It's Been Too Long + A Song Of Ice And Fire

I can't believe it's been well over a year since I last wrote on this blog. Wow. I think it started as "I'm going to take a little break, 'unplug' a bit" which then turned into a little longer than a bit, then before I knew it the holidays were here again, then wintertime hibernation took root, and now here we are, spring of 2014.

I'm excited and inspired to be writing again. I'm thinking I'll write as things strike me. Post lots of photos. Share the things that I love.

Speaking of which: A Song of Ice and Fire. Reading it now, just about done with the first book. Totally current with the show, which (oddly enough) doesn't seem to make the books any less awesome and surprising. In fact they inform each other and make each other better, in my opinion. The stories and characters are all so intense and layered.

And with that: here's to Game of Thrones. Writing. Springtime.

For The Love Of Chocolate (Heck Yeah!)

I learned today (while reading the Whole Foods Market Holiday Magazine) that the Hershey's Kiss came to be in the year 1907. This blew my mind apart. I never thought of these perfect little morsels of deliciousness as an antique sort of thing. I always thought they were more of a 1950s thing, in fact.

I also learned that the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (my favorite unassuming candy) came to be in 1928 by H. B. Reese himself.

While this Whole Foods Holiday Magazine is not the topic of this post, it's well worth a look. "For the Love of Chocolate": the article that bestowed upon me so many great bits of chocolate trivia, today...on this (our very first), very cold day in New England. Here, here!!!

P.S. After proof reading this post I noticed no typos or missed grammar, but I did notice that it's written in a very old fashioned-ish, proper-ish sort of tone. Not sure where that came from, but it sort cracks me up.

Weekly Song List: Friday, November 2nd

And so, here we have the first Weekly Song List of November! I love this time of year. I feel like the first day of November is a sort of clean slate. Halloween is done, you've got the "holidays" in the not so distant future. Starbucks breaks out their Christmas stuff. I'm a big fan of peppermint hot chocolate.

But I'm getting off topic. I give you 7 songs that I've been listening to non-stop, and the reasons that I love them.

1. Lilies. Bat For Lashes: From her new, gorgeous, brilliant album The Haunted Man. I love this album. It was really hard to choose just one song for this list, but "Lilies" it is. It's the first song on the album. Beautiful, haunting, hopeful song. Well done Natasha Khan.

2. Who. David Byrne & St. Vincent: Heard this song on WERS this week and immediately loved it. I bought the album later that same day. David Byrne sounds better than ever. And St. Vincent is someone who I'm really interested in and intrigued by. I've loved a lot of her solo work and was excited to learn of these two working together. Their styles and voices work really well together. Love this song! It's definitely one to listen to on repeat.

3. Danse Caribe. Andrew Bird: Oh my. Andrew Bird. My newest music crush. Again WERS introduces me to someone new and wonderful. "Danse Caribe" is one of my favorite songs of his (so far). I still have so much to hear of and learn about this fellow.

4. Skinny Love. Bon Iver: Love Bon Iver. Love this album. For Emma, Forever Ago. Love this song. Justin Vernon's voice is so beautiful and delicate. Heart melting for sure.

5. Shank Hill St. Shovels & Rope: I was lucky enough to see Shovels & Rope (Cary Ann Hearst & Michael Trent) open for Jack White earlier this Fall, and I just bought tickets for one of their Winter shows as well. I'm very excited. They're amazing live. This song is from their album O' Be Joyful which I bought this week. This song is a favorite. Rich, heavy drums. And the lyrics are nice and dark.

6. That Was My Veil. PJ Harvey & John Parish: My favorite PJ Harvey song ever. A real gem of song. Super atmospheric. Gritty. Gorgeous.

7. Here Sometimes. Blonde Redhead: Another new album for me. Penny Sparkle. Blonde Redhead had completely fallen off my radar, and then a couple of weekends ago I was hanging out with a friend and she was like "I love the most recent Blonde Redhead album" and I was like "what album are we talking about?" Oh my sweet goodness. Penny Sparkle is so good. The whole entire thing. Very atmospheric. Odd in all the best ways. I'm very excited about this album.

