Just because you can't see the magical creatures of the world doesn't mean there aren't there. They have always' been.That's where the magic is! Right in front of your Eyes...
Well, Its the last day of November my dearest friends
& followers and I thought I would look for some Holiday
spirited tales. For today---the
Victorian Christmas Card which
in fact was a postcard---to spread the Christmas
cheer to friends and family. It seems that
the first Christmas cards were
created by an Victorian theme from
antique engraving. The Victoriana
Magazine would hand-color on cardstock
paper cut on the dotted line and then your own message you can write to your friends and family. Theses were the first Christmas cards of cheer. This was the beginning of sending Christmas greeting cards in the Victorian Era.
Very old Victorian
Christmas Card
Although the engravers who produced the wooden prints with many religious themes in the European Middle Ages, the first commercial Christmas New Years's card is believed to have been designed and printed in London, England in 1843. It was John Callcott Horsley[1817-1903], a British narrative painter and a Royal Academician who designed the very first Christmas & New Year's card at the request of his friend Sir Henry Cole---First director of the Victoria and Albert Museum. It seems that Sir Henry Cole had a special design made to send to just their friends at Christmas to see how the holiday Christmas card is welcomed by family/friends first, rather that doing the entire public. Then in 1843 a special edition of
First Christmas Card printed
1,000 placed on sale in London
1,000 of these Christmas cards were printed and placed on sale in London. One would think the first Christmas Card would have instant success, however, it was brought with disapproval and fear that the card would encourage drunkenness.
The following year other printmakers and Christmas card makers launched other types of cards, but it was not until the idea had grown out of favor among the artist and literary circles that it was taken up by a business man by the name --- Goodall.
Well, you see Goodall was a British publisher of Charles Goodall & Son. He was also one of the first to mass produce Christmas Cards too.
In 1866, Goodall commissioned Messrs. Marcus Ward & Co.; of Belfast to lithograph, for his firm a set of four designs by C. H. Bennett. The following year Goodall had another set commissioned by the same artist [eight designs in all]. With all eight designs of holly, mistletoe, to be some---were the forerunners of today's Chrismas Cards. At the time, it gave unheard of opportunities for artists, writers, and engravers in the late 1800's. Then in 1880 the Christmas card had a great prize for the most artistic designers in London. It was a great London firm that offered five hundred guineas for the best Christmas Design. So in 1880 many great artists of the day responded with their best ideas, these artists included some know as; Kate Greenaway, Walter Crane, Thomas Crane and so many others. In this contest created so many famous 19th-century artists for their greeting card designs---plus many literary writers, poets saw the opportunity to give beauty with their words to the Christmas cards. Thousands of pounds in London was spent to find the perfect poems, quotes, and sentiments that would be suitable for these Christmas Yuletide Cards to help them reach the climax of their literary and artistic excellence.
The Original Horsley' Christmas Card
The original copy of Horsley's Christmas Card is considered very rare---The Christmas card was reproduced from the original design by chromolithography in 1881 and then copies of this reprinted were issued in 1955 can still be found today.
The Original Card above is one of only 18 that were produced over 167 years ago and still is known to exist, was auctioned off in 2010 and sold for $7000. This particular card was sent to a 'Miss Rusby' From an "H. Vernon'. Produced by Sir Henry Cole and Published by Summerly's Home Treasury Office, 12 Old Bond Street London.
It's kinda fun to see how our Christmas beginning started. This is just yet one of many to come I hope. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story my dears. Love you all very much! Your friend always
I thought I might do the folklore character that is based on the Germany Character Krampus - Also since they have done a very scary version of the infamous beast like creature in an upcoming movie this coming Chrismas. For which I am not so sure it is quite like the culture of the German and Australia Krampus fictional character that was used to scare the haunt naughty children during the yuletide season. Above is an old fashion type of the kinda image they would show of the fictional beast like character to scare naughty children before the Christmas season. This fictional character is an infamous beast that is said to haunt naughty children during the yuletide season of Germany.
An 1800 picture of Krampus
The Krampus was said to have enormous horns, dark hair, and fangs. Krampus is like the counterpart of Santa Claus. It is believed that he collects the kids who have been naughty and takes them with him down to the underworld. On December in Germany, Children are accustomed to checking, their doorsteps. If they get a gift it means that they have been nice and good boys and girls. However, if the children get a rod, well this is bad news, it means they have been naughty and Krampus will probably be coming to collect them.
