it would never end!  We also wish that we could be open to a broader variety of ages, and have more performers, and more vendors, and more food, and more of everything!"  It will occur on Thanksgiving weekend, Friday November 29-Sunday December 1, at the Doubletree of Valley Forge/King of Prussia.  

 

What performers and venders can we expect to see at the Gilded Festival?

The list of performers and vendors is constantly being updated, but our preliminary performers include:

Voltaire

Mr. B. The Gentleman Rhymer

Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys

The Divine Hand Ensemble

Coghead (DJs Kiltboy, Dave Ghoul, and Cub)

Psyche Corporation

Steampunk Boba Fett

Phineas Phlensing, Esq.

Countess Lenora

and many more.

In addition, we are looking at the potential of having multiple fashion shows, as well as an interactive panel about the historical fashions that influenced modern Steampunk styles, as well as a variety of other interactive experiences.  There will also be clockwork egg hunts, as well as a whole track of family oriented programming that is currently being worked on by the director of programming while this interview is happening. 

We will also have two catered events that we are very excited about.  The first of which will be a kickoff dinner, The Orphan's Dinner, which will be a Thanksgiving style meal for those who are around Friday afternoon.  On Saturday, we plan on serving a high tea.  We are currently negotiating menus and prices with the hotel, and hope to announce those soon.

What inspired you to create this event?

I've always enjoyed doing weekend events, and felt that waiting a full year for Steampunk World's Fair to come back again was just unbearable, so I thought it might be nice to have something 6 months away, so that there's always a big event to look forward to.


What will the visitors see when they arrive?   

Hopefully they'll see a bustling group of people going to various exciting shows (2 stages, an interactive room, and various wandering performances), patronizing exciting vendors (3 vendor rooms are currently planned for), socializing with each other, and having delicious food and drink.

Will this be something that you'll be doing each year?

If this goes well, not only am I planning to continue this as an annual tradition, but there are several other weekend events I am looking at launching.  So if people want to see more great weekend events in the greater Philadelphia area, get tickets, and get them soon.  The sooner I sell enough tickets, the sooner I can start programming more events.

Gil, I want to thank you for not only updating all the people involved in the intriguing world of Steampunk, but also, for people who want to learn what Steampunk is all about.

You can keep updated on the latest news of the Gilded Festival at this site: http://gildedfestival.com/



Purchase your tickets now at this site:
    http://doriansparlor.ticketleap.com/gilded-festival/t/GildedFestival/

The Sisters do Steampunk at Dorian's Parlor

                                       Here I am with Gil Cnaan, the mastermind behind Dorian's

 

Yes, my little zombie snacks, when I’m not writing horror stories or ghost hunting, I’m Steampunking. Gil Cnaan did it again! He and his staff pulled together one hell of a grand Steampunk Event on Saturday, July 20^th. Dorian’s Parlor was a flurry of activity as the guests began to arrive.

                                                                    

                                                                    Jane  and Steampunk Granny

                                                                                   

                                                  Marianne, Jane, Me and Patti

My sister Jane had her first encounter with Steampunk and absolutely loved it. I wrote an article about the event on Biff Bam Pop! Check out the site and the other writers on this Pop Culture website.

                                                                     

Marianne Bascelli: a writer; health wellness coach, and a very good friend from my days at the Academy of Natural Sciences, attended the event for the first time. She looks stunning. Here is her site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marianne-Bascelli-CHHC-The-Art-of-Holistic-Wellness/264930523544897

                                                                      

                                                       Patti and Steampunk Granny

Patti O’Brien: member of the South Jersey Writers Group, Editor, writer, and a very good friend was also a novice of Steampunk, but I think she’ll be attending other events. Here is her site:

http://pattiobrien.wordpress.com/

It was a grand night and I wanted to mention a few people who made the night special.

                                                                             

                                      Hugh Casey: http://www.hughcaseyphoto.com/

                                                                                   

                                                    Jessie Orsini: www.ocelotonaleash.com

                                                                              

                                                    

                          Mano Divina:   www.Divinehand.com  http://divinehand.net/

                                                                                

Jessie who modeled an outfit from Utopia Armoury:  www.UtopiaArmoury.etsy.com

                                                                             

                                                                            Lee and Ralph

Here are my friends from Steampunk Works: www.steampunkworks.com  Make sure you check out their site. They have fabulous clothing and antiques. I also promised a young lady who was a model in a fashion show for Steampunk works that I would promote a few events for her. Here goes:

Pump It Up on July 24^th at the Barbary. www.mikesaga.com

Safari Themed Event on August 23^rd at the Starlight Ballroom www.mikesaga.com

                                                                              

Makeup Artist Triell Freschi, it is always a pleasure to see you: www.triellfreschi.com

                                                                         

The Fashion show was presented by Nikki Cohen, owner and designer for May Faire Moon Corsets & Costumes: www.mayfairemoon.com  The dresses were stunning.

                                 

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The Acts

Gil Cnaan always schedules enough diverse entertainment to keep everyone happy. There was a special presentation of Georges Melies Voyage to the Moon with accompaniment by DJ Kiltboy.

When Hugh Casey introduced the movie, all chatter ceased and everyone settled down to watch it. What a treat. If you have a moment, learn about the amazing Melies.

                                                                    

There were jugglers, a classy striptease with a hula hoop; I kid you not. We were treated to several great musical groups: Psych Corporation, The Cog is Dead,

                                            Frenchy and the Punk (my favorite act),

                                                                   

                        This Way to Egress, was awesome and we all danced the night away.

                                                                         

In November, there will be a special Steampunk Event called The Gilded Festival and as soon as I get more information, I will be sharing it with all of you.
https://www.facebook.com/events/376351109141064/ 

Well, my little zombie snacks, it's sad to say that I have to pack away my outfits until the next Dorian's event. But that's okay for now because I'm busy taking classes in ghost hunting 101 in order to join a professional ghost hunting investigative team. Wish me luck.