Geo ribbon wreath

Prices lowered for many bottles only tested once. PayPal G&S only. Will ship out within one week of purchase. Freebies included. All perfumes stored in a cool, dark closet. Pet-friendly home. Please see spreadsheet for scent notes, samples, and other info: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14tzX_gKke_L6sTzwx1vq6NhMH3gAd7jb7zh5b0z6M-M/edit#gid=2023710454
FULL SIZES - 5ml oil bottles unless specified otherwise
Alkemia Enchantress (An intoxication of amaretto liqueur spiked with cinnamon and citrus peel, star jasmine, accord of Cochleanthes amazonica orchid, mandorla amara, Bourbon vanilla caramels, guaiac wood, sweet vetiver root, and sexy botanical pheromones) - $18, BN used 1x
Alkemia Falling Stars on a Winter's Solstice - (Aromatic balsam needles, a dab of dark musk, sweet myrrh, incense resins, melted snow, and a touch of cabin woodstove smoke) - $18, BN used 1x
Alkemia Kapnobatai - (Cannabis accord, Green frankincense, Oud, Galbanum, Afghan pine, White copal, Basil, Kusum, Nicotania, Bakhoor incense) - $20, BN used 1x
Alkemia Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Ultime) - (Cashmere, Japanese incense, Caramel, Praliné, Vanilla orchid, Bergamot, Orris root, Candied lemon peel, Champagne) - $20, BN used 2x
Alkemia Arcanum Experiment #2 2022 - (Saltwater taffy, cream musk, pineapple, copra, tuberose, tropical tanning oil) - $10, BN used 1x
Alkemia July Tidal Alchemy - (Saltwater splashed linen drying in the summer sun, ozonic clouds whisping across blue skies, a splash of fresh green coconut water, and a zest of lemongrass) - $5, BNNU
Andromeda's Curse Darkest Violet - (Violet, Tomato Leaf, Blackberry Wine, Sandalwood, Incense, Amber) - $8, BN used 1x
Andromeda's Curse Gingerbread Coffin - (Gingerbread Cookies, Vanilla Icing, Candy, Rose, Soil, Wood) - $8, BN used 2x
Arcana Craves Blueberries Crave Sunshine - (Lemonade, watermelon, lime zest, golden gardenia, pearl musk, tiny blueberries, Black Dragon tea leaf, and blood red cedar.) - $15, BN used 2x
Arcana Craves Honey Craves Smoldering Cauldrons - (cauldron smoke reaching up to the sky, damp, decaying leaves, wild chanterelles, blackened lavender stems, dried tea leaves, and wildflowers) - $15, BN used 1x
Arcana Craves Pumpkins Crave Viola - (Purple violets, lemongrass, Oregon lavender, coconut milk, and gently spiced pumpkin flesh) - $15, BN used 1x
Arcana Wildcraft Crossing - (The soft earth of home, a swath of incense-infused linen, unsweetened violets, dark stones, freesia, purple iris, ocean tides, rich olibanum resin, a whisper of leather, and ultra sheer patchouli.) - $20, BN used 1x
Arcana Wildcraft Jinx - (Regina cherries, Bourbon vanilla beans, fleur de sel crystals, burnt sugar, iridescent Cascadian rain, and a tincture of Pacific beach sand.) - $20, BN used 1x
Arcana Wildcraft Medea -(Opening with ripe cassis berries and pink pepper, the drydown reveals salty, musky notes of Cetalox and Ambroxan, a bit of juicy raspberry, a hint of iris, and a base of amber resin and blonde woods.) - $22, BN used 1x
Arcana Wildcraft Mountain Witch - (Roasted black coffee beans with a swirl of woody incense, wild-harvested spruce needles, fir balsam absolute, green moss, damp firewood, soft earth, and a hint of Oregon wildflowers) - $22, BN used 1x
Arcana Wildcraft Snow Witch: Ritual - (A dark, mysterious mix of blackened amber resin, wild-harvested fir and spruce branches, aged iron-distilled patchouli, frankincense tears, and bitter orange nectar) - $18, RIS
Arcana Wildcraft Sabbath Eve - (crisp, dead leaves, evening woodsmoke, dark amber, and smoking church incense.) - $18, RIS
Arcana Wildcraft Valkyrie - (A carpet of velvety green mosses with battered leather armor and a stout wooden shield. The sacred incense of the dead. Translucent tree resin and dry cedar heartwood) - $22, BN used 1x
Arcana Wildcraft Trust - (Lavender-scented kulfi, ruffled red carnations, precious French cognac, ribbons of melted caramel, white amber, fluffy vanilla, clove bud, and brown sugar.) - $20, BNNU
Arcana Wildcraft Titania v2 - (Summer storms and cotton candy with a mischievous, feminine array of heart notes: spruce tips, pink pepper, forest mosses, Tahitian vanilla, and morning dew) - $24, BN used 1x
Arcana Wildcraft Sway - (Tropical strawberry, orange blossom, white pepper, bone musk) - $16, BN used 1x
Astrid Mercy No. 45 - (Raspberry, vanilla cream, patchouli, and palma Rosa) - $20, BNNU
Astrid Whinnies Twenty-Five 8ml - (Marshmallow, Osmanthus, matcha tea, Moroccan rose, black pepper.) - $23, BN used 1x
Amorphous Perfume Spring 1988 - (Highlights include cognac soaked maraschino cherries, fizzy cola, vanilla ice cream, and caramel.) - $25, BN lightly tested 1x
Black Baccara Cabaret (3ml dram) - (Aged merlot, floral musk, pipe tobacco, honeyed sandalwood, peony flower, antique piano wood, and vintage pomanders.) - $13, BN used 1x
Black Baccara Marie Laveau (3ml dram) - (Vanilla, cinnamon bark, honey, rose, and grapefruit) - $13, BNNU
BPAL Asleep in the Deep - (A lightless abyss of black plum, sea salt, opium tar accord, labdanum, and indigo benzoin.) - $25
BPAL Blizzard - (grey amber and white oud, ti leaf, vanilla ash and white sandalwood.) - $25
BPAL Cranberry, Almond, & Dark Musk - $20
BPAL Honeyed Amber, Apple Pulp, & Neroli - $20
BPAL Goat Enjoying a Pink Flower - (Goat’s milk, peonies, carnation, honeycomb, and vetiver) - $22
BPAL Slumber Ghoul- (Sleepy lavender bud, the memory of warm milk, a splinter of bone dust, and a clawful of upturned grave loam.) - $25
BPAL Zombi - (Dried roses, rose leaf, Spanish moss, oakmoss and deep brown earth.) - $15
BPAL Pumpkin Incense Atmosphere Spray - $25
NAVA A Change of Heart - (Copal Resin, Shiraz Wine accord, Kashmir Absolute, Indian Oudh, Leather accord, and burning embers) - $20
NAVA Crystalline #3 - (Orchid perfume accord, Wild Blueberry Skin, Elderflower essence, Olibanum, Balsam Fir essence, Skin Musk accord, Bourbon Vanilla absolute (Studio Limited originals), Crystalline (Studio Limited originals), and Kobalt Vanilla ) - $25
NAVA Encens Oudh - (Black Agarwood, Smoked Agar chips, Nevada Desert Sage, Sage Incense accord, Cade, Vetiver, Olibanum, Elemi, Bastet’s Musk, Cedarwood chips, Cypress, Frankincense resin, and Cambodian Oudh chips) - $24
NAVA Poe -(Sandalwood and Elderberry, Pomegranate, and Guava with an undertone of Australian Sandalwood and Nag Champa Incense) - $20
NAVA Outerspace Girl - (Bay Rum accord, Muguet, White Patchouli, Lemon, Lilac, Cedarwood, Balsam, Tonka Bean, Black Patchouli, Leather accord, Vanilla Bean Liqueur) - $20
NAVA OP Serqet - (South African Marula Fruit, Blood Orange, Egyptian Clove, Ginger, Carnation, Vetiver, Musk, Demascus Rose Petals and Essence give this Goddess a beautiful perfume for protection and light.) - $20
NAVA The Spooky House - (Atlas Cedarwood, Pumpkin Latte, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Clove, Cream Coffee accord, Vetiver, Blackened Cedar, Black Patchouli, Bastet Amber, Bastet’s Musk, Orange Zest, Rum, Fig, Brown Sugar, and Caramelized Vanilla Bean) - $20
NAVA Vampiress Ylang Ylang Wine - (Ylang Ylang absolute, White Tonka Bean, Madagascar Ylang Ylang blossom, Amber essence, Raisin accord, Patchouli, White Zinfandel accord, Red Currant, Strawberry essence, Rose Petals and Raspberry essence) - $20
Olympic Orchids Blackbird 5ml EDP - (Himalayan blackberry fruit, dry grass and leaves, elemi, cedar wood and resin, woody-amber accord, fir balsam absolute, musk) - $15
Poesie Fireside Reverie - (a crackling wood fire, holiday blend of nutmeg & cinnamon, precious resins of frankincense, myrrh, and benzoin) - $18
PULP Fragrances Drunken Jack - (Oak barrels, spiced whiskey, pumpkin, and vanilla sugar.) - $14
S92 Enfant Terrible 6ml oil - (Apricot, papaya, honeysuckle blossom, clover honey, blond woods) - $14
S92 10ml EDP Lactrodectus Mactans - (Mushroom, dried fruits, leaf-litter, cacao powder, clay, carbon) - $20
S92 6ml Panteón Viejo De Xoxocotlán - (Wreaths of marigold & cockscomb, dusty cocoa, canela, sugar cube, flickering votives, honey cakes) - $15
S92 10ml EDP Sick, Sad World - (Dry breakfast cereal, steamed milk, used bookstore, crisp newspaper, wool jacket, knee-high black boots) - $20
S92 10ml EDP Villains (Hellmouth Collection) - (Candle soot, pine rosin, blood red pomegranate, howling forest winds, darkened crystals, sacred herbs) - $20
Stone & Wit 10ml Turyin - (Pomegranate, plum wine, sandalwood, gunpowder) - $18
SAMPLES
Please see spreadsheet for samples: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14tzX_gKke_L6sTzwx1vq6NhMH3gAd7jb7zh5b0z6M-M/edit#gid=2023710454

ETA: I FORGOT AMERICAN CLASSIC. Dishonor on me, dishonor on my cow, etc.
American Classic is April 27! Streaming on FlipNow, so you’ll have to pay for it. Juniors at 9:45am (US Central) and seniors at 1:45pm.

Quick update on Pac Rims

Video of Sunday’s competitions was posted on the Colombian fed’s Facebook AFTER each competition. They were not streamed live. I don’t know if this will be standard procedure but I assume it will.
USAG posted the schedule here.
Unfortunately you can’t skip forward on Facebook so I will try to come back here and add direct links that you can actually navigate in. Here’s the ones that are posted so far:

• RG Senior hoop and ball QF
• TRA Senior individual QF
• TRA Junior individual QF
• RG Junior clubs and ribbon QF
• RG Senior clubs and ribbon QF
• TRA Junior final
• TRA Senior final
• RG JunioSenior apparatus finals

Live scoring is on Consugisoft, except for trampoline. I have no idea where that is. USAG shared screenshots of tramp results yesterday that had the SportTech logo on them, but SportTech does not have anything on their website. (And yes, I am examining my life choices now that I’ve realized I recognize live scoring logos…)

MAG Euros

This year is a team event, so senior AA medals will be given out based on the qualifying round. Additionally, there is an Olympic berth at stake. The top AAer who is 1) not from a country that qualified a team/a country that has already maxed out its individual spots, and 2) not already qualified as an individual, will gain an individual Olympic spot during the qualifying round. The following countries/individuals are out of contention for this spot:

Country	Individual
GBR	DOLGOPYAT Artem (ISR)
GER	DAVTYAN Artur (ARM)
ITA	MESZAROS Krisztofer (HUN)
SUI	VAN DEN KEYBUS Luka (BEL)
ESP	MUNTEAN Andrei Vasile (ROU)
TUR	MC CLENAGHAN Rhys (IRL)
NED	PETROUNIAS Eleftherios (GRE)
UKR	PENEV Kevin (BUL)
BEL†	KUAVITA Noah (BEL)
	SRBIC Tin (CRO)
	BENOVIC Aurel (CRO)
	DAVTYAN Vahagh (ARM)
	AIT SAID Samir (FRA)
	TVOROGAL Robert (LTU)

†BEL has maxed out its individual berths for MAG.
Schedule
All times are local. Rimini is in Central European Summer Time, 6 hours ahead of US Eastern. (Check your time zone difference here.) See the charts at the end for who’s in what subdivision.

