SS Vulcania

Cruising the Seven Lemurian Seas

Archive for the ‘Embarking’ Category

12th Night Maiden Voyage Embarks

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It is the Twelfth Night and a large crowd of spectators, photographers and journalists, looking to catch a glimpse of passengers as they board, have gathered on the esplanade and pier to farewell the SS Vulcania as she heads off on her maiden, TransLemurian voyage. A flotilla of small boats surrounds her as sails out of the cove, beyond the Murmuring Woods. On board excited passengers, who are embarking on the journey of a lifetime, stand on the decks bidding farewell to loved ones. The Vulcania will sail all through 2009, stopping at ports and picking up more passengers as she sails into more unknown parts of Lemuria. The sense of adventure has built as the boat prepared to embark and now, as all reports, many of which can be found in the comment section, indicate, it has reached fever pitch. Few will forget where they were on the night when the SS Vulcania sailed.

At midnight all the passengers are gathering on E deck, le Enchanteur’s private deck, for a fire work spectacular.

Everyone will watch, mesmerized and enchanted, as guests begin to present to Enchanteur, each taking a moment in the spotlight to share something old, something new, something borrowed, something they pulled out of the hat, as a part of the celebrations to mark the launching of the SS Vulcania’s.

To add to the excitement hundreds of dolphins danced and stampeded, providing a show for E and all the passengers on board the ship.

sourced by Lori Gloyd

  1. Oooo! Oooo! I love the horn! Isn’t that a great sound. Admiral E, can I blow the horn, pleeeeze???? I wanna blow the horn….Sorry, got a little carried away…..

    )

    by Lori January 5, 2009 at 10:36 pm edit comment

  2. I love fireworks! But I didn’t know it was Vulcania’s maiden voyage…hmmmm…. by Gail January 5, 2009 at 10:52 pm edit comment
  3. Yes Lori -) You may blow the horn and have a horn battle with any neighboring boats. by Heather Blakey January 5, 2009 at 11:40 pm edit comment
  4. Lori you poor girl……” A wish waiting to be filled”
    Come visit me in Port Melbourne, sleep in the front upstairs
    guest room and listen ” EVERY NIGHT” 7 days a week to the HORN….
    This signals the ship to Tasmania across Port Phillip Bay is leaving Station Pier and through the channel at night time arriving early morning in Devonport Tasmania ….another very different place. A state of Australia no doubt, but very little changed
    from the past 100 years in its architecture of the older suburbs which are easily accessed..

    Come stay and listen to to that horn not only of the Tassie boat as we call HER…but the large Liners coming in each day until March ‘09 from lands I never seen …

    Don’t fret just knock on the front door and come in
    you are most welcome….I can’t guarantee you can blow the horn but you can listen and see those big ships ( Not as romantic as SS VULCANIA) buy very very large ships ( passengers may not be of the Rookery Variety but you still could kick up a storm,
    with resitations ,grand stories and the like.
    Hoping this settles you down a mite
    Lois ( Muse of the Sea ) 6.1.09

    by lois (aka Druscilla) January 5, 2009 at 11:41 pm edit comment

  5. Hello all! I am on board and getting my cabin organized. Welcome one and all, I am sure we will be sharing amazing adventures! by FairyRainbow January 5, 2009 at 11:48 pm edit comment
  6. Heck I was so busy feeling sorry for Lori and the ships horn I nearly forgot to ask….DO WE HAVE CABIN NUMBERS …

    Could some kind crew member or the Captain let me know.

    Lois ( Muse of the Sea) 6.1.09

    by lois (aka Druscilla) January 6, 2009 at 12:46 am edit comment

  7. Okay, I won’t blow the horn at some ghastly hour of the morning or the day after some wild party. by Lori January 6, 2009 at 12:55 am edit comment
  8. How exciting as we embark on our journey. The sea air is so invigorating and warm. A perfect night. by sylviak37 January 6, 2009 at 1:19 am edit comment
  9. I am in my cabin, just one lonely fairy with my wings tucked under my spiderweb cape…will the man of my heart be worth this journey? by fairyrainbow January 6, 2009 at 1:49 am edit comment
  10. If you want some warm nectar from the Flowers of Radiance City, visit me in my cabin at fairyrainbow.wordpress.com… by fairyrainbow January 6, 2009 at 1:50 am edit comment
  11. Made It!
    http://deadwood09.wordpress.com/2009/01/06/day-5/

    by Anita Marie January 6, 2009 at 3:10 am edit comment

  12. Just curious, how is this ship powered? It’s not nuclear or anything, is it? (I know a guy who served on a nuclear sub and had some frightening stories to tell…) I hope it’s powered by a green energy source – I hear they’re making oil out of kudzu (an American creeping vine/weed) – or maybe it’s powered by all the panting over some celebs in certain cabins…This ship is powered by mysterious rocket fuel sourced from a remote part of Lemuria
    E.

