Just A Few Zine Reviews - Dark Dreams Edition

Here are a few zine reviews. They all have what might consider a dark theme. I guess to me it is just an everyday theme. I hope you pick up some new zines and get to readin'! If you have any zine recommendations that I should check out please let me know!

I bought a few zines from Pioneers Press recently - in the mix are the two below:

Spell Skulls And Their Uses: A pocket sized mini zine complete with a tiny skull. Use this skull for a variety of reasons. There is even instructions on how to make your own that make even newbies to clay work (like myself) not scared!

Major Arcana Of The Punk Rock Tarot: I do not have this deck but wanted to check out the thought process behind it. Plus I like seeing people's different views on cards. There is art work for every card mentioned. Fun for people into punk and tarot!

Eternal Nap: A new zine on one of my fave things to talk about: cemeteries! Plus I am in it so ya - go pick up a copy. There are nice photos, a cute cover, and some history on stones. The only fault I would say is the recipe included. It was just taken from a book, a few things crossed out to make it vegan and no credit to where it came from. 

[Creepmas] Day 6 - Winter Holidays In A Cemetery

 

Yesterday we set out to do some cemetery errands in Stockton, CA: find a grave for someone who contacted me, zine photo shoot, to say hi and check up on friend's relatives. It was rather cold and Matt was recently sick so we did not stay long. The cemetery was full of decorations and trees. Here are a few photos I took.

Maybe not really a holiday wreath but the colors are spot on! 

Hark a Creepmas angel signs! Hee Hee! I could not resist!  Actually after the Cemetery Matt took me to grab a almond milk pumpkin spice latte from Peet's and The Smiths' Cemetery Gates came on! Spppppppoooookkkkyyyyy!




*NOTE: I do not find cemeteries creepy - I know some do. I wanted to show these photos off though and thought Creepmas was appropriate.*

Dublin, CA - Pioneer Cemetery & Heritage Park And Museum

Matt and I found ourselves In Dublin, CA over the weekend. After powering through a big bowl of vegan pho from Blossom Vegan we searched on our phones for a cemetery to explore. We came across the Pioneer Cemetery,  one that we had not visited before. After a few minutes in the car we found ourselves at the Dublin Harvest Festival. At first from the parking lot we thought Google let us down again but after walking around a tractor pull and kids playing in hay we came across the cemetery and it felt magical! 

 Tucked away from the road and among historical buildings sets this small cemetery. The big movers and shakers that built the town and their families are buried here. The fall leaves were scattered around, a tractor pull was driving through the cemetery road and the old equipment near the barn made me feel like I went back in time.

Matt and I even took a tour of the small museum built into what was I believe the original town church. What was cool about the museum was that they had a cemetery section. I found out about the angel above made from the finest Italian stone for a daughter gone to soon in the museum. After vandals destroyed the first one it was replaced. They have part of the first one under glass in the museum along with a headstone you can do a rubbing on and cemetery facts.

 

Piece of original angel behind glass in the museum.

 

The cemetery is great for a walk through tour were you are the guide. Like I said it is intimate in size but it has lots of character. Each historical family has a plaque with facts about their lives and deaths. It is very interesting to read each one and then look at the family stones. 

 

The leaves are falling. 

Matt being all nature-y. I got on the logs too but they were wobbly and my balance sucks. If I stayed on the logs longer this post might have ended with me reviewing the nearest hospital! But as you can see the cemetery is in the background. Families were walking through that day and people were having fun. We got there at the tail end of the event but I could tell it was a nice day. 

If you ever find yourself in Dublin, CA stop by the cemetery and the museum. There is vegan food near by and vegan options in the mall like a block away.

Purple & Skulls

 

Tight details: Sugar skulls from Target. I am hanging out in the Catholic Mausoleum in San Joaquin Cemetery - my fave cemetery. Fast pic before the guards come - I just always wanted to shimmy up onto the podium there. I have this thing for Catholic churches and imagery.  I met up with an online friend to snap some photos, got some cool pics for an upcoming zine. Ragweed allergies and an empty stomach did nothing for my mood and energy level though.

