A Weekend of Wizardry, Muggles, Vendors, and Insights

                                                           

  

I’m constantly attending events as a vendor to sell my sci-fi Roof Oasis Series and to do Psychic readings. I love the excitement of seeing old friends and meeting new people. Although I’ve seen every Harry Potter film, I’ve never read the books, so I was a bit hesitant when my granddaughter asked me to share her table for a Twitch-Twitch Production Event.

                                                              

                                                                

My granddaughter, Allie, is a big Harry Potter fan and she wanted me to join her for the Pomynauk Academy Event that celebrated the 20^th Anniversary of Harry Potter. This event was held at the Old Bethpage Restoration Village in Old Bethpage New York. It was a two day event that offered Wizardry classes for the kids while offering a shopping spree for the adults. How could I refuse the offer?

On the Go!

                                                           

                                                            

Question: When is a retirement not retirement?

Answer: When you’re having the time of your life doing what you love.

My husband is always telling me that he sees me less now that I am retired than he did when I worked at the Academy of Natural Sciences. He is absolutely right so I can’t argue with him, but I am finally getting to do what I love to do. This past week, I had three big events to participate in. The first event was the 2016 Women’s Expo that was hosted by the Queen of Events, Tobi Schwartz Cassell.  This is one of many events that Tobi plans for the year.

                                                        

The Expo was held at the Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club and the list of vendors was long. There was something for everyone there. Tobi also had a Keynote Speaker, Sheila Weller. Sheila is the author of “Girls like Us,” “The News Sorority” and “Raging Heart.”  The event benefitted Cantor Scott’s Animal Rescue in Cherry Hill. I was there selling my Roof Oasis Sci-fi series and my wonderful editor, Patti O’Brien was my helper.

                                                                

Tobi is hosting another event on December 1, 2016 from 6 PM-9:30PM at Aenigma Jewelry on 6 Powell Lane, The Shoppes at the Lumberyard where Haddon Ave. meets Powell Lane. She will have Elsie Kerns and little ole me doing intuitive and psychic readings. Check out Tobi’s event page here and make plans to shop and get a reading. Check Tobi’s Franks and Beans site for all her events.

                                                          

My second event was at the First Baptist Church of Pitman located at 30 N. Broadway Pitman, NJ. I was there for the Holiday Bazaar. This was such a great event and the church is so beautiful. Pastor Randy Van Osten was there greeting all the vendors as we entered the meeting hall. I met a lot of nice people and very talented vendors: Laura McDevitt of LuLaRoe, Joy of Crafty Roots, Reflexology with Nancy Schroeck and Maryi Sunshine.  I was very happy to have sold so many books.

                                                       

On Sunday, I was at Tracy Farquhar’s Spirit Light Center at 916 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn NJ with two fellow psychic/mediums Diane Lopresti and Jean Ramalho it was a great day to do psychic readings using our angel cards. Check Tracy’s site for upcoming events

                                                                

My husband is right that I’m always on the go, but I’m having a ball and looking forward to getting into more adventures. You can check my other blog Gilbert Speaks for my reviews on television, film and books. If you happen to see me out and about, make sure to say hi.

                                                        

True Tales from the Tombs

                                                      

When I mention cemeteries, what is your first thought? Did you know that cemeteries are for the living as much as they are for the dead? I’ve been posting about my favorite cemetery, Laurel Hill, over the years and there is a reason that I love this place. This cemetery is a good place for me to communicate with the souls on the other side of the veil. I love learning about their history and the history of Philadelphia. But, there is so much more to like at the cemetery because of their kick-ass events.

My friend and fellow ghost investigator, Rita, and I began volunteering at the cemetery because of the many events offered during the year. One of our favorite is the one offered during Halloween. Last night Rita and I manned the refreshment table along with three other volunteers. The event was True Tales from the Tombs presented by the “Not Ready for Afterlife Players & Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery.
                                                           

After visitors stopped at our refreshment table for their hot cider, cookies and candy, they were led by guides to visit several grave sites where the actors portraying the spirits of notable people like: Benjamin Hodgson, Maurice Fagan, Martha Drinnan, Margaret and Elisha Kent, Anne W. Penfield, Singleton Mercer, Margaret Fox, Nathan Dunn, and Mahlon H. Heberton talked about their life and unexpected deaths. Isn’t any death unexpected when the Grim Reaper points at us?

Under the skilled supervision of Nick McAllister, Beth Savastana, Emma Stern, Carol Yaster, Suhee You, Casey Cappello, Bill Doran, David Gurmai, and Shawn Jacobsen, the event ran smoothly and all the guests, both living and dead enjoyed a fabulous show in the crisp fall night.
                                                               

Check out the event page for Laurel Hill Cemetery to see the upcoming events and say hello to the spirits for me.