Event	Day	Time
Senior QF/AA	Wed, 24 Apr	10am-8:45pm
Junior QF/TF	Thurs, 25 Apr	10am-8:20pm
Senior EF Part 1	Fri, 26 Apr	6-8:22pm
Junior EF	Sat, 27 Apr	10am-12:42pm
Senior EF Part 2	Sat, 27 Apr	4:30-7pm
Junior AA	Sun, 28 Apr	10am-12:37pm
Senior TF	Sun, 28 Apr	3:30-6pm

How to watch/where to find results:

• Senior streaming on Eurovision Sports
• Junior streaming on GymTV (This stream is NOT FREE because European Gymnastics hates fun — it will cost €8.)
• Live scoring

Senior QF subdivisions

Sub	Start time	Countries
1	10am	NOR, SWE, ROU, BEL
		ISL, NED, HUN, SLO
2	2pm	GRE, ARM, GEO, AUT
		FIN, CRO, CZE, CYP
		UKR, FRA, BUL, AZE
3	5:45pm	IRL, SUI, ALB, POL
		LAT, GBR, POR, GER
		SRB, SLO, ESP, LTU
		TUR, ISR, ITA

Junior QF subdivisions

Sub	Start time	Countries
1	10am	ISR, SLO, HUN, ROU
		ALB, IRL
2	2pm	AZE, SWE, ESP, SUI
		ITA, POR, SVK, FRA
		GER, CRO, CZE, UKR
3	5:30	LTU, GRE, GBR, POL
		CYP, FIN, AUT, NED
		BEL, TUR, ARM, NOR, BUL

Quick personal note: the next two weeks are incredibly busy for me. I will do my best but I may not be able to answer questions or make corrections here promptly.

Charnel Glamour
Greetings everyone,
Tomorrow/Thursday at noon eastern time HERE we're offering sales for Charnel Glamour by Mark Samuels. Overseas customers can purchase through Psilowave.com. Our deluxe edition of this masterpiece is a printing of 500x copies. We will have the following editions available for pre-order:
* Standard edition - $65 * Slipcased edition of 60x copies - 45x copies will be available - $150 * Clamshell lettered edition - 11x copies will be available - $350
Specs:
* 6" x 9"
* 224 pages
* Smyth-sewn binding
* Head and tail bands
* Ribbon marker
* Casebound with dust jacket
* Black foil stamping over black cloth
* Newly commissioned art by Eli John
* Introduction by Matt Cardin
* Offset printed on archival acid-free paper
ISBN: 978-1-963887-00-6
Bonus: Nightlands issue #2: Mark Samuels Memorial Issue with: Quentin S. Crisp, S. T. Joshi, Daniel Corrick, Ray Russell, and Eli John.
Synopsis:
Crouching defiantly in the shadow of the expanding metropolis of London, Gallows Langley broods at one end of the mystery-haunted Thool Valley. Here, the inroads of progress are baffled and thwarted and visitors from the capital should beware. With the first misstep, they are liable to stray into a universe of unsuspected forces, ancient and weird, an abyss on their very doorstep, and their enlightened urban values will prove ineffective talismans against what they encounter.
A literary critic ventures out to Gallows Langley and the dusty domain of the Institution, the final residence of a deceased author of ‘strange tales’, whose troubling reputation she hopes to subvert in order to save her own.
Construction of a new road through Penceddo Wood meets with stubborn and inexplicable difficulties. A reluctant trouble-shooter sent to the location finds himself drawn into a maze of history and folklore with something furtive and malignant at its centre.
Doctor Winterburn has some curious ideas about how to treat patients at the Gallows Langley Lunatic Asylum; the purposes he has in mind for them are even more curious, and he is determined that no one will stand in his way.
A dealer in weird books encounters an uncompromising connoisseur and is forced to sample his own nightmarish wares; and a hapless young couple discover the consequences of unhallowed intoxication in the form of an uncle’s home-made wine.
These and other potent visions await the unwary in the pages of Charnel Glamour.
Since the appearance of The White Hands and Other Weird Tales in 2003, Mark Samuels has forged a distinctive and uncompromising body of work in the realm of weird and horror fiction. Earning praise from such voices as T.E.D. Klein and Michael Dirda, Samuels has combined a Borgesian play of ideas with a sensibility steeped in the twin traditions of cinematic and literary horror. The nine extraordinary tales in Charnel Glamour form in this edition the first publication of the last writings left to the world by one of the most notable weird authors of our time.
Seven of the nine tales are set in the fictional Thool Valley, forming a myth-cycle around the village of Gallows Langley, the nucleus of a vortex of iniquitous cults and sinister distortions of the fabric of reality, with secret passages running in dark and labyrinthine ways between tales. In the Gallows Langley sequence, Samuels takes a turn away from the urban and corporate horror that has occupied much of his previous work, towards the rural and ‘folk horror’, showing us what baleful things the Wolf Moon illuminates and unearthing revenants from the soil of British history in an archaeology of the macabre.
The final two tales are the magisterial ‘If Destiny Still Reigns’, chilling as its Siberian setting, and the mist-wreathed, valedictory ‘The End of Death’, a case of missing persons and a dispatch on Last Things. Both, in their different ways, stand worthy as the last fictional testimony of a considerable author.
In the collection as a whole we find the familiar, dread-filled cosmology of the undead that has become a Samuels hallmark, here given some new twists and laced with a subtle, layered reflection upon the sources in our history of what might sustain us against the inhuman depredations to come. Lurid entertainment here sits side by side with an existentialism of the human species, and the philosophical peers from behind the gruesome.
Hailed already by pre-publication readers as his greatest collection, Charnel Glamour is the black swan-song of an author whose reputation will now only grow.

