My biggest fear--as far as irrational fears go--is spirits or ghosts. It's embarrassing; but, for some reason, any paranormal activity that occurs around me sends thrills of fear through my body. I think a lot of people share this fear with me, mainly because it couples with the great and terrible fear of the unknown. See, I'm not scared of people, which is what a spirit is--just a person who has passed on. The thing that scares me about spirits is the fact that I have no real way of knowing whether the person who is in the room with me has good or bad intentions (at least with the living, I can read body signals).
This fear has made working Fear Factory particularly difficult, or at least challenging, for me due to the high amount of activity going on nightly. My area, in particular, is known to have at least a couple of spirits who like to play with people. Through one of these spirits, though, I've begun to get over my fear. It's strange, I know; but any contact I've had with George has been fairly positive.
The first time I found proof of George's presence was about halfway through the season, and he was apparently feeling restless. He decided to mess with one of my fellow actresses between customers: pulling at her cloak, touching her, hitting her. I actually saw her clothing move during George's little teasing session. At the time, I was still white knuckled about ghosts, so I was plastered to the spot upon seeing this proof. You know that fight or flight sensation you get when you're truly frightened? Yeah, that sucker was wailing through me the entire rest of the night.
About a week or so later, though, I had the opportunity to be the queen of the Strigoi; so I worked in the throne room with the king, who is someone that I'm pretty sure fears nothing. After I mentioned that George kept showing himself to me, the king said that George showed himself frequently in that room and that I shouldn't be afraid of seeing him. Obviously, I needed more convincing. I had no idea what George had planned for me and my king, so I voiced that little bit of anxiety. The king assured me that George is friendly and means no harm to anyone: he's a gentle giant (have you seen him?! he's huge!).
After that reassurance, a flip switched in my head. I've been trying to interact with George more, now--encouraging him to play with the lights more or telling him whenever I'm able to see him. I've even gotten brave enough to hold my hands out in invitation for George to touch me. He hasn't, yet, but I hope he does by the end of the season.
I feel crazy saying this, but I'm going to miss George a bit once the season's over. I feel like I've gotten to know him and grown accustomed to him so much that it'll be weird not having him around every once in a while. Of course, facing my fear with George was kind of like breaking the most gentle horse ever born. He was never anything to fear, just someone who happened to die horribly on the property, which is unfortunate for someone so nice. I guess my next challenge is to go down there alone, or maybe I should meet the other ghosts of Fear Factory and see what their personalities are like. Now that I've opened this door for myself, I'm completely enthralled by what I can learn.
So, this has been the most gentle ghost story you've ever read. I hope you've enjoyed it and maybe even inspired you to get to know your neighborhood ghosts a little more. Stay spooky!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Victorian Era Funerals
Lately, I've been on a weird kick about old customs: how people used to act and live their lives in the past. These things pique my curiosity mainly because I like the idea that there is still a piece of the old 'ladies and gentlemen' mentality lingering in the backs of our easily-distracted, heavily-technologized brains (yes, I just made a word up). What was it like to live in a world where manners and etiquette ruled everything? What would it be like if it was suddenly impolite once more for women to wear anything but a full dress and for men to wear something as informal as jeans? Sure, I wouldn't want to go back to that time: women didn't have any rights and were completely viewed as property to either their fathers or husbands; and if they didn't find a husband after a certain time in their life, they were viewed as useless. No, I like being able to run the show and wear my impossibly tight jeans. It would be cool if we had those manners back, though.
Anyway, why I'm writing this on The Widower's Way is because I've been specifically intrigued by the way they sent their dead off into the next life. What were their funeral services like? So, I've started a search: What were funerals like in the 1800s? Let me share with you what I've found.
My first bit of information comes from this link. Funerals used to be very public, as opposed to the invitation-only mentality of today. The family put the body on display in their parlors so that everyone who wanted to could come around and say any last words. While the deceased was in the house, the family put up material called crepe that covered all windows, mirrors, picture frames, and mantels. They did this so that the spirit couldn't get trapped in any reflections or call upon somebody else to die with them. Clocks were stopped at the time of death in order to avoid bad luck of those still in the living realm.
