SPA - Oriental

I had fun with this prompt.  The image of the 3 Geisha is from Tumblefish Studio.  Marsha has some dynamite kits available at Deviant Scrap.  The backgrounds have been altered in color to better match the  kimono in the image. The background, bamboo, and frame are from Erica Belton at Digital Scrapbook Place.
It's no secret that I have a fascination with Geisha.  I find that a woman who will dedicate her life to the arts and the pursuit of beauty a wonderful thing.  Geisha are misunderstood by most and cherished as icons in Japan.   But in truth, they are "arts person" which is one translation of the word Geisha.
I chose the image of "see no evil, hear no evil, speak, no evil" not just because it is a really nice image, but because these women are prized not only for their intelligence, graciousness,  beauty, and talent, but also because they can be trusted never to divulge what is said during the course of an evening.  They know everyone and no one all at the same time.  They can hear much and speak little.
It is a fear that the Geisha tradition is going to die out.   Fewer woman decide to turn the collar of their kimono from red of a Maiko (an apprentice)  to white, becoming full Geisha.    The turning of the collar, making it past the training period and embracing the life and business of being Geisha is a long, hard, well thought out process for any woman.
As much as I would love the opportunity to see and meet Geisha, I will not have that privilege in my life.  So, I scan images on the internet and read books by those who have been lucky enough to part the bamboo screen and enter the Flower and Willow world.  
If there is anyone reading this who have postcards of Geisha and would like to trade with me for one of my postcards, please contact me!  

The Magic of Love

                                                  Believe it or not, I have a new friend!
While that statement sounds a tad funny coming from a 51 year old woman, I find that I am looking forward to getting mail since I have been receiving postcards from a lovely young lady from China by the name of Sally.  Sally and her sweetheart Devin belong to Postcrossing.com, a web site that promotes the art of correspondence on the often mocked postcard.  (I firmly believe that postcards are the equivalent of Twitter for the technology impaired.)
   What I didn't know was that Sally and Devin are embarking on the "beginning of the rest of your life" tour.  You know, graduating high school and on to college.  That time when you realize that the world is a much bigger place than you first thought which causes you to start thinking about what is really important to you and you begin to work towards "adult" goals.  It is that time when you start thinking about the rest of your life and how your going to live it - what profession do I want to go into?  What about marriage? Love? Fun? (Is their fun after high school?).  Getting old(er) - oh wait, that's me...oops!.
You get the idea.
   Sally was worried that University would cause her never to see her sweetheart again.  And me, being the old(er) woman that I am, had to tell her that their time in University will go faster than she realizes, so if she is meant to be with Devin than it will happen regardless of University.  I also said that I look forward of the news that they have gotten married and are very happy. Yes, I am a romantic at heart.
   So in honor of Sally and Devin, I have made them a postcard.  I really hope they like it.  I have it in the back of my mind to do a series of "Sally and Devin" cards.  I enjoy the imagery that has been provided to me by Marsha at Tumblefish Studios.   In my mind I can see the two of them in all sorts of adventures!
I can't wait to make this into a real postcard and send it to Sally and Devin!

I do believe in the magic of love; that it can transform lives for the better.  It is truly magical.  Pure alchemy.  It is one of those basic elements that every person feels.  It crosses all boarders, invades countries, and transforms individuals.  So for young love everywhere, welcome to the magic show.

Now for the credits - Tina Chambers (DSP) for the "Believe in Love" word art, Nicole Young (DSP) for the altered heart (It's in her kit Brokedown Love"), and the ever lovely Marsha Sayer-Jorgenson (if misspelled your name Marsha - I'm so sorry) the genius behind Tumblefish Studios at Deviant Scrap.  She provided all the other elements you see although I did re-color the background.