Thursday, February 6, 2014

Ancient Erotic Mermaids ( NSFW~ Adult Content)

Mermaids by: Evelyn De Morgan 1885
History tells us that mermaids symbolize beauty, exotic nature, pride, lust, and even demise. The Siren known for her alluring voice and pension for crashing ships into the jagged rocks ahead, Rusalka’s of Russia are dark and dangerous beast. Appearing as beautiful maids when out of the water, but as soon as she sinks below the water her true and hideous features are exposed. In many Greek, Norse, and Roman tales we see images of lovely bare breasted mermaids sunning themselves on the rocks, combing their long hair, and waving to the sailors with their come hither looks.  Some legends state that mermaids evolved from the ancient fertility Goddesses of Pagan societies, the mermaids kept their powers of fertility, sexuality, and rebirth. However, the image of the mermaid was eventually used by the church to symbolize pride and as a reminder to young women to be chaste and to not be wonton as the mermaids.  The sultry mermaid became shameful and the Princess Mermaid was born to a new generation. 
Evolution of the Starbuck's mermaid

We see Starbucks has covered the split tailed mermaid breast and now her tail! A split tail mermaid was often the image used to portray the sexuality of mermaids, the age old question of how do mermaids have sex or reproduce, seems likely to be answered by the split tail or twin tailed mermaids.
Split Tail Merfolk










This reminds me of Djullanar the Sea Girl,
a story from 1001 Nights.
Artist: Arthur Rackham Rhinegold
However, you can find old stories of the erotic nature of mermaids in literature dating back to ancient times. One Thousand and One Nights, feature several stories of “sea people” not necessarily mermaids, these sea people are the same as the land dwelling humans, expect they can breath and live underwater. The sea people often interact and mate with the humans; their offspring will have the same abilities as their sea parent and will often accompany that parent to the underwater community where things like clothing and money do not exist.

In 1814 a book of Shunga Art (Japanese Erotic Art) was published by an artist named Tako to ama. The book of course was a huge success and very rare to find these days, but the most famous of all the prints was The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife. While not necessarily mermaid erotica, I feel it is still worth mentioning in this blog!  A translation of the handwritten text behind the image is below for your reading enjoyment!
The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife

LARGE OCTOPUS: My wish comes true at last, this day of days; finally I have you in my grasp! Your "bobo" is ripe and full, how wonderful! Superior to all others! To suck and suck and suck some more. After we do it masterfully, I'll guide you to the Dragon Palace of the Sea God and envelop you. "Zuu sufu sufu chyu chyu chyu tsu zuu fufufuuu..."
MAIDEN: You hateful octopus! Your sucking at the mouth of my womb makes me gasp for breath! Aah! yes... it's...there!!! With the sucker, the sucker!! Inside, squiggle, squiggle, oooh! Oooh, good, oooh good! There, there! Theeeeere! Goood! Whew! Aah! Good, good, aaaaaaaaaah! Not yet! Until now it was I that men called an octopus! An octopus! Ooh! Whew! How are you able...!? Ooh! "yoyoyooh, saa... hicha hicha gucha gucha, yuchyuu chyu guzu guzu suu suuu...."
LARGE OCTOPUS: All eight limbs to intertwine with!! How do you like it this way? Ah, look! The inside has swollen, moistened by the warm waters of lust. "Nura nura doku doku doku..."
MAIDEN: Yes, it tingles now; soon there will be no sensation at all left in my hips. Ooooooh! Boundaries and borders gone! I've vanished....!!!!!!
SMALL OCTOPUS: After daddy finishes, I too want to rub and rub my suckers at the ridge of your furry place until you disappear and then I'll suck some more. "chyu chyu.."
*Translation curtseys of the British Museum’s Shunga Exhibit

This piece of work has been credited with leading the Tentacle Erotica movement which became common in the late 20th century. Interesting to note, the word Hentai often used to describe tentacle erotica/porn is a misuse of the word. Hentai is a shortened version of the Japanese word hentai seiyoku which simply means a “perverse sexual desire” and can be applied to many situations.

Another key contributor to the field of Erotic Art was Thomas Rowlandson. He was an 18th Century artist and caricaturist who had a taste for the unchaste, immoral, and seedy side of life. In 1798 he inherited a large sum of money and subsequently spent it all on prostitutes, gambling, drinking, and all the supplies needed to fuel his lustful paintings. Subsequently he was a drunk, penniless man within a year. While Thomas Rowlandson’s art is well known and well praised and much of can still be seen on display (alongside the naughty paintings!) in the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.  A series of erotic paintings rumored to have been commissioned by King George IV while he was serving as Princess Regent to England is what interests me! England was known for her Navy and therefor many of the paintings had an aquatic theme to them that would appeal to any young seaman. One particular painting that caught my eye in this collection is…. 


