Now Handsome Jack wasn’t known to be slack with a raise of his brow the bats scattered as the pumpkin smirked and the black cat meowed and the holy white crosses all fell back
The moon’s glow added a mysterious glimmer as he stared straight at his next victim oops, decadent woman of the hallowed night making his rowdy blood and the red mist simmer
His attire mocked the average dressed Poe with ruffled sleeves and a raised collar jacket cinched tight with Lenore dangling from his belt, he hoped would cause a row.
Handsome Jack made his intent blatantly clear Annabelle would come willingly to his side replacing Marie Laveau in a fiery flash but there’s more to the story then might appear
The cat and the pumpkin placed their bets as the two men snickered and bickered the merits of a woman’s worth but neither remembered a woman never forgets.
A woman’s fury is worse than gates of hell Bats and cats both are very aware that only a foolish grinning pumpkin and a man sporting a hat would ring that bell.
“One good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to the others.”~ unknown
“A woman has got to love a bad man once or twice in her life, to be thankful for a good one.” ― Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
I’m truly happy I found my guy.
We’re approaching our 12th anniversary on Halloween.
The Crain’s Wedding
Hear ye Hear ye, the wedding is today Pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows, bales of hay Spread out in such colorful array Orange and yellow festive bouquets A raven on his perch studying the fray
Town crier “let us begin this Halloween wedding, Yay” We gather in a circle and hold hands without delay Our dear Robin Hood and Marion vow love this day Crowds of well- wishers yell hurray! Hurray! Knights swirling their swords in mock play
Fair maidens tease with their fan sway Knights hoping the party will soon get risqué Arthur proclaiming lets partake of thy fabulous buffet Friar Tuck toasts Drink up, be merry, pass the cheese tray Let the music begin, get this party under way Because soon it will be somber All Saint’s day!
Playing catch-up again. We were in Maine with family, taking a much needed mental health break.
Questions:
When was the last time you tried something new? How did that go for you?
The something new for me was drinking with the granddaughters. I hadn’t done that with them before. It felt awkward at first because as a grandmother or even as a mother because you don’t see them in your mind’s eye as adults. Once, I got past the creepy feel, we had a ball. Conversation was good, margaritas were tasty but this woman should have stopped at one. But stubborn as I am I didn’t want to be the light weight drinker of the crew. I decorated myself in vomit shortly after we dropped the girls off but thankfully I rose the next day with no hangover.
What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say?
Follow your heart, it will never lead you astray.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
51, it was a very good year.
Lastly, I’ll be doing one “Halloween” themed question per week during October. Those who don’t observe the holiday are welcome to answer or to ignore it as they wish.
Fun CREEPY Halloween Question:
Have you ever seen a ‘fresh’ corpse (aka dead body)?
Yup, I have several times. The image stays in your mind for some time.
Scratchy, itchy, moldy straw stuffed in places that hurt Crows landing on my outstretched arms Arrogantly squawking in my ear, pecking at my hat Raw winds with chilly temperatures freezing my tush Even the farmer has abandoned me in the field Caw, caw, go away can’t you give me moments piece Rotted vegetables left under my dangling feet Over my head the sun shines brightly but isn’t warm Why, farmer did you leave me here withering
I’m editing some of my Halloween poetry and I like to get in the right mindset with dark classical music. Now I know the prompt says favorite but I don’t really have a specific artist because I love many different genres. The icing for me on the response was favorite and at this time of year I listen to a lot of dark classical music because Halloween is my favorite holiday.
This poem’s prompt said, you could only use the word contest in the title. In the poem itself you couldn’t use the words: contest, party, fear or Halloween. The other perimeter was it must have aa, bb, cc, dd, etc… so basically rhyming couplets with a minimum of 4 quatrains.