According to this blog, wakes were invented in order to ensure that the person was absolutely dead. For 4 days, at least one pair of eyes was always watching the body in order to make sure that they didn't wake up. This is also why they attached bells to strings that lead down into the coffins. As a result of all of these precautions, people were very afraid of being buried alive.
During that time (the Victorian Era), they took mourning pretty seriously. This was because Queen Victoria got hit pretty hard when her husband died and over-exaggerated all of the already typical mourning traditions. Women were expected to don mourning garb for at least two years after the death of their loved one; and if they didn't have any black dresses at the time of the death, they were to hurry and dye some of their clothes black in order to be ready for mourning.
I found some good information on funeral etiquette here. Upon the death, the immediate family is to be interviewed briefly in order to provide the information that everyone will be asking. The interview will be done by the first appropriate person outside of the immediate family: an aunt, uncle, cousin, or clergy member. The family is given time before the wake begins in order to say their goodbyes to the deceased in order to avoid confusion or congestion around the coffin during the wake. The women of the family are not expected to acknowledge anyone's presence during the wake. The men have the option of doing so, depending on their degree of mourning.
While taking the coffin out of the home, the deceased is taken feet first so that they can't look back into the house and invite a family member to pass with them. There were six pall-bearers who carried the coffin out. Their heads had to be uncovered and they had to be around the same age, worth, and intelligence of the deceased, if possible. The funeral procession was quite similar to how we still have it today: the hearse headed the procession, and then the immediate family followed before all extended family and friends came. If the doctor who had tended to the deceased is in attendance, that person would follow after the immediate family.
The funeral itself was small: one last prayer was said over the grave before they put the coffin in and covered it up. Once that prayer was said, guests were free to go.
A couple of those links had much more information than I could fit in one blog (namely, the last one), so if this piques your interest as much as it does mine, go ahead and click forward. I find this fascinating--the solemnity around death and the massive amount of respect that was required for those the deceased had left behind. I kind of wish we could bring carriages back just for funerals. They're slower and don't have radios that can be used as a distraction.
Anyway, I hope you all liked this one. I may have to keep digging into history for stuff like this. I have a few more ideas that I've heard about and that I'd like to share, so stay tuned. Stay spooky :)
Anyway, why I'm writing this on The Widower's Way is because I've been specifically intrigued by the way they sent their dead off into the next life. What were their funeral services like? So, I've started a search: What were funerals like in the 1800s? Let me share with you what I've found.
My first bit of information comes from this link. Funerals used to be very public, as opposed to the invitation-only mentality of today. The family put the body on display in their parlors so that everyone who wanted to could come around and say any last words. While the deceased was in the house, the family put up material called crepe that covered all windows, mirrors, picture frames, and mantels. They did this so that the spirit couldn't get trapped in any reflections or call upon somebody else to die with them. Clocks were stopped at the time of death in order to avoid bad luck of those still in the living realm.
According to this blog, wakes were invented in order to ensure that the person was absolutely dead. For 4 days, at least one pair of eyes was always watching the body in order to make sure that they didn't wake up. This is also why they attached bells to strings that lead down into the coffins. As a result of all of these precautions, people were very afraid of being buried alive.
During that time (the Victorian Era), they took mourning pretty seriously. This was because Queen Victoria got hit pretty hard when her husband died and over-exaggerated all of the already typical mourning traditions. Women were expected to don mourning garb for at least two years after the death of their loved one; and if they didn't have any black dresses at the time of the death, they were to hurry and dye some of their clothes black in order to be ready for mourning.
I found some good information on funeral etiquette here. Upon the death, the immediate family is to be interviewed briefly in order to provide the information that everyone will be asking. The interview will be done by the first appropriate person outside of the immediate family: an aunt, uncle, cousin, or clergy member. The family is given time before the wake begins in order to say their goodbyes to the deceased in order to avoid confusion or congestion around the coffin during the wake. The women of the family are not expected to acknowledge anyone's presence during the wake. The men have the option of doing so, depending on their degree of mourning.
