Spritely Spring
By Tykeya O'Neil & Sean Marks
QuailBellMagazine.com
Let's be real--you're not going to strap on a pair of fairy wings and start fluttering about in broad daylight with glitter and glee. Okay, maybe some of you will because, granted, you're Quail Bell(e)s. Those of you who have office jobs, though, need to be professional when it comes to incorporating whimsical elements into your spring looks. Want your inner-sprite or elf child to show the tip of its nose to general society? Think 'color,' think 'candy,' and think 'cutesy,' but also think 'structured.' It's spritely spring done right, fledglings. -C.S.
Black Dogs
By Julie DiNisio
QuailBellMagazine.com
Dogs are seldom portrayed as anything but loyal, affable, and pleasant. But residents of the British Isles have argued that their sightings of the declared Black Dogs have been terror-inducing. These alleged creatures are about the size of a calf and have shaggy black fur and red eyes. Despite their enormous paws, they leave no tracks and are usually sighted at night on deserted roads and in other lonely places. Allegedly, they guard sacred places and treasure.
Though they are also known as Hellhounds, the Black Dogs do not always mean harm. Word has it that if you don't harm them, they won't harm you. In some cases, they have even purportedly helped lost travelers. But if you find yourself in a position to see a Black Dog, your best bet is to find a descendant of Ean MacEndroe, a man who gained immunity from the Dogs by rescuing a fairy. Better safe than sorry, after all.
River Envy
By Starling Root
QuailBellMagazine.com
Itching to spread those wings? If it excites you—wildlife, water sports, sightseeing, history, or pure novelty (tee-hee)—the Potomac River has it, Quail Bell(e)s. Here's our case for the East Coast's fourth-largest river:
On the boat front alone, the Potomac boasts a baseball taxi that takes guests from Old Town Alexandria to The Nationals Stadium; a seasonal canine cruise designed specifically with your pup in mind; a combined bike and boat package that lets you experience George Washington's Mount Vernon estate using both modes of transportation; an authentic replica of a Victorian riverboat; a family-oriented pirate cruise; and more.
Whether you're boating, walking, driving, or biking, the Potomac also offers stunning views of local wildlife. According to John Odenkirk, District Fisheries Biologist, the Potomac is “arguable a better fishery than the James simply because it is bigger and more productive.”Odenkirk cites Bald Eagles, catfish, ospreys, snakeheads, herons, and bass as just a few of the watershed's critters, all of which make the Potomac a prime area for fishing and bird-watching. And, yes, fledglings, you can bird-watch with 18-century opera glasses.
In the realm of sports, the Potomac is famous for rowing, as evidenced by the presence of numerous rowing clubs and boat shops. Kayaking, sailing, and jogging are popular Potomac activities, too. Just remember to pull up your petticoats.
In the words of Odenkirk, “The Potomac is a vibrant community above and below the water.”
May that be an invitation for both centaurs and mermaids.
I Never Liked High School
I never liked high school, which surprises many people because I always did so well in my classes. The reason I couldn't stand high school is because I love to learn---and contrary to popular belief, the average American high school is not an institution of learning. Oppression does not teach.
"Read this book. Answer this prompt."
"Learn these steps. Solve this problem."
"This is history. This is what happened."
There were no alternatives. We were fed questionable material and demanded to regurgitate it like a baby albatross vomits his mother's gift of rotten squid. We were not allowed to think or respond with our heart's eager voices. We were expected to sit, listen, and reply with an idiot's black-and-white mind.
"Mark true or false."
"Yes or no, boys and girls?"
"The best answer is choice A because B and C are simply wrong."
That is why I sat alone in the woods, feasting on mint leaves and chipmunk meat. I bathed in the creek and watched the sun set every evening. Somehow, in between fairy adventures, I finished my homework.
I didn't want to be taught how to live.
La fée verte
By Julie DiNisio
QuailBellMagazine.com
At first glance, I was completely unsure of what this unsettling green creature was. The jury was still out until I did a little research behind the meaning of this 1906 advertisement. Created by famous Italian poster artist Leonetto Cappiello (a forerunner of modern advertising), this image is actually quite famous. Advertising Maurin Quina, a once popular French brand and type of liquor, the green sprite represents absinthe which was often referred to as la fée verte (the green fairy) in French literature. Would it coerce me to purchase the product? I'm not so sure. But there must be a reason Cappiello's design has been an icon in advertising for over 100 hundred years.
Scottish Swans
By QB Camera Eye
QuailBellMagazine.com
Arbroath, Scotland
Congratulations to Hallie Spradlin!
By Tykeya O'Neil & Lindsey Story
QuailBellMagazine.com
Okay, so we're a little late--but, again--we're doing this for free. Anyway, thanks to all who voted. Hallie Spradlin is the Bell(e) of the Week!
Beads and Things at Gallery 5
Here are a few snapshots from RVA Fashion Week's April 19th Jewelry & Accessories Trunk Show at Gallery 5 in Richmond, Virginia:
Bell(e) of the Week: April 16th
By Tykeya O'Neil and Lindsey Story
QuailBellMagazine.com
You have until Thursday, April 19 at midnight EST to cast your vote! We'll announce the winner on Friday, so please check back, fledglings <3
RavenCon 2012 Walkabout!
By Quail Cam
QuailBellMagazine.com
Here's a peek at some of the footage we got from putting a camera in a QB Crew member's pocket at RavenCon in Richmond, Virginia this past weekend:
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