Dragon*Con 2011

Another year of Dragon*Con comes to a close.

Yes, I know that I'm about a week late posting this, but we had the whooole drive home (24 hours) and then I managed to catch the con crud which kicked my butt for a good few days. (Thank goodness for tea!)

(Thank you to Aris and Kendrah for this video and many many others!)

I know that the colors are wonky, but it was the Time Traveler's Ball! We were like... rockstars or something! All of the lights and the people and I got to DANCE during ShadowCat's drum solo! (insert a squee here) I really don't usually... dance. Not like I feel like I was that night on stage, but that could just be a Pooka being completely overwhelmed by adrenaline and many other emotions and energy and yay!

The con was AMAZING! I know that last year I had a blast, but this year? Even better. I am still floored by the fact that people RECOGNIZED me in the halls. I mean.. really? I'm humbled, and tickled pink. Thank you to everyone that came by the booth, or came to talk to us after shows. Thank you to the countless people that took photos, the people that allowed me to steal their hats to take photos in them. The Con staff and volunteers that kept everything as sane as possible. The HOTEL STAFF that dealt with our insanity...

I had such a blast singing Filk, talking with everyone at DarkCon, seeing Abney Park (Yay! I made it to their show) with Mudbutton, Got to visit with old friends, make new ones, I learned I can run up at least two flights of stairs in a corset and NOT black out, I learned apple pie is the best drink in the world, and that when given the chance, I will be in Atlanta next year!

I also want to give a special thank you to all of the boothies that dealt with the band's insanity, and to Kendrah and Aris for being so amazing and taking so many videos of us.

And I leave you with... a filk!

The Insanity Explained

So some of you may or may not know that I enjoy doing something simply called "Bead Embroidery". You may ask what bead embroidery is, well it's the act of hand stitching millions of tiny beads together to some variety of backing to create a work of art like this:

Sadly I didn't time how long that piece took, it was my very first. Since then I've done a few more:

Well, I find that doing work like this is very relaxing (as crazy as that sounds, I mean come on. Who doesn't enjoy sewing bajillions of tiny beads down?) and so I've started on a new project.

See this corset?

Soon, it's going to be COVERED in beaded embroidery.

Yep. You read that right.

I'm insane :)

Of shiny, dreams and insanity.

I'm a bad Pooka aren't I? It's been almost two months since I've posted here... I swear I'm not slacking off!

Instead I'm going to make a photo post of all of the things I've been making. Ready for it? :)

Yay photo spam! What else is going on? Well (in case you didn't know) this Pooka is crazy. I'm plotting something completely shiny-filled... It's going to be epic! Sadly it won't be done in time for Dragon*Con.

Speaking of Dragon*Con- less than a MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY CRAP!@!! @$#%^&%$%^%&*^ 

I'm not ready!!!!! I feel kind of like my brain is rattling around in my head as I try to but together countless keys, bottles, costumes, clothing.... Oh heavens.

And what else? Oh yes! Pandora Celtica got a new website. This new site includes new photos, songs that you can play, forums, and even bios for each of us! I'm very excited for this new addition. 

Q&A

So some time ago I posed the request on facebook: Ask me questions that I can answer in a q&a here on blogger. 

They answered the request, oh yes they did! So here it is: Your first Q&A blog post!

Grygori: I wanted you to tell us from your perspective what it means to be Pooka.  Give us your view on their characteristics physical/personality/supernatural, etc.  We've read some out of books, but now give us a personal account. :D
What it means to be a Pooka? Well, I know that a lot of the Myths say that all Pooka are shape shifters, or that they are horses with orange eyes and blah, blah, blah. They are said to be mysterious tricksters. Me? I must be a rarity. Yeah, I suppose I could change forms if I really really wanted to... But why waste the energy? I'm a friendly, energetic, flirty individual that loves to sing and dance (the second one only usually when no one is watching).

Also from Grygori: What do you look for in the male of the species?
Ah... I'm blushing here. You really really want to know this? Uhm... Well... I look for a male that is friendly, strong in personality, has a sense of humor, can handle my erratic schedule and crazy personality. A male that has their life well in focus.... Uhm... Yes.

