The Pumpkin Queen's Halloween Haven!

Halloween at Bath & Body

2011-08-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday, I was searching for a room spray that I saw at Bath & Body Works two years ago and absolutely fell in love with. I lucked out and found my fragrance ('Fireside'), and also discovered that Bath & Body Works also carries an assortment of fun little Halloween stuff! They have some cute candles, soaps, plug-in room scents that come in several different spooky characters, and even lotions in Halloween-themed bottles. You get a wonderful array of fragrances to choose from such as: Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Creamy Pumpkin, Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Patch, Autumn, Leaves, and Spiced Cider.

I never would have thought to look for Halloween stuff at Bath & Body Works. It's great to know that I now have another place to add to my list of places to shop for Halloween goodies!

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=11893243

Halloween has come to Michael's!

2011-07-04T09:26:00.001-07:00

It's come quite early this year, it seems. I don't remember Michael's putting out Fall and Halloween stuff before July, but they sure did! I walked in the other day, and to my surprise, I saw Fall leaves and black crows in one of the aisles. They also have Halloween banners, wall clingies, ribbon and bows, and autumn flower bouquets. It always makes my day when the first signs of Fall pop up. Fourth of July may be a fun time to have a party or a barbecue, but nothing beats Halloween time! We have a little over three months to go!

Less than six months away...

2011-06-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

...from Halloween, that is! :) I was pleasantly surprised when I was channel surfing earlier and saw that 'Halloweentown' is on two different channels tonight- the Disney and Family channels! A Halloween movie playing in June was certainly the last thing I was expecting to find. Even though I own all but one of the 'Halloweentown' movies, it was still kind of exciting to see it listed on tv tonight. I realized that we are now less than six months away from our favorite night of the year, so maybe that's why they decided to show the movie. We are actually only about four months from October now. Wow. The year seems to be passing by pretty quickly. Our weather here in northern California has been very fall-like lately, so by the time the Harvest month really gets here, it will probably seem like we didn't get much of a summer at all. I don't mind, really. It won't be the end of my world if summer feels a little shorter this year. I also know that in about another month and a half to two months from now, Fall and Halloween will begin showing up again in stores all over. We really don't have too much longer.

'Halloween Nation'

2011-03-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

I was very excited yesterday when I was browsing amazon (which I often do) for Halloween books and I came across a brand new one! It isn't even out yet (will be released next month on April 15), and I am already anxious to get my claws, er, I mean, hands, on it. ;) I clicked on the "Look Inside" link and read to my heart's content. It isn't another "how-to" instruction book (plenty of those out there already), or another book about the history of Halloween (as much as I enjoy those!). Rather, it seems to be somewhat unique from other Halloween-themed books in that it discusses the question of 'why' Halloween is so popular, not only with kids, but with adults. It includes interviews with some well-known people in the Halloween industry about why they love Halloween like they do, and why they believe the holiday seems to become more and more popular with adults as the years go on. I think it looks like it's going to be a very interesting book, and certainly one I intend to purchase. I might even go ahead and pre-order it. It will provide me with a nice way of passing some time and satisfying my Halloween sweet tooth until October gets here. I am always on the look-out for new books or magazines to add to my collection, and I have a feeling that this one will be a great addition!

Halloween Cravings

2011-03-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

March 4th. Halloween is about seven months away now. The halfway point will be upon us before too much longer. I love to think of it like that because it makes it sound like it's not as far off as it really is. I'm always surprised at how quickly the months following Halloween seem to go by. Last year around the six-month mark, the Disney Channel was showing some Halloween shows, like 'Halloweentown I and II', and 'Mostly Ghostly: Who Let the Ghosts Out?'. I remember being so excited to see Halloween on television in May! Even though I own the 'Halloweentown' movies, it was still fun to see Disney showing them that time of year. It was sure proof that Halloween was halfway here.

In order to bide my time waiting impatiently for Halloween to arrive, I started thinking of ways that I could somehow celebrate it during the rest of the year. I loved that Michael's and JoAnn's Fabrics kept holiday stickers and scrapbooking supplies on the shelves year-round, so several months ago I decided to put together a Halloween scrapbook. I had never done scrapbooking before, but I loved the idea of creating spooky scenes with all sorts of stickers, stationary, etc. It would satisfy my "Halloween homesickness", if you will. It was my way of "decorating", I suppose you could say, since I knew how bizarre it would be if I brought out Halloween decorations when it wasn't even close to October! (Although, it wouldn't be unlike me to put them up inside the house, and in particular, in my room. I love the idea of falling asleep to the eerie glow of a jack-o-lantern all year long.) I bought just about every sticker and background I could find and did my best to create the coolest looking Halloween scenes. I was even able to make one of my faves, 'The Great Pumpkin'. Linus sits in his pumpkin patch waiting anxiously, while Lucy, Charlie Brown and Sally go trick-or-treating. I decided at the last minute to add in a few photos of me from Halloweens past.

My scrapbook is already almost full, and I've already decided to start another one after this one is completed. I can't wait until October starts getting closer and the stores start adding new stuff. I had never thought much about scrapbooking before, but I'm finding that I actually quite enjoy it. I might even make one for Christmas!

Another one come and gone

2010-11-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well, folks, I can't believe it, but Halloween 2010 has already passed us by. It seemed to come and go so quickly. I was driving by Michael's tonight and I thought to myself how I will miss all the Halloween stuff. I have to wait a whole other year to see it all again, and that's always kind of a depressing thought. I get really excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but there's something special about Halloween that fills me with excitement like no other holiday. My Halloween decorations are still up because I haven't had the time to take them down. Tonight, I turned on the orange lights strung around the deck 'cuz I still want to have the feel of Halloween around me. I will be taking everything down in a day or so and packing it all away again until next year. Funny. I almost feel like I'm saying goodbye to an old friend. Luckily, the Christmas stuff will go up before long, so things won't look too empty. I put one of my faux jack-o-lanterns that I carved this year on top of the dvd player on the dresser. I figured I'd enjoy its spooky glow once more before I put it in storage. I used a pattern from Zombie Pumpkins called 'Patch Master' on it, and I really love how it looks all lit up. I love scarecrows. This one is truly sinister.

Farewell, Halloween. I will look forward to your visit next year!

It's All Hallow's Eve

2010-10-31T10:07:00.001-07:00

Well, friends (or should I say, "fiends"?), our favorite day is finally here! Can you believe it?! We wait anxiously all year long, hanging in there through the long, hot summer months, waiting for those first signs of Fall to pop up in stores everywhere. It seems an eternity has passed by the time October 31st gets here, and when it finally does, it's over before we know it. The Halloween decorations are up, and the pumpkins are carved and waiting for the first TOTs to arrive. This is the night we all look forward to all year. Somehow, it almost seems surreal to me when the big night actually arrives. I think of all the things I wanted to do, but didn't get a chance to. Ah, well! There is always next year to add in that one decoration we didn't put up, or that prop we worked hard on and didn't quite finish. One thing is for sure: Halloween will come around again!

I wanted to tell my fellow bloggers and Halloween lovers Happy Halloween!

Haunted attraction

2010-10-07T19:17:00.001-07:00

I discovered a new haunt to check out this year, and I really think it looks like a good one! I love going to haunts every Halloween. It's probably my favorite thing to do to celebrate the holiday. There's just nothing quite like getting in costume (assuming the haunt allows you to dress up) and going with friends and getting spooked by a bunch of costumed characters, scary music, and, if you're lucky, a truly spooky haunted attraction. I didn't make it to any haunts last year, so I'm hoping Callson Manor will quench my thirst for something really spooktacular!

I can't believe Halloween is almost upon us! It's almost like there's a part of me that doesn't want it to get here *too* quickly because it's always kind of depressing when it's over. I think it's mostly the excitement and anticipation of waiting for it...knowing it's coming....and the thrill of getting ready with decorations, costumes, party plans, etc. That's what really does it for me. I love to see scarecrows and pumpkins on porches, and witches crashed into front doors as I drive by peoples' houses. I love the pumpkin patches along the side of the road, with hay bales and scarecrows which seem to beckon to onlookers to stop and pick a pumpkin. What a wonderful time of the year! Let's enjoy it while it lasts. :)

Callson Manor
www.callsonmanor.com

Something wicked this way comes..

2010-09-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for something truly unusual for your haunt this year (or if you have a truly macabre taste for interior decorating), you should really enjoy '10 Coffin Furniture Ideas: Caskets Couches to Death Desks'. I never imagined there was actually a company that makes all sorts of coffin-shaped furniture for the home or office. Desks, shelves, tables, and even a pool table are among the eccentric items you can order. A home filled with this stuff would make the Addams Family mansion look almost normal.

http://dornob.com/10-coffin-furniture-ideas-caskets-couches-to-death-desks/

Ahhh, pumpkins

2010-09-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

I figured that at any day now, pumpkins would start arriving at the nearby grocery stores. Sure enough, I was near a Safeway tonight and spotted the first big batch! Those most famous of all Halloween icons were sitting there by the entranceway in all their bright orange glory, as if waiting patiently to be taken home to be prepared for the big Halloween night. I did not purchase one. Not yet. As tempted as I was, I figured I would wait just a little bit longer, perhaps until October to celebrate its arrival. I cannot wait to bring some home and witness their ghastly transformations from ordinary squash, to creepy monstrosities. I am looking forward to frightening faces glowing in the dark, creating a feeling of menacing delight, as they light the deck and walkway. And that smell of burning pumpkin flesh! One of the most wonderful smells on earth. It is the very essence of Halloween for me. I have already carved a faux pumpkin, and as cool as it is to have some that never rot, it cannot compare to the real thing. Sort of like how convenient it is to simply put up a fake Christmas tree with the lights already strung up and ready to go. Without that Christmas tree smell filling up the house, it just isn't the same. I like to have a few faux pumpkins and real ones so that I don't feel I'm missing out on anything.

