Random Musings of Evil...and Lilies

Incense and Antidepressants

2012-01-10T19:25:00.004-06:00

"Burning Incense Is Psychoactive: New Class Of Antidepressants Might Be Right Under Our Noses

ScienceDaily (May 20, 2008) — Religious leaders have contended for millennia that burning incense is good for the soul. Now, biologists have learned that it is good for our brains too. An international team of scientists, including researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, describe how burning frankincense (resin from the Boswellia plant) activates poorly understood ion channels in the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression. This suggests that an entirely new class of depression and anxiety drugs might be right under our noses.

"In spite of information stemming from ancient texts, constituents of Bosweilla had not been investigated for psychoactivity," said Raphael Mechoulam, one of the research study's co-authors. "We found that incensole acetate, a Boswellia resin constituent, when tested in mice lowers anxiety and causes antidepressive-like behavior. Apparently, most present day worshipers assume that incense burning has only a symbolic meaning."

To determine incense's psychoactive effects, the researchers administered incensole acetate to mice. They found that the compound significantly affected areas in brain areas known to be involved in emotions as well as in nerve circuits that are affected by current anxiety and depression drugs. Specifically, incensole acetate activated a protein called TRPV3, which is present in mammalian brains and also known to play a role in the perception of warmth of the skin. When mice bred without this protein were exposed to incensole acetate, the compound had no effect on their brains.

"Perhaps Marx wasn't too wrong when he called religion the opium of the people: morphine comes from poppies, cannabinoids from marijuana, and LSD from mushrooms; each of these has been used in one or another religious ceremony." said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. "Studies of how those psychoactive drugs work have helped us understand modern neurobiology. The discovery of how incensole acetate, purified from frankincense, works on specific targets in the brain should also help us understand diseases of the nervous system. This study also provides a biological explanation for millennia-old spiritual practices that have persisted across time, distance, culture, language, and religion--burning incense really does make you feel warm and tingly all over!"

According to the National Institutes of Health, major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the United States for people ages 15--44, affecting approximately 14.8 million American adults. A less severe form of depression, dysthymic disorder, affects approximately 3.3 million American adults. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million American adults, and frequently co-occur with depressive disorders."

Reference:

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (2008, May 20). Burning Incense Is Psychoactive: New Class Of Antidepressants Might Be Right Under Our Noses. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 10, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110415.htm#

2011-09-21T18:14:00.000-05:00

Hedge Witch by evillily featuring halloween hats

Dangle necklace
$19 - metroparkusa.com

Ranjana Khan crystal bracelet
$475 - kirnazabete.com

Butterfly by Matthew Williamson butterfly necklace
£6 - debenhams.com

Designer Housewares from Nicole Jane Home: Metal "welcome" wall plaque...
$29 - nicolejane.com

pencil drawing earthenware espresso cups & saucers - ABC Carpet & Home
$50 - abchome.com

Charaxes eupale, Leaf-wing Butterfly
$89 - theevolutionstore.com

#408bc Vine Sprigs Stencil
$19 - naturesvignettes.com

Paper > Flocked Paper: A Cherry On Top
$1.50 - acherryontop.com

Sizzix - Originals Die - Halloween Collection - Die Cutting Template -...
$12 - scrapbook.com

Tasty Tattoo Photoshop Brushes by Designfruit
$14 - designfruit.com

Set of 72 Premium Unscented Votive Candles: Kitchen & Dining
$15 - amazon.com

The Correlation Between the Full Moon and Lunacy

2011-09-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

Factor Fiction?

Psychiatrichospital admissions and crimes increase during full moons.

While many peoplebelieve this phenomenon to be true, there is no scientific proof that the fullmoon affects anyone in a negative manner. The idea that the full moon affectspeople has been used throughout history to explain away bad or strangebehavior. The very word lunatic is derived from the name of the Roman moongoddess, Luna. Greek and Roman philosophers “suggested that the brain was the “moistest”organ in the body, and thereby most susceptible to the pernicious influences ofthe moon” (Lilienfeld and Arkowitz, 2009, para 1). This has been provenincorrect for many reasons. One reason is the fact that the moon’sgravitational pull affects only open bodies of water, and another reason beingthat the moon’s gravitational pull is the same for new moon as it is for a fullmoon. The belief of the full moon’s influence continued during the Middle Ages. During that time it was known as the lunar lunacy effect or the Transylvaniaeffect.

One of the onlypossible explanations to the origin of this belief (urban legend) may be thatthe brightness of the full moon affected the sleep patterns of people whomainly lived outdoors. Lack of sleep affects people’s behavior especially thosewith preexisting psychological disorders, causing them to possibly act in abizarre or erratic manner (Lilienfeld et al, 2009).

These beliefs are still alive and well in themodern world. However, the results of many studies to date have found nocorrelation between the full moon and the erratic behavior in humans. It seemsthe misconception may be related to the preconceived notions based on knowledgeof what is no more than an urban legend.

