Greetings from Planet Calamari

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-23T00:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Year of the Water Dragon
Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Save Free Speech on the Internet!

2012-01-18T19:39:00.003-05:00

Millions of Americans oppose SOPA and PIPA because these bills would censor the Internet and slow economic growth in the U.S.

Two bills before Congress, known as the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House, would censor the Web and impose harmful regulations on American business. Millions of Internet users and entrepreneurs already oppose SOPA and PIPA.

The Senate will begin voting on January 24th. Please let them know how you feel. Sign this petition urging Congress to vote NO on PIPA and SOPA before it is too late.

CLICK HERE to read more and sign petition!

Happy Birthday Jane Austen

2011-12-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

Jane Austen
16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817

"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." Mr Darcy
From Pride and Prejudice

Maybe this is not the best quote from the book, but it is certainly one of the most romantic Thank you Jane Austen!

Visit the Jane Austen website for more info at http://www.janeausten.org/

Happy Zappadan.. its the most wonderful time of the year!

2011-12-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

“I never set out to be weird. It was always other people who called me weird.”
Frank Zappa

The festival of Zappadan runs from the date of Frank's death, 12/4, through the date of his birth, 12/21. I did not make this up. You read more about this holiday season from an old post at the blog The Aristocrats

OK, so i do have a Zappa thing, just look at the hair. We were both born at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. His parents were part Italian ....and Catholic. Mine were full blown Italian which requires one to be Catholic too. He too was the oldest child of four and he also had asthma. wheeeeeze gasp... pass that inhaler please.

Frank and his family ended up in San Diego in 1955ish depending on which bio you read. (I eventually moved there in 1981) You can read more about Frank's early career at wiki

It was not just the brilliance of Zappa's music that made me fall in love with him. He was a rebel. Outspoken. Blunt. A genius... a real one with a high IQ. He was a smart bad boy with a sense of humor and an inhaler. Oh take my breath away. And he had no problem being odd, different or weird. He did not even try. I can relate to that- though it took me much longer to accept that about myself. Some of us are just born that way. It pisses some people off, confuses others and stuns the rest. Rest assured, most of us freaks are harmless, just scary to watch or understand.

He was oh so very handsome in that ugly-sexy rock star kind of way too. Of course i think if i ever had kids i would have thought of better names for them than Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen. (Diva is a beautiful name without the pigeen muffin.)

So in 1993 Frank Zappa died on my birthday of prostate cancer. (Bill Bixby, of the Courtship of Eddie's Father had just passed away a week before with the same disease.) What a shitty year for good guys. I remember that day vividly, what i wore, ate, drank and the tears. I took it as an omen that it was going to be a very bad year. (And yes it was THE year that sucked- but it also was the year that sparked many big changes in my life- death of my dear friend Edie, the death of a bad marriage, moving to new apartment alone with terrorist cats, a sick dog and starting acupuncture college. And i am certain it sucked much more for the Zappa family.)

It has been 18 years since all that has transpired. My terrorist cat will be 19 in April. I can't even believe how old i am today. I feel young inside. Old in my joints. My inhaler is still in my purse, tho since moving to Virginia away from the coal dust of Salem, i no longer need to puff on it as much. So..when i learned of the holiday season known as Zappadan started on my birthday a few years ago, i took it once again as an omen, but this time as a good one.

So today i will floss, not eat yellow snow and celebrate my weirdness. It's my birthday and i'll floss if i want to. (yes i did live in Montana for 9 months too!)

Thank you Frank!

Happy Birthday Divine Miss M!

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Bette Midler!
Thank you for your sense of humor and outrageous talent!

Visit Bette's website at www.bettemidler.com

Magical Earrings Arrive on Planet Calamari Etsy

2011-11-27T22:38:00.004-05:00

See more fairies, devas and angels on the Planet Calamari Etsy Shoppe

Free shipping on Cyber Monday. Use code CYBERMONDAY11 when checking out.

Wishing you and your loved ones a magical holiday season!

Support your local indy business!

2011-11-20T20:14:00.002-05:00

For art to wear, greeting cards and gifts you will never find at Walmart or the mall please visit the Planet Calamari Art Shoppes

And do you really need to stand in line at midnight to shop at Walmart after Thanksgiving dinner for a bunch of imported crap from China?

Happy 83rd Birthday Mickey Mouse!

2011-11-18T00:05:00.001-05:00

"I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing...
that it was all started by a mouse."
—Walt Disney, Disneyland; October 27, 1954

It was love at first sight the very first time i saw Mickey Mouse. Those ears, the gloves .... and the voice. What is it about him that makes him so special? Well first off he is so graphically correct. All those circles perfectly drawn into a jovial mouse. Very simple. Maybe almost zen? Therapy via cartoons.

I think Mickey Mouse's birthday should be a national holiday, with pay. Put on your mouse ears and sing along with the Mickey Mouse Club

Learn more about this infamous mouse at wikipedia

50% Off Blowout Planet Calamari Zazzle Shop

2011-11-17T20:22:00.004-05:00

Friday November 18th 4 Hour Blowout Sale

Visit http://www.zazzle.com/planetcalamari

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Get a jump on your holiday shopping on Mickey Mouse's birthday. Unique designs inspired by acupuncture, Eastern Philosophy, Yoga, Meditation, and whimsical characters. Featuring the new Screaming Uterus Collection for ladies only.

Use code: FFHSHUGEDEAL is applied at checkout on or before November 18, 2011 4:01pm PT.

Happy Holidays- no matter which ones you celebrate from Planet Calamari Art Galleria featuring one of a kind art by artist/acupuncturist jeanie mossa.

Happy Happy Hysterectomy Greeting Cards

2011-11-11T17:37:00.005-05:00

Is your uterus screaming? Painful menses? Hysterectomy scheduled? Ovarian cysts? You won't find a Hallmark card for those symptoms! On Planet Calamari we share your pain and have designed art for you and your uterus.

To see more cards,gifts and shoes for the menopausal woman visit the Planet Calamari's Screaming Uterus Collection on Zazzle.

Happy Blog for Peace Day!

2011-11-04T00:04:00.000-04:00

Feliz Dia de Los Muertos!

2011-11-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

Click for Day of the Dead info

Sages Artists and Lunatics

2011-10-23T22:32:00.002-04:00

"Those people who recognize that the imagination is reality's master we call sages, and those who act upon it we call artists or lunatics." - Tom Robbins

New Planet Calamari Products on Zazzle!

2011-10-20T09:43:00.000-04:00

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Planet Calamari Moving Sale

2011-07-28T18:31:00.008-04:00

The Planet Calamari Etsy Shop is getting ready for the big move to Honville, Merryland with a Giant Squid sale and free shipping.

It's Christmas in July, Hon!

Visit our shop at www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari Please use the code Honville for free shipping when checking out.

Take 10% off anything at the Skinny Legs & All Vintage Boutique with the code MOVINGhon.

I will be journaling our moving adventures to Merryland in the Honville Chronicles blog.

Don't you just love that U-Haul dedicated a truck to the Giant Squid!

as of 9/23/11
CHANGE OF PLAN! Moving to the Washington DC/Virginia area instead!

Swan Messages Land on Derby Wharf Salem

2011-07-19T20:17:00.016-04:00

While walking my dog tonight out on Derby Wharf, i ran across a few old friends that i had not seen since my birthday two years ago. I had wondered where they had been these past few years and so hoping to see them before we left Salem. What a joy to see that they now have a new addition to their family.... a fluffy swanette.

Usually i pull an Animal Medicine tarot card each day to see what animal spirit guide is with me. Its been a tradition for about 20 years. The cards never lie. Sometimes i will pick the same one over and over - no matter how much i shuffle them, which can be quite annoying. Especially if it is the Ant card... which means Be patient! Not one of my virtues.

However, lately i have just been leaving it up to the Universe to send me a live message. On a good day a hawk will hide in our evergreen tree and look into our window. Or a dragonfly will buzz by my head. A monarch butterfly will take a walk with me or land on my shoulder. This winter a fox ran down Derby Street and stared me down. (Kind of sounds like a John Prine song) Other days i just get flocks of seagulls or worse.... a trail of ants. Hoping for a wolf to appear would just flip out the neighborhood.

This week i asked the Universe for a sign. I needed a BIG sign. .... S.O.S.
And never doubt the Universe when it sends in the swans! What a magical omen. I am grateful.

"Swan... The power of woman Entering Sacred Space,
Touching future Yet to come, Bringing eternal grace"
The Medicine Cards

The Native Americans believe that Swan fell into the Dream-time pond by accident. A Dragonfly came flying by and said "Swan, that is the doorway to the other planes of imagination. If you want to enter there you would have to ask permission to earn the right."

Swan was not sure and asked the Dragonfly what she needed to do. He replied, "You must be willing to accept whatever the future holds as it is presented, without trying to change Great Spirit's plan."

Swan looked at her little ugly duckling body and answered, " I will be happy to abide by Great Spirit's plan. I won't fight the currents of the black hole. I will surrender to the flow of the spiral and trust what i am shown."

Dragonfly was pleased with the Swan's answer and spun magic to break the spell of the pond's illusion. Suddenly Swan was engulfed by whirling water in the center of the pond. Many days later Swan appeared ... and now she was graceful, white and long necked. Dragonfly was stunned and asked, "Swan what has happened to you?"

Swan smiled and said, "I learned to surrender my body to the power of the Great Spirit and was taken to future lives. Because of my acceptance i have been changed. I learned to accept the stat of grace."

Swan medicine teaches us to be at one with all planes of consciousness and to trust in Great Spirit's protection. Go with the flow! Relax- life will be easier.

So- i guess i need to chill out. Surrender Dorothy. Trust that it will all be OK and
Jump - because the net will appear.

Rumor has it we are jumping in the fall. I hope to be graceful, much calmer and have a decent haircut by then.

Coming Soon to the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop

2011-07-18T14:44:00.007-04:00

Just a preview of what will be listed soon on the
Planet Calamari Etsy Shoppe as soon as i have time!

Happy Birthday Frida Kahlo!

2011-07-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

I hope the end is joyful, and I hope never to return."
— Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo de Rivera (July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954)
born Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo y Calderón
Read the Wiki on Frida click here

Through the Looking Glass Dale Chihuly at the MFA

2011-06-26T23:35:00.009-04:00

Happy Birthday Paul Gauguin

2011-06-07T12:33:00.001-04:00

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin
7 June 1848 – 8 May 1903

Happy Birthday Buddha!

2011-05-17T11:12:00.000-04:00

poetry festival invades salem ma

2011-05-14T18:58:00.002-04:00

This weekend the Poetry Festival of MA is being held in Salem. As i lay here on my heating pad on the couch with a few cats and a dog i thought i would post something from one of my favorite poets, ee cummings. Because of his influence, , i received a B in English by Sister Mary Hildagard, aka bucky beaver for not using capital letters when signing my name! Needless to say my parents were not pleased with my refusal to cooperate and get an A. (It was worth it!)

i carry your heart with me
e e cummings

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

edward estlin cummings

All Wired Up And No Place To Go....

2011-05-06T19:54:00.007-04:00

It almost feels like summer. The snow is melted and it is possible to walk the beach collecting shells and sea glass. In a perfect world i would sit on the beach at Winter Island, soaking in the sun, the sea breeze and that wonderful ocean air while crocheting.

My latest addiction is crocheting with wire. Here are a few pieces with sea shells, recycled beads and freshwater pearls.