I don't have long to wait now. My craving for all things Halloween will soon be satisfied.

Carving patterns

2010-09-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

www.zombiepumpkins.com

If you're into carving jack-o-lanterns as much as I am, then you should really enjoy this site that I ventured upon some time ago: http://www.zombiepumpkins.com/

When it comes to patterns to choose from, Zombie Pumpkins definitely takes home the prize. There are many different categories to pick from, including characters from movies, TV, cartoons, and bands. You do have to pay for most of them, but you're given the choice as to how much you want to pay for however many patterns you want. I didn't think the prices were at all bad, however; especially when you consider how incredible they are. The best part is you don't have to wait for a pattern book to be shipped--you just pay, print, and get ready to carve! You can even submit your carvings and they will post them on the site. My favorite category is 'Grinning Jacks'. I'll definitely be carving some of these evil new creations this year, and will happily share them! ;)

Halloween magazines

2010-09-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

They started showing up in grocery stores and magazine aisles a month ago. I was very impressed with Martha Stewart's Halloween magazine last year, and I've been anxiously awaiting it to come out again this year. Well, yesterday my wish came true! It isn't the cheapest magazine ($9.99), but if you love Halloween like I do, it's definitely worth the money. There were some really great decorating ideas that I had never thought of or seen before. One example was instructions for how to make spider egg sacs using a foam egg, a white nylon stocking, and plastic spiders. It truly looked like a big egg sac about to burst with tons of baby spiders...creepy! There were also instructions on making your porch look like it's been taken over by giant spiders, with webbing covering everything except a tiny slit for an entrance. There are tons of great recipes, too, of course, as well as costumes for kids and adults. It's a pretty thick magazine, and I had a lot of fun looking through it and getting new ideas.

In the check-out aisle, I also grabbed a little Betty Crocker booklet called Fall Baking. I couldn't resist buying something with grinning jack-o-lantern cake pops on the cover. The booklet is loaded with delicious-sounding recipes that I am already dying to try. Some that really caught my eye are the Trick-or-Treat Cheesecake, Gingerbread Cupcakes, and tons of different flavored cobblers. I am really looking forward to making (and enjoying!) these little goodies.

My favorite time of year is finally almost here. Halloween and Fall are showing up everywhere, and the weather should soon be cooling off with Autumn's arrival. The leaves will soon be turning their gorgeous colors of orange, red and yellow, and pumpkins will be popping up on porches and walkways. I already have a Fall and Halloween banner hanging in my yard to welcome the season! Very soon, that smell that I love so much--raging fire pits and wood stoves--will fill the air. I am already filled with excitement!

Halloween festivities

2010-08-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

It's almost never too early for me to start searching for local Halloween events. Last night, I decided to do such a search, and I was quite surprised at what I found. I came across at least several haunted houses I hadn't heard of before. I plan to check them out this year. Here is a short list of what I stumbled across:

Callson Manor
http://www.callsonmanor.com/

Run by a professional animatronics prop designer, I was very impressed (at least) with the website. They claim they are not your average haunted attraction with teenagers running around in ski masks. I love that there is quite an in-depth backstory behind the haunt. The creators really went to extremes to make a great site, and came up with an intriguing legend. There is even a great video to go along with it to really peak your interest.

Fright Planet
http://www.frightplanet.com/index.html

This one looks a little like a more typical haunt you might find, such as Gyro's World of Terror, but it still looks like lots of fun.

I'm excited to be finding some events for this year when it isn't even September.

'Spirit Halloween' superstore

2010-08-19T21:56:00.000-07:00

Halloween is truly on its way: I spotted the first 'Spirit' store yesterday just down from Michael's! I figured I would see a 'Spirit' banner some time soon, but I was surprised to see it coming this early. I figure it will probably be opening in the next week or so. You can bet I'll be one of the first ones there!

I bought my first Halloween goodies of the year at Michael's. I couldn't walk out of there empty-handed! They are almost completely stocked up with Halloween stuff (and I even saw one aisle that had a few Christmas things!). As usual, I was tempted to buy one of practically everything, but seeing as I have a budget, I just bought a few little knick-knacks to begin with. I got a couple more black, iron spider candleholders to add to the three I got last year, as well as a pack of black LED tea lights, a small bat to hang from my rearview mirror (yes, I even like a touch of Halloween in my car!), and a bottle of Pumpkin Spice oil. I burned it when I got home, and couldn't believe how delicious it made the kitchen smell! If anything will put me in the mood for Fall/Halloween, it's the wonderful scent of spicy pumpkin pie. I saw a candle called 'Halloween', and also the usual autumn-scented candles and potpourri. I want to fill every room in the house with that scent. It's heartwarming.

Michael's

2010-07-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

I went into Michael's today to see how much more Halloween stuff they had out, and I was very surprised at how much there was since I was there a few weeks ago! They have tons of Halloween banners out, skeleton candle holders, creepy candleabras, ghoulish picture frames, stickers, kids' Halloween projects, window clings, and a whole aisle of the Spooky Town sets. I was quite impressed at how much was now on the shelves. If I wasn't broke, I'd have bought a few little knick-knacks at the very least, but I don't get paid until the 10th. You can be sure that one of the first things I'll be doing is starting my Halloween shopping. ;)

On another note, our super awesome Halloween store, Evangeline's Costume Mansion, opens its doors this Sunday!! I look forward to this all year long. I can't believe it's already that time, and believe me, I couldn't be more excited to go back!

Halloween store to open in a few weeks!

2010-07-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

On August 1st, the largest Halloween store in northern California will open its doors! Located on the second and third floor of an old, historic building, The Costume Mansion is always the first one around to invite visitors to begin their Halloween shopping. I am always amazed that the Mansion opens so early every year, but it is always a very exciting time for me. They have practically everything a Halloween lover could dream of--costumes of almost every kind, props, decorations, music, jewelry, etc. What makes it even more fun is that the place itself is old and creepy enough to be the star location in any horror film. It is kept like this year-round, although the Costume Mansion is officially closed most of the year until the 1st of August. You can still visit the Mansion during the off-season if accompanied by an employee. It's exciting to know that I can return to my favorite Halloween store in just a few weeks. One thing is for sure--it's never too soon!

http://www.evangelines.com/

Update on Michael's!!

2010-06-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to report that I was back at Michael's today, and I am thrilled to say that I saw the first official signs of Halloween! Yessiree, Michael's has the first of its Halloween decorations- a whole bunch of cool ribbon! They had some with skeletons, spider webs, black cats, and some that are just orange and black. I think I'm going to buy some this year and use them on tall vases that I want to decorate for Halloween. I figure I'll get some black and orange candles, or even a large LED flicker candle, and then get some black, dark purple, and red flowers, maybe a crow or some spider webs, some moss, and whatever else might look a bit gothic looking. I think I might even make a couple of wreaths to hang around the house.

I'm so happy that Halloween stuff is already coming out! I can't wait to get started on making some new, exciting things!

Halloween fun

2010-06-23T18:20:00.001-07:00

If you're waiting anxiously for Halloween like I am, and you'd love to find some fun, Halloween-related things to do to while away the hot, summer months, then check out the following sites. 'Haunted Bay' has some cool sound effects, music files, puzzles, and other things to play around with to satisfy your Halloween cravings. Be sure to scroll down to the audio files and listen to 'Tain't No Sin to Take Off Your Skin (and dance around in your bones)', a popular Halloween tune from the 1920s! I also love the classic 'Peanuts', 'Haunted Mansion', and 'Beetlejuice' themes.

http://www.hauntedbay.com/downloads/sounds/

If you enjoy doing mazes and word searches, then check out this site:

www.hauntedbay.com/downloads/

I love doing Halloween-related stuff even when it's still a ways off in the distance. It sort of brings it a little closer to home while I'm waiting for it to finally arrive.

It's official: Fall has come early at Michael's!!

2010-06-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

I went into Michael's today, still expecting to find nothing but the usual (boring) things you always find during the summer: flowers, colorful banners, summer-style arts and crafts, party supplies, and of course, 4th of July decorations. As I walked in, however, a wonderful sight caught my eye: flowers and plants in beautiful Fall colors-red, orange, and gold! As I walked over to that part of the store, I also found pumpkins (pumpkins!), bows and other fall-themed decorations, and even black crows. I couldn't believe it! One of my fellow Halloween Haunters on this site had told me she had already seen the first few signs of fall at a Micheal's near her, but I didn't expect to find several aisles completely filled up before the end of June! I certainly didn't expect to find pumpkins (not the tall ones for carving that you find for Halloween), but pumpkins, nonetheless. Nor was I expecting to find those black, plastic crows that are commonly used in Halloween decorations. It seems incredibly odd that we have not even celebrated 4th of July, and yet Autumn is already arriving. Needless to say, I, for one, am excited. For an autumn/Halloween lover like myself, this helps break up the seemingly neverending, dull, hot days of summer that I grow so tired of once the temperature gets much over 85 degrees. It's always a relief to me to see Fall finally showing up, as it means that not only are the cooler, colorful days on their way, but so is Halloween.

I suppose in a way I almost love the days shortly before Halloween arrives even more than Halloween night itself. The reason is that I love that feeling of complete excitement as preparation begins. I love it when it's finally time to look for new fall and Halloween items to use for decorations, going on that search for the perfect, carvable pumpkin, and making plans for the big night. I love seeing homes decorated with skeletons and witches, tombstones, and ghouls popping up out of the ground, orange and purple lights, and porches glowing with jack-o-lanterns. It is such an exciting thing. Seeing the first fall decorations in the store today gave me the first tiny sense of anticipation. It is already within me. Fall is on its way. The proof is there. The best part is that if they are already putting Fall out on the shelf, then Halloween can't be far behind. How I love this time of year!

