Showing posts with label Parties. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parties. Show all posts

A Fanciful Twist's Halloween party 2012 (Oct. 27)


Hi! Thanks for stopping by for Random Magic Tour's treat for A Fanciful Twist's Halloween party. For this stop, we're sharing a classic movie treat. So, dim the lights and pull out some popcorn, and treat yourself to a romantic, scary movie - Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.




Shown above: Preview the trailer for this film

 About (Via IMDB): When Victor Frankenstein rejects the artificial man he just created, the monster escapes and later swears bitter revenge on his creator.


Shown above: Mary Shelley, circa 1840. Artist was Richard Rothwell.

The novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, was written by novelist Mary Shelley. The first edition of her novel was published anonymously in London, England, in 1818, and the story of Frankenstein and his pitiable creature have since been adapted into dozens of movie versions.

As a Halloween treat, we present the 1994 film version of this Gothic classic, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, courtesy of broadcaster Crackle. This film is recommended for mature audiences only. Running time: 2:03:12, rated R, age verification will be requested before streaming begins.

Crackle's summary of the film: In the most famous horror story of all time, young Victor Frankenstein (Kenneth Branagh, who also directed) leaves Geneva for the university, leaving behind his adopted sister Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), with whom he is wildly in love.

Inspired by the sinister Professor Waldman (John Cleese), Victor becomes obsessed and reclusive as he experiments with the possibilities of man-made creation. But one night, as his creature (Robert De Niro) struggles to life, Victor realizes too late the full horror of what he has done, and vainly tries to destroy his abominable creation.

Believing the creature has perished of cholera, Victor returns home and makes plans for his marriage. Alone, despised and driven by a rage born of emotional agony, the creature sets off to find his maker, and so begins the nightmare that will engulf Victor Frankenstein and all those he loves. In this suspenseful horror tale, film legend Robert DeNiro brings a frightening realism to his portrayal of the tragic creature created, then abandoned, by Victor Frankenstein. 


If you can't get enough Halloween events to suit you, or you're just on the lookout for more interesting events this month, you might also enjoy...


CLICK to find some treats


CLICK to find some Austenian treats


CLICK for the schedule and goodies info

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Offer valid from Oct. 21 through Nov. 21, 2012)

Shown above: Oscar Wilde action figure, part of cute prize bundle listed above. Feel free to click above to browse and enter if this tickles your fancy, and have fun...

Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Halloween!
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Virtual Advent Tour: Vintage tunes, virtual fireplace and Songs of the Season (Dec. 16)


Hi! Welcome to Random Magic Tour - The Coven, the official site for Sasha Soren, author of Random Magic.

For this stop on Virtual Advent Tour 2011, we'd like to invite you to see what songs are being picked out for enjoyment by a great group of bloggers, in Songs of the Season. It seems like it'd be a nice complementary event, and you're welcome to join us for the rest of the month, if you like.

But just so there's something special for this stop on Virtual Advent Tour - here's a separate, music-related feature just for Virtual Advent Tour - a mellow list of charming vintage tunes for the season.


But first, a moment to get comfy by the fire with your favorite bevvie, then just click play to enjoy a roaring fire and  to enjoy some genial tunes - old and new!


Shown above: A cheery fireplace for all to enjoy. 

 Add a hot beverage of your choice, while the host kindly takes care of stowing your scarf and coat and so on...




Shown above: Just in time for a merry booze-up.
Source and recipes




Shown above: Non-alcoholic drinks as a courtesy for designated drivers or other guests who're unable to partake for other reasons. Source and recipes

And some laid-back vintage music...



Title: Joyeux Noël
Artist: Barbara
Notes: Recording date unknown, possibly 1968.
Find this track: Amazon


Title: Moonlight in Vermont (1946)
Artist: Jo Stafford
Songwriters: John Blackburn, Karl Suessdorf
Find this track: Amazon



Title: Christmas Island (1946)
Artist: The Andrews Sisters
Find this track: Amazon



Title: Violets for your Furs (1941)
Artist: Renzo Cesana
Songwriters: Tom Adair, Matt Dennis
Find this track: Amazon



Title: Every Day's a Holiday (1937)
Artist: Al Bowlly
Find this track: Amazon

And now, feel free to enjoy some virtual caroling with Songs of the Season, a music hop featuring cool bloggers from around the world. Every day, a new host will unveil another of the songs they've handpicked to share with you. Feel free to drop by to discover a new song every day, from Dec. 10-25, 2011.