    by Kezza January 6, 2009 at 3:25 am edit comment

  13. I’m slightly out of breath, but here and being swept away by all the festivities and grandeur.http://rememberthewonder.wordpress.com/

    by jafeyrer January 6, 2009 at 5:15 am edit comment

  14. Wow! That horn is something…sent goose bumps from my head to my toes, it did. I remember when, and now this is another journey of discovery. Toot that horn, Lori, I’m raring to go.Vi

    by woodnymph January 6, 2009 at 3:02 pm edit comment

  15. I was slumbering…thank goodness for the horn else I would have missed the spectacle of our leaving. I see there are already several playful companions aboard!
    Morgaine

    by Jill January 6, 2009 at 5:43 pm edit comment

  16. Oh, yes the horn! Once you hear that sound and feel the vibration of the ship’s engines under your feet you will never forget it! It gets in your blood! The tugs will signal us good-bye as we pull away from them and begin our journey! Bon voyage to the all of us on the Vulcania they will toot. by porchsitter January 6, 2009 at 6:15 pm edit comment
  17. I love fireworks. And ships’ horns. by shewolfy728 January 6, 2009 at 6:20 pm edit comment

Written by Heather Blakey

January 9, 2009 at 1:49 am

Offerings To Vulcania

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Sailing day on the Vulcania could prove bit hectic and exciting. Anticipation will be in the air as passengers board, 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 well-appointed ship is essential to any Translememurian cruise voyage. With a little preparation and planning, you can make the most out of your Translemurian adventure. On the Vulcania, there is space for everyone and for all kinds of entertainment. One of the greatest pleasures on a ship this size, each guest can carve their ideal cruise for themselves, inside a spellbinding and romantic world. Facilities include 3 swimming pools, show lounge, theatres, casino, a huge shopping mall, jogging track and a variety of restaurants offering a culinary extravaganza.

With all those hours at sea, you will have all the time to do whatever it is that you please. If you’re a dreamer you 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 you will do when you disembark and enter new and different Lemurian ports. If you like using your free time to get in shape and treat your body, you 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.

To get a feel for what this world is like check out Cruising the Past.

Before departing from the dock in the Lemurian Cove, beyond the Murmuring Woods, passengers will need to be checked in and allocated cabins. Prior to departure passengers will be 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.

  1. 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. by senua December 27, 2008 at 5:43 am edit comment
  2. 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! by Alexis December 27, 2008 at 10:28 am edit comment
  3. How cool, Heather! by imogen88 December 27, 2008 at 11:18 am edit comment
  4. 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. by darylpellizzer December 27, 2008 at 2:17 pm edit comment
  5. Now this will be my kind of cruise. Bon Voyage to all of us. by woodnymph December 27, 2008 at 3:15 pm edit comment
  6. I like fire
    -)

    by Anita Marie December 27, 2008 at 5:14 pm edit comment

  7. 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. by Sylvia Kleindinst December 27, 2008 at 6:13 pm edit comment
  8. 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.

    by rosylee December 28, 2008 at 9:58 am edit comment

  9. 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…… by Lori December 28, 2008 at 12:58 pm edit comment
  10. 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.

    by thalia December 28, 2008 at 2:02 pm edit comment

  11. My Offering?
    Nachos.
    Trust me on this.
    It’s a good one.

    by Anita Marie December 28, 2008 at 5:26 pm edit comment

  12. Would crepes with a sauce of crab meat, mayonaise laced with sweet chille suit early risers? by cronelogical December 29, 2008 at 12:34 am edit comment
  13. 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.

    by shelbloom December 29, 2008 at 1:28 am edit comment

  14. You may want to consider adding some Guacomole Dip along with the trust shelbloom, by Anita Marie December 29, 2008 at 3:54 am edit comment
  15. 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 journeyplease except my offering and give us safe passage

    by carolyn December 29, 2008 at 4:17 am edit comment

  16. look, i know they’re trendy, but i really really like them, so i’m throwing in some mojitos. by senua December 29, 2008 at 5:03 am edit comment
  17. I will bring the bean dip. by Lori December 29, 2008 at 5:32 am edit comment
  18. All these savoury dishes.I’ll bring the Lindt choccies. Might as well scoff before the seasickness kicks in ;) by rosylee December 29, 2008 at 6:07 am edit comment
  19. Ooooooo, let’s not forget the Midnight Buffet. Yummm-o! by Lori December 29, 2008 at 6:22 am edit comment
  20. 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.