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. See more art to wear at the

Art to Wear for the Budget Conscience Soul

2011-04-27T11:25:00.001-04:00

It seems that May and June always seem to be filled with weddings, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and other gift bearing holidays. Gift giving in this economy can be a stressful thing. Most of us would like to give something meaningful at a reasonable price. (Gifts from the evil land of Walmart just do not seem special!)

With that in mind,i have decided to create a line of jewelry for the budget conscience consumer. Most of these pieces have been created using recycled and upcycled beads and baubles, which help to keep the prices down. Some of the jewelry i have been making this past week are from beads i have been holding on to for 20 years. I finally went up to my ghost ridden attic and am ready to let go of my stash of vintage beads. (I hope the ghosts do not mind.)

More pieces will be added over the next week. Here is just a sneak peek.

For more Budget Conscience Art to Wear for the Bohemian Soul click here!

..........i surrender!

2011-04-26T10:13:00.003-04:00

Today is the 18th anniversary of my dear friend Edie's passing. It was Edie who brought me to a Chinese doctor who gave me acupuncture and stinky herbs for my damaged lungs. She was the catalyst that changed everything in my life at that time. Giving up doing art for a living, going to acupuncture college, a divorce, moving, moving and more moving! I will be eternally grateful for her friendship and her wisdom. And like every anniversary of a friend's passing it makes me ponder things like ....what the hell am i doing? Life is precious. Time to live, laugh and love.

I often wonder when whoever is running the big show in the sky- whether it is GOD, The Goddess, the Universe, the Flying Spaghetti Monster, fill in the blank with your favorite Deity______. Whoever it is does He/She/It look down at us and think "Boy did I create some stupid humans or what?"

Maybe life really would not be so hard if we just paid attention to those little messages or signs sent to us. That billboard that reminds you to breathe. The song on the radio with that perfect message about a current situation. A bluebird sitting on your window sill. Your stomach hurts every time you walk into your cubicle at work. A friend suddenly passes away shaking up your entire belief system.

I find that whenever i try to force something to happen it either backfires or creates chaos. However on those days that i just allow life to just be without any effort it flows. Things happen in unexpected ways. So why is it so hard to just trust that everything will be OK? Who was the first human who discovered the power of worrying? Is it hereditary? Days like this i just want to stay home and watch the Wizard of Oz and eat twizzlers.

Perhaps the Wicked Witch of the west was just trying to tell Dorothy- STOP TRYING SO HARD... with her Surrender Dorothy sky message. Then again, none of us were sad when we all learned you could melt a witch with a bucket of water. (Need to test this theory out next halloween - i wonder if it works on warlocks with big egos?)

Dorothy always had the power to go back to Kansas. She could have clicked those ruby slippers in the beginning had she just believed. Of course- i never understood why she would choose to return to a monochromatic home to live with a mean aunt and uncle who tried to get rid of her dog.

I always wished for a sequel to the Wizard of Oz. Hoping that Auntie Em or Uncle Henry got the nerve to throw a bucket of water on Mrs Gulch. Maybe Dorothy started a dog walking business or became a motivational speaker on the power of belief.... and that the use of color was finally discovered in Kansas.

I invite everyone to surrender today... do something fun and foolish.

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Earth Day. Please take the day to be nice to our one and only planet.

"The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself."
— Chief Seattle

Visit the Planet Calamari Etsy shop for one of a kind art to wear made with recycled baubles at http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari

Bye Bye Birdie SALE at Planet Calamari

2011-04-21T15:48:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter.
Happy Spring Cleaning.
Happy Sun enters Taurus.
Happy soon Mercury will no longer be retrograde!

I found a new addiction- crocheting with wire and will soon be debuting my latest art to wear pieces. Meanwhile it is time to do some spring cleaning at the Planet Calamari Etsy shop. All bird nest pendants are now marked down. A few other earrings have also been reduced. Please visit the shop and look for the SALE.

more nests...

2011-04-13T17:55:00.003-04:00

Silver and copper wire with New Jade Serpentine beads.

Silver and copper wire with green marble beads.
This was a special request order.

Green turquoise beads with silver and copper wire.

Planet Calamari Etsy Shop for more nests and art to wear. 18% off all items through Saturday morning to celebrate our CEO, Zevo Calamari's birthday. Use the code ZEVO18 checking out.

Celebrating Zevomas!

2011-04-13T11:38:00.000-04:00

It is Zevomas here at Planet Calamari! April 14th marks the 18th birthday of Zevo hussein Calamari, founder of the infamous Pooses for Peace and CEO of Planet Calamari!

Hard to believe that this part siamese, tonkinese mix has been with me for 18 years. Longer than any relationship i have ever had!

Zevo was born in Escondido California under the bed of my dear friend Edie about 10 days before she passed away from a long bout of cancer. Zevo and her sister, Baby Pig (who has since passed away) came home to live with me, 3 German Shepherds, 2 cockatiels and another scruffy being we will not mention! This was the very first time i had ever had cats.

Zevo has been cooperative moving with me on my various escapades to Hillcrest San Diego, Toronto, Newton MA and now Salem MA. Who knows where we will all end up next...

For 18 years she has been by my side through all the various changes, ups, downs and absurdities in life. There is never a dull moment living with this Queen of Snark. Zevo is always ready to vocalize exactly how she feels and bites when the need arises. (You can follow her adventures by visiting her blog wwwzevocalamari.blogspot.com

Thank you Miss Zevo hussein Calamari for the love and constant entertainment you have given us. We love you!

To celebrate the life of this extraordinary feline and CEO of Planet Calamari, we will be offering 18% off all items at the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Please use the code ZEVO18 when checking out.!

What Kind of Civilization Shuts Down Art?

2011-04-08T18:44:00.006-04:00

It's Friday and i am feeling snarky. It has been a long week. I am grateful that i do not have TV or else i would be glued to it watching CSPAN or worse CNN and throwing things at it. It is annoying just to read the latest Google headlines or if tempted to visit the Huffington Post

I am in awe at the stupidity of our elected officials. Here we are ... on the brink of the government shutting down because it has spent way too much money in the past on an illegal and unnecessary war, then the bailing out of the greedy bastards on Wall Street (who then congratulated themselves with million dollar bonuses) and a Congress who can vote on a pay raise each year. Not to mention take several vacations, paid insurance and other benefits the common citizen is not privy to.

And what do these buffoons want to cut? Well besides things like women's health which is an entirely new blog topic for another day- they want to cut ART. Funding for things such as PBS, Sesame Street, Art museums, the Boston Symphony, Art education, Dance and more.

Art is one the planets oldest and dearest treasures. Every great civilization honored art and its artists. I believe the key word here is great. Those cultures who cared nothing about art, music or literature that were based on war and power collapsed. Not a pretty sight.

If we take away the arts what will this nation become? Can you imagine a monochromatic life filled with nothing but work, reality TV and war? Maybe NSCAR races and football. (And mandatory church meetings.) I bet House Speaker John Boehner's idea of art is a velvet painting of Elvis and dogs playing poker.

And those GOP folks must know that even Jesus loved art. Well he seemed to featured in so many famous paintings so it must be good. Right? Just look at the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. It's filled with art. Holy art.

The arts create jobs and boost the economy. Just think what happens when Jimmy Buffett comes to town. He sells out in less than 15 minutes. I know- i have tried several years in a row holding 2 cell phones while on 2 computers in hope of scoring 2 tickets.

So in a matter of minutes, Jimmy is boosting sales for Ticketmaster who hires a ton of people. Margarita and tequila sales are up. The Party Shop sells out of coconut bras and grass skirts. Extra security is brought on for the concert. People are hired to sell t-shirts, whirlygigs and drinks at the show. CDs are sold. Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses and flip flop sales go through the roof. Buffett wanna-bees buy guitars and take lessons. Corona beer becomes popular again. Those walking around with illegal smiles buy Doritos and munchies.

People are happy, dancing and spending money and some are earning money. And this is just a Buffett concert. I have no idea what kind of impact something like CATS on Broadway has on the economy of the city it is playing!

Watch Kevin Spacey defend the arts! click here

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

How about cutting the salaries of everyone in the senate, congress, lobbyists and over paid government officials to start off with? Make them pay for their own insurance, planes, trains, stamps, limos, phones and benefits. Let's stop wasting money on things like the Bridge to Nowhere, the Big Dig, and whatever they do with all that corn they throw away. OK- so how money did we save so far? Anyone have a calculator?

OK... next up on the list to cut... WAR - hmmm! ugh..what is it good for... AbsoLUTEly nothing. So let's send the bad guys some crayolas, paint and paper. Maybe throw in some clay and beads. Way more fun than shot em up. Way cheaper and safer for our troops. All we are saying is Give Art a Chance. Too bad old GWB didn't think of that option first. And i am sad that Obama backed down on his promise to end the madness.

So let's stop giving away stuff to people who are mooches. Yes- it is politically incorrect to say it...but i will. If you are on welfare then you need to prove that you cannot work. And take a mandatory drug test. I realize not everyone on welfare is scamming the system- but we all know there is a lot of waste. If you have a shiny new car parked out in front of your house, then i want to know how i work the equivalent of 2 jobs and still drive an 11 year old VW bug? Even without a calculator there is something just not adding up here! So let's clean that big mess up. OK... what number are we up to now?

More things to cut from the budget. No more bail outs to Wall Street. Let them dig themselves out of the hole next time. Perhaps the money would have been better spent on things like education or just divide the money up and send every US citizen a check. Some of them may even buy things like.... food or pay rent or save their homes from being foreclosed.

OK... has anyone added up what we are saving yet? Let's see if we can make some money too for the government.

Let's make the corporations pay real taxes. Not fake ones. No more kick backs for the oil companies and the evil conglomerates. Pay up! Come on we all know you have it. That should make a big bundle of cash right away.

Let's make churches pay taxes. Yep- they make a profit. Let them pay. No need for Father O'Greedy to be driving a Mercedes. Just like there is no need for the Pope to wear red Prada shoes. Crazy Reverend Pat Robertson's church is rolling in money. And what about those insane Westboro Baptist Church freaks that protest at military funerals? Now that could pay for the arts right there!

Have i left anyone out? Do we have enough money yet? Well if you think of more ways feel free to add them in the comments!

And even though this is not related to art- i really want to know who will feed the animals at the National Zoo if the government does shut down. Are they going to just put vending machines in their cages during that time?

And do i have to mail in my tax check to the IRS if nobody is there?

Here is my STAT team Etsy homework for the week:

'Art Shines Through even if the government shuts down STAT Team Treasury' by PlanetCalamari

With the looming threat of the US government shutting down arts and the rights of women i was inspired to find work by STAT team members that let their light shine though as a beacon of hope. With or without government support we will always be creating art. All we are saying... is give ART a chance!Please spread the Etsy love by commenting and sharing.