References

Lilienfeld, S.O., &Arkowitz, H. (2009, February 09). Lunacy and the Full Moon. Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=lunacy-and-the-full-moon

Papa Legba/Ellegua/Exu

2011-02-16T19:33:00.004-06:00

LWA OF OPPORTUNITIES & GATEKEEPER TO THE SPIRIT WORLD

Papa Legba's Ritual Symbol (Veve)

Legba has his origins with the Fon people of Dahomey (Benin) Africa and is said to be the guardian and trickster of the crossroads and entrances. He is one of the most widely worshipped lwas and is known by several names. In Surinam in Brazil he is known as Exu, in Trinidad, in Cuba he is known as Ellegua, and in Haiti and New Orleans he is known as Papa Legba. Papa Legba is the master linguist, the trickster, warrior, and the personal messenger of destiny. He has the power to remove obstacles and he provides opportunities. All ceremonies begin and end with Papa Legba, and there can be no communication with any of the other loas without consulting him first. His gift for linguistics enables him to translate the requests of humans into the languages of the spirits and lwas.

Papa Legba’s colors are red and black (as worshipped in New Orleans), and some of his favorite things that can be used as offerings include, candy, cigars, rum, and tobacco. He absolutely loves palm oil. His number is three and his day of the week is Monday.

Papa Legba walks with the black sun. He is very powerful as his tales manifest in the crossroads between the visible and the invisible worlds. He is the first to open the doors to the spirit world when called upon, and has the power to remove obstacles. Among many other things, he is known as a storyteller.

Likened to St. Michael and St. Peter, Legba is the guardian and opener of the crossroads of the world. His colors are red and black. His favorite foods are corn, candy, and rum.

Voodoo practitioners place representations of Papa Legba behind the front door of their home in order to clear their path in many ways and to bring His protection and to help accomplish goals.

Conjoined (National Museum of Health and Medicine)

2010-12-16T22:18:00.001-06:00

Conjoined (National Museum of Health and Medicine)
Originally uploaded by Prof. Jas. Mundie

Innocence and Death. Tragic and Beautiful.

Wicked Lilies

2010-10-12T16:23:00.001-05:00

I'm in love with this piece of artwork.

2010-10-01T14:35:00.001-05:00

Plague Doctor Mask by Tom Banwell

http://www.etsy.com/listing/56378317/plague-doctors-mask-in-leather?ref=v1_other_1

This is just one of the most fantastic masks in Tom Banwell's Etsy shop. If you're looking for something special for your Halloween costume, you might just check him out!

2010-09-21T20:23:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited that October is almost here! Halloween is right around the corner, and I look forward to all of the creepy goodness soon to be adorning the neighborhood. We have such strict rules here on Ft. Jackson that we cannot have any decorations out 30 days prior and 30 after a holiday. **raspberries** At least, I'm still free to decorate inside of my home with creepy goodness all year long!

2010-09-20T19:36:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I just want to write down all of the vile things that float around in my head amongst the sweet pink lace and paper mache skulls. Then I remember that I'll certainly get locked up for such acts. ;)

Oya

2010-07-23T21:36:00.003-05:00

Oya (pronounced oh-yah), the storm goddess, was one of the most powerful goddesses of Africa. She was the female warrior goddess in Yoruban myth. She was the goddess of fire, wind, and thunder. She is associated with earthquakes, hurricanes, and any kind of destruction. She was the goddess of tornadoes which were said to be caused by her whirling skirts as she dances. She's also the goddess of lightening, a power she is said to have acquired from her husband, Shango. She was also the guardian between the realm of life and death, especially the guardian of the gates of death and the gates of cemeteries.

In Yoruban, Oya means "she tore". She's known as the "mother of nine" due to the Niger River (which in Yoruba is known as the Oya)traditionally being known for having nine tributaries. She's also known as "The Great Mother of the Elders of the Night (witches)'.

Oya is both loved and feared. She was a savage warrior when necessary, and yet she was also the protective mother.She understands everything, and she will only accept and speak the truth no matter how hard it is to bear. She's also wildly unpredictable ad she will toss you into her storms of change, she will also shelter you in her embrace. Oya is the bringer of change and the seeker of truth.

Her colors are maroon, purple, and deep red to name a few. Her scents are earthy patchouli and sandlewood. She likes red gemstones, particularly garnet. Some of her icons include masks, swords, wind instruments, and anything copper.

Oya has been syncretized (to attempt to unite and harmonize especially without critical examination and logical unity) in Santeria with the Catholic images of Our Lady of Candelaria and St. Theresa. In Brazilian Umbanda, she is represented by Saint Barbara. Oya's feast day is February 2.

Oya can be invoked for change, strength, leadership, authority, courage, justice, weather spells, ancestor-worship, grief, truth, power, magick, protection.

Honoring Oya:

Colors: maroon, purple, deep dark red, oranges, browns, multi-colours, burgundy, copper.

Scents: patchouli, sandalwood, geranium.Gemstones: red stones, particularly garnet, but also bloodstone, tourmaline, smoky quartz.

Foods: eggplant, grape wine, grapes, gin, rum, kola nuts, rooster, hen, porridge, fruit, fish, anything spicy.

Herbs: comfrey, pleurisy roots, horehound, chickweed, peony, elecampane, royal poinciana, star apple, flamboyan, yucca, caimito, cypress, grains of paradise.

Icons: masks, swords, whips, pennies, brooms, camwood, wind instruments, anything associated with wind (e.g. pictures of hurricanes, tornadoes, etc), bright-coloured cloth, buffalo's horns, anything copper.