I have had a hard time tracking down the specifics of this painting, but I felt the need to add it!
Until next time I leave you with this painting and the thoughts of next week’s blog…”Seducing a Mermaid” A fun and sex guide to pampering the mermaid or merman in your life!

Love, Peace, & Mermaids,
 Meridian

Check back with Mermaid Talk for more blogs, photos, and adventure! Leave a comment, stay connected and be sure to follow Meridian Mer-Gyver at:
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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

The Men behind the Mermaids ~ Thom Shouse, the Mer-Papa who started it all!

Thom Shouse and the ladies of FinFolk mermaid tails!
  I could sit here and tell you all the amazing and wonderful things Thom has done. From his most famous contributions on the set of Splash to some of his not so famous, yet funny movie props that have been in everything from B Horror movies to Ron Jeremy movies!

I could tell you how he changed my life, how much I look up to him and how much I respect him for not only being a great tail maker but for being a father figure to me.  But it’s not about me or about the accomplishments Thom has made. It’s about Thom, a man who has touched the lives of so many, without ever knowing their names or faces.

At the beginning of this month Thom, Myself and my Landsman traveled to North Carolina for the first ever NC Mermaid Festival. It was an amazing event with the most amazing group of Merfolk to ever gather in one place! I got to see all the people who have admired Thom from afar, the people who were too scared or nervous to speak with, and the people who cried from joy when they got a chance to hug Thom and tell him their stories. That is what this blog about; it’s about Thom and the people who love him and I’m going to let them tell you their stories!

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <3, , & ><((((º>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I met a gentleman named Thom Shouse at the NC Merfest gathering a couple of weeks ago. As someone who has some issues with movement, I use a walking stick to help me get around. Thom has a beautiful walking stick of his own, with a swimming mermaid for the handle. We discussed the trials and tribulations of being 'stick-walkers', and became friends. One of his many gifts is that he also gives some of the world's best hugs, and he is very willing to share! He tells wonderful stories, and is just so genuinely nice and caring (and he has a great twinkle in his eye!). I am so happy I got to meet him and I look forward to seeing him again someday!”  ~ Susan Gardner

The California Merfolk with Thom!
"Thom Shouse, you're an amazing and wonderful man. I feel so blessed to have met you! Your work has broken down a wall between dreams and reality for so many people, and I sincerely hope you feel the love of everyone around you. Thank you also, for making me brave enough to haul my tail onto the plane with me as a carry-on lol.... and for hugging me when I tried to shake your hand. “~ Lotus the Mermaid ~ Nicole Colchiski"

 “Thom is an approachable person who is warm, charismatic, and caring. Considering that he created the original tail from Splash and is a mermaid icon, I was happily surprised at what an unpretentious person he was. He could have been arrogant and snooty, but he wasn't at all.  He invited my husband and I to hang out with him in his hotel room during MerFest. I don't remember much of what we talked about, (I was just excited and honored to have this time) but I do remember feeling joyful in his presence. He was so encouraging about my mermaiding, and I felt that I could let my hair down, makeup off, and be myself around him without him judging me.  During our special visit, he invited us to his home and offered for me to try on his tails! He is so open and sweet like that! I never got to have a grandfather, but if I did, I would have wanted Thom to be him. He truly cares for all of us merpeople as if he were a grandfather. Since Merfest, he has sent me encouraging messages, and has taken the time to communicate with many of us.” ~Bonnie Lavender

Thom and Rania the Halifax mermaid
“I'd like to say, this is a highlight of my mermaid career. For those who don't know, this is Thom Shouse the tail man. He basically is the first to make realistic commercial tails. You have seen his work in many famous images, movies, TV shows, and commercials. Many celebs and even Olympians have worn his tails. He has a heart of gold, and truly loves people. I became his friend, and he read my book in a night. That's the highest compliment ever to me. Mermaid Rentals is his FB page.”  ~Rania the Halifax Mermaid


“Hi, just wanted to say that in my amazing Journey in becoming a Mermaid I had the honor of meeting Thom Shouse! How awesome such a down to earth person, wish i had more time to have spoken with him and look he even in boxed me! How cool is that! Hope to meet up again on our next NCMerfest event .”  ~Cookie Ramirez

