Re-Publishing of Mystic Woman Memie - Portrait With a Life of It's Own

Memie is the first woman to be shot in the studio for The Mystic Women of Salem project.  Actually, her shoot was done even before
MWS was born...and before this blog was created.  As you will read below, the interviewing process was beginning at the time I presented her with a portrait from her shoot.  Various processes and policies had not even been thought of at this point, much less implemented.  Wow,  what a long, long way we have come.  
Memie continues to be a pillar of positivity and powerful magick in our community in Salem, Ma.
She just told me that she would be promoting MWS tonight on the radio!!!  THANK YOU MEMIE!!!  For your continued support, honesty, integrity and for being an excellent example of the extremely high levels that we, as magickal/mystical women conduct ourselves resulting in being role models for the mundane world - and WE NEED THAT NOW folks!!!

The below is a snapshot I took of my dear friend Memie at Mabon 2010 in Salem, Mass. She is holding a portrait that I had shot of her a few months ago. Memie has been instrumental during the creation and interviewing/screening process for "The Mystic Women of Salem" project. I was/am so indebted to her for her consistent willingness to assist, that this portrait was printed/mounted and presented to her as a gift, before the Mabon 2010 celebration...as a token of our appreciation. She was so excited that she immediately began going from table to table showing everyone! The feedback that I got was overwhelming and ALL positive. Many people were wanting to book a shoot with me, but, I had to discourage them since "Mystic" is taking priority at this time. I am not booking shoots for portraits like hers until summer 2011...just fyi everyone.

Laurie Cabot told Memie that I had truly "captured" her essence! Thanks Laurie!

Many discussions about the project/subject selection and upcoming shoots continued throughout the evening.

There was buzz in the photo department on Monday about these snapshots..."the portrait seems to have a life of it's own." Yes..I concur! :)

                              CONGRATULATIONS  WILLIAM !!!


MWS would like to extend a very sincere congratulations to our own Project Manager, William Fox.  Our Project Manager has been promoted from Mid-Management to Executive status at one of the oldest and well established publishing houses in New York City (and really in the country).  William is now Director of a division at the "house" that produces approximately %70 of the revenue for the entire company!

Employed at the company for fifteen years, William has worked his way up from an entry level position to Executive status because of an incredible work ethic, tremendous loyalty, dependability and not to mention a bit of sheer brilliance...hee hee!  

MWS is so very proud of William and truly feel honored to have him as Project Manager/advisor/confidant/creative consultant and visionary on this once in a lifetime project.  To tell you the truth everyone, without William this project would have never gotten off the ground, much less been completed.  It is because of the vast experience and direction which William provides, that this project heads towards the final stages of completion.  The next phase (shopping the project in NYC) will be the most challenging and grueling phase of the entire project.  With William directly involved and believing in the project whole heartedly...we move forward.  Believe me ladies, when you get an email, advice, and/or direction from William know that he IS the expert in the publishing world and is ultimately responsible for getting the project published...so be confident in his directives.

Congratulations William...we are very, very proud of you!!!  :}

There will be an update on the project in a couple of days...so expect another alert.  Enjoy fall everyone!

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 :}

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 :}

                                                    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 :}

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 :}

I am thrilled to announce that Professor Lewis, Photography Concentration, of the Art Department at Salem State University has agreed to continue participating in the Mystic Women of Salem series/project  as advisor and critiques under the Directed Study program at the University.  My final portrait critique went extremely well to say the least.  

" These recent shoots are the best and most consistent that you have done in the entire MWS series, you are producing and working at a very high level of photography."  

OMGoddess, OMGoddess you guys!  I cannot tell you what these words mean.  You have to be at the University and in this program to fully understand just how hard it is to get high marks and to receive comments such as the above, is EXTREMELY  difficult!

So...all the pain, the endless hours of work, the fatigue, the frustration and not to mention the fear, is proving to be worth it.  With people like you ladies', your families, friends, the University educators, our PR Girl Dawn Dorgan and not to mention the Project Manager's guidance, expertise and constant support...is most certainly giving me the strength to continue on!  POWER TO MWS!!!!!  YES!

Elaine and Nicol, our Reiki Masters shoot will be scheduled for launch tomorrow and if it is too late in day I will re-launch it at 10 am Friday as well.  Just FYI - the Professor said that the lighting, was excellent and the photograph I took of Nicol sitting on the floor is the best photograph I have taken in the MWS series (due to the complexity of the lighting design).  CONGRATS and THANKS NICOL!!!!  

So VERY HAPPY!!!!  :} R

Historical Photo Shoot with Laurie Cabot - The Most Famous Witch in the World

Listening to a story from Laurie

A very happy, yet anxious photographer and Ms. Laurie.

All is complete, now we head up to the studio!

