Broomsticks on the Bayou

There's a full moon rising over the bayou tonight

 

Come gather under her spell

Witches, gypsies and restless spirits

Grab your broomsticks and favorite brew

 

and meet me in New Orleans for a night or two
 

Tales of witchcraft and voodoo

 

fill the air

They say the Queen herself roams these streets

Portrait by Frank Schneider, based on a painting by George Catlin

You might encounter her right in the Vieux Carre

You never know what you'll find among the magnolias and Spanish moss

Friend or Foe

Sinner or Saint

What lies beyond the garden gate?

Leave your broom here, dear witches, if you dare

Don't be afraid

An offering might please the lady of the house

But tread lightly

 For here lie ghosts from a bygone day

Was it voodoo or witchcraft that brought about her end?

Was she haunted by her deeds?

Or betrayed by a friend?

Many say she passed peacefully at a ripe old age

Still others claim to see her ghostly figure strolling through the city

 

What about you?

 

Digital art by Schonee

 

Have you seen Marie?

It's time to take our leave, there is much more to do and see

Join me first for a sweet treat

then leave a comment with your link before you go

 

 

Hope you enjoyed your visit here.

 

Before you go check out one of my favorite Nola singers

 

If you're a fan of this season's American Horror Story which is set in New Orleans, here's a great video they posted that looks at why Nola is such a unique and amazing place.

  Do you know that there is a fragrance inspired by Marie Laveau?  

 

Bourbon French Parfums, a noted perfumery in New Orleans' French Quarter since 1843, created a small collection called Southern Favorites. One fragrance is Voodoo Love, a heady jasmine scent inspired by the queen of voodoo herself.

 

Read more HERE

   

Thank you for joining me for a bit of Halloween fun

in the spirit of my favorite city.

 

Here's a recipe for the Sazerac pictured above

 

Image source here

 

You'll find more delicious wickedness from Marfi at Incipient Wings who thought I might love to do a Halloween blog party with a New Orleans theme. Of course she was right!

I'll see you soon out on the bayou.

 Laissez les bon temps rouler

Happy Halloween Cher



Haunted Humpday

Here we are. It's finally October!

Happy Haunted Humpday #6

 

I wish I could say I'm savoring cool cloudy days wrapped in a cozy scarf and warm boots. Alas the sun hangs around much longer here in Tomatoland and although the early mornings and late nights are  cooler, it's still not warm enough to bring out my favorite fall pieces. As I type this post I'm sitting here in my kitchen in a tank top and flip flops. But at least the AC can finally stop running.

 

 

I've been mentally working on my Broomsticks on the Bayou party post. Gathering ideas and props, looking through my stash of New Orleans what nots. Mambo is a little doll I've had for a few years. I ordered him from an artist in New Orleans and I carry him around in a carpet bag I use as a travel bag for overnight trips. I'm hoping he'll start to really inspire me very soon.

 

 

I'm also in love with this bewitching book that Marfi suggested. It's a book of Halloween ideas for grown ups and there's actually a section in it for a New Orleans style party.

 

 

It's deliciously clever and creative, artsy without being cutesy.

You can find it HERE if you so desire.

 

 

Speaking of books, this is one I've had for a long time. I bought it at an antique shop and for the longest time I didn't touch it. There was something about it that kept me from going through the pages. Maybe it was the thought of other souls getting goose bumps as they held this same book in their hands one eerie October eve.

 

 

I finally started reading one or two of the tales but there are still a handful I have yet to explore. If I'm brave I'll try to finish another one this month.

 

 

October is my favorite month for lots of reasons. Halloween being one of them of course, but it's also my son's birthday month and this year he turns 17! He was Frodo 10 years ago when this picture was taken. I took him trick-or-treating in a charming town not too far from us. I'm thrilled that he shares my love of Halloween so October is our month. I just wish it wouldn't go by so fast.

 

How many of you are looking forward to next week's premiere of American Horror Story: Coven?
 

I'll admit I didn't follow the first 2 seasons because I'm not particularly a horror fan but I do love a good story and great cinematography. Season 3 is about witches, voodoo and New Orleans and believe it or not I didn't know about it before we decided on BotB. I've been watching all the trailers which are wonderfully creepy so I'm excited to see it. I just don't know if I'll make it through the entire season but I can't wait.
 

Don't forget it's only 17 days away from the party!

 

Are you ready?

 

Happy Haunted Humpday

 

Pop over to Incipient Wings for more awesome spookiness.

 

 

 



Broomsticks on the Bayou

Hello Autumn!
I think it's time for another Halloween party.
Where will our broomsticks take us this year?

The dark forest for Le Mysterieux Carnival?
A Witch's Tea Party Under a Halloween Moon?
Or Maria's Island for a Practical Magic Party?

 

 You might remember a recent post I did about my huge crush on the city of New Orleans and how I think it all started with a childhood visit to the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland. It eventually grew into an obsession and I had to learn as much about that city and it's unique culture as I could.

 

It turns out Marfi and I share the same fondness for the Haunted Mansion and we thought how truly magical it would be to be in New Orleans for Halloween. Since that trip won't exactly be happening this year we thought of the next best thing.

 

 

We're bringing a haunted New Orleans to us.

 

Only a little further west of the Mississippi.

 

The city of New Orleans has fascinated and enchanted people from all walks of life. Artists, gypsies, sinners and saints have all heard her call. She beckons us with her haunted past, old cemeteries, ghost stories, colorful spirits, southern charm, even vampires and off course voodoo and Marie Laveau, the queen of voodoo herself. If you share a fondness for this bewitching city we'd love to have you join in some creative Halloween fun.

 

You can share art, crafts, costumes, décor, jewelry, food, recipes, music, spells, photography, pets, memories or even a real live party. And if you happen to actually live in that city feel free to share as much of anything as you'd like. I promise I'll try not to embarrass myself by drooling too much and I'll try hard not to stalk you!

 

Have your pics and post ready to go by the evening of the 18th, which also happens to be the Full Harvest Moon. How cool is that? Come back and visit me here at Frosted Petunias and Marfi at Incipient Wings on Saturday the 19th and add your link. Then put on some mournful jazzy music, brew up a batch of beignets and a café au lait and take your broomstick on a moonlit trip round the bayou. We'll have both days to make our rounds and off course you can keep visiting even after the weekend.

 

Here's a button to share and a link to add to it.

 

http://frostedpetunias.blogspot.com/2013/09/broomsticks-on-bayou.html

 

 

We'll keep it casual so all you need to do is leave a comment and let me know you're coming. Then just create your post, come on over, share and enjoy. If you're not sure what to do or have questions feel free to email me or Marfi.

 

Hope to see you there!

 

Don't forget to stop by Incipient Wings to check out Marfi's enchanting party announcement and for more Haunted Humpday fun.