Mer-Prince JV & Thom 
“This is a very emotional photo for me. In this photo, I'm sitting next to my hero. The person who sparked the fire in me to become something larger than myself, and who continues to inspire me every day. Thom Shouse, everyone. The man behind the years and generations of mermaid magic.” —Mer-Prince JV

Thom, guest, and Mermaid Veronica
“During my trip to the NC MerFest in the beginning of January 2014, I had the most wonderful blessing of getting to spend some time with one of the most kind and loving souls I've ever had the privilege to meet, Thom Shouse. I was lucky enough to end up sitting right behind him on our bus trip to the aquarium, and to share his company for both lunch and dinner that day, so my husband and I got to chat with him quite a bit!
Thom loves to share his passion for mermaids and the mer-community, as well as lots of stories from his many adventures it the special effects industry. He's also a very loving listener willing to share advice on mer-tail making, friendship and life overall. Spending even just a little time with this sweet soul will have you sharing tears of joy and the most wonderful bear hugs you've ever had. Thank you, Thom, for letting me into the wonderful world of your water-filled heart! The touching connection you shared with us, made the water spill out of every one's eyes! “ ~ Veronica Grace Serendipity Shimmy Fins

"I am so thrilled to have met Thom Shouse. It isn’t every day you get to know a person who is just as kind as he is talented, caring and generous. I mean his list of credits and notable celebs are to the moon and I will spare listing them because I am sure they were just as happy as I was at those times to share experiences, continued lifelong learning and talent and techniques beyond creativity and imagination. It takes a lot to touch the hearts of so many of the young and older as myself.  I am grateful to be a friend of Thom’s ..... Joy, hope, peace and the most important is love ya'll.” ~ The Grand m'ere Mermaid Connie

'My time with the King...'  by Merman Christian
Thom and Merman Christian 

The weekend of January 3-5 was one of the best I have ever experienced, both in general and as one of the few Mermen in the community.  Many tails were to be seen and heard, but the best were from the MerKing himself, Thom Shouse.  All my life I have loved everything about the ocean, I was the kid that would NOT get out of the tub!  I watched the 1984 film SPLASH so many times my parents had to replace it TWICE.  Daryl Hannah's orange tail stands out among all the others with its breathtaking style and flowing fins, and this beautiful work of art was created by Mr. Shouse, who with this design has been my number one inspiration for my own merman tails.  I had the pleasure of taking a bus trip to the aquarium with him and sat in amazement from all the great stories he had to tell about SPLASH and it's tv-sequel, Charmed, and so much more.  But it was the experience beyond the stories is what got to me.  Thom is a true giver with such a heart of gold. There was a brief point during the weekend when I saw Thom getting off the elevator and looking very under the weather, and he was more upset about letting everyone down than his own health.  I assured him how much myself and everyone loved him and that he needed to take care of himself.  I gave him a hug and walked him to his room.  Hours later when he was feeling better he thanked me for that, and that was such a great feeling, not to mention the night before he said he loved my tail that I had made.  When it comes to Thom Shouse one of the best words to describe him would be ETERNAL.  He is a man with as many gifts just as big as his heart, he has given to much to the community and to the overall idea of Mermaids, that I know will live on forever.  Thank you Thom for being a wonderful soul and our true MERKING!

Thom and Allie Causin (Lyrique the Mermaid)

