More Construction~~~

Well Darklings,

I have to admit that the weather has put somethings on hold, fortunately the tarps are holding and no water into the basement. I did find some interesting things while the basement was being cleaned out.

A wonderful old oak desk that must have been used in a office, it has a hid-a-way top so that all one has to do is flip the top to move the typewriter underneath and have a flat writing surface, it's a bit stiff but some WD40 loosened it up so that it works very well.

Now I'll have to find a re-conditioned typewriter for it.

I also found two chandeliers, I don't know why they were removed but I came across some old photos which shows what rooms they were originally in. I've talked to my construction person and he says I can have them newly wired and installed in the correct rooms.

It's like a treasure hunt, my kitchen is covered with boxes of old stuff that I'm sorting through to see what is salvageable, and with the old photo's to help out I'll be able to see what goes where.

But now I'm tired and covered in cobwebs and dust so to the showers to get cleaned up. And I don't have to cook dinner tonight, a friend of mine is coming over and he is going to take me out, where to I don't know but then I love surprises.

Later Darklings.

Another Death Day~~~~

Well my Darklings,

I've just celebrated another "Death Day"----the "muggles" (I love that word) prefer to call it "Birthday" but I like to call it "Death Day".

Why? Because it's one more year closer to dying---whenever that will be.

The normal people don't realize is that with each so-called "Birthday" you really are celebrating having lived one more year---you've survived not getting killed by idiot drivers, stupidity, drugs, drink,disease, war, famine or any other means of dying.

So because you have survived another year of living from the day of your birth that is suppose to be reason to celebrate.

It wasn't until I had reached the 50th year of survival, when my brother, his wife, my sister brought out a cake done in chocolate with red raspberry filling and frosted with black frosting with a small grim reaper and a gravestone candle with the numbers 50 and the words "over the hill" and one small black candle lit.

Now did he sing "Happy Birthday" no they did the funeral durge by saying "Dum, dum, de dum, de de de de de di di dum" Frankly Darklings I loved the morbid, gallows humor, black napkins, black paper plates, red drinking glasses and red plastic cutlery.

I saved those cake toppings, plus one each of the napkin, plate drinking glass and cutlery and I put them into a shadow box made with a very old ornate picture frame, I added dried dark red roses to it from the bouquet that they gave me, and a picture of me on that day. It's my "Memento Mori" and each year I look at it when I celebrate my "Death Day".

When it will come I don't know, but I told my sister that my funeral should be an occasion of celebration, drinking,lots of food, music, dancing an old fashioned wake designed to "Wake the Dead".

I also find it ironic that my "death day" happens to be close to when the Earth is waking from it's "Winter Death" to come to life, bloom and grow. Which if one really thinks about it gives Easter it's real meaning.

Sorry if this sounds too Morbid my Darklings, but Death as Life shouldn't be.

Later my Darklings

Phantom, Vertigo and St. Patrick's Day

Hello Darklings,

I've started work on the house, a little at a time, and so far I am please with what is developing. No unexpected surprises.

St. Pa tricks Day is coming up, and I usually avoid those festivities, I'm sorry but Corn Beef and Cabbage and green beer is not an elder Goth's style, but it is the wearing of the "Green" on that day and on that day everyone is "Irish".

So what does an elder Goth do? Well if one is invited to a party, go and enjoy and if you are going to wear green, make sure it is the darkest green you can find in your wardrobe, although I have seen some stunning green and black outfits in steam punk styles.

And one can wear dark green and black in either vintage or goth style as well. I once had a white wine that was called "Green Hungarian". It tasted very good, light, fruity, I had several glasses but the next day I had a headache that took 4 aspirin to get rid of. My friends said that sometimes certain sulfides can cause headaches. I've since then stayed with those that do not cause that problem.

Last week I took the opportunity to go an early estate sale, now why it is an "early" estate sale is that a friend of mine would be handling the procedure, the heirs had taken what they wanted but decided they didn't want the rest and wanted to clear the house out for sale. My friend had everything priced and set up for the sale and the ads went in but she invited me to come and take a look the day before to see if there was anything I wanted the day before the sale was to open---and I did, I found a lovely very dark green vintage wool coat with a genuine leopard skin collar----now I know Darklings---what fur? and from an endangered animal? I agree, but remember the key word is "vintage", this fur had been mounted onto this coat more than 60 years ago. So as a consciouses elder Goth I have bought it for re-use as my new wool coat. The fur collar is easily removed to dry clean the coat and I have a black velvet collar that fits it perfectly for day use.