While taking the coffin out of the home, the deceased is taken feet first so that they can't look back into the house and invite a family member to pass with them. There were six pall-bearers who carried the coffin out. Their heads had to be uncovered and they had to be around the same age, worth, and intelligence of the deceased, if possible. The funeral procession was quite similar to how we still have it today: the hearse headed the procession, and then the immediate family followed before all extended family and friends came. If the doctor who had tended to the deceased is in attendance, that person would follow after the immediate family.
The funeral itself was small: one last prayer was said over the grave before they put the coffin in and covered it up. Once that prayer was said, guests were free to go.
A couple of those links had much more information than I could fit in one blog (namely, the last one), so if this piques your interest as much as it does mine, go ahead and click forward. I find this fascinating--the solemnity around death and the massive amount of respect that was required for those the deceased had left behind. I kind of wish we could bring carriages back just for funerals. They're slower and don't have radios that can be used as a distraction.
Anyway, I hope you all liked this one. I may have to keep digging into history for stuff like this. I have a few more ideas that I've heard about and that I'd like to share, so stay tuned. Stay spooky :)
Monday, September 30, 2013
Season Update: Fear Factory!
Hello, everyone! There's been a bit of a gap in posts, once more. This is mainly because I've been preparing for this season at the haunt I'm working at this year. I think I'll tell you guys a little bit about the haunt I'm working, seeing as it's possibly the best one in Utah, currently (I also may be biased).
I'm working for Fear Factory right now! The most interesting part of this haunt is the fact that it's an actual old factory; and because people used to live and work around this factory, many deaths occurred on the grounds. Not only do the living and breathing actors and actresses haunt this factory, but the dead also make their appearances from time to time. There is some information on the history of the factory in the link above. Also, there are a few videos on youtube about the ghosts. Here's one in which George is communicating with people in the area that I work (I believe that is the catacombs, anyway!).
Besides all ghostly activity, Fear Factory is also interesting due to the devotion of those who have put this haunt together. On the night of dress rehearsal, I had the opportunity to go through the entire house and see everything for the first time. Before going in, I had an idea of the hours that most people clock on a daily basis at the factory; but seeing the results of their work made me truly appreciate that time I knew had been spent on creating that perfection. The attention to detail in all of the sets and rooms is breath-taking. I can imagine that walking through alone without any actors in there would be creepy and disorienting all on its own.
But, then, the element of my fellow actors and actresses is added, making it quite a show to behold. I'm surrounded by so much talent every time I go that I often feel dwarfed--diminished in my lack of acting experience. But the atmosphere with all these people is so friendly that it's hard to believe that people actually pee their pants in our haunt on a nightly basis!
I have to say, I'm quite proud to be a part of the Fear Factory team. We're all here to have fun and scare the piss out of you. Bias or no bias, I highly recommend swinging by this Halloween season and enjoying the spooky, creepy interiors and impressive makeup skills that lie within this truly haunted factory. Admission information can be found online at FearFactorySLC.com (the link above). I believe you can actually save money by buying your tickets online!
So, come by and visit me, if you're in the Salt Lake area. You'll find me guarding my freshly-made pet deep in the underground catacombs! And, if I'm lucky, there'll be more than screams coming out of you!
Stay spooky, everyone! I'll try to post a few more times during the season. We'll see how that goes.
I'm working for Fear Factory right now! The most interesting part of this haunt is the fact that it's an actual old factory; and because people used to live and work around this factory, many deaths occurred on the grounds. Not only do the living and breathing actors and actresses haunt this factory, but the dead also make their appearances from time to time. There is some information on the history of the factory in the link above. Also, there are a few videos on youtube about the ghosts. Here's one in which George is communicating with people in the area that I work (I believe that is the catacombs, anyway!).
Besides all ghostly activity, Fear Factory is also interesting due to the devotion of those who have put this haunt together. On the night of dress rehearsal, I had the opportunity to go through the entire house and see everything for the first time. Before going in, I had an idea of the hours that most people clock on a daily basis at the factory; but seeing the results of their work made me truly appreciate that time I knew had been spent on creating that perfection. The attention to detail in all of the sets and rooms is breath-taking. I can imagine that walking through alone without any actors in there would be creepy and disorienting all on its own.
