About the SS Vulcania
On the 12th Night, in January 2009 the SS Vulcania set sail on its maiden TransLemurian voyage. The SS Vulcania is a virtual cruise ship (blog) that has been commissioned and is captained by Le Enchanteur, Heather Blakey’s alter ego.
Heather Blakey, the webmaster of the Soul Food Cafe and the manager of Global Teacher, is a specialist teacher of writing who has been purveying creative stimuli for more years than she cares to remember. All her work is based on the premise that if you make writing/art making a fun, daily practice then you will see a substantial leap in skill level.
For many, the challenge is to know what to write or make art about. Heather understands the need for direction and she created the world of Lemuria. Lemuria was inspired by the land mass that was purported to have sunk at a similar time to Atlantis. In this instance Lemuria provides a focus and a place to develop a range of skills. Today, as a result of her vision and imagineering, a virtual world has been populated by international, intergenerational, artists and writers who have been inspired by the fantasy world of Lemuria, with all its sanctuaries and havens. This world is attached to the Soul Food Cafe and has been built, primarily using a constellation of blogs and Yahoo Groups – all of which are freely (freeware) available on the internet.
For some years now, thanks to Blakey, artists and writers have drawn portals in thin air and clambered through them to join le Enchanteur, in Lemuria, on a series of write your own adventures. Groups have followed Blakey’s lead and responded to her creative prompts. They have met their inner donkey’s and gone on long adventures, publishing their adventures on collaborative blogs. They have traversed the Soul Food Silk Way, undertaken journey’s of the heart, followed the Serpentine Road, filled a Catalogue of Creativity, undertaken the Grand Lemurian Tour, engaged in the Pythian Games, helped to build the City of Ladies, lodged in the virtual, Riversleigh Manor, inhabited Rainbow Beach and so much more.
The fruits of the labour of early pilgrims can be viewed in the annual, Soul Food, AdventURE Calendars, which celebrate and preserve the diverse writing and art which has been stimulated in the process. These calendars are housed in the static vault of the Soul Food Cafe and enable readers to follow in the footsteps of predecessors.
All of this has happened thanks to Heather Blakey’s creative approach to blogging. Initially she provided prompts in order to develop her virtual world. By using a constellation of blogs as containers for the responses she found a vehicle for people to publish and receive feedback. Using collaborative and private blogs artists and writers publish responses to prompts and help build upon the mythology of Lemuria. In conjnction with the blogs, Blakey has also created Yahoo groups as a means for members to communicate, share ideas, pass on the word about more freeware, and provide all important, mutual support and encouragement. As a consequence members quite literally bounce off one another infusing life into their characters and Lemuria. With a captive audience writers and artists have plenty of good reasons to be creative.
For some newcomers the world has been bewildering and few GPS systems actually help navigate it all.
Now, in 2009, Heather Blakey has created a virtual cruise ship, the SS Vulcania, using a Word Press blog, as a platform and primary base for the people who come to explore Lemuria, and work to develop their art and writing within a collective. A vast number of blogs are attached to The SS Vulcania. The SS Vulcania, as a home base blog, enables Heather Blakey to pull together Soul Food prompts and to further expand the active community that lives within the Soul Food Cafe.
Why choose a cruise ship?
Why not?
The Vulcania was inspired by the luxurious, Italian transatlantic liners of the past, liners which voyaged between Italy and the Americas. It provides unlimited scope for people who want to work, in character and hone their art and writing skills. On the Vulcania, there is space for everyone and for all kinds of entertainment. Indeed, one of the greatest pleasures of a ship this size is that each guest can carve their ideal cruise for themselves within a spellbinding and romantic world.
Translemurian cruises are unlike any other you have ever been on. Sailing day on the Vulcania proved a bit hectic and exciting. Anticipation was in the air as passengers boarded, along with celebrities and their entourages, reporters and photographers, baggage handlers, steamer trunks, porters, company officials and the ship’s crew returning from their shore leave.
