Wine Stained Lips Wine fueled musings on life, literature and whatever else comes to mind...

I have recently been consumed by planning my costume for a Steampunk themed birthday party I am hosting. If you are unfamiliar with Steampunk, the bland, Wikipedia explanation would be that it is a “sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that…involves a setting where steam power is still widely used—usually the Victorian era Britain—that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy…and features anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them; based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art, etc.” Wow that was a mouthful… If you Google “Steampunk” you will see that it is much more than that. What is so mesmerizing is the culture surrounding this literary genre. I would consider myself a Steampunk novice. I have only read a few Steampunk novels, but none of the classics. Still, I am drawn to anything and everything Steampunk. I have always loved the Victorian era in literature. It was a period of social change but also a time where society clung to social traditions. Steampunk takes Victorian lace, bustles, and tea and adds the masculine elements of gears, cogs and zeppelins. The combination is aesthetically beautiful. I don’t know if it is the escapism, the nostalgia, or the fashion, but Steampunk definitely has its allure. The “maker” mentality of steampunks is amazing. The costumes, the weapons, the jewelry…all are made by hand or re-purposed. I think that is the fun of it—making your own costume/character—which is why I start obsessing around this time every year over what my Halloween costume will be. There is something in all of us that wants to be someone else, even if it is just for one night. I also think that many of us long for simpler times. I am somewhat disappointed that “the future” is not turning out as writers like H.G. Wells and Jules Verne envisioned. In the meantime, I guess I can have my tea...err wine and crumpets with clockwork gadgets on the side.