Saturday night at the MWS show was again a great time and turn out.  I had so many of my "adopted" kids from SSU come!  I just couldn't believe so many of them came...there was Sarah, Sammi, Sam, Teresa, and several more.  Some of them I had gone thru my first semester with and they had already graduated and gone on with their busy lives.  Then I had one of my all time favorite "couple kids" , of the adoption persuasion, that drove all the way from out-of-town to surprise me.  I had not seen them in years and was truly overjoyed when I saw them walk in!  Love you both, Kenny and Lisa!!!  Thank you so much for dealing with the October Salem crush for me.

Of course our host Loki was there being his charming self which I so appreciated.  The flow of people came in waves on this night, giving me the chance to breathe and to rest a bit in between.  The fall nip was in the air so we dressed warm and cozy as we had the doors open to the shop so people could walk in freely.

By this date two thirds of the Mystic women had come to see their portraits...and all were very pleased.  The public was encouraging and awe struck.  I heard words like...inspiring, empowering, mystical, magical, original, looks like paintings, and beautiful was the most used adjective during the night.

By 9 pm William (project manager) had loaded much of our original equipment in the truck.  Due to lighting issues we were not able to create the atmosphere and ambience that was originally designed. However, this is par for the course when dealing with MWS in any fashion...Freyja always takes over and lets me know without a doubt who is REALLY in charge!  

Please go to our FB business page at the link below and hit like.  Our PR girl is requesting that our friends share this link and encourage their friends to go to our page and hit like as well!!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mystic-Women-of-Salem/183580591663735?ref=hl

Thank you all for coming, your kind words, and for your continued support!!!

R :}

First Night of the Mystic Women of Salem Show!

This is a snapshot taken outside Salem Ink on the first night of the show.  We had a good turn out and most of the women came to see their gorgeous portraits!  Dawn (pr) did a cleansing and blessing of the facility and I called in the Guardians to protect and be present during this extraordinary event.  Although I made it through - the emotion had welled up in me to the extent that I could barely speak.  HOWEVER,  when you get that many powerful women under one roof and you call upon deities expect a rapid rise in temperature and for the atmosphere to change.   BOY did it!  The project manager was sweating,  I had to dash outside after the ceremony and we had to throw open the doors!  The heat was stifling !!  In just seconds the temperature went back to a normal degree.

Most of the night I was visiting with the people and telling them about some of the extraordinary events that happened during every single shoot.  People were fascinated to say the least.

By the end of the show, it was time to release the Guardians.  I had JUST said to Dawn,"I think it's time to release the guardians"...when low and behold I looked up and a sparrow flew over William's shoulder into the shoppe!  Loki managed to save the little bird and released it unharmed.   Sparrows do not fly at night...I took it as confirmation to "release".  By this time I was hurting pretty bad, was exhausted, and emotional so Dawn took over and did the "release".

An incredible night full of love, support, admiration, and awe!  Wouldn't change the experience for anything!

IT IS CRUCIAL that everyone understand that going to our FB Business Page and hitting "like" is necessary for us to even approach publishing houses...our numbers must double at least.  Please go to the following link and hit LIKE.  It only takes a second!!!!  

Thank you to our sponsors, Salem Ink Tattoo and Art Gallery, the Creative and Performing Arts Center at SSU,  the Mayor Office of Salem (free pr) !  We appreciate your support more than we can possibly tell you!

Now...we have tonight, Sunday night, then the exhibition only dates of Monday and Tuesday.  I'm SURE there's going to be many more magical events to tell you about, so stay tuned folks!!!
R :}

Meet our last Mystic woman to be photographed, Lea Hill (excluding my shoot, as I promised the Team over a year ago...we'll see how things go).   Lea is an author and an autism educator at Northshore Community College.  She has also taught workshops in Lilydale, New York and teaches in and around the Salem, Ma area.

Lea is a lovely woman that exudes positive energy.  Her focus is on teaching people about Sacred Geometry (now known as Sacred Shapes).  I have not been able to take one of Lea's classes yet, but I fully intend to after the publishing of MWS.

Lea's shoot was on Sunday, August 24, 2014 early in the afternoon.  I was just returning from a Maine vacation with my boys, but had "focused" in on Lea's shoot a month or so prior.  The visions about her shoot came fast and were consistent.  When you view her shoot on the Smugmug site be sure to read the captions below the shot to see my visions come to fruition.  Most of the visions were of Lea on the floor accompanied by her shapes in various positions and poses.