All Behind the Scenes photos by Dawn Dorgan

On March 12, 2012, one of the most important shoots of my photography career took place with Salem's own Laurie Cabot, High Priestess of the Cabot Tradition.


*****Oooopsie forgot! Ms. Laurie wasn't in the studio 5 minutes before EVERY battery went completely dead!! This is a common occurance when spirits/spiritual energies are present (like when Ghost Hunters investigators' equipment/batteries die). Just had never experienced this happening with a LIVE person! Well, afterall it was LAURIE CABOT! :}*****


Needless to say, much preparation and coordination with numerous people took place months prior to this shoot date.  William, the Project Manager took off three days work and came in from NYC to assist with the shoot.  Mystic Woman, Dawn Dorgan took an afternoon off work to assist and provide transportation.  Several Professors went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that we had complete access to the studio and that there would be no problems.


Laurie, her daughter Penny, and Dawn arrived at the University mid-afternoon.  We spent about 15 minutes in the lobby area going over the concept of the shoot and processing paperwork.  Afterwards, the whole crew headed up to the studio.  William and I had set everything up and had finalized the lighting design, tested all equipment, and set up the studio the day before the shoot.  This was a necessary plan as I knew that the lighting was going to be difficult and quite frankly I was not 100% sure I could even do it.  Candlelight/natural light sources in a studio is challenging to say the least.  However, with the assistance of the Project Manager and much effort we accomplished our mission for pre-sets and design on Sunday.  Boy oh boy am I glad we did too!


Laurie looked beautiful but fatigued.  She told me upon arrival that she was not feeling well and that she was concerned about the length of time it would take to do the shoot.  So, I knew that speed was going to be mandatory.  The entire shoot only lasted 20 to 25 minutes from beginning to "wrap."  I only used one lighting set up, one prop set up, and just two angles.  I was very concerned about Laurie and I could see her "fading" in just moments after we began.  It became very important and a priority to finish and get her safely on her way home.


Today, I came into the lab and started processing the photos.  Kim, one of the photography professors that is on the Portrait Selection Committee was here, thank goodness.  She was very impressed with the shoot and calmed my fears by taking really close looks at a few of the photos I was working on.  I learned yet again from Ms. Kim, she was telling me that all photographers go through the frustration and fear stages that we experience during a very short shoot.  Thanks Kim!!!!


I have posted two portraits on smugmug and there will be a few more uploaded over the course of the next couple of weeks.  


Many, many heartfelt thanks to William, Dawn, Laurie, Penny, and the Professor's for making sure this shoot happened.  A special thanks to Laurie...I know all too well the huge sacrifice it is to "show up" when you are hurting.  It ain't easy folks!


Laurie told me personally, a year ago, that I would be the last photographer to shoot her in the studio and believe me, she has been photographed by many accomplished photographers over the years.  
So on March 12, 2012 history was made, I did a studio shoot of the most famous witch in the world for the last time.  I feel honored and fortunate to have had this experience and this shoot will most certainly enhance the success of 
The Mystic Women of Salem project !
:}

SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY ENTERS MWS POSTER IN COMPETITION!





2011 MWS Poster

 


 Rose Cooke, Supervisor, Copy Shop, SSU and  Rebecca Fox, Photographer
"I was really  impressed when I saw the Mystic Women of Salem poster, because of the detail, high level of excellence, and visual beauty.  When the photographer returned to the Copy Shop I asked her if she would consider allowing the University to enter her poster in a national competition hosted by InPlant Graphics,"  stated Rose. 

Of course I was so excited and honored to even be considered by the University for participation in the contest... I JUMPED at the chance! 

 In 2006 Salem State Copy Center won 2 Gold awards in this competition.  One (created by an SSU student) in the non-offset calendar division and the second (in-house creation) in the poster/flyer division for the theater production of The Snow Queen.  So, the University has a history of participation and wins in this competition.  We should all be very proud and happy whether we win or not, I am certainly feeling honored, right now.

I have had numerous conversations with the MWS ladies about the technical aspect of their portraits, and believe me when I tell you this poster will be judged to the "inth" degree by the selected judges of this competition and it will be VERY technical (even down to a speck of dust can cause disqualification!).  Below is more information about the contest, their mission statement, the judges and more.  

Mission Statement:  Founded in 1964, the In-Plant Printing/Mailing Association is the only professional association dedicated exclusively to the needs of in-house corporate publishing, printing, and distribution professionals.