But, then, the element of my fellow actors and actresses is added, making it quite a show to behold. I'm surrounded by so much talent every time I go that I often feel dwarfed--diminished in my lack of acting experience. But the atmosphere with all these people is so friendly that it's hard to believe that people actually pee their pants in our haunt on a nightly basis!
I have to say, I'm quite proud to be a part of the Fear Factory team. We're all here to have fun and scare the piss out of you. Bias or no bias, I highly recommend swinging by this Halloween season and enjoying the spooky, creepy interiors and impressive makeup skills that lie within this truly haunted factory. Admission information can be found online at FearFactorySLC.com (the link above). I believe you can actually save money by buying your tickets online!
So, come by and visit me, if you're in the Salt Lake area. You'll find me guarding my freshly-made pet deep in the underground catacombs! And, if I'm lucky, there'll be more than screams coming out of you!
Stay spooky, everyone! I'll try to post a few more times during the season. We'll see how that goes.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Dinner Party Pictures!
A couple of Halloweens ago, I decorated my apartment up and hosted a haunted dinner party. I took a bunch of pictures, but have never gotten to share them. So, I'm sharing them with you, now! Here they are.
So, the first few and the last one were just me showing off my new lanterns (I have a slight obsession with lanterns/cages). I'm thinking about making that last one some sort of topper for my blog...It depends on whether I'm smart enough for that.
The rest of them are from the dinner party, including wonderful top hats, crows, and cages. I was pretty proud of myself. The food was delicious, too, if I do say so myself. One problem I had and that I had to take note on for later times was the lack of food. I completely underestimated how much food I needed.
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed these! STAY SPOOKY!
So, the first few and the last one were just me showing off my new lanterns (I have a slight obsession with lanterns/cages). I'm thinking about making that last one some sort of topper for my blog...It depends on whether I'm smart enough for that.
The rest of them are from the dinner party, including wonderful top hats, crows, and cages. I was pretty proud of myself. The food was delicious, too, if I do say so myself. One problem I had and that I had to take note on for later times was the lack of food. I completely underestimated how much food I needed.
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed these! STAY SPOOKY!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Castin' My Spell On You!
Hello! Happy Lammas to my pagan friends! I have a book that gives a bunch of recipes for each pagan holiday, and I've been looking through it today, deciding which ones I'd like to try after I've gone shopping. This, naturally, got me thinking of some of my favorite foods to eat during the Holidays. Why not have a fall food appreciation blog?!
I'm going to start with perhaps my favorite recipe ever: Witches' Brew. It's a delicious pea-infused-with-bacon soup. Here is a picture I took a couple years back while making this delicious concoction:
Mmmmmmm....Anyway, here are the ingredients you will need:
I'm going to start with perhaps my favorite recipe ever: Witches' Brew. It's a delicious pea-infused-with-bacon soup. Here is a picture I took a couple years back while making this delicious concoction:
Mmmmmmm....Anyway, here are the ingredients you will need:
1-2 bags of frozen peas
1 carton of vegetable stock
1-2 cloves of garlic
1 onion
Salt/Pepper (to taste)
BACOOONNNNN!!!
Alright, you have to start with the stuff you need tender before making the soup. So, I saute the onion and garlic before adding about half of the peas and stirring them around to warm them up. In the past, I've cooked the bacon while sauteing the veggies so I can add the grease with the vegetable stock--this is for those who aren't afraid of FATNESS or potentially face-melting FLAVOR.
Once the peas are all warm and the onions are tender, add the vegetable stock, salt and pepper, and the rest of the peas. If you haven't added the bacon grease, now is the time to put at least one strip of bacon (cooked) in the pot to boil with the rest of the ingredients. Boil until everything is nice and fused together (always taste to tell).
At this point, you have another option: either blend it (the chowder option) or serve it as is (the soupy mcsoup-soup option). Either one you choose, it will be equally delectable and dream-worthy. Serve with the soup topped with bacon. Enjoy!