Fall has returned (if only temporarily)

2010-06-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

It may be only June 9th, but here in northern California, it seems as if Autumn has decided to pay us a little visit. It has gone from the high-80s back to the low-to-mid-70s in just two days. The sky is clouded, and the sun's rays are shining through only a few small openings. I am loving the cool, gentle breeze coming through the window behind me. I'm enjoying it while it lasts because I know that in just a matter of days, those 100-degree days, so typical of this time of year, will be here.

I purchased a packet of pumpkin seeds yesterday. The store had some for 'Competition Size'-100-pounders! I couldn't resist trying them. I've always wanted to have my own little pumpkin patch. Maybe this year I will get my wish.

Halloween art

2010-06-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

I was looking through one of my October '09 magazines ('Country Living': 101 Halloween Ideas) when I came across something that I thought was very cool. A picture of an art print titled 'Girls Night Out' had bright orange pumpkins in the foreground, a full moon hovering over a presumably haunted house, and several witches gathered around a fire, immediately caught my eye. It was an ad for the artist Will Moses, whom I had never heard of before. I rarely see art prints that are Halloween in nature, so I got on my laptop and quickly checked out the artist's website. The above print, I was happy to find, is available in poster size, and there are several other Halloween prints available as card collections. I love the thought of poster-size images of Halloween decorating my walls all year-round, and 'Girls Night Out' is a must-have. It makes me long to live in a big old house with a pumpkin patch and gnarled, old Oak trees surrounding the backyard. Every Halloween night, I would dress in my favorite costume and invite family and friends over and light a big bonfire in the middle of the pumpkin field, and party and celebrate all night long! Halloween scenes like these are exactly the kind of Halloweens I envision mine to be.

Will Moses' Halloween

http://www.willmoses.com/itemlist.aspx?cats=12,-2

Haunted shows on The Travel Channel

2010-05-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

It's as if October suddenly passed by the summer months and decided it wasn't going to wait any longer! This evening, I discovered one spooky show after another on The Travel Channel. I remember watching most of them the weeks before Halloween, and now they are showing them again. 'The World's Creepiest Destinations' and 'The Most Terrifying Places in America' are among the shows being broadcast tonight. I am surprised, considering it is only mid-May, but I also love it. I have been curled up in bed watching just like I did shortly before Halloween's arrival last year. The shows, along with the unusual fall-like weather we've been having lately, really make it seem as though October were here. I am loving it.

http://www.travelchannel.com/Schedule

The Halloween Bonfire

2010-05-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

Bonfire on Samhain

(Courtesy of www.hauntedbay.com)

As I was driving home from work one night last week, I was surprised to see a rather large bonfire high up on a hill overlooking the dark, windy road I was driving along. It was just after 9 p.m. and I could see and smell the smoke as I approached the lower hillside. I could see the tips of the flames almost licking the spindly branches of the oak trees overhead, and I suddenly felt a surge of excitement rush through me as I immediately thought of Halloween. It was the last thing I expected to find on my way home at such a late hour of the night. I slowed down slightly as I approached the side of the hill to get a better look. I wanted to stop my car and walk up the hill and really take it all in. I wanted to feel the warmth of the fire surround me. My imagination went wild with images of costumed partygoers dancing and laughing around the fire. I imagined music playing, and the scent of burning oak, along with brightly burning pumpkins. I wished I had a camera with me to capture the scene. Even though it is far from October, the sight of a roaring fire in the pitch blackness, and the smoke that permeated the chilly night air made it feel as though Halloween were near. It was wonderful.

This sight reminded me of an article I had seen some time ago on the Haunted Bay website about the ancient tradition of Halloween bonfires. It had a picture of an awesome bonfire lighting up the night, with a full moon glowing in the background (see picture above). I wanted to jump into that picture and join the small crowd of onlookers. I love the idea of gathering around a huge bonfire on a cool Halloween night. I didn't realize this was actually a tradition on Samhain going back years. It was believed that the fire would ward off any evil spirits.

I decided that one of these years, I am going to have myself a bonfire on Halloween. I have never been able to do this before, but somehow it seems as though it would be the perfect way to top off a Halloween celebration. Maybe I'll even dance around the fire in my costume, singing praises to the Harvest moon, as they did in ancient times. That sounds like my idea of a perfect Halloween night!

To read the full article, go here: http://www.hauntedbay.com/history/bonfire.shtml

Halloween twice a year!

2010-04-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Last week on the Disney Channel was 'Halloween in April'. I discovered this about halfway through the week, unfortunately. Nonetheless, it was exciting to see that Halloween has become popular enough that even a major company like Disney would devote an entire week to Halloween shows! It occurred to me that we are now about halfway until Halloween's arrival. It almost seems like October around here lately. The weather has been more like Fall than Spring, raining a lot, and so chilly that we've been wearing sweaters and jackets again. I love it when I get a taste of October and it's still a few months away. If only the stores were filled with Halloween goodies, and porches cluttered with grinning pumpkins!

http://tv.disney.go.com/disneychannel/schedule/halloweeninapril/index.html

A few of my favorite things (from past Halloweens)

2010-02-09T09:43:00.001-08:00

Halloween village

"Left Behind" ('09)

Another of my carvings, The Headless Horseman.

One of my carvings from '08. The blurriness is from the flash being turned off.

Grinning Jack

Halloween plug-in

Spider lamp

Haunted lamp

It almost seems like Halloween time

2010-01-31T22:33:00.001-08:00

Some of my favorite shows on TV are 'Haunted History', 'MonsterQuest', 'Scariest Places on Earth', and 'Ghostly Encounters'. I've been catching a lot of these shows lately, and every day and every night I search the TV Guide channel to see when they will be on. They seem to be showing them so much lately that it almost seems like it's the Halloween season! I remembered watching these shows almost every night in the days leading up to Halloween. I looked forward to them every night. I love it when shows like these come on when it isn't even Halloween time. In some strange way, it seems to satisfy my Halloween yearning. Today, there was even a special show on about Vlad Tepes, a.k.a. Dracula.

They will be repeating a 'Haunted History' episode at 1:00 a.m., and I have every intention of staying up to watch it (or at least trying!). It was about haunted places in New York and the surrounding area. I only caught a bit of it this afternoon when it was on, and I'm looking forward to watching it all the way through. I have never been to the east coast, but I'd really love to. It is, after all, where one of my favorite spooky tales takes place- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I can't wait to visit many of the world's supposedly haunted locations.

I think I'll go grab a little shut-eye before my favorite show comes on!

A little Halloween treat for late-January

2010-01-28T14:53:00.000-08:00

Shortly before this last Halloween, our local newspaper published a bunch of recipes sent in by readers from the surrounding areas. I think there must have been at least two or three whole pages that were devoted entirely to making Halloween drinks, appetizers, and desserts. I was so excited when I saw this that I saved the newspaper so I would have the recipes handy to make for the following year. One of the recipes that sounded especially good to me was a Pumpkin Dip, which won third place in the 2009 Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin and Harvest Festival. I love dips, and I love anything pumpkin, so I figured this would probably end up being a new favorite. The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese made me think it probably tastes a lot like pumpkin cheesecake- definitely at the top of my list of delicious desserts! No, it isn't pumpkin season, but I'm missing Halloween and longing for a taste of it, so I decided to give this one a try. Being the health-conscious person that I am, I did buy the reduced-fat cream cheese to try. I have used the reduced-fat kind in things before and didn't think I noticed much difference. Below is the recipe, if you care to try it for yourself. Let me know if you make it, and what you think!

Pumpkin Dip

2 cups canned pumpkin
Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
4 cups powdered sugar
Gingersnaps or sugar cookies

In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine pumpkin, cream cheese, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Beat until well blended. Add sugar and beat until smooth. Serve dip with gingersnaps or sugar cookies.

Per 1/4 cup: 208 calories; 28 g carb; 10 g fat.

Halloween musings

2010-01-19T21:34:00.001-08:00

Almost four months have passed since our favorite night of the year. Christmas has ended, and All Hallow's Eve is a long nine months away. I sit here listening to the haunting music of Nox Arcana, on a cold, windy, rainy night near the end of January with thoughts of Halloween occupying my mind. I miss it; long for it even, and so I decide to search the Web for more images, stories, or poems to add to my already huge Halloween collection. It doesn't take long until I come across something that my eyes immediately become fixed upon. A simple typing of the word "Halloween" into a search engine, and dozens of dark images pertaining to Halloween appear on my screen. I am searching for a new muse, and almost immediately I have found one. He sits atop his black steed as the moonlight creeps steadily through the twisted branches of a haunted forest, illuminating an ancient gravestone. A victim of the Horseman, perhaps? He waits there for the next one to come along, surrounded by stillness, his large gloved hand gripping the scarred end of his sword. His horse, one leg raised as if ready to lunge forward at the urging of his immortal master, chomps anxiously at his bit. He knows that at any moment the race will begin and he and his dark rider will once again be off in pursuit of another helpless soul.

And so they wait in the blackness, quietly, a thick fog dampening the fallen leaves, with only a glowing pumpkin to light the way. Its twisted grin and glowing eyes a reminder to all to beware, for it is Devil's Night. It is October 31st. His rampage begins.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow....one of my favorites. I look at this picture and I want it to be October 31st all over again.