Have you ever wondered about things you’ve lost? That toy car you remember having as a kid. That ring you had, tight on your finger as you dove into the sea, but gone when you got out. That braided phone charger, your middle-school homework book, I could go on.
No need to answer. Everyone’s lost something, at some point, and never found it again. Their stories, without conclusion.
Most of us simply forget. We accept the fact that these things are lost, and quickly adapt to life without them. Just think… what a wealth to be found if one were able to recover what is lost.
Don’t be fooled, though - this isn’t inane conjecture. For the wanting man, there is indeed a way to stick your hand into the lucky dip, and wrench something back into existence, all for yourself. To keep.
To bind you.
As far as I can tell, there’s no one strict name for this ritual. Call it whatever you want - perhaps its true name has, too, been lost. The place you’ll be opening a gateway to, however, I’ve heard referred to mostly as the Cellar. Or the Basement, the Crypt, but at the end of the day, these are just labels, and aren’t conducive to getting what you want. What matters is that it’s the mausoleum of all things lost. If Hell is the absence of the light of God, then the Cellar is bereft of the light of reality itself - for what is lost, may as well not exist.
The constraints of our universe hold little sway there, and become as fluid as the ocean.
Before I get to the steps you’ll be following, and the risks posed to your wellbeing, it’s best to learn exactly what you’re going to need. Do NOT skip out on any of the following items: * A candle. Well, you don’t need a candle and wick per se, just any wax you can melt by hand. * A seal or mold of some kind. A signet ring is preferable, but the shape of the imprint you leave behind is mostly arbitrary - though I’d advise something circular, like a coin. * A pair of bound objects. This can, really, be anything, although I’d advise going with something you probably couldn’t separate by hand; a pair of heavy chainlinks, for example. * A driving tool, preferably a hammer and chisel. * Human tears. Arguably the most difficult ingredient to procure in a sufficient amount, because not only do you need a good 10ml of the stuff to be safe, the tears cannot be those of pain. And no, you can’t cut an onion and expect those tears to work, nor can they be those of depression or despair. They must be tears of grief, for grief is the hoarse, wailing voice of the lost, and when you call out, you might get an answer. * An heirloom of someone who has passed - even better if they were someone you were close with. A lover, a parent, a sibling, or a dear friend, just as long as you went through grief at their passing. Technically, this one is optional, but it sure as shit boosts your chances at a successful ritual. * An offering. You don’t actually need to have it with you at the time, but make sure you have something important to you that can be put up for grabs.
You’ll also need to find a rift. Now, don’t overthink this. You don’t need to go to the grand canyon, and you don’t need to find a portal - you’ll already be making one, in essence. All that matters is that you’re able to pour wax into it: a crack, a split, hell, you could use a pothole if you’d like. Not recommended, though. No point in performing the ritual if you get turned into pate by a garbage truck halfway through.
And as these things always go, try to be somewhere away from the noise. No need for interruptions. In any case, the Gatekeeper will demand your full attention - you don’t want to lose in his game. I’ve seen what happens to those who do, and trust me, you’re better off slitting your neck on the spot.
One more thing before I teach you how to go rooting around in the Cellar: even with a perfectly executed ritual, risk still remains. In the Cellar, rules of reality are fluid, broken and rewritten every second, which you’ll remember from earlier if you have an attention span wider than the hairs on your head - if not, you shouldn’t be here at all.
When lost things are left to fester down there, they may serve as the base for a random, chaos-borne physical (or metaphysical) property that doesn’t exist up here. To avoid clunky lingo, you can think of them as curses. Cultures of conceptual mold and algae that cling fast to their host.
Yes, curses. Don’t let that word scare you away - a curse can just as easily be a blessing, depending on whose hands it falls into. You might retrieve a jar that perpetually rains tiny diamonds from no apparent source, or a teddy bear that imbues you with superhuman levels of confidence. But, you could also get a compass that kills any living creature on the direct opposite side of the Earth from you, or a fog machine that you can’t turn off, and drains your blood to vaporize into mist, regardless of where you are.
Because you are bound to it.
Now let's get to the steps:
First, find an isolated location and a hole or crack in the ground. Place the two linked objects on the left side of the hole, and if you’ve brought an heirloom of a dead loved one, place it on the right. You'll need enough wax to melt and pour to fill the cavity you’ve chosen. Bringing a portable stove or a blowtorch is ideal to melt a large quantity of wax at once. Pour the wax into the hole, and sprinkle it with the tears of grief you've obtained while it's still fluid. If the wax sets before you can add the tears, the ritual is over. Allow the wax to cool until malleable, then form an imprint with your stamping object of choice, like a signet ring.
You can take a break here while you wait for the second sigil to appear beside your imprint. Once it has fully formed, drive the chisel into it with the hammer, as deep as you can. When you feel it can't be pushed any further, twist the chisel in place. You should hear a distinct sound - really, you can't miss it. The gate is now unlocked and will open.
If you’re wondering why I’m sharing this information, the answer is simple. The more seekers, the more you and I stand to gain. And for those compelled to search for what they’ve lost can anyone hope to stop them? Might as well make sure they’re well-informed, so I’ve chosen to document my last dive into the Cellar.
I chose an abandoned building on the outskirts of town where I was certain no one would interrupt. The moment I completed the ritual, a miasma began to spread and unfold from the cracked floor, and in the blink of an eye I was plunged into the depths. The first thing to greet me was the Gatekeeper.
Though his appearance can change, he most commonly takes the form of a decrepit old man covered in sores and scabs. His robes might’ve once been regal but now they were tattered and filthy. He wore a rusted battered crown and carved into his forehead, weeping and scarified was the word “KING.”
You cannot enter or leave the Cellar without a wager and challenge. You get to set some parameters for the challenge, so play to your strengths. If you’re smart, you can ask for a game of riddles or logic; if you’re athletic, you can ask for a test of strength or stamina. I always chose a game of hide and seek where I had to avoid capture for a period of time set by the Gatekeeper. I was good at it, and had always emerged from the Cellar unscathed.
As for the wager, what you stand to lose can’t be trivial. Could be your ability to walk, a loved one, even your life… Now before him, as I had done every time, I wagered the thing I value most. With empty eyes and a ravenous smile, he let me pass.
The Cellar always looks different and varies from person to person; you might find yourself in an ancient library stretching into infinity, every bookshelf lined with items long lost, or in an endless prairie with artifacts scattered about at random. Maybe it's a metaphysical space, partly shaped by your mind, I don't know. Just a theory. This time it was a dingy thrift store consisting of narrow corridors that wound and twisted around themselves to create a multi-story tangle of shelves, junk piles, and showrooms of old furniture. The air was rank, each inhale an acrid sting, and the lighting was dim orange.
A draft snaked its way through me, sinking bitter cold fangs into my bones, being here was a small agony unto itself. But the endless possibilities of what I might find drove me forward. I rummaged through some piles of lost things and found the usuals. A metric ton of socks, countless kitchen utensils, old photos, and anything else you can think of.
I’ve found ancient lost tomes and scrolls if you care to parse lost knowledge and mysticism. The only caveat is that they're all in long-dead languages. Relics and archaeological treasures are common too but I’ve never had any interest in them. Then there are the cursed objects, the ones almost all seek. You know when you’ve found one, the air is poisoned with a rancid odor and malice radiates outwards from them. Holding one in your hand should feel wrong, and deeply unsettling. Your blood runs cold, your chest tightens and your stomach twists itself into knots. You’ll ask yourself what the hell you’re doing here and what this thing is capable of.
All I can say is if you choose to pocket a cursed item you need to be incredibly cautious and aware from that moment forward because God knows what it can do. They’re unpredictable so carrying one around for an extended amount of time is a gamble and here time is inconstant and ever-shifting.
The one I found on this trip was a silver pendant with a black gemstone at its center. I snatched it and quickly and cautiously snaked around an aisle toward a new room. That’s the trick, never linger too long and always be on the move. There are things here… I don’t know what they are. Maybe they’re searching too or maybe they're part of the lost. But they’re never friendly, so try not to spend too long in any one area, five minutes maximum and move on.
Looping back around to a room to search again is improbable since this realm is prone to shifting and warping around. Which is why multiple trips are common amongst those who delve. I want to say it gets easier every time but consistently something new reveals itself to me, always malicious.
This time, winding around a corridor into a larger chamber, it was a black room. As in the light here was negative, inverting every color. My eyes strained and my head thrummed at the sight so I pivoted around to leave and find another way through. But things never go to plan in this place.
I froze at the threshold, pivoted to look behind me and glimpsed it for a mere moment as it ducked behind an alabaster wall. Tendrils like wisps of black smoke coiled out of sight. Stalker. I’d rather face the negative room and its unknown than an abyssal stalker and so I turned back around and stepped into the anti-light.
The darkstone pendant shone with a warm, greenish-yellow light in the black room, like a luminescent moss. Examining it more closely as I turned it in my shaking hand, a surge of recognition hit me of a sudden: a New England beach town, my first love. Mariel.
We’d decided to take a trip there for a few days in fall during college, and she’d given it to me as a memento of our first trip together. A small hunk of some glassy, black material, probably onyx or obsidian, with a thin, red fissure running through it, all hung on a delicate silver chain, as tenuous as love itself. A heart had been carved or chipped into the black stone, the red stripe coursing through its center.
It had gotten misplaced some months later in our apartment, the loss sparking our first row. First of many, truth be told. In my mind, this fight was linked to our inevitable (and, to my mind - wholly avoidable) breakup. But, the bond we shared, Mariel and I, had been broken. What happened to her after we split was not something I could let my mind delve into - too much to do right now to let that distract me, and fear made me stay on task in this unnatural place.
If lost items took on an infectious, almost fungal nature here in this moldy place of living nightmares…what would happen if I moved deeper? Could it be reversed? Could the depraved, parasitic nature of the lost things become…a thing of hope? Or reunion? I dare not wish for such a thing. Mariel was lost to me and it was folly to think she should ever become mine once again. For if she did, would she be the same as I once knew her, pale and kind, sweet as a bud in spring? Or would the trickery and deception of this dank place transmogrify her into something inhuman? I didn’t have the time, or the wits, to think on it further,
I pocketed the charm and listened for the spectral being I had seen in the alabaster room. Was this being the Gatekeeper I had heard of when I first learned of how to unseal and delve into this forbidden place? Or was it something worse, and far more defiled, that dwelled below the Cellar?
Though I may have heard a faint scraping sound, no lumbering beast appeared, nothing slouched towards Bethlehem to be born, so I crept onward on tremulous legs. As I left the black room, I noticed a small group of moths flying away from it on dusty wings. It was that dark.
The next room was again lined with shelves, brick walls dancing with candle light. The shelves sagged with row upon row of dusty books, ornate sketches of unholy words in rolls, small jade figurines, dozens or hundreds of other items. The light in here was of the same quality as the obsidian pendant gave off in the black room; warm, slightly yellow, a shade of sickly green mixed in. This room in the old shop smelled of candlesmoke and old paper - a smell I had always loved, since my family ran a small bookstore in Virginia. Alongside this familiar smell was one of corruption, acidic rot, a foul sense of loneliness and abandonment. I think the fact that the Cellar plucks relevant ideas from your life to construct its space was what made it form this room for me, but it added its own hint of malice alongside it.
As I explored this new space, I was acutely aware of a sudden drop in temperature and my skin broke out in a rash of goosebumps, my armhair standing erect. Nothing moved in the shadows, but I was aware that I was once more not alone, and the feeling unnerved me. A soft sweeping sound, fabric moving against rough brick, perhaps, seemed to emanate maliciously from behind me. I glimpsed another of those smoky tendrils as it slowly crawled across the floor and curled around my ankles, like an evil cat cozying up to you in a cursed bodega.
The brick room seemed to go only up - the short hallway I was in ended in another brick wall, two wrought-iron sconces holding dripping, flickering candles. The ceiling seemed impossibly far away, disappearing into a foul gray mist hundreds of feet up; no escape there. I scoured the shelves for anything that might aid me in evading the cursed definitely-not-a-bodega-cat creature.
The sibilant sound intensified slightly behind me, and more dark, malevolent spirals appeared on the floor. I rifled through the items on the shelves hurriedly; a hunk of greenish glass, cracked and crazed, that seemed to glow subtly in the dimly-lit room; a cloth child’s doll, string hanging where the button-eyes had been plucked out, rough black thread sewing the red gash of a mouth shut. The last one made my bowels shake with fear, though I could not have confessed why, even if I was held at knifepoint.
The temperature dropped a few more degrees and a tremulous shiver ran through me. As I sifted through the items on the rough, wooden shelves, my shaking hand closed on something even colder than the room itself; a strange chrome hammer with a very small head and a long handle, the word FREEMAN stamped on it. Sitting next to it was a long, sharp metal object, ending in a small, flat blade with a mean edge. It was about the size of a standard household screwdriver, but this was nothing you’d ever find in your old man’s toolbox, even if he did handiwork in Hell. Danvers State Mental Hospital: Ward 9 had been etched into the haft of the object.
A thought began to form in the back of my mind.
What if I…
No, I countered (myself) - It won’t work - it’s utter madness.
My reveries were interrupted by an intensification of the sound behind me and a thickening of the black fog, now swirling around my knees. My fear swelled and deepened.
Moving quickly, I grabbed the small hammer and screwdriver-looking object. I approached the brick wall, the dark, swirling shapes now seeming to tug at me. My legs felt the way they do in bad dreams, as if walking through switchgrass or wading in deep water. I reached up for one of the candles, lifted it out of the sconce with trembling hands and leaned in to examine the wall.
*There. *
A small fissure in the mortar between bricks. The bricks on either side of the crack stuck out just enough to make a small shelf. The rift was no larger than a pencil, but it would have to do.
Now, I know there are rules here in the Cellar, and I know I don’t have all the requisite items with me. But, perhaps, I had enough of them. Perhaps the fact that everything… changes down here, that even this place doesn’t follow its own rules, might let me bend whatever guidelines there were just enough that I could pull it off.
A thought came to me in this dank and mildewed place, filling me with a new species of fear: what lies beyond the Cellar?
I quickly separated the black pendant from the silver chain and hung the chain to the right of the crack. The rough, uneven bricks provided enough purchase that the tiny chain could be suspended, although the grip was tenuous at best. (Much like my current grip on reality, I thought). The pendant itself would have to serve as the seal.
Another quick scan of the shelves turned up nothing that could be described as anything linked. No chains, no cufflinks, no…
Hold up.
I quickly snapped two links from the silver pendant chain and held them in my shaking palm. In all my years of performing the ritual, I had never seen anything so small, so pathetic. But, it was all I had. I put them on a wee outcropping of brick to the left of the crack, carefully so as not to drop them, although my quivering hands meant that I had to try three times before they settled into their place. They looked as small and as fragile as two hummingbird eggs.
The black smoke twisted and grabbed around my waist as I tipped the candle and dripped the wax into the small void between bricks. I completed the next steps of the ritual and stepped back.
And waited.
Nothing happened.
I don’t know if my half-assed version of the ritual didn’t work once you were already in the Cellar. Perhaps the linked items didn’t work, or the seal was wrong. Of if my thinking itself was wrong and the rules that applied in the world also applied down here, but I didn’t have time to find out.
Whatever had been stalking me had just turned the corner, leaving me trapped in the brick-lined hallway as the black smoke seemed to turn solid and root me to the floor.
I braced for the impact I knew was coming any second now. With the hammer in one hand, and that screwdriver thing in the other, I kept my eyes peeled on the fog. I was in flight or fight mode, and the flight option had been taken from me.
The scraping I’d heard earlier paled in comparison to what I was hearing now. The sound of the scraping was intensified, and beneath it was another sound entirely. It was a sound I’d only ever heard in movies, all squishy and fleshy. The kind of thing a foley artist would get from peeling off chunks of raw meat and rubbing them together vigorously.
