Oh where oh where did my kitty go..GOTTA SEE THIS ONE
Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 10 Jun 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.
| cjtarot |
10 Jun 2004 |
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Hi,
I just read a verry upsetting thread by baba-prague. People deserve to be treated with respect and obviously there are those out there that just don't get that little rule.
.BUT..when they creat a deck like the Barque Bohemian Cat Tarot..THEY DESERVE PRAISE AND MORE PRAISE...
http://www.bohemian-cats.com/
I'm not a big fan of cutsy decks, so when I heard cat, I just peaked to see what Baba was up to...BOY WAS I SURPISED. I find this deck very interesting and filled with symbolism that I connect with.
It is my hope to sell enough bags, cloths and what ever else I can find or make to afford the full book and deck set (and shipping to the USA).
Baba-Prague..THANK YOU.. and you and yours will be in my prayers and thoughts (Good ones only)..
Bright Blessings Always
CJ
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| SilverWing |
10 Jun 2004 |
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Wow, Thanks for posting the link. Those are absolutely beautiful.
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| mercenary30 |
10 Jun 2004 |
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This was your 1000th POST!!!
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| cjtarot |
10 Jun 2004 |
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"This was your 1000th POST!!!"
Is fate trying to tell me something or WHAT..hehe..so now I HAVE TO GET THE DECK..lol
Blessings,
CJ
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| dolphinprincess |
10 Jun 2004 |
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cjtarot - you said it perfect!
beautiful cards!!
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| hedgecub |
10 Jun 2004 |
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I have the packet of 6 Baroque Bohemian Cats postcards, each one a large format print of one card from the deck, and they are absolutely gorgeous! The artwork is very detailed and extremely lifelike; you can practically hear the cats mewing, purring, and growling grumpily :) Some cards make me seriously wonder if there isn't a hidden city of baroque architecture and bipedal cats somewhere, and that Karen and Alex snuck into it and convinced the cats to pose for some photographs :D
I can't wait for the deck to come out, and anyone who enjoys animal decks would be a bit mad not to get it, especially as there's a special pre-order price :)
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| Summerdream |
10 Jun 2004 |
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I have the deck on preorder and can't wait to get it in my hands. The kitties all look so adorable.
Summerdream:)
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| HudsonGray |
10 Jun 2004 |
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I agree, I've got several on order also & can't wait to get it. The art stands on it's own, nothing to complain about! The quality is visible & consistent. There's a ton and a half of work put into the images.
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| Kiama |
10 Jun 2004 |
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Another wonderful deck from Karen and Alex. Absolutely gorgeous... I am particularly in love with those borders and the costumes.
This is one I will be getting when it comes out. Oooh... July's my 20th birthday. *Grins*
Kiama
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| sunflowr |
10 Jun 2004 |
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Is this a full set of 78 or majors-only? Anyway, what a great deck! :) I'm all about cats, having a menagerie at home! ;) I may as well use tarot with cats in them too! ;)
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| Shadow Wolf |
20 Jun 2004 |
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These are too cute !!!
I'd buy them, are they out yet ???
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| tao51 |
20 Jun 2004 |
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They have such intricate details! I am really impressed!--Tao
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| WolfSpirit |
21 Jun 2004 |
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Originally posted by Shadow Wolf
I'd buy them, are they out yet ???
Nope, but you can pre-order and then wait impatiently ;)
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| baba-prague |
21 Jun 2004 |
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Sorry for the delayed reply. I am only on and off the forum right now - mostly spending time finishing everything off.
The Baroque Bohemian Cats' Tarot IS a full 78-card deck. All the cards are fully-illustrated in the RWS style. It follows RWS fairly closely (i.e. it should be a good reading deck) and it is currently at the printers - well the first two sheets are anyway (they are doing one sheet of twenty at a time to try to speed things up a bit for us).
sneak preview (those who follow my journal have seen it) of Knight of Wands is here:
http://www.bohemian-cats.com/examples/c_kn_wnds_small.gif
The deck is very detailed - we are not just saying that it's taken two people working far more than full-time for a year - it really has! But that might just be us - we tend to do several sketches for each card before going with one. Here is a close-up.
http://www.bohemian-cats.com/examples/c_kn_wnds_closeup.gif
Not very long to wait now - we are almost at the point of counting the days (but not quite, not quite). :-)
_________
edited to add - VERY excited. Just as I was typing this, Alex bounced in with the THIRD set of proofs from the printer. The first last week were much too washed-out, and the second were very dark and lost detail. So we stopped the printing and redid all the films (stage before the printing). The third proofs are just right (I sound like Goldilocks!) - honestly they are great - bright colour and all the detail is there. BIG SMILE. It's things like this that put the timing back a bit - but it's SO worth it to get it right.
