Halloween 2012

You didn't think I wouldn't include pics of this years costumes and fun did you?

We got a bit sidetracked by Frankenbitch, as we weren't able to put out all our decor, and had to pull down what was up earlier in the week. So it all had to get done on the afternoon of Halloween. Joy.

The area by me is still pretty bad, though its all around us, yet hasn't affected us badly at all. If you follow me on FB, you'll see the comment my husband made about what I said after realising all those shingles in the yard were ours. (I still think looting so we can have supplies for the zombie apocalypse is a good idea, but then again, I'm obsessed.) The schools are still out, most have extensive roof and water damage, and one still without power. So I was lucky to have the teen ghoul help me set the yard up a bit. We didn't go all out as there was still rain in the forecast and a lot of our stuff is electrical -- last thing we needed was for the house to go up in flames!

I usually can't decide what to dress as, since my mind races and I get all kinds of crazy ideas. So this year I dressed one way while setting up the yard and another for when the kids arrived. I did scare some little ones and felt so bad, but once they got treats (while clutching mum) they calmed down. Frankly looking in the mirror I thought I looked rather fetching! (Just a ghoul at heart.)

You got to see my "Halloween Non-Twee" Style post a few days ago when Frankenbitch was making me stir crazy. So go there to see those if you haven't already. And of course my anniversary post here. There are also "Spooky Halloween" 1, 2, and 3 posts, as well as Halloween Playlists 1 and 2 to give you inspiration for next year. Oh and don't forget the Zombie post!

These next photos were taken while trying to get the yard done. The day started out sunny, then turned dreary. We were frozen by the time we finished!

I don't have "red eye", I'm wearing my ghostly green contacts. The damn dress is too big even for these menopausal breasts, I really should have stuffed them as I had to keep pulling it up! It's an original 50's dress, I believe handmade, and simply stunning. Wish I got a pic of the back there is this fab long bow that hangs down.

Better look at the contacts and my busted nose. So pretty to have a nose that's been busted multiple times!

Had to add the silver mink stole, strapless and freezing temps do not mix.

Isn't the embroidery on the top to die for? I can't imagine taking the time to do all that by hand or even machine!

This was actually the outfit that scared the little girl. I felt so bad, but then again Snow White should be used to the Evil Queen!

This was my "real" costume. Bowie as zombie Halloween Jack.

This one sux but you get to see our floating, speaking skull!

Closeup of Zombie Halloween Jack. I didn't have time to make a good flesh wound, boo!
The older kids went ape, loved my "eye"!

La Teen Ghoul as the demon. Yes, she went as herself. (Muahaha! So proud of my teen demon ghoul!)

This is the skull thing without lights.

And here it is all lit up! Its motion activated, so spooked some kids!

It was an early night, the kids were home half an hour before we told them to be because they were exhausted. We didn't get many trick or treaters like usual which was odd. We expected the street two blocks over to bring their kids over to us where there was electricity. Its okay, we watched a zombie survival guide (SO lame, I should've written it!) and I had a few bottles of Newcastle Werewolf Blood Red Ale. Appropriate, no? Well it was our anniversary and we did need to celebrate! (And goodness knows after watching all the devastation, as well as friends and family losing everything during Frankenbitch, I NEEDED it!)

This was from last Saturday night in Brooklyn when we went to my old employees Halloween party. You can kind of see the good flesh wound (where I was bitten and turned) I miss my Bo )`: it was so good to see him again!

Lame ass pic taken in car on the same night, trying to show my cheek flesh wound, didn't do too well did I? I think at that point I was sick of the frigging wig and took it off!

A few last pics for fun...

For those of you who imbibe, here is a lovely selection of Halloween wines and ale for your perusal.

From left: "Pure Evil", "Evil", Newcastle "Werewolf Blood Red Ale" , "Werewolf" Wine,   "Vampire Wine"

Aw c'mon Newcastle Werewolves have no Bollocks? 

These are vintage bottles of Vampire wines. I used to cut the hair (wasn't a hairdresser then, so it was just a "doing it for a friend" sort of deal) of a friend who was a famous rock dude and he would bring me Vampire wines because I wouldn't accept money. These are the last two (I guess I drank the rest, heehee!) Of course in the middle is our Mexican Dia de los Muertos (today) bride and groom, given to us from either a Mexican friend or someone who had just been on our very first anniversary.

I believe this was a pic from Dante's Inferno. They stopped using them some time ago due to people getting pissed off about copyrights I believe. Wish I kept the empties!