Metal: Copper.

Number: 9.

Offerings: eggplants, coins, red wine, and cloth.

Bird Memorial

2010-05-21T22:12:00.004-05:00

I've finally gotten around to taking the photos of the Bird Memorial. The link to the original blog post is http://evillilys.blogspot.com/2009/01/death.html, and it tells about how I came into possession of the little bird. Yes, the bird is real. Yes, he is dead. No, he has not been taxidermied (is that a word?). He may still deteriorate more. However, then he will be beautiful bones! This is one of my very favorite art pieces. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Tennyson

2010-01-14T15:36:00.001-06:00

And ask ye why these sad tears stream?

And ask ye why these sad tears stream?
Why these wan eyes are dim with weeping?
I had a dream–a lovely dream,
Of her that in the grave is sleeping.

I saw her as ’twas yesterday,
The bloom upon her cheek still glowing;
And round her play’d a golden ray,
And on her brows were gay flowers blowing.

With angel-hand she swept a lyre,
A garland red with roses bound it;
Its strings were wreath’d with lambent fire
And amaranth was woven round it.

I saw her mid the realms of light,
In everlasting radiance gleaming;
Co-equal with the seraphs bright,
Mid thousand thousand angels beaming.

I strove to reach her, when, behold,
Those fairy forms of bliss Elysian,
And all that rich scene wrapt in gold,
Faded in air–a lovely vision!

And I awoke, but oh! to me
That waking hour was doubly weary;
And yet I could not envy thee,
Although so blest, and I so dreary.

~~Lord Alfred Tennyson~~

Something Beautiful This Way Comes

2010-01-11T19:14:00.002-06:00

Model: Macabre Noir

http://www.myspace.com/missmacabrenoir

Skirt: Evil Lily Originals

http://www.myspace.com/evillilyoriginals

http://evillilys.etsy.com

Photo: Something Wicked Studios

Corset: Louise Black

http://www.facebook.com/louiseblackdesigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop/louiseblack

Pink Sorbet

2010-01-07T18:29:00.000-06:00

New listing on Etsy! New design as well! Take a look if you have a chance. I'll be adding more colors and styles over the next few weeks.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38062215

Thanks for looking!

~~Evil Lily~~

Something Beautiful

2009-12-16T11:32:00.001-06:00

More can be found at: http://www.english-blog.com/archives/english_teaching/resources/multimedia/photography/

New Wickedness

2009-11-18T20:46:00.004-06:00

New listing in my Etsy shop: Anti-Christ-mas ornaments!

Ornaments for those who are sick of having X-mas commercialism shoved down their throat months before the actual holiday.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34802672

I'll be busy working on other non-conformists ornaments through mid-December, hopefully.

Also, my website is finally open for business again! Go me!

http://www.evillilys.com

Now back to the work table with me!

News From the Trenches and Other Tales.

2009-10-26T19:54:00.003-05:00

Well, actually I just wanted to catch your eye. I'm assuming it worked since you're here. Just kidding!

The trip across country is now done. Thankfully! It went smoothly considering all of the stress I was holding on to. The last big move from state to state, I almost killed Jaysan. Seriously. This time we did it the easy way and had the Army move us. We were only without our household goods for a week or so which was very nice to say the least. When I was young, my parents had to wait forever to get the household goods. Since the movers arrived and unloaded an entire truckload into a small townhouse, I've been slowly gettting organized. I have a much small house now, so everything has to be in its place at all times. It's hard sometimes being a packrat. I am hoping to get the unpacking completed by the end of this week. We shall see....

I also wanted to pop on here and mention a link I came across this evening.

http://www.dark-stories.com/

It's full of interesting stories of the, well, dark kind. Anything from ghosts to swindlers, etc. So if you get a chance, I recommend you check it out. You might find a good story to haunt your friends this Halloween.

I'm off to conquer more packing paper and boxes. Will it ever end? Hehehe...

Death of a Serial Killer

2009-08-20T19:30:00.003-05:00

Years ago, when I was 17 and lived in El Paso Texas, there was a killer on the loose in the neighborhood. Girls were disappearing. Girls from the middle school that my family lived across the street from. There were also older girls and a few grown women who went missing. 1987 was shit for my social life! My Dad gave a super early curfew. I was livid. I was invincible. Immortal, as are all teenagers. However, I soon learned about mortality and fear. It came in the form of a man (I use this loosely) named David Leonard Wood. He was a neighbor. He lived in a house across from mine. He was kind of slimmy, but I didn't really think much of it. I figured he was some sort of stoner or something akin. How wrong I was! He killed 6 girls and is linked to 3 more. He is and was a sickness. I have thought of him much over the years. Amazed that I had lived in such close proximity to a killer. I could have been one of the girls whose body was tossed into the dirt of the El Paso desert and buried like I meant nothing.

Yesterday, I was reading Ugly Shyla's blog about the local serial killer. I told her of Wood. I then searched for some info to send her way. What I came upon was this:

http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_13024659

It is so strange that I would go looking for info only to discover this. I think I was supposed to find this to then know he was "taken" care of. He cannot hurt anyone anymore. Justice came way too late. 22 years since 1987 when the killing happened. 17 years since he was convicted on all counts. That is older than some of the girls had lived when he snuffed out their lives. Justice? What kind of justice is that?