Songs of the Season
Dec. 10-25, 2011
Browse schedule: Songs of the Season

We hope you've had a nice time here, and you're welcome to find out more about Random Magic by browsing any of the links below:

Find Random Magic: Print | Kindle
Explore Random Magic: YouTube | Tumblr | Twitter


If you're dropping by from the Virtual Advent tour, please feel free to leave a souvenir badge to your post in the collection below. If you're not part of the tour but have a related winter post to include, you're welcome to add something nice.
Thanks for stopping by!
Advent Tour 2011 schedule is here: Find more posts
More songs that're part of Songs of the Season can also be found below, just click on any Songs of the Season badge in the collection to find a new song. 
Have fun browsing both events!




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Party: Guys and Molls (Nov. 10-17)




Guys and Molls
Event production by
Sasha Soren (Random Magic)
Nov. 10-17, 2011

Nov. 10

Nov. 11
Nov. 12
Double feature
vvb32reads (@vvb32reads)

Nov. 13

Nov. 14

Nov. 15

Nov. 16
Inky Pages - Coffee and a Good Book (vlog) (@inkypages)
Inky Pages (blog)
From ink to screen - Mob movies based on books, short stories or plays

Nov. 17
Souvenir schedule
Pinstripes and fedoras - Gangster fashion

***** Goodies *****
Win this!
Cute goodies pack hosted at vvb32reads.
Play to win via any Guys and Molls post.

A great, multi-title DVD of vintage mob films and a pack of GangsterSpeak cards. Open internationally. Through Dec. 15, 2011. Details available on event posts.

*****COMING SOON*****
For YOU.
Nov. 10-17, 2011
*****************************
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A Rather Lovely Soirée: Quizzes and Quizzicality


A Rather Lovely Soirée
for
Talk like Jane Austen Day
Event production by
Random Magic Tour
Sasha Soren (Random Magic)
Oct. 30, 2011

Welcome, dear guests! You've arrived at a rather lovely soirée in honor of Talk like Jane Austen Day. Talk like Jane Austen Day is an annual event, but October 30, 2011 is a particularly special day, as it marks the 200th anniversary of the first printing of Sense and Sensibility (1811), Austen's first published novel.

In honor of the day, we've assembled a delightful collection of interesting features on all things Jane Austen and her times.

Official site: Talk like Jane Austen Day

Here we have a delightful video by vlogger Sable Caught. The video is being hosted here, as she as yet has no matching blog for her video channel, and it would be a pity to miss this quirky clip - in which our esteemed young host does, in fact, talk like Jane Austen.

Please feel free browse the video, which includes a quiz for anyone who loves Jane Austen and her works - and a chance to win a contemporary Austenian book. Pencils at the ready, dear worthies, as the quiz includes a tidbit from nearly all of Austen's novels.



Helpful materials: Browse this book | Respond with your answers

Additional goodies available:

WIN this book at Bookie Brunch, offer open through December 15, 2011.
About: When publisher Thomas Cadell declined an unsolicited manuscript offered to him by a Hampshire clergyman in 1797, he made one of the biggest mistakes in publishing history, for the manuscript was an early version of Pride and Prejudice, and the clergyman's daughter was destined to become one of the most recognizable names in literature... (More)


JUST FOR FUN, take a quiz to find out which of Jane Austen heroine is most like you:


INVITATION to Pemberley Ball, Nov. 14-19, 2011
You're also invited to another charming Jane Austen event, the annual Pemberley Ball, held every November and hosted by vvb32reads (@vvb32reads).

More information on Pemberley Ball
Pre-event reading from Pride and Prejudice: Listen

Please feel free to browse the collection of badges below, as each one of them will feature an interesting topic related to Jane Austen and her times, and you're sure to enjoy them all.

