Steampunk Granny loves her Penny...Penny Dreadful, That Is!

                                                            

       

Last year I had the pleasure of writing the weekly reviews for Biff Bam Pop on Showtime's newest horror show, Penny Dreadful. The show is pure joy for anyone who loves Steampunk or Victorian fashion and horror stories.
  
                                                     

It is a horror show for sure, but it is also a delicious and sensual offering of characters right out of 19th century British fiction. Last season featured characters like Dorian Gray, Mina Harker from Dracula, Victor Frankenstein and his monster and even a Wild West werewolf. Eva Green as Vanessa Ives is the main force tying all these wonderfully horrid characters together.

There is nothing better than walking down the dark streets of Victorian London and finding your worst nightmare waiting in the shadows for you to pass by.

If you missed season one, you can check our my reviews on Biff Bam Pop. Season two begins on May 3rd and I do hope to see you there my little pennies.

Book Signings, Bazaars and a Soul Walk

 

                                                                        

This was a busy and exciting weekend for me, starting on Friday when I was invited to a book signing event at the Atria Living Center in Center City Philadelphia by my friend and fellow writer Harry Kyriakodis. It was a great learning experience for me and the residents of Atria who wanted to know what Steampunk was all about. Did I make any converts to the world of Steampunk? You never know J 

                                                       

  

Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity of hosting my first “Steampunk Granny’s Bohemian Bazaar” at The Treehouse Coffee Shop in Audubon, New Jersey.  I invited a handful of very talented artists, writers and crafters, all of which are the most amazingly talented and creative people to have at any event. Thank you to all the vendors of the Bohemian Bazaar; you all Rock! And, thank you to the owners and staff of the Treehouse for allowing us to use your fine establishment for our bazaar.

                                                          

   

Dawn Byrne (close friend & fellow member of the South Jersey Writers’ Group) was there selling our group’s anthologies, Tall Tales & Short Stories from South Jersey and Reading Glasses. John Farquhar stopped by to help sell his “What to Expect When You’re Dead".  Dawn has entered into the world of Steampunk with flying colors by creating her own hat and brooch design. 

                                                             

                                                                 

Marie Reid was there selling her beautiful jewelry, Alex Sullivan was there selling his book of poems, “A Printing Madman.

                                                             

Allie Gilbert (oldest of my nine grandchildren, talented Fashion Designer, her work was featured at the Philadelphia Flower Show, and the person who introduced me to Steampunk) was there with her collection of jewelry and pop culture items.

                                                           

Kahlil Weston (Publisher/Writer/Promoter of Independent Artists) was there to sell his books, “The Wes Daddy Mack Hour”, The Young & the Westless” and the Kahlil Weston Hour”. With Kahlil was a beautiful young new talent, Zhariya Amani. This young lady is going places so keep your eye on her rising star and her book “Words in My Head.” 

 
                                                                 

                                                      

Nanci Rainey was there with her book, “Another Day in the Driver’s Seat” and Patti O’Brien (Editor, Journalist, Writer, Blogger and not only my adopted sister but one of the reasons my book “Roof Oasis” is doing so well, was there selling her “LitBits: Messages in a bottle--A little perspective when you need it.”

                             Nanci, Patti, Janet, Kahlil and Zhariya                                                  Magical Faery ArtMagical Faery Art

Cinsearae Santiago Reiniger (Publisher/ Writer/Fashion Designer/Crafter from the Dark Side) was there with her husband, Dan to showcase her stunning dolls, jewelry, etc. Everyone just loved her dolls.

 

                                                           

                                                                 

 

Loretta Lombardi /Health Coach in healthy eating, was there to sell her book for lovers “I’m Hot, You’re Hot.” Loretta offers classes on macrobiotic meals that keep you healthy and sexy. Shelley Szajner is a spiritual healer and guide and besides selling her Magical Fairy Art, Shelley did a few Tarot readings.

 

                                                           

Rosanna Martella/ Health Coach/ Artist/Sculptor, was there to see her book “Healing Epilepsy Naturally” and a large selection of her beautiful sculptures. The fine people of “Steampunk Works” kept their shop open for the Bazaar.

 

                                                            

  

                                                         

 

Ralph& Lee Cobert are collectors of anything Victorian and they design beautiful clothing for people interested in dressing Steampunk and the Victorian Era. Their clothing is featured is several films.

 

                                                      

One of our vendors, Janet Lima, who was there selling her jewelry and crafts, bought a beautiful hat from the Steampunk Works shop. Here she is modeling it. Janet, her husband and their team run the Keystone Spirit Seekers. I was part of an investigation with them. Check it out here.

                                                         

                                                             

                                                           

 

I was there promoting the Bazaar, selling my book, Roof Oasis, the first in a series; an apocalyptic tale with a twist. I’m not shy and was out in the street encouraging people to stop in and shop.  We are planning a Spring Event “Steampunk Granny’s Bohemian Bazaar Part Two” in April.  I’ll keep you all updated.

 

                                Kahlil, Janet, Dick and Cinsearae

After the bazaar, I headed to the Laurel Hill Cemetery for their Soul Crawl through the cemetery’s history with friend and fellow writer and blogger, Loretta Swearingen Sisco and her husband, Ted.

 

                                                             

 

It was a fun night walking through this beautiful and historic cemetery and learning the history of the people buried there.  Cinsearae and her husband Dan were there, too. I bet you never knew that cemeteries could be so much fun!

 

                                                              

The Cemetery is selling my book in their gift shop, and I helped to sell one of the books at last night’s event. What can I say? Steampunk Granny never stops ticking.

                                                               
                                                                      

 

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

                                                          

 

 

 

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?

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.