I wish it was ol' Sparky, and I could see the lights dim all the way in central Texas.

EDITED:http://www.newsrunner.com/display-article/?eUrl=http%3A%2F2Fwww.kvia.com%2FGlobal%2Fstory.asp%3FS%3D10964449%26nav%3Dmenu193_1_2&eSrc=ABC+-+KVIA+7+-+El+Paso+TX&eTitle=Families+of+Wood%27s+victims+frustrated+by+stay+of+execution

He got another stay of execution for the very thing he got the last stay for. I think they doctors would have been able to determine his mental state by now!!

A Necessity

2009-08-04T23:15:00.001-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26169230

Your Nightly Nun

2009-08-03T22:35:00.000-05:00

We Are Given So Much

2009-08-01T14:39:00.001-05:00

Enjoy this beautiful day. Appreciate what has been given.

Sharon Kopriva and Nuns

2009-07-25T20:10:00.002-05:00

Nun:

Pronunciation: \ˈnən\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English nunne, from Late Latin nonna

Date: before 12th century

: a woman belonging to a religious order ; especially : one under solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Bench of Nuns, paper mache/ mixed media, 1991, 48"x 122"x 24"

http://www.sharonkopriva.net/Sculpture.html

I think I may have found a new favorite. I would absolutely love to own the above piece of art!

Can Eye Haz I Candy?

2009-07-16T14:35:00.002-05:00

Pleazzzzzzz......

New Addition to My Humorous Religion Collecton.

2009-06-26T17:33:00.003-05:00

I've had this for awhile now, but I just recently took a few photos to share.

The little handbook is hilarious!

One day, my Nuns will take over the world. Oh, yes, they will....

Logo

2009-06-19T12:47:00.002-05:00

I've been busily working a logo design this week. I figured it was about time I moved in a forward direction...enough procrastination! Hopefully, I'm close to having a finished product. This might be a far as I make it considering I suck at editing.

Lycanthropy

2009-06-16T20:43:00.003-05:00

A werewolf is an animal from folklore which can change from human to wolf and back again and is believed to consume human flesh or blood. (Wer is an Old English term for man.) While there are no documented cases of any human turning into a wolf and back, there are documented cases of humans who believed they were werewolves. To suffer from such a delusion is known as lycanthropy.
Lycanthropy is a psychosis in which the patient has delusions of being a wild animal (usually a wolf). Delusions of being a wolf or some other feared animal are universal and, although rare in the industrialized countries, still occur in China, India, Africa, and Central and South America. Not infrequently, bizarre and chaotic sexuality is expressed in a primitive way through the lycanthropic symptom complex. Patients whose internal fears exceed their coping mechanisms may externalize them via projection and constitute a serious threat to others. Throughout the ages, such individuals have been feared because of their tendencies to commit bestial acts and were themselves hunted and killed by the populace. Many of these people were paranoid schizophrenics.

Dig Your Own Grave

2009-06-16T17:31:00.003-05:00

Just imagine the dark cemetery, and you with a shovel. The soil drying on the hem of your skirt, caked and mucky. Toss the dirt over your shoulder. Again. Again. Sweat streaks your dirty face. This is beauty.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26570642

Little Girl with Bats

2009-06-04T19:02:00.001-05:00

"See No Evil" by Anji Johnston (found at Redbubble)

Such a lovely piece.

NEW!!

2009-05-26T16:57:00.002-05:00

The front.

The back.

The...uuuhhhh...sitting. :)

www.evillilys.etsy.com

Trip to the Parental Units

2009-05-23T21:15:00.004-05:00

Just a few photos from our trip to my parent's house.

Texas blue bonnets, the state flower, and Indian paint brushes.

Blue bonnets and my beautiful daughter.

Blue bonnet.

Indian paint brush.

Rowdy, my cousin's horse, that I get to feed when I go for a visit.

She's Easy

2009-05-18T08:12:00.004-05:00

Notice how her new "more successful" personality draws the attention of men only?

We all know where that can lead....

Mother's Day Bouquet

2009-05-10T17:59:00.003-05:00

My wonderful husband, Jaysan, got me this beautiful bouquet for Mother's Day!

Jaysan also made me breakfast this morning. Then he and the kiddos made me strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I took a few photos of the cupcakes, too. They were yummy!

Happy Mother's Day!

Pretty in Pink

2009-05-08T18:48:00.002-05:00

I'm sooo excited to call this chair mine! I scooped it up at a yard sale that I came across on the way to pick up Emma from school. Once I clean it and recover the arm rests, it will be so fabulous.

Cherub Chandelier

2009-05-07T16:01:00.002-05:00

I snagged this beauty in Canton, Texas at First Monday. I managed a fantastic deal, too!

New Velvet Flower Hair Clip

2009-05-06T15:10:00.003-05:00

Please excuse the shoddy photo of the flower in my hair. I took it myself hoping it would come out well. And, yes, I cropped my face out. No makeup!!

Available at:

http://www.evillilys.etsy.com/

Soon to be available at:

http://evillilys.com

Beauty

2009-05-05T18:41:00.000-05:00

Just a photo of one of my orchids. It makes me very happy

D.H. Lawrence

2009-05-04T15:45:00.002-05:00

~~D.H. Lawrence~~

(1885-1930)

"This is the very worst wickedness, that we refuse to acknowledge this passionate evil that is in us. This makes us secret and rotten."