Elderly witches stirred bubbling pots Younger witches tied magical knots Black cats sharpened their claws Differences set aside as darkness draws
Gravestones groaned and shifted Caskets creaked when lifted Vampires rose from a murky home Their thirst will be sated as they roam
Ghosts howled and swirled in the mist Anxious for the opportunity to assist Owls and Ravens added conspiring sound Zombies impatient to get around
So many evil urges refuse to be reined in May the most significant demon win Purple smoke swirls, witches fly into the sky Quicker than the blink of a cat’s eye
Vampires flapped their wings to follow suit Zombies marched slowly in hot pursuit So preoccupied with their sweet treats Victims were easy prey on the streets
ABOUT MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE
“For over two decades, composers Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka have been known as Midnight Syndicate, creating symphonic soundtracks to imaginary films that facilitate a transcendental and adventurous escape into the secret dimensions of the mind’s eye. To many of their fans, they are horror music pioneers brewing a signature blend of instrumental orchestral gothic music and movie-style sound effects. To others, they remain the first “haunted house band” that forever changed the Halloween music genre and became a staple of the October holiday season. Still others, know them for their contributions to the use of music in the roleplaying and board game industries.”
Deviate depart from an established course. As an adjective departing from usual or accepted standards; deviant.
Inspiration be damned, I’m looking for a new muse! One that doesn’t deviate from writing.
My Muse Is Refusing Inspiration She seeks to flatter Herself with flashy gems and men decked out to the nines smothering her with opinions Oh, their inflated egos gag me quick my dear muse, deviate while we can
The poetry form, Etheree, consists of 10 lines of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 syllables
10 lines 40 w/c
Halloween lights are up around the window giving the cobwebs an eerie glow. No village on the landing because I’m worried about it being bumped by accident shuffling things down to the garage for the moving sale. The other thing is they’re securely wrapped already, not in the mood to add more work. The village in the dining room was up, I only changed the lighting color, picked up the snow blanket, laid down the moss and got out the pumpkins and witches. My witches in front of the fireplace weren’t boxed so they’re in need of boxes after Halloween. Just in case you’re wondering Halloween is 39 days away.
“Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder’s fork, and blind-worm’s sting, Lizard’s leg, and owlet’s wing,— For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble. Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble.” ― William Shakespeare
Moving:
On a positive note for getting things done for our move, I packed up 12 huge boxes, 6 for each granddaughter in Maine. Bedding, dishes and cookware that I’m sure they’ll be able to use. We’ve decided to deliver them personally. So we’re doing a quick road trip and going to see my son John while we’re there. I’m looking forward to seeing them all. I haven’t seen Mik in two and a half years, Cait in a year and quarter, and John in 10 months.
(of something regarded as unpleasant) continuing without pause or interruption.
Consequences Holding her beloved mirror in hand the young woman studies her lost love. Her smoldering eyes peering barely hidden behind her lush lashes and ruby red lips in a brief shy smile. As she watches him with their son walking hand in hand toward their home. Her hand trembles slightly, a tear drop falls for this living forever isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Yet the young woman thought she could handle it never considering how desolate eternity could be without her love, her child. She sighs deeply knowing, another tear falls In her heart, the choice was right though the price was high.
The choice made at the time didn’t consider the incessant ramifications of living forever. I thought of how I would feel if the opportunity arose guaranteeing their health and happiness in exchange for my soul, could I do it as I wrote this Halloween poem. I know faced with assuring they’re healthy and happy once doesn’t stop… oh wait but they’ll be dead and I’m still living. That incessant detail isn’t forefront because we want the best for our loved ones.
“Incessant smiling is one of the deadly tools used by someone whose intent is to make others cry.”― Michael Bassey Johnson
“Writing is my passion, expression and an incessant obsession.” ― Pushpa Rana
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”~ Joe Lewis
Life happens if only it would happen the way we need it too be than the word would lose some of its potency as an adverb no one or nothing more besides; solely or exclusively. Adjectively, it may have a little value because it’s alone of its or their kind; single or solitary. If the English language isn’t confusing only means enough except that; but for the fact that. Sometimes I think our ancestors had better communication than us with their drawings and limited vocabulary.
