OPEN THE BOX!!!!

It may be day 3 of LeighSB's Dark Valentine Hop...

but it is also 

The 7th Annual Vampire's Day Soiree!!!

for this post I will share a secret....

"What's inside the box?"

is the question most asked about just about any box

anywhere ever :D

The box I have in mind has made 2 appearances in my 

life so far....

Firstly in a short story I wrote

"Shrinking Violet Unchained"

and more recently as an altered art piece

"Box of Junk"

but in neither case were the contents revealed...

so before I do...a little ditty...

A Vampyric Lullaby:

(commonly sung by Vampire Nannies)

A Tisket....A Tasket...

A Coffin or a Casket

Wherever you choose to make your bed

Be sure to never lose your Head.

The World's a danger from the start,

So mind your careful with your Heart.

It's just as precious as your Head.

If missing either you'll end up dead!

So flit and Fly my sweet young thing,

Above the clouds on silken wing.

Breaking Hearts if they but ask it...

I'll keep yours safe...

inside my Casket!

 need a closer look?

Well seriously....what did you think I would have hidden
in an old box....at Valentines...buried under the privet????
I do like to stay true to the old ways mwahahahaha...

An InLinkz Link-up

The harsh light of day...

Welcome to my offering for 

The 6th Annual

Vampire's Day Soiree

It is the final instalment of 

Abigail's adventures with the Moon Daisies

Part 11: THE HARSH LIGHT OF DAY

"Well...going on the state of his hands and the heavy muddy boots... I'd say that Vampire IS the Woodsman" said Stewie as the three friends peered around the door frame into the library.

"You really think so?" queried Abigail.

"I would concur" said Mavis. "Maybe he was bitten by the Daisies..."

"I was bitten but haven't turned into anything scary" replied Abigail with what may have been a slight pout.

"True, " said Mavis "but he must have been bitten many times over the years...look at what happened to me after biting them."

"Or" interrupted Stewie "he was already a Vampire and the Daisies got crazier after biting him!"

"Does it really matter who bit who?" snapped Abigail. "We have to help him. I know the Bluebells told us their version of events, but nothing in their story justifies the punishment he is still suffering!"

Mavis and Stewie took a step back.

Abigail had made a decision, she was walking into the library, toward the sleeping Vampire.

Before Mavis or Stewie could stop her she was tugging on his sleeve...

"Excuse me" she spoke quietly and calmly.

On getting no response she tugged harder.

"Excuse me sir"she said again, slightly more forcefully.

"Abigail!!! What are you doing???" hissed Mavis.

Abigail turned to her friends who were still hiding by the door way.

"He's a sad sad Daddy... and I'm going to give him a hug."

Mavis felt her jaw hit the floor as she and Stewie stood frozen in horror.

Abigail turned back to the sleeping creature.The brave-hearted little girl then climbed up onto his knee, put her arms around his neck and whispered "Wake up Daddy...it's going to be ok..."

Stewie felt the tears welling up in his eyes. He felt he should be screaming and pulling Abigail away to safety, but something was holding him back, something was telling him it was OK...just as Abigail was telling the huge beast...everything was going to be OK.

The Vampire stirred...his sad expression was softening, and he looked somehow friendlier, if a little puzzled. His big scary hands reached around Abigail...and this was the moment Mavis passed out.

Stewie was made of tougher stuff, but he couldn't help a shudder as the Vampire slowly opened his bloodshot eyes to look straight into the face of the helpless child.

"??? Abigail???" whispered the still sleepy monster.

"Yes Daddy...it's me"

And the huge scary Vampire turned into a sobbing, sniffling mess of a man in front of the still mesmerised Stewie.

"It's OK Daddy...I've come to get you...Mummy found me ages ago...we've been waiting for you, but you hid yourself in the Darkness. You were so busy being angry you forgot about the Love. I have come to take you into the light."

As Stewie watched on, Abigail took her sad Daddy by the hand and led him outside...it was so bright and sunny...and we all know what happens to Vampires in sunlight...

"I can't come out there baby...I will burn and go to Hell because I was careless to lose you..."

"You don't go to Hell for being heartbroken ... only your outer self will burn...I will hold your hand and we will walk in the light together."

Stewie felt the rush of happiness as the dark vampiric shell fizzled away, and the Daddy and his little Angel walked across the sun-bathed garden...and faded away into nothing.