During her shoot of course the Goddess did not disappoint.  She always appears and lets her presence known by the weight of the air and the things that are happening through the lens of the camera.  Lea's shapes were glowing and in a "major" way...the closer the shape to her, the more intense the glow.  All of us in the studio were witness to this...time and time again.

Her dresses photographed beautifully and had I not known better, I would have thought that she was a seasoned professional in front of the camera.

The shoot in it's entirety lasted about three hours.  I was exhausted yet thrilled that the last shoot was over.  Lea and her friend seemed equally thrilled about their experience in the studio and were excited about the photos taken.

I appreciate all of you ladies being so patient and understanding during the course of this project.  Photographing so many women, coupled with outside photography (for the left side of the book) has been challenging to say the very least.

I will stop here, as this is certainly NOT my last post...we have a SHOW/EXHIBITION at Salem Ink on Derby Street in downtown Salem October 10 through the 14th!  I'm sure I will have many things to tell you about!

PR materials will be in this week and we will be distributing them over the next two weeks.

Stay tuned folks!!!

R :}

The Mystic Team is proud to present our new PR cards for the 2014 campaign.   Our graphic artist at Random House did a superb job considering the original design had to be scratched at the last minute.

I have told the ladies' during the course of this series that Freyja, Goddess of the North, has a way of repelling negative influences, entities, and people when they get too close to her project.  As I have said many times, I am just the vehicle of MWS...the Goddess herself is in the driver's seat.  I surrendered years ago giving her full and complete control.  Her ultimate goal at this time is somewhat unknown to me, but before all is said and done I'm sure all will be made crystal clear.  

The week I was trying to meet Random House deadlines, one of those negative people came entirely too close to MWS...the person originally designated to print all the portraits, pr materials etc.  The events were so shocking and bazaar that I can only "chalk it up" to the Goddess at work again. In summary there was hysterics/crying/yelling/screaming etc., in short, mucho drama from this person! Bottom line, the project was left hanging with no one to do our printing...the real "clincher" was that the person "over" the hysterical one, was supporting her bazaar behavior!!!

The drama that surrounded these events were severe and left me physically helpless for days.  So...I missed the deadlines with Random House.

The problem(s) have been somewhat resolved but at this point..."I'LL BELIEVE IT WHEN I SEE IT"  and that will be when all is printed, mounted, and hanging on the gallery walls.  

I am eternally grateful to our graphic designer, Ginny Chu who worked with me and the Project Manager very closely in order to meet bulk printing deadlines.  However, because of all the drama the original designs and artwork had to be scratched.

The above images are the front and back of the 4x6 pr cards.  The posters need a bit more work and elements added to them, then they will be ready to print.  Our goal is to have ALL materials distributed and on display by no later than October 1, 2014  (that's a lot of running around folks).

This weekend I will be finishing up the portraits of the last shoot and getting ready to launch them on social media.   The following week we will be doing "test" runs of the portraits...I will be editing and making final changes and preparing them for the printing and mounting process.  By the way, if any of you know of any millionaires that want to be a sponsor of the project...let me know...!

I'm still working feverishly to complete each deadline and so hope that someday I can say, "it was so worth it"!
:}

My first ever building a frame, stretching canvas, and mounting a painting!  Although it took me three days from start to finish (and MANY curse words)  I am happy with the final product.

"Enchanted Pond" was delivered to our PR girl Dawn Dorgan yesterday.  From the moment D saw this painting she literally could not take her eyes off of it...she fell in love with it.  The figure you see in the water is her at the "Lady of the Lake" shoot for the book.  I was on a ladder high above shooting downwards, capturing her looking up and RIGHT at US (as it appears in the painting)!  Certainly did not know this shot would be used in a painting...but there ya go.  I learned long, long ago to surrender to the visions, voices, lights, drums and music that I hear during a shoot.  They are rarely experienced or seen by the subject(s) being shot...but to me, it is as real as the subject herself.  This was one of those times.

Dawn does alot of promotion for MWS and keeps the Project Manager and myself aware and alert of all things "Mystic"...like trying to teach me how to navigate FB...ha, no easy task!   This was a very small gift to a gal who's heart is as big as Dallas and has the loyalty of a true African Lioness.

Thanks D - we appreciate all your work and dedication!

R :}

To all the Mystic Women !!!

We began a "test run" of some of the portraits which will be hung at Salem Ink for the show.  Will be taking a few to the shop in a couple of days to get a "visual" on the placement and sizes that will be printed/mounted on the walls of the gallery .  As I stated before, my Loki is assisting with this project ever so gallantly...Thanks Loki!!!  

I just wanted to tell you all how truly breath-taking they are...I had forgotten just how gorgeous these portraits are!  Of course the prints will REALLY be impressive.

