Halloween 2012 "Haunted London"

Well, I have to say that this year's Halloween fared a bit better than last but overall it wasn't a memorable event.  It could have been but once again, Mother Nature decided to have a bit of a temper tantrum on the weekend I planned my haunt.  (Last year I was blasted by the nor'easter.)   I hesitate to complain too much in light of the terrible devastation and loss that so many have suffered but yeah, Halloween was another disappointing and frustrating experience as far as outdoor haunts go. 
Been working on props, scenery, etc., since January.  Been working back in the tick infested woods for the past two months setting up, clearing paths and so on, holding onto the thought that surely,  Mother Nature could not be so cruel as to ruin my Halloween two years in a row.  Right.
Anyway, we managed to run the haunt one night but since most people were preparing for the hurricane which arrived early Saturday (SE Virginia-Outer Banks area of NC), turnout was not spectacular.  Still, the folks who came loved it and we had a good time scaring the sh*t out of people.  Unfortunately, the approach of the hurricane limited my photography opportunities. Even bought a new fancy video camera which we used but we did so in a rush and with limited lighting.  Not expecting much there.  Saturday was a frantic exercise in tearing everything down before the rain and wind destroyed everything. 
Basically, I am now cured of the desire to EVER set up another outdoor haunt, at least one of the size and scope that I've done for the past two years.  Mother Nature is just too mercurial -- she and I just don't seem to hit it off. 
Here are a few pics--more to see in my Deviant Art Gallery

Haunted Hayloft

Just had to share this completely awesome pic from The Quirk Shop Blog

Haunted London

 
Despite my grief over the unexpected loss of my horse, Bonnie, I've decided to go ahead with this year's Halloween Haunt.  Working on everything that goes with planning and running a live actor/walk through outdoor haunt has helped to keep my mind off of what was a very emotionally excruciating experience for me.  Besides, she and Majik (my other horse) really enjoyed watching all the goings-on when it came to Halloween.  So, I shall honor her--my beautiful girl--with this year's haunt. Hope to raise some much needed funding for a local animal refuge as well. 
So, stay tuned to this blog to find out how a "Haunted London" Halloween Haunt does in southeast Virginia, USA!

My Beautiful Girl

Another Halloween approaches.  We will be moving after this year's celebration and so, I was hoping that this would be the very best Haunt that I have done.  I've worked ever so hard over the past year and have 20 actors lined up--should be fabulous...but...tragedy has a way of rearing its ugly head when you least expect it.
Many of you know that I have a LOT of animals that I care for--amongst them are my two babies--my horses, Bonnie and Majik.  On Tuesday morning, my beautiful girl--Bonnie--passed away....totally unexpected and completely horrific.  She was just 16 years old.  Colic is the number one killer of horses--they have delicate digestive systems and miles of intestines...every now and then, their intestines become 'twisted' and everything shuts down and well, you can imagine the rest:  horrible pain and suffering. This happened to my darling girl.
I have given birth three times in my life--I have gone through the deaths of my father and my father-in-law and numerous animal members of my family but this, by far, has been the most intense experience of my life.
I went to the barn to fix their breakfast and clean their stalls, etc., etc., as I have done for the past 10 years and knew that something was not right as soon as I glimpsed her stall.  I called the vet asap but all three of them were already out on emergency calls.  Within two hours, my beautiful girl went from having, seemingly, a bit of a problem with her back left leg to death--watching her fail and being completely helpless has been, to date, the most excruciating experience of my life.  All I could do is hold her head in my arms and will her to live which, obviously, did not work.  Two bloody hours of hell and disbelief. 
Anyway, guys, I love Halloween but I'm not sure I can do it this year.  Part of Halloween is remembering the Dead; honoring them and celebrating the life beyond but I'm just not sure I can do it this year.  My heart is breaking.

Yummy Pumpkin Soap!

Haven't been keeping up with the ol' blog although I have been reading all the good stuff my Halloween blogger friends have been sharing.  Thanks for all the fun pics and links!  Although I've been silent, I'm not completely comatose--keeping busy with a bit of sculpting, jewelry making and soap making, along with the usual frenetic building and preparation for the best day of the year.  We're going to be moving after this Halloween so my walk-through Haunt for this year is gonna' be the best ever!  (keeping the theme secret for now...hehe) 

Anyway, thought I'd share some of the goodies I've been making lately--this "toasted pumpkin" soap is SO lovely, if I do say so myself.  You'll think you're in a cozy kitchen with scrumptious pumpkin cookies baking in the oven. A warm and magical blend of pumpkin puree, ginger, crushed nutmeg, a sprinkling of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla sugar and sparkling rum. Yum. You'll be tempted to take a bite but please don't!  Special introductory prices right now!  (One of Bean's (Pumpkinrot) wonderful punkins in the background!)

Have a look-see in my etsy shoppe for more soaps and goodies!

A Little Late But Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

So, last night we finally got around to watching Guillermo del Toro's remake and despite the poor reviews, I must say that I really enjoyed this movie.  The spooky setting was simply delicious--the house was completely and appropriately dark and gorgeous.    I loved the bits with the little girl flash-lighting her way down to the foot of the bed and although much was predictable in this film, it was, at the same time, satisfyingly old-fashioned and just what the doctor ordered.  I simply adored the little creatures--maybe it's because I'm a sculptor but these little dark and nasty faeries were a joy to behold.  The creators ensured that each of these little guys had a distinctive and original appearance which just added to their overall malevolent charm.  Yep, I'll watch it again.

So, I have resigned from my volunteer position as moderator of the sculpture gallery on Deviant Art.  I'm feeling a bit sad and more than a little at loss after doing this for so long but I think it was for the best.  One can get burned out doing these kinds of things and then one knows that it is time for another to step in to fill the void.  I am hopeful that someone will come forward in order to keep the spirit of sculpture alive at that very fun art site.  As I said in my "Adieu" note, "Sculptors are amazing people.  You are devotees of one of the most ancient art forms in the history of humankind but your imaginations and talents know no bounds and you each have made this art form uniquely your own.  I admire all of you for your allegiance to sculpture;  for keeping it alive in the midst of a heavily digital and computerized art environment."  And this is also true for all of us in the Halloween Home Haunt and Prop Industry (and I capitalize these words because I think they should be.)  We create magic where there was none before--on Halloween Eve, a simple front yard is transformed into a haunting world that speaks of mystery and imagination extraordinaire.  No computers required, no Hollywood special effects...just some people that love a little bit of darkness and are willing to work in their garages and basements at all hours to bring forth and share,  on one night of the year, a bit of their own souls and creativity for simple fun.  That's it.  Kudos to all of you, my Halloween friends!