Limited edition, fr... shantellrae $15.50	Spring Welcoming Cr... grundyluks $25.00	El regalo postcard Toshisworld $4.00	Art Print - Mona Li... artandwares $188.00
Mosaic Whale with F... trinasclaycrea... $25.00	Accidental Poetry M... kaerl $8.00	Iced Pineapple and ... bubbletub $3.00	Turquoise Necklace ... HartAndBloom $29.00
Chrystal Visions Ea... TatteredMare $15.95	Gold crowned Coral ... FlawlessArt $98.00	Getty Villa Arches shyphotog $10.00	Two Double Helix ... Puppycatmeow $102.00
moonbeam fairy pill... bohemianblue $65.00	Atlas Charm Bracele... awesleydesigns $33.50	good karma dog coll... PetCollage $21.00	Waist Length Coral ... wulfgirl $72.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Skinny Legs & All Vintage Boutique

2011-04-02T15:20:00.007-04:00

I have been collecting vintage hats, purses, jewelry and clothing forever. As a child i loved rummaging through my Nonna's basement trying on her old hats and playing with her pocketbooks. My favorite past time is to roam through thrift shops and garage sales in hopes of finding a piece of the past. It is an addiction. My attic is proof.

I adore the look of the 1920's, 30's, 40's and 50's. Women had style and even manners! Classic hats and purses. Don't leave home with out your gloves or hankies. Red coral lipstick. A touch of perfume. Ah the good old days.

As i have been purging my attic of boxes and clutter, it occurred to me that i do not need to keep every purse or hat that i have found over the years. I no longer wear or use most of these items and the ones i will keep belong to my Nonnas and Aunts. In a perfect world i would own a vintage resale shop, get dolled up everyday for work and feel glamorous.

I really do not need one more business or rental commitment - especially here in Salem MA. So the next best thing to do is to set up a cyber Etsy shop. No parking hassles, city taxes, overhead or mandatory shop hours. No worries about theft, Halloween crowds and no snow emergency parking bans. Happy not to have to invite the mayor of Salem in her ill fitting black suit pose while cutting a ribbon at my grand opening and have her take credit for yet another booming business venture under her reign.

Welcome to the Skinny Legs and All Vintage Boutique , named after one of my favorite Tom Robbin's books. I will be adding more items over the next few weeks. And hope to add the link to this new shop on the Planet Calamari website soon.

"High heels, they put a woman much closer to heaven"
Tom Robbins

The Swallows Return to San Juan Capistrano

2011-03-19T01:00:00.000-04:00

The hope of spring is in the air. Our snow is finally melting and it has been a balmy 45 degrees here in New England these past few days. After a long cold snowy winter it feels like a heat wave. Small buds are on the trees waiting to bloom. Birds, squirrels and skunks have been partying in our back yard.

Meanwhile this fragile planet is falling apart with earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanos erupting, fires, floods, revolutions and confusion... but there is a tiny glimmer of hope that things just may be OK.

This Saturday, March 19th on the feast of St Joseph the swallows will return to the San Juan Capistrano Mission after spending the winter in Goya Argentina. The Mission holds a celebration every year beginning with the ringing of the bells to welcome the birds home.
You can watch the ringing of the bells on this youtube Click here

My favorite legend about the swallows is told by Father St John O'Sullivan:

"In his book Capistrano Nights, Father St. John O'Sullivan, Pastor of Mission San Juan Capistrano from 1910-33, tells how the swallows first came to call the Mission home. One day, while walking through town, Father O'Sullivan saw a shopkeeper, broomstick in hand. He was knocking down the cone-shaped mud swallow nests under the eaves of his shop. The birds were darting back and forth, shreiking over the destruction of their homes.

"What in the world are you doing?" O'Sullivan asked.

"Why, these dirty birds are a nuisance and I am getting rid of them!" the shopkeeper responded.

"But where can they go?"

"I don't know and I don't care," he replied, slashing away with his pole. "But they've no business here, destroying my property."

O'Sullivan then said, "Come on swallows, I'll give you shelter. Come to the Mission. There's room enough there for all."

The very next morning, Father O'Sullivan discovered the swallows busy building their nests outside Father Junipero Serra's Church. " click here to read more

The swallows leave the mission every year around the feast of San Juan on October 23.

When the swallows come back to Capistrano
That's the day you promised to come back to me
When you whispered, "Farewell," in Capistrano
'twas the day the swallows flew out to sea

—excerpt from "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano" by Leon René

It is said that the swallow is a symbol of hope, fertility and renewal of life. Known as the symbol of Venus, the Goddess of Love, the Roman’s believed it was extremely unlucky to harm a sparrow.
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In honor of the brave little sparrows who announce the arrival of spring the Planet Calamari Etsy shop will be offering free shipping on all purchases starting March 19th through March 21st. http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari Use the Code: REBIRTH11 when checking out.

More Sea Glass from Salem MA

2011-03-16T18:18:00.005-04:00

To see more sea glass jewelry and one of a kind art to wear visit the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop
More pieces will be added this week!

Free Shipping through Monday 3/21/11 use the code REBIRTH11 when checking out.

Happy Hope of Spring from Planet Calamari

2011-03-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Spring is in the air bring the hope of love, rebirth and new beginnings. This pendant was inspired by the birds who visit my balcony daily for bread crumbs, seeds and popcorn and entertain my cats who peer through the window longingly.

This nest pendant was created with silver plated wire. The eggs are 3 vintage buttons that resemble pearls. No nest is complete without the Mama and Papa bird to feed and protect the soon to be new born chicks. Two silver plated Tibetan bird charms dangle from the nest.

The pendant is 2 inches long from the bail and hangs from a 16 inch silver plated chain. Easy to take off if you would like to put on your favorite chain, ribbon or a neck choker.

A romantic gift for an expecting mother, new family or anniversary. Lightweight and elegant.
Available at the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari Studio located in magical Salem MA.

See more art to wear at the Planet Calamari Etsy shop Planet Calmari Etsy

Please visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/PlanetCalamariArt

Who Will Save The Working Class Hero?

2011-03-09T13:21:00.020-05:00

Usually i save my political rants for my cat's blog. The Adventures of Zevo Calamari and Boo . Lately she has not posted anything. However i hear her typing in the living room...

Who will step in to help the working class heros of Wisconsin? So far only Michael Moore gas showed up to help. There must be someone who can step in and save these people. Isn't there a super hero flying around these days? This is still America isn't it? How can we allow a dictator to take over a state? Thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster i do not have TV. Reading Huffpo is addicting enough.

The protests in Wisconsin have awakened my inner steel worker and rebel. I want to stand on a table with a UNION sign like Norma Rae- and i am not even in a union. Never was. But i worked in a steel mill, the Queen mother of steel mills... Bethlehem Steel. Even though i was considered "white hard hat" employee and not permitted to be in the union- the union protected me. No need to go into the gory details of the incident. I will be eternally grateful for the union rep who defended me from the Humpty Dumpty shaped boss who made my life a living hell. Norma Rae will always be my hero.

For the record i never wore red high heels and danced through the mill to a bad 80's soundtrack. Nobody in their right mind could ever wear heels in the North Yard Plate Mill nor near the Blast Furnace. I guess Jennifer Beals would have never been pursued by the oh so dashing boss wearing oversized metatarsal shoes and geeky safety glasses. And none of my bosses looked like that! However i must admit, the urge to spontaneously dance whenever i hear the Flashdance theme song playing in the grocery store is still overwhelming at times.

I was hired because i was a minority- a young white woman applying for something that was not secretarial related. White women were a minority in the steel mill unless they were typing in the main office and of course my father and brother worked there too. I am sure that helped. Then again almost everyone's father, brother and husband worked there.

It was not a job i wanted or ever aspired to do. I was unemployed, desperate, had left home and quit college. And the pay and benefits were better than anything available for a steel-town girl with no degree. (The pay was actually better than what i earn with my masters degree now!)

It was like living in a Bruce Springsteen song. Only blue collar workers can truly appreciate Springsteen. (And why isn't he in Wisconsin right now?) Bruce can sing in black and white. You can see the smoke rising out of the towers. Flashbacks of the train tracks with the red hot ingot buggy speeding by, in hopes that it misses your car. The whistle blowing to let you know your shift is done. Punch that time clock. Go have a beer with the boys and you are off until your next shift. Swing shifts. One week 11:00 pm- 7:00 am. Next week 7:00 am - 3:00 pm. Next week 3:00- 11:00 pm. Does it matter your body is confused? Why would you want more? You must be crazy to. Think of the money. The benefits....and you will regret this if you quit.

And so those of us who could not bear to live in a monochromic world quit and ran off to Oz or California.
Toto... i have a feeling we're not in Baltimore anymore... Click here to visit OZ.

Not everyone is brave or crazy enough to run off just because of the lack of color in their life. And who can blame those who stay and who opt for the sense of financial security, health benefits for the family and retirement? Those people who tolerate the boredom and abuse of the factory, and work in the mill an entire lifetime deserve security.

Who are these working class heros? The teachers who put up with wretched children, obnoxious parents and principals. The firemen and police who put their lives on the line everyday for a paycheck. The EMT workers who make the equivalent as those who work at the fast food chain Wendys. The airline pilot who makes $25,000 a year. None of these folks are paid what they are worth. These are the people who need the protection of the union.

Wall Street cronies make billions and get bailed out when they are irresponsible. How about saving those who actually contribute to society? Those who teach our children? Those who protect and save us? When your house is burning down who are you going to call? Wall Street? Your governor? Your mayor? (Don't waste a call on the Mayor of Salem.. she is way too busy and important to respond to anything menial. But that is an entirely different blogpost.)

Yes the unions can be corrupt- but until there is something better for the working class heros- leave the unions alone! And if anyone knows Bruce Springsteen tell him he is needed in Wisconsin now. The River Youtube

The Balancing Act: Artist Vs. Acupuncturist

2011-03-04T20:31:00.007-05:00

One of my hopes for this New Year was to allow myself the time and space to be an artist again. My muse had gone on a very long hiatus when i began putting all of my attention on my K9 acupuncture practice and business Four Paws Acupuncture

Thanks to the synchronicity of finding The Artist's Way at the library and the perpetual weekly blizzards, my muse returned. I am not sure where she went. Maybe down one of those What the Bleep time continuum rabbit holes. Maybe she stayed in Paris or Coney Island. She never even bothered to send a postcard. And she just waltzed back in like "La de da ...i'm back- could you run me a nice hot bath and please bring a glass of wine?" She does not care about running a business, paperwork, or anything that involves the left brain.

With all the hoopla happening with the unions in Wisconsin, my muse has informed me that she also belongs to the Cult of Nine Muses Union. She has a list of demands. She is to be taken on art dates. Hunting for sea glass trips. Shopping sprees at bead emporiums. Napping with cats. Papaya lunches and good red wine. Her union claims she is to have one full day a week with me doing art. Yes- she is one of those high maintenance muses. I think most of them are. If i do not meet her demands she will run off again- for good.

I love being an acupuncturist. Being immersed in an ancient form of medicine is a form of art. Once i am in that TCM zone it is a lot like being in the art flow zone. I just do not like the business end of it all. It is time consuming and at times very frustrating.

Technically i do not get overtime for putting in 50 hours a week working on or at my practice. I do not have office staff to answer calls, confirm patients, run errands, write the e-letters, blogs, books, classes, research dog food and products. Arrange house calls geographically. My imaginary secretary, Mrs Merriweather does it all. She looks a lot like an older version of me with coiffed white hair, cat eye glasses and a strand of pearls. She wears gloves with a Jackie O pillbox hat. Very polite on the phone but cusses like a sailor as soon as she hangs up. I think she has a flask in her purse too. She loves to work and volunteers to come in on weekends and holidays. I think she must have lived through the depression. Always worried that if she stops working something bad may happen. (Perhaps she is a mixture of 12 years of catholic school combined with 5 years of working at Bethlehem Steel?)