Next came the smell, all toxic and rotten. It made my eyes burn and water, clouding my vision. It burned my nose and throat, leaving a strange acidic taste in my mouth. Fear gripped my spine. Whatever this thing was had more or less disabled me and I hadn’t even seen it yet!
Just as that thought settled in my brain, it slowly emerged from the fog before me. No description I can provide here will truly do it justice, though I’ll do my best.
It was all tea leaves and Rorschach to me. Shapes that should make sense to my brain, but for whatever reason weren’t. Its structure was somewhere between melted wax and slime, so even if some semblance of shape was briefly recognizable it was always shifting.
The only thing that made sense was its mouth, as far as enormous rotting maws full of goo dripping razors made sense anyway. Unable to focus on the rest of its face, that’s what I stared at.
So, there I stood, unable to move and facing my impending doom. In that moment, I did what any sane person would do in that situation…I pissed myself. Most of it was from fear, but there was a tiny little voice on my head that insisted it was in defiance. If it was going to eat me, the least I could do was make myself smell and taste less appealing.
It scraped and oozed its way ever closer, until it was standing directly in front of me. It places ruined and vaguely hand-shaped things on my shoulders and leaned in. The tea leaves and Rorschach shifted again, this time creating some semblance of a face as its structure hardened.
Two endless pits appeared where eyes would have been in a normal face. From them seeped the same greenish-yellow light I’d seen earlier. Two slits appeared below them as it leaned in to sniff me.
Suddenly, my senses returned to me, I raised the hammer and… I’m going to start calling this thing a pick now. Typing the words screwdriver thing just isn’t doing it for me. So, yeah, I raised the hammer and the pick as it leaned in. I quickly positioned the pick in the center of its forehead and slammed the hammer down on the flat edge of it, driving that pick right into the creature’s brain.
With the lobotomy achievement unlocked, I took a moment to breathe. I’d done it! I’d…made it angry. Its mouth opened wider and a roar ripped from its throat with all the effects of a concussion grenade. My hearing was shot and my brain was acting like I was under water. My feet suddenly came free from the floor and I stumbled backwards and fell onto my ass.
It continued to roar as it moved forward, slime still dripping from the razors in its mouth. My ears were ringing so hard I couldn’t even hear the scrape and squish from earlier. I scooted backwards until my back hit a wall. There was nowhere left to go.
Closer it came, looming over me now. The slime coated my face as I stared up into that roaring maw. I could feel it burning my skin. I lost myself in the endless pools of sickly light as I waited to die.
The hand-like shapes grabbed my ankles and tugged hard as it turned, dragging me behind it. I could feel every crack of the uneven floor as it tore my clothes and scraped my skin. I ditched the hammer, useless without the pick still stuck in the creature’s skull. I was on the lookout for anything I might be able to use when I noticed the pendant and its broken chain. I palmed it, chain and all, as I slid by it.
On we went, it dragged me through the maze of rooms and corridors to some mysterious destination. Some floors were smoother than others, and for those sections I was thankful. My clothing was being quickly reduced to shreds, and if this journey went on much longer I feared the same would happen to my flesh.
I’d seen things that might be useful as we went, but nothing that was within my reach. The creature never stopped, and there was no way to increase my height while in a constant state of movement. I managed to hold the pendant above my head. It glowed much more strongly now, and it illuminated the creature dragging me away. Except, what I saw was not a monster. A frail, naked woman, gripping me with impossible strength. Just before I gave up and closed my eyes, she turned to me, and the fraction of a second my eyes remained open was enough for me to recognise the face that stared back. And good God, it scared my brain blank.
By the time it released its grip on me, we’d just entered an area that emanated pure darkness. With the sheer amount of pain I was in, I almost didn’t realize the pressure around my ankles was disappearing. The floor here was smooth and cold, soothing my aches just enough to sober me, but not enough to take them away.
I stayed that way for a while. It’s impossible to say how long I was laying there in the darkness. My hearing was slowly getting back to being useful, and I neither heard nor felt any sign of the creature’s presence now. Eventually, the adrenaline fled my system and the pain took over completely.
Just as my eyelids began to droop from sheer exhaustion, a bright light flooded the room and nearly blinded me. It shocked me awake and I scrambled to get my legs beneath me. I turned to look around the room on wobbly legs, trying to determine from which direction the danger would come from next.
As my eyes adjusted, the light seemed to dim and become stained with the same tint I’d seen in the creature’s eyes - sickly, sallow green. The first thing I could identify was far above me. Hanging, like a chandelier from a ceiling drenched in shadow, was a black moon. Beams of glowing midnight fanned out from it, revealing that the Cellar’s structural elements were gone. Only one structure stood before me.
A great podium of pockmarked ashen rock, perhaps basalt, rose about three stories high, with a spiraling staircase hewn from it, coiling to the very top. The tower rested on nothing, and a sudden wave of vertigo took me when I noticed chunks and chips from the tower, suspended in motion below it, below where I was standing, as if God had pressed pause at the moment of its ruin and forgotten to press play again.
Placed on the flat peak of the tower, sunworn with most of its spindles either snapped or missing, was a chair. Maybe oak, but it was too far gone to tell. And atop that, resting in the chair as if it were a notice of reservation, I saw a battered crown. A crown better fit for melting down than to be worn with any dignity. And yet, past the ugly skin of it, I sensed temptation, so deep and eternal it inspired an almost primal sense of want - no, better yet, need. I had to have it, without being sure why.
On the periphery of this void space, I detected movement. Figures wreathed in dark, shifting and shuddering. I had no fear, I simply ignored them and approached the bottom of the stairs, entranced.
A few steps, and I hissed in pain. My palm burned. The pendant, yes, I’d managed to grab it while being ferried to this place. Now, in the presence of the black moon above, it radiated both light and searing heat. I threaded the broken chain through the loop affixed to the pendant and held it up in front of me.
Like an oil lantern, I thought.
The light… it had a special quality about it. I remembered how it illuminated the creature’s face, and–
My skin flushed. No, that wasn’t real. A trick of the mind, of the light in the Cellar. That’s all. That reasoning was made ever more flimsy when I shone the pendant on the tower. It looked different in the light. At first I was unable to distinguish what stood before me, so I took a few steps back.
A skeleton. Two skeletons, in fact, entangled in death. The first and largest of the two appeared to be that of an enormous, winged humanoid, an outstretched hand serving as the chair in which the crown was nestled. The second was that of an equally massive serpent, coiled around the first skeleton, its head trapped beneath the winged humanoid’s reaching hand.
I hadn’t appreciated the thick silence until it was broken. A voice rang out, saying,
“Is one such as thee so uncaring, or simply aloof?”
Without needing to see its source, I knew exactly who that voice belonged to.
“Nope. Just bored and curious.”
The voice erupted into a dry cackle, and the void moon in the sky pulsed in rhythm. I tore free a hanging shred from my shirt, all ripped up thanks to that creature, and used it to swaddle the pendant, muffling the sight of the two skeletons. Again, I saw a stone tower, and I promptly made my way to the staircase and began to ascend.
I soon reached the top, a plateau that suggested the tower had once been much taller, but at some point, was cleaved apart. I tried not to think of what could have possibly done such a thing, instead turning my attention to the chair.
It was occupied. Sitting in it was a man, facing away from me, wearing that same battered crown. The tattered ribbons of his robes seemed to float, as if underwater, and parted to make way as I rounded the chair to stand in front. The man’s eyes looked so empty. The scars on his forehead spelling the word “KING” wrinkled in a scowl, and those eyes remained unfocused as he spoke again.
“At least you know now.”
“Know what?” I replied.
“That this is all there is. You can go no further. There is nothing beyond this accursed tomb. Regardless, you did something you should not have. Did you come here with a death wish?”
“I…”
The gravity of the situation came crashing down. Here I was, in the Gatekeeper’s domain, utterly helpless to do anything but listen as his voice emerged again like crackling embers, reignited by the wind.
“There, in thine hand. You cannot hide it from me, you know.”
I stuttered, fighting for air. At this, the Gatekeeper’s lips stretched into a cracked and inflamed smile.
“What else? Is this fool dissatisfied with his new plaything?”
“Yeah,” I said, surprised by my own aplomb, “I guess I’m looking for something else. Rest assured, this here pendant is the only thing I’ll be leaving with, physically speaking.”
His smile fell to a smirk, accompanied by a cocked eyebrow.
“And again I ask; art thou without empathy, or simply lacking sense? You would stand there, in front of me, whilst the wager is in my hand, and think nothing of it?”
“But I haven’t lost yet, have I?”
“You were going to leave with… show me.”
I shielded the cloth-wrapped pendant from view.
“Why?”
“I beseech thee, show me!”
Reluctantly, I extricated it from the layers of cloth, and presented the pendant, chain and all. On seeing it, the Gatekeeper devolved back into a rasping chuckle.
“Ah, that. How coincidental!”
“How so?” I asked cautiously.
“Thy wager, maggot. That which you love most, and hold most dear to thy glassen little heart. Do not deceive thyself; you saw her, didst thou not? That pendant is a special relic indeed.”
I knew exactly what he was talking about. That creature…
“I… I saw… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Immediately, all the smugness dropped from his face. His sore-ridden skin contorted with anger, lined by warty ridges. He shot up from the chair, a way that didn't seem to utilize three dimensions. Made my head hurt. It was as if he’d vanished and materialized standing face-to-face with me. He spoke in a growl of controlled wrath.
“Oh? Hast thine eyes become foggy? Then let it be made clear: last time, I let you believe you won. You did not. Thus, the wager for this visit - being the same one you’ve used every time - was, how to put it… expired. What– who you love most. Well, loved most.”
The Gatekeeper threw his head back and snorted. The very thing I hadn’t wanted to accept crawled down my throat and settled in my stomach, heavy as molten lead, and shrouding my head in a contradictory haze of confused clarity. Then, the Gatekeeper made my fears into reality.
“Oh Mariel! Be a dear and come up for tea.”
Out there in the shadows, one of the shifting figures changed. It crept into the light, became more real somehow. I didn’t turn to look. I couldn’t. Whether it was from some occult force or sheer terror, my muscles wouldn’t budge an inch.
But I could hear it. Wet, frictional, and strangely manufactured, a sound hailing an overpowering stink, growing stronger with every encroaching step, mustard gas, rotten eggs. My eyes began to water from the stench.
My arm rose up with a mind of its own, directing the pendant towards the top of the stairs. Black moonlight burned darker still to resonate with it, invigorating it, and bathing the newly emerged figure in light. For a moment, a fraction of a second, it was all Rorschach and swirling tea leaves again. Teeth like stalactites dripped with secretions below a pair of deep, glowing pits.
The creature entered the light, and stopped.
She looked so, so unhappy. Standing there, naked and withered, all her hair, gone. Her teeth too, leaving behind rotten, puffy gums. Only one eye had been plucked out - not because of any mercy, no. It was more like a punchline. A perverted joke. But one eye was all she needed to convey a kind of anger I’d never seen before. A kind of anger that needed no coal to fuel it. A kind of anger that can never be extinguished. If it weren’t for her emaciated body, she’d have flown into a rampage - and even if she could, no catharsis would ever be enough. She’d have torn me to shreds, she’d have skinned my mother alive in front of me and still it wouldn’t be enough. I barely felt the tears streaming down my cheeks under the scrutiny of that single eye.
Tears right for the ritual, I thought.
I tried to speak, to say anything at all, but my throat was tight shut. Either way, the Gatekeeper was satisfied.
“I may be one to withhold information, but I am no more a liar than you are honest to thyself.”
He paused to gaze at her. At my love. At the thing I valued most, and it really hit me then. The magnitude of what I’d lost. Not just Mariel, but my trust in… everything. Gone.
“Okay, Mariel. That will be plenty from thee.”
With a flick of his wrist, the Gatekeeper sent her tumbling through the air, off the tower, and back into the dark, where she will remain until the stars themselves are lost.
“Worms, the lot of them. They don’t understand the purpose of this place, of why it was made. Of what it houses. It is something demons covet, and that God sent angels seeking for. Do you seek it, sojourner?”
I felt whatever force that held me in place lift from my body, and I wheeled around to face the Gatekeeper again, staring him down with my smoldering indignance. The pendant, as if empathizing, flared, bright as a tungsten filament, more than enough to illuminate the face of the man before me - and his, too, was a facade.
Gone was his giddy rictus, bloated with greed and derision. The eyes now staring deep into my own were dour and heavy - not with wrath, but misery. It made Mariel look quite comfortable by comparison. It was the face of the first to grieve, of one whose eyes have cried themselves dry as salt.
His voice underlined that sentiment. A withered croak that told of ancient ruins lost beneath desert sand and, above all, sounded unequivocally honest.
“I… it is no treasure they seek. Power it is not, nor any blessing of the sort. I have been its keeper for… since… I don’t know. Too long.”
The Gatekeeper laughed, but it was hollow and came out more as a flurry of gasps.
“Do you want to know?”
A cold chill flushed my entire body. I know the right choice would’ve been, “no,” but the only thought running through my mind was, “I’ve come this far.”
So I nodded.
“What could have such value, that God Himself cannot already conjure? Well, in a way, He did create it. But it was an accident. A side-effect, a natural byproduct of the creation of something that lives on to this day, something that continues to exist within all of His children on Earth. It is the shadow of that, and also the relinquishment of it. I speak with you now freed from its grasp - the one you have been speaking with is not me. I do not– cannot control this vessel. I can only observe as it acts on its own.”
“Just tell me!” I yelled, not out of impatience, but mounting terror. The Gatekeeper continued as if he hadn’t heard me.
“ I still don’t understand why it does the things it does. It shouldn’t be doing anything, because it is the anti-will. The shadow of agency, the counterpart that was necessary to be born to allow the freedom of choice, the very same you used to decide to visit this place. I don’t know what that pendant is, but oh, it is good to breathe again. To speak. The ones who covet the anti-will… perhaps I’m too small and insignificant to comprehend their motives. Why, God? Why would you want to abandon yourself? Please, my friend, you have to free me, you–”
I’d heard enough. In one shaky motion I drew back the pendant, and no sooner had I stashed it away than the Gatekeeper leapt at me, all his rage and hunger returned. I understood now. The entity before me was impossible, and yet here it was. The emptiness where a will should be, not only acting by itself, but grabbing me by the throat to pull me in close.
“Answer me! Wilt thou, or wilt thou not?”
I strained to force words past cold fingers tightening around my windpipe.
“W-what? Will I what?”
“DAREST THOU TEST ME!?”
Had some hidden conversation taken place when I was speaking with the Gatekeeper - the real one? Had something been asked of me? I didn’t have time to rationalize, all I knew was my vision was turning black, so I did all I could think of to release myself.
“Yes, okay, yes I will, I–”
With that, he let go, spilling me onto the ground where I clawed at my throat and gasped for air.
“Very well. Thou hast come far, and so I bestow upon thee this gift. Remember, one thing at a time, so I will be taking this. Don’t be greedy.”
He bent down and snatched the pendant, still glowing dimly. Without pause, he straightened, and pointed a finger directly upwards, at the black moon hanging above. On cue, it burst like a popped water balloon, raining a supernova of shadow down on my shivering body. I felt the ground disappear from under my hands. I rose, up and up towards an empty filament, and with one final glance, I saw the Gatekeeper. The power released from the shattered moon reinvigorated the pendant and it shone on his face. That tired, eternally tortured face. It was smiling. His body seemed to decay in time lapse into flakes, flittering away in an unfelt breeze. With the last vestiges of his strength, I heard him whisper something that sounded like,
“Thank… you… from the bottom of my heart…”
A dark tunnel filled with blinking lights - or eyes - and the sensation of something worming its way inside my body.
Then, I was back. Back in the abandoned building on the outskirts of town. I checked myself, no pendant, as I expected. Was the Gatekeeper telling the truth? The anti-will? I didn’t understand. Had I reAlly bEEn givEN THE DEATH OF CHOICE???
STOP THIS I suppose the Gatekeeper must have punished me for breaking the rules, and forced me to leave empty-handed. Yes, that’s it; empty-handed.
Now, most of you reading will have thought by now: why share this experience? How does it provide any significant insight into the ritual itself?
I think it’s as simple as being prepared. Would you go skydiving without seeing some footage beforehand? Would you tempt the wolves, not knowing their predilections? If so, well, fools are still welcome in the Cellar, but it’s more fun when there’s a challenge.
I’m running out of time. If I want to get this out there, it needs to be done now. I’ve inherited such a terrible curse wonderful gift, and what is a game without the gamemaster?
So come on, plunge your hands into the lucky dip, take your pick and GET OUT LET ME OUT go home a little richer. Or perhaps you’ve lost something - in which case, I know just the place to search, so come and take back what is rightfully yours. Or something that isn’t. THIS IS NOT M Serendipity, I say.
I look forward to the fun we are going to have.

