Hat #13.... The 13 Hats of Halloween!

    Bet y'all were expecting the stereotypical witch hat weren't you?  chuckle!  Seriously, doesn't this make an awesome Halloween hat?? I actually consider this one to be commanding enough to be witchy. Plus for the warm Florida weather a sinamay hat just makes more sense. Common sense is a very important component in magick after all!
    And this hat is soooo multipurpose. Its a real shapeshifter!  Depending on the clothes I wear it can make a strong showing at a Derby party.... or an Edwardian style tea or garden party....... a thoroughly modern day at the museums and galleries..... or a "dressy" funeral.  (You know the kind I'm talking about.)  And, of course, a bit of spell casting when that sort of thing is called for!  I really do adore this hat.


   I just have to post the following photos. Not only do they show some of the details of the hat, but they also show how much fun my friend John and I have when we try to do the photography thing! hahaha   
    Laughter is not only the best medicine... it is wonderful magick too!

Trying hard NOT to start laughing.

NOT succeeding!



Total collapse. But such nice details! 

    So to everyone..... have a safe and happy Halloween! And say "Howdy" to your ancestors for me.

Hat #12.... The 13 Hats of Halloween.

   I had to really dig deep to unearth this hat! It is a bit of a monster. Yet there is still something about it that I find appealing. Its large, impressive and I must say... heavy as all get out. Its like wearing a large crown of sorts. Maybe that's it. Regardless of being cumbersome, it still has an oddly regal air about it! 

    I'm such a sucker for gimping! haha And there is a beaded accent glued on the crown. Its something you only see if you're up close though. A nice little embellishment!

    There is also plenty of netting with a sequined edge gathered on top. It shows up better in the previous photo, but I really like this angle better. (I'm not a fan of sequins! There, I admitted it!)  All in all, there are a few things I'd like to do to improve this grand dame. Mind you, just to give her a more finished appearance. Perhaps she needs to be crafted into a magickal hat. Yes....   now where did my wand get to?

Hat #11.... The 13 Hats of Halloween.

    What can I say? Hats make me happy!  Especially the big wide brimmed ones!  And its even more fun when the friend photographing me is a such a character! Its so nice to be around someone who has a positive view of life. Friends like that keep you healthy and happy.  Thank you John!
     So here is that lovely hat that I had put on the pumpkin at the start of this endeavor. It says Halo inside and was made in England.   I do so love sinamay!  In my opinion it creates just the right amount of shading.  haha

    And black flowers.... how appropriate for the upcoming Day of the Dead. Is everyone ready for Halloween yet?

Hat #10..... The 13 Hats of Halloween.

    I may have to pretend like I'm Dr. Frankenstein when I get ready to try and repair this beautiful wide brim Frank Olive hat! Yes, this is the one that came delivered in two pizza boxes taped together... and pretty well smashed flat! The fact that she survived in this good of condition is a testament to quality.
    The straw is broken in quite a few places due to the abuse suffered. But just look at this gal! Still gorgeous and a perfect size brim for our bright October sunshine.

     I plan on doing another post with this hat featuring a surprise accessory. Y'all stay tuned for that!

Migraine break............................

    Due to searing pain in my skull Hats #10 and #11 will be posted tomorrow.
Blessings to everyone.

Hat #9.... The 13 Hats of Halloween.

    Since the veil between the worlds is getting quite thin by now I decided to dig out a special hat box. It has the small midnight blue clutch hat that Lulu wore to church, my mother's wedding hat and this lovely wool and satin toque that belonged to my unofficial grandma. The netting may be gone, but the memories carry on. Her name was Beulah Fern Reynolds... and what a wonderful and interesting lady she was to grow up around!  And I always called her Mrs. Reynolds... that was the respectful thing to do. None of this first name stuff with your elders!
    She had two sisters and  when they came to visit they were like a Midwest version of the Wyrrd Sisters.  Fascinating women! Very intelligent, very opinionated and funnier than hell on a Friday night!

   I was really blessed to have those ladies in my life. It certainly gave me a healthy perspective when it comes to viewing the ageing process.
   Beulah taught me to always improve myself. Learn and practice good manners. Always try something that you haven't before. KEEP learning.... no matter your age. (All three sisters had been teachers in one room schoolhouses in Nebraska back in the day. And that means from approximately 1916 on.) Be opinionated, but not rude or crass. Remember that the most important book in your home is the dictionary... and use it often!  Be honest and act with integrity... always. Most important of all is to be true to yourself.
    Yes, it was really great to grow up with her as an integral part of my life. 
   
   So to the spirit of Mrs. Reynolds I would like to say that I love you and miss you. May we meet again in another life.   Blessings and Love from the bane of your existence. 

*As a child I asked her sooooo many questions that she nicknamed me "the bane of my existence". I always loved that!  hahahahaha

Hat #8... The 13 Hats of Halloween

      I had an entirely different hat picked out for this day.... but after my cat Brave Dave O'Malley was put to rest this afternoon I changed my plans.
     I can tilt my head the slightest bit and hide my tear soaked eyes from the world. And that is how I prefer to do my mourning.... in private.

     Brave Dave was 15 years old. He is an amazing ancient Soul that occupied a gorgeous orange tabby body. Everyone loved him, whether two or four legged. He had a kind, compassionate and comforting Spirit. I have no words to describe my sorrow at his passing.
     I am truly blessed that he shared this lifetime with me.