"I got the incredible opportunity to sit and have the most wonderful conversations today with mer-papa, Thom Shouse!! I treasured every story he shared: He made me laugh, he made me cry (happy tears!!!), and he is probably one of the most beautiful and magical souls I've encountered!!" ~ Allie Causin


~~~~~~<3, , & ><((((º>~~~~~~~

And there you have it! A whole community brought together by one man’s craft and held together by his heart! As friends, family, or Pod it is the bounds we make, the friendship we gather, and the love we share that will keep this community a float!


    The moral of this story: It’s not about the tails; it’s about the heart!


Love, Peace, and as Always Mermaids!
Meridian Mer-Gyver

If you would like to catch up with Thom, check out his pages!
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thom.shouse1?fref=ts
and
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mermaid-Rentals/373445526043647
Website:http://www.mermaidrentals.com/

Stay connected and be sure to follow Meridian Mer-Gyver at:
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Twitter:
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Blogger:

http://meridianmer-gyver.blogspot.com

Monday, January 13, 2014

Festival of the Sea 1908 and now.. Pacific Coast Mermaid Festival 2014

Ted Hake’s avid button collector and 
author of Collectible Pin-Back Button 1896-1986 
was asked which is his favorite button of all times,
 “It would be the 1908 Long Beach Festival of the Sea button.  
After all, how many buttons feature lettering formed by sea snakes?”
Here we sit in early 2014 a mere 106 years after the very first and only mermaid festival to be held in Long Beach California…until now! This June 27th thru the 29th the Pacific Coast Mermaid Festival will be held in conjunction with Belmont Shores Pirate Invasion. The likes of which have not been before, for the first time pirates and mermaids will storm the shores of Long Beach’s, beautiful Belmont Shores. It is exciting to think that in 1908 pods of mermaids, sailors, longshoremen, and ocean enthusiasts walked these beaches and now we have a chance to recreate that moment!  


But whose footsteps are we following in, who created the Festival of Sea? And why was it never held again? I am always curious of the past and so I went in search of the answer to these and other questions, what I found is brilliant and I hope you will enjoy this little Long Beach history lesson!

Henry S. Callahan started life a “furniture clerk” and he apparently was quite good and made quite a bit of money, because in 1906 he and a partner began the Bank of Commerce and in 1907 he ran for an office in the city council and won. He took office in 1908, just as he and his family, wife Augusta and their daughter Thelma moved into their new and stately home on 855 Elm Ave.  Also in 1908 the Chamber of Commerce and the Mercantile Manufactures Association decided the city need to host an all-inclusive event reminiscent of the parades and carnivals that were being held in San Bernardino.  They would call it the Festival of Sea and it would be grandiose and magnificent!
Callahan home in 1907 approx.

How Henry got involved with the Festival remains a mystery to me, but he made sure he was front and center!  During the Festival of the Sea a Mermaid Queen was crowned and as luck would have it, it was none other than Augusta Callahan, Henry’s wife. At the end of the closing parade the mysterious King Rex was unmasked to reveal the face of Henry Callahan. The Festival of the Sea was a five day extravaganza with parades, masquerades, and the coronation of the Queen and Juvenile Queen. Festivities of all every kind were held throughout the week and into the evenings. The coronation grabbed the attention of local reports and the event was emblazoned upon the front page of the Los Angeles Herald.
Now, I could give you the cliff notes of the article but in order to really drink in the opulence of this five day event, one must read it and see it from the eyes of those who were there to truly understand. Below is the best transcription of the article that I could manage! 

LONG BEACH CROWNS QUEEN OF ITS FESTIVAL  
CARNIVAL OF SEA BRILLIANT SPECTACLE!
 BEAUTIFUL CITY ABLAZE WITH MYRIAD OF LIGHTS!
 Scene of Regal Magnificence Witnessed by Thousands of Persons Crowded Into Monster Grandstand
Special to The Herald.
LONG BEACH, Sept. 1st — Spectacular and gorgeously beautiful was the opening night of the first Long Beach Festival of the Sea. Picture a gigantic grandstand, built upon the beach, the waters of the Pacific lapping against it, long and broad and high and festooned with lights. Imagine it filled with thousands of persons whose gaze is eagerly directed toward the delicately colored seashell, rimmed with incandescent (lights) and banked with flowers and palms, which rears itself high above the surf. Within this brilliant shell there is a throne, with sumptuous fittings. Suddenly, about 8 o'clock, the shrill blasts of trumpets fill the air. "The queen!" the cry goes up; for Queen Augusta , "mermaid queen," has arrived. A fairy appears and dances across the stage. The fairy accomplishes the transformation of the "mermaid queen" into the queen of the Festival of the Sea, A wild salute follows, all her subjects joining until the echoes ring. Lights flash out, many folk in costumes of many kinds appear upon the stage and the queen is given a rousing welcome.