Thank you for visiting, it's been so nice to see you. Happy Talk like Jane Austen Day!


Event production for A Rather Lovely Soirée by Random Magic Tour.
About Random Magic: Trailer | Print | Kindle
Additional credits: Image shown above quiz is an illustration of Marianne Dashwood and Mr. Willoughby. Artist is C.E. Brock.
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A Rather Lovely Soirée: Travel and Translation

A Rather Lovely Soirée
for
Talk like Jane Austen Day
Event production by
Random Magic Tour
Sasha Soren (Random Magic)
Oct. 30, 2011
Welcome, dear guests! You've arrived at a rather lovely soirée in honor of Talk like Jane Austen Day. Talk like Jane Austen Day is an annual event, but October 30, 2011 is a particularly special day, as it marks the 200th anniversary of the first printing of Sense and Sensibility (1811), Austen's first published novel.
In honor of the day, we've assembled a delightful collection of interesting features on all things Jane Austen and her times.
This post is being hosted by Random Magic Tour, as a courtesy to visitors. The lovely guest who's presenting Travel and Translation is El Salón de Té de Jane/Jane's Tea Room (@SalonJaneAusten), however, the site is in Spanish only, and this event is posted in English, by default.
So, in the interests of connecting Jane Austen lovers around the world, no matter which translation they happen to be reading, we have a mirrored post here to share a wonderful photo collection.
For A Rather Lovely Soirée, @SalonJaneAusten presents Travel and Translation, a global image collage to celebrate the publication 200 years ago today, of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.
Here are some lovely images to browse, sent in by Jane Austen lovers from around the world:
Shown above: We have tea ready for a delicious reading, thanks to Elvira Camilleri. What a beautiful tea pot! Everything comes from Guadalajara (Spain).
Shown above: Y ya tenemos el té listo para una lectura deliciosa, gracias a Elvira Camilleri. ¡Qué hermosa tetera! Y todo nos viene de Guadalajara (España).
Shown above: Reading Sense and Sensibility on an e-reader, on vacation away from Venezuela, enjoying the Caribbean Sea. Sent by Mariela (@margecavani), owner of the blog Cine, Libros y Jane Austen (Movies, Books and Jane Austen).
Shown above: Sentido y Sensibilidad en frente del Mar Caribe. Enviado por Mariela (@margecavani), propietaria del blog Cine, Libros y Jane Austen).
Shown above: Reading the story of the Dashwoods in Ria de Aveiro, in Portugal. Such a beautiful picture! Photo by Inkent.
Shown above: Leyendo la historia de las Dashwood en Ria de Aveiro, en Portugal, ¡Qué bonita foto! Photo - Inkent.
Shown above: Homage to Sense and Sensibility, accompanied by the first roses of the season from Viena31's garden. As a tribute to this great book, the Dashwood sisters and Jane Austen, she wanted to share her first roses of year with all their color and fragance, from her home garden. León, Spain. Shown above: Composición de Sentido y Sensibilidad con las primeras rosas del jardín de Viena31. Homenaje a este gran libro, a las hermanas Dashwood y a Jane Austen, éstas primeras rosas del año con todo su color y fragancia desde su casa. León, Spain.
Shown above: Elena shows us Sense and Sensibility next to Playa Bonita, Lago Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Shown above: Mª Elena nos muestra Sentido y Sensibilidad junto a Playa Bonita, Lago Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. ***** Browse all images in gallery ***** The creator of the project has an open invitation to any Jane Austen fan to participate in the ongoing project. Here's the open invitation: This is a global homage for Sense and Sensibility. We want to celebrate the 200th anniversary on October 30, 2011. If you'd like to participate, you can. (Details)
Este es un homenaje a Sentido y Sensibilidad. Queremos celebrar el 200 aniversario. ¿Cómo puedes ayudar? Sólamente haz una foto del lbiro (o DVD de cualquier adaptación) con el lugar donde vives de fondo. (Info)
We hope you enjoy browsing the gallery, and thank you for visiting Travel and Translation as part of A Rather Lovely Soirée.
Additional goodies available:
WIN this book at Bookie Brunch, offer open through December 15, 2011.
About: When publisher Thomas Cadell declined an unsolicited manuscript offered to him by a Hampshire clergyman in 1797, he made one of the biggest mistakes in publishing history, for the manuscript was an early version of Pride and Prejudice, and the clergyman's daughter was destined to become one of the most recognizable names in literature... (More)
WIN this book at A Rather Lovely Soirée, offer open through November 4, 2011 (GMT). Book offer by vlogger Sable Caught, play to win this book by watching a quick Jane Austen quiz and replying with your answers. (Watch video)
JUST FOR FUN, take a quiz to find out which of Jane Austen heroine is most like you:
INVITATION to Pemberley Ball, Nov. 14-19, 2011 You're also invited to another charming Jane Austen event, the annual Pemberley Ball, held every November and hosted by vvb32reads (@vvb32reads).
More information on Pemberley Ball
Pre-event reading from Pride and Prejudice: Listen
Please feel free to browse the collection of badges below, as each one of them will feature an interesting topic related to Jane Austen and her times, and you're sure to enjoy them all.
Thank you for visiting, it's been so nice to see you. Happy Talk like Jane Austen Day!
Event production for A Rather Lovely Soirée by Random Magic Tour.
About Random Magic: Trailer | Print | Kindle
Additional credits: All photo rights shown in Austen Sense and Sensibility homage belong to the individual who created each one. All rights reserved. Photo credits list: (c) 2011, Elvira Camilleri, Viena31, Inkent, Elena and Mariela a.k.a. Marge Cavani. Thank you to all for sharing with us during this special celebration.
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A Rather Lovely Soirée: Audio and Artistry