"The contest has a reputation as being one of the toughest contests to win in the printing business.  That's because the quality of in-plant printing is so high.  As a result, our judges have traditionally spent alot of time analyzing each printed piece.  Our panel of judges this year consists of:  Chris Anderson, Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators - Dr. James Sours, Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies, Pittsburg State University - Mark McCarty, Missouri State Univsersity - Jerry Chisam, University of Kansas Medical Center - and Larry Clements, Redlands Community College.  One Best of Show winner will be selected from the winners in the offset categories and another Best of Shaw winner will be picked from the non-offset categories.  Winners' will be revealed at the awards dinner during IPMA's conference, taking place June 24-28 in Kansas City.  Judges will consider the degree of difficulty required to print a job, design and letter spacing;lines of text;fuzzy photos, holes/missing dots in solids possibily due to a speck of dust, spots and specks, ink coverage, mottling, centered images, any marks on page, color consistency and the darkness of toner." In-Plant contest information as stated on website. 

These are just a few of the judging criteria.

Winners will receive elegant plaques and trophies during the IPMA Awards Banquet in the summer of 2012. 

Here are just a few of the past winners -

Conoco Phillips, Boeing, USAA, Hitachi, Phillips Petroleum, Brigham Young Univsersity, University of Delaware and the University of Missouri. 

The contest is sponsored by the International Publishing Management Association and In-Plant.

I hope all the MWS ladies are as excited as the Team is, and I will certainly keep you all posted!  Wish us LUCK!
:}

A Thanksgiving Day Message



In front of MWS poster at the University

I hope you all are taking a few moments from cooking, cleaning, running errands, arriving at your destinations and/or welcoming friends and family into your homes for the holiday, to read this message.

The MWS Team and I would like to express our most sincere gratitude to all of the selected MWS women, future selectees/interviewees, and friends of the project for your support and involvement in this most incredible experience, being the Mystic Women of Salem. 

To the MWS women - we are so grateful and indebted to you all for giving us the opportunity to glimpse into areas of your lives and experience such phenomenal events, that few and far between are ever allowed.  Your kindness and grace continues to bless us and the project...Thank You!

To future MWS women  - Thank you so much for your patience and understanding about the length of time it takes to process each phase of the project.  And for your support and promotion of the project even prior to notification of your selection!

To Salem State University and my Professors - I cannot express my undying gratitude enough for your support, involvement, and all that you have taught me during my time at the University.  Without your knowledge and teaching skills MWS would have never been conceived - I owe you everything!

To my lil' neighbors - I thank Holly and Chris (not to mention Toby and Noah) who constantly bring me joy and laughter on my front porch.  A special thanks to the girls for my home made cinnamon rolls - you just can't get better than that!  To Toby - you are just one little bundle of unconditional love.  Noah - I thank you every time you come over for protecting me and my house, you are a very good "dog on duty" and I feel better knowing you're watching out for me!

We wish to all of our fans and followers a very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving and for your continued promotion, interest, and constant support!  :}

Mystic Woman, Lady June

Dawn

Friend of the MWS project, Dawn, shown here early in October at Jaho in Salem.  Dawn spent the whole day with me distributing the MWS posters and pr materials to numerous locations in Salem...the "crush" of October was already apparent.  Thanks Dawn for helping me (and the project) in so many ways!!  But, her assistance is not over yet...

Today (Saturday 11/5/2011)  she is accompanying Lady June to the studio for her shoot.  June is one of those "power house" founding Mothers of this area and I look forward to photographing her.

Of all the women I have interviewed June is the only one, that I know of, that does tea leave readings.  I was fascinated by this and needless to say her style of divination will play a major role in the theme of her shoot.

Will have behind the scenes shots/stories and more about June in the next few days...so stay tuned and check back soon!

:}

Boys In Blue Love the Mystic Women of Salem!

Our boys love the MWS!

Two Officers of the Salem Police Department

Our poster on display in breakroom at Salem PD!

Thanks to friend of the project Dawn, our poster was mounted last week in the break room of the Salem Police Department!  I met the Chief and a few of our officers that rainy afternoon in Salem, Ma.  The guys were really nice and wanted to know all about the project.  They wanted to know about the future women to be featured, and when the book is going to be released.  Also, we found, right off the bat that it is indeed a small world...Stephanie, our MWS Firefighter, is known by the Salem PD, on a professional and personal level (her brother is one of the officer's best friend).  A very small world indeed.

Many thanks to the Chief for allowing our poster to be displayed!  To the guys, well, MWS loves ya'll too!  Thank you for your interest and support of our beloved MWS project!

R :}

MWS Welcomes Our Cyber Sorceress to The Team!!

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I hope all the MWS featured women are remaining calm, continuing to breathe, getting at least some rest at night, and are enjoying the fruits of their year long labors during the madness of October 2011 in Salem!

Many, many things/events have occurred over the last few weeks and one in particular that I am very, very proud and relieved about, is our newest addition to the MWS Team - Samantha Shostak (Sam)!