The queen of the Festival of the Sea, Mrs. H. S. Callahan, was escorted to her throne by A. C. Malone, prince consort.
The coronation was a beautiful scene. Miss Georgia Lanphere, Mrs. W. F. King, Mrs. F. L. Wood and Miss Floss Goldsmith, were first, second, third and fourth ladies of the court, respectively. Other ladies and gentlemen of the court who participated in the brilliant coronation were___________________.
After the coronation a vaudeville program was given by Patsy Dolivar, wire walker; Miss Floss Goldsmith, Japanese dance; Shreck brothers, gymnasts; Miss Jane J Havering, French and Italian dance; George Raymous, high dive. Fireworks displays followed. Queen's Ball, at 10 o'clock in the Auditorium, was a notable affair. The queen, preceded by her court and royal attendants, rode to, the Auditorium from the seashell stage in the royal litter, a seagoing sedan chair, in her lovely robe of plush and satin she made a brilliant entrance into the big hall. Members of the court, who were all in costume, danced a quaint minuet before the ball began. The Auditorium had been transformed into a bower of beauty. Festival colors of red, green and orange in pennants, festoons and drapes ran from end to end of the building and from the center strings of the pennants extended in every direction. Huge American flags adorned the galleries and ceiling, while thousands of lights glittered among the waving riot of color.
The stage represented a subterranean throne. Fishnet, in which seaweed was caught, was ' draped from the proscenium arch. Starfish, kelp and moss were effectively used in the draping. Cat tail rushes were hung from the ceiling in a way greatly to strengthen the subterranean Idea. : Ball tickets sold at $1. The floor was crowded. Ball souvenirs were sea shells attached to silk ribbons. W. J. Desmond was chairman of the committee in charge. He was assisted by Mrs. Clay H. White, P.lmer Campen, Miss Mabel Ena, Dr. H. V. Epperson.  Thousands came in today to witness the festival’s opening. Tomorrow morning at 10:30 the festival and floral parade will move through the streets. Dr. A. B. Austin will be marshal. In the parade will be a large display of beautiful floats bearing richly gowned young women. There will be many handsomely decorated automobiles and carriages______ Head of parade form on Pine at Sixth street; down Pine to Ocean avenue, west on Ocean to Magnolia avenue, ' north on Magnolia to Fourth; east on Fourth to Locust, north on Locust to Sixth, east on Sixth to American avenue, south on American avenue to Ocean avenue, west on Ocean avenue to and past Hotel Virginia; then disbanding. ___________________ Tomorrow afternoon there will be sports of many kinds, going on at the beach and in the Water, including , horse swimming races. There will be afternoon performances daily in the seashell stage, as well as in the evenings. There will be dally balloon ascensions and band concerts. Eight bands will take places in the parade tomorrow and the * Municipal band, Willey's concert band and the Ocean Park band will have a concert contest in the Auditorium in the afternoon for prizes of $300, $150 and $75. The Fullerton band, the Whittler state school band, the Naples band and the Majestic band will also compete in the parade contest  for prizes of $100, $50 and $25. A "rube" band will be in the rear of the parade. The poultry show opened today with 250 splendid entries. Awards were made today in a number of classes and the judging will be finished tomorrow. The prizes awarded today were as follows: Poultry Show Prizes (omitted)
 The cat show also opened today. Many fine animals are entered, an Interesting one being an Australian cat which was washed overboard in the Golden Gate, San Francisco, and was rescued by Mrs. J. J. Osmer of Long Beach, after the cat swam a mile. Mrs. Leland Norton of Los Angeles ls to Judge all the cats. James Heartwell  jr. Long Beach;  H. W. Gunston. South Pasadena; George H. Masterson, Duarte; and G. A. Goodacre, Compton, are Judges In the poultry show. Friday a Public Holiday Mayor Windham today issued a proclamation declaring next Friday a public holiday in honor of the festival. Harry Wright, the aeronaut, made a sensational balloon ascension at 2 o'clock this afternoon from the corner of Fourth street and Pine avenue, 5000 people witnessing It. The balloon came down on an East Fourth street residence, breaking two telephone wires. Wright suffered a slight ankle sprain. James Zerbe, president of the Los Angeles Aero club, was here today, superintendenting the setting up of his airship, made at Bimini hot springs. The craft, which has not been exhibited before, will endeavor of make daily flights from the top of the Byde-A-Wyle theater on the Pike. The city looked gay and festive tonight. Strings of red and green Incandescent (lights) hung across the main streets and made a canopy of light over the pier.

~End of Article
   (Side note: I omitted the lists of names, prizes, and places awarded)

Wow! That is a spectacular Spectacle, indeed!  As rumor has it the festivals over the top grandeur is what kept it from ever returning. While the city did see a revenue increase the cost of hosting and cleaning up the Festival of the Sea was more than expected.  Lots of talk and plans were in the works to bring it back, but it never saw the light of day again. Since then small groups and organizations have banded together to host one or two events in Long Beach trying to continue in the vein of the festival gone before them.  Nothing has ever been done on this scale and the Pacific Coast Mermaid Festival cannot promise Cat and Poultry Contests but we can promise to keep the spirit of wonderment and magic alive on our beaches! th – 29th during the Belmont Shores Pirate Invasion!