The cut was wonderful and fitted perfectly not too loose nor too tight, and clean. There were other wonderful vintage items as well, that I fell in love with, a number of vintage suits and hats, and now with all my space, I can literally have an entire room for a closet.

Last night, wearing my best vintage suit with all the correct accessories and driving in my 1940 Ford, I went to the Paramount Theatre that shows all the old classic films and last night it was Hitchcock's "Vertigo", seeing all the scenes from San Francisco from the 1950's was wonderful, the twisted convolutions of the mind in the story suited my mood as well. I ran into some friends of mine there also wearing their vintage and we went afterwards to a local establishment for drinks afterwards, two of my girls friends wanted to ride in my car of which their dates were envious of. So I told them if you want to get into "vintage" you have to go all the way. Oh that sounds sooo suggestive.

I was asked if I was to travel on a trip would I drive my Ford and I said no, it is for local, but I do have a basic Honda Civic--and I make sure it's alarm system works and I use a lock on it that locks the gas pedal, I do it with my Ford as well. But most of the time when my Ford is out, most people just look at it but do not touch, sometimes I think they think it's a dream.

I love going to the Paramount, all that art deco, art modern features, makes me feel very Retro and not so old after all. Our local theatre also plays on Thursdays old classic films, but of late I've not been happy with their selection.

Last Thursday evening on PBS's Great Performances they presented the 25th Anniversary of "Phantom of the Opera". I saw it years ago first in New York and then later the San Francisco Production. I had forgotten how wildly romantic and passionate it could be. Now the music keeps running through my mind. I personally feel that "Phantom" is the only Goth musical, frankly it is "THE" Goth Musical. Passion, dark lairs, a mysterious tortured figure---it took years for the music to fade from my mind, and now it's all come back to re-possess my soul. I shall have to listen to "Big Band" music to try and drive it out of my mind.

Next week is the Vintage Fashion Faire at the Concours in San Francisco, I have no idea what I will find, but it promises to be interesting and fun.

Later Darklings

clothing and a house

Goodness Darklings,

I am in a writing mood of late, perhaps because of the (horrors) sunshine.

But more because I’m having fun looking at all the fashions that have come out through the various media outlets and of course Fashion Week.

In a way I pity the fashion reporters and buyers, how exhausting it must be to go to these events and how much fun.

In a few weeks I’ll be going to my own fashion show, the vintage fashion fair held in San Francisco, if ever there was a city that captured Noir and Goth so beautifully it’s San Francisco.

But I’ve been having fun going to the Net-A-Porter.com web site and checked out their Paris Suitcase and there were several items I simply could not resist.

I have posted 3 images for you above.

First up is a gold plated bib necklace with Swarovski crystals by Carven. Very art deco and very edgy for an evening out.

Next were two belts with panthers on them, first (on the right) a Pantera crystal-embellished leather belt by Lanvin the other (on the left)a Roberto Cavalli Metallic-leather jaguar-buckle belt, although I feel that the Lanvin one is edgier than the Cavalli.

But picture them with a long dress or fitted top and skirt or black jeans or black leather pants, even the deepest, darkest Emerald green or purple will look well with them.

But I am looking so forward towards the Vintage Fashion Fair that will be held in the next and Darklings, I have just indulged in our locally famous White Elephant Sale, one never knows what one will find, and I found several lovely vintage hats, and the old fashion nylons that one needs to wear with a garter belt, still in their packaging.

Some of you have asked for a progress report on my home (formerly my great-aunt’s).

Well Darklings, I have friend who is a retired building inspector and he has gone through my house completely, having “fun” dealing with spiders, and a few dead rodents. Even he has fallen in love with the house.

The foundation and the roof need to be redone, as well as wiring, plumbing, drywall, etc.
But the upside is that for now the roof will hold and I can have the wiring and plumbing done a bit at a time (well first one then the other).

So foundation first, and completely redo the basement/laundry area, I was warned that with everything it will mean that a lot of the lathe and plaster will crack, but I’m not worried about that as long as the house is structurally sound, which my friend said it is.

