Once Upon a Moonlit Path: Part 2, Chapter 4

 

If you are new to the adventures on the Moonlit Path, you can get caught up by visiting the Once Upon a Moonlit Path page:

CATCH UP ON CHAPTERS 1-3 OF MOONLIT PATH 

 

 ONCE UPON A MOONLIT PATH, Part 2: Chapter 4

The two walked side by side, their arms linked, beneath the moonlit sky hearing the distant violas that played inside the main house. Her eyes took in the cobblestone path leading the way within the beautiful garden as trees surrounded them, outlining the night sky.

In a rather spontaneous moment, he took her by the hands and started spinning her about the garden as music from inside the house wafted out and into the air. Their laughter joined the music and he finally stopped twirling her, his blue eyes looking into her hazel ones.

She blinked for a second, and when she opened her eyes, she was alone upon a certain familiar moonlit path…

Marissa awoke, sitting up in bed, her heart thudding in her chest. Her breath softened as she gazed about the room. The fairy lights adorning the wall filled the room with an iridescent glow, much like the blue lit mist along that certain path. In that moment, thoughts of the next approaching full moon filled her mind, as that was when she would go to the path and Christopher would meet her.

Until then, she had to settle for seeing him in dreams.

She got out of bed, walking over to her window and looking out to the waxing gibbous moon. Her eyes focused on the nightscape. She could feel the pulsing of energy permeating that path in the park.

When her eyes closed, she saw beginnings of blue mist forming in the park. Her stomach churned with excitement as she anticipated the night she (and Christopher) awaited.

It was drawing near.

*******

Marissa sighed, staring at her laptop. She glanced over at her coffee cup. The liquid was cold and filled only a quarter of the mug.

I could definitely use a refill. And a break!

She rose from her desk chair, exiting her office at the Wentworth House and went down the stairs, pausing for a moment to step into the drawing room. A small smile crossed her lips as she took a glance at Christopher’s portrait. For a second, his likeness seemed to move a little, his expression growing softer. With a small sigh, she walked through the dining room, also taking a look at the mirror above the mantle, imagining Christopher seeing her from the other side.

Forcing herself back to the present, she walked through the front entrance and stepped outside to the extensive grounds.

In the distance, a dark figure walked across the field.

Marissa’s eyes narrowed as she started toward it, but the figure suddenly disappeared, making her steps come to an abrupt halt. She continued toward the barn, entering inside the large, quiet building. She headed toward the kitchen.

Savoring the stillness, she scooped coffee into a filter, shut the lid, and turned the coffee maker on. Its low rumbling tapped into the quiet as she walked over to the window and looked out. The wind lightly blew tree branches and she thought she could hear a whisper over the working coffee maker.

Christopher...

She couldn’t understand what was being said, but his passion for her was felt. Her mind wandered back to that moonlit path and how she would be going there to meet him again very soon. In that moment, the room began to waiver and her surroundings change.

Marissa found herself in the drawing room, standing before Christopher’s painting. He seemed to smile, his expression beckoning. From the corner of her eye, she could see the mantle mirror in the dining room also wavering.

I’ll be seeing you. His voice filled her.

Marissa closed her eyes, opening them again to find herself back in the barn's kitchen. The coffee was done and she dumped what cold coffee was left into the sink. She refilled her cup and headed back to her office in the main house.

Once she arrived, she sat down and returned to her work.

As Marissa started working on some new plans for a forthcoming event, she was interrupted by the sound of her phone going off in her bag, her ringtone indicating a text message.

She picked it up and swiped up her screen.

How’s it going?

Marissa’s heart lurched into her throat as she saw the name of the sender.

Patrick...

 

*******

Thanks for reading! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for three days I’ll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me!

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LULLABY Single Cover Reveal!

 

Now releasing the cover for my forthcoming single "Lullaby"! The lyrics to the song are based off of the Hans Christian Andersen classics The Match Girl and The (non-Disneyized) Little Mermaid. My aim was to have a dark lullaby sound with some Celtic and Scandanavian influences. I am also honored to have the song featured in the forthcoming film Lilly's Cry.

The single drops on July 9 and I look forward to bringing it to you! 
xo,
Tiffany
 
 
 
 
 
*******

Thanks for reading! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for three days I’ll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me!

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PREVIEW OF NEW SONG "LULLABY" BY TIFFANY APAN

 I am really excited to share this preview of my new single "Lullaby", which is being released on July 9!