​
As Easter approaches, it's the perfect time to infuse your home with vibrant colors and festive decorations that reflect the spirit of the season. Whether you're hosting a gathering with family and friends or simply want to bring a touch of Easter cheer into your living space, there are plenty of creative ways to brighten up your home. In this article, our interior designers in Trivandrum explore 7 vibrant Easter decor ideas that will add a pop of color and a dash of joy to every corner of your abode.

• Embrace Pastel Hues:

Easter is synonymous with pastel colors like soft pinks, baby blues, and delicate yellows. Embrace these gentle hues by incorporating them into your home decor. Swap out your regular throw pillows and blankets for pastel-colored ones to instantly add a touch of Easter charm to your living room or bedroom. You can also hang pastel-colored curtains or drapes to infuse your space with a subtle, yet refreshing, Easter vibe.

• Create a Cheerful Easter Table:

Set the scene for a delightful Easter feast by decorating your dining table with cheerful Easter-themed decor. Start by layering a pastel-colored tablecloth as the base and then add a centerpiece featuring fresh flowers in springtime shades like lavender, peach, and pale green. Place colorful Easter eggs, either real or decorative, in a decorative bowl as a festive accent. Complete the look with themed tableware, such as plates and napkins adorned with Easter motifs like bunnies, chicks, and flowers.

• Hang a Festive Easter Wreath:

Welcome guests into your home with a festive Easter wreath adorning your front door. Opt for a vibrant wreath made from colorful faux flowers, ribbons, and Easter-themed embellishments like miniature eggs or bunnies. Alternatively, you can create a DIY wreath using natural materials like grapevine, twigs, and fresh foliage, and then adorn it with brightly colored flowers and Easter ornaments. A beautiful wreath sets the tone for a joyous Easter celebration right from the moment your guests arrive.

• Decorate with Spring Flowers:

Brighten up your home with the beauty of spring flowers by creating stunning floral arrangements throughout your space. Choose blooms in vibrant hues such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and lilies to add a burst of color and fragrance to any room. Arrange the flowers in decorative vases or mason jars and display them on tables, countertops, and mantels. For an extra touch of Easter charm, add some Easter egg picks or decorative butterflies to your floral arrangements.

• Incorporate Whimsical Easter Decor:

Inject a sense of whimsy and playfulness into your Easter decor by incorporating fun and quirky elements. Scatter plush bunny figurines or Easter-themed plush toys throughout your home for a whimsical touch. Hang colorful paper lanterns or string lights shaped like Easter eggs or bunnies to create a festive ambiance. You can also adorn shelves and mantels with ceramic figurines of chicks, lambs, and other Easter critters for an extra dose of cuteness.

• DIY Easter Crafts:

Get creative with DIY Easter crafts that you can make with your family or on your own. Host a crafting session to make colorful Easter egg garlands, paper bunny banners, or felt flower wreaths. Decorate plain Easter eggs with paint, markers, or decorative stickers to create unique and personalized decorations. Not only are DIY Easter crafts a fun activity for the whole family, but they also add a charming handmade touch to your Easter decor.

• Light Up Your Home with Easter Candles:

Set a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home with Easter-themed candles. Choose candles in vibrant colors like pink, purple, and yellow, or opt for ones shaped like Easter eggs, bunnies, or chicks. Place them in decorative candle holders or lanterns and scatter them throughout your home. As evening falls, light up your Easter candles to create a warm and inviting glow that enhances the festive ambiance of your space.
With these seven vibrant Easter decor ideas and a bit of help from professional interior designers in Kerala, you can transform your home into a cheerful and inviting space that celebrates the joy of the season. From pastel-hued accents to whimsical Easter decorations, there are countless ways to infuse your home with color and charm. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply want to add a touch of Easter cheer to your everyday surroundings, let these ideas inspire you to create a vibrant and memorable Easter celebration at home.