A cruise ship enables us to reach all those much loved Lemurian destinations that are so synonymous with Soul Food. Within a week of sailing the ship called in at the Island of the Temple People, where passengers disembarked to engage in the annual fertility and seeding festivals. When you visit the Island you will see the posts that passengers have left which help to build on the back story that has been developed by Heather Blakey. Future destinations include White Isle Island, Rainbow Beach, the Isle of Ancestors and Duwamish Bay.
Now that the voyage is underway new passengers are quite literally teleported aboard. When they arrive they immediately feel the bustle of humanity on board this tremendous ship. The feeling of excitement intensifies as passengers reach their cabin (a blog ) and find Enchanteur’s special gift.
Once on board passengers can choose to work quietly in their cabins (blogs). Some paint with words, others use textiles, many paint and draw. All visual artists and writers are welcome. With all those hours at sea, passengers have all the time to do whatever it is that they please. Dreamers can find a nice quiet spot on the ship’s expansive decks and gaze out into the blue water and think about other lost continents – of what they will do when you disembark and enter new and different Lemurian ports. If they like using free time to get in shape and treat the body, they can go for an invigorating swim before breakfast then spend the afternoon walking or jogging on the deck. And then there are those fascinating characters, with their egos and alter egos coming for the ride. Oh the charm of it all.
Before departing from any of the docks, before being teleported on board, passengers will need to be checked in and allocated cabins. Prior to departure passengers are required to leave special Volcanalia, sacrifices to Vulcan, after whom this ship is dedicated. These sacrifices will be left here, in the comment section, to ensure that the proud Vulcania has a safe journey and does not have the fate of a ship like the Titanic. We do not want anything quite that dramatic happening within Lemurian Waters.
Each week an edition of the Vulcanian Times hits the deck and this provides accounts of some of the ships activities.
If you are inspired by what you see and wish to come on board and acquire a cabin, go directly to the Ticket Office and make sure you are familiar with ship protocols.
Passengers who choose to stay on board for long periods often decide to leave their cabins and come on up to P Deck for the Pythian Games. 
Some passengers of the Vulcania have responded to the call of the piper and they are travelling overland, on Donkeys. Each night at twelve midnight donkeys wait in the stable behind the Swan and Rose Inn, ready to take newcomers on the increasingly, well todden road most travelled.
To the god Vulcan, i have built a great fire that roars in the darkness. its flames leap in red and gold towards the heavens. i continue to heap logs upon the fire to ensure that it does not falter. in the heat of the fire i throw small fish, the traditional sacrifice to Vulcan. Dear friends have joined me and play magnificent odes to Vulcan on trumpets, also sacred to Vulcan. the night is clear of clouds and thunder. Surely he will be pleased and grant us safe passage.
senua
December 27, 2008 at 5:43 am
Does Vulcan accept fiery red cocktails as sacrifice? It’s all I have at the moment. I made it myself out of lime cocktail mix, tequila, triple sec and a heavy splash of cranberry juice.
Here’s a toast to our upcoming journey!
Alexis
December 27, 2008 at 10:28 am
How cool, Heather!
imogen88
December 27, 2008 at 11:18 am
I’ve chopped lots of tea tree bushes with my tommyaxe, placed them in a great bon-fire. we can see what to take with us, what is of value. My ponies spoke to me and told me they will be thinking of us as we depart. I beat out some metal symbols in the black smith shop. shapes forged in fire to mark our present power. cast them red hot into the sea in honour of the old god and in hope of a blessed future.
darylpellizzer
December 27, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Now this will be my kind of cruise. Bon Voyage to all of us.
woodnymph
December 27, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I like fire
Anita Marie
December 27, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I just received fine pigments from Provance to make into beautiful paints. I’ll bring them along on our journey to use for creating some special art.
Sylvia Kleindinst
December 27, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Clam shells, rising up from the depths
of the ocean, pepper the waves.