Another one come and gone

2009-11-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

So, Halloween '09 is over. Wow. It always seems strange to me how fast the month of October seems to go by. I wait all year for this one night, dreaming about the plans I will (hopefully) make, the decorations I will put up, and what costume I will choose. All that preparation for only one, short night and before I know it, it's over. Done with. My plans for this year's Halloween did not go through. Instead of having wonderful memories to reminisce about my favorite night, I have only disappointment. It's been a pretty tough time lately. A recent death in the family, and other personal things going on, really put a huge damper on my mood this year. It didn't even really feel like Halloween to me, which makes it even worse. If only we had gotten even a few TOTs that would have at least been something. I still enjoyed the orange lights and the purple spider web, and two pumpkins that I put along the deck. I wasn't about to do nothing. I didn't get to wear the super cute pirate costume that I bought, thinking I would wear it to a vampire ball. Oh, well. I know I have next year to look forward to. Who knows, maybe, by some miracle, I'll be able to celebrate All Hallow's Eve in my favorite city again--New Orleans! One can always hope, right?

It's Halloween!!

2009-10-31T15:10:00.000-07:00

Our holiday is here at last! Happy Halloween, everyone!!!

Two more weeks!!

2009-10-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our favorite holiday is only two weeks away!! It's strange how we've been waiting so long for it to get here, and it seems like it takes forever. Then, suddenly, it's upon us, and we're scurrying around buying costumes and candy and decorations and planning parties, getting ready for the big night! There are so many wonderful costumes and decorations to choose from, too. I sometimes find that I have a tough time making the decision about what kind of ghoulish creature I want to be, or how I want to decorate the house and deck. My usual costume is something gothic, like a vampire, and I normally just put something together using anything black that's hanging in my closet. But when I went to The Costume Mansion a few weeks ago, I found a very cool pirate costume that was so cute I almost couldn't resist it. I thought it might be fun to be something totally different for once. I might even be a vampire pirate and wear my custom-made fangs! I am planning to go to a vampire ball on Halloween night, and that would be just perfect.

We got the first couple of pumpkins today. A part of me wants to carve one early because I can't wait to enjoy my first jack-o-lantern! I wish we had a porch where I could place a dozen beautiful, glowing pumpkins that everyone who passed by could see. I am loving all the Halloween shows on tv. Every night, I search the tv channels for anything Halloween-related. I love almost nothing more than laying in bed on a chilly October night watching shows like 'America's Haunts' or 'Halloweentown'!

We have only two more weeks left to prepare for, and look forward to, our favorite night of the year! I love the anxiousness and excitement I always feel right before All Hallow's Eve. Thank God for Halloween, I say. It is one of the few things that really makes me feel like a kid again, filled with spooky excitement for one short night of the year.

A lovely Fall morning

2009-09-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today truly feels like Fall has arrived. It is around 70 degrees outside, and I was so chilly when I woke up this morning that I put on a long-sleeve shirt and closed the window behind me a little. It looks as if a storm might hit any minute, but no rain is supposedly in the forecast. It seems that autumn is simply announcing, "I am here now. This is MY season." I welcome it with open arms as I do every year. I am more than happy to bring out my sweaters and jackets. I want to go and buy pumpkins and begin carving away, even though I know they won't last until the magical night of Halloween. Maybe I'll just buy one and carve it just so I can enjoy that wonderful smell of burning pumpkin flesh! I'll place it in my room, on the bedstand, so that the flickering shadows will bounce on my walls at night. That feeling of magic that always comes with the arrival of Halloween is already in the air.

A poem to welcome the autumn season

2009-09-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

Fall does not technically start until the 22nd, but I couldn't help but offer it an early greeting with this lovely poem that I found.

'With the Flaming Shades of Fall'

Colors burst in wild explosions
Fiery, flaming shades of fall
All in accord with my pounding heart
Behold the autumn-weaver
In bronze and yellow dying
Colors unfold into dreams
In hordes of a thousand and one
The bleeding
Unwearing their masks to the last notes of summer
Their flutes and horns in nightly swarming
Colors burst within
Spare me those unending fires
Bestowed upon the flaming shades of fall.

- Dark Tranquility, With the Flaming Shades of Fall

Martha's 'Halloween'

2009-09-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

At the grocery store yesterday, I noticed Martha Stewart's annual 'Halloween' magazine and had to have it. Not only did it show her in an awesome ghostly equestrian costume, but it also included one of her gorgeous black Friesian horses, which I thought was just super cool! (I ride horses, and the Friesian is my favorite.) The magazine is full of wonderful recipes and craft projects, including how to make the costume she is shown wearing. I have never bought a Martha magazine before, but I must say, I was impressed with her Halloween one. It includes a link to a website where you can purchase all of the props and decorations online. I really liked several of the huge, inflatable decorations. I'd love to have the horse and carriage on my front lawn, lit up with black or red lights. I'll be trying some of the recipes this year, for sure. The magazine has a lot of stuff to give you some wicked Halloween fun! I would definitely recommend it.

Halloween treats

2009-08-29T20:18:00.001-07:00

I was at Walmart today and as I was going through the check-out stand, I noticed a small booklet of Halloween recipes. It was kind of expensive for such a little book ($4.00), but I figured I had to have it since it was, after all, for Halloween. It just wouldn't be right for me to pass it up. It's called 'Halloween Food, Fun & Crafts', and it has some very cool looking treats on the cover. It has everything from dinner recipes ('Spaghetti and Eyeballs, with meatballs for the eyes; 'Slimy Sliders'), to appetizers ('Freaky Fondue'; 'Tasty Tombstones'; 'Buzzard Claws with Swamp Dip'), desserts and treats ('Poison Apple Cupcakes'; 'Great Pumpkin Cake'), an awesome 'Witch Hat' centerpiece made out of cocoa-flavored crispy rice cereal, and drinks, otherwise called 'Potions & Punches', such as 'Sinister Slushies', 'Swamp Punch', and of course, 'Witches Brew'. There is even a section on making crafts. You can make a 'Monster Fur Scarf' that has clawed feet on the ends, 'Spooky Supperware', and 'Glass Bead Spiders'. I might just have to try making these little spiders to place around the house. It also shows you how to make a 'Beaded Pumpkin Gift Box' if you're looking for something to store treats or jewelry in. I will definitely be giving some of the recipes a try this year, and I don't have too long to wait, either. We are almost in September, and All Hallow's Eve is practically creeping around the corner!

How I love this time of year. The days are starting to grow shorter, and the nights are growing cooler. Halloween will soon be appearing all around us. Cool days, orange and red-colored leaves, fall festivals, the smell of burning fireplaces, and pumpkins on porches....you can't get any better than that!

The signs of Halloween!

2009-08-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

I know of at least two locations where the 'Spirit' Halloween store is coming in. One is right next to my gym, so I will be over that way a lot! I drove by it today, and there were people inside starting to set up. Oh, joy! I love to see that huge, orange and black Halloween banner hanging on the building for all to see, announcing Halloween's arrival! It shouldn't be too long now until they start bringing in the goods. Walmart, and other stores like it, probably won't be far behind. I already found Fall/Halloween, (and even Christmas!) fabrics in Walmart when I was there a few weeks ago. Another place I've been keeping my eye on is TJ Max. They had some great stuff last year, and when I went back a few days ago, sure enough, they had started putting out Halloween! I bought a few things I just couldn't resist buying. One was a large October calendar made entirely of fabric. It has a haunted house design on it with little pockets that are the windows on the house, and mark each day of the month. Attached to the top by a string is a little candy corn-shaped piece of wood that you slide inside the pockets as you count down the days until Halloween. It is just too cute. I also purchased a new pumpking carving pattern book at Micheal's last week. It's one of those "Shadow" ones. I thought I'd give it a try. I plan to go back and buy a few of the fake pumpkins to do some of the carvings. I carved one last year and was very happy with how it turned out.

'Spirit' Halloween is on its way!

2009-08-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

You know the Halloween season is really on its way when you see the first Halloween superstore sign. As I was driving to my dance class today, I noticed the huge 'Spirit Halloween' banner on one of the buildings that I drove by. It didn't look like the store was actually there just yet, but the fact that the banner was already up told me that the grand opening would be happening very soon! I failed to make it to a 'Spirit' store last year (*hides her face in shame*), but I have every intention of going this year. I always loved that store. They truly have some cool stuff. I put up my first decoration yesterday, but I have so much more to do! I can't wait. I decided that I want to make a cemetery scene. I think we have a nice location for one. I just need to get some headstones, lights, and a few other little goodies, and I think it will look pretty good. I really want to not only take pics of it, but I'd also love to even have some videotape. I've never downloaded a video onto the Internet, so not quite sure how that works. Hopefully, it isn't all too challenging, and I'll be able to do it without any real trouble. Maybe someone can offer me some good tips, and I can have my first video of a Halloween haunt!

Halloween is beginning to show its face, my fellow fiends. We don't have too long to wait now. I am looking forward to this night of nights as I always am.

A Fall teaser

2009-07-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe it when I got up at 6 a.m. this morning. I went outside to let the dogs out, and it was as if time had jumped ahead to the beginning of October or November. It was actually chilly. The air felt like it had a slight dampness to it, and I noticed the faint smell of rain. We have been turning on the whole house fan in these wee hours of the day, but this morning, instead of having the fan on in my room, I seriously considered putting on a sweater. It felt so much like a brisk autumn morning that I felt excited! It gave me an early taste of those wonderful fall mornings that I love so much, and that I look forward to during the dry, scorching days of summer. Before long, every morning will be like this. Fall is not so far away now. Signs of it are already showing up in stores and mail catalogs. We even received a Christmas catalog the other day! Michael's and Hallmark already have Halloween inventory on the shelves, and Christmas won't be far behind. I am already thinking about my Halloween costume. I want to start ordering some new decorations and start putting up the ones I already have. Not everyone is ready for summer to come to an end, but I am. I guess autumn is in my blood. I am one of the Autumn People.

Welcome, Halloween!