A little about the song:
This song was written to sound like a dark Lullaby, hence the title.I wanted to write a song that captured the innocence of childhood, but also having a Dark Celtic influence, along with some Scandinavian notes as well.

The lyrics are inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen stories, The Match Girl and The Little Mermaid (before the latter was 'Disney-ized').

Keyboards, Woodwind, Percussion, and Vocals: Tiffany Apan
Acoustic Guitar: Jason English
Recorded at StarGlider Studios and engineered by Rowen Poole

The song is also to be featured in the forthcoming Ghost Walk Studios film, "Lilly's Cry" which I will be getting you more information on in the coming months.

And last by not least, a new music video created by Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc for the song is also coming!

Now without further ado, here is a little clip/preview of the song! :)

Cheers and hope you enjoy!
 
 

 

******* Thanks for watching! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for three days I’ll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me! 

THREE DAY JOURNEY THROUGH TIME: https://tiffanyapancelticgothicrock.mailchimpsites.com

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SUPPORT THE MUSIC AND STORIES AND BUY ME A COFFEE! 

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THE TAVERN LIVESTREAM, Ep. 13: Come hang out with me!

 
In this Tavern episode lucky number 13, I talk a little about my upcoming single "Lullaby" and my forthcoming podcast The Hidden Library, along with some of the books I'll be talking about.

My tavern setup was on the simple side with The Alchemist and Tudor House Library by @mythologiecandles
Also a mug made by my friend in Living History Mike Flaherty with Gryphon Britsburgh Blend Tea. Also a @coffeeovercardio tumbler of just plain old water (if you like the tumbler, my coupon code is 10COFFEEANDMUSIC which will give you 10 % off at checkout)!

Also, my next Tavern Livestream wont be until July 15, as I will be doing a bit of traveling, plus making preparations for the new single and podcast.

My Tavern Livestream takes place in my Instagram Live every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 8PM EST.

Thanks for tuning in!
Cheers and Huzzah!
🍻


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Thanks for watching! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for three days I’ll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me!





SUPPORT THE MUSIC AND STORIES AND BUY ME A COFFEE!

INTERVIEW: Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc (creater of Victorian Gothic Poetry and Art)

 

 

TA: First, for those not yet familiar with your work, tell a little about yourself and what you do. 

ADV: First off, let me thank you, Tiffany, for having me as an interview guest. I'm honored.
My name might be familiar to some and totally foreign to others. For those that have heard my name
whispered on the wind, Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc will ring a bell.
For those that have never heard of me, I bid you welcome to my dark parlor.
I was once a 2005 Borders #1 best-selling author and made quite the waves in my day, as a pioneer, a
force of nature and a champion of self publishing.
Then, I disappeared (as far as writing is concerned) for 12 years. I retired from writing and occupied
myself with homeless advocacy, animal rights and a Bohemian lifestyle.
Over the years, people asked me to write again. My answer was always the same.
Never.
Oh, I dabbled in writing here and there, made films, art...I stayed artistic, but nothing like what I'd once
done.
Then...one day, almost two weeks ago, I began seriously writing again and I haven't stopped.
However...my focus has shifted. I'm no longer writing Horror.
Now, I'm writing Gothic/Victorian Poetry and Ghost Stories. I'm already being hailed by some readers as
the, "Modern day Poe."
Big shoes to fill, but I love what I do, so I hope to continue giving readers what they want.

TA: So you've had many projects going on over the last couple of years, so I would love to hear more
about your latest venture.
ADV: Most of my poetry is combined with my photo art, so I'm doing double what I love.
I've just come out with a new short poetry book, and three of my works are now on Google Play.
ALL of my new work is FREE, so you can read it on and download it from my website.
Like I said, I love what I do.

TA: What/who are some of your artistic influences?
ADV: Anything can influence me. Rain, a dark sky, a bird flying...my way of being influenced is not like anyone
else's, so there's no real way to describe exactly, what influences me.  

TA: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
ADV: Anywhere Gothic...but I dream of Prague.
But...I wouldn't pass up windswept cliffs by a raging, angry sea.
But...if I actually could... definitely Prague.

TA: Describe your ideal Halloween celebration.
ADV: A respectful gathering in a cemetery just before sundown, where we decorate graves and burn candles
for the souls of those at rest there.
Food, music, incense burning until 1 AM, where we bid those eternally slumbering a fond farewell.