Party at the Cemetery

                                                              

Yes indeed! You read this blog title right. The cemetery that I speak of is the Laurel Hill Cemetery located at 3822 Ridge Ave in Philadelphia. I’ve been attending the different events at this fabulous historic landmark for years. The events are top class and the staff is awesome. I love this cemetery so much that my friend and I volunteer there. There are lots of events coming up this month and you’ll want to check out the event page as soon as possible.

                                                            

There is a special event coming up on Saturday, September 10 from 8pm to 12am called Into the Veil.

“Life is eternal. Death is merely a change in condition…" Join Atlas Obscura and Laurel Hill Cemetery for an immersive evening as we explore the liminal world that exists between the land of the living and the realm of the dead. Inspired by the innovative event originated by Atlas Obscura and Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery in 2015, the souls of Laurel Hill invite you to contemplate the veil between life and the afterlife. An evening of hidden art, music, cocktails and entertainment will await under the cover of night as you choose your own path of discovery through the Cemetery’s enchanting hallowed grounds.

In case of rain, the event will be moved to September 11from 8 to 12.

Laurel Hill is America's first National Historic Landmark Cemetery, boasting art, architecture, nature and stunning river views. This final resting place of numerous historic notables is open daily with free admission for self-guided tours or recreation. Joggers, dog walkers, bicyclists and photographers are welcome. Unique public tours and events are offered throughout the year, with all proceeds benefitting the preservation and educational mission of Laurel Hill Cemetery. www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org

A Serenade for the Living, Dead, and Mother Nature

                                                          

I’ve posted about the many events offered at the Laurel Hill Cemetery way too many times to count. I guess you can say that I am a big fan of this Historic Philadelphia Gem near to the Zoo and you would be right on target. My friend and I volunteer whenever I’m not busy doing a book signing, psychic reading or ghost investigation. I love this place that much.

                                                       

This past Friday, Rita and I headed over the bridge and to the cemetery to see the Divine Hand Ensemble. This is about the fourth year that I’ve been fortunate to see these amazing performers. The Divine Hand Ensemble consists of Mano Divina Giannone who plays the Theremin, Monique Canniere who does vocals and violin, Julie Myers who does vocals and violin, Brit Walmsley who does vocals and violin, Hannah Richards on the Viola, Jonathan Salmon on the Cello, Gloria Galante on the Harp, Mary Kelso Bryson on the Harp and Randall Rudolph on vibes and percussion.

The Ensemble played in front of an ancient mausoleum and the music was a collection of a multitude of styles including funerary, classical, rock, and spiritual. The best part of the show was when the Ensemble performed a David Bowie tune and their rendition of the theme from Edward Scissorhands. I particularly love the Funerary tunes.

                                                                

While the music played and the bats flew overhead, I was watching a female ghost along with the several spirit children who stood at her side. I’ve seen this spirit before. She usually stays close to the old tree to the left of Benson’s mausoleum. The dead really enjoy the activities at the cemetery as much as the living does, but we were not the only ones enjoying the music this past Friday night.

Intermission

The guests and the performers took a thirty minute break, which gave everyone enough time to head to the restrooms and stretch our legs. On the way back from the restroom at the rear gate, Rita and I were surprised to see four young foxes outside their den. These animals were not frightened by the small crowd that gathered to watch them play out in the open. The crowd stood silently as the foxes chased each other or investigated their admirers from a safe distance. I was even able to film one of the more playful of the foxes.

                                                          

I didn’t think the magical evening could get any better, but it did. Monique Canniere was kind enough to serenade the foxes with her violin and beautiful voice. The human onlookers were not the only ones mesmerized by the spiritual connection between beauty and beast. Music is the communication between all living things.

                                                            

Conclusion

Cemeteries are not only for the human vessels left behind by souls. Cemeteries are home for the many creatures in nature. Laurel Hill offers nature walks in their long list of events. Become a member! Volunteer! Help keep the cemetery vibrant for the dead and the living...the foxes will thank you.

                                                              

Part Two of Steampunk Granny's Interview with Artist Lily K. Doyle

                                                           

I'm back and with the second part of my interview with the amazing entrepreneur and artist, Lily K. Doyle. So let's pick up where we left off in our interview from yesterday.

Marie Gilbert: “I know you do parties for both adults and children, but did you ever have a client who after attending your party decided to take up art?”

Lily K. Doyle: Yes, one client after attending one of my art parties enrolled in a night art course and there was another person who had not painted in years and ever since coming to my art party, she’s picked it back up again. She tells me all the time how happy she is about that.  I once did a little boy’s party, it was adorable. He wanted all his relatives to paint with him. It was him, his little brother, grandparents, aunts and uncles and his parents. It was such a cute little party with a Star Wars theme. We all painted little Star Wars space scenes. So, there were people at that party who’ve never been exposed to art and they just walked out feeling so proud. I mean I’ll help people if they want me to and even paint part of it for them or if they want to do it themselves then I just guide them.