I prise one open to reveal
the burning embers, concealed within.
Vulcan, God of Fire now speaks to me,
compels me to offer up a sacrifice -
please me and I shall grant you safe passage.
I gather kindling of driftwood
and arrange it thus, over the glowing coal
and fan gently, until flames
leap and contort,
upward, upward.
With deft hands, I snatch fish from the
ocean and cast them
onto the fire and watch them
burn.
Vulcan!
cries I. Let us pass in safety.
rosylee
December 28, 2008 at 9:58 am
I will make a big pot of plomeek soup and practice the hand gesture and get out my fake ears …. what?….huh?….not THAT Vulcan?….oh….you mean Leonard Nimoy’s not going to be there?….but I wanted an autograph…. shoot….. Um, everybody I’ll get back to you……
Lori
December 28, 2008 at 12:58 pm
An offering,
To the spirit of the journey,
A small feather
From the Phoenix
we are becoming.
Fire to water,
Earth to air,
All is change and growth.
thalia
December 28, 2008 at 2:02 pm
My Offering?
Nachos.
Trust me on this.
It’s a good one.
Anita Marie
December 28, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Would crepes with a sauce of crab meat, mayonaise laced with sweet chille suit early risers?
cronelogical
December 29, 2008 at 12:34 am
My offering to the Gods are:
Refreshing pineapple drinks (complete with colorful umbrellas) to appease their thirst after AM’s wonderful nachos.
They also get my fear and inhibitions which I trade for joy and curiosity. I know they want me to have a great trip.
For a safe journey I offer my trust.
shelbloom
December 29, 2008 at 1:28 am
You may want to consider adding some Guacomole Dip along with the trust shelbloom,
Anita Marie
December 29, 2008 at 3:54 am
My offering a doll made from stuff that is discarded by man in a feeble effort by me to preserve our world , our nature resources, our lives.
I shall take with me an amulet bag made of felt I shall use all that is within this bag to preserve and create the future as we begin a long journey
please except my offering and give us safe passage
carolyn
December 29, 2008 at 4:17 am
look, i know they’re trendy, but i really really like them, so i’m throwing in some mojitos.
senua
December 29, 2008 at 5:03 am
I will bring the bean dip.
Lori
December 29, 2008 at 5:32 am
All these savoury dishes.
I’ll bring the Lindt choccies. Might as well scoff before the seasickness kicks in
rosylee
December 29, 2008 at 6:07 am
Ooooooo, let’s not forget the Midnight Buffet. Yummm-o!
Lori
December 29, 2008 at 6:22 am
My offering to Vulcan is a Mexican Buffet-
The hors d’oevres are:
Jalapeno Poppers
Chile Rellenos
Fresh Flour Tortilla Chips with Salsa Fresca
Drinks will be:
Margaritas,
In strawberry, peach,or orange as well as green.
‘Gwen Drinks’
Bottled water
The main course will be:
Tacos Deluxe-with shredded not ground beef
Ceviche- fresh from the Lemurian Seas
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Dessert will be:
Flan with Caramel or Brandy Sauce
Fresh Tropical Fruit Salad
Flaming Crepes
And,
just to throw everyone a tad,
there will be French Meat Pies- warm from the oven.
gwenguin1
December 29, 2008 at 7:08 am
As sacrifice to Vulcan, I offer a handcrafted necklace. The chain is of forged metal circles to symbolize the connectedness of us all and the cyclic nature of life and the world. The pendant is a rare stone, (in fact the only one of its kind known to exist), created in the depths of the earth, deep in the fiery magma beneath us. Hidden beneath the stone is something very special for Vulcan’s eyes only.