My greatest fear was wood rot and termites; fortunately the termite damage is small and easily repaired.

What will happen in the basement/foundation area is to completely have it retro fitted for earthquake, and then finish the basement off, so that it is not a dark and damp place, and make the laundry room totally easy to work in by having it light and bright, with a clothes drying line for rainy days, washer and dryer, my question is, is it easier to go with gas or an electric dryer? With Electric I’ll have to install heavier wiring, but with gas the pipes are already there from the former old gas dryer. I plan to use the dryer mostly for sheets and towels; oh I know such a mundane problem. I was advised that if I go with a gas dryer to install a carbon monoxide detector.

And for the rest of the basement?? Well storage is a good thing, so what I plan to do for now is finish it off, and make it light, bright, water, mold and mildew proof.

That is step one.

I know Darklings, a light, bright laundry room and basement? Well I feel that in those area’s you do need as much light as possible to be able to see any damage and make sure things are right and to be able to find things as well.

Step two will be the roof.

So far it is holding but it’s on it’s 3rd layer so it will need to be stripped to the ribs and that will give us a good chance to see if any of the ribs need to be replaced and all new gutters. Aunty wasn’t feeling well and sort of let things go, I think it’s because she didn’t want to face the fact that the place although sound did need some serious upkeep work, and fortunately I am in a position to have it done.

So I intend to do steps one and two this year before, I hope Summer’s end, my building inspector friend will act as my “major domo” and over see what is being done and give me updates, because unfortunately I do have to work, even with an inheritance.

I gave up my apartment, and moved what I had into the 3rd level of the house, yes Darklings, 3 levels, plus basement, plus attic a lot of stair climbing, but step aerobics are suppose to be good for you. All of my aunts clothing I’ve moved into another bed room for now until I can properly go through it, and she had some wonderful vintage pieces, never threw anything away.

Some of my cousins are in a snit, but my younger sister doesn’t mind, she received a comfortable bequest and since her job requires her traveling a lot she told me laughingly that’s she’s glad she doesn’t have my ‘headaches’. Oh well, I don’t consider them as such. And with the extra bedrooms she can visit and stay for as long as she needs to, she is almost as darkly minded as I am.

Two of my surviving elder Uncles remembered my Great Aunt as being a bit intimidating, I had the pleasure of asking how and they told me. I was surprised to discover that some of the things I’ve talked about, she also did, very effectively. I asked them why they didn’t stay in touch with her, I mean my parents did and so did Granny, and they replied that is was their wives who insisted---I have to admit two of the most mean spirited women I ever met. They don’t even like me, fearing that I’ll contaminate them or their children or grandchildren----well there is one cousin that is impressed with me, and she is quiet an artist, I’ve sort of taken her under my wing, if only her Mother will let her breathe.

Now those aunts are wailing about how unfair it was that my Great-Aunt left the bulk of her estate to me, but I had the malicious pleasure of telling them they only had themselves to blame. Thanks goodness I don’t have to see them very often.

I had a chance to walk into the garden and was sad to see so much of it had gone to seed so to speak, but a friend of mine who loves to garden is going to map out what appears to be there and when I’m ready I can plan on what I want to do.

The front garden has an old fashioned metal fence and gate, but it’s hidden under a wildly spreading bougainvillea that has thorns, which considering all the metal thieves might be a good thing. Right now I have the lawn mowed but told the gardener to leave the bougainvillea alone for now.

Plans, plans, plans, so many plans, and I’ll have to take the time to carefully look them over.

Later Darklings.

Being a "Little Evil"~~~

There are times Darklings, when it is so much fun to be just a “little” evil, in a harmless way of course.

In my case it is tempting my fellow co-workers with richly evil Red Velvet cake. There is this wonderful bakery that only makes this cake sporadically, if you want one for Valentine’s Day or for a special occasion it has to be special ordered….But….once in a while the baker will put one or two out for sale, just to tempt his customers and it goes quickly.

I have even seen women debating who will buy the cake, in which the baker will, like Solomon divide the cake in half and at least they are partially happy.