This recipe is pretty close to its originator: WITCHES' BREW. I'm not real big on measuring, but the website gives more specific measurements to work with. Here are a few more links to recipes I'm planning on trying this year:
APPLE TOFFEE COOKIES! I'm more of a cook than a baker, but these are worth the risk of burning down the kitchen.
GARLICKY PUMPKIN RISOTTO! Something to make if you're feeling particularly fancy - pantsy one night.
Ooooh, and STICKY POPCORN POTS! In case you're needing something completely delicious and comforting to snack on during movie night!
Please share any fun recipes you have stored up in your archives! I love trying new dishes, especially in the fall (if all year were fall, I would actually be somewhere in life). Thanks for reading. STAY SPOOOOKY!
Monday, July 8, 2013
Dead Man's Party
Every now and then, my subconscious taps into the inner hostess with the mostess that's tucked deep down beneath years of anti-domestication beliefs. Fortunately, this persona only comes out in regards to Halloween. Halloween doesn't only make me want to scare people; it also makes me want to party! I get a weird drive to decorate things, think of various spooky foods I could prepare, and create playlists kooky enough to dance with on a regular basis throughout the year. The ironic part of this is that I've never attended a Halloween party, let alone hosted one. Maybe hosting a Halloween party is my calling in life, and I just haven't gotten the opportunity to make it happen, yet. I don't know.
A couple years ago, during my last semester of college, I planned three fantastic parties that were to happen within three weeks during October. By mid-September, I had all three planned completely--invites were designed and ready to be printed, lists of decor and food were ready to be bought and prepared, and decor was quite thoroughly planned, to the point that I wasn't going to need to improvise on anything. Everything was planned. They were my three children: the dinner party, the pumpkin carving party, and then the balls out epic Halloween party. And, with how my luck always goes, only one of them happened in a very half-hearted manner. Another could have happened, if I hadn't gotten so busy with mid-term tests. And then the grand finale was brought to a shuttering halt when the news came that my grandpa had passed away and there was a funeral to attend on the other side of the U.S.
Still, that flame burns in my heart. I'm bent on hosting a fantastic Halloween party--one that people I've never met will talk about for ages. They'll talk about how perfectly creepy the design of the decor was and how cleverly delicious the food was and how genius the playlist was and how they'll never come away from a party so perfectly satisfied with themselves and the world. I think I'm pretty damn good at planning a party, just saying.
Anyway, in a way, this was a pointless blog. I felt a need to share my slight fanaticism that comes with the idea of throwing a Halloween party. Maybe someone else out there feels that way? Or maybe someone out there wants help planning a party?
Stay Spooky!!
A couple years ago, during my last semester of college, I planned three fantastic parties that were to happen within three weeks during October. By mid-September, I had all three planned completely--invites were designed and ready to be printed, lists of decor and food were ready to be bought and prepared, and decor was quite thoroughly planned, to the point that I wasn't going to need to improvise on anything. Everything was planned. They were my three children: the dinner party, the pumpkin carving party, and then the balls out epic Halloween party. And, with how my luck always goes, only one of them happened in a very half-hearted manner. Another could have happened, if I hadn't gotten so busy with mid-term tests. And then the grand finale was brought to a shuttering halt when the news came that my grandpa had passed away and there was a funeral to attend on the other side of the U.S.
Still, that flame burns in my heart. I'm bent on hosting a fantastic Halloween party--one that people I've never met will talk about for ages. They'll talk about how perfectly creepy the design of the decor was and how cleverly delicious the food was and how genius the playlist was and how they'll never come away from a party so perfectly satisfied with themselves and the world. I think I'm pretty damn good at planning a party, just saying.
Anyway, in a way, this was a pointless blog. I felt a need to share my slight fanaticism that comes with the idea of throwing a Halloween party. Maybe someone else out there feels that way? Or maybe someone out there wants help planning a party?