Makeup if your into that: Too Faced Melted in Villain on my lips. I held off on buying this color for awhile but finally saw some swatches and needed to grab it!  My brows are a now discontinued Colourpop color that I am sad to see go because it is now my favorite brow color! I am in a dark purple mood - maybe it is my inner mood or the fall cold air I am starting to feel in my achy bones! Whatever I really like dark purple right now!

 

Hanging Out In Oakland

I had a group therapy meeting in Oakland over weekend. We have not been to Oakland in awhile so we had to hit up a few of our favorite places and walk around as the sun set.

The group meeting I attended was across from a mortuary - I sat across the street and watched the parking lot for any signs of un-life floating around.

After grabbing chocolate and caffeine at Timeless we walked down to Issues and I found a copy of Beyond the Dark Veil and I almost hyperventilated in the small store. Watching online auctions sell the book for hundreds of dollars I was bummed that I never got the first print. I was not even sure if they would reprint it but here it is - I bought it!

Hanging out at the Colton mausoleum with one of the sphinx twins at Mountain View. The sun was setting as we made our way along the cemetery trails. We saw some deer and the twinkle lights go on as we left. It all felt very magical. 

We ended the night with vegan deep dish pizza from Zachary's and a stroll around the neighborhood looking at books and in shop windows.

Ace Hardware has a neat display going on. It is part mad scientist part vampire hunter. It had a very old time-y movie set feel.

Little Weekend Roundup

Mady had her yearly shots on Saturday. My poor little girl - look at those eyes. She was a good girl though even with all the barking dogs waiting around her. She is still not a 100% herself today but little by little she is feeling better.

Spent time in Manteca Union Cemetery - got some shots of 1800s stones that are nicely preserved. A lot of times stones from the 1800s are really worn making them hard to read so I was delighted to find a nice selection with script that photographed well.

After going to the movies and looking at Halloween stuff we had dinner at Freebirds. We learned about the Tempeh Calabacitas - and had to go in to try it out. While I love tofu, it is nice to see a place offering something other than tofu to it's meat free customers. I ordered a salad bowl with Calabacitas, Spanish rice, guac, Death Sauce, jalapeno's, veggies and more hot sauce! It was really good. I love all of the vegan options at Freebirds. Everything tasted fresh and had a authentic kick to it.

It was a pretty chill weekend. I am working on zine stuff like editing cemetery photos and looking up history. I am trying to stay happy and just relax my mind. I hope your weekend was awesome!

A Bit Of [VeganMOFO] & Weekend Stuff

I thought I would get some acupuncture done this weekend to see if it would transform my nervous energy to bliss. It did not happen, got to the clinic and it was packed, I even had an appointment and it did not matter. I was rather angry seeing it was a 30+ minute drive. So I asked for a refund and headed over to the Delta Humane Society thrift store and bought a few things, hung out with kittens and people who love cats.

To bust me out of my funk more Matt decided we needed doughnuts at Family Donuts & Deli again. The selection was smaller this time around but there were still some great ones to choose from. We tried a blueberry jelly filled and it was tasty!

Of course cemetery exploring was a must. Though the air quality is bad and everything looks murky and like a yellow bruise outside I had to get out there. The mausoleums were open and the air conditioner was on so Matt hung out in one while I explored. Matt snapped the above picture of me when I went back to get him

We rounded out the day having dinner at El Papagayo. I had green enchiladas - one with fried tofu and the other with chili colorado - both tasty options. This leads me to VeganMOFO - I would totally take Mr. President to eat here. No way am I going to cook and fill myself with anxiety! I would get him stuffed with nachos from the salsa bar, get him a round of Tecate and tell him to try a fried tofu dish!

Cemetery Gates Volume 2 - Out Now!

Finally it is out! I had some set backs like dealing with depression and waiting for a cover that never came. But after working on a few different covers myself I came up with a design and went off to the printers.
Cemetery Gates volume 2 is about connecting with spirits. There are personal stories that talk about messages from the departed. Of course there are photos I took over the summer of the cemeteries I visited. I bring history and facts about some of the stones I found. Also I interview a spiritual practitioner on honoring loved ones that have passed. Also with each order you get an angel post card from a shot I took in Lodi, CA at Cherokee Memorial Park.You can pick up your copy in my Etsy store for $5.