Nowadays, in a search for non-traditional ways of celebrating the yuletide season, the people have come up with the Krampus parties where guests will dress up like the Christmas beast and will scare the guests. This has become a pop culture in the US and Germany it seems the Catholic Chruch is against the raucous celebration. It could be that is was created during a time of pagan/yuletide's when the Catholic Church wasn't established yet... This is only my own opinion...
The Krampus of folklore of Germany
of early Christmas Dec 4.
The Krampus would come at Christmas time, hairy backed, brown or black, cloven hooves, horns of the goat. The not-so-merry---Krampus! This beast with Germanic roots is St. Nichola's other half and scares children into being nice, not naughty. It is said Bad Santa meets Krampus; a half-goat, half-demon, horrific beast who literally beats people into being nice and not naughty.
I do remember this folklore last Christmas, but I just didn't think it was one to write about however with the new movie coming out I thought I would this time. It is quite different than the original tale.
Krampus isn't exactly the stuff of fairytales. Coming from the pagan times, he bears horns, dark hair, and fangs. The anti-St. Nicholas comes with a chain and bells that he lashes about along with a bundle of birch sticks which are meant to swat naughty little children. The he hauls all the naughty kids of the world to the underworld.
Krampus, whose name is derived from the German word 'Krampen', meaning claw, is said to be the son of 'Hel in Norse Mythology'. The legendary beast also shares characteristics with other scary, demonic creatures in Greek mythology including the Satyrs and Fauns. The legend is part of a centuries-old Christmas tradition in Germany, where Christmas celebrations begin in early December 6.
This Creature was created as a counterpart to the kindly St. Nicholas who rewards all children of the world with sweets and gifts.
Contrast to the Krampus who swats the wicked naughty children who are not nice and takes them away to his lair. According to the folklore of the Krampus, it will purportedly show up in towns the night before December 6, known as Krampusnacht Night. December 6 also happens to be Nikolaustag or St. Nicholas Day when the
Children of Germany look outside their doors to see if the shoe or boot they'd lift our the night before contains either present - as a reward for good behavior or a rod for bad behavior.
There are other tales in Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and the Czech Republic that involves the drunken men that dressed as devils who take over the streets for a Krampuslauf-a Krampus Run of sorts when people are chased through the streets by the 'devils'. You wonder why? It seems in the pagan/yuletide days it's a way for humans to get in touch with their animalistic side. It is hard for some to understand, but one much realized that it was a whole different whole back then. And their believe's were much different that many today. If you want to learn more about the pagan traditions mysterious you can look by 'Antonio Carneiro' who has written much on the subject of early pagan Traditions.Antonio Carneiro Early Pagan Traditions krampuschristmasgifts.com/hello-world/
Above are a few links of the Early Pagan Traditions~
Well Then in the States there is the lump of Coal when children were
naughty...
It seems that the Krampus's frightening presence was suppressed for many years from the Catholic Church forbade the raucous celebrations and fascists in World War ll Europe found the Krampus despicable because it was considered to be a creation of the Social Democrats. However, the legend Krampus is making a comeback now, thanks to the pop culture and people searching for ways to celebrate the yuletide non-traditional ways. But like with anything if, you do too much of a good think you can over do a legend and it seems that there are folks already complaining that the Krampus is to commercialize by this upcoming movie.
For your own opinion my dearest Friends & Followers
Here is a little bit about the upcoming film which they say
is both comedy and horror. A film celebrating the
Mysteries of the legend of Krampus December 4, 2015.
I have seemed two different trailers and I haven't seen
any comedy to the film only the sadness of the
spirit of Christmas and the horror of the creature.
Below is one image that I didn't see in the
trailers and that is the one below.
It's a full photo of the Krampus with our
child hero from the Movie.
As for the movie, it is based on the legend ~Krampus~
Traditionally there are parades in which young men will
dress as the Krampus, such as the Krampuslauf, that occurs
annually in most Alpine towns.
Krampus is featured on holiday greeting cards
called Krampuskarten. In German-speaking Alpine folklore,
the Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure.
According to traditional narratives around the figure.
The Krampus punishes children during the Christmas
season who have misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas
who has rewarded well-behaved children with gifts.
There are even Regions in Austrian have similar
figures of Krampus.
There is one last and very import tradition
that is celebrated all over the world that I must not leave
out. Christmas does have many folklore and legends.
And of course, Santa Claus.
However, there is one other very important person
to Me! 'Happy Birthday Christ & to all the other
Faiths in this World'.
I do lots of different legends, folklore & mythology,
however at Christmas time I am so very thankful for
my Faith and my God. I pray that all of you
dearest Friends & Followers, that you look to your faith
love and whatever guides you above the heavens giving
you Faith. Have a wonderful and happy
Christmas full of love and peace.