There are also cases where you make a connection at one of the parties and all of a sudden, you’ve made a friend.”

                                                                        

Marie Gilbert: “You’ve said that when you started there weren’t that many painting parties, but now, they are all over the place. How do you keep your edge without giving too much away, but what do you use besides canvas?”

Lily K. Doyle: “I grew up in a house where my mom’s business was organizing arts and crafts shows at the Malls back in the day. So I’ve been exposed to all kinds of art my entire life and what’s funny is when I started the paint party business, I had to reteach myself how to paint because when you’re a teacher; you don’t have time for yourself.

But, I am all things crafty and artsy, so my goal is to continue with the canvas painting parties, which I simply love, but I am going to bring in other types of crafts. I’ve already started and people can go to my Facebook Fan page to see what I’m doing. One new craft I’ve recently started are hand painted wine glasses. It’s been a huge hit!

                                                                   

 

I have three or four other arts and crafts parties that are coming up and I’m really excited about them. I’m busy working on the samples now. Hopefully, people will have a paint party with me and then they will visit me again to do a different art project. This will expose them to another kind of art. I also want to do some on location events; I have all kinds of plans in mind.”

Marie Gilbert: “Do people request a certain type of art?”

Lily K. Doyle: “Yes, I have a party coming up in September, a woman who’s been to two of my painting parties. She sent me a little image clip of a tree, which happened to be in the style of Gustav Klimt’s “Tree of Life.” So I went on line and looked at a whole bunch of images and created a painting just for her. This business can literally be customized to any group or organization. If a little girl likes horses, I can do a horse painting. It’s just been so rewarding.

                                                                       

I have to design my paintings simple enough so I can reteach them to my clients. I keep saying that I need time to find my own painting style and paint my own designs, so I can see how far I can stretch as an artist. But I have to put that on hold for now, I’m just too busy between my day job as an art teacher, Undercover Artist & my family.”

                                                                     

Marie Gilbert: “How far in advance should someone contact you to schedule a party?”

Lily K. Doyle: “Ideally, it should be a month or a month and a half, however, I have had people call me two weeks ahead and if I’m free, I’ll try to swing it.  With my work schedule, I’m teaching school from Monday to Thursday, but I’m free nights and weekends for Undercover Artist.

This business started out as a necessity and I wanted to take lemons and make lemonade. There are a lot of good art teachers out there that can give you instructions, but not to toot my own horn or anything, but you need to have the kind of personality where you are part art teacher and part entertainer.
 

                                                             

 

I’ve always loved theatre and one of my hobbies is community theatre and I bring that into it. I joke around, I make people feel welcome, I nurture them and I boost their confidence. A lot of my art events definitely have that party atmosphere: bring a bottle of wine- girls’ night out kind of fun. However something else happened over the last three years I didn’t plan on.

                                                                       

First, I keep meeting the most amazing people who introduce me to more amazing people and it’s been this ripple in the pond effect. Secondly, I have accidently fallen into doing charity work and I’ve never had that type of rewarding feeling before. I’ve always taught art and I love giving to my students but this is different...”

Marie Gilbert: “Now you’re giving back to the community.”

Lily K. Doyle: “Yes I am and it’s all good, it’s good for the soul you know, to be able play even a teeny tiny part in helping a person or organization that is battling something way bigger than any of your own life problems. It also makes me count my blessings. I hate, hate, hate to admit it and I was really ticked off when the budget came down from the Governor and my art job was cut, but in reality, it was the best thing that ever happened to me, it really was.”

                                                                   

Marie Gilbert: “Speaking about budget cuts, as an art teacher what are your thoughts on important programs being cut from the curriculum?”

Lily K. Doyle: “It’s ironic because I’ve been a teacher for nineteen years and they are being so strict these days with the curriculum and the New Jersey Core States Standards including art, however, when the budget gets a little tight, it’s very often it’s the arts that go and that’s what happened to me in 2010. It was a humbling experience.

                                                                      

Art is associated with every other subject: art is math; art is world history; art is science. Art can be factored into all the other subjects. Not to mention for kids who were like me, where I was not the best math student, I was not the best writer and art was a class I could go to where my art teacher made me feel important. When a child walks into my art room door, it’s not just about their art work; it’s about their self-worth. I make sure every child learns not only the history and science of art, but also the social aspect and leaves the room feeling good because they have created something.”

                                                                        

Marie Gilbert: “I want to want to thank you Lily for being a guest on my blog and since I took one of your classes I am now an Undercover Artist fan.”