2009-07-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

I went into a Hallmark store today to look for a sympathy card, and I was excited to see Halloween stuff on the shelf! Not only was there Halloween stuff, but Halloween 'Peanuts' style! They had several of the 'Peanuts' characters dressed in adorable little costumes. One was Sally wearing a princess costume and carrying a treat bag, and the other was Lucy in her traditional witch costume. When you press a button on their foot, they say one of their lines from 'The Great Pumpkin'. They also had a really cool Snoopy in costume that plays a spooky little tune. He's holding a bag, and inside the bag is Woodstock, also in a costume, who pops up and down as the music plays. I couldn't resist purchasing the Lucy and Sally dolls, and I have every intention of going back and getting Snoopy, too. Hopefully, they will get some of the other characters. It wouldn't be right to not have good 'ol Chuck in his ghost sheet covered in holes! They also had some wonderful Fall-scented candles, a cute little candy dish, a black, bendable tree that you hang various 'Peanuts' characters from, and some Halloween books. One was 'It's the Great Pumpkin', and I noticed a newly revised 'Great Pumpkin' dvd that also had a couple of newer 'Peanuts' features. They had little ornaments, such as one that resembled Morticia from 'The Addams Family', holding a glass of blood, and a sign above her head that reads, "Partying is in my blood". I bought that as well to hang from my rear-view mirror.

After Hallmark, I ventured on over to Michael's, since I was told they now have some Halloween inventory on the shelves. Sure enough, I immediately saw some decorations as I walked through the front doors. I was so excited that I literally had a hop in my step as I walked over to the aisle where they were hanging! Some of the stuff was new, as I hadn't seen it before, but I recognized a pretty good-sized skeleton bust that I had kind of wanted last year. Thinking this was all they had out so far, I walked towards the aisle where the brunt of their Halloween stuff is usually stored, but I found that it was moved down an aisle or two. One whole side of the aisle was already filled up. Some stuff I remembered from before, but I did see a bunch of new stuff by the Spookytown collection. I will definitely be buying a few more of those this year to add to what I already own. I bought three little ceramic skeletons. They're the kind with the dangly legs, and the funny flat butt that enables them to sit upright. I've already placed them on the windowsill that overlooks my bed. There's much more to come, and I look forward to going back as often as I can to see what new things I can't live without! This is such an exciting time for me! I love it when Fall and Halloween first start to appear!

Halloween arrivals

2009-07-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

You know the Halloween season is indeed on its way when you start receiving Halloween catalogs in the mail. Just the other day, I got the Fall '09 catalog for The Winfield Collection, and even I was surprised to see it so early! In case you aren't familiar with TWC, it's a company that makes all kinds of wood patterns. There are patterns for every holiday, and every season. I have never done woodworking, but those of you who are into serious prop-making should find it quite easy, I should think. There are even patterns for things that light up. I subscribe to the catalog because at some point I plan to give this woodworking thing a try. I would love to be able to put up lit-up displays for Halloween and Christmas. This new catalog has some new patterns this year, one of which is a large haunted pirate ship. There is also a very cool looking glowing graveyard that I would love to have in my front yard. You can make things for indoors, too, such as a 3' tall witch, vampire, or Frankenstein candy holder. These would all be perfect additions to any Halloween decor.

http://www.thewinfieldcollection.com/category/Lighted_Halloween

Evangeline's...UPDATE!

2009-07-02T22:36:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday, I had the privilege of learning that the Costume Mansion will be opening its doors, not on August 1st as it usually does, but this Thursday, July 16th! Apparently, the owner has decided to try opening the Halloween store a few weeks earlier this year to "see how it goes". I am hoping it goes very well, so that the owner decides to do it this early every year. It just gives me more time to save up and buy more Halloween goodies to decorate my house with! I hope to post pics of the Mansion soon, as I will certainly be paying it an early visit! Oh, joy!!! ;)

On August 1st, Evangeline's Costume Mansion will once again open its doors to the public to prepare for the Halloween season. Evangeline's is the best Halloween/costume shop in Sacramento (and possibly in all of northern CA). Located in an huge old, three-story building, the lower half of the store is open year-round, and you can find all sorts of crazy gags, gothic jewelry, games, incense, posters, and tons of other weird and wacky stuff. But it is the upstairs part, the Costume Mansion, that it is best known for. The upstairs section houses the wonderfully spooky Costume Mansion, which sells not only any costume you can practically think of, and is also decorated in all things Halloween and ghoulish. Naturally, it is my favorite part of the store, and it always bums me out that it's only open for this part of the year. They will allow you to take a special trip up there with an escort if you're in need of a certain costume or accessory, but is otherwise open only August through October. August 1st, to be exact, which means that I now have less than a month to go until my favorite store opens its doors! I always look forward to going there just to see the decorations, if nothing else. As you ascend the stairs, you gradually notice that the lighting is becoming dimmer, and then you realize the rooms are lit mostly by candelabras and wall sconces with flickering LED candles. There is a faint musty smell, and you truly feel like you are walking into an old, delipidated Victorian mansion. The walls, and even parts of the ceiling, are strewn with gigantic bats, spiders, spider webs, mummies, zombies and so on, while skeletons and other creatures of the night are propped up in corners, or glaring down at you as you pass underneath archways. There are different rooms, or different parts of rooms, with certain themes or types of costumes. One room has different styles of Egyptian, Greek, and Renaissance costumes; and then there is the Old West room ranging from saloon girl costumes, Can-Can dresses, and Wyatt Earp. They have a huge selection of wigs, too, and I love to go and try on all the different colors. Between all the make-up, costumes, lighting and other decorations, I could easily spend a fortune here. Oh, and did I mention that there is also a large elevator that you can choose to ride up in, if you'd rather not make the long climb up the stairs? Even the elevator is spooky! The inside has mirrors, and is dimly lit. The outside is black, and the walls leading up to the Mansion are also macabre looking. It is the Halloween lover's dream come true. You can find almost anything you need for a great Halloween party, or a night of trick-or-treating. I am so glad it opens in early August. It's wonderful for the Halloween enthusiast to have such an awesome place to begin his or her Halloween shopping early!

http://www.evangelines.com/

As Autumn nears, so the days grow shorter

2009-06-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the longest day of the year. From here on, each day will begin to grow shorter and shorter as Fall slowly creeps closer. I couldn't help but feel a little bit excited when someone reminded me of this yesterday. I love it when I can really start to notice it, when the leaves start turning red and orange, there's a chill in the air, and darkness descends before the clock strikes five. It's around this time that the autumn mood really takes hold of me. Signs of Halloween start popping up everywhere. Store fronts are lined with an assortment of pumpkins, and Halloween decorations and candy have their own aisle. I always buy a few pumpkins early just to have them around. I think I will carve a few extra this year. Maybe I'll do something totally different like paint one black on the outside so it looks extra creepy. I also plan to put up orange and purple lights all around the deck just like we do for Christmas. There are 130 days left until Halloween. I wish I could speed up time.

Halloween ideas at Michael's

2009-06-09T21:42:00.001-07:00

Before you get too excited and think I'm saying that Michael's already has Halloween out, no, unfortunately, they do not. They did, however, have quite a few Fall-colored plants and flower bouquets out, which immediately brought a big smile to my face! I decided to check out their website just to see if there was a date that said exactly when Halloween would be put out on the shelves. I didn't see a date, but there was a link to 'Seasons', and from there I clicked on 'Halloween'. This led me to a page with a bunch of cute Halloween project ideas (over 20 pages worth!). One of my favorites was this ghost TOT table centerpiece. I also thought this cupcake holder would be fun to have out on display for a Halloween party. I don't normally do a lot of craft projects, but in looking at some of these, it might be pretty fun. I always loved gingerbread houses at Christmas, and I thought the haunted gingerbread house was a pretty clever idea. It would also make a great centerpiece, and who doesn't love the sweet smell of freshly baked gingerbread?? Maybe working on a few Halloween projects will get me even more in the Halloween spirit (as if I needed any help already)!

Source: http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectlist?categoryid=54

Autumn is coming early at Michael's

2009-06-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, I just had to share this because I couldn't believe it! I walked into a Michael's yesterday, and to my complete surprise, I saw Fall-colored flowers and bouquets already stacked on the shelves. It was the last thing I was expecting to see considering that it is only early June, but nonetheless, they were there! I recalled that last year in July I was shocked to discover that not only were Fall flowers already out, but Halloween decorations were out as well. The same aisle that houses the Halloween stuff every year had at least half the decorations out, such as the 'Spooky Town' collection of musical haunted houses. Funny that I find Fall already showing up in one of my favorite stores when the weather is so Fall-like. In about a month from now, I will expect to probably find Halloween already showing up on my favorite aisle there. I wonder what cool, new things I will find there this year. I hope I find a bunch of new stuff to bring home and decorate with! I am *so* looking forward to it!

Fall-like weather

2009-06-04T11:24:00.001-07:00

Is it really June?! We had major thunder and lightning last night as we were driving home, as well as some rain. It is still completely over cast and pretty chilly today. While many people are probably upset that the weather is like this in early summer, I am actually quite enjoying it. It feels, looks and smells like Fall. Unbelievable. The sky looked so awesome last night! I wish I had pictures. Most of the sky was dark and stormy looking, but there was an area of it I could see far off in the distance that was lit up. It was so strange. Every ten seconds or so, lightning would flash across the whole sky, and heavy raindrops would come pounding down on the windshield, followed by an occasional boom of thunder. It was truly a sight to see and hear. It would have made for a wicked Halloween night. I could see myself, on a night like this on All Hallow's Eve, perhaps sitting in front of a warm fireplace surrounded by friends, telling tales of horror to each other. The soft glow of jack-0-lanterns all around the room would cast spooky shadows on the walls, and creepy music would play in a corner of the room. We'd be enjoying all sorts of Halloween candies and treats, as is tradition on Halloween night. Our faces, hidden behind masks and make-up, would look ghoulish as we stare wide-eyed at each other in the glow of the firelight. My kind of Halloween, indeed!