Stay Spooky!!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The Haunted Mill
I went to college in Rexburg, Idaho; and, I've got to say, Rexburg is one of my favorite places to be during the Halloween season. Local businesses have taken advantage of the fact that there are a lot of starving students looking for cheap entertainment, especially during the fall when everything gets colder and more spooky. There are things from carnivals to straw and corn mazes to, of course, haunted houses. Ugh, not to mention pumpkin patches, local places to get fresh cider, and miles on top of miles of fresh autumn air to consume from the comforts of your car.
Ah, yisss, Rexburg is a fantastic place for fall lovers.
One of my favorite places to go (I try to visit several times during the season) is The Haunted Mill. They're located a few miles north of Rexburg in a small town called Teton. It's out in the middle of nowhere, which makes a perfect setting for this broken down old mill (yes, it's an actual old mill):
This image can be found on their website, which is also where you can find directions to the place and information on all the different actual spirits who live there.
This is one of my favorite haunted houses of all time mostly because the creators of the haunt are so imaginative with the layout. Each year, it's completely different in there. And the small parts that do stay the same are the best parts--they never get old and never get unscary. I usually get scared just knowing a certain part is coming up, which is really what makes a great haunt.
I have great college memories at that mill, as well! My first year out at college is when I got acquainted with this wonderful place. A group of us kids went through the haunt and had a lot of fun going through. The most memorable moment of that night for me, though, was at the very end when one of the guys in the group decided it would be fun to hide until I came out...and then proceed to chase me down the bank (with me thinking it was still part of the haunt). I still giggle at the memory, even if it is half out of embarrassment.
So, if you're ever in Idaho during the holiday season (yes, for me Halloween IS the holiday season), hit me up on facebook and I'll give you some great places to go. But, for freaking sure, go to The Haunted Mill. You have no idea the amount of awesome you're in for until you actually pull up and look at the building you're about to enter. And trust me, it's worth the road trip!
Stay spooky!
Ah, yisss, Rexburg is a fantastic place for fall lovers.
One of my favorite places to go (I try to visit several times during the season) is The Haunted Mill. They're located a few miles north of Rexburg in a small town called Teton. It's out in the middle of nowhere, which makes a perfect setting for this broken down old mill (yes, it's an actual old mill):
This image can be found on their website, which is also where you can find directions to the place and information on all the different actual spirits who live there.
This is one of my favorite haunted houses of all time mostly because the creators of the haunt are so imaginative with the layout. Each year, it's completely different in there. And the small parts that do stay the same are the best parts--they never get old and never get unscary. I usually get scared just knowing a certain part is coming up, which is really what makes a great haunt.
I have great college memories at that mill, as well! My first year out at college is when I got acquainted with this wonderful place. A group of us kids went through the haunt and had a lot of fun going through. The most memorable moment of that night for me, though, was at the very end when one of the guys in the group decided it would be fun to hide until I came out...and then proceed to chase me down the bank (with me thinking it was still part of the haunt). I still giggle at the memory, even if it is half out of embarrassment.
So, if you're ever in Idaho during the holiday season (yes, for me Halloween IS the holiday season), hit me up on facebook and I'll give you some great places to go. But, for freaking sure, go to The Haunted Mill. You have no idea the amount of awesome you're in for until you actually pull up and look at the building you're about to enter. And trust me, it's worth the road trip!
Stay spooky!
Monday, June 3, 2013
The Laughter of Little...Clowns.
So, I have a strange obsession, and I am addressing it today. My topic is!
HAUNTED CARNIVALS!
I love haunted carnivals. If I could build a haunted house based solely on creepy carnival things, I would be vastly happy. There's something so fantastic about the maniacal laugh of a clown and the giggle of an unseen impish carny to the backdrop of broken down, out of beat old carnival music. I can't get enough of it.
It also makes me happy to find people who have done this style of haunt right! Because it's a style that's very easy to screw up--as in, over acting...too much makeup...cheesy, cliche props...or props that are too obviously homemade. So, for your viewing pleasure, here are a few people who have done it right!
Oh, and to add to the mood, here's some music.
Alright, the picture above came from this forum, on which was posted a great carnival and the carnies themselves! VIOLA!