Ah, but now what to offer Neptune? Neptune, having created the first horse, is the God of horses. Unfortunately, that led to a traditional sacrifice that had people drowning horses as an appeasement to him. Hmmm. Well, have no fear, for this sacrifice bears the “No animals were harmed during this production” proclamation. Thankfully, another traditional offering to Neptune is the votive offering so perhaps I can still please him. I go back to the forge, this time creating a small statue of a horse, the most magnificent specimen of a horse that I could possibly create. Something about this impending voyage has me on a sort of “hidden beneath” theme so of course there is a secret compartment in the statue (no it’s not a Trojan horse filled with soldiers!) with something very special for Neptune’s eyes only as well.
I have placed these items on my altar, anointing them with waters of the world and sacred oil, lighting candles and burning incense in honour of both Gods. On the day we are to embark on our voyage, I will stand on the deck of the SS Vulcania and throw these special gifts to the Gods overboard into the Lemurian waters.
cydlee61
December 29, 2008 at 7:18 am
I’m sitting here on the floor in the middle of my living room trying to decide what I need to take with me for my upcoming year long cruise aboard the Vulcania. My laptop, of course, is a must, as are extra copies of blank journals and a selection of pens and pencils and paints. Some reading material, too, is a must…I’m hoping to have time to do some studying and learn some new creative skills.
***************************************************
Well, here I am, on board to scout out my cabin…home for the next year. My cabin is just about as perfect as perfect can be, small, but more than adequate for my needs. The small computer desk is just big enough to hold my laptop, a small photo printer, and my Wacom. I brought a lap tray from home for use when filling out my journal, or for when I’m drawing or painting.
The bed with its colorful quilt looks so inviting. The design; huge tropical leaves with sunlight and shadows, will allow me to sleep soundly after busy days sightseeing and creating. I stretch out to test the comfort and I’m tempted to stay and take a nap. That though will have to wait until we’re all on board proper. I can step from my cabin onto my own small veranda…great for working outdoors without interruption, or at night, when I want to sit and watch the moonlight reflecting on the water. I shall, I think, leave the sliding glass door open all night…it’ll be like sleeping under the stars. These accommodations plus being on board with so many talented and artistic friends is going to be the experience of a lifetime.
Last but not least, I’m offering to Vulcan, a cluster of crystals from deep within the earth…crystals that represent not only the beauty that is obvious, but good fortune as well.
Vi
woodnymph
December 29, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Into the fire I offer up a handful of earth from my home, may I remember to tread gently……a combination of herbs to ease our passage…..a handful of threads which tie to the past and are in need of discarding/transforming…….
much good homemade soup and bread for fellow travellers……and, of course, many bottles of home-brewed wines that will blow your head off!
Please, help yourselves………enjoy
Jill
December 29, 2008 at 6:53 pm
As a gift to Vulcan, plus insurance against diseases and plague, I offer jalapeno peppers, hot Italian sausages and hot ginger tea. Can you tell I just got over being sick?
I’ll also bring a huge woven basket of tart and juicy apples to share with you all. I guarantee they will ward off sea sickness. Just a bite settles the stomach and takes away that salty sea taste.
porchsitter
December 29, 2008 at 10:18 pm
My offering to Vulcan is much ash wood, which is plentiful and messy in my back yard right now.
Home-brewed wine, Jill? Come sit by me!!!
jodhiay
December 29, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I’d offer up some Tequila too, but you know…sometimes you just have to take your chances.
Anita Marie
December 30, 2008 at 2:29 am
I’ll throw in some fiery red Jaffas, in honour of the previous safe journey through Rainbow Beach last year!
Welcome to all the new comers, travel safely and well you all!
imogen88
December 30, 2008 at 6:31 am
Oh Yeah- the Beach- wow offerings from the Beach Days? ’scuse me, I have to fetch a few things….
Anita Marie
December 30, 2008 at 1:29 pm
No! Not the Green Stuff……..
Lori
December 30, 2008 at 4:49 pm
HA!
Like I’d share that after the Rice Pudding Incident.
I was thinking Duct Tape.
Actually.
Anita Marie
December 31, 2008 at 1:48 am
That wasn’t my fault. That was Cle’s doing. BTW, is she joining us on this adventure? She must!