~~Phantasmagoria~~

Rigid sleeps the house in darkness, I alone
Like a thing unwarrantable cross the hall
And climb the stairs to find the group of doors
Standing angel-stern and tall.

I want my own room's shelter. But what is this
Throng of startled beings suddenly thrown
In confusion against my entry? Is it only the trees'
Large shadows from the outside street lamp blown?

Phantom to phantom leaning; strange women weep
Aloud, suddenly on my mind
Startling a fear unspeakable, as the shuddering wind
Breaks and sobs in the blind.

So like to women, tall strange women weeping!
Why continually do they cross the bed?
Why does my soul contract with unnatural fear?
I am listening! Is anything said?

Ever the long black figures swoop by the bed;
They seem to be beckoning, rushing away, and beckoning.
Whither then, whither, what is it, say
What is the reckoning.

Tall black Bacchae of midnight, why then, why
Do you rush to assail me?
Do I intrude on your rites nocturnal?
What should it avail me?

Is there some great Iacchos of these slopes
Suburban dismal?
Have I profaned some female mystery, orgies
Black and phantasmal?

Random Advertisement of the Day

2009-04-29T20:43:00.001-05:00

Random Photo of the Day

2009-04-28T23:33:00.003-05:00

Oh how I wish the Devil would lend me a hand somedays! Of course, some days, I feel I am the Devil!

Nature's Perfection.

2009-04-23T20:44:00.003-05:00

~~A Rose~~

I see a rose beside the water, a little cup

of red eyelids

sustained aloft by an ethereal sound:

a green-leaved light touches the headsprings

and transfigures the forest with solitary beings

with transparent feet:

the air's full of bright vestments

and the tree establishes its dormant magnitude.

~~Pablo Neruda~~

Oh Yeah! (Ferris Bueller Style)

2009-04-20T20:34:00.002-05:00

One of my creations is featured on someone's blog today!

http://fashiondesignandlifestyle.blogspot.com/2009/04/paper-dolls-april-edition-reveal.html

This makes me very happy indeed!

One of My Favorites

2009-04-17T22:48:00.005-05:00

Dead Love

Oh never weep for love that’s dead
Since love is seldom true
But changes his fashion from blue to red,
From brightest red to blue,
And love was born to an early death
And is so seldom true.

Then harbour no smile on your bonny face
To win the deepest sigh.
The fairest words on truest lips
Pass on and surely die,
And you will stand alone, my dear,
When wintry winds draw nigh.

Sweet, never weep for what cannot be,
For this God has not given.
If the merest dream of love were true
Then, sweet, we should be in heaven,
And this is only earth, my dear,
Where true love is not given.

~~Elizabeth Eleanor Siddal~~

Seven Deadly Sins

2009-04-16T14:07:00.003-05:00

"The classification of the "seven deadly sins" dates back to as early as the 6th century, when they were first grouped together by St. Gregory the Great, Pope from 590-604. The sins – pride, covetousness, lust, envy, gluttony (including drunkenness) anger, and sloth – were held to be transgressions that caused the death not of the body but of the soul. In the mid-13th century Guilielmus Peraldus composed a treatise on the seven deadly sins called the Summa seu Tractatus de Viciis, and it soon became the most influential source on the subject, fascinating and inspiring Medieval and Renaissance writers including Thomas Malory, Geoffrey Chaucer, John Gower, Langland, Dante, Spenser, and Marlowe."

Just a Few Pretties from my Porch.

2009-04-13T22:21:00.002-05:00

Enjoy!!

Carnation

Rosemary

Rose

My favorite:

Hot Chocolate Calla Lily

I've planted these lilies since the photos were taken.

I'll post a few more later.

Meet Odie.

2009-04-07T17:43:00.003-05:00

Or what is left of him.

Awhile back I wrote a blog about Red, my new chocolate lab that I had brought home from my parents house. She had been shot and left to die until my parents took her in and cared for her. Odie is (or was) her brother. He was shot at the same time. However, he wasn't quite a lucky as my Red girl. This is what remains of Odie:

Yuuuummmm...

2009-04-01T09:50:00.000-05:00

...coooffffeeeeee.

I am almost human again. Almost.

I finally did it.

2009-03-27T08:57:00.002-05:00

I made the jump. The huge step that will shut my husband up...for a bit anyway.

I started my own website!

www.evillilys.com

Now it isn't all fancy smancy...yet. I'm a complete illiterate when it comes to web design, so be nice. I will slowly (obviously) be adding more products. I think as item listings expire on Etsy, I will send them to the website.

Now my problem is that I make many different items. I cannot stick with just one medium. SO how do I handle this? I'm not exactly sure yet. Maybe a different page for the various mediums? Probably. Hummph....

Decisions. Decisions.

My Eyes Sting From the Sweat.

2009-03-21T21:30:00.001-05:00

Evil is as Evil does...and evil is pissed off. Royally. Totally. Completely.

2009-03-12T20:50:00.002-05:00

When the insanity reaches in and grabs you by the heart, do you still feel? Do you retreat into oblivion? Or open your soul for all to see?