Siren: What was your first experience with Pandora Celtica?
My very first experience with Pandora Celtica was actually long before I knew what I was hearing. A friend of mine took me to a Witches' Ball around Halloween one year. I heard Pandora Celtica and fell in love enough to purchase a CD and ask the band to sign it. Fast forward many years where I got ready to audition... and realized that I knew of the band!

Joseph S: Why do dogs have wet noses?
Dogs have wet noses because they have to have something to nudge you with to make you realize they're there. Otherwise how would you know to give them scritches???



William K: How did it feel when you joined PC and how long do you see yourself in the group?
It felt amazing to join Pandora Celtica. My new family opened me with open arms and since then I have had some of the most amazing experiences of my life. I see myself in the group for as long as they'll have me.

William K: Do you see yourself making it big with your jewelry or with PC?
I see myself making it big with Pandora Celtica. Jewelry is more of a relaxing fun thing for me, I much prefer to just create when it strikes me.

John H: What...is the air speed velocity of an unladen faerie?
Irish or Scottish? What's their wing pattern and magic of choice? :)


All of the following are from Miss Leora: 
What is your favorite mischief to cause?
Glitter bombing. Though, I'm a huge fan of dumping glitter into the shoes of visiting Courtiers... Mind you that Mab is NEVER amused by that.


3.) What is your favorite Pandora Celtica memory?
I've had a few of them and most of them involve me crying happy tears. Dragon*Con last year was a huge one... DarkCon was an amazing event within D*Con and I still hold very fond memories of that game.


4.) Out of all the songs the band performs, which one do you like performing most?
One that we haven't recorded yet? :) Okay, Okay... Out of the ones that we have... Either Smuggler's Song or.... Bedlam Boys. I think. Though to be honest, I really really really love singing 99.9% of all of our songs.


5.) Where do you find your inspiration for your glasswork?
The sun, the moon, the breeze... Everything and anything. Most recently it's been the glass itself. I was just able to start playing with this AMAZING glass called Clio. It's shiny and has some of the most amazing properties...


6.) Why do you like keys so much?
Have you SEEN them???? I mean... Well... Okay so in Faerie keys are a bit different... but that's another post entirely. I love keys because for me they symbolize freedom.


7.) In you opinion, what is the grossest thing in the world? 
Yams. Yams and roadkill and... other gross stuff.


8.) If you could change one thing about society, what would it be and why?
How closed minded people are. I can't even explain how much it honks me off that people as a whole can be such closed minded bigots.


9.) What is your favorite part about being a faerie?
I get to play!! It's fun to talk to people and make friends and it's just so much fun! That and the fact that the Mortal world is so... different than Faerie. So I get to discover new things about the Mortal world on a daily basis!

So here it was! My very FIRST Q&A ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Thank you all for coming to read, and if you have questions that you want added to the next Q&A please feel free to send them to rubiee.tallyn@gmail.com

Scarborough Adventure: 2011

        So some of you may know that last year in late April I took the trek down to Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas. Well this year I was given the chance to again visit the magic that is Scarborough-shire.

       Captain Velvet and I set off from the crazy town of Denver with no rush. I have to admit that I still don't understand why Requiem and Discordia wouldn't let me take the dragon... The car is so much slower!

      We drove and drove and drove some more, stopping in Amarillo for an overnight stay before finally making it to Waxahachie.

        The first morning was like being a  child all over again. I was up early, and dressed and we made it to the festival before canon. Once we got in a made a beeline for Wondrous Works in Wood for a new mug. That was my only purchase for the weekend as I was quickly re-adopted by my friends... And thus began the amazement.

      That first day I was adopted by the Spanish court. I walked parade with them, dined with them and was even given the honor of being able to perform a masque! I was the pirate captain!

      Halfway through the day I was tempted away by a trio of handsome Irishmen- whom I got to sing Smuggler's Song with. Pure bliss. The Korabushka was so much fun, I was claimed by George Boleyn! Canon sounded far too early for my tastes and the day was over.