I love you all.
Your Friend Always
Wendy
For thanksgiving Day, I just wanted to give you
all a few treats for your family gatherings for tomorrow
and I pray that everyone around the world will have peace,
is my wish for thanksgiving. I hope that you enjoy the fun drinks below.
The Pumpkin Pie Shot~
Pumpkin Pie Shot
The first Holiday Thanksgiving Drink I found for you all
is called; The Pumpkin Pie Shot~ This one you can't make it Non-alcoholic. The Pumpkin Pie shot tastes very similar to a pumpkin pie, it is said when I found this recipe. Its blends of Irish cream with the amaretto & cinnamon schnapps gives you something of the heavy sweetness and the spices that name it the Pumpkin Pie Shot. This kinda magical little shot is all alcohol[not for the underage], so you can just pour and stir - no need to shake. it's sweet and very delicious, plus it is not meant for chugging because it's got so much to the tiny drink & you will miss all the wonderful flavors. As for what kinda brands of alcohol to use for the drink, I would go with what you use too! There are many good Irish Cream liquors & as for the Amaretto Disaronno is a good one. For your cinnamon schnapps, the best in my opinion is Goldschlager. Why well I discover it on my honeymoon over 19years ago in Maui, however, there are other brands that are just as good too. Be aware that a flavor Irish cream will change the profile completely of the drink. However, it just depends on what your taste buds like. So Irish Cream liquors have a more Caramel taste. So you can play with it. Ingredients- 1/2 ounce of Irish Cream liquor 1/2 ounce amaretto 1/4 ounce of cinnamon liquor schnapps
pour into a fun shot glass and stir gently
and enjoy.
The Nutcracker Cocktail~
This one that I found I just love the Name of it. Why because when I think of the holidays I always think of the Nutcracker ballet and I have always loved fancy collectable nutcracker's since I was a young girl. So having a name of a Cocktail called the Nutcracker sounded very cool. This drink is an very old version of the Nutcracker I found out. They found this one in an old book so it might be the original drink you never know. I think that's why they put it in an old fashion glass? Anyway, this has quite a few blend of ingredients within the drink. From what they say it's very similar to the B-52 shooter, with all those delicious candy like sweet notes within it. This drink I am sorry you really can't make non-alcoholic, there is just to many liqueurs in it. This drink blends the flavors of coffee, almonds, orange, and caramel. Ingredients~
1 ounce Kahlua
1 ounce Amaretto liqueur
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
1/2 ounce Bailey's Irish Cream
Mix together in either an older style shot glass or new
and serve.
Pilgrim Pumpkin 75 Cocktail-
Pilgrim Pumpkin 75 Cocktail
Orginal
The French 75 Cocktail
The Pilgrim Pumpkin 75 Cocktail is an Champagne drink and a great one for the Thanksgiving season. The light refreshing bubbles drink goes so well with all the heavy tasty food. So here is the spirit of the pumpkin adaptation of the French 75 Cocktail. Enjoy!
Ingredients~
1 oz gin
1 1/2 oz pumpkin puree
2 pinches pumpkin pie spice
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz of simple syrup
Bottle of your favorite sparkling wine
Directions~
In a cocktail shaker with ice, vigorously shake the gin, puree, spice, lemon juice and simple syrup and strain into the champagne flute and top with sparkling wine.
Spiced Pumpkin Drink~
Spiced Pumpkin Drink
Well, were getting down to the last two holiday drinks. This one is easy to make and a fun and festive cocktail.
Ingredients
2 parts Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka
1 part Irish Cream
Splash Half & Half
Directions
Shake with ice, strain into a cinnamon sugar rimmed martini glass and garnish with an cherry.
Holiday Highball Drink~
Highball Drink
This is another great drink for the holidays I hope that you find at least one in these holiday drinks that you might like...
Ingredients-
1 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream
5 oz iced coffee
1 oz Bulleit Bourbon
1/8 oz 2;1 raw sugar syrup
3 mint sprigs
Directions~
First mix the ice coffee and sugar syrup together. Then set these aside. In a highball glass, layer 2 mint springs in the bottom of the glass, then top with crushed ice. Add the Irish Baileys Cream, Bulleit Bourbon and the simple syrup too. After that Swizzle together, leaving the mint at the bottom of the glass. Float the coffee on the top and garnish with the last of your mister spring.
Berry Thankful Holiday
Berry Thankful
This one just looked so good I had to put it in the post!