Mrs Merriweather and the Muse do not seem to hit it off. They cannot be in the room at the same time. One makes a mess with beads, yarn and feathers while the other is trying to print out patient forms and returning calls. One dances around the kitchen wearing harem pants with bells, while the other is researching the latest dog food recall. The Muse wants me to retire Mrs Merriweather. Send her off to Florida to play canasta with grey haired old ladies. While Mrs M wants me to ship off the Muse back to where ever she sprung from. There must be a compromise as both must stay for now. (The thought of Mrs Merriweather retiring is very appealing. The Muse is way more fun to hang out with- but she does not contribute to the financial side of things - yet...) There is that hope that the Planet Calamari Etsy shop will someday become a prosperous business. I am not willing to be the starving artist again. I have done that gig way too many times in this lifetime.

So i am at the point where i must decide how to make time to be the artist again while running my acupuncture practice. I am on that tightrope one bad step and i fall with no net to catch me.

From the kitchen i hear my Muse is screaming over the sound of Sly and the Family Stone's Dance to the Music "Jump and the net will appear"

It is a blessing that Mrs Merriweather forgot to wear her hearing aid today.

Exposing the STAT ETSY TEAM: Part I & Part II the sequel

2011-03-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

'Exposing the ESTY STAT TEAM Part 1' by PlanetCalamari

This is just part one of the Etsy STAT TEAM's week project Exposure. Its goal is to give as much exposure to every artisan on the team. There were so many team members participating i will be making the Part 2 treasury as well.Please spread the Etsy love by making a comment below and sharing this treasury via your favorite social media venue.

Rustic Citron Cross... Hippiechicjewe... $40.00	Girly Skull Origina... oddballartco $8.00	Sunshine on a Rainy... ecofriendlyfre... $100.00	Blue and Green Knit... asiabataev $15.00
Handspun Flannel Pa... SaratogaSpinni... $35.00	Winter Cherry Bloss... labellechanson $23.00	Original photograph... VeraArt2010 $30.00	Mr. Toaster Primiti... holeestars $57.95
Pod Pals - Tommy th... AngelinaInspir... $30.00	original art can... johnniebelinda $65.00	Red White and Denim... ecochictotes $29.00	March Birthstone-Go... yifatbareket $155.00
Magnesite Skull Nec... HelmerJewelry $25.00	Irish Cream Soap - ... BarSoap $4.00	Wall Hanging Bear gabbysch $34.98	Czech Green Crystal... OCeliasJewelry $14.99

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

'Exposing the Etsy STAT TEAM: Part 2 The Sequel' by PlanetCalamari

The Sequel to Exposing the Etsy STAT TEAM Part 2: Its goal is to give as much exposure to every team member. There were so many entries i had to make 2 treasuries. I included everyone that participated in the discussion and shy team members.Please spread the Etsy love by making a comment below & sharing this treasury via your favorite social media venue. Part 1 Exposing theSTAT TEAM:http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d7036e239db8eef94be975b/exposing-the-esty-stat-team-part-1

Original 12 x 9 Mar... andralynn $35.00	Victorian Rose Hand... StorybookArtif... $15.00	Victorian Sunbust n... KCIADesigns $27.00	Mini Black Petticoa... retrominx $30.00
New Release-Twisted... yifatbareket $65.00	Hummingbird In Flig... DeirdreT $15.00	Crochet Earrings Bl... CreatIVYty $10.00	Crazy Punk LOADED C... awesleydesigns $45.00
Octopus macrame bra... MadHatter92 $8.00	Blue and White Upcy... Joystreet $11.00	Butterfly on Heart ... ile1974 $26.00	Spring Flower Croch... mystichintime $7.50
original art painti... johnniebelinda $10.00	Lavender Knitted Do... forpawsandhome $8.00	Original Acrylic Pa... oddballartco $200.00	Buy 4 for 16.00 - Y... Vandaleyez $16.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Blow Up Your TV...i dare you!

2011-02-24T19:43:00.007-05:00

and now my rant on why and how we do not have TV.

Most of my friends, family and clients think we are freaks because we do not have cable TV. It is always so amusing to watch people's expressions when they ask if i have seen the latest reality show or news flash and i reply "No,we don't have TV."

WHAT? How do you live without TV? What do you mean you don't have TV? What do you do?

Even though i explain- well- yes we have a TV.. just not cable so we cannot actually watch anything on TV except dvds. We do get netflix movies that arrive in the mail. We go to the library and borrow movies... and books to read. I still get that look as if i had just said, "Klaatu, the Mother-ship has just landed. Take me to your leader. Would you like some plutonium?"

In fact we still own a TV that is about 9 years old. No flat screen, not a take up the whole wall high def yada yada TV. Its old and our dvd player just died over the weekend. So we are forced to watch our movies on my iBook. Do we care? Not really. But it seems to really upset the people i tell. Not sure why- it's not like they are forced to sit here and watch it!

We have not had cable for about 6 years now. It was odd how it happened. It was not intentional. Around the time of Hurricane Katrina, those evil GWB years i was addicted to CNN, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, The Daily Show, Steven Cobert, David Letterman... well you get the idea. Non-stop news in various forms which pretty much kept me on edge with a deep smoldering anger at what was happening in the country and planet.... and the perpetual stress of what will George Bush and his cronies do next?

That summer my husband and i had the opportunity to stay with the Monks of New Skete. If you don't know who they are they are famous for their books on training dogs. Known for their German Shepherds, they are a renegade bunch of ex-Roman Catholics who turned Orthodox. Smart monks with a sense of humor. They are located in a very quite wooded area in upstate New York where the only sound are birds chirping, crickets, matins, vespers and dogs barking. No television. No cellphone reception. Nothing but.......quiet and lots of German Shepherds.

Three glorious days of quiet. No news. Amazing... and i did not miss it. The silence combined with the puppy breath was the best thing i had ever experienced in such a long time! I was addicted. It was the closest thing to heaven. I cried when we had to leave. If only we could live there. (Well we could - it's just that we are not Orthodox Catholic. Instead we now visit the Monks at least once a year for our Divine canine therapy.)

On the drive back we were forced to stop at one of those mega-gas-stations with a McDonalds, and every other crappy fast food restaurant imaginable all in one location. To get to the bathrooms one had to navigate through the huddled masses standing in line for their Big Macs and super-sized fries. Every corner had a huge TV blaring FOX NEWS. I guess Mobil Oil has to support their patrons somehow. Hearing the sound of FOX blasting through the aroma of donuts combined with french fries was unbearable.

Arriving home in Salem, the noise of cars with heavy based boom boxes driving by seemed extra loud. In fact everything was magnified. It was as someone had turned the volume up. The thought of turning on the TV was repulsive to both of us. And so that was the beginning of the end of our TV cable. It was cancelled shortly afterwards.

Because of that decision we read more, lost weight, went to the library once a week for BBC classics, listened to more music and most of all- i was calmer. I no longer needed to know the latest antic of GWB or if the world was going in implode that day. It did not matter. So liberating.

The down side to this is now i cannot stand to hear a TV. If i go into someone's home and it is on, the sound floods my head. Unbearable. I make dog clients turn it off before i treat their dog. I refuse to eat at any restaurants that have multiple TVs blasting. I quit my health club after they added a nonstop TV to the women's locker room, not to mention every machine there had a TV monitor on as well. (Do you really need that thing on ALL the time?) Can we no longer eat, exercise or get a manicure without television looming the in background all the time. Are we really that terrified of the silence or the thoughts that may occur if we are not distracted by mindless noise?

Can we declare a Turn Off Your TV Day? There is a day to stop smoking. Should there be a 12 step program for TV addicts? Come on .. i dare you... turn it off. See if you can. You will live- i promise!

Ironically one of my favorite John Prine songs (even before my ban on TV occurred) is Spanish Pipedream in which the chorus sings, "Blow up your TV"

So sing along with John Prine - it will amuse you while your TV is turned off!

Can't see the image? click here to see the youtube
"Blow up your TV, throw away your paper
Go to the country, build you a home
Plant a little garden, eat a lot of peaches
Try an' find Jesus on your own"
-John Prine

A Date with Captain Jack Sparrow

2011-02-24T18:32:00.004-05:00

Part of the fun of being part of the Etsy STAT TEAM aka Self Taught Artists is that we are required to make a treasury featuring our team members' art and products once a week. Our work is not allowed to be included. This treasury was especially fun since the theme was pirates.
Grab a margarita and take a look me hearties....

'A Date With Captain Jack Sparrow' by PlanetCalamari

It is still bitterly cold here in New England. One can only dream of being on a secluded sunny island with Captain Jack Sparrow and a stock pile of margaritas...... arrrrrrrgh... yo ho yo ho!

Steampunk MAGICAL Clutc... oldjunkyardbou... $	Beaded Red Jasper Crab ... patereeves $	Skull Pirate Soap pepperapotheca... $1.75	Pirate Princess Jolly R... rozzissweetpea... $59.99
original art skull ver... johnniebelinda $75.00	Earrings Marquise Facet... SilverDragon $70.00	Chocolate Fudge Grassho... lvngwell $10.95	Rockstar - Pure Mineral... Vandaleyez $5.00
Sleepless pmstudio $500.00	Vintage Pirate Ship Clo... artyscapes $11.99	Dog Toy Bone - Puppy Sk... rendachs $8.99	Flying Spaghetti Monste... CabochonPersni... $60.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Visit the Planet Calamari Etsy shop for more art and treasuries.

Wire Wrapped Salem Sea Glass Choker

2011-02-22T08:46:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite pass times is to search for sea glass and old pieces of china on the historical Derby Wharf in Salem MA. When the tide is out and the timing is just right one can find treasures from the past. Salem was once a seaport for Chinese trade. It was common practice to throw broken china and glassware overboard. These pieces are still making their way to the shore waiting to be made into art.

I created this one of a kind piece starting with a piece of light pink sea glass. This triangular glass was then wire-wrapped with silver plated wire. I added two sets of swirls for a figure eight effect. (Please see the symbolism of swirls below.)

A semi-precious polished amethyst flat round bead was wired on the top of the glass. Pink and purple have always been a favorite color combination of mine. The soft pink glass is sets of the violet stone in a very simple yet elegant way. Spring is on its way!

Also known as purple crystalline quartz this amethyst is the birthstone for Pisces. It is said to help insomnia, ward of the effects of alcohol and bring a sense of calmness. It is said that Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst has the ability to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken one's intelligence.

In Celtic traditions the swirl is a tribute to the rising sun and to Gaia Mother Earth. In other traditions the swirl it represents cycles of time birth, growth, death and then rebirth. Ancient Britain it symbolizes the feminine aspect of life. The spiral belongs to all and not exclusively to one religion or culture.

Measurements:
Wire Wrapped Sea glass Pendant 1.5 inches long and approximately 1 inch wide.
It hangs from a stainless steel silver round wire neck choker that is approximately about 16 inches. The clasp on the choker is a silver ball with hook. You may unscrew the ball of the choker to add another pendant or wear alone.

Ready to ship. I use priority mail with insurance since this is a rare one of a kind piece.

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. See more art to wear at the Planet Calamari Etsy shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari

Please visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/PlanetCalamariArt

In Need of a Spring Make Over

2011-02-21T18:55:00.006-05:00

I have been fantasizing all winter about getting a complete makeover. One like those surprise attacks on What Not To Wear. (Considering that i have not had cable for about 6 years, i am not even sure that show is even still on TV or that people even remember it.) It was one of my favorite Friday evening shows. Yes there are days i miss having TV, but not enough to sign back up with evil Comcast.