Ahhhh but the other morning, I had stopped in to buy a loaf of fresh baked bread before I dashed to work and there it was, sitting in all its Red Velvet glory, with a tiny pair of plastic horns, because it was Red Devil’s Velvet cake. I knew that being a special day (FEB. 29th!!) it was time to buy it and have all of my co-workers who are dieting, fall into sin….a serious fall into sin.

Just in time for Lent!!!!

I placed it oh so carefully in the staff lunch room and everyone carefully went around it, afraid, very afraid, then at lunch time I brought out …the knife…and everyone fell into sinning.

Some felt very bad but I said that this day didn’t exist since it was February 29th, and February usually has only 28 days in it, so it doesn’t count because it’s the 29th. The sinners could see the logic in that and so continued until there were only the plastic horns left; I think I’ll keep them as a souvenir.

Am I just a “little” evil??? Of course I am, but it was oh so delicious Darklings, just oh so delicious.

Later Darklings.

Vera West~~Murder? Suicide?

I must “Thank You” Darling Darklings,

I had not realized that I have some serious followers, and am glad to make you happy by my return.

I do agree if one is going for furs, vintage is always best; it is the ultimate in recycling.

But I also have to give a caveat, that there will be things I’ll say that you may not agree with or find offensive, but it is only my own opinion and my personal choice based upon my living experience. Not an apology or anything like that, just a fact of my personality.

Now Darklings, how about a mystery? And just in time for the Oscars.

Last night I was up late, watching a positively juvenile but knowledgeable horror host, Svengoolie. He presents on his program mostly the horror films from the Universal vaults although it seems Universal may have purchased films from other studios as well and is part of the “package” as it were. Last night I was treated to a comedic film titled “The Invisible Woman” its more comedy than horror, but I watched it anyway---why??

VERA WEST----that is why.

When I was a little darkling I remember my parents buying their first Back and White T.V. set. I was 4 years old and fortunately they chose an R.C.A. with a good size screen which came in its own wooden cabinet. A sizable piece of furniture, I’ll never forget the excitement when it was being installed, the men on the roof carefully bolting the Antenna to the brick chimney and strapping it to make sure it did not wiggled so we could pull in a good signal. It must have set my parents back a goodly amount of money because every two weeks, on Friday my Mother marched to the bank, deposited Dad’s check (with little me in tow), she put some in savings and then we marched all over our Main Street paying our bills, the Utilities, the Druggist, the Grocer, the Gas Station (we had what was called a ‘station charge’ for repairs on Dad’s 1936 Chevy) and we marched to Franks Music Store, the only place to buy quality records, sheet music, radios, phonographs, pianos and Televisions. For a year we went to Franks to pay off the T.V.

I was entranced by the magic of those black and white images, and on Saturdays they would show various old films as filler, as I was growing up I was in love with the clothing on the female leads in the Horror films, all those smart suits, dresses and elegant gowns that were designed by Vera West.

Everyone remembers the gowns designed by Edith Head, and Adrian, but true elder Goths remember and adored the designs of Vera West, she was the head designer for Universal Pictures from 1927 right up to the early part of 1947.

She designed gowns specifically for the principal female leads; she never won an Oscar for her efforts and had a strange past as well as a mysterious death.

I am going to quote here a portion of an article that I came across about her.

“Vera West was born in New York City on June 28, 1900. She attended the
Philadelphia Institute of Design, studying dressmaking with Lucile, Lady
Duff-Gordon, a couturière with clienteles in London, Paris, and New York. Around
the turn of the century, Lucile had made history by staging a live runway show
in London. The first fashion show anywhere. A “mannequin parade,” she called it.

After graduation, Vera West designed dresses for a salon on Fifth Avenue in New
York City, where, in the words of costume historian W. Robert Lavine, “she
learned how to get along with rich, often spoiled women who demanded special
attention.” West’s stint at the salon was cut short. She committed a crime. She
had an illicit affair. She had an illegitimate child.

This is speculation. What’s known: in the mid-1920s, she became involved in some
sordid, secret scenario that would haunt her late in life. She fled to
Hollywood. In 1927, Universal Pictures named her head costume designer.

According to Dr. Deborah Landis, current president of the Costume Designers
Guild in Hollywood, Vera West “only designed the principal women’s clothes in
the horror films.” A mad scientist’s fiancee, a mummy’s long-lost love, a
zombie’s crush—these were the roles most principal women played. Virginal
victims whom monsters menaced. How did West dress damsels in distress?