This is a haunt called Carnival of Risk. It's so well done, it kind of makes me want to cry. I love the decor of the booths, not to mention the makeup and characters. In my opinion, this haunt is perfectly executed in this style. I need to travel there!
Here's another fun one! It's called Psycho Circus, which is a name that definitely promises a good time. I'm pretty sure a lot of it is homemade, which is really impressive because the props aren't bad! The video is a bit long, but it's fun to watch.
Here are a few cool props: the tightrope bike, Scare Factory clowns, and a whole page of neat...stuff!
So, I guess that'll be all for now. I hope I've piqued your interest, at least! Have a very scary day!
HAUNTED CARNIVALS!
I love haunted carnivals. If I could build a haunted house based solely on creepy carnival things, I would be vastly happy. There's something so fantastic about the maniacal laugh of a clown and the giggle of an unseen impish carny to the backdrop of broken down, out of beat old carnival music. I can't get enough of it.
It also makes me happy to find people who have done this style of haunt right! Because it's a style that's very easy to screw up--as in, over acting...too much makeup...cheesy, cliche props...or props that are too obviously homemade. So, for your viewing pleasure, here are a few people who have done it right!
Oh, and to add to the mood, here's some music.
Alright, the picture above came from this forum, on which was posted a great carnival and the carnies themselves! VIOLA!
This is a haunt called Carnival of Risk. It's so well done, it kind of makes me want to cry. I love the decor of the booths, not to mention the makeup and characters. In my opinion, this haunt is perfectly executed in this style. I need to travel there!
Here's another fun one! It's called Psycho Circus, which is a name that definitely promises a good time. I'm pretty sure a lot of it is homemade, which is really impressive because the props aren't bad! The video is a bit long, but it's fun to watch.
Here are a few cool props: the tightrope bike, Scare Factory clowns, and a whole page of neat...stuff!
So, I guess that'll be all for now. I hope I've piqued your interest, at least! Have a very scary day!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Makeup practice!
As promised, there isn't as much of a gap between posts this time!
This past season, I met some people--one in particular--who set up a
haunt around a residence; and payment was put to charity. During the
year, we've been having regular meetings to discuss and decide things
for the coming season. I'm in heaven, let me just say.
Through this haunt, though, I've made some fantastic friends. I recently got together with one of those friends and practiced some makeup (seeing as that friend and I are planning on doing this season's makeup). These pictures are from my first attempt at a detailed skeleton. I was looking off of this picture. This artist has incredible horror makeup, by the way. I strongly advise giving her a look! Here are the pics!
The materials I used are strangely simple: eyeliner pencil (both black and white) and some black eye shadow (for the shading).
This was a huge learning experience! I learned that I need to get something that works better for fine details, like liquid eye liner or something. I also learned that I need to learn how to draw and shade teeth better. I probably also ought to make it a habit to set powder on the finished fill-ins (like the black of the eye and nose). It started running quite quickly after I was finished, and I'll need that makeup to last a good 5 hours.
A pointer for beginners--definitely practice a new type of monster on a person, first, so you know exactly what you need to learn to get better!
Stay scary, friends!
Through this haunt, though, I've made some fantastic friends. I recently got together with one of those friends and practiced some makeup (seeing as that friend and I are planning on doing this season's makeup). These pictures are from my first attempt at a detailed skeleton. I was looking off of this picture. This artist has incredible horror makeup, by the way. I strongly advise giving her a look! Here are the pics!
The materials I used are strangely simple: eyeliner pencil (both black and white) and some black eye shadow (for the shading).
This was a huge learning experience! I learned that I need to get something that works better for fine details, like liquid eye liner or something. I also learned that I need to learn how to draw and shade teeth better. I probably also ought to make it a habit to set powder on the finished fill-ins (like the black of the eye and nose). It started running quite quickly after I was finished, and I'll need that makeup to last a good 5 hours.
A pointer for beginners--definitely practice a new type of monster on a person, first, so you know exactly what you need to learn to get better!
Stay scary, friends!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Crows vs Ravens
Alright, so I'm horrible with this blog. It's been months. MONTHS. To anyone whose interest I've piqued, I'm sorry for disappointing. I promise to do better in the future!