Photo: Shovels & Rope

Speaking Of Gorgeous Movie Posters

I originally wrote about this movie poster last Winter just after I'd seen The Innkeepers as part of a horror movie double feature (the other half of the double feature being The Woman in Black). Isn't it fantastically gorgeous!!! I love every bit of it. Gorgeous. Clever. Perfect.

Stoker And Its Gorgeous Movie Poster

I'm very excited for Park Chan-wook's new movie Stoker, to be released in the States come February. This stunning movie poster was just released, and I thought I'd share it. I love it with all of my heart. I have a thing for beautifully detailed, interesting, unique movie posters.

Stoker stars Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska, and Matthew Goode and (looks like) a dark family melodrama of sorts, but knowing Park Chan-wook's other work, I bet there's something very disturbing or horrific at play as well. We shall see!

Happy Halloween From Fussy Gussy!!!

Happy Halloween from Fussy Gussy (and Dean Winchester?) Swoon.

I hope that you're having a blast on this night of vamps and ghouls and other spooky things that go bump in the night.

Aside from it being Halloween, it is also Wednesday (my usual Weekly Song List day), and I've been thinking: since my previous two Weekly Song Lists have been posted on Friday why not try that out for a while?

And so, your Fussy Gussy Weekly Song Lists will now be posted every Friday, featuring seven songs that I love and the reasons why. Until Friday!!!

Supernatural: Bitten, Heartbreak, + Found Footage

This post contains no real spoilers, though (as always) I do make reference to a detail or two that may be better left unknown (until you've watched).

This week's episode of Supernatural simply titled "Bitten" was sort of a concept episode. Not entirely unlike "Ghostfacers". It opens in typical Supernatural style. The Winchesters break into a house and find lots of bad stuff. But they also find a computer with an edited movie that chronicles the events that have led up to the bad stuff. The better part of the episode is of this footage and nothing else.

I couldn't help thinking about the recent horror flick V/H/S which features a group of short horror stories told through a hand held video camera lens. It was one of the most nerve shredding movie experiences of my life. And it stuck with me in a big way. The found footage concept is pretty popular these days in horror.

I enjoyed "Bitten" and feel like this season is off to a great start. I loved last week's episode "Heartbreak", directed by Jensen Ackles. This whole plot thread of Sam-being-out-of-practice and wanting a "normal" life vs. Dean being super focused and warrior-like is bound to go somewhere intense and very dramatic.

I'm so looking forward to this Wednesday! Will we have a Halloween themed episode? It's not every year that Supernatural airs on Halloween night.

Evan Peters As Kit In American Horror Story

I love these cast photos from American Horror Story: Asylum.

Evan Peters as Kit.

American Horror Story: Tricks And Treats

I am absolutely unabashedly loving this season of American Horror Story. Not that this is surprising, being such a huge fan of season one, and of pretty much all of the actors this season. Zachary Quinto made his first appearance this week. Love him so much. He looks awesome in glassses. So handsome, as always.

This week's episode called "Tricks and Treats" was insane (in a great way). I cannot believe this stuff is happening on TV. Cable TV, sure. FX, ok. But still, AHS is particularly brutal and relentless this time around. At least, that's my feeling. I feel like it's one thing after another after another at Briarcliff. Does the horror never end?

Take "Bloody Face". So horrific and gross looking. I had made this delicious Fall vegetable (sort of) stew for dinner. Super excited to eat it. Super excited to watch AHS. Completely lost my appetite after one look at "Bloody Face". Completely. No appetite whatsoever.

Like last week, I don't want to give too much away for those who are getting caught up. And there's not too much to dissect yet, but be warned. Once there is, I'll be dissecting it like crazy. Fixating on the littlest detail. What does it mean? What's the secret? Is there a secret? I guess the one thing that I'm fixating on a smidge is the song that plays in the common room. You know, the very up tempo French song (I think it's French?) I wonder about that. Clearly, it would drive anyone mad to have to listen to it day in and day out.

As for the characters, Kit and Grace are adorable already. Love them. Love Grace's devotion to Kit, and so early on. James Cromwell's Dr. Alden is indeed very sinister and scary. Both of the Sisters (Jude and Mary) are super interesting. Sarah Paulson's Lana Winters (great name) continues to break my heart.