Job well done gals...job well done!  

Rebecca :}

Wow, it is REALLY a muggy afternoon here in our lovely Salem towne!

The City/Mayor Kim, has given us a free ad on the Haunted Happenings website.  Check it out at the below link!  Unfortunately we missed the deadline for Destination Salem...maybe next year!

http://hauntedhappenings.org/calendar/event/the-mystic-women-of-salem-show

I'm sure most of you know that advertising during the month of October is SKY HIGH no matter what form of media you choose.  The ad does not reflect the "show" dates/hours (they just wouldn't do it) however, that information will be on all of our other PR materials.  Just FYI - show dates and hours are as follows:  10/10/14 - 7pm to 9pm,  10/11/14 - 7pm to 9pm.  Sunday 10/12 7pm to 9pm is our "invitation only" show.   

All the Mystic Women are encouraged to attend as much as your schedules allow - you MUST come during one of the show dates/hours - so you can experience it (after all this entire project is about you, your businesses and your stories).  Again, I encourage all of you to go by Salem Ink on Derby and introduce yourselves to Loki and his staff...be sure to tell them you're an MWS woman!  I will remind everyone that this is our last PUSH to beef up our blog and facebook numbers (likes and followers) so continued to pass on our project info to everyone you know...come October we will literally be "pounding the pavement" and working the masses as well as word of mouth.  We expect BIG numbers !!!

It is VERY basic but you know the saying "beggars can't be choosers"!  

Corrections have been made.  The cropping was necessary as they only had "x" amount of space (the City employees did the cropping).  BUT, we should be thankful for the free publicity (even though they wouldn't specify the show dates/times)...oh well.

Ordering supplies this week...and boy oh boy the real work begins!  

Enjoy summer everyone ....(yuck too hot/humid for me) hee hee 

Rebecca  :}

                                                    October, 2013  Salem, Massachusetts


Good Afternoon Everyone!  Two new sponsors of the MWS project!

*  I have spectacular news, we're having an Exhibition/Show/Fundraiser during the month of October 2014!!!   The contracts were signed yesterday...our host and new sponsor is Loki (proprietor) of Salem Ink Tattoo and Art Gallery at 201 Derby Street in downtown Salem (right across from Tache' Real Estate).  Loki is a college buddy of mine from a couple of years ago.

*   Salem State University, Center of Performing and Creative Arts Division are official sponsors as well!  Because of this grant we are going to be able to get all of our shots printed, mounted and displayed during the busiest time of year in Salem...OCTOBER of course.

We begin final editing and preparations to print in July, 2014 - ha, NEXT MONTH folks!

Now, you may be wondering why a show pre-publication?  The answer is as old as the hills...money talks and bs walks, that's why.  The grant came my way and after much discussion with the Project Manager, we just could not pass up this opportunity.  As I have said many, many times, beefing up our "likes" (let's not forget followers!) on the blog especially and on facebook is absolutely critical when we take the prototypes to New York and meet with Agents and Publishers.  Plain and simple...it won't happen without them.  Our intention for this years PR blitz, Show and Exhibition is just that to BEEF UP NUMBERS!   During the Exhibition dates we will be conducting a fundraiser as well.  This is also critical.  You can just imagine how much money it is going to cost to have prototypes printed at a "fine art" level of quality...hence the fundraiser.

The dates are as follows: 

Pr blitz and Campaign - the entire month of October.  A few of the MWS ladies and I will be "working" the crowds and handing out 3x5 cards prior to our show dates.

We will be in Haunted Happenings and Destination Salem this year - not sure about their deadlines however, I'm sure it's this summer (we may have to use the original poster/card design for this-just not enough time to complete a new design).  Loki has generously offered to promote our event with the Chamber of Commerce!  Thanks Loki !!

The Show/Exhibition/Fundraiser at Salem Ink is 10/10/14 through 10/14/14 - SHOW hours/dates will be 7 - 9pm on 10/10, 10/11 and 10/12.  Of course the MWS Team will be there each night and the MWS ladies will attend any of the show dates they choose.  This is perfect, that way our featured women will be present each night...sprinkle a few on the 10, sprinkle a few on the 11, and sprinkle more on the 12th (it is your choice ladies, as to which night you can come).  One night will be an event (by invitation only) - more on that later.

Busy, busy, busy - I will keep you all updated as we progress.

Many, many thanks to our sponsors, Salem State University and Salem Ink Tattoo. 

Here's Loki's web site www.Saleminkma.com and his email - loki_ink@hotmail.com.  If you're in the neighborhood stop by and say hi and by all means check out the shop and the art that is being shown!