Lori
December 31, 2008 at 2:39 am
Joining the crew and passengers of the SS Vulcania will be another journey to undertake for me and I am looking foward to the trip…
I notice many are bringing so much it is hard to know what I can contribute ….
Would it be appropriate to post some photos( with the help of expert friends of computers) of the large ships coming into Port Melbourne in the next weeks with wonderful names for cruise ships like
The Celebrity Millennium
Silver Whisper
Volendam
Rhaposody of the Seas
Silver Whisper
Nautica
Seven Seas Marinar
Amsterdam ……
Please let the Captain know of my request if you are whistling her on board….
Regards Lois ( Muse of the Sea) 1…1…2009
lois
December 31, 2008 at 10:28 pm
My offering,
a gift of words from John O’Donohue,
“Let us praise the grace and risk of Fire.
…
In the name of the Fire,
The Flame
And the light:
Praise the pure presence of fire
That burns from within
Without thought of time.
…
As fire cleanses dross,
May the flame of passion
Burn away what is false.
As short as the time
From spark to flame,
So brief may the distance be
Between heart and being.
…
excerpts from “In Praise of Fire”,
in “To Bless the Space Between Us”
by John O’Donohue
Also offered is a blessing for travel by John O’Donohue, posted at:
http://lemurianjourneys2.wordpress.com
cheshire7
January 2, 2009 at 12:10 am
Ships come
Ships go
Ships dock
Ships unload
We see in the bay the largest of those in the world
We never see their crew of men and women
They are mostly from foreign lands
They disembark to be picked up by a bus from
the Seaman’s Mission.
Only 2 kilometres away but no public transport on the docks
Security reigns
Guards carry guns,have large German Sheppard dogs on leads with muzzles.
******
The crew meets in one of the oldest buildings in the City of Melbourne ” The Seaman’s Mission” or the “Wayfarer’s Chapel” as it is known by some
******
Staffed by a Minister of religion he tends to the needs of his flock ,whether spiritual or perhaps their needs. a quiet one on one chat in broken English
He changes their currency, helps them send letters, and money to family in need of the wages they earn,.
provides a meal,he has internet connections and phones to enable them to phone home to far distant family.
*******
This is no ordinary Church this is the Church of Seafarers
I suppose there is one in every city of the world
Having never travelled outside Australia my knowledge is wanting
I have visited this mission on many occasions
for meetings of Historical Maritime Societies who meet there
I love this old building, built well before the turn of the Century a design of Mexican Architecture
The stained glass windows in the Church are of (Naturally)of shipping mostly the sailing vessels of old
Quite beautiful when the light of the large city skyscrapers or the sun shines in..
Not a large church but simple enough for any creed or belief to worship or sit in quietly after a 24×7 journey on the vast seas from afar…
******
The Minister and his family live above the old sandstone and roughcast building ( Heritage is a must, which it does have) as it sits on prime land abuting the River Yarra
******
Some crew visit the city of Melbourne briefly as their time is limited
For…as they are away from the ship it is being re loaded with freight, bulk cargo for shipment
The ships return lighter as we do not export as much as comes in to the docks.
Minimum in comparison ratio perhaps 20% out to 80% coming in.
******
The docks work 7 days a week 24 hours a day
I hear the noise of the large bulk metal containers as they are loaded and unloaded ( depending on the breeze) but I can see the lights as the massive cranes move up and down the wharf to load and unload their cargo.
******
The bay is being deepened in the channel to bring in larger and larger ships
An issue of much debate and protest
The large dredges come from the Netherlands
This deepening will take 2 years of 7 days a week
The bay sand will be taken and cleaned for use along the shores
Full of chemical spills and mishaps it contains
a multitude of now banned chemicals
******
So MY Bay as I like to think of it.
Has much to offer
A profitable shipping industry
A place to swim and relax
A salt water sports area of great use.
A shoreline as pretty as anywhere in this wide land
A working bay for many a place of leisure for others and a desirable place to have a house or apartment on.