For day, she favored smart suits in tweed or wool, fringed with furbelows. The
Carpathians could be cold. For evening, evening gowns in the style of
Schiaparelli and Chanel. Almost all of West’s women wound up wearing something
white at night. A negligée. Or a wedding dress.”

~~~~~~~~~~ I am going to digress here but say that she did design the dresses for almost all the Universal Monster movies, including the wedding dress in the First Boris Karloff ‘Frankenstein’ as well as the dresses for both the English speaking ‘Dracula’ with Bela Lugosi and the Spanish Language version that was filmed at the same time, she sexed up Lupita Tovar’s night gown to the point of being very risqué. ~~~~~~

“ According to some sources it appears that she became tired of designing clothing for monster movies and in early 1947, she resigned her role at Universal. She designed a
couture collection for a dress shop at the Beverly-Wilshire Hotel. She would no
longer serve monsters and their maidens. She would clothe actresses. Wives of
studio heads.”


~~~~But things took a serious, and mysterious turn during the middle of the year, one day after her 47th birthday she was found dead in her pool…read on Darklings.~~~~

“This is the only way. I am tired of being blackmailed.” A suicide note. Vera
West wrote it. Police found her floating in the pool behind her home on June 29,
1947. Her husband, a businessman, was away. From her note: “The fortune teller
told me there was only one way to duck the blackmail I’ve paid for twenty-three
years…death.”

~~~~Something right out of a Val Lewton movie one would think, but there is more~~~

“Who was blackmailing her? Why was she being blackmailed? The New York Times
reported that police detectives were investigating West’s case. The Times
reported nothing more about it. She was buried in the Great Mausoleum at Forest
Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Her blackmailer was never found. Nor
was her fortune teller. Presuming they were two different people. Who knows?”

~~~~That is how the article ends, there was more but it talked mostly about her designs in the movies, in researching more I discovered further references to the situation regarding her death, based upon the police and her husband’s statements.

The question of who was blackmailing her, why was she being blackmailed, was never answered. The New York Times reported that police detectives were investigating West’s case and then there was nothing more about it. She was buried in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Her blackmailer was never found. Nor was her fortune teller. Presuming they were two different people. Or were they?

According to her husband, Jack C. West, he stated that at the time acknowledged no case of blackmail ever having taken place with Vera!

The question that comes up was Vera suffering from delusional paranoia? Police found her floating in the pool behind her home on June 29, 1947. Had she done what director James Whale did some nearly 10 years later, having grown weary of life's woes, did Vera West feel the same way? One is reminded of the fast paced way of life in Hollywood. It's sink or swim, and in this case two very talented individuals may made their unfortunate decisions all too clear.

But in Vera West’s case was it all that clear?

I found an brief article that talks of her death, which gives rises to more questions than answers, it is from the NY Times.

[[ June 30, 1947
San Fernando Valley

Film costumer Vera West died in her swimming pool at 5119 Bluebell Ave.
over the weekend. She suffered from marital difficulties, but the
blackmail to which she alluded in her suicide note was, according to
husband Jack C. West, a figment of her imagination. Mr. West claims he was
staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel when his wife took her unfortunate dip,
following a bad argument, and in anticipation of Mrs. West’s consultation
with a divorce attorney.

Assistant county autopsy surgeon Dr. Marvin Goodwin’s initial report was
of asphyxia, probably due to drowning, but Dr. Frederick Newbarr, his
superior, is refusing to sign a death certificate until additional tests
are performed. ]]

And then nothing----Why did Dr. Newbarr refuse to sign the death certificate and request additional tests? Why was there never another mention of Vera’s death? Why was it swept ‘under the rug’?

In another brief news clip from the L.A. Times on June 29, 1947 (must be the afternoon edition) it said that her death was being handled by Detective Sargent R.P. Kealy and the reference into blackmail was being investigated. According to that source her husband was out of town on a business trip with no reference that he was staying at the Beverly Hill’s Hotel

At the time that she left, Universal was experiencing a regime change, and Vera, being ‘old’, may have been threatened with termination. She was involved in designing costumes at Universal since 1927, and was involved with designing the women’s costumes in the James Whale pictures. Including that fluffy little one worn by a very pretty Elsa Lancaster in the opening scenes of “Bride of Frankenstein”.