How luxurious would it be to have a team of experts work round the clock on completely changing hair, clothing and make-up on a much needed recipient? (Most days, i work with dogs who like to lick my face, so make up is worn on the rare occasion, not to mention i live in jeans. They do not seem to pick up dog or cat hair. )

Now that i am treating women one day a week at the Acupuncture Center of Salem it would be nice to dress appropriately. No need for designer threads. However new ones would be a treat. And to be instantaneously transformed into a new woman. Oh to have a decent haircut. A fabulous hair color. Is that possible? I have yet to get a decent haircut here in puritan Massachusetts. Inevitably i end up running home with a bad cut, a color that never took and rushing to the bathroom to chop on it myself, cursing the money and time spent listening to bad music and a hairdresser with a huge ego.

This weekend under the duress of frigid weather and feeling old, the urge to run off and be transformed into Gwen Stefani loomed. Platinum white hair. Red lipstick. Attitude, confidence and cute shoes. I have no idea what she even sings. But i want whatever she is drinking please.

So instead of attempting to bleach this wild medusa head of multicolored hair, i decided to give the Planet Calamari Etsy shop a makeover. (Plus it was an assignment from one of the Etsy teams i just joined.) Cheaper than transforming myself and probably much safer in the long run. I am sure my husband is thankful i did not try to dye my hair with bleach or crazy colors (again).

Fortunately it was a long weekend with the Presidents Day holiday. After a traumatic trip to one of my least favorite places, Home Depot (close tie with going to the dentist), my husband, now the official Planet Calamari photographer and i picked out a few ceramic and marble tiles for the photo shoots. Two days later most of the jewelry has been re-shot with the help of the cats.

A new shop banner was made....over and over. Changes in product descriptions, tags, and all those tiny details that add up were made. Yes there was wine involved. Did i mention it is a holiday weekend? Even acupuncturists are allowed to take off once and awhile!

It is 7:00 PM on a freezing Monday. I am sitting in a pair of ratty holey jeans. So holey that i should not be allowed out to even walk the dog in them. No makeup on. Hair is still wild, big and several shades of eggplant, brown, burgundy, with a few renegade white ones.

However.... the Planet Calamari Art Galleria Etsy shop now has a new look! Maybe Gwen Stefani will buy a few things for her old friends Stevie Nicks and Cyndi Lauper.

Earth Goddess Earrings

2011-02-20T18:23:00.002-05:00

There are days i just want to wear a long flowing dress and roam through a field of flowers or green lush forest barefoot.

I created these earrings with recycled beads from jewelry i found at my favorite thrift shop. Up-cycled semi-precious tigers eye are were placed at the very top of the earrings. (Below are the qualities of tigers eye) The donut ceramic beads are earth toned browns and greens. They have a very Zen like quality about them. They are paired with contrasting green hued ceramic beads with clear glass beads.

Silver plated ear wires combined with the gold toned wire on the earrings combines both yin and yang aspects and gives an old world look.

Tigers eye is used for psychic protection. It helps to elease anxiety, fear, and obsessiveness and to make emotions more logical. It is frequently listed as a good stone for business and achieving clarity. Tiger eye also symbolizes willpower, confidence, and assurance. It is said to clear visual disturbances and provide protection during travel.

These are simple earrings yet make a statement. Wear these Crunchy Granola Boho Chic earrings with your favorite pair of jeans or Earth Goddess flowing dress. Everyday is Earth Day on Planet Calamari. Makes a lovely Mother's Day or special occasion gift for her.

Ready to ship. If you have any questions please convo me.

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. See more art to wear at the Planet Calamari Etsy shop
www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari
Please visit our facebook page click here

Addicted to wire wrapping...

2011-02-15T20:20:00.004-05:00

I have several bags of sea glass and sea ceramic i have found on Derby Wharf in Salem when the tide was out. Until recently i had only used the pieces in mixed media work and masks. This past weekend i finally figured out how to wire wrap... and it is addicting. These pendants are waiting for silver chains to hang from and then will be put on the Planet Calamari Etsy shop.

Until then perhaps i should search for a 12 step program for wrap-a-holics.

One Way Ticket to Costa Rica Please

2011-02-05T11:08:00.001-05:00

It is been an especially long and snowy winter here in New England. We have been hit with snow every week, usually on Wednesdays for some reason. I am sure it is some cosmic joke. Hump day... Wednesday named for the fierce Norse God, Odin aka Woden. And i know that trouble maker Mercury has some part in the whole Wednesday thing. Nobody ever said thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster it's Wednesday.

A state of emergency should be called in New England. The entire North East is suffering from Cabin Fever, most pathetically pale, deficient in Vitamin D and nobody has seen the sun in weeks. Folks from around here have the tendency to be cranky and somewhat shall i say it.... rude all year round. I would say the Rude Level is about a Code Red these days. After living in Sunny San Diego for over 20 years it was a culture shock to experience the difference in human behavior. Maybe sunlight plays a role in acting nice.

Yes- there is even a book dedicated to why people in New England are ruder than anywhere else in the country! It has something to do with what part of England they fled to America from. Somehow the Puritans were the nastiest of the bunch and landed in MA. The uptight witch burning Puritan DNA seems to have continued down through the generations here. So when people around here complain about how rude the French are, i roll my eyes... one must come to Commonwealth of MA to experience true abruptness and the true essence of passive aggression. And for the record- not everyone here in MA is bad mannered. There are some very nice people ~~mostly from somewhere else~~ And the French are a lovely people. I would like to be French when i grow up. May i have another glass of Pastis please?

Lately i have had the urge to run off to Costa Rica or Brazil. Soak in sun, rain forest colors and hang out with tropical birds. However since i have not been able to make most of my acupuncture house calls due to the snow each week,i may soon be standing in a soup line instead. So instead i am making jewelry, working on some new mixed media sculptures and the Planet Calamari etsy site. If it ever warms up i may be able to actually paint the sculptures. Maybe June?

These earrings were inspired by the colors of South America, created with recycled vintage brass beads from Guatamala, Mexican heart milagros and semi-precious Fluorite and Hematite beads. Milagro means miracle in Spanish.

Fluorite is said to absorb and neutralize negative vibrations. It makes one more receptive to the vibrations of other stones. It is a meditation stone to help energize the body and raise the power of concentration. The fluorite beads used in these earrings have a dark purple hue with a hint of sea green.

Hematite is said to keep inward peace. Many believe it to aid balance, reason, and clarity. t may enhance memory and intellect, strengthen circulatory systems and blood and kidney disorders.

Put on some Gypsy King music and dance while wearing these one of a kind earrings. Makes a lovely Valentines Day gift or declaration of love!

Made with love and magic in the Planet Calamari Art Studio located in Snarky Salem MA.

See more jewelry and art at www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari

See sun-filled work by artists from all over on this Snowed In ... Send Sun STAT Etsy Treasury
click here

Happy Chinese Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-02T23:59:00.000-05:00

The Year of the Metal Rabbit

The Lunar New Year always falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. We begin the Year of the White Metal Rabbit on February 3, 2011 and it ends on January 22, 2012.

"According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. This is a year for negotiation. Forcing issues will cause failure. Go with the flow. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy. Time to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise."

How do you say Happy New Year in Chinese? Greet everyone you meet with "Gung Hay Fat Choy" which means "Wishing You Prosperity and Wealth".

Red for Good Fortune

During the Chinese New Year the color red is important. People wear red clothes, write poems on red paper, and give children "good fortune money" in red envelopes.

The symbolism behind the red color is fire, and fire burns off bad luck. Fireworks are set off to scare the evil spirits away from the new year.

Wishing you a very prosperous and happy year of the Rabbit from Planet Calimari

Or.. year of the Wabbit! Enjoy the Bugs Bunny Clip

Waiting for the Return of the Swallows

2011-01-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

Take a breath and release. These calming earrings evoke the hope of spring. Waiting for the annual return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano on St Joseph's day March 19th.

Handcrafted from semi-precious stone fluorite beads in hues of sea green with a hint of purple along with Swarovski Pink Crystal beads. Pink is the color of pure love.

Fluorite is said to absorb and neutralize negative vibrations. It makes one more receptive to the vibrations of other stones. It is a meditation stone to help energize the body and raise the power of concentration. The fluorite used in these earrings have a calming sea green hue with a few flecks of purple.

Sea green glass beads with pink flowers and a few added clear glass beads add a touch of spring. Tibetan silver bird charms dangle from the earrings.

Silver ear wires along with the gold plated wire give the earrings an old world look with a balancing yin yang aspect. Silver is yin. Gold is yang.

A unique gift for valentines day, Chinese New Year or St Joseph's Day. Gift wrapped in a cellophane bag with festive confetti.

Made with love and magic in the Planet Calamari Art Studio located in Salem MA. See more art and jewelry at www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari

Happy Birthday Edgar Allan Poe

2011-01-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849
Born in Boston and Buried in Baltimore

The Raven

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door —
Only this, and nothing more."

read the rest at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raven

click here to read the wiki about Edgar Allan Poe.

Romantic Eiffel Tower Earrings

2011-01-18T15:36:00.003-05:00

Please pass the wine and cheese. ...I love Paris no matter what season!

Wear a bit of Paris with these stunning earrings. Two toned gold Eiffel Towers hang from a gorgeous lamp work bead with hues of blue, pink, white, yellow and bronze. Tiny cobalt blue seed beads with clear beads add sparkle and catch the light.

Silver ear wired combined with gold wire give these earrings an old world look.

A romantic Valentines Day gift or expression of love. Say I love you with a trip to Paris. Oh la la!

Gift wrapped in a cellophane bag withe festive confetti.

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA.

See more jewelry and art at www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari

Winter Wonderland In Salem MA

2011-01-12T18:01:00.010-05:00

It was a snow day here in Salem MA. Actually most of the North East has been under snow these past few days. I have been remiss in doing any art homework as i plough through The Artist Way course. So i am cheating and claiming these photos as my art for the day.

I had hoped to build a Frida Kahlo Snow-chica today.. but it is still snowing and its just way too cold to go out there for any other reason except to take the dog out to pee! And i am secretly hoping it continues to snow so we all have another day off tomorrow.

My inner child wants to play!

Happy 2011.. the year i resolve for MORE

2011-01-01T15:41:00.011-05:00

It is 2011... finally. Whew!

2010 was a roller coaster filled with every imaginable emotion, hurdle and unforeseeable event. Thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster it is over! As John Prine would sing, "What a rough, rough ride!"

Instead of making the usual resolutions that seem to be forgotten by mid-January, i have decided to make a list of things i want more (and less) of in my life. In 201o i worked more. In fact that is pretty much all i did was work, think about work, stress about work, blog, facebook and email about work, dream and scheme about work and talk about work. I worried more about everything, i cried more and i stressed more. It is no surprise that i was sick more often. And this may be shocking.. but yes i was crankier more. Was it worth it? NO! Financially, emotionally and physically i think i would have been better off making balloon animals while playing the banjo.

To be very clear... i do not want more stuff. We only have one closet here. I do not have the need for 20 pairs of shoes, designer clothing and knick knacks. The trunk of my car is filled with stuff going to our local homeless shelter. More will be going as soon as i can make my way up into our ghost-ridden attic to clean. (Our attic ghosts being a topic for another blog.)

