It has been way to long!

Hello World!  Remember me from a zillion years ago, when I use to blog all of the time? Good grief where do I even begin to start telling you about all of the changes in my life since I last spoken to any of you!

Well, as you can see, I do not write a fraction of what I use to, I do not do as much photography or art, wow I do not even do YouTube videos anymore (although I am thinking about starting that again). *Laughs* okay, but that does not mean I just sit on my ass and do nothing these days!

I actually have a wonderful little store that holds my heart and soul. It is only open to days a week, yet I work seven days a week on it?  WHAT?  Yeah, I am always doing things to my shop. So let me tell you a little or a lot about it.

I used to have a shop years ago at J&J Flea Market called "EarthCrafts" but I closed it and went through a HUGE life change.  In 2014 I lost my husband to Cancer, and stayed a year in limbo, went to therapy and finally started to get my shit together in 2016. 

In April of 2017 I opened a new store back at J&J Flea Market except this time it is a dream come true! I have the kind of store I have always wanted and could not have ever gotten it to the point where it is without my guy David!

WhiteOak Art Designs & More is the name of it, It is a Goth/Spiritual Store. I sell everything from skulls to herbs.. hoodoo to angels... It is actually my heart and soul.  I have met some of the most fantastic people, customers who are now friends. I have a wonderful Tarot Reader his name is Steven.  I will write a blog post telling you the story of how Steven and his partner James have become such a huge part of the store... James often shares it with the customers. 

Let me share a few links with you:  WhiteOak Art Designs & More on Google,  I still have my eCrater Store online, trying to get it updated but not enough hours in a day sometimes.  Plus I have another online store called Ethereal it is a complete new line of body care. This is my business Facebook Page.  And this is Steven's Facebook page. 

Just to show you a few pictures:

So that is a tease of a few things I have in the store. I believe I will write my next blog post focusing on the Hoodoo items I have for sale.   Until next world... please leave a comment, or drop by if you are local or traveling through.. If you click on the Google Page, you can get directions to the shop no matter where you are.  

We are who we are....

We ARE who we are!

I have not done a blog post in a long time. I have created a YouTube channel, I have opened a little store off line, I am back to making my skin care products (this time a lot different than before) and so many other things.  It seems like I am trying to make excuses why I haven't written anything lately, but truly that is not the case at all.  I have been very busy doing a ton of things  and I have a Sh*t load of stuff on my mind.  However, this morning when I got up, for some reason I was lead to do a blog post, and yes, I will be doing a YouTube video on this as well.. but let's get started on this post!!

Everyone that reads my blogs, or watches my YouTube videos are pretty much aware that when I was on a site called Squidoo (now closed *sad face* ) I wrote a lot about the Goth subculture, helped to promote small  Goth businesses and shared my views, thoughts, and love for the Gothic subculture!  Here is what brought me to writing this article.... over the weekend, I had someone come into my shop and yes, they were a little on the Goth side BUT with a twist!! As I was talking with them, and they were looking at me with these non-emotional eyes and (*laughs*) the energy was well ... different-I felt I needed to get this off of my chest (so to speak)!

So okay, let's start with that...what Goth's ARE NOT! Well, here are my views.. FIRST and foremost, you DO NOT get up one morning and decide you are going to be Goth. It is NOT an outfit you wear, or the color of your hair, skin, or your clothes.. it is a way of life. It is a part of you, not a separate entity.  Goth is NOT pretend, or a fantasy world adventure.. it is a life, a community of people who love things outside the box of the majority of the other people.  And most important they are an extension (my opinion only) of the Victorian Era. So, yes, I believe each of us are born the way we are!

Goth's see beauty where often others wouldn't.  There is a pull or a draw to more individuality, creativity, living decor, and yes style.  Goth love what many consider to be cold, gross, scary, and aloof.  Not all Goths are satanist, not all goths are vampires (real vamps not tv/movie drain your blood version) AND not all Goths are manic depressants who live to comment suicide. 

Most Goth's (in my opinion only) do follow a pagan path that is made of MANY different beliefs.  Yes, you will see a lot of Goth's that wear black, blood red, dark purple and other darker tone clothing... Yes, you will see a lot of Goth's homes decorated with a lot of black, unique Victorian style bedding, pillows, bats, skulls, ravens, and sometimes coffins! (the list is endless) Does that make the Goth subculture EVIL?  F*ck no it doesn't! Holy Shit batman... is a person evil because they are not afraid to express their own individuality? See life their way? Isn't that our birthright? 