 

You can find Lily K. Doyle:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Undercover-Artist/206374786074584

info@undercoverartist.net

www.undercoverartist.net

Part One of Steampunk Granny's Interview of the Undercover Artist, Lily K. Doyle

                                                             

                                                                   

About a month ago my ex daughter-in-law/forever friend, invited me and my neighbor, Rita to an event that was held at the Treehouse Coffee Shop in Audubon, New Jersey. Sue told me to bring a bottle of wine, adding, “We’re going to have a great night painting a picture.” I was somewhat doubtful that any type of art could be produced by me after I had a few glasses of wine, but since I’m always up for a challenge, I accepted the invitation.

                                                                      

I’m so glad that I went. I had a great time and the woman behind “Undercover Artist,” Lily K. Doyle had all the supplies ready for us to begin to create our work of art. With Lily’s expert guidance and easy to follow directions, I was able to set free my creative side; the wine helped, too.

                                                                  

I wanted to know more about the brains behind the art, and Lily has graciously agreed to be a guest on my blog. So...grab hold of your paint brush and easel and learn why Lily created “Undercover Artist”

Marie Gilbert: “What inspired you to start this business?”

Lily K. Doyle: “Well, I was teaching art for sixteen years in public school and I was very content and happy, however, some budget cuts came down around 2010 and I was out of work. I started my business out of necessity, but it has turned into a huge blessing in disguise.”

                                                                    

Marie Gilbert: “Tell us about these painting events?”

Lily K. Doyle: “I would describe my painting events as part art, part entertainment, and part party; so socializing.”

                                                                  

Marie Gilbert: “How did you come up with this idea?”

Lily K. Doyle: “Well after looking around for a job in art education for about a year and not being successful, my friend Heidi called me up. She lives down South and she said, “I went to something that I could see you doing.” So I began doing a lot of research and they had these studios down south where they did these paint and sip parties and this looked like something I could do with my skills as an art teacher, my personality and my experience.

                                                                         

I looked around in the North East and here in South Jersey and no one was doing anything like this in the area, so about three years ago I started my business and it got a very good response, but the ironic thing is that this business has migrated North. These painting parties are everywhere now and my business is peaking nicely; I‘m real busy now and very grateful for that.”

Marie Gilbert: “How do you go about setting up for one of these parties?”

Lily K. Doyle: “Well, I’m going to sound like a commercial for my Hyundai Santa Fe’- my “little Art-mobile” SUV! I stick more things in there; I’m basically an art studio on the go. I put tables in there, stools, easels, canvases, paint, aprons, drop cloths, you name it! The one difference with me from the paint parties down south is I couldn’t afford the overhead for a studio, so my little niche is that I go to you; within reason. I keep it close because the price of gas is so expensive. I pack up my Art-mobile and I go to churches, hospitals, Girl Scout troops, coffee houses, you name it

 

                                                           

Marie Gilbert: “If someone wants to book this party, how do they prepare for it?”

Lily K. Doyle: “Well, it’s been wonderful because my source of business has been mainly word of mouth. I have a Facebook Fan Page and I get about ninety percent from there. You can go to my website to read general information, but I keep my Facebook page updated. It’s kind of like a blog where I put pictures of the parties up in the form of a story and it tells you why these people have gathered and how much fun they’ve had. There have been different reasons why these people have contacted me: a birthday, bridal shower or a fundraiser.

They can e-mail me, message me, or give me a call and we look at the calendar and find a date that works for them. We talk about the number of people and what they need if they need my tables or if they have tables and then we go from there. Sometimes I’ll even customize my painting just for them.”

                                                                      

 

Marie Gilbert: “So when someone hires you to do a party, how do they set up before you arrive?”

Lily K. Doyle: “Well, they do need some space, although I have squeezed a lot of people in little places. One house was very small and we were in their living room and dining room. It was opened up so we were all still together. But, I’ve had parties in basements, out on the deck, in the yard and on the driveway. It’s just this amazing little art phenomena that people are gathering.

One of my goals was for me to expose them to my love of art and to show them that it’s not a scary thing to try out. My tag line for my business, “Undercover Artist” is “Paint, Party and Uncover your Inner Artist.”

                                                                      

Marie Gilbert: “I like it.”

Lily K. Doyle: “My favorite kinds of client are the ones who say, “I’ve never painted in my life, or I can only draw stick figures.”   Of course, in the cases where we do drink wine, it does loosen them up and they have fun and sometimes the more wine they drink, the better they get. But, not all my parties are about the wine.

                                                                     

Sometimes, I’ll have a horizon line already drawn on the canvas or I’ll have a pattern of a tree or a glass to start them out, but once they get past that first brush stroke, their good and their laughing with their friends and having a good time. If you’ve never painted before, you’re going to be really surprised. If you’ve painted before, you’re going to look like a genius.”

                                                                

We'll end part one of my interview with the fabulous Lily K. Doyle and return on Friday with part two. Hold on to your paint brush, Lily has more to tell you about The Undercover Artist.