Ingredients
2 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream
8-9 raspberries
Crushed ice
Directions-
First place 4-5 raspberries at the bottom of the glass; with crushed ice, then lightly muddle them. Top with crushed ice And the 2oz of Baileys Irish cream and garnish with these speared raspberries enjoy!
Brain Hemorrhage~
Brain Hemorrhage
It is a classic shot for the holiday's. It might look nasty to some but,
it is very tasty. The only thing you have to be careful with these tasty shots, they can creep up on yu! I know from experience in my younger days.
Ingredients~
1 oz of Peach Schnapps
1 tsp of original Bailey's Irish Cream
2 drops of Grenadine
Directions~
So to put this tasty shot together get your favorite shot glass and pour the Peach Schnapps into the large shot glass first. Then slowly add the Baileys to the top and then the grenadine. It takes some practices to get it to look just right, but that'
Good afternoon my dearest friends and followers
for today I thought I would give you all a few holiday
drinks like I have done in the past...
I hope you all have a happy and fun Thanksgiving
too all....
Ginger Snap Drink
Ginger Snap Drinks
By Rachael Ray
Ingredients-
1 1/2 ounces of vodka
1 ounce of ginger liqueur, such as Domaine de Canton
1 ounce of fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon of agave syrup
1/4 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
pinch of ground cinnamon
pinch of ground cloves
pinch of grated nutmeg
ice
cinnamon stick for garnish Dircections~
Shake all the ingredients together [vodka, ginger liqueur,
lemon juice, agave syrup, grated ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Strain into a very chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
The Wonderful Sangria
The Wonderfull Sangria's
Ingredients~
1 bottle of chilled dry white wine [best that you like]
1 bottle chilled champagne [modest but a good one is best]
3 oz. Damiana liqueur [herbal liqueur with citrus and vanilla flavors]
2 freshly sliced pears
2 freshly sliced and cored apples [good crunch to the apple is best]
20 whole cloves
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
Dircections~
In a large festive pitcher, add the pears, apples, cloves and the nutmeg. Then Add the Damiana liqueur and stir well. Add the wine and stir everything gently very well. Refrigerate overnight.
When you are ready to serve, pour in your champagne, stirring it very slowly within the cold mixture. Serve in an ice-filled wine glass.
I thought I would bring you all to the West Indies.
This is where the world's smallest bird lives.
The Bee Hummingbird...
There's variety to islands in the West Indies,
the Greater Antilles which offer an enormous number of endemic
kinds of species and widespread of South American birds.
That's where are hummingbirds come to play.
Unfortunately, there are a few political situations within these
islands which have made visiting these birds quite difficult.
Therefore, one isn't able to see the beauty of the species and the widespread beauty of South American birds & their Hummingbirds!
Cuba is the only site of the rare and smallest bird - hummingbird
in the world. The Bee Hummingbird which is becoming scarcer every day in Cuba. These Bee Hummingbirds live in isolated areas of
Cube, like thick areas of patched woodlands and scrub.
However, since President Obama opened the doors with Cuba, I believe it was last year? Now I pray more folks can visit Cuba's beautiful country and they can do the same with any country of their choosing. I did a little looking on the web with google to make sure I was correct on my information. And Yes! It was correct that President Obama had opened the doors with the leader of Cuba to franchising in Cuba. I can only pray that it will help the good people of Cuba and their families. It is said as long as congress doesn't screw things up and close this door that President Obama works so hard to open. The U.S. franchise industry will soon be able to bring franchising and along with new jobs to Cuba's economy. I am not sure how all this works, but I hope and pray its a good think for the people of Cuba. The President one fell swoop just opened the door to normalized relations between the two countries that have been at odds with each other for more that 5 decades. I pray that this will continue to grow as a happy union.
Bee Hummingbird As of now there are many nature reserves, which have been establishing near the areas of the Bee hummingbirds in Cuba. This was done in hopes for the future of the world's the smallest bird will have a more secure future and so that more people can enjoy these amazing tiny hummingbirds. That live in Cuba and around the world. I Hope that you all enjoyed the post on the Bee Hummingbird in my Birdtales of For my love of the Hummingbird, I have loved them for over 10+years and its fun to find new and different ones to share with you all my dearest Friends & Followers. I hope to share more with you all! And thank you for always being there for me! love you all your friend always WENDY
Bee Hummingbird
momma Bee hummingbird with her babies
Quarter to the small nest/eggs of the
Bee hummingbird
Bee hummingbird so small
can sit on the top of a pencil
Bee Hummingbird - Largest Humming
I have found many different
kinds of the Bee Hummingbird that
seems to be in some other areas too!