...

It was many hours before Mavis woke up to find Stewie, still sniffling, snuggled up against her.

"What happened?...where is Abigail?" she asked quietly.

"..so beautiful...you won't believe me..." he sniffed in response.

As the pair walked out onto the gravel path they felt both sad and happy at the same time.

"So Abigail was a ghost..." said Mavis, still trying to understand.

"Apparently" replied Stewie." I did sometimes wonder why such a little girl was hanging out with us,

and why her parents never came looking for her at night." Stewie continued thoughtfully. " I think Abigail had blocked out the horror of her own demise...and it wasn't until the Bluebell's retelling of the fateful night that she began to remember... and not until she saw his sadness did she recognise her Daddy and why she was here."

" I suppose it does explain why she was always so drawn to the garden..." began Mavis

"...and fascinated by the Daisies" finished Stewie.

"I hadn't thought about that" said Mavis "so....am I dead too?"

"Don't think so" answered Stewie, playfully flinging a rather large acorn at her.

"Oooow...that hurt!"

"NOT DEAD" said the ever practical squirrel. " I guess it's true that animals are just more open to spiritual communication. Abigail had been gone a long time and needed friends to help her find her Daddy that's all."

"Wow" said Mavis "I'm still green and flowery though...what am I going to do now?"

" I guess we could always hang out in the Bluebell wood..."hang out"...get it?" he taunted, and Mavis chased him across the lawn, playfully nipping at his heels.

The end

(for now)

Mwahahahahahaha......

Enjoy XXX

Pre Party Nibbles...

I haven't done any writing for a while now,

 but one thing that is guaranteed to get the juices flowing...

Vampire's Day Soiree 

This February 14th is the 6th incarnation of this annual event,

and time for me to continue my

 MOON DAISIES saga.

So today you can read part 10 with part 11 to follow on the 14th.

*you can catch up at the above link*

Moon Daisies pt 10: Time for Nibbles

Getting back to the house was much easier than the journey to Dead Man's Wood for Abigail, what with Mavis' new found ability to fly.

As the pair soared over the furious Daisies, they stooped to pick up the hapless Stewie (who it should be said, was making excellent progress under the circumstances)

For reasons best known to herself, Mavis had decided to re enter the creepy old wreck of a house via the attic window, prompting knowing, sarcastic glances from Stewie, and mutterings about "rafters" and "nap time".

"ACTUALLY..." started Mavis..." I just thought the higher up the building the further away from those dastardly  Daisies. We know they can't enter the woodland, but we don't know if they can enter the house!"

"Point taken" said Stewie, and Abigail nodded quietly in agreement.

"You look cold deary" said Mavis, noticing how pale Abigail now looked.

"I think she may be in shock" noted the ever practical squirrel..."it has been a particularly stressful night. Maybe a nap isn't such a bad idea."

The three friends huddled together in the farthest corner of the attic amongst a pile of old curtains, and surprisingly quickly, fell fast asleep.

...

When she awoke a few hours later, Abigail couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling left in her by the story the Bluebells had told .

How heartbroken that father must have been on finding his child so cruelly killed.

No wonder he still roamed in his anger and grief.

If only she could find a way to let him know what had really happened.

Maybe he would rest in peace, leave the land and the Daisies would go back to being just pretty flowers again.

She rubbed her eyes awake as Stewie came back into the room. Squirrels don't need much sleep, and a quick power nap left him eager to check out the "Daisy/House" situation.

"All clear...as far as I can tell." he announced to the still drowsy pair. " I think they seem afraid to actually come in...though there are plenty of them all along the edge of the gravel path."

"Well I think I will go down to the kitchen and see if there is anything interesting to eat" said Mavis.

"Anything except Daisies?" quipped Stewie, and even Mavis allowed herself a small giggle.

While Mavis checked out the kitchen cupboards, Abigail and Stewie went back to the library.

*Abigail's earlier visit to the "Wing-backed" chair*

"I don't know why...but I feel so much safer in here...in the big wing-backed chair" mused Abigail as she climbed into it and picked up a book from the side table.

"HOW TO LIVE FOREVER....THE WAY OF THE VAMPYR " she read aloud.

"Vampire...." whispered Stewie.

"Yes ...Vampire...it's just spelled Vampyr in this old book" continued Abigail.