ANYONE not willing to treat those resting there with the utmost respect, would NOT be welcome.
Before the party, I'd remind everyone that, to step on a grave in the darkness is the utmost of disrespect
and will bring to that person, the worst of luck.

TA: What do you have coming up?
ADV: More poetry, more ghost stories...

TA: Where on the internet can we find you?
ADV: My website: estatebarrenhill.com
I'm also on Instagram as TheEstateofBarrenHill
Twitter: @estatebarren 

 


*******

Thanks for reading! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for three days I’ll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me!

THREE DAY JOURNEY THROUGH TIME: https://tiffanyapancelticgothicrock.mailchimpsites.com

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JOIN ME IN THE TAVERN THIS FRIDAY!

 


Join me in The Tavern this Friday at 8PM EST on IG Live. In this episode, I'll be talking about some new projects and updates on things that I'll be releasing soon. I'll also be talking a little of my forthcoming podcast, The Hidden Library and what to expect on the first couple of episodes. Also talk about some new music and releases coming up. So I hope you'll join me for this fun hour (we always have fun in here!) in IG Live @tiffanyapanmusic .
 
I'm also revamping my email community, so if you'd like to be part of that, visit the link below and click on JOIN THE LEGION.
 
Cheers!🍻
.
.
Photo credit: Chuck Owston

FFL FRIDAY: Origins of the Sea Siren

 

 The Siren by John William Waterhouse

When it comes to the legend of the sea siren, many tend to relate this mythical creature to the mermaid, a half human and half fish creature (which we will cover in the next FFL Friday!). But a small amount of research will conclude that this is actually not the case.

Sea sirens were bird-women inhabiting remote Greek islands. In some illustrations, they are shown with clawed feet, wings, and weren't what many would consider beautiful.

With the legend of the mermaid, it was - in many cases - their physical beauty that would lure sailors to swim toward them, only to be drowned upon arrival. A siren - on the other hand - would use their song to lure an unsuspecting person.

A siren's song was enchanting, bewitching, and quite dangerous, causing the listener to forget their human existence. If a sailor happened to be steering a ship when he heard the siren singing, he might forget about what he was doing and end up steering his ship onto the rocks. It is interesting to note that there aren't many stories of sirens physically attacking humans, and that the men likely died from starvation, as opposed to being killed by the sirens.

According to ancient writers, sirens often travel in twos or threes. Homer also discusses them in his writings, though does not describe the amount of numbers they commune in nor does he give them names. The island on which sirens dwell is usually described as being a rather gruesome scene with decomposing bodies and sun bleached bones.

When it comes to the origins of the siren, theories vary depending on the story. In some myths, they are described as being the daughters of a muse and river god, and sometimes a sea god. Calliope, Melpomene or Terpsichore have been suggested as potential mothers. Euripides, however, suggests Sterope as their mother.

As for the reason behind the siren's song, many believe that the songs avenge the sirens for the wrongs bestowed on them by Demeter's curse and Hera's exploitation.

There’s also a theory that the sirens were lonely and wanted human company, making their singing an 'invitation' for the sailors to join them.

Others think they might have sung the songs out of grief for their fate, the sadness in the world (as they are said to have told Odysseus). Their way of handling this level of pain and foresight was to share it.

 

The siren and perceptions of them also evolved over time. In early 4th century BC, sirens were appearing as women from the waist up and birds from the waist down. Then in 1st century BC, sirens were given full female bodies but kept their wings. In the Early Modern Period, European scholars had the  texts of the ancient Greeks, but no images and without the latter, scholars had to piece together the rather vague descriptions. These scholars were also far more familiar with what mermaids were, so the two became conflated and thus the siren became superimposed onto the mermaid. A noteworthy tale is one of the water nymph Lorelei, who did lure men to their death on the Rhine.

 

 

Song Loreley by Blackmore's Night

 

Source:

https://www.worldhistory.org/Siren/




*******

Thanks for reading! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for three days I’ll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me!

THREE DAY JOURNEY THROUGH TIME: https://tiffanyapancelticgothicrock.mailchimpsites.com

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INTERVIEW: The Darkeyed Musician (Celtic Fantasy Music)

 

TA: First, for those unfamiliar with your work, tell a little about yourself.