 This festival is brought you by the mind of the infamous Thom Shouse creator of Daryl Hannah’s tail in the movie SPLASH!
 Who will be at the event with some of his famous movie props and memorabilia. Heading up the organization is Robin St. Graves our resident King Neptune and Ocean Conservationist!  Talderoy Acrew gentlemen pirate and creator of the children’s story Pirate Santa is the artist behind our logo (in progress) With so much talent to support the Pacific Coast Mermaid Festival, it is sure to be a tidal wave of success! So come join us at the Pacific Coast Mermaid Festival in conjunction with the Belmont Shores Pirate Invasion this June 27th thru the 29th, 2014 in Long Beach, Ca.

Celebrate Mermaids! Celebrate History! Celebrate the Oceans!

What learn more the Pacific Coast Mermaid Festival?
Check out our Facebook page, ask questions, volunteer, get info and make friends!


Love, Peace, & Mermaids,
 Meridian

Stay connected and be sure to follow Meridian Mer-Gyver at:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/meridian.mergyver
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MeridianMerGyve
Blogger:

http://meridianmer-gyver.blogspot.com


PS. Wondering what happened to the Callahan Family? Me Too! 

Henry died in 1934 and his wife continued to live in there family home now located at 3215 E. Ocean Ave for the next two years. The home at 855 Elm was sold to the Scottish Rite, the home was torn down and the Scottish Rite Cathedral was erected. The cathedral still stands today and is one Long Beaches historical markers. Agusta then moved into a high rise apartment where she lived out her days, passing ways in 1964 at the age 90. Augusta, Long Beaches only Mermaid Queen, out lives her entire family. 
Very little could be found on their daughter Thelma, she was born in 1900 and only lived to see her 17th birthday. I have no idea how or why she died so young, I can only speculate that is was a tragedy, because there is no record of her beyond the census. The remaining record of Thelma is from a census from Indiana indicating that she born to Augusta and Henry Callahan.
The family is buried together in the family plot at Sunnyside Cemetery in Long Beach California.




Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Merman Minerals, Announcements and Updates!

Merman Minerals is a start-up site, the little bro to Mermaid Minerals, just a guppy learning to swim. We have been revamping, reworking, and planning for 2014. 


Without all the love and support we have received from the community we would not be here today to give these amazing updates! Most importantly thank you to the Mermen who have come out, shared photos, played in the monthly contest, and in general helped to keep the Merfolk dream alive!


New in 2014!

Connect with Merman Christian at
  https://www.facebook.com/mermanchristian
Merman Minerals will have its own website dedicated to all the past winners of Merman Minerals Merman of the month Contest. Known as Merman Faces, it will feature our very first Merman of the Month Merman Christian and our ambassador to the mermen, Merman Ryan! Along with all of our past winners and future winners!
Connect with Merman Ryan at
 https://www.facebook.com/merman.ryan?fref=ts




Mermaid Patti has been in her lab mixing and testing essential oils to bring you a new line of roll on aromatherapy scents and oils. Each roll on oil is designed for homeopathic remedies, the aromatic scents will help you to Wake up or assist in Dreaming and Sleep.  And because we Merfolk are always basking in the sun, there will be an essential oil for warding off bug bites!
Mermaid Minerals
is now on ETSY!

Mermaid Minerals website will also be getting a makeover, with a new referral page with links to sponsors or recommended companies and a page dedicated to mermaid related products and people.  Mermaid Faces will be called The Faces Of Mermaid Minerals and will be laid out with a Gallery at the bottom, so you can add more than one photo!

New black messenger bags are on their way for the Mermen, complete with the Merman Minerals logo! We are also thinking of putting together a Merman Calendar for 2014. We would like to have 100% of the profits go to ocean research and/or conservation --Also in the works are Merman Minerals Shirts!

Do you have any ideas on products you would like to see in the coming year? Interested in being in the Calendar? Please let me know!  

This has been Meridian Mer-gyver your Ambassador Mermaid signing off, good night Merfolk!


Check back with Mermaid Talk for more blogs, photos, and adventure! Leave a comment, stay connected and be sure to follow Meridian Mer-Gyver at:

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Containing and Traveling with MTD ~ Glitter Pill Tutorial




As we know Glitter is the most dreaded and feared of all Mythological Transmitted Diseases and as we all know mythological creatures LOVE their glitter! This is a problem when traveling into the mundane world so I would like to share with you a fun way to contain your Glitter that will make even the most caution muggle feel safe!



Gelcap Pills & Flask Funnel
Things you will need:
 Pill Caps (you can find these at most health food stores)
Small or Flask Funnel
And…
GLITTER!!!!!






Step 1 Open the pill cap, fit one end onto the end of the funnel.


Step 2 Pour a small amount of glitter into the pill cap, until it is nearly full.



Step 3 Place the cap back on the pill and there you have it! A Glitter Pill!


I have a glass jar in my bathroom with a glitter pill of every color of glitter I own! The glitter pills can be used for emergency art projects, put them in your make-up case for easy travel, open them up and add them to your lotion or oil when on the go, or toss one into your bath for sparkly mermaid bath.

Enjoy your Glitter no matter where you go! 

Love, Peace, & Mermaids,
 Meridian


Facebook:
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Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MeridianMerGyve
Mermaid Talk:

Friday, September 20, 2013

Mythological Transmitted Disease

In the world of make believe, the lands of Never-Neverland, and the sprawling planes of OZ, there lurks the dark and deadly diseases only known to the fairy tale creatures that live there. Fairy tale creatures are immune to most of the MTD’s (Mythological Transmitted Diseases) in their region; however most mortals, humans, and muggles are at best plagued by MTDs.  One such MTD, I would like to discuss with you is the most serious and most dangerous of all Mythological Transmitted Disease to the mundane/human world…

GLITTER!

Glitter or the “Herpes of the Craft World” is the most feared of all the MTD’s. While mermaids and fairies love glitter and would cover the world with it, glitter frightens the humans. When it clings to their skin it causes much complaining, itching, and is hard to remove. As carriers of MTD and especially Glitter, it is our job to be responsible and to maintain a since a safety around the humans. For that reason Mermaid Minerals offers the most amazing Glitter Glue for makeup and skin!

When at home in my mermaid nest of octopus, shells, and pearls, glitter runs free with no regard for the humans  who share a domicile with me. I have even been known to transmit Glitter to the casual visitor and even the pets! It is most uncomfortable for the humans (quit entertaining for me) but when I leave the mermaid nest it is best to apply the Mermaid Minerals glitter glue to make sure you are not spreading Glitter to innocent muggles on the street.


One of my favorite go to glitters is Diamond, from the GLITTER GORGEOUS EYES collection of Glitter Eye Shadows. They come in little pots of fine, lose glitters that can be used for more than eye shadow!  Mermaid Minerals offers 9 bold, beautiful colors with more colors to be added this year. When applying your glitter make sure to keep a tube of GLITZ FIX clear gel glue that washes off easily with warm water and soap or make-up remover.  Here some of my favorite ways to wear glitter….

Diamond Glitter Collection
1.       Apply Glitz fix to your lash line all the way across, roll a Q-tip in the glitter of your choice and roll it over the glue. Apply a little more Glitz fix to your lower lash line, just in the corner and outer edge; again apply glitter with the tip of a Q-tip. When the glue has dried and set, wipe off extra glitter with a large make-up brush and you’re done!


2.    















      For something a little more settle, apply Glitz Fix to the inner corners of your eyes and apply glitter with Q-Tip just as before. Again removing extra glitter with large makeup brush.      
       
These are two favorite styles for daytime or lite make-up days, but what if you want to add a lot more sparkle to your look? Fortunately for you Glitter Gorgeous Eyes is not just for eyes! Because this is cosmetic grade glitter you can add it to any of your beauty products.

><((((º> Add it to Lotion or Natural Oils for a touch of sparkle or add it to your sunscreen or tanning lotion when at the beach or basking in the sunlight.

><((((º>  Wear it on your lips! Add a touch of glitter to your lipgloss or blot glitter onto your lips, holding it in place with a bit of Glitz Fix. Or go wild and crazy and cover your pouty lips in glitter!!! Make sure to keep it all in place with I-Liner Clear for a waterproof glittery pouter.

><((((º> For more dramatic glitter eyes cover your eyelids in matching glitter to your eye shadow for bright sparkly color!


Mermaids are water creatures and glitter was given us by the fairies, creatures of the earth, and once we mermaids hit the water our glitter washes away.  Well no more, says Mermaid Minerals! To waterproof any of your eye liner, eye shadow or eye brow pencil, use I-Line Clear eyeliner to WATERPROOF your look!  You can always use I-Line Clear in your mineral powder eye shadow; dip the tip of the applicator into your eyeshadow to collect some powder, brush across your eyelid as you would any eye liner. Now you can turn any eye shadow into your custom color eye liner and best of all it is waterproof!

  As much as we try to keep our MTD’s in control, you will still infect the causal mundane or the unaware human so remember Mermaids….She who leaves a trail of glitter is never forgotten!


Love, Peace, & Mermaids,
 Meridian

Come back next week for a Glitter Pill Tutorial! A fun and easy way to keep your glitter in control and safe to travel with in the mundane world! 
Glitter Pills!


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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Interview with Don “Sev” Severance about his novel The Mermaid Story