Okay, that's about all to report for this Halloween. I blew it with pics, Dan had a great costume for the party, but come Halloween was too tired to do it up right. To be honest, with the kids home all week, I may just wind up doing more spooky pics for the hell of it (ha the "hell" of it, getttit? Oh man, I need school to reopen!)

I hope you and yours had loads of fun this Halloween!

Linking up with Lakota's Woooooooooo Wednesday - Halloween link up! http://faithhopeandcharityshopping.blogspot.com

XXX

Jet

(yes it's officially my new name... this month.)

Happy Halloween to ALL, and Happy Anniversary to the man I married 22 years ago today!!

Well every year I get slightly sappy on our anniversary. Only slightly though because it is Halloween, and I have to watch for zombies, ghosts, vampires and other things that go bump in the night! So as a sappy little way of showing how much I love my dearest of 22 years (and you wouldn't believe how many were taking bets it wouldn't last 6 months as we hadn't even known each other a little over 4 months when we got married -- and no I wasn't pregnant, had the PGP 10 years later -- so nah nah on all the naysayers!) This year I went kind of boring, but I happen to love the Cure and think they write such lovely little love songs. It actually has always confused me that they were considered goth, aside from Robert Smith's makeup (the PGP didn't realise he purposely smears the lipstick!) and hair. So here goes "Lovesong" by the Cure for my lovely husband. Love you baby.

As a little Halloween treat I've included a common Witches chant for those of you inclined to make contact with the "other side". Its also a chant you can use to raise energy. Energy is raised for various reasons; to make contact with those no longer with us, healing, prosperity, so many different reasons. It was filmed quite lovely, showing the group of witches raising energy and sending it out into the universe in the form of a ball of light. This chant is also used to bring peace, and for meditation, a good tool for getting in touch with your psychic side. Its called "Wytches Chant" by Inkubus Sukkubus.

                              

May all your Halloween encounters be fortuitous, and of course spooky and FUN!

XXX

Jet

Halloween Non-Twee Style

Earlier this month there were a slew of posts depicting beautiful women showing off their "Non-Twee Style" such as Desiree from Pull Your Socks Up! Sarah from Misfits Vintage to name just a few. I'd been thinking about those posts as I found them not only lovely, but quite intriguing.

Never one to follow the crowd, and always the rebel; I decided I needed to do my own version of "Halloween Non-Twee Style". Of course I would, with my undying love of all things Halloween, as well as my undying love for my husband who is part of that Halloween love. Besides what else do you do to ease the boredom of waiting for hurricane Sandy to hit, and watch the vultures clear the grocery shelves? Or news alerts every 3 minutes? Why have fun as one would expect!

So my lovely readers here is my version of "Halloween Non-Twee Style". Do feel free to do one of your own, and be sure to let me know so I can post links. What a fun way to celebrate a creepy holiday!

So now on with the show...

Pics courtesy of my personal photographer, the teen ghoul.

I don't look like I'm enjoying my PG Tips very much do I?
Ah what do you expect from a zombie, they are rather morose & we were fresh out of brain juice!

Yes zombies wear Converse High Tops.

Spotted a fellow zombie asking if they'd like a cuppa.

So pretty!

Wearing:
Pink Dead Stock Vintage Tutu from my old shop.
Evil Dead Tee given to me in the 80s in London (maybe made by Boy of London?)
Slashed up leggings, no clue where I got those.
Converse High Tops
Royal Stafford cup and saucer from an estate sale.
Zombie eyes are natural, I usually wear contacts to blend in. (;

I hope some of you decide to join in the fun -- be sure to let me know so I can post links and pics!

Happy "Halloween Non-Twee Style"!

XXX
Jet

Spooky Halloween Part Three

As I tried to illustrate in Part One and Two of the "Spooky Halloween" posts there are many famous hauntings and spooky locales where I live. But I haven't told you of any firsthand experiences... 

Aside from some of the more well-known hauntings and stories connected with the area, there are many more undocumented. Pretty much anywhere. Such as that of our own home. I live in a haunted house. The ghost of the woman who had lived here with her family and died young of cancer welcomed us at the door when we came to view it with the realtor. Our child was about 6 months old and looked straight at her and not only smiled but giggled too. 

That was how I "knew" it was our house, she was so happy showing us rooms, and she did really show us the house, we simply wandered where she led us. 

My theory is that she wanted another happy family to live there. You see our house had been under contract, and the buyers pulled out at the last minute. We were the very first to see the house when it came back on the market. She was a bit troublesome at first, wanting attention (I believe that was due to her husband who was, to put it politely, not very friendly) but I sorted that out, and she seems happy now. 