ATTENTION: This is not a proposal or a demand to change the current COA (rather, these are COA in the context of a dialogue [initiated by the government] to change the current COA of this country)
Afghanistan,China,Egypt,Iraq,Lebanon,Libya,Palau,Sudan,Syria,Yemen
two crossed flags [current and non-current from world flag redesign]
Algeria,Angola,Argentina,Bangladesh,Benin,Bolivia,Burkina-Faso,Burundi,Cameroon,Cape-Verde,Central African Republic,Chad,Chile,Colombia,Republic of the Congo,Costa Rica,Côte d'Ivoire,Cuba,Djibouti,Dominican Republic,Timor-Leste,Ecuador,El Salvador,France,Gabon,Guatemala,Guinea,Guinea-Bissau,Haiti,Honduras,Laos,Mali,Marshall Islands,Mauritania,Federated States of Micronesia,Mozambique,Nepal,Nicaragua,Niger,Pakistan,Panama,Paraguay,Peru,Philippines,Rwanda,Samoa,São Tomé and Príncipe,Senegal,Togo,Tunis,Uruguay,Venezuela,Vietnam
motto and two crossed flags [current and non-current from world flag redesign]
Armenia
Shield: A red eight-rayed sun on a golden field
Supporters: two red eagles
Australia
Crest: a Wedgetailed Eagle wings elevated grasping with its talons an Australian Aboriginal stone Tjurunga proper
Shield: a silver seven-pointed star on a blue field
Supporters: left a red kangaroo, right an emu, natural colours
Compartment: none, golden wattle is depicted in its place in commonly used versions
Motto: Advance Australia
Austria
Shield: a silver beam on a red field
Belgium
Crest: a helmet with raised visor or crowned with a Royal Crown of Belgium
Shield: sable, a lion rampant or, armed and langued Gules with two crossed sceptres (a hand of justice and a lion) or behind a shield. The grand collar of the Order of Leopold (Belgium) surrounds the shield
Supporters: two lions guardant proper each supporting a lance Gules point or with two National Flags of Belgium (Tierced per pale Sable, or and Gules).
Compartment: underneath the compartment is placed the ribbon Gules with two stripes Sable charged with the motto
Motto: French: L'union fait la force
Dutch: Eendracht maakt macht
German: Einigkeit macht stark
Order(s): Order of Leopold
Other elements: The whole is placed on a mantle Gules with ermine lining, fringes and tassels Or and ensigned with the Royal Crown of Belgium. Above the mantle rise banners with the arms of the four Language areas. They are (from dexter to sinister) Dutch,bilingual,French,German
Beliz
Crest: a mahogany tree proper
Shield: crossed paddle and beating axe on a white field
Supporters: left a Belizean Mestizo woodsman properly dressed in silver pants holding a beating axe in his right hand right an Afro-Belizean woodsman properly dressed in silver pants holding a paddle in his left hand
Motto: SUB UMBRA FLOREO
Canada
Crest: upon the helm, the Canadian royal crown proper thereon a lion passant guardant or royal crowned proper and holding in the dexter paw a maple leaf gules; mantling gules doubled argent.
Shield: argent,three maple leaves conjoined on one stem proper
Supporters: dexter and sinister beaver
Motto: Latin: A Mari usque ad Mare, lit. 'from sea to sea'
Order(s): the ribbon of the Order of Canada (Latin: Desiderantes meliorem patriam, lit. 'desiring a better country')
Cyprus
Shield: on a white field, the copper-colored alchemical sign of copper is surrounded below by two crossed green olive branches
Dominica
Crest: a Rocky Mount Sable thereon a Lion Passant guardant Or
Torse: argent and Azure
Shield: quarterly Or and Azure a cross fillet counterchanged
Equatorial Guinea
Silk cotton tree and motto and two crossed flags
Eritrea
Emblem of Eritrea 1952-1962
Fiji
Crest: a Fijian Canoe with outrigger in full sail proper
Shield: gules, an Dove argent
Supporters: dexter, a Fijian native affronty, round his waist a Tupu Sulu, holding in the exterior hand a barbed spear all proper, sinister alike native in profile holding in the exterior hand a pineapple club in bend sinister
Motto: Rerevaka na Kalou ka doka na Tui "Fear God and honour the King (1 Peter 2:17)"
Gambia
Shield: azure, a Locar axe and a Mandinka Hoe in saltire Or
Supporters: on either side a Lion guardant proper, the dexter supporting a Locar Axe and the sinister a Mandinka Hoe, both Or
Motto: Progress, Peace, Prosperity
Ghana
Shield: or, star sable
Supporters: two eagles sable
Motto: Freedom and Justice
Grenada
Crest: on a golden helmet affronty, lambrequined Gules, seven red roses surrounded with a garland of Bougainvillea-flowers.
Torse: argent and Gules
Shield: quarterly, a cross Or, 1&4: Gules, 2&3: Vert
Supporters: an armadillo on the dexter, supporting a stalk of maize, and a pigeon on the sinister, supporting a banana tree, all proper
Compartment: Mount St. Catherine and Grand Etang Lake, all proper
Motto: Ever Conscious of God, We Aspire, Build and Advance as One People
Hungary
"Kossuth" COA: Shield: barry of eight Gules and Argent, impaling Gules, on a trimount Vert a ducal coronet Or issuing therefrom a Patriarchal cross Argent
Indonesia
Shield: gules, five stars in bend argent
Supporters: Garuda (a Javan hawk-eagle) displayed Or, clutching a scroll Argent of national motto
Motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (from Old Javanese: "unity in diversity")
Other elements: the feathers of the Garuda are arranged to represent the date 17 August 1945, the day on which Indonesia's independence was proclaimed.
Italy
Stella d'Italia in golden rays surrounded by crossed olive and oak branches
Jordan,Kuwait,United Arab Emirates
motto and two crossed flags and two crossed swords [current and non-current from world flag redesign]
Kazakhstan
Shield: Azure, endless knot Or
Compartment: Wheat
Kyrgyzstan
Shield: Azure, eagle Argent
Compartment: Wheat and Cotton
Latvia
Shield: gules,three stars argent surrounded by the sun argent
Supporters: on either side a lions argent
Compartment: two oak branches fructed Vert tied together by a ribbon Sanguine charged with a bar Argent
Malawi
Shield: Azure six pallets wavy Argent on a Chief Sable demi-sun Gules.
Supporters: on either side a leopards both guardant
Compartment: Upon a compartment representing the Mulanje mountain proper
Motto: UNITY AND FREEDOM
Malaysia
Shield: Azure,A crescent and a fourteen-pointed federal star Or
Supporters: Two tigers rampant proper
Motto: Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu (Rumi) برسكوتو برتمبه موتو‎ (Jawi) 'Unity is Strength'
Malta
Crest: a mural crown with a sally port and five vedettes.
Shield: flag of Malta: Per pale argent and gules, a representation of George Cross argent fimbriated gules in Dexter Chief
Supporters: Dexter, An olive branch; sinister, a palm branch in vert all in their proper colours, tied at base with a ribbon argent, backed gules and upon which is written in capital letters sable the name of the country in the Maltese language.
Motto: Virtute et Constantia
Mauritius
Shield: Or, a key in pale the wards downwards gules
Supporters: On the dexter side, a dodo per bend sinister embattled gules and argent and on the sinister side, a sambar deer per bend embattled argent and gules, each supporting a sugar cane erect proper
Motto: Stella Clavisque Maris Indici "Star and Key of the Indian Ocean"
Moldova
Shield: Per fess gules and azure, an aurochs head cabossed overall, accompanied by two lozenges to its sides, a mullet of eight points between the horns, a heraldic rose to dexter and a crescent decrescent to sinister, all or.
Morocco
Crest: Or, the Royal Crown of Morocco, embellished with pearls alternately Gules and Vert
Shield: Gules,an interlaced pentalpha vert
Supporters: Two lions proper, the one in dexter in profile and in sinister affronté
Motto: إِنْ تَنْصُرُوا اللهَ يَنْصُرُكُمْ In Tansourou Allaha Yansouroukoum (If you glorify God, He will glorify you)
Myanmar
dancing white peacock on a red circle
Namibia
Shield: Sun with twelve straight rays Or charged with an annulet Azure
Supporters: Two Oryx proper
Compartment: a Namib sand dune with a Welwitschia mirabilis on the foreground
Motto: Unity, Liberty, Justice
New Zealand
Crest: crowned seal
Torse: Sable and Argent
Shield: Sable,Silver fern
Supporters: Two Kiwi proper
Motto: Onward
Nigeria
Shield: Sable a Pall wavy argent
Supporters: Two horses Argent
Compartment: A grassy field proper, the yellow flowers at the base (incorrectly shown as red in the image) are Costus Spectabilis, Nigeria's national flower.
Motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress
Russia
Shield: Or, a Р (Vyaz (Cyrillic calligraphy)) Sable
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Above the shield is a knight's helmet, a burlet with a mantle. The helmet is topped with a tower crown. Above the crown, three hands - a black, a white and a mulatto - hold the torch of the struggle for freedom. In the shield: two tropical flowers "Poinciana" (as one of the national symbols). Two brown pelicans represent the fauna of the islands (shield holders), and the flora is represented in the form of a coconut palm and sugar cane.
Saint Lucia
Crest: In front of two Fronds of the Fern Polypoduim in Saltire a Cubit Arm proper the hand holding erect a Torch Gold enflamed also proper
Torse: Or and Sable
Shield: Sable three sticks
Supporters: On either side a Saint Lucia Parrot commonly called Jacquot (Amazona versicolor) wings elevated and addorsed and in the beak of each a Frond of the Fern Polypoduim all proper
Motto: The land, The people, The light
Samoa
Shield: Barry wavy of six Argent and Azure, green coconut palm
Motto: Fa'avae i le Atua Samoa "God be the Foundation of Samoa"
Serbia
Shield: Gules, between two fleurs-de-lys in base Or, a crowned double-headed eagle displayed inverted Argent, armed, beaked and langued Or, surmounted by an escutcheon Gules thereon a cross between four firesteels Argent
Supporters: Wreath of laurel and oak
Seychelles
Shield: Argent, a Female Sea coconut palm
Supporters: On either side a Sail Fish (Istiophorus gladius) proper
Motto: FINIS CORONAT OPUS "The End Crowns the Work"
Solomon Islands
Crest: On a helmet guardant, lambrequined Argent and Azure, a Solomon Islands war canoe proper and a Sun radiant Or
Torse: Argent and azure
Shield: Azure, turtle Argent
Supporters: On the dexter, a Crocodile, and on the sinister a Shark, both proper
Compartment: A stylised two-headed Frigate bird Sable
Motto: To Lead Is to Serve
Somalia
Shield: Azure, star argent
Supporters: two Leopards
Compartment: two spears, two palm leaves
South Africa
Shield: Or, representations of two San human figures of red ochre
Supporters: two springbok
Compartment: Below the shield, on a compartment grassed Vert, two Proteas each with two flower heads proper.
Motto: ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke "Diverse People Unite" in Xam
Tajikistan
Shield: Azure, seven pointed star Argent
Compartment: Wheat and Cotton
Tanzania
Shield: Torch enflamed proper, Barry wavy Argent and Azure
Supporters: A representation of Mount Kilimanjaro. Elephant tusks are supported by a man and a woman, with a clove bush at the feet of the man and a cotton bush at the feet of the woman.
Motto: Uhuru na Umoja "Freedom and Unity" (Swahili)
Tonga
Crest: the Royal Crown of Tonga within an olive wreath.
Shield: gules,mullet of six points argent charged with a cross couped gules.
Supporters: Flags of Tonga
Motto: Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofiʻa "God and Tonga are my inheritance"
Trinidad and Tobago
Shield: Per chevron enhanced sable and gules, a chevronel enhanced argent between in chief two hummingbirds respectant Or and in base three ships of the period of Christopher Columbus also Or, the sails set proper.
Supporters: A scarlet ibis and a cocrico, both proper and with wings elevated.
Compartment: Two islands arising from the sea.
Motto: "Together we aspire, together we achieve"
Turkmenistan
Shield: Azure, crescent and five stars Argent
Compartment: Wheat and Cotton
Uzbekistan
Shield: Azure, crescent and star Argent
Compartment: Wheat and Cotton
Zimbabwe
Crest: Great Zimbabwe Bird or.
Shield: Vert, a representation of a portion of the Great Zimbabwe proper (Malvern 2021); on a chief argent seven palets wavy azure.
Supporters: On either side a kudu proper.
Compartment: An earthen mount adorned with stalks of wheat, a cotton boll and a head of maize, all proper.
Motto: UNITY, FREEDOM, WORK

I am not typically a crafter, but I wanted to tie 2 little moss wreaths with ribbon to my cabinets. They are super messy and shed to the touch. Is there something I can spray them with to make everything hard and stay in place that will completely dry up? The moss is faux. I googled and found sealers but it says they are for paint, keeping moisture in for real living flowers, other various purposes, etc. Just want to make sure I buy the correct thing because I am clueless! Thank you

Hello.
I received a msg from a customer in Germany that wants to purchase one of my Grinch wreaths.
I told her I don't ship Internationally, and that's stated on my page.
She replied can I send this to her friend in California? I told her yes.
Here is her original message:
Hello. I have some questions about this item. Will the item look like on the picture? I mean the same face (open eyes!!!), colors of ribbons and other decoration? Its very important for me to get the Grinch face without any defects (without stains, material defects, traces of glue and color errors). It should be a nice gift for children. Safe delivery (good packaging) to Germany is important too. I like this wreath and would like to order it. Thanks in advance. Best regards, Elena.
My Reply: This wreath, or any of my wreaths are not meant for children. They are meant to be hung on a wall or door for display only. All wreaths shown in my shop are the actual item. I don’t sell/send items to customers with defects. Yes. This can be shipped to California
She already ordered the wreath, but I'm afraid that once she gets it, she will complain about the smallest thing and ask for a refund, or file a claim.
​
Any advice
​

