Saturday, October 22, 2011

Her Book of Spells


As she set the full and weighty tome down upon the table, she remembered.


She opened it.
Ran her hand across the faded image of the woman and remembered.


Remembered her soft yet direct voice.  The lessons.  The wanting, so badly, to be just like her when older.


Her long, thick hair.  Her dark, knowing eyes.


She remembered.

As she turned the page she took in the list of names.


Names of those she loved as family.  Names of those who loved her.  The names of those who made the circle complete.



She remembered.
Remembered the light trill of their laughter and the lull of the rhythm when they crooned their chants.

The crackle of more pages turning.  The mixture of nature and magic beneath her finger tips.  The dried pools of ink and the indentions from the sharp quill.



She remembered.

The smell.  Mustiness from the old paper.  Sweet, bitter, earthy.
She remembered the smells that came from the bottles.  The rows and rows of bottles.  Some she could touch, others she was forbidden to until much older.
She remembered.



Light from the full moon shone through the window.  A bell chimed from the grove outside. 
It was time.

She closed the book.
Her time for remembering had come to an end.


A second chime from beyond the open window.

Time for her to complete her own circle now.
Her own circle of sisters.

************

A big thank you to
for hosting.

For more ghostly frolicking you can find the list of party participants here.

************

And also a special thank you
to each of you who have stopped by to visit my little circle of sisterhood.
Leave a comment with your email or link
and I will be drawing a name next Saturday
to win a handmade journal, perfect for penning spells of your own.






51 comments:

Dorthe said...

Oh my goodnes Alisa,
this is the most fantastic photoes, and story- how gorgeous is your book, and the whole setting is wonderful.I can imagine the exitement and joy,you have had to make this post possible.It was the perfect Halloween preparation ,to be invited to.I love every bit of this fabolous post.
Hugs,Dorthe

Lesley said...

What a great atmosphere, creepy, yet beautiful. I love it. Blessings Lesley
technoturt@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

This was wonderful, Alisa!! Beautiful photos!

Hugs, Diane

Wanda said...

Holy crap...can you be any more talented?? Your creativity blows me away. I can't wait to see what you do next. You are awesome. :)

Little Miss Hungry said...

Holy moly, your setup is incredible! It must have taken you a long time to prepare this - well done!!

Thanks for stopping by my party earlier :)

Happy Halloween!

Kathy said...

LOVE it, so beautiful.

Jillayne said...

I love it Alisa - it's perfect! I have been waiting to see what you would come up with for your book of spells and it was certainly worth the wait!
To introduce it with this post, so haunting and well done, is wonderful - I'm glad I didn't read it before going to bed!

Twyla and Lindsey said...

What cool photos! A super fun and creepy party!
Happy Halloween Party Day!
Lindsey

somepinkflowers said...

{{ oh
my goddess!
the mood here
is So Perfect

i hardly want
to break the Spell
with
the Written Word!

your photos are stellar!


PS--
do come 'round to my party
if you have the time,
and meet
my Charming Pet... }}

Unknown said...

Great post, picture and story! Hope you have a super fun Halloween!
Come see my party!

http://lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-carving-party.html

Linda said...

Wow what a great and spooky place to be. Wonderful atmosphere...great photos and story. Thank you for sharing. Please visit me:
momentsinaneye.blogspot.com

vero said...

Hello, thank you very much for your very nice and magical party!
Come and see my world on:

maplacedejeux.blogspot.com

PeachyCheek said...

Hello there!! What beautiful photos you have taken!!

Thanks so much for sharing!

Have a wonderful Halloween!!


http://peachycheek.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-party.html

Maggie said...

That book of spells in enchanting. I think I need to make one of my own to pass down to generations of Townes.

Theresa MacNaughton said...

This was truly a BEAUTIFUL post! I loved the story and the gorgeous photographs. Thank you so very very much. :)

Please feel free to visit my party:
http://faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-party-and-giveaway.html

Enjoy the festivities! :) Theresa

Bloomin'Chick Jo said...

Gorgeous, inspiring post! I so enjoyed it! Happy Halloween to you & yours! Hope you'll drop by, http://digginaround.blogspot.com/2011/10/time-is-upon-us-once-again.html

MaryEllen said...

Thank you for inviting me!
It was so alluring, haunting and magical!
So glad you were able to stop in at my party too!
Happy Halloween!
~MaryEllen~
GOBLINS MOON
www.goblins-moon.blogspot.com

Bobbypin Bandit said...

Your spell book is FANTASTIC!

Happy Halloween!

Carmen Esposito said...

Fantabulous! Loved the story - wanted her memories to be mine. The book is fantastic! Very well done.

Happy Halloween!

bertie said...

Dear Alisa...this was the most haunting post I have read and it was deeply moving. Your pictures really drew me into your circle of sisters, but your words were even more enchanting! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful book with us...it is gorgeous and I would treasure mine if I am lucky enough to win! Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier and for your kind words..brightest blessings for a magical Halloween! bertie
www.awildberrywitch.blogspot.com

Cameron said...

OMG! I was enthralled! Your gorgeous pictures...the whole setting...the book itself...your descriptive writing...all so eerily beautiful!

Thanks for having me!

Italian Postcards said...

That is THE coolest book!

Melinda said...

oh I LOVED THIS! so magical, cozy and inviting! Thanks for stopping by my party too and the wonderful comments!

Miz Creatrix said...