Don't believe I saw (see) dead people? Well this is one story where I have proof. My nephew (who is now 21) went to school with her son, I think in grammar school (maybe 4th grade) perhaps a bit younger. My sister had met his mother many times through various school functions until she became too ill to attend. My sister made me describe what she looked like and kept a poker face the whole time (and let it be said my sister has the worst poker face in the world) When I finished describing what I saw, she had to sit down because I had described her exactly, before the cancer overtook her. She still visits from time to time, and I enjoy having her here, hoping us being here gives her some peace. I expect a visit soon as she usually now visits around Halloween.

My haunted house... doesn't look spooky does it? Actually right now since we've had so much rain, I'm overrun with weeds and its starting to look very Addam's Family, so yeah now it might look a little spooky...

We also have a newer spirit visitor to the house, my beloved cat Jezebel. She died one week after 9/11/01; after that disaster with all the death and grieving, I knew she'd be ready to leave us. She was 21.5 years old, and I rescued her from the Mott Haven train yards in the Bronx when she was just 6 weeks old and fit in the palm of my hand. She had a voice like Lauren Bacall, and was quite vocal as well as extremely clever when it came to goodies (my family dog taught her to beg when the refrigerator opened -- ever see a cat on their hind legs begging? Very funny!) She was so in tuned with me that if I got ill, she would as well. I miss her dearly, and since she makes her presence known, I can't yet get another kitty. She does like our dog Fiona, but always hated other cats (I think she thought she was a dog?) People who wouldn't normally see or hear the spirits have seen and heard Jezebel (Jez-a-Jabber when she was being vocal, Jez-a-Jaws when being a piggy, Jezabella because I thought she was the most beautiful baby!) wandering the house or begging for goodies (very LOUDLY.)

One of my fav pics, she used to cuddle up in the bottom of my armoire if I left the door open. She was still quite young, maybe 4 in this pic. I miss her so much ): she was my first baby, and we were so close it was like loosing my first child.

The Queen -- she was maybe 12 or so in this pic. I used to tell people I had a "North American Shorthaired Tri-Colour Mosaic" cat, they would be very impressed until I cracked up and said "Shes a calico cat!"

Jezzebella by Vintage Trouble

See everyone loves my old girl!

At some point in this blog, I disclosed that I am a full-fledged, modern witch. I studied for many years both here and in the UK and received the highest degrees with a lineage dating to the father of modern witchcraft, as well as bestowed the honour of being named an elder of the community (again serendipity and a bit of chaos ruled, great story, but too boring for those who don't know of these things or people.) Okay blah blah, that and a metro card will get me on the subway. None of this makes me more susceptible to being able to see dead people, but it did help me to learn how to deal with it, and how to develop the ability so it is now stronger. Its also helped me to teach others to come to terms with their abilities, learning how to control them and how to deal with what they may see.

So eh yeah I see dead people. So not fun. Not cool like the movies. Its a MAJOR PAIN IN THE ASS!!! Imagine just going out for a walk, enjoying scenery and pow! There's one or five of those dead people bugging you. I can't go into any dwelling without either sensing or seeing former inhabitants. And let me tell you, people do NOT want to know they have spirits floating around their home! Its difficult to turn it off. The worst are the troublesome spirits you have to send "home". Although if I told you some of the ways I've done that, you'd really laugh out loud! Definitely not as difficult or dramatic as the film industry wants us to believe, and yes downright hilarious. But it works! Oh yeah dead people don't always look so great either. Hence my dislike of creepy movies. I see enough weird shit, I don't need to see someone else's vision of it. 

Most children are very psychic and can see what most adults can't. It gets taught out of you. "Don't be foolish, there's no one there" etc. I think we are all born with this ability until its squashed. You can learn to bring it back, and it isn't as hard as you think. If you try to think of it scientifically, think along the lines of quantum psychics. All time is now, all time happens simultaneously. Its simply a matter of being able to "see" into different time periods, or dimensions. Et viola! Dead people! (aren't you so glad you're reading this post? So pleasant.)

There are about 14,813 books on how to become more psychic or see the dead, or whatever you want to call it so I won't bore you, hit your local library or independent bookstore and look some up if you're interested. (Though why you'd want to be saddled with seeing that crap I have no idea.) Most books will say the same things. Allow your mind to be open, don't immediately disregard what you may be feeling or seeing. Oh and one really biggie -- listen to your gut instinct. Ask any successful person, and I can guarantee most will say they listen to their gut instinct to guide them. That my dearest readers, is psychic ability in its most base form.