******
It is MY LEMURIA
Where ancestors have placed their feet.
toiled and shaped that which is my heritage
Perhaps my contribution can be a story from time to time
to be told on the deck of the SS Vulcania at night as we sit and drink with all I hear is coming abroad
as she sails the world seas with her crew of
Women ( or so I am told)…
The 12th of January 2009 can’t come quick enough
my hearties…
THE END
Lois (Muse of the Sea) 4.1.2009
.
lois (aka Druscilla)
January 4, 2009 at 12:15 am
I offer you one wish, since I can grant wishes filled with Rainbow Magic and Phoenix Fire.
fairyrainbow
January 6, 2009 at 10:47 am
Oh, and to Cydlee61, that rare stone was actually forged by my brother, a Prince in the Faerie Kingdom of Valinor…
fairyrainbow
January 6, 2009 at 10:49 am
Ah yes, well, I did actually offer the God Vulcan the entire contents of a bottle of very expensive firewater, and promised never to get drunk again. And then we set sail…wonder if he gets mad at broken promises – or will the firewater take his mind of it?
gailkav
January 6, 2009 at 1:51 pm
To Vulcan I offer a most useful gift – a rubber patch kit for the life raft, just in case we have to use it before journey’s end…
kvwordsmith
January 8, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I offer a swirl of floating petals.
quietcabin
January 11, 2009 at 12:47 pm
From the Temple Freya, we wish blessings on all. While still on Temple People we made sure to offer songs to the Great Sea for safe passage for all of us journeying aboard the SS Vulcania.
It was comforting to see the Spirit of the Whale in the cards that Gypsy read for us and to know that the Spirit of the Whale will traveling with us on this Journey.
To Vulcan, we offer a wreath of wormwood and a cup of absinthe. Praying for both protection and great vision and inspiration.
sistergemma
January 12, 2009 at 10:24 pm
To Vulcan, I offer all that I have shed in order to board the ship…the darkness of those will ill intent, the heaviness of my heart and body, the sadness of the past, the suffering. I leave all fears and negative thoughts.
I take with onboard all that is positive happy,fun, beautiful, loving, colorful, hopes, dreams, etc. And, of course, my sea legs, my ocean going father’s spirit, my traveling companion, Ms. GiGi, good grog, special treats, and my special bag of healing tools.
sallyknor
January 15, 2009 at 7:32 am
My offering to Vulcan (and anyone else who may be in need) is my low-tech, tiny carbon footprint, heating device (hot water bottle) which I brought to keep me warm on deck whilst I stargaze at night. Also good for tummyache, earache and headache. I’m sure Vulcan will not mind sharing.
scribblenpaint
January 23, 2009 at 1:49 pm
My late offering a gift of love for all on deck. Fran
Fran
January 28, 2009 at 5:43 am
When i came to, I found myself clinging onto life boat in chilly waters.
In panic I looked around and saw before me the huge ship SSVulcania.
Was it a mirage? Or could iI paddle towards it and maybe climb aboard?
Steady as she blows!
January 28, 2009 at 11:09 pm
My offerings are some coconut milk of course for facials cooking, or anything else people might wish for, and the click, chirp and bark of gecko to sing to us all- I also offer a dreaming of the places i live in both imaginatively and in the “reality of life”, does life write us or do we write life, or do we write possibility?
pearlz
January 28, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I am a later addition, but I come bearing gifts of spices and foods. Tonight I have prepared, in homage to Vulcan, my infamous Black Maple Chili, a joyous combination of sweet and hot, dark and sumptuous… if there are leftovers, help yourself.
John
writingaway
February 3, 2009 at 2:10 am
I offer to Vulcan a bar of dark chocolate made with red chili pepper and the perfect cup of coffee brewed from beans grown on White Owl Island and roasted to the color of the Owl’s eyes.
ditacaffeinated
February 10, 2009 at 10:15 pm