VERY EXCITING EVERYONE !!!   R :}






                           

First…the Team and I would like to take this time to congratulate Mystic Woman, Barbara of Angelica's on her first book!  We are all so proud of you Barbara and believe me when I tell you I so understand what a huge accomplishment this is.  CONGRATULATIONS !!!!


Your photographer is continuing to work extremely hard and am continuing my education in the arts. 
As it turns out your photog is being honored as a painter.   Who knew?!  
See below - toot, toot  (my own horn) !!!

Once the book(s) are complete and published, I will be incorporating these painting skills into my photography.  This is a very old technique that was done years ago by master photographers.  The technique is yet another one of those dying (or dead in this case) art forms. However, I am here to tell you I WILL be bringing it back when I ultimately open my own photography/art studio.    It shall be quite costly to purchase, but this is one of those heirlooms that your entire family would fight over…I know mine did!

These types of portraits are printed and painted on canvas.  I am fortunate enough to have inherited one from my Mother.  A forty year old portrait that truly looks like an oil painting.  When I brought it to school the professors had a fit over it…"WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?" I sheepishly responded by telling them,  it was me when I danced in Swan Lake.  

I hope to bring it to the photography studio again and shoot it digitally, so I can share it with all of you!

We have two shoots remaining.  When those are done the entire project shooting schedule will be completed!!!  Now…that certainly does not mean the project is complete, what it means is that all SHOOTING is done.  This summer the Project Manager and I will be editing, compilation, cover design,  reviewing essays, design and implementation of another PR campaign, and the list goes on and on.  HOWEVER, we are certainly closing in on a finished project!  AND WHAT A LONG STRANGE TRIP IT HAS BEEN !!!  :}

Stay warm New Englanders and everyone else on the east coast! 

R :}

SHHHHHHH  I have a secret...

SECRETS  OF  THE  UNIVERSE!!  :}


This was taken during my advanced digital class...of course what is above is absolutely NOTHING like the shot that was actually taken.

Hope you are all well and will update with blog news over Spring Break (in a couple of weeks).

R  :}

FABULOUS   NEWS!!!   
The  "left side adventures" is now COMPLETE!!!

Additional info:  For the first time a LUNAR PORTAL has been photographed during the "Left Side Adventures"!!!  Cannot wait for everyone to see it!

The last snow storm on February 5, 2014 has given me the exact "look" that I was waiting for! Although we have had several snows...they just did not produce that heavy wet snow that sticks to roofs, the ground, and everything in it's path.  I have been to Pioneer Village numerous times before, during, and after snow squalls and storms...but I just was not satisfied with the "look"...until now.  The Director of the Witch House and Pioneer Village (Elizabeth) was kind enough to try several times to coordinate the snow shoot with me. HOWEVER...when you are depending on the "Mother" to produce a certain type of storm sometimes she most definitely has other ideas and plans.  Thanks Elizabeth, for trying!

Hence guerilla shooting called into play yet again.  Only this time I was in deep...as in almost thigh high snow just inches from the snow/ice filled Atlantic Ocean.  JEEZ...what I will do when that camera is strapped on (and having sense is NOT a part of it)!  BUT...I always get the shot.

A couple of days after the shoot, during editing, I caught these two unusual shots.  The black mass appeared on the left side and then again in the center (you can see the shadow on the snow that the mass caused).  During this time I was doing rapid fire shooting...no mass before or aft these shots.  Seems that every time I shoot at Pioneer Village and the surrounding area unexpected guests and creatures present themselves.  It is truly a place of power and I suspect some residual type activities are going on as well as some long term residents' making themselves visible from time to time.

The "Left Side Adventures" has been a phenomenal success.  The last seven months have been a real roller coaster ride.  The shoots have been challenging, scary, dangerous, satisfying, and most of all SUCCESSFUL!  The bar is set so high by the women of MWS project and every shot that is adjacent to the portraits is equally as beautiful, mystical, and as artistic as the women themselves.   We have unexplained tiny lights, shadow people, graveyards that have unexplained "studio" lighting, creatures appearing, once in a lifetime "cyclone aftermath" sunsets, and the "Breath of the Dragon" (this is a type of heavy fog...VERY different than the usual fog - once you experience it, you will always know it).   Salem most certainly did not disappoint.

I will be sending out a special invitation to the MWS ladies to view the "Left Side Adventures" gallery when the images are complete.  These photographs will not be seen on Smugmug, Facebook, or this blog...they are on reserve for publication ONLY...hence, all the secrecy.

Will update you again with all things MWS...what a long, strange trip this has been !!!   R :}