A Rather Lovely Soirée
for
Talk like Jane Austen Day
Event production by
Random Magic Tour
Sasha Soren (Random Magic)
Oct. 30, 2011
Welcome, dear guests! You've arrived at a rather lovely soirée in honor of Talk like Jane Austen Day. Talk like Jane Austen Day is an annual event, but October 30, 2011 is a particularly special day, as it marks the 200th anniversary of the first printing of Sense and Sensibility (1811), Austen's first published novel. In honor of the day, we've assembled a delightful collection of interesting features on all things Jane Austen and her times.
As the other charming guests of this event have already provided some choice e-book versions of Jane Austen works for your delectation, here we'll have just a small parting gift of complimentary audio books for your enjoyment.
Please find a selection of Jane Austen's works below, in audio book format, and you're welcome to stream them at home, or to download any or all in MP3 format. This could be a sweet gift for someone with a long commute - or just someone who loves Jane Austen's works and would appreciate having a wonderful collection of Jane Austen audio books ready to hand.
About: Northanger Abbey was the first of Jane Austen's novels to be completed (1798–99), although it was only published posthumously in December 1817. The story follows the misadventures of Gothic novel aficionado Catherine Morland. Complimentary audio book Matching e-book at Splash of our Worlds
About: Sense and Sensibility (1811) was Austen's first published novel, which she wrote under a pseudonym. She tells the story of two sisters - Elinor (sense) and Marianne Dashwood (sensibility). Elinor is thoughtful, considerate, and calm, while her sister is emotional and wildly romantic. Both are looking for a partner, but neither Elinor's reason nor Marianne's passion alone will help them find happiness. Complimentary audio book Reader: Karen Savage Matching e-book at Elbit Blog
About: The story follows the playful but plainspoken heroine Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with all manner of social and romantic drama. Pride and Prejudice was first published in 1813, and went on to become one of the most popular novels in English literature. Complimentary audio book Reader: Karen Savage Matching e-book at Tina's Book Reviews
About: Jane completed this book at Chawton Cottage, working on the manuscript from 1812 through 1814. Mansfield Park was published in 1814; the story follows Fanny Price, a young woman from a poor family whose life takes some twists and turns on the way to eventually finding her true home. Complimentary audio book Reader: Karen Savage Matching e-book at vvb32reads
About: Emma wasn't a particularly popular name during the Regency era, although the name underwent a sudden upswing in popularity between 1800-1820. Jane Austen published the novel, Emma, in 1815. The main character, Emma Woodhouse, is essentially a spoiled young person and not particularly likeable - although it can be noted that Jane Austen says herself that it was her intention to try drawing a character 'whom no one but myself will much like.' Eventually, through the influence of friends - in particular her former governess, and the sensible and compassionate George Knightley, Emma leaves off meddling, matchmaking and other idle pursuits, and might finally be on the way to redeeming some of her earlier follies. Complimentary audio book Reader: Moira Fogarty (@pipesdreams) Matching e-book at The True Book Addict
Note: There is a music player set to auto-play at blog listed above. Music player is located in right sidebar, and can be shut off by the visitor if desired.