"No....Vampire...." repeated Stewie.

"Yes... I understood you the first time" Abigail laughed at Stewie, and waited for him to jump onto her lap, but he didn't.

"Noooooooo.......chair!!!...Vampire Chair!!!"

Abigail looked over her shoulder with eyes the size of saucers to see what Stewie was pointing at...

The "Wing-backed" chair Abigail found so comforting was in fact an ordinary chair...without wings.

She had actually climbed into the lap of the chair's occupant....an occupant with large leathery wings...and fangs... and a very sad expression as he slept silently.

Abigail very quietly crept down from his knee, put the book back carefully, and joined Stewie as he backed out of the room. But she couldn't tear her eyes away from the sad face.

She even thought she heard a soft pitiful whimper come from the large creature as they crossed the threshold and ran to the kitchen and Mavis.

"OMG!!! .. OMG!!!... OMG!!!" Mavis squealed as she jumped up and down excitedly.

Stewie and Abigail glared at her "Seriously?" they asked in unison.

"Yes...CHOCOLATE BISCUITS!!!!" squealed Mavis again..." a bit dusty but definitely edible!"

"We tell you there's a big Vampire in the library and you just go on about biscuits!" snapped Stewie.

"CHOCOLATE biscuits..." repeated Mavis with such emphasis that it left no room for debate.

So they sat eating chocolate biscuits, eyes turned towards the doorway, just in case.

"That's better" sighed Mavis "Now....what's that about the library chair?"

....

See you back here on the 14th mwahahahaha....

Enjoy XXX

The Beast Within...

Welcome to the annual 

Vampire's Day Soiree

Moon Daisies Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Moon Daisies pt 4... THE BEAST WITHIN

Mavis awoke from a very fitful sleep. Her tummy had been fighting a fierce battle with the Moon Daisies, who were refusing to be digested easily.

Repeated rumination seemed to have done the trick, but Mavis still felt weak... and more than a little queasy.

The normally sturdy sheep struggled to her feet, knees shaking alarmingly, and made her way to the window for a breath of fresh air.

As she looked across the lawn she could see her friend Abigail leaning against the railings, apparently arguing with a squirrel.

Mavis had every intention of charging across to defend her friend once again, but was instead overcome by a dizzy spell, images of partially chewed squirrel circling her head, and vomited all over the carpet.

Mavis felt herself passing out and was helpless to do more than lean away from the steaming bilious green pile.

...

Abigail and Stewie walked quietly along the path which lead to the front door of that creepy old house, being extremely observant with regard to the "KEEP OF THE GRASS" sign.

"I wish I had seen that before." said Abigail.

"Why?" asked Stewie "It's the Daisies that are the problem, the grass is fine."

Abigail glared at Stewie's sarcastic comment.

"Do you know if anyone lives in that house?"

"Weeellllll...."muttered Stewie"...I've seen movement, but I don't know if I can say anyone definitely "Lives" in there."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Abigail half whispered half squealed, her motion toward the house coming to a sudden halt.

"Just rumours....can't possibly be true." Stewie seemed to be stalling, and Abigail was sure his tail was shaking just a little.

"I thought you were fearless? What rumours? What is it that you are afraid of exactly?" demanded Abigail with a newly found courage.

"Ummm....you never wondered what kind of person grows carnivorous flowers in their garden?"

"Actually... no I hadn't thought about it."

"VAMPIRES!" Stated Stewie in a very matter of fact manner.

"Vampires live in creepy houses and grow flesh eating plants....that's who!"

Abigail felt suddenly rather sick to her stomach... "Are you serious? Are you suggesting that Mavis may be trapped in a house full of Vampires?"

"NO!" snapped Stewie, "I'm suggesting that Mavis may now BE a Vampire!"

Abigail stood in shocked silence, her mind dancing with images of Mavis in a black swooshy cloak, hanging from the rafters by her hind legs....and then her emotions just got the better of her.

"BWAHAhahahahahaha....!"

Abigail fell to her knees, gasping for breath, clutching her aching ribs as tears of laughter tumbled down her cheeks.

Stewie just watched, arms folded, tapping his foot, tail twitching as his anger increased.

"Bwahahahaha..."Abigail sucked air, trying to regain control. "M...M...Mavis....a...vampire.....a vampire "SHEEP"!"...cough...splutter...cough...