Last year I wrote about some of the pagan origins of Halloween, and rather than repeat myself, you can read it here. (And also read about our house ghost that had me convinced someone was in the house and I was begging my husband to call 911 -- duh, she was making a racket doing dishes!) Its easy to make contact with the dead at this time of the year, as they can hear us better, and "slip" though easier than at other times. Anyone who has an open mind will have a bit of a leg up on this due to their openness to the possibilities. (Although why Aleister Crowley only shows up to spill my wine, then vanishes before I can ask him anything, is still a mystery. I would think he would've liked to imbibe! Ach, Crowley's on my shit list now.) It was also a time of remembrance and reverence for loved ones who were no longer with us. Many witches keep an ancestral altar during the halloween season for this purpose.

There's a lovely old tradition called "The Dumb Supper", which is a ritual devised specifically to invite those on the other side, as well as revere them. Its so called "The Dumb Supper" because the entire process is carried out in complete silence. Again, owing to the ease of spirit visitation at this time of year, its a ritual during which they are invited to attend a feast specially prepared of their favourite foods. An empty setting at the table is for the deceased, and the entire ritual from cooking to setting the table to eating and cleaning up, is to be done in complete silence. I believe traditionally the ritual is to take place at midnight, but I've done many at various times during the evening. You'll find many versions of the Dumb Super online, and many modern witches do some variation of the ritual as reverence for loved ones (yes even pets.) 

I'd like to leave the last of my Spooky Halloween posts on a positive note. The following was written by me for the book "Halloween" by Silver Ravenwolf. Everyone who has tried the recipe agrees that its a perfect compliment to a Halloween celebration. Plus you have the bonus of bringing prosperity into what is considered the Celtic new year!

*"Prosperity Pumpkin Raisin Muffins

This recipe is from Morgana of Morgana’s Chamber in New York City. The Recipe can be halved and the muffins freeze well, too.

1 1/2 cups honey (riches)

2 Cups canned pumpkin puree` (abundance)

4 eggs (or 8 egg whites if you want low fat) (fertility, abundance)

1 cup evaporated skimmed milk (goddess symbolism)

1 cup water (element of water and the flow of prosperity)

1 tablespoon oil (success and prosperity)

1 tablespoon cinnamon (success)

1 teaspoon nutmeg (anti-hunger)

1 teaspoon ginger (money)

1/3 teaspoon ground cloves (money)

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (abundance)

1 tablespoon baking soda (cleansing, removes negative energy)

1 tablespoon baking powder (same as above)

1 cup black raisins (money)

Mix the first ten ingredients in a large bowl. 

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. 

Add to wet ingredients all at once, whisking until blended (do not overmix). 

Stir first anticlockwise (widdershins) to banish poverty, then clockwise to pull in abundance and prosperity. 

Stir in Raisins. 

Fill non-stick muffin pans to the top. 

Bake in 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes. 

Cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan. 

Batter can also be baked in two nonstick loaf pans for 60-65 minutes. Makes 12 dozen muffins."

*Please note that I've amended the recipe by adding more correspondences. Since this was written more than a decade ago, I've learned more and have shared it here (there is always more to learn!) Please also note that while I would love for you to share this recipe with friends and loved ones, it is copyrighted material and needs to reflect this. (Don't want publishers pissed at me, I like those royalty checks too much!)

I wish you all a happily eventful Halloween! I'll be back after with pics of our costumes -- you didn't think we'd go without any this year did you? Hint: As Miracle Max in "The Princess Bride" said: "He's just mostly dead." Ah and of course it will be our 22 year anniversary as well!

XXX

Jet

Zombie Musings -- Blogger Virtual Zombie Walk 2012

My husband is obsessed with zombies. Gravely, almost humourlessly obsessed. After years of listening to his theories and watching those creepy films he has managed to convince me that there will indeed be a "Zombie Apocalypse" (ZA for short, k?) Of course now that he's got me convinced, I'm having crazy zombie killing dreams (I'm always some kind of sharp shooting mercenary, WTF? And I have access to any weapon which I of course master within seconds. No clue how as I've never weilded any weapon!) and have even started my survival lists as I start thinking "well, you never know...". Yes, I have ZA survival lists (doesn't everyone?) Everything from escape routes, where we'll have to meet (already decided my car of choice is my Mini -- when those idiots who can't drive SUV's block all traffic; hence zombie fodder -- and I honestly can't say I'd be upset -- I have only to drive on the sidewalk or lawns to get by, ha!) to what we would have to stock up on in advance, what to loot from the local pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, to zombie killing weapons, zombie proofing the house, or taking possession of an already zombie proof house, and more as I think of other things we'd need to survive. (Heading to the river, raiding the yacht club and absconding with a yacht sounds like a good plan too -- zombies are dead and should essentially float not walk along the bottom like that stupid film we saw not too long ago.)