Summer

2009-05-18T14:29:00.001-07:00

I am already sick of it. It's barely even begun, but I am already dreading the 100-plus heat that will be upon us in a matter of weeks. Already, I long for the cool, crisp breeze of autumn, with the sweet scent of dying leaves and smoking chimneys that always accompanies it. I am happy summer is beginning. I am just anxious for it to be over so that my favorite time of year can finally be here again.

'Season of the Crone'

2009-05-11T16:53:00.000-07:00

Crone of Winter's spellbound cold,

in Her cauldron of black are told

secrets ancient, truths and tales:

mystery Her light unveils.

She is wisdom, She is changes:

time and space She rearranges.

In Her hands, the card of Death,

for transformation is Her breath.

Crone of Winter, Grandmother wise,

look into Her gargoyle eyes.

Let Her lessons teach you well:

life is but a magick spell.

-'Priestess and Pentacle', by Gerina Dunwish

A new treat

2009-05-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

I was at Borders yesterday, and was browsing through the Wiccan/ghosts book aisle when I saw 'A Witch's Halloween: A Complete Guide to the Magick, Incantations, Recipes, Spells, and Lore'. I had actually seen it on amazon earlier in the week while I was searching for new books on Halloween, and I was surprised to find it at Borders. It was actually the only book they had on Halloween, which was kind of a disappointment. I am not actually a practicing Wiccan, but the book isn't aimed only towards those who are. It looked like my kind of book, so I had to have it. I'm looking forward to curling up with it late at night.

http://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Halloween-Complete-Incantations-Recipes/dp/1598693409/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241829943&sr=1-1#

Halloween melancholy

2009-05-02T19:07:00.001-07:00

(Image: www.hauntedbay.com)

It isn't fair. The weather is gloomy and damp and over cast, and it feels so much like Fall right now it's unreal. I feel like I should get out all of my Halloween decorations (oh, wait...some of those still aren't put away from last Halloween!). They said we made the record for the most rainfall on the first of May, and it still hasn't stopped. It's been chilly in the house, and we are using our heaters again after putting them away to make way for house fans. Summer has been temporarily pushed aside by a deceitful entity posing as Autumn, but I know better. It isn't so much that I mind it feeling/looking like Fall is here early this year. I rather like it, except for the nonstop rain. It just makes me wish that I would see ghosts and spiderwebs hanging in store windows, and porches with scarecrows and grinning pumpkins, and everything else that symbolizes the harvest season and All Hallow's Eve. It's funny how there are days like this that make me feel closer to it--as if I can feel it closeby when it really isn't. I swear, if I had a pumpkin here right now I would carve it. There are times when I long to smell the burning lid when it's licked by the candle's flame, and the sweet scent of the gooey innards when I disembowl the pumpkin. Yup. It's my favorite time of year, alright, and right now it feels like it's only weeks away. Nature, the trickster that she is...making me feel like this when I have such a long time to wait until it is really here. Evil temptress.

Halloween history on tv

2009-05-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

To my surprise, as I was looking to see what was on tv last night, the words 'The True History of Halloween' caught my eye. Even though it is admittedly a kids' show, (I'm a kid-at-heart', so maybe that counts!), 'Truth or Scare', on Discovery Kids has actually had some pretty good episodes, including last night's Halloween history one. The set was done up in wonderfully spooky decor, with glowing pumpkins and a bubbling cauldron, etc. It told the history of Halloween starting with the ancient rituals of the Druids, and how our traditions today, such as TOTing, first got started. I didn't know, for example, that the tradition of bobbing for apples at Halloween parties was originally done by unmarried people, and that the first person to get the apple was said to be the one to get married! The show also talked about the ancient belief in vampires and witches, and a real life witch was interviewed throughout the show. All in all, I thought it was a really fun show, and I really enjoyed it. I will be keeping my eye on 'Truth or Scare' from now on. This is the second or third time I've watched the show and found it very interesting.

Here is a little synopsis of the entire show:

Synopsis

Michelle describes the history of Halloween and traces modern-day traditions such as trick-or-treating and bobbing for apples back to their Celtic roots.

Full Recap

Michelle tells how Halloween comes from an ancient Celtic holiday celebrating the end of summer harvest and celebrated to please the gods and ward off evil spirits. She speaks to a modern-day witch to learn about the ancient traditions our modern-day festivities derive from. Bobbing for apples was originally something young unmarried people did. Rumor was the first person to get an apple would be the first to get married.Trick-or-treating was something peasents did. Each family would bake a small treat to share with their neighbors. If people felt you weren't being generous enough, you got a "trick". But tricks weren't all fun and games - sometimes people got killed as part of one.There are two theories on how jack-o-lanterns came to be. One is the story of a boy named Jack who liked to play tricks on people. One time he tricked the devil into climbing up a tree that he couldn't get down from. As punishment, Jack's soul was forced to wander the earth forever with only a candle in a pumpkin to guide him. Another says that the ancient Celts actually used human heads in their Halloween rituals.Cristians were afraid that the Celts' celebration worshipped the devil, so they declared the day after the Celtic holiday All Saints Day and renamed October 31st All Hallows Eve, which was later shortened to just "Halloween".

Halloween in April!

2009-04-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Much to my (very happy) surprise last night, I discovered that the Disney Channel is doing 'Halloween in April' all this week:

(http://tv.disney.go.com/disneychannel/schedule/halloweeninapril/index.html)

I know several channels do a 'Christmas in July' every year, but I've never heard of any having a special Halloween week six months before Halloween. How wonderful is that?! I don't know about anyone else, but I personally think it's pretty cool. Aside from Disney, it seems that I also keep coming across various shows on ghosts and hauntings on different channels as well. Funny how when you're least expecting something to happen, it often does. This is one instance where I certainly don't mind. Bring on the Halloween shows, I say! I want to feel like it's Halloween all year long!

An old-fashioned Halloween...

2009-03-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

...is simply my idea of Heaven! Not much could make me happier than combining my love of vintage collectibles along with my love of Halloween. I just discovered that allposters.com has some really wonderful vintage Halloween posters. You can even order them framed! I couldn't resist capturing a few of the images and posting them here to share with my fellow Halloween enthusiasts. I am definitely going to be ordering some and putting them on my walls (and I don't mean just for the Halloween season! ;) (FYI: to see the huge collection that I came across, I went to Google and typed in 'vintage Halloween posters'.)

I loved being spooked as a kid on Halloween.

Sweet

Halloween Parade (Artist: Ken Brown)

I wish this graveyard was in my backyard. (Artist: Dynamic Graphics)

While technically not a vintage print, it brought back memories of my own TOTing days. Love it from this angle.

Wish I was with 'em!

A witch, a cauldron, a broom, and a full moon over a pumpkin patch....the perfect makings for a Halloween night.

I want to live here. (Artist: Blonde Blythe)

Love these rich colors! ( Blonde Blythe)

Halloween nostalgia

2009-03-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

A Halloween greeting from yesteryear. I want to walk along that path with only the jack-o-lanterns to light my way. Heaven.

I want to jump into this picture and live in that house. If only...

Vintage Halloween collage...I actually smiled when I saw this.

I gotta' learn how to make this. Beautiful.

Another must-have for Halloween....spooky candles and cookies!

You can't have Halloween without Linus and the Great Pumpkin!!!

Love that moon!!

I want this red dress for a costume. And...is that an "owl hat"??

In addition to my usual interests, I also have a love of antiques. Naturally, this includes antiques of the Halloween variety. I did a search for "vintage Halloween" and found some really cool stuff. Somehow, a lot of vintage Halloween decorations seem to capture the feel of the holiday for me more so than many modern-day ones do. I'm not quite sure why that is. There is just something about the thought of Halloweens of yesteryear that really appeals to me. I don't actually have any vintage Halloween decorations or anything, but I wouldn't mind starting to collect some.

The halfway point

2009-03-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

Considering that we are now in March, it occurred to me that we are now *almost* at the halfway point. Not to seem anxious or anything, but Halloween is only a little over six months away! I know I'm not the only one counting down the months. C'mon, admit it. ;) Those of us who adore Halloween can't wait for it to roll around again, even if it's only a month after we've celebrated it. Even during these seemingly long, wet, boring months of winter, visions of my next Halloween never cease to occupy my mind. I know that especially by the end of summer-- when I am sick to death of those near 100-degree days, and I am anxious for that first hint of the Harvest season--I will have already been anticipating Fall's arrival for several months before it gets here. Now is the time to be preparing for it. As always, I will be ready.

A White Halloween

2009-02-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, I woke up to this beautiful sight. We rarely get snow around here, so it was quite a treat. I realize that snow and Halloween don't usually go hand-in-hand, but it got me to thinking about how cool it would actually be to see brightly lit jack-o-lanterns glowing against a blanket of freshly fallen snow. It always seems so surreal to see our home and our streets covered in the stark whiteness of winter. I love it. I always wish it would snow for Christmas, but it never has. I thought of how unusual it would be to combine the two--snow and Halloween--because of the contrast between them. What an interesting sight that would be! We are supposed to have another storm heading our way tonight, and there is a possibility of getting more snow. I am hoping for it. I think that I will put out one of my jack-0-lanterns just to enjoy the sight of the two of them together-- if only for this one, rare time.

Is it October yet?