About: Persuasion was the last novel Jane Austen completed before her death. She started work on the novel after she'd finished Emma, and the manuscript was completed in August 1816. Austen died, aged 41, in 1817 and Persuasion was published posthumously in 1818 (published in December 1817 but dated 1818). The story follows heroine Anne Elliot, who's pressured by her family and convinced by a well-meaning confidante to break off her engagement to naval officer Frederick Wentworth, on the grounds of poverty and low social rank. Years later, Frederick returns, but that particular chapter of their lives is definitely closed - or is it? The novel, of course, touches on the danger of acting on well-intentioned but damaging advice (persuasion), versus the ability to see true worth for what it is, to know one's own mind, and to act accordingly. Complimentary audio book Reader: Moira Fogarty (@pipesdreams) Matching e-book at Inky Pages
Page from Jane Austen's unfinished manuscript for The Watsons. Image courtesy the Bodleian Libraries.
About: The Watsons is an unfinished novel by Jane Austen. She started writing it circa 1803 and abandoned it after her father's death. It includes only five chapters of a projected work. The manuscript was left unfinished, possibly because its plot reflected Austen's life at the time, concerning as it does the daughters of a sick and widowed clergyman who dies, leaving them impoverished. The Reverend George Austen died in 1805. The manuscript of The Watsons, a fragment of a Jane Austen novel in the author's own handwriting sold at auction in London in 2011 for some £1m ($1.6m) - three times its reserve price.
None of the original drafts of Austen's completed novels survive, with the exception of discarded chapters of Persuasion and the unpublished Lady Susan. (Sources quoted: Wikipedia, the Guardian) Download complimentary audio book Reader: Gesine
E-book of another unfinished Austen work, Sanditon, at Songs and Stories Watch a video reading of an excerpt of this work at Inky Pages
Additional goodies available:
WIN this book at Bookie Brunch, offer open through December 15, 2011.
About: When publisher Thomas Cadell declined an unsolicited manuscript offered to him by a Hampshire clergyman in 1797, he made one of the biggest mistakes in publishing history, for the manuscript was an early version of Pride and Prejudice, and the clergyman's daughter was destined to become one of the most recognizable names in literature... (More)
WIN this book at A Rather Lovely Soirée, offer open through November 4, 2011 (GMT).Book offer by vlogger Sable Caught, play to win this book by watching a quick Jane Austen quiz and replying with your answers. (Watch video)
JUST FOR FUN, take a quiz find out which of Jane Austen's characters is most like you:
You might also have a nice time at another Jane event coming up this November:
INVITATION to Pemberley Ball, Nov. 14-19, 2011
You're also invited to another charming Jane Austen event, the annual Pemberley Ball, held every November and hosted by vvb32reads (@vvb32reads).
More information on Pemberley Ball
Pre-event reading from Pride and Prejudice: Listen
RSVP: Reply to RSVP for this year's ball http://tinyurl.com/3w8wye5
Please feel free to browse the collection of badges below, as each one of them will feature an interesting topic related to Jane Austen and her times, and you're sure to enjoy them all.
Thank you for visiting, it's been so nice to see you. Happy Talk like Jane Austen Day!
Event production for A Rather Lovely Soirée by Random Magic Tour.
Additional credits. Audio books courtesy LibriVox. Image of Elizabeth Bennet from 1895 illustrated edition Pride and Prejudice, artist is C. E. Brock.
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