Besides the films what did she and James Whale share? Whales career years later was almost over, he suffered from several small strokes, for many years people thought his drowning was an accident until after the death of his live in lover did a suicide note allegedly written by him appeared, but did Whale commit suicide? Or was it made to look that way with his last lover in collusion, remember Whales' lover replaced the live in male nurse with a female non live in nurse, so no one would be there when Whale died.

Was there something that they knew?

And who was this alleged ‘fortune teller, that is strange, because considering that Vera also designed the costumes for the Wolf Man pictures she would have come into contact with Maria Ouspenskaya who played the Gypsy Maleva.

Before Ouspenskaya worked for Universal, she was a celebrated stage actress (Moscow Art Theater, student of Stanislavski), and a highly-respected, twice-Oscar-nominated film performer for all or most of the majors. She was also one of the tremendously influential acting teachers who introduced "the method" style of acting in America, whose students included John Garfield, Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler. In my research into her and others with Universal it was reputed that she would have been very difficult to please, sharply critical and highly opinionated. That must have made things interesting between her and Lon Chaney.

She would have been a very commanding presence on the set and behind the
scenes of any of the Universal films she was involved in, attracting by her very knowledge of acting, a small circle of intimates that she would have had any respect for and this could have included such an accomplished designer like Vera West.

Maria could have learned of Vera's alleged marital troubles, about her many years earlier scandal and offered advice either as an older friend... or as a detached, cynical meddler. She may have had some interest in the occult, most actors do, and as a private joke between them, when Vera designed Maria's gypsy costumes, ‘read’ Vera's grim future with tea leaves, or Tarot cards. The idea of the "fortune teller" persona might even have been created, one has to remember for such a tiny woman Ouspenskaya had a very powerful personality which could have been hypnotic on the troubled Vera and took have a dangerous turn as Vera's mental fears progressed.

Considering that Vera was also 47 years old she may have developed a form of depression or paranoia brought upon by menopause, at that time not much was discussed about it, which accounts for many wives and older women being confined to mental institutions or committing suicide. But did she? Could she have had something on one of the studio heads at Universal that was dangerous, did James Whale also know this secret as well and kept his mouth shut especially after her death? Was her husband tired of his marriage and in fear of paying out alimony since she was no longer contracted to a major studio? Was it murder for hire?

You also have to remember that Ouspenskaya allegedly died from strokes and burns in a fire while smoking a cigarette in bed. But did she have a stroke? Not impossible to believe since she was 73 years old at the time. She was getting old, but was she planning to reveal something?

And James Whale, after his strokes was he also a danger to reveal something?

These 3 people were all connected in some way at Universal Studios? They all knew each other, what was it that they shared?

If anything it is a plot worthy of a better written Stuart Kaminsky ‘Toby Peters’ mystery. Or something by Ellroy in the “Black Dahlia” vein; and speaking of the Black Dahlia, the poor dear is buried not far from where I live and not in Los Angeles as one would think.

And that is your Dark Oscar story for this special occasion Darklings.

Until Later.

Spring time for the elderly Goth~~~

Hello again Darklings,

The weather here cannot make up it’s mind if it’s winter or spring, it’s cold and yet fruit trees are blooming, winds have picked up which is Mother Nature’s way of pruning off too many blossoms so that the fruit is not overwhelming the branches by its weight.

But because of that, once again our thoughts turn to Spring…Ahhh yes, the time of renewal and re-birth and income taxes and property taxes….no matter what Darklings you can always find a down side to things.

But what is an elder Goth to do when things turn to Spring Time---I say ENJOY IT!

Take a page from the Catholic Church which seems to enjoy suffering and guilt, this is the time of Lent, of depravations, wearing sack cloth and ashes, I went to church on Ash Wednesday, (a day full of woe) to receive the ashes on my forehead, for me as an elderly Goth it is not so much for the man who will die on the cross as it is remembering all those of my family and friends who have gone before me and to rejoice knowing that where they are it’s much better than this earthly existence of wars, cruelty, selfish and self-centeredness and extreme consumption. And so for 40 days I will enjoy my period of mourning and remembering.

Then go to church for Good Friday services, enjoy the aspect of the suffering and death of the Man and remember that we all suffer.