2009-02-01T14:46:00.001-08:00

I was doing some gardening this afternoon and was raking up leaves, and there were so many of them everywhere that it made me think of Fall. You could barely see the ground because of all the leaves. As I sit here typing this, my ceramic ghost, with its little light-up jack-o-lantern, sits on the cabinet to my right, staring, wide-eyed at me. I *still* haven't finished him yet, and he looks at me as though he is reminding me of this. All I need to do to finish him is put the glaze on him and his pumpkin, put them in the kiln one more time, and they are ready to light up the night next Halloween. I have another Halloween ceramic that also needs to be cleaned, painted and put in the kiln. I hope to be able to put a light in it as well. I am already looking forward to next October when I can bring out all of my Halloween decorations again and fill the house with them. That is such a happy time for me. Funny how that part of me who got so excited as a little kid when Halloween was approaching has never died. I firmly believe now that it never will, either. I'm glad for this. I love knowing that there will always be at least one time of the year when I become like that little kid again, and feel the excitement that always comes with looking forward to Halloween. I already can't wait to see what new things the stores will bring in this year! I will try to wait patiently until July or August comes around, and many of the stores begin putting out their first Halloween stuff. I'm always thrilled that they start getting it in that early. I hope the time passes quickly.

Happy Halloween..a poem

2009-01-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

It's late and we are sleepy,

The air is cold and still.

Our jack-o-lantern grins at us

Upon the windowsill.

We're stuffed with cake and candy

And we've had a lot of fun,

But now it's time to go to bed

And dream of all we've done.

We'll dream of ghosts and goblins

And of witches that we've seen,

And we'll dream of trick-or-treating

On this happy Halloween.

-Unknown

If you're in the mood for pumpkin...

2009-01-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

..then you should give this Pumpkin Pudding recipe a try! I made it last night, and it was delicious. It may not be Fall, but as far as I'm concerned, any time is a good time for pumpkin!

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1740,130181-255199,00.html

October Dreams

2009-01-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

I went jogging tonight around our neighborhood, and the whole time I kept thinking how it seemed so much like October. It was so refreshing and invigorating. The air was moist and crisp, and the streets were damp with leaves strewn all over them. It was as if the first of October was here again, and it was wonderful. There was even that odd scent in the air that always accompanies October; that sort of clammy, mossy smell like the inside of an old cellar. I always love that smell because it makes me think of Halloween. The only thing missing were pumpkins and Halloween decorations on doorsteps and porches. The weather is taunting me.

'The Dark'

2009-01-11T23:19:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching this movie on the SciFi channel. It came out in 2005, but I had never heard of it before. I thought it was very good, and quite spooky at times. The ending left me a little confused and wondering what to make of it. I don't normally like movies like that, but I still thought it was very entertaining, and quite suspenseful. The story was also different than any other movie I've seen from this genre. I think it would be a good one to watch on a cold, dark Halloween night.

Missing Halloween

2009-01-10T22:06:00.000-08:00

I think I'm having withdrawals. Perhaps because I didn't celebrate it the way I normally do each year, I wish it was the beginning of October again. I miss that wonderful feeling of excitement and anticipation that comes with Halloween being just around the corner. I miss the Halloween decorations. I miss my pumpkins. I miss the Halloween shows on tv every night. The 'Headless Horseman' was on earlier this evening, but I wasn't home to see it. That would have been very cool. I love it when Halloween-themed shows play when it isn't even Halloween time. I am hoping they will re-play it soon.

A New Year's Resolution

2009-01-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

Well, it's 2009. Is that crazy, or what?! I can't believe it's already been almost three months since Halloween. As I sat here pondering the new year and the things it might bring, a thought popped into my head. I thought of how one of my New Year's resolutions should be planning an exciting Halloween, and making sure that I go through with it. My plans for this past Halloween ended in huge disappointment, and I definitely don't want that to happen again. Every serious Halloween fan needs to feel a sense of gratification after the Big Night. For hardcore home haunters, this means creating the most frightening, awe-inspiring display possible. For others, it means going out in search of anything that will give them the kind of fear and excitement that they experienced as innocent little children trick-or-treating on Halloween night. I tend to fall in the second category. I think my favorite thing to do on Halloween is get dressed up in some outrageous costume, and then meet up with friends and visit haunted homes and cemetaries, and walk down moonlit streets filled with little ghouls screaming and laughing as they run from house to house. I miss that kind of excitement that I felt as a kid, and every year I hope for its return. It's always my goal, as I prepare to go out on Halloween, to turn into that kid again who had some of the best times of her life on this one special night of the year. I think most of us who love Halloween continue to celebrate it as adults because of the wonderful, warm memories it gave us as children. We want to keep making new memories, even if it means we can't trick-or-treat anymore, or go to school in our costumes and have Halloween parties with our friends in class.

So, Halloween is definitely on my New Year's list this year. I have about nine months to think of something fun and different to do, and a costume to wear. As with every year, I will look forward to that time of year when summer's end is near, and the days start to grow shorter, and Fall is once again coming 'round. Oh, and most of all, I love it when the first signs of Halloween begin to appear in store windows, and I can begin my Halloween shopping. Pure joy! :)

Merry Christmas...Halloween style!

2008-12-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

Even Jack Skellington loves Xmas! Just think...Halloween is less than a year away now. :)

You know you're a true Halloween fan when....

2008-12-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

...you're at Michael's in mid-December, and while everyone else is shopping for Christmas stuff, you're looking at Halloween. Yes, I am already missing it. I love Christmas, too, but somehow I kept finding myself more interested in the few remaining Halloween things. I was looking at the Halloween stickers the store has in their scrap booking aisle, and even purchased two of them. I've decided I want to start collecting some of that stuff, since there are so many cute ones. I've never done scrap booking before, but I figure it's a good way to keep that part of me who loves Halloween at least somewhat satisfied.

Here's hoping that next Halloween will truly be an awesome one!

Headless Horseman

2008-11-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

I came across this great site that shows how one couple created a very good headless horseman prop. They also did a great scarecrow much like the one from 'Sleepy Hollow'. Included are instructions and photos of how to make the horseman prop. The story of the headless horseman has always been one of my favorites, so this is one I definitely have to try!

Source: http://laceyjaye22.wordpress.com/2007/10/03/the-headless-horseman-has-been-sighted/

'Scarecrow'

2008-11-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

He trembles in the bitter wind
Until it's time for us to speak
Whilst others here are sleeping sound
I'll slip away by floorboard creak
Upon the hill he'll hear my secrets
Shock the colours to bleach inside
Whilst others there are sleeping sound
Just we two will confide

Listen to his body moan
Make a wish and send us home
To spin the gold and silver stitches
We can turn his rags to riches

With frosty Jack on fingernail
Thro' shoe black smile he'll tell-a-tale
Come whisper thro' your lips of straw
A moment torn forever more

Listen to his body groan
Make a wish and send us home
To spin the gold and silver stitches
We can turn his rags to riches

My so-called friends say you're not alive
I'll bake their bones for telling lies
Then pull the pastry from the pie
And pour the gravy in their eye

Listen to his body moan
Make a wish and send us home
To spin the gold and silver stitches
We can turn his rags to riches

By Siouxsie and the Banshees

All Hallows Day

2008-11-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

So, today is November 1st...Hallowmas. Halloween has already come and gone. It is very dark and damp outside, and seems to fit the day after Halloween known as All Hallows. Halloween was a quiet one for me this year. I stayed home and carved a headless horseman jack-o-lantern, and set it outside in the rain along with a couple of other jacks. I turned off all the lights so their glow would be the only thing that could be seen in the rain and darkness. As usual, we didn't get a single TOT. I am always somewhat bummed that we no longer get them anymore. I stayed up late watching the 'Ghost Hunters' 7-hour live investigation in Fort Delaware. I always enjoy watching their show. It wasn't the most exciting Halloween, but I have next year to look forward to.

364 days to go...*smirk*

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

2008-10-31T08:52:00.001-07:00

My fellow witches, ghouls and other creatures of the night...it is finally time. Our holiday is upon us at last. The weather here is perfect for All Hallow's Eve--dark, damp and dreary. I hope everyone has a scare-ific time tonight! Above all, be sure to scare the living hell out of those unsuspecting victims who dare to venture into your yard. *evil grin*

Carpe noctem (Seize the night),

The Pumpkin Queen

The Great Pumpkin

2008-10-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

For those of us who love Halloween, I think there's truth to this.

Less than a week to go...

2008-10-26T10:47:00.001-07:00

..'til Halloween, that is. It is almost here, my friends. Can you believe it?? I can't believe I won't be doing anything this year. Blasphemy! LOL It shouldn't be too terrible, though. I'm looking forward to watching 'Ghost Hunters'. Josh Gates, from 'Destination Truth', will be hosting the show, and several other SciFi people will be joining the TAPS team during their live investigation. It should be interesting.

Halloween plans

2008-10-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

So, it looks like I am probably not going to be going out on Halloween this year. Normally, the thought of staying home on my favorite night of the year would seriously depress me, but luckily this year, I have a good reason for spending it at home. In fact, a part of me actually *wants* to be home so that I can watch one of my favorite shows, 'Ghost Hunters'. I'm not usually a big fan of reality shows, but seeing as how this one deals with the paranormal, I'm pretty hooked. On Halloween night, the TAPS team will be doing a ghost hunt live at the "Black Hole" in Fort Delaware-- a location that's reportedly very active in terms of paranormal activity. I missed last year's live investigation on Halloween, so I'm really looking forward to seeing this one. Viewers can communicate with the team all during the investigation, and alert them to anything out of the ordinary that the team might not notice. It should be very interesting. I've become quite a fan of this show. I really like that they go into an investigation while trying to be as objective as possible. Instead of trying to prove that a location is haunted, they first try to rule out all other possible reasons for the strange goings-on. This seems to separate the team from other ghost hunters, who go into investigations with the assumption that a place is haunted without having good evidence to support it. It should make for a fun way to spend Halloween.