www.themermaidstory.com
Meridian: What inspired you to write the first book?

Don: Epyphany is the first book of a Three Book series called The Mermaid Story Trilogy. It is the fulfillment of an idea I had in 1999. At that time I was refining my skills as a sculptor. It was 4:00 AM and I woke up with an idea for a unique mermaid sculpture. I knew I didn't want her to look like the traditional image we have all grown to expect. I wanted her to be an authentic creature of the sea. As I considered the design I pondered the possibilities of her origin. How might such a creature have been conceived? What characteristics would she retain from her unique origin? If she was a mystical leap upward on the evolutionary ladder, what powers might she have? As is often the case questions lead to more questions and a story started to evolve. Over the years I continued to visit the idea and started writing more details and adding characters. In 2008 I redesigned my lifestyle slightly in order to gain more creative time which allowed me to give the project a bit more attention. In 2011 after showing a couple of chapters to a friend whose opinion I value and receiving his sincere encouragement I finally decided to put it on the top of my to-do list.

Meridian: What is the story behind the Cover Art?

Epyphany:Mermaid Back.
 Concept Art
Don: Since the story was inspired by a visual concept, I had a pretty good idea about some of Epyphany's defining characteristics well before the book was finished. She was first and foremost a creature of the sea. I knew she must be powerful and intelligent with abilities beyond those of any previously known species. In a sense she was an alien in her own world. Several years after the original concept I began to transition from traditional clay sculpting to 3D digital design. The cover was created from a 3D model I designed in a 3D program called Zbrush. The final graphic was composited in "Motion" - Apple's video effect software. By the time the book was finished I was ready to commit to Epyphany's final design. The cover is meant to inspire curiosity as well as to introduce an unexpected vision of what a truly aquatic mermaid species might look like.  I hope the cover conveys the combination of feminine strength and beauty, thoughtfulness, honesty, and purpose.  Meridian: What is your favorite thing about Mermaids?

3D design created by Sev using Pixologic's Zbrush.
For more Sev designs check out www.sevhead.com
Don: Sensuality! Anyone who has ever enjoyed the feeling of moving, floating, or swimming in our planet's wonderful oceans, lakes and rivers knows the sensual delight of living in a water-world. To me, mermaids are the symbols of our longing to indulge our sensual nature, to transcend our human limitations. Mermaids are to the sea what angels are to the sky.

Meridian: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Don: Wow - the whole project was like a joyful research assignment. I started out with a general knowledge concerning the destruction of ocean habitats and the precarious condition of our environment but when I read some of the statistics relating to ocean pollution, overfishing, reef depletion, the glacial melt and the inevitable rising sea level and so much more, I was overwhelmed and saddened. On the positive side I rediscovered the wonderful island of Bali and became intrigued with Seattle and Puget Sound. I was amazed at some of the incredible aquariums that exist and the myriad of new equipment and technologies.

Meridian: While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

Don: I must admit there is a part of me in all the main characters. Or at least a part of what I wish I could be.
https://www.facebook.com/MermaidStory

Meridian: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Yes . . . be kind to this planet and be conscious of how you use our limited resources. And set your imagination free . . . suspend your disbelief for a few hours and dive into Epyphany's world . . . the world of Oojai.


Meridian: Do you believe in real life Mermaids?

Don: I believe in the spirit of mermaids. If that spirit lives in you then it is real.

Meridian: Where can I buy this book?

Don: The Mermaid Story: Epyphany is available as an e-book and paperback at: 
http://www.amazon.com/Don-Sev-Severance/e/B007NQ3FY2

You can find more background info as well as mermaid designs and posters at http://www.themermaidstory.com/ and don't forget to give Don a "like" at https://www.facebook.com/MermaidStory

<3, ☮,  & ><((((º> Meridian's Thoughts <3, ☮,  & ><((((º> 
I love this book, honestly way more than I thought I would. I felt the pain of the characters, the love they all shared, my heart raced as I read about their triumphs and fell when I thought the end was near. I could see Oojai in my minds eye and could almost hear her song, I was drawn in and felt apart of the story. A good book will hold your attention, but a good author you make you believe. To Sev, you made me believe! Now my final question is...
When will the next book be available in paperback???
"Meet Blyss. This is my bronze sculpture of Blyss - Blyss is a central character in The Mermaid Story: Epyphany. She is a wise woman and mystic whose task is to guide Epyphany through her transition from the idyllic world of Oojai into the harsh realities of our troubled planet and it's endangered ocean." ~ Don Sev Severance