What a treasure your blog is! I absolutely am captivated by your party post entry...your photos, your art, your talent...just outstanding!!
You have found a new, raving fan in me! =)

I am so impressed by the spell book. I'm just getting started in art journaling and have been playing with the idea of creating a kind of "book of shadows" themed journal. Your work is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

Grayce said...

Simply magical!! Love the journey you took us on. Wonderful! Thank you for letting me stay awhile. If you are not to busy, please jump on your broomstick and come visit me.
Grayce
http://graycefuldawn.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-party-time.html

Artfully Musing said...

What a fabulous book of spells. Happy Halloween to you.

Joyce van der Lely said...

I love your Halloween post,I love the BOOK !!!! and wonderful photos wonderful magical idea.
Thanks for stopping by at mine too.
Joyce
http://jetdtsetters.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

OH,my! How beautiful and bewitching! :)

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com said...

Alisa, you have created a dream scene, of real witches, magic, and a spell book only found in fairytales! Or proper witch tales ;)

You take us back, hundreds of years ago. I so looked forward to your post, and I was beyond delighted!

Beautiful on every level! Enchanting and magical!

♥ Vanessa {A Fanciful Twist}

Kim Corey said...

Beautiful photography! I love how well-crafted your post is : )
~Kim
Bonne Nuit Designs art doll puppets

Moonbeam said...

Your book of Remembrance is beautiful! Lovely photos, too!

Happy Halloween!

Bree said...

This was absolutely beautiful! Your photos and journals are amazing, emitting a perfect spooky atmosphere. Thank you for invited me to you lovely party, and the most blessed Halloween to you!

<3 Briana

http://secretpagan.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-blog-party-part-two.html

spiceblogger said...

Wonderful storytelling. :)
Thank you for sharing and for visiting my party too.

Happy Halloweeeeeen!

Rachel said...

Ahhh this was so gorgeous. Really swept me away.

Your photos are wonderful. :-)


http://phoenixra.blogspot.com/2011/10/wonderings-on-halloween-party.html

Unknown said...

Alisa, thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your kind comments!

Oh! You're post is absolutely delicious! All the colors and textures - divine!

Thank you for sharing and adding me to your circle!

Blessed Be,
Teresa
I Heart the Goddess

Mad Madam Mel said...

ooh your party photoes are gorgeous, and i love your spell book :)
why not hop over for a spooky tale at my place :
http://madame-mels.blogspot.com/2011/10/tale-of-curiosity.html
the more the merrier :)

Laume said...

Lovely, just lovely. You've made me smile a bittersweet smile.

http://beachtreasure.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-party-post-harvest-tea-party.html

Sylvia said...

I felft like I was in the coven with the spell book...great party!!!

Sylvia

LYNDY WARD said...

HAVE A SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN ~ BEAUTIFUL PICS!

Enchanting Journal & Magickal Circle of Remembrance. Many times the scent of Frankincense & Myrrh fill my home & I know who just crossed by...

Please fly by my party when you can...
Hauntingly Yours, Lyndy >^..^<

Princess Diana's Wedding Ring Giveaway & Haunted Halloween Party:
http://todaysgold.blogspot.com/

P.S. This ring can be used as a Magickal Dowser...

Jennifer Michelle said...

Oh my gosh that was one of the best setups I have ever seen! I loved it! I wish my desk looked like that all the time. It was beautiful and soooo delightfully witchy.
Happy halloween!
http://broomsticksandlace.blogspot.com/2011/10/happy-halloween-fanciful-twist.html

kandeland said...

very cool post Alisa! great book! lovely dark tone to the photos too...Happy Halloween, xoxo

Loretta said...

What a marvelous post, and what a fantastic blog you have. I have subscribed to "feed" to keep up with it.
This is the great thing about Vanessa's parties. Every year I find gorgeous blogs!
Happy Halloween!

Lisa said...

a gorgeous party!! beautiful photos and words!!
thanks for having me
Happy Halloween
lisa

Unknown said...

Such a magical story and your spell book is beautiful. I would love a chance to win a spell journal. Thanks for stopping by my party. Happy Halloween!!

Maija said...

Great post Alisa!! I really enjoyed reading it!

Lisa said...

What a hauntingly beautiful post. I absolutely love it. Thank you. Hope you can stop by my enchanted oven for party sweets.
Lisa

Wendy said...

Sister Alisa,
What a wonderfully Magical journey through that special book. I was entranced by all the Enchanting photos. I love all those herb and potion bottles as well. I just wanted to jump right into the pictures and look around the room.
Please stop by My Mad Halloween Tea Party for a cup or two of Tea....We would love to have you..
Spells and Wishes
Wendy from Wonderland
http://candydelane.typepad.com/curiosities

Bloomin'Chick Jo said...

Sincerest apologies for my delay in thanking you kindly for dropping by my Halloween party post! The skeletons have had dreadful tummy aches and that darn broom took off on its own again :o)

scrappychica said...

oh my I love every little tidbit of that book! How I wish to have my own, Mayhap I don't win one but won't you share how to make one of my own? oh please say yes! It trully entranced me the whole time and would just love to have one!!

Unknown said...

What a spook'tacular post Alisa :) Happy Halloween!

Sandy xox

Anonymous said...

Alisa, loved your tale! I was taken in immediately and thought of Practical Magic! Love the journals you have been making, but then everything you touch seems to become spun gold!

Happy Haunting,

Julie B.
tabbytribe@earthlink.net