Sam is a grand addition to the team and one that is a perfect fit.  Her skills in  graphic art design are to be admired, her dedication and level of professionalism are extraordinarily high - an absolute must with this project.  The Project Manager said after reading just 2 of her emails, "jeez, I love her already!"

Sam was my tutor in electronic design class in 2010.  I soon learned that she possesses the gift of being a natural born teacher...patience, skill, and a little psych thrown in there as well.  I just adored her, and as she says,"we quickly became friends."

William and I are honored and feel so very fortunate to have Sam on the MWS Team!  I cannot wait for all of you to see some of her work!  She is not only highly skilled, she is also VERY creative and brilliant to boot.

Please join us in welcoming our Cyber Sorceress - Sam!!!  Check out her bio on The Team page!

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Official 2011 PR Launch - The Official Witch Store

From Left to Right =


Penny Cabot

Rebecca Fox

Therese Pendragon



Taken at

The Official Witch Store




Hello Everyone!

Friday October 7, 2011 was the official launching of the MWS PR Campaign Blitz!

Mystic Woman, and dear friend, Penny Cabot, was kind enough to agree to be the first and official launch location of the MWS PR Campaign of 2011.   These shots were taken inside of her beautiful store on Pickering Wharf Friday afternoon.  I showed Penny the huge poster that the University printed for me and she further extended her kindness by allowing me to install it in her window facing the wharf/water!

Later that evening I was driving around Salem, and something led me to the wharf.  When I drove by there was a crowd outside the store, and all of them were gathered around the poster!  How cool is that?

I cannot think of a better place to launch our campaign!

Many, many thanks to our friend Penny!
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A "Fare Thee Well" to Brian Miller

Brian Miller, Cyber Wizard of the MWS project is moving on to bigger and better things.  His schedule is just too demanding, therefore he cannot spend the time necessary on the MWS cyber designs and pr materials.  Brian's unique style, dedication, vision, and designs laid the groundwork for the  MWS project.  His knowledge of all things "cyber" allowed the blog (which the Project Manager was insisting upon) to be viewed and enjoyed by many.  Not only was the inital blog (remember, the yellow one) used for enjoyment,  it became an essential tool used by The Team to keep the public and the MWS women continually informed and up-to-date on events, progress, and news that was happening regarding all things MWS.

The PR materials are beautiful and esquisite in composition.  Brian took very basic ideas/suggestions and turned those ideas into breath taking art pieces.  The posters and pr cards are certainly nothing short of artwork in it's highest degree.  You just do not see posters/cards of this caliber very often. 

The women of the MWS project, the Project Manager, and myself would like to take this time to give our cyber wizard, Brian Miller, our most sincere thanks and gratitude for all his efforts.  Every single selected MWS woman (and many, many others) that have seen the pr materials are in complete awe of their beauty and excellence.

Thank you so much Brian, for laying the ground work for this enormous international project.  Because of your expertise and skill the world has taken notice of the project and most importantly, the Mystic Women of Salem!

We wish you much success in the future and we fare thee well.  I will miss the laughs and our hen house meetings! You are such a joy to me personally, and I will always hold you dear in my heart.

Rebecca Fox, Photographer
William Fox, Project Manager

PR Blitz!

Hello Everyone,

I have just seen the posters and 4x6 cards printed for the first time.  One of our faculty at the University (Bob) even custom designed a blue color for us...he calls it "Mystic Blue"!  Thanks BOB!  And a special thanks to Prof Kim, a master printer (not to mention a fine art photographer) for all your help!

All materials are just gorgeous!  The students, faculty, and staff that have seen them are very impressed with their artistic level and beauty.    Even though we have not posted them yet, they are already causing quite a buzz around campus.

You get the feeling you are looking at a piece of art...not just a poster.  I think all of the MWS ladies will be very happy with their promotional materials.  Truly, they reflect beauty, artistic expression, mysticism, power, and intrigue.  I guarantee you, each person that even glimpses at the poster out of the corner of their eye, will stop dead in their tracks to take a longer look!  Ha, mission accomplished!

This is quite a milestone for the Team.  Much, much planning, brainstorming, coordinating, and just plain hard work has gone into this campaign and believe me, it's not over yet.  We still need to receive the print order, and distribute them to our target areas, Salem, Boston, and New York City.  Having to wait until the last minute because of situations beyond our control, we have run into major printing, financial, and time issues!  But, once again our Project Manager, William, comes to the rescue with problem solving ideas, an incredible level of professionalism, and not to mention the finances to bail us out of this situation.  THANK YOU WILLIAM - you have saved us once again, and you really are a PRINCE!

During the first week of October a small number of posters and cards will be distributed around Salem, then when we receive the bulk order blanket distribution will begin (right during mid-terms...luv it).
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