"Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears."- Edgar Allan Poe
It was gray and raining when I got up this morning. It seems as if summer ran off this year. One day it was hot and then it was completely fall. I wasn't prepared. I much prefer summer. This dark morning I was not excited to greet the rain, even though we always need it here in Southern California.
But then I read some good news in my inbox. Today is the launch of an almost two week celebration! Finally, the tearing of paper can begin!
My sweet friends at The Altered Guild and I have joined together for a fabulous gift exchange in honor of the 200th anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe's passing on October 7th.
I know, it sounds a bit eccentric. Give an artist a reason to make gifts for her friends and everyone jumps in.
Life threw us a few curve balls though and we are late to begin the opening of our surprises. We were to start opening the gifts, one a day for 13 days, leading up to the anniversary of his death on the 7th. That didn't work so we were to open the first one on the 7th and continue for the next 13 days.
Then, again, unavoidable and inconvenient things (aka Life) happened. But, now, just narrowly avoiding a postal strike in the UK, all packages have been delivered!!
In an effort to produce a ceremony of sorts to mark the beginning and to fight off the gray day blues, I took my pressies to the beach.
If is is dark and rainy you might as well be at the beach, right? This ended up being a very great idea. It was in the high 60s and windy but really lovely.
I brought my book to read, my presents, a camera,
a hat to ward off the wind,
and a slightly smushed red velvet cupcake to stand in for my gift to the group (i didn't wrap my own gift to myself so I brought a cupcake to take its place, and to eat, of course).
So on to the opening!!
Day number one belongs to Tami Roth. She sent her gift in this lovely painted star box with a quote from the Ravenattached. What will be inside??
Gorgeous! It's a necklace with a soldered pendant featuring the Raven on one side, along with a fab cross charm.
And look who is on the reverse side...
" And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before..."
It is Edgar.
"And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted - nevermore!"
Thank you for this fabulous necklace, Tami! It definitely Did lift my spirits. It is the perfect gift to begin our gathering.
I'll be posting daily for the next 12 days (13 including today) with the treasures created by my lovely friends. And, if you are like me, with the days so gray and the rain falling around your head, I hope this bright little interlude will lift your spirits, ala Poe style.
Kelly, I just love reading your posts-you really are POEtic!! LOVE your photos and the beach and thank you so much for your sweet words!
Hugs,
Tami
Posted by: Tami Roth | October 14, 2009 at 05:43 PM
Wish I could have joined you on the beach for a cupcake and gift opening celebration! Actually, with this blog post, I almost feel like I was. XOX
Posted by: Mija | October 14, 2009 at 07:04 PM
What a fun day! Can't wait to see the rest of your presents!
Posted by: Julie | October 14, 2009 at 07:38 PM
It looks like it was a perfect beach day! Love the charm! How clever to put Edgar's picture on the reverse side! Can't wait to see all the other goodies! Hope the smushed cupcake was yummy!
Posted by: Tamerie Shriver | October 14, 2009 at 09:08 PM
oh that poe was smart wasn't he?! HE knew the emperor was naked!!
kelly, this post has put a big smile on my face -- thank you!!
xo
Posted by: lynne | October 14, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Thanks for all your great pics, they really make me a bit envious - but I´m sure I´ll have fun just watching all of you unwrapping these wonderful packages!
Posted by: Marion | October 15, 2009 at 04:35 AM
Fabulous Poest...
:o)
I love it!
Posted by: ~*Amber Dawn*~ | October 15, 2009 at 01:55 PM
What a great idea to take photos at the beach! I am so jealous of all your Poe gifts ... can't wait to see them all!
Posted by: Karen Campbell | October 15, 2009 at 04:25 PM
I've been in the rain for over a week now so I know the grays. Thank you for sharing some lovely words. love, bethany
Posted by: Bethany Geurin | October 15, 2009 at 06:55 PM
I am so glad you went down to the beach and soaked in the ocean vibe with Poe. Thank you for sharing this quality time with us all.
Posted by: pilar | October 16, 2009 at 07:54 PM