Saying I love you Is not the words I want to hear from you It’s not that I want you Not to say, but if you only knew How easy it would be to show me how you feel More than words is all you have to do to make it real Then you wouldn’t have to say that you love me ‘Cause I’d already know What would you do if my heart was torn in two More than words to show you feel That your love for me is real What would you say if I took those words away Then you couldn’t make things new Just by saying I love you
More than words La di da, da di da, di dai dai da
Now I’ve tried to talk to you and make you understand All you have to do is close your eyes And just reach out your hands and touch me Hold me close don’t ever let me go More than words is all I ever needed you to show Then you wouldn’t have to say that you love me ‘Cause I’d already know
What would you do if my heart was torn in two More than words to show you feel That your love for me is real What would you say if I took those words away Then you couldn’t make things new Just by saying I love you
La di da, da di da, di dai dai da More than words La di da, da di da, di dai dai da More than words La di da, da di da La di da, da di da, more than words La di da, da di da, di dai dai da La di da, da di da, more than words (oh uh uh uh) More than words
A weathered, crumbling, old two storied barn on the edge of town Barely noticed it was just one of many buildings all run down Two old posts hold a rusty old chain with what was left of a sign Next to the road, a grove of overgrown, neglected black pine Only one night of the year, there’s evidence something evil goes on Even the old owl is silent, hidden in the pine, patiently waiting for dawn The few towns’ people left lock their doors, put down their shades Covering their ears until the screeches of agonizing pain fade In the morning light, the elders look for survivors of the demon fest The lucky ones still able to moan will be medically assessed The undertaker will deliver the dead, to the graveyard Waiting for elders to begin a mournful service of fond regard The owl howls at closing, grateful to be among that survived Until next year, all will avoid the old barn where the demons reside.
Memento Memento, created by Emily Romano is a poem about a holiday or an anniversary, consisting of two stanzas as follows: the syllable count should be 8 beats for line one; 6 beats for line two; and two beats for line three. This is repeated twice for each stanza. The rhyme scheme is: a/b/c/a/b/c for each of the two stanzas.
Thought I would give one a try just for fun. And since Halloween is on my brain. I’ve been thinking a lot about our quandary to decorate or not. Do I expect trick or treaters? Probably, the same children in the neighborhood since they already run everywhere in our development. I’ve crossed paths numerous times and we always maintain social distance. I could simply set a filled dish on the steps for them. Some how I don’t see the trunk or treats at the school happening this year. The majority of our schools are distance learning.
Halloween, a ghoulish delight goblins and fairies join so glad to partake in whatever fright without flipping a coin you cad!
“One need not be a chamber to be haunted. One need not be a house. The brain has corridors surpassing material place.” ~ Emily Dickinson
Letter-c and custard
Three weeks have come and gone without a word from the doctor. Should I safely assume no news is good news on the biopsies done on the polyps? So I logged into the online portal that seems to be the methodology of the medical field these days, nothing was listed in my test results there either. Why is it so hard for communication channels to work as efficiently as their billing channel does?
Fall is approaching and with it comes the drying of herbs or freezing them for future use. I can’t freeze this year so I will be drying a slew to take with me.
I looked in the cupboard and I noted I have 8 cans of pumpkin on hand. I don’t feel like a pie or bread but then I remembered in the cancer fighting cookbook a recipe for pumpkin custard. Now that sounds divine.
Preheat oven 325
1 cup canned pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, allspice, nutmeg. 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. She indicates dark is better. 1 tablespoon of molasses. 1 teaspoon of vanilla. I cup of organic milk or coconut milk. I didn’t have either so I used 1 cup of vanilla almond milk.
Combine pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger,cloves,allspice and nutmeg in large bowl. In a smaller bowl beat the eggs lightly, then add the maple syrup, molasses,vanilla, and milk. Blend together then whisk into pumpkin mixture until thoroughly combined.
Pour the mixture into 6 ramekins and place them inside a 13″x 9″ pan or whatever pan you have that has at least 3 inch sides so the water doesn’t spill when you put it and pull it from the oven. Add 2 inches of hot water around the ramekins and carefully transfer pan to oven. Bake 45 -55 minutes. Test with a knife to make sure it comes out clean. Serve warm or cold. So good! ❤ Your family will love you for it.
This recipe belongs to Rebecca Katz from the Cancer Fighting Kitchen.