I'm making a conscious effort not to watch any teasers or trailers for the coming week's episode so as to be totally surprised by it. So far, so good. That said, I did happen to see that this week's episode (to air on Halloween night) is called "Nor'Easter". Love it.

Salem Open Market THIS Weekend!!!

I'm so excited for the Salem Open Market this weekend! Why am I awake at 11:50, the night before a craft fair??? Because I'm too excited to sleep.

And so, here are the essential details for the market:

What: Salem Open Market
Where: Derby Square (along Front Street), Salem, MA
When: Saturday, October 27th + Sunday, October 28th (11-6)

I'll be the one with bright pink tent and neon pink Jack-O-Lantern. And mini orange Jack-O-Lantern. And hair teased to the hilt. And modern-yet-vintage cat eye sunglasses. If it's sunny. Fingers crossed that it will be sunny!

Happy (weekend before) Halloween!!!

Weekly Song List: Friday, October 26th

Craft fair mania!!! It's been a crazy week getting ready for the Salem Open Market and (as always) there are a few key songs that have helped keep my energy up. Stylistically, they're all over the place. But for me, they work wonders. 

And so, I give you this week's song list. Enjoy!

1. Paddling Out. Miike Snow: As all of my Twitter followers know, Miike Snow has been one of my favorite bands to listen to while getting ready for this craft fair. Their music blows my mind all the time, but the energy of album Happy To You really set the tone for my week. I also saw these guys live in Portland, ME this past weekend, so that experience is still fresh in my mind. I love this song with all of my heart. They played it live and it was a blast to dance to with a theater full of happy people.

2. Joy Ride. The Killers: From their 2006 album Day & Age. Again, I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something magical about this album that helps me to be super focused on my work, and yet full of energy and spirit. This song is a particular favorite. Love the whole album. Also, Sam's Town holds this same magic for me.

3. In Particular. Blonde Redhead: From their 2000 album Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons. I was completely obsessed with this album in 2000. I remember listening to it over and over again in my studio (I went to art school, so I spent a lot of time in my studio). Such a great album. And again, that inexplicable motivating force.

4. Movement & Location. Punch Brothers: Talk about motivating. This song literally moves forward, and at a great and steady speed. Such a beautiful song. This song was my introduction to Punch Brothers. Upon hearing more of their music though, and seeing them live a few weeks ago, I'm now totally enamored with these fellows. If you haven't heard it yet, listen to this song immediately.

5. Poor Tom. Led Zeppelin: I think that this is the first Led Zeppelin song I've featured on a weekly song list, which is crazy bananas. I have so much love for Led Zeppelin. Oh my sweet goodness. Like "Movement & Location", "Poor Tom" has amazing forward movement to it. The drums!!! I mean, seriously. The drums. Awesome. I recently invested in the Led Zeppelin complete studio recordings box set. Excellent idea on my part.

6. You've Got Her In Your Pocket. The White Stripes: I know that this song has already been featured on one of my weekly song list, but that just goes to show you how much I love it. Jack White and his guitar. I would do a variety of very dramatic things to hear him play this song live, as is. Just Jack and his guitar. Oh my! A beautiful, heartbreaking song.

7. Cooling. Tori Amos: From the 1999 double album To Venus and Back. This particular song is from the live album portion. I initially heard this song on the PBS live music/interview show Sessions At West 54th during which a musician or band would perform and then David Byrne would interview them about their music and creative process. Amazing show. I saw Tori on this show and it completely changed my feelings toward her music. I felt so connected to her creative process and ideas, and I really enjoyed her live performance. "Cooling" was her closing song and it blew me away/made me cry. Gorgeous song. I'd say it's one of my all time favorite songs. On this recording she talks about how she only plays it live "because it just didn't want to be on any of the records". She also refers to it as "one of her best friends of all the songs". I love this idea of her songs taking on their own identities and having a will of their own. Brilliant.

Photo: Miike Snow

P.S. Woah! I wrote so much about that Tori Amos song. I guess I just has a lot to say about it??? It didn't seem like that much when I was writing it, but alas.