As one of my professors, Alex Tiberi once said "Clutter creates chaotic qi." So true. Last night instead of attending a New Years Eve party, my husband and i rearranged the living room. It is now clutter free. There is now room to do yoga without worrying about whacking my leg on the coffee table. We even carved out a meditation nook. We tried to incorporate as much feng shui as possible into the room. However the dog ate most of the paper feng shui chart as we ignored her while moving furniture around. She was not happy we made her get off the couch so we could carry it across the room. The wisdom and family portion of the chart were eaten. I am sure there is a hidden message in that for us. .. which i probably picked up today on her walk in a biodegradable poop bag.

So drum roll please. Here is the 2011 List of More:

The first thing on my list is more LAUGHTER. I want to laugh more. Giggle more. Play more. More fun. Shriek more. Laugh until i cry more. Not that shen disturbed laughter that makes people want to flee the room. But that from the heart laughing with friends or even alone. It's OK to laugh alone. ... no matter what the Pope claims - you won't go blind. There is even a Laughing Buddha so i am sure it is a divine activity.

Buddha say Laugh More.

The second thing i want more of is ART. I want to create more art, see more art, breathe more art and be an artist once again. I am not sure when i allowed my inner artist to shrivel up and hide. (I blame the working more.) So the doctor orders more art museums. More art books. Start doing The Artist's Way exercises. More playing with colored pencils, paper mache, baubles, yarn, clay, feathers, glass and what ever the muse is craving. Walk around with paint brushes tucked behind my ear. Paint stained hands and jeans. Going with that flow. Staying in the art zone. Turning off the phone, computer and unplugging. More ART.

The third thing i want more of is PEACE of MIND. I think perhaps that should have been first on the list but i do not have the will power to cut and paste the above html to make it #1! It is time to trust the Universe again. Stop the worrying. Know that it will all be OK. Believe in magic again. Go with the flow. Chill out. Because if you have that sense of ahhhhhh or shall i say Ommmm... well it is all OK. .. no matter what. It is OK. So more meditation. More yoga. More walks. More breathing. More ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. More play. More laughing. More gratitude. More of nothingness.

The fourth wish is not something i think my neighbors, cats or dog wants more of. It is selfish i suppose. I want to play more Bluegrass Banjo. Toe tapping banjo. Steve Martin laughing banjo. Just want to play banjo music that makes people want to clog like this clogging to bluegrass youtube.

And i want to play Foggy Mountain Breakdown all the way through.. with confidence without scaring the neighbors. (I think the cats will always be terrified of my banjo. Let's hope my dog does not eat it.)

Happy 2011. May this year bring MORE of whatever your heart desires.

Wishing You and Your Loved Ones a Peaceful Holiday

2010-12-25T10:32:00.000-05:00

Therapy for the Inner Child

2010-12-18T23:05:00.012-05:00

I really can't launch into a soliloquy about Play Doh with out the background music of Captain Kangaroo. They go hand in hand.

It is has been said that i have the nose of a German Shepherd. I can smell a foul odor wafting over from the next city. If an odious scent appears in my home there is always a stockade of incense ready to light and mask it. Fortunately my husband is tolerant of my rules and gagging reflexes about stinky substances in our home. .. scrambled eggs and cooked fish are at the top of the offending list. I am eternally grateful he does not consume nor cook beef as well.

There are however, certain fragrances that i can't image living without, such as lilacs, the ocean air and puppy breath. (Let's not forget pumpkin pie, roses, lilies, carnations, fresh bread, lavender, and Yellowstone park) However if i have to pick, there is one that is beyond doubt the most therapeutic for my soul and it is Play Doh.

The one whiff that instantly reverts me back into a four year old child is the clean salty aroma of Play Doh. If you were a child of the early 60's then you will remember the smell. Pink has always been my favorite. Blue always smelled a bit too blue, salty and it dried out the quickest. Yellow was ... well who likes yellow? And white was just too bland though it was the easiest to mold. And yes i can tell the difference between colors even with my eyes shut.

When ever i am going through times of stress taking a whiff of Play Doh seems to calm me. I believe that it has the same relaxing properties as Rescue Remedy for some of us.

I love that you can now find small mini containers of Play Doh. So handy to keep in a purse for that emergency whiff. Much nicer than my asthma inhaler which takes way too much room in a purse, and is way less effective emotionally. Though i am certain the New England medical board would pounce on me for prescribing Play Doh aromatherapy to acupuncture patients. (Oh to clarify to the MA Veterinary Board, that would be human patients not dog patients. Because if you were going to prescribe aromatherapy to a dog patient i would probably recommend a good juicy organic free range bone that would make me gag.)
Yesterday i came across a small container of new pink Play Doh at my favorite thrift shop. Immediately i took a whiff and believed it as sign from the Universe to play more and chill out. A new years resolution that i hope to keep this coming year.
(Work less, Play Hard. .. sounds like a Nike commercial!)

From the Wiki



Type	Modelling clay
Inventor	Joseph McVicker Bill Rhodenbaugh
Company	Rainbow Crafts (former) Hasbro (since 1991)
Country	United States
Availability	1956–present

Play-Doh is a modeling compound used by children for art and craft projects at home and in school. Composed of flour, water, salt, boric acid, and silicone oil, the product was first manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s. When a classroom of children began using the wallpaper cleaner as a modeling compound, the product was reworked and marketed to Cincinnati schools in the mid-1950s. Play-Doh was demonstrated at an educational convention in 1956 and prominent department stores opened retail accounts. Advertisements promoting Play-Doh on influential children's television shows in 1957 furthered the product's sales. Read more of this article at play doh wiki

Magical Mermaid with Wings

2010-12-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

From PlanetCalamari

Using a vintage cardboard ornament this red haired mermaid is embellished with blue crystals, glass beads, sparkles and faux pearls. Blue is the color of protection and of the sea.

The piece is then given a few coats of a clear durable varnish to give it protection and a glossy, magical shine. The pin is about 5.5 inches long. A pin is securely glued to the back of the mermaid. A ribbon or cord can be attached to the pin to transform it into a decoration.

Makes a magical holiday stocking stuffer any time of the year. This Mermaid pin is lightweight and can be worn on a sweater, coat or hat.

According to Wikipedia "In some ancient fairy tales of China, mermaid is a special species whose tears can turn into priceless pearls. What's more, mermaids can also knit an extremely valuable material which is not only slight but also beautiful and translucent. Because of this, fishermen longed to catch them, but it's difficult for them to survive for mermaids' splendid singing can simply drag them to coma. Actually, mermaid is a symbol of wonderful creatures in Ancient China."

Free Shipping. Ready to ship. Wrapped in a festive cellophane bag with confetti. Made with love and magic in our seaside studio located in Salem MA.

To see more magical pins and art visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari

Who would be
A mermaid fair,
Singing alone,
Combing her hair
Under the sea,
In a golden curl
With a comb of pearl,
On a throne?
I would be a mermaid fair;
I would sing to myself the whole of the day;
With a comb of pearl I would comb my hair;
And still as I comb I would sing and say,
"Who is it loves me? who loves not me?"
- Lord Alfred Tennyson, The Mermaid

Lady of Guadalupe

2010-12-12T00:12:00.001-05:00

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Patroness of Mexico and the Americas
December 12

There is something mystical about the art of this Mexican deity. She has always been one of my favorite versions of the catholic Virgin Mary. Not a pasturized version of the Mary that we see here in the USA. The Lady of Guadalupe seems to be more of an ethnic Goddess. She is not pale. Her hair is dark. There is magic in her robe. Miracles seem possible when lighting a candle to her.

"This image, may still be seen in the Cathedral in Mexico City. Many believe that the fact that the image remains intact on a coarse fabric woven of a cactus-like plant that ordinarily deteriorates within a few years is further indication of the miraculous nature of the image. The symbolic significance of the image include Mary's complexion, which is similar to that of the Indians who were native to the region, her pregnancy, the gold stars adorning her blue mantle that representing the heavens, the purple tassels of her sash signifying royalty."

For more information on this Mexican feast day please visit http://www.wf-f.org/Guadalupe.html

If You Believe In Fairies Clap Your Hands!

2010-12-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Using a vintage victorian cardboard ornament this blue fairy is embellished with blue crystals, glass beads, sparkles and faux pearls. Blue is the color of protection and magic.

The piece is then given a few coats of a clear durable varnish to give it protection and a glossy, magical shine. The pin is about 5.25 inches long. A pin is securely glued to the back of the fairy. A ribbon or cord can be attached to the pin to transform it into a holiday decoration.

Makes a magical holiday stocking stuffer any time of the year. This fairy pin is lightweight and can be worn on a sweater, coat or hat. Easy to mail as a gift.
Free Shipping. Ready to ship. Wrapped in a festive cellophane bag with confetti.

Made with love in magic in the Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. To see more Victorian fairies, angels and mermaid pins visit the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop

Visit the Planet Calamari Facebook Page

Victorian Christmas Angel Pin

2010-12-10T12:00:00.001-05:00

Calling All Angels Jewelry & Magnet Collection by Planet Calamari

This collection of Angel jewelry is one of my oldest lines. I have been making them since 1990. I have decided to bring them back as we are living in a time that the world needs a little reminder that Angels are still with us.

Using vintage victorian cardboard ornaments this angel is embellished with a Red Austrian crystal with red, green and clear glass beads. Red is the color of love.

The piece is then given a few coats of a clear durable varnish to give it protection and a glossy, angelic shine. The pin is about 1.5 inches wide. A pin is securely glued to the back of the angel. A ribbon or cord can be attached to the pin to transform it into a holiday decoration.

Makes a magical holiday stocking stuffer any time of the year. This Angel pin is lightweight and can be worn on a sweater, coat or hat. Easy to mail as a gift.

Free Shipping. Ready to ship. Wrapped in a festive cellophane bag with confetti.

According to the Wikipedia, Angels are supernatural beings that are messengers of God. They are found in many religious traditions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islamic mysticism, the Bahai Faith, Indian religions, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and also in New Age beliefs.

Whatever your belief system, Angels are spiritual beings that guide and protect us. There are so many stories even in modern times of angels helping out those in need.

More Angels will be added soon to our Etsy Shop.

Made with love in magic in the Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. For more art to wear please visit the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop or or our facebook page

Calling All Angels

2010-12-08T14:23:00.004-05:00

Calling All Angels Jewelry & Magnet Collection by Planet Calamari

This collection of Angel jewelry is one of my oldest lines. I have been making them since 1990. I have decided to bring them back as we are living in a time that the world needs a little reminder that Angels are still with us.

Using vintage victorian cardboard ornaments this angel is embellished with blue crystals, glass beads, sparkles and faux pearls. Blue is the color of protection.

The piece is then given a few coats of a clear durable varnish to give it protection and a glossy, angelic shine. The pin is about 3 inches wide. A pin is securely glued to the back of the angel. A ribbon or cord can be attached to the pin to transform it into a holiday decoration.

Makes a magical holiday stocking stuffer any time of the year. This Angel pin is lightweight and can be worn on a sweater, coat or hat. Easy to mail as a gift.

Free Shipping. Ready to ship. Wrapped in a festive cellophane bag with confetti.

According to the Wikipedia, Angels are supernatural beings that are messengers of God. They are found in many religious traditions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islamic mysticism, the Bahai Faith, Indian religions, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and also in New Age beliefs.