Losing a loved one is never easy, and finding the right way to honor their memory can bring comfort in times of grief. Funeral wreaths serve as a beautiful tribute, symbolizing eternal love and remembrance. In this guide, we will walk you through the heartfelt process of creating a funeral wreath with real flowers – a touching gesture that speaks volumes without saying a word. Let's dive into the art of crafting something special for your dearly departed.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Flowers for Your Funeral Wreath
When it comes to creating a meaningful funeral wreath, choosing the right flowers is essential. The flowers you select will convey your emotions and honor the memory of your loved one in a beautiful way.
Consider opting for traditional funeral flowers like lilies, roses, or carnations for a classic and elegant look. These blooms are often associated with love, purity, and remembrance.
If you're looking to add a personal touch to the wreath, think about incorporating your loved one's favorite flowers or colors. This can make the arrangement even more special and unique.
It's also important to consider the season when choosing flowers. Select blooms that are in season to ensure they are fresh and vibrant for the wreath.
Take some time to reflect on what each flower symbolizes and choose ones that resonate with you and your family during this difficult time.
Step 2: Preparing Your Flowers for the Wreath
When it comes to creating a beautiful funeral wreath with real flowers, the preparation of your blooms is crucial. Start by carefully selecting fresh flowers that hold special meaning or significance.
Next, gently remove any excess leaves and thorns from the stems to ensure a clean and polished look for your wreath. Trim the stems at an angle to help them absorb water more easily and prolong their freshness.
Fill a clean container with water and floral preservative to keep your flowers hydrated and vibrant as you work on assembling your wreath. Make sure to change the water regularly to prevent bacteria growth.
Consider adding greenery such as eucalyptus or ferns to complement your flower choices and enhance the overall design of your wreath. Take time in preparing each stem with care and attention to detail, as it will reflect in the final presentation of your creation.
Step 3: Constructing the Base of Your Wreath
Now that you have selected the perfect flowers for your funeral wreath, it's time to move on to the next step - constructing the base. The base of your wreath serves as a foundation for your beautiful floral arrangement, providing stability and structure.
Start by choosing a sturdy wire or foam ring as the base for your wreath. This will ensure that your creation holds its shape and lasts longer. You can find these bases at most craft stores or online.
Next, begin attaching greenery such as eucalyptus or ferns to the base using floral wire or hot glue. This will help fill out the wreath and create a lush backdrop for your flowers to shine.
As you work, remember to evenly distribute the greenery around the base to maintain balance and symmetry. Take your time with this step, as it sets the stage for how your final wreath will look.
Once you are satisfied with how the greenery is arranged, it's time to move on to adding in your chosen flowers. Stay tuned for our next steps on bringing your funeral wreath to life!
Step 4: Adding in Key Elements and Personal Touches
When it comes to creating a meaningful funeral wreath with real flowers, adding key elements and personal touches can truly make it special. Consider incorporating items that reflect the personality and interests of the departed loved one. Maybe they had a favorite color or flower you could include in the design.
You could also add small keepsakes like miniature photo frames, charms, or even tiny trinkets that hold significance. These subtle touches can serve as a beautiful tribute to their memory and create a more personalized wreath.
Don't be afraid to get creative - perhaps weave in ribbons with heartfelt messages or intertwine greenery symbolic of hope and eternal life. Every element you add should contribute to telling the story of the person who has passed, making the wreath unique and deeply meaningful.
Remember, these personal touches are what will set your funeral wreath apart and make it a touching tribute to celebrate the life of your loved one.
Step 5: Securing the Flowers onto the Base
Now that you have chosen the perfect flowers and arranged them beautifully, it's time to secure them onto the base of your funeral wreath. This step is crucial in ensuring that your wreath stays intact and looks stunning throughout the service.
Start by carefully placing each flower onto the base, making sure to distribute them evenly for a balanced look. Use floral wire or hot glue to attach the stems securely to the base. Take your time with this process to avoid any flowers coming loose later on.
As you work your way around the wreath, continue securing each flower in place until you are satisfied with how it looks. Don't be afraid to make adjustments as needed to achieve a cohesive and polished final product.
Once all the flowers are attached, gently press down on each one to ensure they are firmly in place. This will help prevent any movement or shifting during transportation and display at the funeral service.
Take a step back and admire your handiwork. The careful placement and secure attachment of each flower will result in a beautiful and meaningful tribute for your loved one's final farewell.
Step 6: Finishing Touches and Care Instructions
After putting together your beautiful funeral wreath with real flowers, it's important to add those finishing touches that will make it truly special. Take a step back and admire your creation - ensure each flower is secure and positioned just right.
To enhance the overall look, consider adding small accents like sprigs of greenery or delicate baby's breath for a touch of elegance. These subtle additions can really elevate the appearance of your wreath.
When it comes to care instructions, remember to mist the flowers lightly with water every day to keep them fresh. Avoid placing the wreath in direct sunlight or near heat sources as this can cause wilting.
Handle your funeral wreath with care when transporting it to its final destination. Keep it upright and secure during transit to preserve its beauty until the service begins.
Conclusion
Funeral wreaths made with real flowers are a beautiful and meaningful way to pay tribute to a loved one who has passed away. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a heartfelt and personalized funeral wreath that honors their memory.
Choosing the right flowers, preparing them carefully, and constructing the base with care will ensure that your funeral wreath is both visually stunning and long-lasting. Adding personal touches and key elements will make the wreath unique to your loved one's personality and style.
Remember to secure the flowers onto the base securely to avoid any mishaps during transportation or display. And don't forget those finishing touches – they can truly elevate your creation to something special.
By following these steps, you can create a touching tribute that celebrates the life of your loved one in a meaningful way. Funeral flowers London services may also help if you prefer professional assistance in crafting a beautiful funeral wreath. Let your love bloom through every petal as you honor their memory with a handmade floral masterpiece.

Into the granite city of Teloth wandered the youth, vine-crowned, his yellow hair glistening with myrrh and his purple robe torn with briers of the mountain Sidrak that lies across the antique bridge of stone. The men of Teloth are dark and stern, and dwell in square houses, and with frowns they asked the stranger whence he had come and what were his name and fortune. So the youth answered: “I am Iranon, and come from Aira, a far city that I recall only dimly but seek to find again. I am a singer of songs that I learned in the far city, and my calling is to make beauty with the things remembered of childhood. My wealth is in little memories and dreams, and in hopes that I sing in gardens when the moon is tender and the west wind stirs the lotos-buds.” When the men of Teloth heard these things they whispered to one another; for though in the granite city there is no laughter or song, the stern men sometimes look to the Karthian hills in the spring and think of the lutes of distant Oonai whereof travellers have told. And thinking thus, they bade the stranger stay and sing in the square before the Tower of Mlin, though they liked not the colour of his tattered robe, nor the myrrh in his hair, nor his chaplet of vine-leaves, nor the youth in his golden voice. At evening Iranon sang, and while he sang an old man prayed and a blind man said he saw a nimbus over the singer’s head. But most of the men of Teloth yawned, and some laughed and some went away to sleep; for Iranon told nothing useful, singing only his memories, his dreams, and his hopes. “I remember the twilight, the moon, and soft songs, and the window where I was rocked to sleep. And through the window was the street where the golden lights came, and where the shadows danced on houses of marble. I remember the square of moonlight on the floor, that was not like any other light, and the visions that danced in the moonbeams when my mother sang to me. And too, I remember the sun of morning bright above the many-coloured hills in summer, and the sweetness of flowers borne on the south wind that made the trees sing. “O Aira, city of marble and beryl, how many are thy beauties! How loved I the warm and fragrant groves across the hyaline Nithra, and the falls of the tiny Kra that flowed through the verdant valley! In those groves and in that vale the children wove wreaths for one another, and at dusk I dreamed strange dreams under the yath-trees on the mountain as I saw below me the lights of the city, and the curving Nithra reflecting a ribbon of stars. “And in the city were palaces of veined and tinted marble, with golden domes and painted walls, and green gardens with cerulean pools and crystal fountains. Often I played in the gardens and waded in the pools, and lay and dreamed among the pale flowers under the trees. And sometimes at sunset I would climb the long hilly street to the citadel and the open place, and look down upon Aira, the magic city of marble and beryl, splendid in a robe of golden flame. “Long have I missed thee, Aira, for I was but young when we went into exile; but my father was thy King and I shall come again to thee, for it is so decreed of Fate. All through seven lands have I sought thee, and some day shall I reign over thy groves and gardens, thy streets and palaces, and sing to men who shall know whereof I sing, and laugh not nor turn away. For I am Iranon, who was a Prince in Aira.” That night the men of Teloth lodged the stranger in a stable, and in the morning an archon came to him and told him to go to the shop of Athok the cobbler, and be apprenticed to him. “But I am Iranon, a singer of songs,” he said, “and have no heart for the cobbler’s trade.” “All in Teloth must toil,” replied the archon, “for that is the law.” Then said Iranon, “Wherefore do ye toil; is it not that ye may live and be happy? And if ye toil only that ye may toil more, when shall happiness find you? Ye toil to live, but is not life made of beauty and song? And if ye suffer no singers among you, where shall be the fruits of your toil? Toil without song is like a weary journey without an end. Were not death more pleasing?” But the archon was sullen and did not understand, and rebuked the stranger. “Thou art a strange youth, and I like not thy face nor thy voice. The words thou speakest are blasphemy, for the gods of Teloth have said that toil is good. Our gods have promised us a haven of light beyond death, where there shall be rest without end, and crystal coldness amidst which none shall vex his mind with thought or his eyes with beauty. Go thou then to Athok the cobbler or be gone out of the city by sunset. All here must serve, and song is folly.” So Iranon went out of the stable and walked over the narrow stone streets between the gloomy square houses of granite, seeking something green in the air of spring. But in Teloth was nothing green, for all was of stone. On the faces of men were frowns, but by the stone embankment along the sluggish river Zuro sate a young boy with sad eyes gazing into the waters to spy green budding branches washed down from the hills by the freshets. And the boy said to him: “Art thou not indeed he of whom the archons tell, who seekest a far city in a fair land? I am Romnod, and born of the blood of Teloth, but am not old in the ways of the granite city, and yearn daily for the warm groves and the distant lands of beauty and song. Beyond the Karthian hills lieth Oonai, the city of lutes and dancing, which men whisper of and say is both lovely and terrible. Thither would I go were I old enough to find the way, and thither shouldst thou go an thou wouldst sing and have men listen to thee. Let us leave the city Teloth and fare together among the hills of spring. Thou shalt shew me the ways of travel and I will attend thy songs at evening when the stars one by one bring dreams to the minds of dreamers. And peradventure it may be that Oonai the city of lutes and dancing is even the fair Aira thou seekest, for it is told that thou hast not known Aira since old days, and a name often changeth. Let us go to Oonai, O Iranon of the golden head, where men shall know our longings and welcome us as brothers, nor ever laugh or frown at what we say.” And Iranon answered: “Be it so, small one; if any in this stone place yearn for beauty he must seek the mountains and beyond, and I would not leave thee to pine by the sluggish Zuro. But think not that delight and understanding dwell just across the Karthian hills, or in any spot thou canst find in a day’s, or a year’s, or a lustrum’s journey. Behold, when I was small like thee I dwelt in the valley of Narthos by the frigid Xari, where none would listen to my dreams; and I told myself that when older I would go to Sinara on the southern slope, and sing to smiling dromedary-men in the market-place. But when I went to Sinara I found the dromedary-men all drunken and ribald, and saw that their songs were not as mine, so I travelled in a barge down the Xari to onyx-walled Jaren. And the soldiers at Jaren laughed at me and drave me out, so that I wandered to many other cities. I have seen Stethelos that is below the great cataract, and have gazed on the marsh where Sarnath once stood. I have been to Thraa, Ilarnek, and Kadatheron on the winding river Ai, and have dwelt long in Olathoë in the land of Lomar. But though I have had listeners sometimes, they have ever been few, and I know that welcome shall await me only in Aira, the city of marble and beryl where my father once ruled as King. So for Aira shall we seek, though it were well to visit distant and lute-blessed Oonai across the Karthian hills, which may indeed be Aira, though I think not. Aira’s beauty is past imagining, and none can tell of it without rapture, whilst of Oonai the camel-drivers whisper leeringly.” At the sunset Iranon and small Romnod went forth from Teloth, and for long wandered amidst the green hills and cool forests. The way was rough and obscure, and never did they seem nearer to Oonai the city of lutes and dancing; but in the dusk as the stars came out Iranon would sing of Aira and its beauties and Romnod would listen, so that they were both happy after a fashion. They ate plentifully of fruit and red berries, and marked not the passing of time, but many years must have slipped away. Small Romnod was now not so small, and spoke deeply instead of shrilly, though Iranon was always the same, and decked his golden hair with vines and fragrant resins found in the woods. So it came to pass one day that Romnod seemed older than Iranon, though he had been very small when Iranon had found him watching for green budding branches in Teloth beside the sluggish stone-banked Zuro. Then one night when the moon was full the travellers came to a mountain crest and looked down upon the myriad lights of Oonai. Peasants had told them they were near, and Iranon knew that this was not his native city of Aira. The lights of Oonai were not like those of Aira; for they were harsh and glaring, while the lights of Aira shine as softly and magically as shone the moonlight on the floor by the window where Iranon’s mother once rocked him to sleep with song. But Oonai was a city of lutes and dancing, so Iranon and Romnod went down the steep slope that they might find men to whom songs and dreams would bring pleasure. And when they were come into the town they found rose-wreathed revellers bound from house to house and leaning from windows and balconies, who listened to the songs of Iranon and tossed him flowers and applauded when he was done. Then for a moment did Iranon believe he had found those who thought and felt even as he, though the town was not an hundredth as fair as Aira. When dawn came Iranon looked about with dismay, for the domes of Oonai were not golden in the sun, but grey and dismal. And the men of Oonai were pale with revelling and dull with wine, and unlike the radiant men of Aira. But because the people had thrown him blossoms and acclaimed his songs Iranon stayed on, and with him Romnod, who liked the revelry of the town and wore in his dark hair roses and myrtle. Often at night Iranon sang to the revellers, but he was always as before, crowned only with the vine of the mountains and remembering the marble streets of Aira and the hyaline Nithra. In the frescoed halls of the Monarch did he sing, upon a crystal dais raised over a floor that was a mirror, and as he sang he brought pictures to his hearers till the floor seemed to reflect old, beautiful, and half-remembered things instead of the wine-reddened feasters who pelted him with roses. And the King bade him put away his tattered purple, and clothed him in satin and cloth-of-gold, with rings of green jade and bracelets of tinted ivory, and lodged him in a gilded and tapestried chamber on a bed of sweet carven wood with canopies and coverlets of flower-embroidered silk. Thus dwelt Iranon in Oonai, the city of lutes and dancing. It is not known how long Iranon tarried in Oonai, but one day the King brought to the palace some wild whirling dancers from the Liranian desert, and dusky flute-players from Drinen in the East, and after that the revellers threw their roses not so much at Iranon as at the dancers and the flute-players. And day by day that Romnod who had been a small boy in granite Teloth grew coarser and redder with wine, till he dreamed less and less, and listened with less delight to the songs of Iranon. But though Iranon was sad he ceased not to sing, and at evening told again his dreams of Aira, the city of marble and beryl. Then one night the red and fattened Romnod snorted heavily amidst the poppied silks of his banquet-couch and died writhing, whilst Iranon, pale and slender, sang to himself in a far corner. And when Iranon had wept over the grave of Romnod and strown it with green budding branches, such as Romnod used to love, he put aside his silks and gauds and went forgotten out of Oonai the city of lutes and dancing clad only in the ragged purple in which he had come, and garlanded with fresh vines from the mountains. Into the sunset wandered Iranon, seeking still for his native land and for men who would understand and cherish his songs and dreams. In all the cities of Cydathria and in the lands beyond the Bnazic desert gay-faced children laughed at his olden songs and tattered robe of purple; but Iranon stayed ever young, and wore wreaths upon his golden head whilst he sang of Aira, delight of the past and hope of the future. So came he one night to the squalid cot of an antique shepherd, bent and dirty, who kept lean flocks on a stony slope above a quicksand marsh. To this man Iranon spoke, as to so many others: “Canst thou tell me where I may find Aira, the city of marble and beryl, where flows the hyaline Nithra and where the falls of the tiny Kra sing to verdant valleys and hills forested with yath trees?” And the shepherd, hearing, looked long and strangely at Iranon, as if recalling something very far away in time, and noted each line of the stranger’s face, and his golden hair, and his crown of vine-leaves. But he was old, and shook his head as he replied: “O stranger, I have indeed heard the name of Aira, and the other names thou hast spoken, but they come to me from afar down the waste of long years. I heard them in my youth from the lips of a playmate, a beggar’s boy given to strange dreams, who would weave long tales about the moon and the flowers and the west wind. We used to laugh at him, for we knew him from his birth though he thought himself a King’s son. He was comely, even as thou, but full of folly and strangeness; and he ran away when small to find those who would listen gladly to his songs and dreams. How often hath he sung to me of lands that never were, and things that never can be! Of Aira did he speak much; of Aira and the river Nithra, and the falls of the tiny Kra. There would he ever say he once dwelt as a Prince, though here we knew him from his birth. Nor was there ever a marble city of Aira, nor those who could delight in strange songs, save in the dreams of mine old playmate Iranon who is gone.” And in the twilight, as the stars came out one by one and the moon cast on the marsh a radiance like that which a child sees quivering on the floor as he is rocked to sleep at evening, there walked into the lethal quicksands a very old man in tattered purple, crowned with withered vine-leaves and gazing ahead as if upon the golden domes of a fair city where dreams are understood. That night something of youth and beauty died in the elder world.