TDM: I am an independent singer-songwriter creating Celtic Fantasy Folk music. My music is deeply inspired by Celtic style and culture, and peppered with my love of world history, mythology and fantasy. 

I began this musical journey in 2016 not really knowing where it would lead. My first song I wrote was a fan song for a fantasy book series.  I decided to upload it to YouTube on a whim. I was very encouraged by the warm reception it received by fellow fans!  It was the first time I thought: maybe I could do this.  Maybe I could be a recording artist.  Suddenly what had been a pie-in-the-sky dream was a real possibility.

 

TA: Who were some of your first musical influences?

TDM: Riverdance was a very early inspiration for me. The music, the storytelling, the dancing and theatrical production. All of it was so captivating and magical!  It definitely solidified my love for Celtic music and culture.

Growing up I listened to a lot of Enya, Loreena McKennitt and Celtic Woman. I always loved how they incorporated world instruments, modern production and orchestra in their music.

Also soundtracks have been a constant companion. I love film soundtracks! "Gladiator," "The Lord of the Rings," "Braveheart," "Titanic" - all the classics!

 

TA: You just released a new album. What about it would you like to tell potential listeners?

TDM: My debut album “Illumina” features 10 original tracks that explore different settings related to mythology and folklore. It’s sort of a journey into the Old World. I think the opening track “Myth & Lore” really sets the stage for what’s to come. It invites listeners into a magical realm where they can see mythology and history alive all around them. The adventure continues with songs that embrace many topics from wolves and angels to heroes, dryads and faeries.

I allowed myself a lot of space to explore what felt right for this album. There were many song ideas that did not bloom in time to be featured. And there are several songs that appear on this album that I never planned to write!  It was definitely a growing experience from a creative perspective.

This album is the first large project I have ever taken on, so I was very fortunate to get to work with Timo from Grimwater Music. He helped create orchestral arrangements and was in charge of the final production of the album.

 


 TA: You use a lot of fantasy themes in your songs and imagery. What books, films, television shows, games, etc have an influence on your work?

TDM: My first few songs I published were fan songs for Brandon Sanderson's fantasy novels. His series "The Stormlight Archives" is my particular favorite. My version of "Song of Secrets" is still my most viewed video on YouTube!

I allowed myself a lot of space to explore what felt right for this album. There were many song ideas that did not bloom in time to be featured. And there are several songs that appear on this album that I never planned to write!  It was definitely a growing experience from a creative perspective.

This album is the first large project I have ever taken on, so I was very fortunate to get to work with Timo from Grimwater Music. He helped create orchestral arrangements and was in charge of the final production of the album.

 

TA: Do you have a favorite track on the album?

TDM: Oh that's a tough question! If I had to choose, I think I would say "Lignum Vitae," the final track on the album. The song is really a prayer for me. The inspiration for it came rather unexpectedly and I spent a very late night writing the lyrics and humming possible melodies! I'm big into atmosphere when it comes to music, and I just love the lilting, swaying feel this song has. The melody is gentle and the echoing calls on the ocarina give it such an ethereal feel. I am just really proud of how it came out.

 

TA: What other projects and endeavors do you have coming up?

TDM: There's always something on the horizon!  Physical albums of "Illumina" will be available on my website this summer along with some additional merchandise. Also, I'm planning on creating a music video for "The Faerie Ring" with dancing and of course - faerie wings! I have a few collabs coming up with great artists I've met on my journey. I'm very excited about those! And I'll be moving this summer and creating a fresh studio space for future livestreams and more recordings.

 

TA: Where on the internet can we find you?

TDM: My music is available on all streaming sites, including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and Amazon. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram. I love chatting with my followers and getting to know you all. I hope you come and say hi!


 

 

Visit The Darkeyed Musician at her website and social media pages:

The Darkeyed Musician Website

The Darkeyed Musician Facebook

The Darkeyed Musician Instagram

Stay tuned for a review on Illumina!

*******

Thanks for watching! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for three days I’ll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me!

THREE DAY JOURNEY THROUGH TIME: https://tiffanyapancelticgothicrock.mailchimpsites.com

+++ FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/tiffanyapanmusic

+++ WEBSITE: http://tiffanyapan.com

+++ INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/tiffanyapanmusic

SUPPORT THE MUSIC AND STORIES AND BUY ME A COFFEE!
http://ko-fi.com/tiffanyapanmusic

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