Weekly Song List: For Friday, October 26th

As you likely know (from my pervious post), I am in the midst of craft fair craziness getting ready for the Salem Open Market this coming weekend. I've been sewing up a storm, making all sorts of Halloween themed pot holders, dish towels, aprons, and more.

And so, my weekly song list will be posted on Friday this week. Hmmm. Halloween theme, perhaps???

Also, stay tuned for my weekly American Horror Story post, also on Friday. Oh, how I love this show!

Photo: Natasha Khan of Bat For Lashes

P.S. I just bought the new Bat For Lashes album The Haunted Man. Can't wait until it arrives!!! I'll most definitely be writing about it. And soon.

Salem Open Market THIS Weekend!!!

I'm heading into heavy sewing mode this week getting ready for the Salem Open Market this weekend. I'm crazy excited to be selling my Fussy Gussy handmade goods at this market, and oh so close to Halloween! I'll likely be writing more on the market later in the week, but for now, here are the essential details.

What: Salem Open Market
Where: Derby Square, Salem, MA
When: Saturday, October 27th + Sunday, October 28th (11-6)

I'll be the one with bright pink tent and neon pink Jack-O-Lantern.

Weekly Song List: Friday, October 19th

In light of my seeing Beach House live in concert earlier this week, I knew that I simply had to begin this week's song list with a Beach House song.

And this led to some interesting things. I started adding different songs, all of which were by ladies. 3 songs in I decided to run with it. And so I give you this week's song list. Lady love.

1. 10 Mile Stereo. Beach House: By now you likely know that I saw these two live in concert earlier this week. Amazing show! Oh my sweet goodness. It was stunning. Energetic. This song has sort of been my "life line" to my memory of the show. For whatever reason, I can picture the stage in my mind when I hear this song. Love it. Love the drum machine. Love Victoria Legrand's voice.

2. Margaret vs. Pauline. Neko Case: I have so much love for this song and for the lady herself. So, so much love. The story of the song is so uniquely sad. "Two girls ride the blue line, two girls walk down the same street. One left a sweater sittin' on the train and the other lost three fingers at the cannery." Brilliant.

3. Skylark. K.d. Lang: I've been lucky enough to see K.d. Lang in concert not once but twice. I feel like she has one of those voices that could melt anything. It's so warm and rich and beautiful. This song is from the Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil soundtrack featuring the songs of Johnny Mercer. "Skylark" opens and closes the flim, if I remember correctly. Gorgeousness. Pure gorgeousness.

4. Melody. Blonde Redhead: This song is my American Horror Story consumed mind entering the mix. I don't know why exactly, but this song reminds me so much of AHS. The atmosphere. The drums. The story to some extent. At any rate, it's a great song.

5. Shotgun Down the Avalanche. Shawn Colvin: Gorgeous acoustic version of this song. Recorded as part of the Columbia Records Radio Hour. I heard it for the first time on my local folk radio station, and have listened to it a zillion times since. I love to sing along with this one.

6. Baker Baker. Tori Amos: This song breaks my heart every time I hear it. Between the lyrics   about hearts made of icing and Tori's voice, what other option is there but heartbreak?

7. The Hill. Marketa Irglova: From the movie Once. Simple. Beautiful. Again, with the heartbreak. Marketa's voice is so tender and seemingly on the verge of breaking but also so strong and full. If you haven't seen this movie, see it. Immediately.

Photo: Beach House

American Horror Story: Welcome To Briarcliff

Before I start, I want to point out that while this post contains no real spoilers, it does reveal some details that may be better left unknown for those of you who have not yet watched.

And on that note. Let's talk American Horror Story. Everyone's favorite psycho-horror-drama is back for its second season, and it is as creepy, suspenseful, and stylish (as always). This week's season opener was great! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to see how the season unfolds.

Let's see. Highlights? I'm already head over heals for Evan Peters' character, whose proper name eludes me now. He was referred to as "Bloody Face" for much of the episode. I adore Sarah Paulson. She was a favorite of mine last season. Love her style, her voice, her general presence. And she's a fantastic actress.