This went on for more than a few moments before Stewie slapped her back to her senses.

"If you've quite finished....it is totally possible that eating those Daisies may have had some adverse effects on your friend, and rolling around on the floor laughing is not going to help her!"

Stewies indignant tone brought Abigail back from her hysteria.

"Nobody wants it to e true, but nobody has dared knock on that door and find out who or what is in there."

Now Abigail began to feel guilty about her reaction, "I'm sorry. That was very insensitive of me. Of course I am extremely worried about what may have happened to my friend....I will go and knock on that door." and with that, Abigail marched up the steps and banged n the large double doors.

Stewie hid behind the balustrading, ready to leap at whatever came through the door, or run away, whichever seemed most prudent at the time.

For what felt like an eternity nothing happened, then noises started from within.

At first, distant tapping sounds...then a louder rumbling, stumbling and banging.

Abigail took one pace back from the doorway.

"B DOOM!...B DOOM!...B DOOM!"

followed by a shaky, screechy voice...

"Can you open the door from your side? I can't seem to manage the knob."

Abigail slowly reached for the door handle...and was immediately side tackled by Stewie.

"ARE YOU INSANE?" he screamed into Abigail's face. "That door knob is Silver...everyone knows Vampires can't touch Silver!"

"I'm not a Vampire..." came the voice again, "...at least I don't think I am....the light IS hurting my eyes, and my teeth do feel rather strange, but the reason I can't open the door is that my hooves keep slipping on the round knob."

"Hooves?" Both Abigail and Stewie said at once.

"MAVIS!" cried Abigail, "Is that you?"

"I think so...Abigail? ...but I do feel ....not quite myself."

Against all Stewie's protestations Abigail grabbed the door knob, determined to free her friend.

...

As Mavis stood swaying in the hallway the large front doors swung open. The light came flooding into the house and Mavis could just make out two silhouettes.....one she recognised as Abigail, the second she surmised to be the squirrel Abigail had been arguing with earlier.

Abigail and Stewie were greeted by all too different a vision...

to be continued...mwahahaha...

Enjoy :D XXX

Entered for Dream in Darkness February challenge
Left of Centre #17
Forever Dark 2 Challenge #9

Rekindling the Spark

OK...I is a BAAAAAD blogger.

January seems to have been a bit of a washout all round as far as art is concerned,

BUT

February is a time to see the light and start moving forward again...

SOOOOO......

Time to focus that internal energy onto the spark of creativity....

it's not that I haven't been creating...

 Sparkly purple Dragon

 Badass Bunny

Hexagon daisy blanket...

but all this crochet is no substitute for mental gymnastics, and my mind/muse is wandering in the direction of a derelict old house, 

a lawn full of carnivorous daisies, a missing Mavis...

and a very inquisitive squirrel.

See you all soon...mwahahahaha....

Enjoy :D

BLessed Imbolc to you all XXX

What's in a name?

Welcome to my post for Holly Horrorlands "Vampires Day Soiree"

Just Fred?

It was "that time" again.

The mist slithered predictably toward the doorway of the long abandoned church.

Creaking heavily, the old oak doors shuddered to the touch, groaning half in fear, half in ecstasy as the guests passed through. 

It had long ceased to be consecrated ground. The only creatures worshipping here now, rats, mice and crows...and several rather large spiders.

The visitors dragged remnants of pews to form a kind of circle in front of the altar.

No one spoke, each attending to his or her tasks as if in a trance, the motions nothing more than muscle memory.

Seated in silence, heads hung low in private contemplation, as the crucified Christ stared at them from his precarious perch.

A dark shadowy figure arose from the choir stalls, and all eyes lifted to greet him.

"IT IS TIME!....LET US BEGIN!"

A short, unassuming figure stood up from his seat. Looking around the circle nervously, drawing long slow breaths to steady himself.

"Hello...my name is Fred....and I'm a vampire..."

The words struggled to free themselves from his dry, cracked lips,

Someone choked back a giggle...then another snorted...then a half laugh...until the whole group were howling with derision at the newcomer.

"SILENCE!!!!" commanded the co-ordinator.

"Oh P...LEEEASE!" snipped a lady in a very tight black gown...."FRED!!???...what kind of name is that for a Vampire?"

The co-ordinator glided over to where Fred sat dejectedly staring at his feet.