I am hard at work on #3 - which will be extra special. I plan on doing a double issue that will come out in mid October. The theme is the thin line between worlds. I am trying my hand at photographing models and bringing to life concepts I have in my head. Here is a sneak peak from last weekend!

Santa Clara Mission Cemetery

I love this cemetery, the old rows of stones and small mausoleums, the small chapel that you sit in with remains in the walls. So much to see, so much history. This is one of those 'all day' cemeteries that you want to explore for more than hour. However due to time we only had an hour before the guard told us we had to leave.

One of my favorite images of the day. I noticed a few missing limbs that day but this totally had me pause and take a photo. 

As the gates closed behind us I noticed this cat and another playing amongst the stones.

I liked the dark marble with the natural stone of this marker. Plus I think the name Lillo is pretty cool. 

Hail to the V! Yes - I am poking fun of those stupid commercials for Summer's Eve - I hate them!

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux aka The Little Flower is one of the saint statues in the Saint Clare chapel. Folding chairs and remains right next to each other might creep some out. In earlier times bodies where buried in churches and the best spots were reserved for those with money naturally. 

My favorite part was the rows of these tiny mausoleum. They looked strong yet fragile at the same time. Like rows of tiny doll houses collecting dust.

Goth Summer Tips - Cruelty Free & Cemetery Friendly

 

Oh me oh my it is hot out there. I am usually fond of summer, I like being warm, I hate being so cold I feel like a Frozen extra. This summer is different, the heat is sticky and once you leave the house it knocks you off your feet. 

I compiled a list of tips and tricks to keep you looking cool and feeling cool as you make your way through cemeteries, catching brunch at your favorite vegan hot spot or doing errands. Stay cool my friends - do not let the heat or the man get you down.

I am not a fan of my feet, mostly my toes after being stomped on one to many times they are a little sad looking. However once the temps reached 100+ I pulled out my Sanuk Yoga Mat flip flops  - I have two pairs and yes they are both black. I have written about how comfy these are before and they are worth the price. Some people like cheap flip flops - those offer no cushion and after a hour of sweat the rubber starts digging into your toes - ouch! Do not do cheap!

If you are exploring a cemetery flip flops are not a really good option. Especially if the cemetery grounds are not well kept or the grass is very dry. Pull out your boots and once done you can slip back into your flip flops. If you do want to wear your flip flops - make sure you take it slow, no climbing or trudging through the old section where the weeds are thick. Earlier this month I made a trip through my favorite cemetery (Catholic Cemetery in Stockton, CA) in flip flops - not bad but I did get poked and my feet got itchy. 

Drink water!!! You can drink beer (or coffee!!!) too but follow up with water - being dehydrated is no joke! Save that medical insurance for something fun like falling off a mausoleum that you climbed on top of not something wimpy like dehydration! Joking of course - but seriously drink a lot of water. I can tell when I am thirsty pretty fast, my hands get prune-y and my chest hurts. Not fun!

Protect your pits and that new band shirt you just scored by using a natural deodorant. No one likes stinky people (I am sure I am wrong - there is a fetish for everything) so lube up your pits before heading out. Currently I am using Meow Meow Tweets Baking Soda Free Deodorant. It has a super spreadable consistency and does not irritate my sensitive pits. If you are feeling all adventures and junk try making your own with help from The Spooky Vegan. This is another sensitive pit option - it did not make me get a rash like so many other natural deodorants out there.  

SPF - get odd spots like the back of your neck if you are wearing your hair up. I learned this the hard way last year when I got an ouchy burn. So not fun. Also apply SPF to your face and use extra protection like a tinted CC cream with SPF to get you covered. Right now I am using Juice Beauty Cellular Stem CC Cream which I really like. It blends well, comes in 5 shade options and does not leave you looking orange or oily (like a few other creams I have used). 

Also protect your lips - if you are rocking a shiny gloss right now layer it over a SPF balm. The shine will attract the sun and your pout will look more scary than sexy. Right now I am into purple lips and my fave go to long lasting sweat proof colors are from Colourpop - I have a variety of the pencils in purple and magenta shades. I am sure I am breaking some safety rule out there but I also use them on my brows (purple brows! yes!) and they do not sweat off. 