Source: http://www.scifi.com/ghosthunters/live/

The Pumpkin Dance

2008-10-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

I love how surreal this one is.

Source: http://adoc.deviantart.com/art/Pumpkin-PAtch-52151596?moodonly=24

Pumpkin Patch Cake

2008-10-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

I want this recipe!!!

Autumn Beauty, con't.

2008-10-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Another one I had to include.

Autumn Beauty, con't.

2008-10-13T20:47:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist adding this one. How beautiful it is. Even the sky is just brilliant. I would love to wake up to a view like this greeting me every morning. I had to put it on my desktop. I just had to.

Autumn Beauty

2008-10-13T20:43:00.001-07:00

I love the look of vast fields covered with golden pumpkins.

Stoneykins Pumpkin Carving Patterns

2008-10-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Another great site with tons of fantastic carving patterns. I love this one with the cat.

Stoneykins: http://www.stoneykins.com/index.html

Scarecrow Skulls

2008-10-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

Made out of papier mache...very cool.

Stolloween Papier Mache props

2008-10-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

I never would have thought you could make such wonderful props with something like papier mache, but obviously, I was wrong. These are great!

Source: http://www.stolloween.com/

Haunted Home contest

2008-10-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, for all of you ultra talented home haunters out there, you might just want to check out this site and enter your haunt in this contest! It's called the 'Home is Where the Haunt Is' contest, and if you win, they will pay your mortgage for a year (up to $25,000). Check it out!

http://www.fearnet.com/HH2008/index.html

"Scary Sleep-over"

2008-10-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

I found this link to a funny Halloween game called 'Scary Sleep Over'. You try to scare the person out of the house by morning using the spooky effects. I'm ashamed to admit I couldn't do it!!! *sob* It's a fun game to play if you're bored.

http://www.playedonline.com/game/517/Scary-Sleep-Over.html

Pumpkin Festival

2008-10-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

I love Fall festivals. One of my favorites was the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. I don't live in that region anymore, but when I did, I always enjoyed going to this event. They have all sorts of entertainment, and the streets are blocked off from traffic, and lined with vendors selling all sorts of stuff from art, jewelry, food, clothing, etc. There is also a haunted house, and of course, a great pumpkin weigh off. The pumpkins are incredible!

http://www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest/

More Halloween yummies!

2008-10-10T20:50:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple-Ginger Frosting

I recently made some Halloween sugar cookies, pumpkin soup, and some delicious pumpkin pudding. Next on my list are pumpkin cupcakes. We bought a Halloween Sprinkle Set at Michael's. It's a set of all sorts of decorative toppings for cookies, cupcakes, etc. In doing a search for different recipes, I found this one with a maple-ginger frosting. Maple-ginger just sounds too good to pass up, so I've decided to try it. I'm planning on making them this weekend, and I can't wait! I just love Fall. Pumpkin is everywhere. It is one of my favorite flavors, and I love to make pumpkin desserts. It gives me the perfect excuse to go crazy making all sorts of pumpkin treats. (Not that I need an excuse, anyway!) ;)

For the recipe, go here: http://raspberryeggplant.blogspot.com/2007/11/pumpkin-cupcakes-with-maple-ginger.html

The Vineyard House

2008-10-09T07:49:00.001-07:00

One of the most popular themes for a Halloween attraction is the haunted house. After all, what would Halloween be without a haunted house or two?? Theatrical haunted house attractions are plentiful around Halloween time, but what about a real haunted house? Such is the case with the house pictured above (the second picture was taken around 1900). Known as the Vineyard House, it's located in the historic town of Coloma, Ca-- home of the famous California Gold Rush. I have always thought it was pretty cool to live near such a historic place, but what I especially loved about it was the Vineyard House. From the time I was quite young, my parents and neighbor kids told stories about the house being haunted, and of course I loved hearing them. The stories fascinated me, and I loved it when my parents would take us to Coloma to have dinner at the house (when it was open as a restaurant and bar), and also to the James Marshall monuments by the river. The history of the house is a very long and tragic one. It is a known fact that Robert and Louisa Chalmers, the original husband and wife, died there, as did numerous others when the basement of the house was later used as a jail. The story goes that Robert came down with syphilus and began to lose his mind and his eyesight. He supposedly claimed that Louisa was trying to poison him, and at some point after things had gotten out of control, she had him chained in the basement, where he eventually died of starvation. Robert is one of the people who is believed to haunt the house, as is his wife, Louisa. After his death, she became desperate for money, and finally allowed the lower part of the house to be used as a jail. According to accounts, there were at least several executions that took place right outside the house as well. One of the owners many years later found very old, wooden coffins underneath the stairs leading to the front door while the house was being renovated.

Over the years, different owners have come and gone and tried to make a go of the place as a restaurant and inn, and many of them had unsettling experiences. The basement, where Robert Chalmers died chained to a wall, was used as the bar, and many strange incidents took place in there. One bartender, while cleaning up late at night, claimed that while he was wiping down one end of the bar, a glass at the far other end slid all the way down the bar towards him all by itself, and stopped right in front of him. Other stories were told by guests who stayed in the upstairs bedrooms. One story was told by a couple who were awakened late at night by the sound of people talking loudly as they walked up the stairs. The husband opened up the door to tell the noisemakers to quiet down, and when he did, he saw three men dressed in Victorian clothing fade before his eyes. Another story was another couple who experienced something that scared them so badly that they packed their things and left in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, they did not share what happened to scare them like that, so I cannot say what it was. If only they had told someone!

Another cool thing about the place is that there is a very old graveyard directly across from the Vineyard House. The Chalmers' family are among the people buried there. There is supposedly the ghost of a lady dressed in black period clothes who has been seen in the cemetery. She is known as the Lady in Black. I always wished I would see or hear something paranormal whenever I was there, but I never did. The house has been a private residence for many years now, but I have heard talk of it being re-opened as a restaurant and bar. I keep hoping there's truth to this rumor. It has such a fascinating history, and there are so many stories told by its owners, its customers, and guests that the place is famous for its hauntings. I once read that it was featured on 'That's Incredible' and also 'Ripley's Believe It Or Not'. I wish I had those episodes. I'd have loved to have seen them. I will always think of how cool it is that I grew up not too far from a real haunted house!

Jack-o-lantern house

2008-10-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

This is truly unbelievable. I wish I could go to West Virginia just to see this. If you visit the site below, there is a video of it, along with the lights all blinking in tune with music. Amazing!

Kenova Pumpkin House: http://www.neatorama.com/2007/10/27/the-kenova-pumpkin-house/

Man-eating spider

2008-10-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

I thought this was one hell of a yard display! I must admit that I'm arachnophobic, but I can still appreciate a great yard haunt--and a most unusual one, at that-- when I see one. I love the lighting in this display, too. Fantastic.

Source: http://www.bazillionlights.com/History/Halloween2007.html

Devil's Minions

2008-10-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

I came across this cool site with burning pumpkins. A very cool effect, indeed. I just noticed that the flame on the middle pumpkin looks like an evil face on the right side. It's like a profile view of a skull face, as if the pumpkin is spewing forth a demon from hell. Wow!!

Source: http://geekus.org/BurningPumpkins2006/

Halloween smiles

2008-10-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

I want my front window to look like this. I love to see happy, glowing pumpkins. They just look like they're shouting, "Happy Halloween!" Magical.

Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade in New Orleans

2008-10-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

One of many scenes from New Orleans' Halloween parade with the Vampire Lestat and Armand! I so wish I could be back in New Orleans again for Halloween...especially to see my favorite vampires!

I love New Orleans. The City that Never Sleeps and America's Most Haunted City are just a couple of its famous nicknames. One visit there, and you can clearly see why. It is a beautiful, dark, magical, mystical, almost surreal place for those of us who love cities cloaked in darkness and mystery. It is a haven for vampires, witches and ghosts, or anyone who has a flair for the dark and dramatic. It is one of the best places to be for Halloween. Take my word for it.

Krewe of Boo: http://www.kreweofboo.org/index.html

Extreme Pumpkins II

2008-10-07T18:29:00.001-07:00

I just saw this in an email sent to me from Border's. "Take back Halloween and freak out a few more neighbors." I love it. LOL I might just have to get this.

Crawling Vampire

2008-10-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

I came across this awesome prop awhile ago and have always wanted it.

Source: The Horror Dome
http://thehorrordome.com/

Hanging Vampire prop

2008-10-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful life-size prop from The Horror Dome. I have a thing for vampires. I would love to have this thing hanging from the corner of my room. It reminds me of the one from Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Cauldron Witch

2008-10-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

I want this. I want this NOW. Life-size, animatronic witch stirring her wicked brew. Awesome.

Courtesy of The Horror Dome: http://thehorrordome.com/

If you like gothic art....

2008-10-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

...then you should dig the art of Joseph Vargo. Some very cool stuff.

Monolith Graphics:
http://www.monolithgraphics.com/vr.html?http://www.monolithgraphics.com/darkrealms.html

Home Haunt

2008-10-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

A great haunted yard display!

Source: http://flickr.com/photos/christophermar/285980839/

Haunted house III

2008-10-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

I especially love this one. I love what appear to be trick-or-treaters dressed as ghosts running towards (or away from) the house.

Haunted house II

2008-10-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Another place I would gladly reside in.

Evil Scarecrow

2008-10-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite symbols of Halloween--the evil scarecrow. I absolutely love this one in particular. Aside from how creepy its face looks, there's something especially creepy about it being dressed in a tux. Don't know why, but to me, it makes it all the more creepier.

Pumpkin Man

2008-10-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Creepy. 'Nuff said.

Source: http://cartercomicsblog.blogspot.com/2005_10_01_archive.html

Halloween Treats

2008-10-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

Perfect little goodies for Halloween!