Brighten up your home this holiday season with a charming modern Christmas wreath for your front door! Crafted with care using beautiful pine, cedar, and scented wood, each wreath brings the fresh fragrance of snow indoors. They perfectly capture the festive spirit, adorned with holly berries, pinecones, and red ribbons. Whether placed on a table, shelf, or hung on your door, mailbox, or window, these wreaths add a delightful touch to any space. They also make wonderful gifts! Our mini Christmas wreath, available in green or adorned with sparkly snowflakes, adds a cheerful touch wherever it's placed. Discover more on our website and bring some Christmas joy to your home!

Losing a loved one is never easy, and finding the right way to honor their memory can bring comfort in times of grief. Funeral wreaths serve as a beautiful tribute, symbolizing eternal love and remembrance. In this guide, we will walk you through the heartfelt process of creating a funeral wreath with real flowers – a touching gesture that speaks volumes without saying a word. Let's dive into the art of crafting something special for your dearly departed.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Flowers for Your Funeral Wreath
When it comes to creating a meaningful funeral wreath, choosing the right flowers is essential. The flowers you select will convey your emotions and honor the memory of your loved one in a beautiful way.
Consider opting for traditional funeral flowers like lilies, roses, or carnations for a classic and elegant look. These blooms are often associated with love, purity, and remembrance.
If you're looking to add a personal touch to the wreath, think about incorporating your loved one's favorite flowers or colors. This can make the arrangement even more special and unique.
It's also important to consider the season when choosing flowers. Select blooms that are in season to ensure they are fresh and vibrant for the wreath.
Take some time to reflect on what each flower symbolizes and choose ones that resonate with you and your family during this difficult time.
Step 2: Preparing Your Flowers for the Wreath
When it comes to creating a beautiful funeral wreath with real flowers, the preparation of your blooms is crucial. Start by carefully selecting fresh flowers that hold special meaning or significance.
Next, gently remove any excess leaves and thorns from the stems to ensure a clean and polished look for your wreath. Trim the stems at an angle to help them absorb water more easily and prolong their freshness.
Fill a clean container with water and floral preservative to keep your flowers hydrated and vibrant as you work on assembling your wreath. Make sure to change the water regularly to prevent bacteria growth.
Consider adding greenery such as eucalyptus or ferns to complement your flower choices and enhance the overall design of your wreath. Take time in preparing each stem with care and attention to detail, as it will reflect in the final presentation of your creation.
Step 3: Constructing the Base of Your Wreath
Now that you have selected the perfect flowers for your funeral wreath, it's time to move on to the next step - constructing the base. The base of your wreath serves as a foundation for your beautiful floral arrangement, providing stability and structure.
Start by choosing a sturdy wire or foam ring as the base for your wreath. This will ensure that your creation holds its shape and lasts longer. You can find these bases at most craft stores or online.
Next, begin attaching greenery such as eucalyptus or ferns to the base using floral wire or hot glue. This will help fill out the wreath and create a lush backdrop for your flowers to shine.
As you work, remember to evenly distribute the greenery around the base to maintain balance and symmetry. Take your time with this step, as it sets the stage for how your final wreath will look.
Once you are satisfied with how the greenery is arranged, it's time to move on to adding in your chosen flowers. Stay tuned for our next steps on bringing your funeral wreath to life!
Step 4: Adding in Key Elements and Personal Touches
When it comes to creating a meaningful funeral wreath with real flowers, adding key elements and personal touches can truly make it special. Consider incorporating items that reflect the personality and interests of the departed loved one. Maybe they had a favorite color or flower you could include in the design.
You could also add small keepsakes like miniature photo frames, charms, or even tiny trinkets that hold significance. These subtle touches can serve as a beautiful tribute to their memory and create a more personalized wreath.
Don't be afraid to get creative - perhaps weave in ribbons with heartfelt messages or intertwine greenery symbolic of hope and eternal life. Every element you add should contribute to telling the story of the person who has passed, making the wreath unique and deeply meaningful.
Remember, these personal touches are what will set your funeral wreath apart and make it a touching tribute to celebrate the life of your loved one.
Step 5: Securing the Flowers onto the Base
Now that you have chosen the perfect flowers and arranged them beautifully, it's time to secure them onto the base of your funeral wreath. This step is crucial in ensuring that your wreath stays intact and looks stunning throughout the service.
Start by carefully placing each flower onto the base, making sure to distribute them evenly for a balanced look. Use floral wire or hot glue to attach the stems securely to the base. Take your time with this process to avoid any flowers coming loose later on.
As you work your way around the wreath, continue securing each flower in place until you are satisfied with how it looks. Don't be afraid to make adjustments as needed to achieve a cohesive and polished final product.
Once all the flowers are attached, gently press down on each one to ensure they are firmly in place. This will help prevent any movement or shifting during transportation and display at the funeral service.
Take a step back and admire your handiwork. The careful placement and secure attachment of each flower will result in a beautiful and meaningful tribute for your loved one's final farewell.
Step 6: Finishing Touches and Care Instructions
After putting together your beautiful funeral wreath with real flowers, it's important to add those finishing touches that will make it truly special. Take a step back and admire your creation - ensure each flower is secure and positioned just right.
To enhance the overall look, consider adding small accents like sprigs of greenery or delicate baby's breath for a touch of elegance. These subtle additions can really elevate the appearance of your wreath.
When it comes to care instructions, remember to mist the flowers lightly with water every day to keep them fresh. Avoid placing the wreath in direct sunlight or near heat sources as this can cause wilting.
Handle your funeral wreath with care when transporting it to its final destination. Keep it upright and secure during transit to preserve its beauty until the service begins.
Conclusion
Funeral wreaths made with real flowers are a beautiful and meaningful way to pay tribute to a loved one who has passed away. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a heartfelt and personalized funeral wreath that honors their memory.
Choosing the right flowers, preparing them carefully, and constructing the base with care will ensure that your funeral wreath is both visually stunning and long-lasting. Adding personal touches and key elements will make the wreath unique to your loved one's personality and style.
Remember to secure the flowers onto the base securely to avoid any mishaps during transportation or display. And don't forget those finishing touches – they can truly elevate your creation to something special.
By following these steps, you can create a touching tribute that celebrates the life of your loved one in a meaningful way. Funeral flowers London services may also help if you prefer professional assistance in crafting a beautiful funeral wreath. Let your love bloom through every petal as you honor their memory with a handmade floral masterpiece.