    by gwenguin1 December 29, 2008 at 7:08 am edit comment

  21. 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.

    by cydlee61 December 29, 2008 at 7:18 am edit comment

  22. 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

    by woodnymph December 29, 2008 at 4:51 pm edit comment

  23. 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 )

    by Jill December 29, 2008 at 6:53 pm edit comment

  24. 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. by porchsitter December 29, 2008 at 10:18 pm edit comment
  25. 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!!! by jodhiay December 29, 2008 at 11:04 pm edit comment
  26. I’d offer up some Tequila too, but you know…sometimes you just have to take your chances. by Anita Marie December 30, 2008 at 2:29 am edit comment
  27. 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! by imogen88 December 30, 2008 at 6:31 am edit comment
  28. Oh Yeah- the Beach- wow offerings from the Beach Days? ’scuse me, I have to fetch a few things…. by Anita Marie December 30, 2008 at 1:29 pm edit comment
  29. No! Not the Green Stuff…….. by Lori December 30, 2008 at 4:49 pm edit comment
  30. HA!
    Like I’d share that after the Rice Pudding Incident.
    I was thinking Duct Tape.
    Actually.

    by Anita Marie December 31, 2008 at 1:48 am edit comment

  31. That wasn’t my fault. That was Cle’s doing. BTW, is she joining us on this adventure? She must! by Lori December 31, 2008 at 2:39 am edit comment
  32. 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

    by lois December 31, 2008 at 10:28 pm edit comment

  33. 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

    by cheshire7 January 2, 2009 at 12:10 am edit comment

  34. 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

    .

    by lois (aka Druscilla) January 4, 2009 at 12:15 am edit comment

  35. I offer you one wish, since I can grant wishes filled with Rainbow Magic and Phoenix Fire. by fairyrainbow January 6, 2009 at 10:47 am edit comment
  36. Oh, and to Cydlee61, that rare stone was actually forged by my brother, a Prince in the Faerie Kingdom of Valinor… by fairyrainbow January 6, 2009 at 10:49 am edit comment
  37. 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? by gailkav January 6, 2009 at 1:51 pm edit comment
  38. 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… by kvwordsmith January 8, 2009 at 6:15 pm edit comment
  39. I offer a swirl of floating petals. by quietcabin January 11, 2009 at 12:47 pm edit comment
  40. My gift to Vulcan…TRIBUTE TO A PYROMANIAC

    Oh Roman god, of noble birth
    (But we all know what that was worth
    When dear old Mom, that mean old queen,
    First saw your face, she made a scene,
    And threw you out like rotten meat
    And on that Mount you took a seat
    Then all day long you fell and fell –
    I hear your leg is still not well!)

    But pardon me, I do digress;
    Your finer points I must address
    You’ve led a fairly happy life
    You played with pearls; you met your wife
    But I won’t say how that occurred,
    On that affair, you have my word!

    Just bless this ship and make her strong
    Just keep her sailing all day long
    (But since she’s built, her iron’s wrought,
    This wish is more an afterthought.)
    And keep her safe from harmful fire,
    And tell us how to shun your ire.
    We’ll even make a sacrifice
    (Though passengers will not suffice).
    Oh Roman god of noble birth
    Please guard us while we sail the earth!

    by celticsea January 13, 2009 at 1:48 am edit comment

  41. I’d like to offer up the first snow drops that I discovered pushing their way through the snow and ice. They come as a symbol of hope.
    (In my case I am hiding a rather large bottle of home brewed putcheen, real Irish ”uisce beatha”, water of life!!! So AM where are you hiding out???)

    by soulsister January 13, 2009 at 9:25 pm edit comment

  42. My offering the lovely bloom of green poplar blossoms rising into the spring sun. by cronelogical January 14, 2009 at 12:36 am edit comment
  43. For Vulcania I give you http://www.luxotica.com/ There are enough fire toys here to keep you amused for hours. Enjoy -) by Heather Blakey January 17, 2009 at 11:50 am edit comment

Written by Heather Blakey

January 6, 2009 at 12:56 am