The Virgin in Lavender

2009-03-10T19:57:00.002-05:00

I am so happy with how these pillow/sachets turned out! These beauties are filled with lavender to keep all of your delicates smelling so clean and fresh.

"Fairy Bunny is Sooo Transparent"

2009-03-03T16:56:00.004-06:00

Well crap! I've been so bad about posting lately. If you could see my house, you would understand. Someone seems to have put a bomb of some sort in my fabric collection. Fabric is everywhere! I'm lucky that my computer is attached surgically to my hip, or I wouldn't be able to S.O.S. So, in the meantime, this is all I have to offer.

Meet Fairy Bunny.

Quick note to Something Dreadful!

2009-02-25T16:55:00.004-06:00

Yes, my dear, you are spot on. The only thing that you didn't connect is what the grapes represent. What are grapes made in to? And what does this product represent?

Well done!

Thanks for your input also. I really appreciate it.

Eating Grapes With the Devil

2009-02-24T19:21:00.002-06:00

This piece is called "Eating Grapes With the Devil." I know some of you have already seen this piece. However, I wanted to know if anyone knows what is meant by the title? Oh yes, there is a meaning. So, if you think you have the answer, by all means, write it down. I am interested in knowing what others think or feel.

Two new editions.

2009-02-20T14:54:00.002-06:00

Two full circle skirts in my shop on Etsy. Check 'em out!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21288833

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=21289264

Thanks for looking!

XOXOXO

P.S. I have been lax posting actual interesting "Evil" blogs this week. I plan to post something over the weekend. Stay tuned!

Almost Mourning

2009-02-17T16:21:00.001-06:00

New cuffs in the shop. Check them out if you get a chance.

The listing:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21188070
My shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5426572
Thanks!!~~Evil Lily~~XOXOXO

Santa Rita of Cascia

2009-02-13T17:46:00.002-06:00

St. Rita was born at Spoleto, Italy in 1381. At an early age, she begged her parents to allow her to enter a convent. Instead they arranged a marriage for her. Rita became a good wife and mother, but her husband was a man of violent temper. In anger he often mistreated his wife. He taught their children his own evil ways.
Rita tried to perform her duties faithfully and to pray and receive the sacraments frequently. After nearly twenty years of marriage, her husband was stabbed by an enemy but before he died, he repented because Rita prayed for him. Shortly afterwards, her two sons died, and Rita was alone in the world. Prayer, fasting, penances of many kinds, and good works filled her days. She was admitted to the convent of the Augustinian nuns at Cascia in Umbria, and began a life of perfect obedience and great charity.
Sister Rita had a great devotion to the Passion of Christ. "Please let me suffer like you, Divine Saviour," she said one day, and suddenly one of the thorns from the crucifix struck her on the forehead. It left a deep wound which did not heal and which caused her much suffering for the rest of her life. She died on May 22, 1457. She is the patroness of impossible cases. Her feast day is May 22.

(Taken from www.catholic.org)

Also known as:

Margarita of Cascia

Rita La Abogada de Imposibles

Saint of the Impossible

St. Rita is the patron saint for abuse victims, against lonliness, against sickness, against bodily wounds and illness, against spousal abuse, against infertility, lost causes, bad marriages, just to name a few.

LITANY OF SAINT RITA:

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us, Christ hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,

….God, the Holy Spirit,

…Holy Trinity, One God,

…Immaculate Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Holy Mary, Mother of pure love,

…Holy Mary, Comforter of the afflicted,

…Holy Mary, Queen of all the saints,

…Holy Mary, Model of life for Saint Rita,

…St. Rita, our advocate and protectress,

…St. Rita, beloved by the Lord,

…St. Rita given special grace from heaven,

…St. Rita, remarkable in childhood,

…St. Rita, model of obedience to God’s Will,

…St. Rita, of untiring patience,

…St. Rita, model of Christian mothers,

…St. Rita, mirror for Christian spouses,

St. Rita, heroic in sacrifice, …

St. Rita, generous in forgiving, …

St. Rita, martyr in penitence, …

St. Rita, embracing humility and poverty, …

St. Rita, exemplary as a widow, …

St. Rita, prompt to answer the divine call, …

St. Rita, patient in suffering, …

St. Rita, mirror of religious observance, …

St. Rita, mystical rose of every virtue, …

St. Rita, enamored of the Passion of Christ, …

St. Rita, pierced with a thorn, …

St. Rita, in ecstasy before the Blessed Sacrament, …

St. Rita, consumed with Divine Love, …

St. Rita, received into heaven with joy, …

St. Rita, incorrupt in your chaste body, …

St. Rita, advocate of impossible cases, …

St. Rita, persevering in prayer, …

St. Rita, help of those in need, …

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Leader: Lord, you have signed your servant, Rita.

All: With the marks of Your love and Passion.

Leader: Let us pray. O God, Who bestowed on St. Rita such grace that she loved her enemies, and bore in her heart and on her forehead the mark of Your love and Passion, grant us, we beseech You, through her merits and intercession, a love for our enemies. Through our contemplation of Your sufferings and Passion, may we merit the reward promised to the meek and the suffering. You live and reign forever. Amen

Mary Stigmata

2009-02-08T19:11:00.002-06:00

I've been rather lax this month in the art department. Not that I don't have a good excuse with the hectic month of January to deal with. However, I have managed to get a bit of work done here and there. The piece below isn't quite finished as of yet, but I thought I would give a little peek. Proof I haven't fallen off the Earth...yet.