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| purplelady |
21 Jun 2004 |
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Those may just be too adorable to resist! :laugh: .
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| Astra |
22 Jun 2004 |
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The Knight of Wands - what an incredible card! Is the background actually a small shrub, or did you find the tapestry of all tapestries?
Um, one minor point - I don't suppose there's any way you can put the girth on the horse where it belongs behind the front legs? About my fourth thought in looking at the card was oh, how uncomfortable!
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| baba-prague |
22 Jun 2004 |
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Hi Astra,
The little tree is a real one. We went out a few weeks ago to photograph the spring blossom. This, and the dandelion heads, represent the "beautiful but ephemeral" aspects of this knight.
I know the horse's bridle and saddle are not right (the guy who now works with us was brought up on a farm and pointed this out too) but really, it's fantasy more than reality and I think we'll leave it - I hope that's okay.
I've also been asked about scale - would a cat look so large on a horse? - but in fact oddly enough the statues of horses that we've used are really quite small in real life - almost exactly to scale. So think of them as statues more than real horses (we've tried to keep them a little unreal looking).
Print pressure right now - SO much to do. But the latest sheet this morning also looks great so we really are getting there.
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| Astra |
22 Jun 2004 |
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You "hope that's okay"? Aw, c'mon, Karen. It's an absolutely totally gorgeous card, even with that minor detail. Of course. I've been dithering about getting the deck (one more expense, though I love it), but I may get it just for this card. And should you ever decide to do a 6x12 print, or larger, of this one, count me in for a copy.
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| jema |
22 Jun 2004 |
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I must confess to being partial to this deck since it features one of my cats on one of the cards:-)
(you can see her by reading karens journal)
But that knight, is he not the most beautiful knight you ever seen?
And I think that with all the de-tails included in the cards this may be a deck with fluff but by no means a fluffy deck;-)
It looks like a deck you can actually use in reading and not just sit and admire for the stunning artwork.
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| HudsonGray |
22 Jun 2004 |
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The little lady so blends into the background at first that when you DO notice her, you see her hero worship eyes all the more.
(I've seen too much Buffy! The Knight seems to have pulled off a chair spindle & is going Vampire hunting!).
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| hedgecub |
22 Jun 2004 |
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Karen, you've got me all excited and it's 04:00 too! I'll blame you if I can't sleep tonight ;)
I really am excited to hear that the printing is going well :D I'm definitely looking forward to the deck and I'm really, REALLY, hoping that you can print a limited edition because I'd absolutely adore seeing the kitties in gold foil!
Your work is just breathtaking :) If I ever visit Prague in the future, I don't suppose you'd mind me dropping by the studio? *wants to admire in person, or indeed in cub* ^_^
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| Livia |
23 Jun 2004 |
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I think I just found my christmas present to my mother-in-law. This will be great, she is hard to shop for, she doesn't read tarot, but she appreciates cats, and art. She even collects children's books for the illustrations.
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| tao51 |
23 Jun 2004 |
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is not into Tarot the whimsical pictures are totally captivating. This would make a great gift for a catlover.--Tao
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| tao51 |
25 Jun 2004 |
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I find the warmth and delicate features so charming.--Tao
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| .:C:. |
25 Jun 2004 |
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i LOVE these cards...cannot wait to get them!!!
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| HudsonGray |
25 Jun 2004 |
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From the look in his eyes, this Romeo has one heck of a lot of notches on his belt (conquests). He's no newcomer!
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| Alta |
25 Jun 2004 |
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Is that really one blue eye and one golden eye?
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| sunflowr |
25 Jun 2004 |
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Oh wow, I just have to have this deck! It's love at first sight! :) When is this due out? And will it be available at places like Borders and Barnes and Noble? I hope so! I can't order online so will be nice to walk into a store and there it is.
I have a menagerie of cats at home and they will be my models for some of my upcoming greeting cards. So yes.. I can REALLY relate to this deck and it will be my main reading deck. :)
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| sunflowr |
26 Jun 2004 |
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After looking at the scans for all the different cards, I KNOW I need this deck! ;) It's wonderful! I had another (unreleased) deck I was going to get but I think this kitty one wins out! :) I'm really particular about decks. But I LOVE this one. :) And, as I've said, I can totally relate to this, since I have a house full of cats myself! ;)
Please Borders or Barnes and Noble or Bodhi Tree... please carry it! Sooon! ;)
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| baba-prague |
26 Jun 2004 |
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Originally posted by Marion
Is that really one blue eye and one golden eye?
Yes, and it's real - this cat does have mismatched eyes in real life. He lives with an artist I "met" on my blog. She says he is almost totally deaf - something that can happen in white cats with blue, or one blue, eyes. But he lives indoors so I don't think is too handicapped. Beautiful isn't he?