Then on Easter Sunday get out your Dark Purples and enjoy the fact that we can celebrate being Goth.

Yes dark ones, enjoy it. For this is the time for yard sales, rummage sales, antique fairs, art wine festivals, all things outdoorsy.

By why??? You ask. Well how are you going to find all those wonderful darkly gothic things to add to your wardrobe or your home. This is the time to start hunting at Estate Sales and everything.

During the Christmas holidays such sales are rare with the exception of some Estate Sales, but most things outdoors are in hibernation and you’ll never know what to expect.

I went to one that had all kinds of old and I mean ooollllllddddd catholic religious things and bought everything, of course I kept the best for Moi but that which I wasn’t too fond of or I had something similar that I liked better I put on my Dinning room table and called my friends and said “Guess What”, I wanted them to have first refusal and what didn’t sell I used E-Bay and made more money for more Yard and Estate sales.

Also if you are planning to repaint the interior of your home, with the warmer weather you can open windows and allow the fresh air in without ‘gassing yourself’ out.

You can go to wine tastings and find all that dark vintage wine whose color reminds you of blood.

Eventually with the return of fruit bearing trees you can indulge in dark, dark Bing Cherries, dark raspberries and loganberries, deep rich dark plums, you can even plant a “Dark Garden” purchase all those roses and irises that have dark petals and foliage. Have your own “Cemetery Garden” or “Mourning Garden”, one of my friends has a “poison garden” with plants that can be poisonous (animals and children are not allowed, “too dangerous”), another has a garden with carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap or the pitcher plant (all those that are legal to have), even an all white or grey garden or a garden with night blooming flowers. You will need to do some research but it’s possible.

Now when you go out into the sun light always wear sun block, use makeup that can prevent sun damage, a large hat to shade your face and use a parasol (preferably in black) to keep the sun off of you, always sit in the shade if possible. I have one friend who looks for things in cotton but in black if possible, but she discovered that she can be Goth even wearing white or cream color clothing. Just look for her skull, crosses or bat jewelry. Another wears various shades of light grey with splashes of pink, red or pale coral, as she says “all hints of blood” in her darkly way.

Depending upon the type of event and the time, you can enjoy things just before sunset, such as the beach or Amusement Park Boardwalk.

Some of my friends will walk or tour the red woods especially going up north to the Trees of Mystery or touring the “Avenue of the Giants”---as one of them says, “How often can you walk through the interior of Redwood tree.

Some of my friends enjoy walking along our local beach starting just before twilight; it becomes very mysterious and darkly romantic---unless you come across a homeless person.

When the weather is warm you don’t have to have bar-b-ques during the day, start it at twilight and dress up your yard with ‘fairy lights’.

All it takes is a little thought and planning, some people during the day will have a picnic in a cemetery, just put flowers on the graves that you are going to be sitting next to and look like you are caring for it.

I and several friends have done picnics and we have almost always have found a grave or two that appears to be not attended to or lonely, so we clean it up and put fresh flowers, it may seem morbid but you really are inviting the dead to dine with you.

Lots of time it little children’s graves, they have been dead a long time and we’re sure the parents must be dead, we have even taken to having some head stones repaired because we felt sorry for the little ones. So your picnic can have a two fold purpose.

This is also a perfect time to take in all those Film Noir Festivals and wearing your favorite vintage clothing, I had the pleasure of going to one here in San Francisco and saw Angie Dickenson, and last night I went to a book signing and had the pleasure of having the most recent novel and my first edition of “Interview with a Vampire” autographed by Anne Rice.

Another event I love to go to is the gun and knife shows, not so much for the guns (and knives) although I find them fascinating (I even own several), but there are also dealers who sell other things strange and bizarre, one of them sells fossils, minerals and insects incased in heavy plastic, right now I have one of a black scorpion that I’m using as a paper weight.

There are art deco shows with wonderful vintage clothing, accessories and furniture, you can even take a tour if it’s offered in your area of cemeteries and columbarium’s.

There is one place called “Dark Apple Tours” that give tours of places where people died in New York City.

But many of these events occur between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. so Darklings you will have to venture out into the sun. Don’t worry you won’t turn to dust, but feel alive as you pursue all that is dark, Gothic and glorious.