Meet Mary Stigmata.

What could be better?

2009-02-07T21:07:00.005-06:00

I found this wonderful little box 'o' nuns at Barnes and Noble.

Why yes! I do spend way too much time at Barnes and Noble. Maybe if I say Barnes and Noble enough I can get free goodies! :)

Ok back to the nuns....

I think they go well with my Nun-chucks that Jaysan bought me a few years back. I have made a world domination kit out of my nun collection. When the collection is complete, I shall post some photos, but right now I just wanted to share my adorable new find!

Evil?

2009-02-06T14:28:00.005-06:00

I was recently asked in one of my posts, "What is your definition of "Evil?". What a good question! I do not see evil in the same way as is categorized by Christians. I believe in a balance between good and bad. I don't believe in the Christian version of "God". Therefore, I cannot believe in Satan or "evil" as written in Christian literature. I do find certain acts to be foul and disgusting, and the people who perpetrate such acts are "evil". Not because the devil or Satan lead them to commit such horrendous acts, but because the person themselves are in some way "sick". Do not confuse this statement with mentally ill. I'm sure some people who do commit atrocities do actually have some mental defect. Most, in my opinion, just exercise a lack of self control and complete disregard for others. It really is a simple answer, but I think I will take a bit longer to really express my ideas and opinions on the subject. I hope this post at least helps answer the basic question.

Just follow this:

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you because you never know which of the others is more evil than you. ;)

**I'm not sure who all actually knows this info. The evil in Evil Lily is not about being evil in the satanic sense. My favorite flower is the calla lily esp. the deep purple/black variety. I had an ad in my head that pertained to "good" verses "bad" lilies. That is really all there is to it. Nothing really "evil" about it at all.**

Concrete Blonde--Happy Birthday

2009-02-05T16:55:00.000-06:00

Does this make me Evil?

2009-01-28T12:50:00.004-06:00

This is the New Testament. It is also stolen.**see below** Here is my question:

Does it make me Evil if I stole this Bible from the hospital? Or would it be more Evil to have stolen it from a Chapel?

I have an obsession with Bibles esp. ones that have been read or used in some sort of way. Who had used this bible to pray or ask for help in their time of need. Or did they just read it? How many people found religion after a tragedy? Were their prays answered? Did they "walk through the valley of the shadow of death?"

So many questions left unanswered.

I would really like to know the answers. Someday.

**I do not condone stealing. I blame my momentary lapse on the fact I was highly stressed. Yes, Evil can make excuses. Please pray for me!

Death.

2009-01-12T15:59:00.007-06:00

I wonder how many people find me to be sick or twisted? Not that I really care what anyone thinks of me. Today, I was more cautious in one of my finds. I came upon a poor little dead bird. It's neck is broken. The reason for my caution was due to the fact that the bird was on the school grounds when I went to pick up my daughter. No matter how I feel about such things, I just cannot cause my children to suffer by getting picked on becuase Mom is a strange creature. My children actually do not mind me being who I am. This may change when my daughter becomes a teenager. The boys have never had a problem though.

Anyway, I'm off on a tangent. Back to the bird.

The bird, as I stated, is dead from a broken neck. It is such a pitiful sight since it is intact...completely. It was just lying there with it's fantastic brown/bronze feathers blowing softly in the wind. Yes, I brought it home.

I wish I could stop the decaying process just for the fact that the bird is soooo beautiful. However, I'm a realist. Decay happens. So I will probably add the bird skeleton to my art. Somewhere. Somehow.

If easily offended, do not look at the photos.

Four B's Brooch

2009-01-12T14:27:00.002-06:00

Here's the newest item in the shop, the Four B's Brooch. The title comes from the fact that it is composed of black, beads, button, and a bone. I am in love with this brooch!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19644772

New addiction.

2009-01-09T19:02:00.005-06:00

Yes, you read the title correctly! I have a new addiction. I love old dolls. Now I'm hooked on Frozen Charlotte.

"Frozen Charlottes are a type of unjointed china doll popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name came from Fair Charlotte, a well-known American folk ballad attributed to William Lorenzo Carter. It is believed to have been composed some time between 1833 and 1860. The ballad tells the tale of a beautiful young woman who set out in a sleigh with her lover, Charles, on a bitterly cold night to attend a ball fifteen miles away. Her mother warned her to wrap herself in a blanket to keep warm, but:

"No, no, no," fair Charlotte said
And she laughed like a gypsy queen
"To ride in blankets muffled up,
I never can be seen."

The couple rode off into the cold and, after traveling a mere five miles, Charles remarked:

"Such a night as this I never knew,
The reins I scarce can hold."
Fair Charlotte said in a feeble voice
"I am exceeding cold."
Away they ride through frozen air
In the glittering starry night
Until at length the village inn
and the ballroom were in sight.
They reached the door,
Young Charles stepped out
And held his hand to her
"Why sit you there like a monument
that hath no power to stir?"
He called her once,
he called her twice
She uttered not a word
He held his hand to her again
And still she never stirred
Then swiftly through the lighted room
Her lifeless form he bore
Fair Charlotte was a stiffened corpse
And word spoke nevermore.