Whatever your belief system, Angels are spiritual beings that guide and protect us. There are so many stories even in modern times of angels helping out those in need.

Made with love in magic in the Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. For more art to wear please visit the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop or or our facebook page

More angels, fairies and putti pins will be added soon. Meanwhile... Click below to hear the song Calling All Angels on youtube:

Happy Birthday Louie Prima!Zooma Zooma

2010-12-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

from wiki
Louis Prima (7 December 1910 – 24 August 1978) was a Sicilian-American singer, actor, songwriter, and trumpeter. Prima rode the musical trends of his time, starting with his seven-piece New Orleans style jazz band in the 1920s, then successively leading a swing combo in the 1930s, a big band in the 1940s, a Vegas lounge act in the 1950s, and a pop-rock band in the 1960s. In each of his musical endeavors, he incorporated his exuberant personality into his act.

Sing along with Louie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIJzpdJIdmI But Angelina never listens to my song......

Going to a party? Visit The Planet Calamari Etsy Shop for festive art to wear that is fun and easy to dance in!

Happy Birthday Agnes Moorehead aka Endora!

2010-12-06T17:14:00.003-05:00

[about mortals]
Oh, they all look alike to me. Noses to the grindstone, shoulders to the wheel, feet planted firmly on the ground. No wonder they can't fly. - Endora the witch

from wikipedia
Agnes Robertson Moorehead (December 6, 1900 – April 30, 1974) was an American actress.Although she began with the Mercury Theatre, appeared in more than seventy films beginning with Citizen Kane and on dozens of television shows during a career that spanned more than thirty years, Moorehead is most widely known to modern audiences for her role as the witch Endora in the series Bewitched.

For bewitching art to wear visit the Planet Calamari Etsy shop

happy birthday walt disney

2010-12-05T00:05:00.000-05:00

My imagination creates my reality
-Walt Disney

Happy Zappadan

2010-12-04T00:04:00.002-05:00

“I never set out to be weird. It was always other people who called me weird.”
Frank Zappa

The festival of Zappadan runs from the date of Frank's death, 12/4, through the date of his birth, 12/21. I did not make this up. You read more about this holiday season from an old post at the blog The Aristocrats

OK, so i do have a Zappa thing, just look at the hair. We were both born at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. His parents were part Italian ....and Catholic. Mine were full blown Italian which requires one to be Catholic too. He too was the oldest child of four and he also had asthma. wheeeeeze gasp pass that inhaler please.

Frank and his family ended up in San Diego in 1955ish depending on which bio you read. (I eventually moved there in 1981) You can read more about Frank's early career at wiki

It was not just the brilliance of Zappa's music that made me fall in love with him. He was a rebel. Outspoken. Blunt. A genius... a real one with a high IQ. He was a smart bad boy with a sense of humor and an inhaler. Oh take my breath away. And he had no problem being odd, different or weird. He did not even try. I can relate to that- though it took me much longer to accept that about myself. Some of us are just born that way. It pisses some people off, confuses others and stuns the rest. Rest assured, most of us freaks are harmless, just scary to watch or understand.

He was oh so very handsome in that ugly-sexy rock star kind of way too. Of course i think if i ever had kids i would have thought of better names for them than Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen. (Diva is a beautiful name without the pigeen muffin.)

So in 1993 Frank Zappa died on my birthday of prostate cancer. (Bill Bixby, of the Courtship of Eddie's Father had just passed away a week before with the same disease.) What a shitty year for good guys. I remember that day vividly, what i wore, ate, drank and the tears. I took it as an omen that it was going to be a very bad year. (And yes it was THE year that sucked- but it also was the year that sparked many big changes in my life- death of my a dear friend, death of a bad marriage, moving to new apartment alone with terrorist cats, a sick dog and starting acupuncture college. And i am certain it sucked more for the Zappa family.)

It has been 17 years since all that has transpired. My terrorist cat will be 18 soon. I can't even believe how old i am today. I feel young inside. Old in my joints. My inhaler is still in my purse. So..when i learned of the holiday season of Zappadan that started on my birthday a few years ago, i took it once again as an omen, but this time as a good one.

So today i will floss, not eat yellow snow and celebrate my weirdness. It's my birthday and i'll floss if i want to. (yes i did live in Montana for 9 months too!)

Sing along with Frank on this 1973 youtube.

I might be movin' to Montana soon
Just to raise me up a crop of
Dental Floss

Sherwood Forest Freeform Crocheted Necklace

2010-12-02T10:02:00.000-05:00

What would Robin Hood give to Maid Marian this holiday season? A magical leaf to wear from the Sherwood Forest.

The center piece of this necklace is a hand-blown glass leaf which radiates hues of greens, turquoise with brown flecks when light hits it. Four strands of freeform crocheted ropes intertwined form the necklace. These strands are created using recycled yarn of green earth tones embellished by two different types of Italian yarn fringe. Vibrant colors of bronze, yellow, orange, black are intertwined with fuchsia, teal and purple.

This piece is lightweight and slips over the head. Easy to put on and take off. The leaf is almost 3 inches long. The entire necklace is about 15 inches long.

Looks boho chic with a pair of jeans and boots. Dress up a black or brown outfit with this outlaw art to wear. See more pics of this art to wear at Planet Calamari Etsy Shop

Made with love and magic in the Planet Calamari art studio located in Salem MA. Please visit our website www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Birthday to the Divine Miss M

2010-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

“Group conformity scares the pants off me because it's so often a prelude to cruelty towards anyone who doesn't want to --
or can't -- join the Big Parade.” Bette Midler

Click here to watch this youtube of the Divine Miss M and her girls sing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

Dragonfly Totem Medicine Wheel Fiber Art Cuff

2010-11-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

From the Medicine Woman Fiber Art Collection.

This piece was inspired by the Animal Medicine Cards Deck. Each card represents an animal totem once revered by the Native Americans. The dragonfly represents many things around the world. To the Chinese, it is a symbol of happiness, good fortune, harmony and prosperity. Other cultures, such as Native Americans, associate the dragonfly with purity, swiftness, and happiness. The dragonfly is a creature of both the wind and of the water.

This crocheted handcuff was made with black merino wool. An indigo blue yarn medicine wheel with a multi-colored border of Italian yarn in hues of purple, orange, fuchsia is layered on top. In the center of the medicine wheel is a dragonfly which appears to be made from bone, thankfully it is not. Instead it is made from some sort of resin plastic. This dragonfly is surrounded by glass clear beads with one very small silver toned full moon charm.

On another medicine wheel made of the multicolored Italian yard is a sterling silver half moon with stars. Seashells, white feathers, a clear semiprecious crystal bead, a green agate bead, hematite star and a Rudraksha prayer bead adorn the cuff.

Multi-colored fringes made from Italian yarn add a touch of boho glamour. The cuff is about 3 inches wide and the fringes range in size with the longest reaching about 6 inches from the top of the cuff.

One size fits all. Lightweight. Gently slide the cuff over your wrist. You may need to "fluff" it after taking out of its gift wrap. Shipped USPS priority mail with insurance. To see more of this cuff on the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop click here

Add a touch of dragonfly magic to your holiday outfits. A lovely stocking stuffer for your favorite medicine woman.

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari studio located in Salem MA studio. Visit our website for more art and jewelry at www.planetcalamari.com

Blue Star of Avalon Fiber Art Medicine Wheel Cuff with Fluorite.

2010-11-29T13:00:00.001-05:00

From the Medicine Woman Fiber Art Collection. Inspired by nature, magic and the ancient mysteries of Avalon.

The novel "The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is one of my favorite books to read over and over. It is the story of the legend of King Arthur told by a woman. (For the record, the mini series for TV was horrible!) This piece was inspired by the reverence of nature by the priestesses of Avalon.

This freeform crocheted wrist cuff is made from recycled wool in shades of earth-toned browns. A blue enamel star sits in the center of a crocheted medicine wheel of indigo blue with a sea-green border.

Five fluorite beads representing the five elements, fire, earth, air, water and wood are also in the medicine wheel. The colors of the fluorite range from purple to green. According to folklore, Fluorite was once thought to be the "home of the rainbow" due to the crystal's wide range of colors which many times grow intermingled or side by side. Sea shells, glass beads, and fluorite beads are scattered around the entire cuff.

Italian yarn of with hues of blue, white and a touch of yellow was used to embellish this bracelet with hanging fringe, giving this piece a bohomeian look.

Wear this unique art to wear to brighten up an ordinary pair of jeans or with your favorite Winter Solstice holiday outfit. Be the Lady of Avalon. Believe in the magic of this winter holiday season.

This is a slip on piece and will fit most wrists. It is about 7 1/4 inches around and can be made smaller.Two dark blue crocheted strands surround the top and bottom of the cuff so that it can be made tighter when pulled and tied. Or you can let them hang for a more dramatic look.

Gently slide over hand. Lightweight. The cuff width is about 3 inches wide. Shipped USPS priority mail with insurance. Click here to see this piece the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari studio located in Salem MA studio. Visit our website for more art and jewelry at www.planetcalamari.com

10% OFF at the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop!

2010-11-28T11:34:00.001-05:00

It's my birthday week...
To celebrate we are having a 10% off sale
at the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop.

One of a kind art to wear for that boho cruchy chic look made with love and magic in my Salem MA studio.

Free shipping on most items too.
Sale ends on December 4th

Enter the code TH8NKYOU when checking out to receive your discount.
thank you!
jeanie

Happy Bithday Jon Stewart!

2010-11-28T00:07:00.000-05:00

It takes a Sag with humor to bring us the real news!
Thank you Jon.

wiki jon stewart

Happy Birthday Jimi Hendrix

2010-11-27T03:00:00.000-05:00

November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970)
Scuse me while I kiss the sky

What would music be like today if Jimi Hendrix would have lived a longer life? Maybe i am stuck in the past when it comes to music, but i miss the classic rock stars. The pioneers that left the planet too early. Those who broke the fashion rules of normalcy. Bring back the late 70's. Let's make Peace a real cause this time around. Be nice to your fellow man. Blow up your TV! Get out your guitar. Grow your hair. (I always have the urge to dye my hair purple after hearing a Hendrix tune.) Dance like nobody is watching. Have the ultimate Hendrix experience and wear purple in honor of Jimi today!

For more on Jimi jimihendrix wiki

Iris Apfel

2010-11-25T14:01:00.005-05:00

“(My look is) either very baroque or very Zen –
everything in between makes me itch.”
Iris Apfel

When i am an old lady i hope that i have the savvy and the bone strength to dress like Iris Apfel, sans the big bug glasses. It amazes me that this little old lady can wear all those bracelets without toppling over. How can she hold a glass of wine with 40 pounds of silver on each arm? Maybe she drinks using a bendy straw. Obviously these things do not seem to phase her.

I had never heard of Iris Apfel until last year when her exhibit came to the Peabody Essex Museum. The streets of Salem were buzzing with her name. Parties and fashion shows featuring Salem's fashionistas and wanna-bees became the latest rage. (Being neither and now known as Salem's anti-social dog lady, i was not invited!)

It was Iris who planted the seed in my imagination for the Planet Calamari Happy Qi wrist cuffs. I love the look of big bright fun bracelets but did not the weight of them. We should not suffer just for the sake of decorating ourselves. Accessories, like shoes are much more fun when they are comfortable.