Rant:
“There are horrors beyond life’s edge that we do not suspect, and once in a while man’s evil prying calls them just within our range.~ H.P. Lovecraft
More violence and more covid-19
6,132,074 in the United States. deceased in the United States 186,173
confirmed cases: New Jersey: 192,973 Maine: 4,632 Virginia 124, 779, Nevada 70,474 , Massachusetts 129, 596
Looks like it’s safer still to live in Maine but unfortunately, they don’t have the medical I require available without long trips to Boston.
I’m inclined to stay inside and continue reading Roald Dahl’s Ghost Stories the outside world isn’t appealing to me. Maybe start a new crochet project so I’m not transporting it all with me.
If I could have my hair any color for 24 hours, what color would I choose?
Macavity and me
I had the electric blue for more than 24 hours, I loved it. But then I’ve had so many hair colors over the years thanks to my awesome friend and hair stylist.The typical colors of auburn, brunette, blonde after chemo stole my hair color. My hair came back in snow white. All of my natural color was gone. So then I tried, Royal blue,turquoise, pink, eggplant, green, red, orange, black and blue together, black and green together, purple, silver with red tips, I love the freedom, I have to express myself.
Am I a Hitchcock fan? If so, what is my favorite movie?
Hitchcock fan oh yeah. My introduction was because my Gramma loved John Forysthe, he starred in an unusual Hitchcock The Trouble with Harry. It wasn’t all that suspenseful, the setting isn’t busy, and the story is unusually quaint but she loved it and I watched it with her.
My second favorite is I Confess. the film stars Montgomery Clift in the leading role as a priest who’s wrongly suspected of murder. I Confess puts the ethics of privacy of the church on the stand, which ultimately results in showing the oath of silence in a new light. Which at the time was novel.
My third favorite is Spellbound. Spellbound is a twisting and turning suspense thriller from Alfred Hitchcock that nearly reaches the heights of his greatest works. Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck star in the film and both give excellent performances.
And finally, you can’t be a Hitchcock without the Birds. Why would anyone want to make a movie about Birds? I love birds but there are lots of people who hate birds. That’s due to a phenomenon known as ornithophobia — the fear of birds — and Hitchcock understood better than anyone how to tap into it. According to google to The Birds is one of Hitchcock’s most iconic works and has inspired countless spoofs and parodies over the years. For as silly as a swarm of birds inexplicably attacking people may seem to some, the film speaks more broadly to base human fears about how fragile our sense of security in the world actually is. The delicate balance of our daily routines could unravel and disrupt our lives forever — a horrifying theme indeed. The Birds is a multi-layered horror thriller from the master whose weighty themes cut beneath its story’s strange and frightening surface.
Do I decorate for Autumn/Halloween and will it be affected by this year’s craziness?
The witches cackle, the books move.
Igor offers interesting dining options.
I’m the house in the neighborhood that people come to see what I’ve done inside and out each year. I decorate because I love Halloween and how festive or scary I make it depends on my mood more than anything. I love creating the villages each year, I takes lots of pictures so I don’t repeat the set-up.
This year I have more than covid weighing on me. We’re moving and unpacking all the decorations and setting up draws away from what I need to be focusing on. But on the other hand I love how it feels in here with everything up and this is going to be last opportunity in this house. I’m going back and forth on this.
Today’s theme is “create a character.” Create an interesting character and describe him or her? Tell us a little something about your character. Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to share about the character you created.
Have you ever wondered what a pumpkin might think about his role after being picked at harvest? I chose to write from the pumpkin’s s point of view. His wanting to be part of the celebration of Halloween.
Big or, little each a different one,
Pick me; pick me, I hope
From one to the next, the excited children run.
The unlucky gourds left behind mope.
Yay, I’m the pumpkin a child chose.
I think golly what kind of a face will I be?
So much better than being left for the crows
Will it be happy or scary? I can’t wait to see,
what the children will create with their knife.
Once a simple pumpkin in the field
Now it’s my moment to come to life.
As a jack o lantern, my true glory revealed
as I shine boldly from my special place.
creating the magic of Halloween night.
I am radiant in my chosen state of grace,
happy to have a Jack o Lantern’s exclusive right.
I wrote a poem for my grandchildren. My intent is to publish it as a children’s book . I have some fun sketches drawn to go with the different lines.
lyncrain 