James Cromwell is super creepy and sinister. Very villainous. Very tall. And of course, there's Jessica Lange. She's so amazing. Sister Jude is going to be an interesting one. Not entirely a villain, but definitely not heroic.

All in all, I'm crazy excited for this season of AHS and look forward to being good and properly creeped out by it week after week after week. Until next Friday.

Weekly Song List For Friday, October 19th

My brain is so consumed with thoughts of American Horror Story that I feel like it might implode. Oh, how I love hyperbole!

And on that note, this week's song list will be posted on Friday, October 19th. Perhaps it will even be an AHS themed list? We shall see. Until Friday.

(Thank Goodness) Evan Peters Is Back On AHS

I know that I'm not alone in my love of Evan Peters, nor in my excitement about this evening's season premier of American Horror Story: Asylum. 

Tonight's The Night, American Horror Story Returns

Tonight's the night! The first episode of American Horror Story: Asylum will air at 10 o'clock this evening on FX. I'll be writing about the show (again) this season and will post every Friday on the topic.

I promise to focus on details that may seem unimportant (and perhaps, in the end, are). I promise to be write overly (and oddly) detailed accounts of each episode. And I promise to write plenty about Evan Peters. I'm so excited to see him again on the screen.

If you feel so inclined, you can watch the first five minutes of the season opener "Welcome to Briarcliff". I've chosen not to watch these first five minutes, in an effort to be totally surprised by the full episode. But I've heard it's a "chilling" first five.

Until Friday...

Weekly Song List: Wednesday, October 10th

I hope that you've had a great week so far! Autumn is in full force here. The leaves are changing and it's chilly in that perfect crisp Autumn way. I've started wearing my wool socks and slippers. Yes! I love this time of year.

Starting next week, I'll be putting together some themed song lists, but for now please enjoy this collection of 7 beautiful songs that I cannot seem to get enough of lately. I have so much love for all of them.

1. Survival. Muse: Muse is one of my all time favorite bands. I think they're absolutely brilliant. This song is from their new album The 2nd Law, which I literally bought yesterday at Newbury Comics. It's an amazing album (more on that later), and this song is my favorite so far. It makes me feel like a Warrior Queen.

2. Make a Fist. Phatogram: There's something very forward-moving about this song. It has a lot of momentum. I love that. Phantogram are magical to me. Beautiful songs full of electricity and energy and light.

3. Rest In Bed. Laura Marling: It's no secret that I absolutely adore Laura Marling. Her songs are so soulful and beautiful and pure and warm. I love them. Especially this one.

4. It'll Happen. Punch Brothers: It's also no secret that I'm crazy enamored with Punch Brothers after seeing them live in Portsmouth, NH one week ago. This song is one of my favorites. Very subtle and sweet and lovely. I don't believe they performed this live, but I was in a happiness induced delirium, so I can't be certain.

5. Lonesome Valley. Tom Brosseau: I've listened to this song more than any other song this week. Literally. I think it's perfect. Beautiful and perfect.

6. Sunrise, Sunset. Bright Eyes: I think that Conor Oberst (AKA Bright Eyes) is one of the great song writers of our time. This song is from Fevers & Mirrors, which was my first Bright Eyes album. It's also my favorite. This song is a real gem. I love them klezmer influence and Conor's voice is so heart wrenching.

7. Girl's Song In Winter. Vashti Bunyan: Everything about this song is magic to me. The recording, plenty of crackle and hiss. Vashti's voice. Gorgeous. I also (generally) love songs that are about the Wintertime. Very bittersweet and beautiful. And perfect ending song.

Photo: Phantogram

Games Of Thrones On Etsy

"Winter Is Coming". The very first episode of the epic and awesome HBO TV series Game of Thrones based on the George R.R. Martin series (of dauntingly epic novels) A Song of Ice and Fire. I'm a huge fan of the TV series and so when I saw this Game of Thrones themed treasury on Etsy my day was improved eight fold.

The treasury features lots of beautiful House of Stark, Winterfell, and dire wolf inspired goodies, including this gorgeous House of Stark original illustration print by damonboreing ("Nonsensical Nerdery") on Etsy.

Thank you Balthasar for creating such an awesome and epic treasury!