By the way, I won't say more for now, but there is one AT cat in the deck :-)
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| baba-prague |
26 Jun 2004 |
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Originally posted by sunflowr
Oh wow, I just have to have this deck! It's love at first sight! :) When is this due out? And will it be available at places like Borders and Barnes and Noble? I hope so!
Well, in fact we (I mean our US distributors - who are also in LA) are talking to Barnes and Noble. If you want to see it there please, please tell them, they are currently deciding if they will stock it. It would be great if they do.
We are beyond excited right now - but trying to stay very calm and focused to get through all the print process!
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| sunflowr |
26 Jun 2004 |
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is there any central location I can call or email Barnes and Noble? Or should I just call my local one? Also, I go to a large metaphysical bookstore in L.A called "The Bodhi Tree", and they carry ALL different kinds of decks. I've seen decks there I have never seen anywhere else. I bet they would be interested in carrying yours. :) Here is their contact info:
Bodhi Tree Bookstore
8585 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069-5199
bus#: 1(310)-659-1733
fax#: 1(310)-659-0178
e-mail: bodhitree@bodhitree.com
website: www.bodhitree.com
if you live outside area codes:
310, 213, 818
please use 1-800-825-9798
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| sunflowr |
26 Jun 2004 |
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Originally posted by baba-prague
By the way, I won't say more for now, but there is one AT cat in the deck :-)
I wish I had known about this.. I have a team of kitties all clammoring to be on a tarot deck! ;) I have a cat for every card! ;) Well no, that would be 78 cats! haha!
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| baba-prague |
26 Jun 2004 |
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We very nearly put up a "beautiful cats wanted" notice here some months ago (which of course would include ALL cats) but then decided it might be too much to try to sort it all out. In the end we used one AT cat as the owner (or do I mean "owned human"?) is a terrific photographer - and the cat was perfect for one card.
But - who knows, there may be some opportunity in the future? I would have loved to have included more cats from AT.
Our cats are all in - but one of them (Lotte, our Siberian) is used quite a few times (sometimes just her ears from behind!) as she is SUCH an easy cat to photograph - she is quite happy to pose as long as she is getting attention and affection.
Anyway, all this work has been done under the careful supervision of cats :-) - our running joke is that they directed the whole thing telepathically.
_______
Oh - edited to say I just saw your earlier post. I think maybe if you just go to the local Barnes and Noble and ask them to pass it on that might at least help to convince them that there is an interest (I really think they would do well if they stocked this - but I would say that!) Also, I will right away send the Bodhi Tree details to the distributors and ask them to get in touch - they are only up the road really so it would be ever so easy to supply. Thanks - this is all very much appreciated!
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| sunflowr |
26 Jun 2004 |
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great! :) Let me know, so that I can go and GET it! :) Or at least to put in an order. Can't wait! (as you can tell. :) )
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| WolfSpirit |
26 Jun 2004 |
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This deck makes me look at cats in a different way...wonder what they would look like with clothes on ;)
Especially a stray that is roaming around in the area, he has a very haughty expression in his face. I can just see him posing for a card !
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| sunflowr |
26 Jun 2004 |
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Originally posted by WolfSpirit
This deck makes me look at cats in a different way...wonder what they would look like with clothes on ;)
Especially a stray that is roaming around in the area, he has a very haughty expression in his face. I can just see him posing for a card !
I had been thinking of my kitty Luna most of all. She is haughty and knows she is pretty. ;) But she wanted me to post this pic. ;)
http://www.sunflowr.net/lunapic.jpg
and then I had fun with Luna, in Photoshop:
http://www.sunflowr.net/lunakittywallpaper.jpg
she's kinda weird-looking there.. haha! Which was the intention. To make it look dark and oil-painting looking. And with big big eyes!
So yea, I love cat art and this deck is very much anticipated. :) Many hours of joy will be spent in using it.
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| sunflowr |
26 Jun 2004 |
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Originally posted by baba-prague
He lives with an artist I "met" on my blog.
I too am on Live Journal. My user name is "sunflowr". I'll add you as friend. :)
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| baba-prague |
26 Jun 2004 |
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Oh - she's a beauty. Blue and cream? We have a blue and cream cat in the Three of Swords (sad card, but it has a sweetness too). We are only tweaking really this weekend as the last batch of 20 goes to the printer on Monday - the rest are actually printed and just waiting to be cut.
http://www.bohemian-cats.com/examples/c_3swrd_closeup.gif
Your "Photoshopped" picture looks very European somehow - sort of 1920s, that rather emotive expressionist work. It's got a lot of atmosphere.