Of course there was a lesson to be learned from this tragic tale, and many young girls who later played with Frozen Charlottes probably were warned:
Now, ladies, when you hear of this Think of that dreadful sight, And never venture so thinly clad, On such a winter's night.
Most Frozen Charlottes ranged in height from one to four inches. The one-inch-sized dolls were commonly known as "penny dolls" because they generally sold for one cent. The popularity of Frozen Charlottes can be attributed, in part, to the fact that their relatively low price allowed children to accumulate a collection of dolls with which to play. "

(Taken from The Ohio Historical Society)

I hope I can keep this collection small. Yeah, I don't think that will happen. :)

Not so Evil today.

2009-01-08T17:21:00.002-06:00

As the title states, I'm not nearly Evil enough today. I'm actually sick. YUCK! I have the most horrendous stomach ache EVER! So if I'm not well by bed time (which will be early tonight), then I will not post anything of interest tonight.

Here's to hoping my evilness returns super fast.

Resist the Devil?

2009-01-07T21:43:00.003-06:00

I wonder how the priest explain this away?" Molest." "No right to touch."

I really just wanted to post something, so this is what I have to offer.

I am fascinated by religion and how others justify their actions with religion. Is it an "eye for and eye," or "do unto others as you would have them to unto you"? I guess whatever works for the situation to explain away the guilt and shame.

To each his own, I suppose. Only if you have permission though. :)

UGH!

2009-01-06T22:39:00.002-06:00

I'm just too tired tonight to even think straight. The problem with that is my mind. It wants what it wants, and I cannot control it sometimes. The awful downside to being a totally insane bipolar nut case. I need to finish the project I am working on, but I also want to start about 5 million more projects. The ideas are bouncing and beating on the inside of my head. However, my body isn't in the mood to cooperate. I hope this is just a downside to Jaysan leaving. In a few days, I should be "working" properly again. Until then...who knows. :)

Now off to bed!

Red

2009-01-05T21:04:00.005-06:00

I really must try harder to write. However, I am feeling a bit blocked lately. Tsk. Tsk. I hate this.

I have been meaning to post about the latest edition to the family, Red. She's a chocolate lab aquired during a visit to my parents house.

My parents moved within a few hours of me in 2007. They bought some land in the area where my Dad grew up, way out in the boonies. They lived in their motorhome while building their house. No mortgage! Good for them!

My parents are suckers for animals. So every time a stray comes along, they take it in...eventually. They owned 2 dogs and a sickly kitten that my Mom nursed(literally-with a kitten bottle) back to health to begin with. They ended up having 5 dogs and random other animals that they are taking care of as of last month. One of the strays is Red.

Red has a story to tell, if only she could talk. When she came to my parents house(not yet completed at the time), she had been shot. Luckily, the bullet entered and exited through the skin in her back. She also had what appeared to be a brother who ended up getting shot soon after and dying. My parents took Red to the vet to find out her age and get her vaccinated. Ya know? All of the good vet stuff. She had to be someone's pet at one time since she was spade already. She is also very sweet. I find it strange considering what humans have done to her. She is HUGE, too! Ok, so she is only about 65 lbs., but she is one solid girl! She is also very playful, although a little dumb. Now I'm sure you are wondering how she ended up at my house.

My husband, Jaysan, was home for his R&R over the holidays. I had told him about Red because I thought he would be interested in seeing her. Jaysan has always wanted his very own "yellow dog". If you've ever watched "Funny Farm" with Chevy Chase, then you know about yellow dog! Anyway, we went up to my parents for a visit, and he feel in love with Red. My parents already have a houseful of animals, so we brought Red home. It was an interesting trip home to say the least, but we made it.

Now Jaysan has his yellow dog.

She is the most wonderful dog...sweet and loving. Although I may have to have a "tete a tete" with her about taking up the entire bed! Hahaha!

She will have a happy and secure life now.

Pablo Neruda

2009-01-04T22:37:00.000-06:00

~~Love~~

Because of you, in gardens of blossoming flowers I ache from the perfumes of spring.

I have forgotten your face, I no longer remember your hands;how did your lips feel on mine?

Because of you, I love the white statues drowsing in the parks, the white statues that have neither voice nor sight.

I have forgotten your voice, your happy voice; I have forgotten your eyes.

Like a flower to its perfume, I am bound to my vague memory ofyou.

I live with pain that is like a wound; if you touch me, you will do me irreparable harm.

Your caresses enfold me, like climbing vines on melancholy walls.

I have forgotten your love, yet I seem to glimpse you in every window.

Because of you, the heady perfumes of summer pain me; becauseof you, I again seek out the signs that precipitate desires: shooting stars, falling objects.

~~Pablo Neruda~~

New for the New Year.

2009-01-04T18:48:00.000-06:00

Here is my latest cuff design. Much fancier and "rich" than the previous designs. I plan to expand my designs to use more opulent fabrics. I have made so many wares for myslef and friends that are fantastically over the top. Now I plan to offer such wares for sale in my Etsy shop.

www.evillilys.etsy.com

Happy New Year!!