To the best of my knowledge, I do not believe each and every human needs to see life the same way.  We are all different, WE ARE WHO WE ARE!! Does that give haters a right to beat-up, bully, and yes folks even KILL people who do not fit in a square box that is closed off to the rest of the world? And flipping this whole thing around.. some Goths believe if you are certain age you are not considered Goth-because you are way too old! Or, if your hair is not black, if you are not this or that, that means you are NOT Goth. (Again, Bullshit).

I do not find it necessary in life to wear a label of who or what I am. What I love, don't love, how I decorate my home. People know who and what I am its all over my home, and myself. I do not hide it, or try to cover it.. See the person from my store this past weekend, did a reverse judgement on me.. but what they don't realize is, that little episode will never make me change who I am.

On YouTube, I have a friend who supports this organization called Goths For Sophie.  This beautiful girl named Sophie lost her life (beaten to death) and her boyfriend was hospitalized  just because they were expressing their own individuality and were Goth. This organizations main focus is to help create respect and understanding of subcultures in the communities.  There are Others on YouTube who created a hashtag #createnothate. All of this is done to help ease down all of the damn hate in the World!

See, I am not saying anything different in this post, that isn't already written out there over and over again. But I also feel and I know many others do... each and everyone of us will continue to write post like this, create videos with hashtags that are against hate.. in hopes that one day.. people understand is okay to be WHO WE ARE!!

Goth Online Directory

Bittersweet

The companies I have listed have kick-ass clothing and accessories, and they are worth the recognition, so let's get started-please do take a look at these links, they do have some awesome items that will fit just about anyone's style who is a little on the darker side, and/or naughty side depending on who you ask. On most sites, if you sign up for their newsletters you usually get a certain percentage off of your purchase. Plus you will get notifications to upcoming sales!!

The Black Angel

Our online store is your one-stop shop for all the best brands in Gothic clothing and accessories, famous for quality, unique designs and outstanding service.

Black Moon Cosmetics

Black Moon Cosmetics has some of the most fantastic makeup products that smell like fresh baked vanilla cake!  The lipsticks are very pigmented, has a creamy formula, feels great on your lips and they are long wearing.  These are among some of the my favorite lipsticks. Try them and come back and let me know what you think.

Cryptic Cosmetics

This is one of my most favorite companies that sell great lipsticks. Their lipsticks are matte, Smell freaking divine!! Last on your lips and they have the most delicious colors you could dream of.  Two of my favorites (which I have been wearing almost daily lately) are 'Tortured Soul' and 'Rust in Peace.'  They do sell out fast so if you see something you like, grab it fast!

Vegan

Darkside

We design and hand print in England our own range of world famous clothing. Inspired by our love of alternative music and fashion we create Punk, Rock n Roll, Lowbrow, Kustom Kulture, Rockabilly, Tattoo and Gothic clothing.

Dysfunctional Doll

Dysfunctional Doll is one of my favorite online stores. On the site you can earn 'Bat' points to use towards future purchases.  Dysfunctional Doll sells beautiful jewelry, clothing, makeup, home decor, accessories and so much more.

Good Goth

Another one of my favorite online shops.  Everyone that knows me, knows I am a boot addict! This site has a wide range of great clothing, shoes, BOOTS and so much more! 

Gothic Angel

Welcome to Gothic Angel; the UK's number one specialist retailer for women's Gothic clothing and footwear. We stock the latest collections of ladies Gothic brands including New Rock, Demonia, Spin Doctor, Hell bunny and Iron Fist. We also stock new up and coming Gothic designers as well as cheaper alternatives for bargain shoppers.

Heavy Red

Gothic Fashions for men & women. Escape into the decadent world of love, darkness, and Romance.

HolyClothing

I found the exact skirt I was looking for at this place. They have some really pretty cloths. If you get a chance you should check them out.

Hot Topic

This is one of my favorite places. I have made some purchases from them and found their products and service both very good. They also ship pretty fast. Check them out especially the Sale Category!

