(Star Quilt by Jeanie Tomanek)

It is a bittersweet day…but honestly one with more sweet than bitter. I reported a few months back regarding my shock and sadness at the shutting down of the Endicott Studio Blog. At the time Terri Windling and Midori Snyder, who continue to remain in touch via their individual blogs, mentioned that a ‘farewell’ issue of their online magazine, the Journal of Mythic Arts, would be forthcoming.

It has arrived…

and boy does it make saying ‘farewell’ seem like the most wonderful thing in the world. It looks like all the stops have been pulled out for this issue. In addition to the essays and non-fiction writing that always thrilled me in the Journal of Mythic Arts, this issue includes:

“…three short stories: a wry and satiric “A Short Encyclopedia of the Lunar Seas” by Ekaterina Sedia; a tale of compassion and a fallen angel, “Emilio’s Tale,” by Bruce McAllister; and an old tale re-worked in tango tempo, “The Red Shoes,” by Genevieve Valentine. In the art gallery, Terri put together a mosaic of images from forty of the Endicott Studio’s contributing artists — can you guess their identity from their work? And for the first time, we have a gorgeous short film/poetry project, created by Howard Gayton, reading his poems with photographs from Stu Jenks.”

And much, much more. I recommend checking it out at the first opportunity that you get.

(Diary by Jeanie Tomanek)

The “…and Hello!” part of this post title refers to the wonderful news that Endicott Studio has decided to remain alive in the form of a new site called News From Endicott! I was so thrilled to see the opening post the other day, stating “Welcome to the Endicott Studio’s new blog — which is going to be much more irregular and limited in scope than our previous Journal of Mythic Arts blog, being focused on Endicott-related news. We hope, nonetheless, that you’ll find it worthwhile to bookmark and peruse from time to time.” You didn’t have to ask me twice, you’ll find it bookmarked on my blog list under Endicott News.

Though ‘limited in scope’ it is wonderful to have this active site, which will continue to link back to the archives and will occasionally operate to bring together those of us who consider ourselves part of the Endicott Studio world because of our devotion to the artists and authors featured on their pages. I am thrilled!!! In addition you’ll find a link of recommended sites which, in their own unique ways, work to keep the mythic arts spirit alive and well.

(Image from Goodreads site, artist unknown…at the moment)

One of the wonderful ways that the spirit of Endicott Studio is being kept alive is by moderators Kim Power, Odette Odile, and Baobhan Sidhe and their Endicott Mythic Fiction group on Goodreads. From the group site:

“We’re reading our way (at an unhurried pace) through the Endicott Studio lists of books based on “myth, folklore, fairy tales, and the oral storytelling tradition.” Although the Endicott Journal of Mythic Arts is ending, the books live on! Join us.

And so I have, and I hope you do as well. It will be like an enormous book club that one can participate in whenever the mood strikes. Endicott Studio’s list of books is enormous and filled with many volumes by authors we have grown to love as well as new-to-us authors just waiting for our discovery. I am going to participate in the second month’s read of Gene Wolfe’s short story collection, Innocents Aboard. Jeff bought me this last year and it is certainly past time to pick it up and enjoy it.

Feel free to check this out, make sure you don’t miss the Farewell issue of the Journal of Mythic Arts, and if you haven’t been doing so, I encourage you to regularly check out Terri Windling and Midori Snyder on their respective personal sites. They are certainly still doing the wonderful things they used to do on the Endicott Studio site as well as providing a more personal touch which makes both sites worth adding to regular visiting lists.

(Coraline image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes)

And because I consider them peas in my inspirational pod, I cannot say ‘au revoir’ without wondering if you’ve been visiting Neil Gaiman’s Journal lately. If you have not, you may have missed out on 5 amazing, incredible, fanboy/fangirl inspiring behind-the-scenes videos on the stop-motion animated film, Coraline, due out in February of next year. All 5 videos can be found on IGN’s site here and they certainly have my excitement level for this film at fever pitch. They occasionally take a moment to load, but they are well worth waiting for. I am such a huge fan of stop-motion animation and films like this simply do not come out often enough to suit my desires. I wish this was a Christmas release but will wait (im)patiently until February to catch it in all its three dimensional glory.

Update:
_________________________

(I Dream of You by Jennifer Gordon)

In honor of her birthday, which was yesterday, August 20th, Jennifer Gordon is having a sale at her site that lasts through August 24th.

20% off all orders and 25% on orders over $125

Please write BirthdaySale08 in the message to seller section and wait for a new invoice before paying.

New items in the shop include:

art books
poetry book
original art
aceos
reproduction prints
blank note cards
button sets and pocket mirrors
and so much more!

Allow me to wish a one-day-belated Happy Birthday to an artist who has become a favorite here at Stainless Steel Droppings. Not only do I absolutely love her work but she is a fascinating, fun person. I wish you all the best, Jennifer, for this birthday week and am so glad you’ve allowed us to get to know you.