"How long have you been a Child of the Night...*cough*Fred?"

"Ummmmm...about 50 years, give or take..."

A collective sigh of disgust rippled around the circle.

Fred heard the whispers..."50 years...and that's the best name he could come up with?"

"It was my father's name...he was a Monster! I thought, if I was going to be a monster, I would need a name that brought dread and fear....well...it does in me...." Fred's words trickled into nothing under the horrified gaze of his peers.

"Oh dear.." soothed the co-ordinator. "Ladies and Gentlemen...kindly show some compassion for our little friend. He has taken the first step to enlightenment. He has shown great courage to stand before us and share. How he despises himself for his own weaknesses.

Isn't HE exactly why V.A. was founded so many years ago? He needs not out derision, but our assistance!"

Nods and mutters of "here, here" followed his saged words.

"So, to business. As an "undead" you are entitled to choose a new name *cough* Fred. Something that inspires fear in others rather than yourself....a strong, regal, even sensual name helps people to show the level of respect you require...any suggestions from the floor?"

"COUNT Frederick VON Glocken!" snapped the woman in the tight black dress..."LORD FABIAN Cunningham-Smythe!"....."Charles LE STAT!"...

The list grew and grew, all very grand names indeed!

"Ummmm...do I have to choose right now?"

Fred's head was spinning from the fabulous possibilities before him. Just hearing the names made a tide of passion rise from the depths of his very being.

He could be anyone he wanted to be...he just had to choose to "BE", and a new name was just the beginning.

"Not at all." answered the co-ordinator. "We look forward to meeting you again..same time next month?"

"Oh yes....thank you" replied Fred.

Fred positively skipped back home, his mind filled with endless imaginings.

As he sat in front of the television, watching re-runs of his favourite programme, tapping the toes of his slippers in time to the dancing, it came to him...

A name "respected by so many"....

a name that turned heads...

not exactly a feeling of fear...more "awe inspiring"....

"YES!!!"

His new name would be.......

"BRUCIE!!!"

Far away...the co-ordinator softly, but repeatedly, banged his head on his large polished mahogany desk....

The end?

*"Brucie" is the nickname of Bruce Forsyth. Long respected and much loved entertainer. Most recently host of the British Strictly Come Dancing*

How Beats My Heart?

My post for Holly's Horrorland Vampire's Day Soiree

HOW BEATS MY HEART?

How beats MY heart?....

Creeping round the neighbourhood.

Filled with passion, fire and blood,

This heart leads me to something good.

How beat THESE hearts?....

Shrouded by a longing deep,

I stand in shadows as you sleep

And darkness comes, our love to keep.

How beats YOUR heart?...

Do you feel nothing for our plight?

We are the Children of the Night

With whom you vow to ever fight.

How beats YOUR heart?

Compassion for my love you lack.

My heart breaks as you attack

with tarnished cross upon your back.

How beats YOUR heart?...

With righteousness, so harsh,so grand.

A wooden stake grasped in your hand...

His body turns to barren sand.....

NOW beats my heart!...

It screams in rage without his love,

And claws spring forth from velvet glove,

As I leap upon you from above...

How beats THIS heart?...

Here in my grip...

Which from your chest I gladly rip...

How beats MY heart Hunter?

......SILENTLY!!!!

I love that you're so damn creepy!!!

Earlier this month a friend (aka Prudence Puddleduck) asked if I preferred Valentine's Day or Halloween...and the discussion ended with "Why can't we have both together?"

We decided to swap ATC's and this post shows the one I am sending to her, but today I was introduced to the "Vampire's Day Soiree" 

* I am so joining in with this mwahahahahaha*

So...back to the ATC...

I had just bought some mixed media atc cards from a clearance pile at Hobbycraft, and used one to paint some lush colour on with acrylic paints....

 I have an old rag doll stamp (can't remember company will try and find out later)...

 stamped with permanent ink onto a single layer of serviette...

 and bonded to card with matt medium.

The serviette disappears (ooooooooow....tis magic) while the inked image remains

 A little blood red heart  (Stickles) appeared in the jar....

still shiny and wet and....fresh!!!!

 And now our little Gothic pair just needed a bit of colour

....not too much though....

The blood red writing reads "with all my heart...."

Creepy enough for you Debi ?

No bad dreams now folks mwahahahahahahaha.....:D

Enjoy XXX