Watch Iris talk about her unique sense of design on this youtube -Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel, Peabody Essex Museum of Salem MA

“I think dressing up or down should be a creative experience. Exciting. Fun. For me the key to personal style lies in accessories. I love objects from different worlds, different eras, combined my way. Never uptight, achieving – hopefully – a kind of throwaway chic.” Iris Apfel

Visit the planet calamari art galleria
to see art to wear for those who dance to the beat of a different drummer.

Vampire Heartbreaker Talisman Wrist Cuff

2010-11-24T08:40:00.000-05:00

Of all the wrist cuffs i have made so far, this is my favorite. It took several hours to create.

This one of a kind wrist cuff is crocheted with black merino wool yarn into a slip on bangle. Crocheted snowflakes from ecru colored cotton are sewn on with aurora borealis black glass beads with hues of purple, greens and dark blues. Clear glass beads are interspersed to catch the light. Each snowflake has a vintage floral button in the center. three small ecru strands hang from the bracelet as a fringe.

A vintage rosary crucifix tarnished silver with wood inlay hangs from this piece. The prayers are still attached magically inside. A Mexican silver toned eye milagro along with a heart with dagger milagro hang from the opposite side. Translated, Milagro is the Spanish word for miracle.

This piece one of a kind and cannot be duplicated. One size fits most. Slip over wrist gently. The width of the cuff is 2.5 inches. Lightweight. Boho chic with a touch of goth magic. Wear to ward off vampires and heartbreakers. Perfect accessory for New Years Eve. click to learn more

Made with love and magic in my Salem MA studio. Please visit the Planet Calamari website for more art and jewelry. www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Birthday Harpo Marx

2010-11-23T03:00:00.000-05:00

Arthur Adolph "Harpo" Marx
November 23, 1888 – September 28, 1964

Watch Harpo play the harp in the movie At the Circus click here

For more info on Harpo visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpo_Marx

The Sun Enters Sagittarius 2:16 AM

2010-11-22T02:16:00.002-05:00

Sagittarius
November 22 - December 21
Ruled by Jupiter
9th sign of the Zodiac
Fire sign
Mutable

To read more about the traits of those born under this fun sign visit earthsky tonight

Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari for art influenced by the jovial side of Jupiter.

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!

2010-11-18T00:05:00.001-05:00

November 18, 1928

"I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing
- that it was all started by a mouse."
Walt Disney

Of all the famous artists in this world, Walt Disney has been the most influencial one in my life. Mickey Mouse is not only the most graphically correct toon ever to be drawn, he represents all things good, magical and innocent. Thank you Walt for giving birth to Mickey Mouse 82 years ago.

M-I -C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

Put your mouse ears on and sing along youtube MickeyMouseSong

For more mickey info visit the wiki article at mickeymouse wiki

Organic T-shirt Sale Planet Calamari

2010-11-16T07:38:00.002-05:00

Organic Clothing and Holiday Gifts inspired by Yoga, Meditation, Acupuncture and Eastern Philosphy
http://www.printfection.com/planetcalamari

Coupon Codes:
FALL2010 $5 off subtotal of $25+
HARVEST2010 $10 off subtotal of $50+
AUTUMN2010 $20 off subtotal of $100+

Disclaimer:
Please enter coupon code FALL2010, HARVEST2010, or AUTUMN2010 before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the subtotal and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Coupons valid from 11/14/2010 12:00 am to 11/20/2010 11:59 pm Mountain time.

Holiday Festival of Color Wide Cuff

2010-11-15T22:00:00.000-05:00

Some days i just want to wear fruit on my head and dance to calypso music. It makes me wonder what would Carmen Miranda wear with everyday jeans? Would she be friends with Iris Apfel?

This bangle bracelet was crocheted with recycled earth-green yarn. Italian yarn of wild oranges, fuchsia, teal and olive tufts give the fringe a festive look. Another Italian fringe yarn with hues of purple, magenta and burnt orange was intertwined into this cuff.

The cuff is about 3 inches wide. One size fits all. Lightweight. Perfect accessory for holiday dancing. click here to see more

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari studio located in Salem MA. Visit our website at www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Birthday Claude Monet

2010-11-14T12:45:00.002-05:00

"Nymphéas"
Claude MONET 1904

"There was a stream, the Epte, which came down from Gisors on the boundary of my property. I opened up a ditch so that I could fill the little pond that I had dug in my garden. I love water but I also love flowers. That's why, when the pond was filled, I wished to decorate it with plants. I took a catalogue and made a choice any old how. That's all."

Claude Monet

For more info on Monet http://giverny.org/monet/welcome.htm

Sold! El Desayuno del Diablo Day of the Dead

2010-11-14T11:43:00.003-05:00

I was tempted the other day to pull this off the Etsy site and keep it myself.. then viola .. it sold! It was a blast making this and now it is time to let it go.

The Devil's Breakfast from the Art Returns from the Dead collection. What would El Diablo have for breakfast....deviled eggs? Whimsical mixed media art to hang in your breakfast nook.

Paper Mache red diablo with clay deviled eggs as eyes, embellished with Mexican milagros, Lotteria cards, plaster skulls, worry dolls, coffee beans,glass crickets, butterflies and an old rosary for those who pray they are not part of his breakfast!

www.planetcalamari.com

Starlight Starbright Vintage Button Bracelet

2010-11-13T11:10:00.000-05:00

Walk into the room and light it up with this one of a kind fringed button bracelet. Be the star of the party! Boho chic with a touch of stardust.

A fusion of blues, pinks and mother of pearl vintage buttons, and glass beads adorn this crocheted bangle bracelet. I used blue yarn for the base and then added Italian fringed yarn with hues of blues, rose pink and white. The buttons were handpicked for this piece. Most are vintage buttons found in a Nonna's button tin.

Unique accessory to wear this holiday season. Magical stocking stuffer. Lightweight. One size fits all. click here to see more

Made with love and magic in the Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. Visit our website for more art at www.planetcalamari.com

The Tao of Planet Calamari

2010-11-11T19:25:00.009-05:00

Planet Calamari has been the name of my art business for over 11
years. Many people ask me how i came up with something so unusual.
Originally, in the 1980's, i was a glass artist with a line of jewelry
and clothing on the side. Those products were known as Wonderwear by
jeanie marie. The name worked but, after awhile i realized it just
sounded too much like Underwear by jeanie marie. Not a good business
image. This was before i even knew about websites, the internet and
cyber marketing.

Later, somewhere around 1991-92-ish, my cousin Suzanne and i co wrote
a children's book while sitting on Coronado beach in San Diego. The
story was about two little girls, Donnie and Cali, who made a wish to
be mermaids while jumping into the waves. In the story Cali wears a
purple squid on her head as a crown and Donnie wears a starfish on
hers. (It seemed brilliant at the time. And i am sure there was wine
involved.)

The title had many incarnations and the book was never published.
After several rejections by publishers, we realized our illusions of
becoming the next Dr Seuss were futile. However on that magical day at
the beach, i became Princess Calamari and Suzanne became Princess
Pescadonna. Thus the birth of the Calamari family (family members
began to call me Squid as a term of endearment).

Around 1993 i decided to leave my art businesses, and i was inspired
to attend acupuncture college. All those years in the glass studio
damaged my lungs, and the only thing that helped me breath again was
regular acupuncture sessions, a change of diet and lifestyle.

During my first semester my Chinese Herb professor, Toni, gave the
class an assignment: Produce a memoir of the way each of us memorized
all the herb information required. It could be anything - flash cards,
songs, art, charts, whatever the method was that we each individually
used. The one stipulation was it had to be fun for us. Each week we
had at least 15-20 herbs to memorize and identify in their raw form.
The amount of information was overwhelming. The threat of the weekly
test at the beginning of each class brought flash backs of catholic
school. I was terrified.

Being a visual person i found it difficult to memorize pages of
information or flash cards. Charts confused me. So i began making
cartoons with stories for each herb and herb category. At the end of
my third semester i had a book. It became "Dr Calamari's Coloring Book
of the Plants, Minerals and Bugs of China." Ironically many people
thought there really was a Dr Calamari. It was always fun to receive
calls asking for Dr Calamari. I always imagined he was some distant
uncle living in Sardinia gathering squid specimens for research.

The book sold very well to students but eventually became outdated. It
is no longer in print. It was because of this book i decided to have a
website and thus it became Planet Calamari. I hoped more Dr Calamari
books would follow. (I believe the good doctor has retired to the
Amalfi Coast.)

As much as i love having an acupuncture practice, i could never leave
art behind. The name Planet Calamari was out there, became the name of
my art business, and has been with me ever since.

I thank Toni to this day for her assignment, she has become a very
dear friend over the years. In fact her cat, Miss Boo is BFF with my
17 year old cat, Zevo Calamari who has her own blog
The Adventures of Zevo Calamari & Boo As a celebrity cat burglars Zevo
and Boo do their best to keep the Calamari name alive and in the
press.

For the record, i personally do not eat calamari, octopus or anything
with tentacles. Once my Nonna made spaghetti with octopus and served
it to us while babysitting. She would not reveal the ingredients
...until after i had vomited. The smell was odious. I still cringe and
gag when walking by the seafood section at Whole Foods at the sight of
dead squids or cephalopods.

I like to think of my art as having many dimensions and themes. Like
a squid with 8 lobes in its brain and 8 tentacles reaching for
different things all at the same time. My art has gone through many
changes over these years. It has been tempting to change the name to
something more appropo and grown up, however it would be too much like
breaking up with a dear old friend.

Planet Calamari is here to stay.

Visit the Planet Calamari site

Have a Namaste Filigree Earrings

2010-11-10T20:38:00.003-05:00

When i hear the word Namaste it reminds me of rays of pink light infused with shades of purples that sparkle. Namaste translated means "I bow to the light in you. We are one."

Silver filigree discs holding Czech pink glass tubes, AB amethyst glass beads, small glass purple crystals and clear glass beads. These are lightweight and stunning as they catch the light.

Wear with your favorite boho outfit, sari or jeans. Have a Namaste! A unique holiday accessory or stocking stuffer.

Made with love in the Planet Calamari Art studio of Salem, MA.
www.planetcalamari.com

I Am Grateful Crocheted Fringe Bracelet

2010-11-08T08:08:00.000-05:00

From the Happy Qi Fiber Art Collection

Boho crunchy chic. What would Stevie Nicks wear to Thanksgiving Day dinner?

Inspired by the colors of gratitude and Thanksgiving. This crocheted wrist cuff is handcrafted with recycled yarn in earth tone browns. Adorned with Italian yarn fringe in vibrant fall colors of rust, bronze, yellow, orange and black.

Lightweight. One size fits all. Free shipping.
click here to see more

Made with love and magic in my Salem Ma studio. Please visit our website for more art to wear. www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Holidays from Planet Calamari.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Fringed Bracelet

2010-11-06T10:00:00.003-04:00

From the Happy Qi Fiber Art Collection.

Imagine an eco-friendly Cyndi Lauper wearing recycled fringed boots dancing to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

This crocheted bracelet is made from earth-toned browns recycled yarn. Adorned with 2 types of Italian yarn fringes in feisty autumn colors. Boho crunchy chic with a touch of fun.
....They just wanna ...they just wanna...Girls just wanna have fun!!!

Lightweight and one size fits all. Free shipping.click here to see more!

Made with love and magic in my Salem Ma studio. Please visit our website for more art to wear. www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Holidays from Planet Calamari.

happy blog blast for peace day give peace a chance

2010-11-04T13:42:00.001-04:00