Wear shades - the bigger the better. In my pictures you most often see me wearing my giant Versace shades. I feel like a rich bitch when I put them on and boy do they really help me stop from squinting. Also squinting leads to wrinkles and after buying Versace glasses and cemetery gas money I cannot afford Botox at this time!  

Bugs are cool until they bite you. Save your blood for that date with the faux-vampire you met online and make yourself up a batch of this insect repellent. I heard eating a lot of garlic keeps the bugs off you to but might scare the faux vampire dude away...

Stay safe spooky summer friends. I do not want to hear of anyone melting or bursting into flames. Usually summer posts end with something like 'see you by the pool' in my case though see you in a cemetery near you....

Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things

Many of you know how sick I was for the last few weeks. I had a really nasty flu bug in my system that wiped me out. Even past the contagious point I was still feeling weak and could not eat normally. Last Friday we started feeling better (yes boyfriend was sick to - he brought the bug home!) so we decided to head out to the East Bay to eat and enjoy fresh air.

We started it off right eating lunch at Flacos. I always go for the hurrache. Look at all the pretty radish slices!

Moon pie (gluten free to boot) via Timeless Coffee Roasters - since I have been sick coffee tastes bad to me, but I did order an almond milk latte to go with my treat.

I had to walk around the area and shop before leaving. I had to treat myself to some soy fro-yo via Tutti Frutti - refreshing and tasty with fresh berries!

All the sweet fuel pumped me up for cemetery exploring in Mountain View. I have been on a purple lipstick mood - this is Too Faced Melted Metal in Jelly - 100% vegan and cruelty free! The family in this section all had stones that were laying down. I am not sure why but they were all older.

Best part of the cemetery trip DEER!!!!! Look at this fawn! The baby was with the mama and we saw the dad down by the river. It was so awesome!

We ended the night at Zachery's. We got our usual - vegan deep dish with zucchini and jalapenos. It was so good. I kept thinking of pizza and wanting to eat it as soon as I got better.

 

So we never get sick again - never ever I have been blessing this house like crazy - and washing all the surfaces we touched!  

I hope everyone is doing well and remember wash your hands and stay away from germs. Being sick with the flu is no joke!

Some Recent Cemetery Shots

I like the sentiment, the off balance of the stone and the hand pointing heavenwards. If you walk/drive up past Millionaire's row and keep driving till stones become scattered you will find some interesting older stones. Mountain View - Oakland, CA.

The door to this  mausoleum looked like a mandala or a relaxing coloring page. The spirals around the focal point remind me of phases of the moon. Mountain View - Oakland, CA

 Interesting stone for The King's Daughters Home - a hospital for those that could not be cured. I have not found any info as to who is buried here or if it is a mass grave. Interesting story in stone though.

Ghirardelli - Millionaire's Row in Mountain View. There is some classic iconography going on here. First the winged hourglass - pretty self explanatory: passing time. The inverted torch means the life carries onto the next world. By the way Ghirardelli makes the best accidentally vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips right?

A simple small stone that says Brian. Sometimes I am attracted to the simple stones because I find beauty in simplicity and clean lines. The Elk Grove - Cosumnes Cemetery District, Elk Grove. 

This cemetery has a lot of Freemasonry symbols as well as being down the street from Loving Hut (vegan tip). Here is a  Order of the Eastern Star symbol. This is a female division of the Freemasons. The Elk Grove - Cosumnes Cemetery District

Fruit & Cemetery Adventures In Patterson, CA

Loads of fresh fruit/veggies in a cup with lime juice and Tajin. Matt and I shared this $6 road side treat. I
went for the jicama and mango - savoring each juicy bite! It was pre-cemetery exploring fuel as we headed to Patterson, CA - or as I like to think of it as Matt's family's town.

I always gravitate towards Guadalupe.I would love to have an obnoxiously big statue of her one day! 

I always am on the lookout for angels as well. I liked the crosses on this and the couples picture with the worn texture made the stone look older than it is. 

California mountains past the cemetery gates.

There was a trio of chola chicks, girls that I could have went to high school with - just a few years older, girls that would inspire my fashion. I liked this stone because of the 64 Impala and the photo brought back hair memories.