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| Little Baron |
26 Jun 2004 |
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Congratulations Baba. This deck is beautiful. If I can get some pennies together, I would love to get hold of it. I think you need a well deserved rest.
Best wishes. I can see this deck being very well recieved. I am very excited for you.
Yaboot
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| Little Baron |
26 Jun 2004 |
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I absolutely love the '8 of Pentacles' card.
Y
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| Kittaine |
26 Jun 2004 |
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OH MY! This deck is BEE-YOU-TI-FULL! I adore cats! I even named myself after them! Haha! This has to be one of the loveliest decks I've seen! If ONLY there was a human version of it! What do you guys think?
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| tao51 |
01 Jul 2004 |
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This is a wonderful deck even if you do not care for cats.--Tao
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| baba-prague |
02 Jul 2004 |
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Originally posted by Kittaine
OH MY! This deck is BEE-YOU-TI-FULL! I adore cats! I even named myself after them! Haha! This has to be one of the loveliest decks I've seen! If ONLY there was a human version of it! What do you guys think?
Our guys (two tabbies and a Siberian) would never agree to a human version of this :-)
The whole deck has been done under careful cat supervision. They can't understand why anyone would want PEOPLE in a deck - how odd! LOL
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| WolfSpirit |
02 Jul 2004 |
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Originally posted by Yaboot001
I absolutely love the '8 of Pentacles' card.
I agree, reminds me of those cosy small shops selling wooden puppets in Prague. I had to stop myself from buying a wooden dragon, it was just so gorgeous.
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| sunflowr |
02 Jul 2004 |
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I am really looking forward to this deck's release! Aprox when might it be available at a bookstore or to order within the U.S?? I just adore this deck and am waiting for it to be my main reading deck. :)
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| baba-prague |
03 Jul 2004 |
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Weellll...
If we have sets in two or three weeks from now (there is, of course a large national holiday intervening - there are a lot of holidays here!) then we can ship right away we hope - we are currently checking shipping schedules (only the lady who deals with it at the shippers is - you've guessed it - on holiday!) It has to ship by sea as any other way would double the price in the shops.
So in theory I think it should turn up in bookshops in the US in late August or early September. I know it's a bit rough as an estimate but nearer the time we may have better information.
Here is a (fairly) appropriate card:
http://www.bohemian-cats.com/examples/c_6swrd_small.gif
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| tao51 |
03 Jul 2004 |
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Well, we tarotholics will just have to wait--(((sob)))--and bug shop owners--and read this thread over and over--September should be exciting! Have a great holiday! Thanks for the update!--Tao
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| baba-prague |
03 Jul 2004 |
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You can always buy it direct from us - we keep shipping costs really low. But meantime, any bugging of shops is most welcome of course :-)
I will at least try to get the website up to date so that you can soon see all the cards. What I really, really want is to see how they read when they are all together. We put an awful lot into the meaning and symbolism of each card, so readings should be surprisingly layered - but we'll see.
However, I will just say that we do not recommend this deck if you are doing any readings for dogs - seeing all those cats sashaying about may make them cross!
Today we bought presents for our cats - they have supplied a lot of modelling and deserve some treats.
So, all we really have to do now is push the poor printer...
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| Turkituck |
03 Jul 2004 |
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I'd only seen this deck online, the local occult shop doesn't carry many different decks and Barnes and Noble has even less variety.. But just the other day, my finacee and I were on a little road-trip around the eastern part of central MA and I finally found the unltimate New Age shop <^_^> And they had the Baroque cat deck! I was heartbroken that I didn't have any money... But now that I know where the place is, my boy and I are gonna plan a little day-trip and browse around the town.
Thank you for creating such a gorgeous and utterly aforable deck! Even tho he's not into occult/tarot/etc, my fiancee wants me to get the cat deck, just so he can see all the pretty pictures <^_^>
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| baba-prague |
03 Jul 2004 |
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Hi Turkituck. Well, you have me confused because the deck is not published yet! I wonder if it is a different cat deck that you saw, or if the shop said they could order it? I know some shops will take orders early, although it will take a while for them to get the deck (but with the best will in the world they may not realise that). Anyway, don't worry, it's some misunderstanding. I am really interested now though :-)
The deck will be published in about 2-3 weeks - but it will then take another six weeks to ship to the US distributors and probably a week or two to get from them to the shops. It all seems like ages in a way, but well, it is very, very nearly there now.
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| tao51 |
03 Jul 2004 |
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I can hardly wait to hold these cards! The illustrations are so elegant. I am anxious to spread them! I emailed you through the website about ordering direct. A deck based on the magic of Bohemia has to be powerful!--Tao
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The Oh where oh where did my kitty go..GOTTA SEE THIS ONE thread was originally posted on 10 Jun 2004 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.
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