      The second day I became an honorary Gyptian. Iosef himself swore me in, he is the Rombaro. I was able to walk parade with them and make merry in the streets. The Irish again tempted me away to sing an old favorite, "Old Black Rum". We played and sang and made a wondrous sight... I hope. And I made some of the best friends a Pooka could have. I got to dance the Korabushka with Iosef and found myself full of joy. I was also at that point promised a shopping partner or two, for the following day.

      The third day was bittersweet, I wanted to enjoy it as best I could but I didn't want it to end. My shopping was done with company from two old friends and a gentleman from Scarborough-shire. The far best memory I have from that day is when the gentleman found he had insulted me he flung himself upon the ground and groveled (face in the dirt) to try and win back my favor... No one has ever done such for me before. It made me smile, and realize how different things are from faire to faire. I only wonder in Mab will send me to Scarborough-shire for the Pandora Project at some point... I can only hope!

      Closing gate had me in tears. The three days that I had spent there was like walking in a dream. I went from having friends and acquaintances to having a family that welcomed me with open arms and embraced me with some of the best hugs I have ever had. They tried their hardest to tempt me to move, to become one of them... but I had to say no. My heart wept with every denial. I can't move to Texas, I am needed in Colorado.....

So until next season, my friends, my family. My best wishes and fondest dreams are with you.

Court Post: The Spring Equinox

               The transition from winter to spring has always been an amazing thing. Titania always had the flair for the dramatic. This season's transition of the courts was no different.

                I was called to Mab's side early on the day of the switch, I was to be with her during the ceremony as I am Duchess of Shadow Grove. (Yes, I know that in Mortal history Duchess' were of royal blood... Faerie often works quite a but differently.)

               The day was a whirlwind of preparation. From flowers, (Mab prefers jasmine) to glamour and in my case, glitter. The royal clothiers had their work cut out for them. Mab was demanding, everything had to be perfect.

               I know that Titania and her court were going through the same thing that day. All the courts were.

When the clock struck the designated hour (no, I can't tell you what hour) the ceremony began. First, Mab's court entered. They announced us as we arrived and Mab was last. 

               I remember the glory of her entrance, snow fell softly on the crowd and I caught a few pixies flitting about to catch the flakes. When they did they are them with child-like enthusiasm. I would have laughed if it weren't a court function.

               She took her seat at the head of the great hall and a hush fell.

               I felt the warmth on the breeze before the snow began to melt, Titania entered the hall. She didn't get an announcement, she didn't need one.

               I watched the Spring Queen make her way down the great hall. Where she stepped, flowers bloomed. The room stayed silent, they were all in awe as she shone with spring time glamour. She was so bright that her presence threatened to burn the eyes.

               I watched her as she walked, trying not to pull my eyes away for fear of insult. When she reached the dais Mab stood and their eyes met, Mab smiled and spoke the words I knew by heart, "This throne once mine, is passed to you. Guard it well and rule it true. From winter to spring, season to season. Keep Fae safe and give it reason."

              Titania responded, "Thank you sister. You have ruled with wisdom, I graciously take my place.. and let spring BEGIN!"

              A cheer went up from the crowd. May job was complete and as Titania's court entered, and the winter court took our places among the crowd.

              Titania was Queen, Mab became an advisor until the next winter. 

Exciting news!!!!!

Well my lovelies, it looks like Pandora Celtica will once again be at Dragon*Con!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How exciting is that?? I know that I'm bouncing off the walls and jittering with excitement. I had such a blast last year that this year only promises to be x100000 better!!!! (Maybe this year I won't get turned around and lost in the hotels....)

Also? This coming weekend we will be at Beltania! I'm very excited to go back and visit the people and the land again. Last year was magical- and I still remember the morning that we had fresh coconut for breakfast. It was so much fun!

New gigs means new costuming. Today I get to go out and buy fabric for two new skirts! They will be simple, but that's okay. I just need more than a black skirt. (Yes, Mab still needs to pay me more.)

And I'm working on a second belt. As if my first one isn't enough... But this second one I think will have more black and silver on it. After all, a Pooka can't have too many keys!