Kate's Clothing

At Kates Clothing we aim to bring you an outstanding service with fast dispatch to ensure your selection flies from our arsenal into your wardrobe as soon as demonically possible. With the hottest brands from the darkest labels we're here to suit all your alternative tastes.

 Korpse Kosmetics

A makeup company that sells cruelty free, vegan mineral makeup products.  They specialize in super glittery eye shadows, bright pigmented lip paints and much, much more. Everything your little korpse heart desires... you will find here!!

Rivithead

Gothic clothing, creepers, platform shoes & boots, alchemy jewelry, accessories and much more

Spooky Boutique

This site had some pretty awesome stuff. Love the front page!!

Starlets Harlots

Visit us for Swing Dresses, Rockabilly 50's Clothing, Punk Clothing and Burlesque Clothing and; Accessories! They offer a $5 off $50 order by using code: HARLOTS at checkout

Goths for Sophie Buy or Donate

Who are we raising money for?
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

On August 11, 2007, Sophie Lancaster and her partner were attacked by a gang of teenagers in a park in Lancashire. Instead of feeling, Sophie went to her partners aid.  The couple were kicked, stamped on and left unconscious for nothing more than looking different.  Sophie later died from injuries.  If anything positive is to come from her death, Sophie's family and friends would like it to be you.

Please click on the link to see more information!!

Sophie Lancaster-Backstreet Merchant

ALL SALES GO TO THE SOPHIE LANCASTER FOUNDATION

Decorating with Skulls

via squidoo.com

Decorating with skulls is ideal on Halloween. It is a little spooky, it is a little creepy and it can be funny. But decorating with skulls is more than just an idea for Halloween, it is also an idea for those who are really interested in "Pirates" and it is also an ideal way to decorate with a "Goth" theme.

A couple of years ago when I wrote Goth Bathroom Accessories the idea came from my husband showing me a picture of a Skull Toilet Brush Cleaner from a "Victorian Trading Post catalog". That page is visited a good bit even when it is not Halloween. It is an interesting decor idea and without a doubt a conversational idea when you have guest.

WhiteOak's Halloween

This is my new Zazzle Gallery featuring nothing but my Halloween Designs. I currently do not have a lot of things on there but I will be adding a lot within the next few days. If you are at Zazzle, if you join my Fan Club (s) I will join your's. As Always, comments are welcomed and appreciated. http://amplify.com/u/a1adui

Clipped from www.squidoo.com

Gothic Bathroom Accessories

Gothic Toilet Brush Holder

This picture started my whole thinking process for this lens. My husband was looking through a catalog and when I seen this picture of the Skull Toilet Brush, I immediately thought WOW, that would make an interesting SQUIDOO LENS! My husband just looked at me and shook his head! I happen to love Gothic Theme rooms. When I was single, I had a few my rooms decorated in a Gothic Theme and loved it! Everybody has a bathroom, right? Why not have it decorated with a Gothic Theme as well, especially during Halloween? During my search for items to show in this lens, I also found some fantastic sites that sell Gothic Theme bathroom accessories. Of course you could go with the solid black, but adding a touch of electric blue, burgundy or blood red just adds a little more of a mystical feel to the interior décor. Read more at www.squidoo.com

http://amplify.com/u/a1a7rc

Clipped from www.squidoo.com

Gothic Music

Music

love music! The only music I do not like is crying in your beer Country (but I like Country Rock) and I do not like Rap Music that I cannot understand. If I had to choose my favorite music it would be a hard call because I love music from the late 60's and Goth music from my time. I have about six top favorites and these two types of music rank in the top. I got the idea for this lens from Robins FaceBook Group Gothic Temptations I looked up the definition for Gothic Music and this is what I found: Gothic rock (also referred to as Goth rock or simply Goth) is a musical subgenre of Post-Punk and Alternative Rock that formed during the late 1970s. Gothic rock bands grew from the strong ties they had to the English punk rock and emerging post-punk scenes. I am so bad in remember names of groups but I am going to try and put a collection of some of my favorite "Goth" songs together. From my understanding what I consider to be Gothic Music could very well be different than what the music is today, but as with everything in life even music changes with time. Read more at www.squidoo.com

http://amplify.com/u/a16us1

Gothic Clothing Directory

I started putting together this directory last year that contains a lot of different gothic sites that sells clothing and accessories. http://amplify.com/u/a14vrq