For today's topic, I chose to research the difference between ravens and crows. I really love these birds. Any lover of Halloween loves these birds, really. It's because they're spooky looking and tend to be associated with death. At least, that's why I love them so much. Anyway, allow me to get started.
Ravens and crows belong to the same genus (for those of you who don't understand what a genus is..just like I didn't...here is the dictionary definition): corvus. They also (obviously) share the same family: corvidae. Other corvidae include magpies and jays.
The first difference one would notice between a crow and a raven is that the raven is much larger. A raven is about the size of a hawk, with a typical 4' wingspan. Ravens have bigger, heavier-looking beaks and have tufts around their throats. Their tails also come to a point at the end. In the sun, they'll have either a purple or blue tint to their black wings.
A raven's call is quite deep and raspy; however, they are able to imitate the sounds of other birds and creatures. Here is a place you can find the different calls.
Ravens like to hunt in solitude, so they typically live in isolated places. They will occasionally live near cities; and when they do, they're quick to find the more nature-y places in town.
Crows are smaller--about the size of a dove or a pigeon--with a wingspan of 3', typically. Their beaks are more petite, and their tails create a nice rounded fan shape. Their feathers will either have a green or blue tint under the sun. Crows are much more sleek looking.
A crow's call is high pitched (or at least higher than the raven's) and more clear. The link above provides sound bites of both birds.
Crows aren't picky about where they live. They can be found anywhere, really. The fact that they are most frequently seen in cities proves that they're more tolerant to the constant commotion and competition of life around different creatures. A crow can live up to 8 years (whereas a raven can live up to 30 years).
Here are a couple more links I couldn't tactfully sneak in:
Info on the birds
A YouTube video showing the difference in sizes (I want a pet raven so badly! Jealous!)
Upon researching all this, I came to the conclusion that the bird I'm really in love with is the raven. The raven is pretty awesome. I mean, the crow is cool; but the raven takes the cake. It's like the crow is Ron Weasley--he tries real hard, but isn't that exemplary--and then here comes the raven, Bill and/or Charlie Weasley, crapping all over Ron's party because of their awesomeness. Ok, I'm done.
I hope you enjoyed my little research party. And as before mentioned, I will start blogging here more frequently! Have a spooky Saturday!
For today's topic, I chose to research the difference between ravens and crows. I really love these birds. Any lover of Halloween loves these birds, really. It's because they're spooky looking and tend to be associated with death. At least, that's why I love them so much. Anyway, allow me to get started.
Ravens and crows belong to the same genus (for those of you who don't understand what a genus is..just like I didn't...here is the dictionary definition): corvus. They also (obviously) share the same family: corvidae. Other corvidae include magpies and jays.
Ravens
A raven's call is quite deep and raspy; however, they are able to imitate the sounds of other birds and creatures. Here is a place you can find the different calls.
Ravens like to hunt in solitude, so they typically live in isolated places. They will occasionally live near cities; and when they do, they're quick to find the more nature-y places in town.
Crows
A crow's call is high pitched (or at least higher than the raven's) and more clear. The link above provides sound bites of both birds.
Crows aren't picky about where they live. They can be found anywhere, really. The fact that they are most frequently seen in cities proves that they're more tolerant to the constant commotion and competition of life around different creatures. A crow can live up to 8 years (whereas a raven can live up to 30 years).
Here are a couple more links I couldn't tactfully sneak in:
Info on the birds
A YouTube video showing the difference in sizes (I want a pet raven so badly! Jealous!)
Upon researching all this, I came to the conclusion that the bird I'm really in love with is the raven. The raven is pretty awesome. I mean, the crow is cool; but the raven takes the cake. It's like the crow is Ron Weasley--he tries real hard, but isn't that exemplary--and then here comes the raven, Bill and/or Charlie Weasley, crapping all over Ron's party because of their awesomeness. Ok, I'm done.
I hope you enjoyed my little research party. And as before mentioned, I will start blogging here more frequently! Have a spooky Saturday!
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