But my most important question is more philosophical and pragmatic. Here goes...

Why is it when discussing the imminent ZA, does every single person you speak with think they will survive? (We will survive as we're prepared, and I have my theories about why, so nah-nah!)

Speculatively, I'm very interested to comprehend why no one thinks they would be infected and they'll live to survive and fight off the zombies. This question appears to me to be utterly unsubstantiated.

Someone has to be patient zero in order for the virus to spread and consequentially become pandemic. The most viable answer is that it would spread, fairly quickly depending on the type of virus it will be. Its preposterous to think that if everyone assumes they won't be the one to get infected, then there wouldn't/ couldn't be any zombies, correct? No zombies, no ZA. But we know there will indeed be a ZA (right? c'mon save me someone!) so someone has to get infected. It will start with at least one person; patient zero.

~Magickal Graphics~ http://magickalgraphics.com/zombie4.htm

Now we have both the rhetorical and pragmatic question which is; who will patient zero be? (I have loads of people I hope it is just so I can justify whacking their bigoted, intolerant, ignorant heads off.) I have theories on that as well. (See how this obsession has seized my naturally logical and methodical thought processes? Yes I really do have both in spite of the presumed foolhardiness and unexpected turns my life has taken and continues to take very much on purpose. Serendipity rules!)

In all likelihood, it most probably would be determined to be a virus. As such, it I would figure its going to hit those who are weakest health-wise. The ill, terminal, elderly, perhaps even the very young having not developed all their immunities. Also health care workers, and those immune-suppressed. Think along the lines of what happened with West Nile Virus or SARS. To me, this is vitally important, as the sick, elderly, and very young will be infected first. Within the realms of possibility, unfortunately these would be the people that would be fairly easy to destroy in order for the virus to not continue to spread (assuming that there isn't a cure, which there never seems to be.) To put it brutally but precisely; these would be the people that would be rather easy to take out if they're already in such poor health, right? (Oh please agree, I'm tired of being a zombie killing mercenary in my dreams.) I know, huge holes in that theory. If its a virus, I doubt it will be airborne, I think it will be blood borne. Like in "28 Days Later" (omg, why do I watch these things?)

~Magickal Graphics~ http://magickalgraphics.com/zombie4.htm

Which brings us to the next hypothesis (mine at least.) If this is a blood borne virus, you'll still have a patient zero. Repeating what I said previously, it has to start somewhere, then spread. Now we have another problem, the question of who will that patient zero be? I'm guessing someone in the medical field, messing with blood samples will stumble upon something accidentally. Perhaps not even a medical professional but a health-care worker not disposing of hazardous medical waste properly. Most medical testing facilities do have at the very least some security, and I'm sure the government super secret ones have mega-security so you would hope that could contain the virus. Right? Right? But if one infected person gets out, we're screwed. We also have the problem of someone not realising they're infected, going home, out in public and spreading it unknowingly. (See the film "Contagion" for a good idea of how this could absolutely happen. Again, why do I watch these things?) So there you have your patient zero, which could indeed be YOU!

I have no holes for that theory. Nope not one I can think of. Consequentially this is why I've been convinced a ZA is imminent. So lets face it guys, we're all going to have to prepare for the coming ZA and if you're smart, you best start now! (And stay away from hospitals or medical testing facilities!)

I do fervently believe that people are our worst enemies during a disaster. Think back to any blackout we've had in NY and the first thing people do is loot. Sadly during any disaster of great proportions it will be difficult to decide who is enemy and who is foe. Again being prepared will help greatly. (Personally, unless I know you like family, I'm not taking chances. Off with your head.)

There is hope. I also believe that once we've gone through the initial outbreak, we will have learned what a zombie looks like, how to deal with them, and things will start to go back to normal after a few weeks.

One important thing to note is that firearms will be abundant. This is good and bad. Good as you'll have protection from becoming a brain-eating zombie, but bad if you mistake a regular person as a zombie and kill unnecessarily (see "Zombieland", poor Bill Murray!) I do believe -- with sadness -- that since there are so many firearms in NY, most everyone will be armed. A precaution would be to at least learn by going to a legitimate shooting range and becoming familiar with firearms since you may very well have to use one (even in the event of any disaster.) I don't believe in having guns. I think the only reason to have a gun is to use it. But my thinking is changing due to the unpredictability of humans as evidenced in previous disasters. Who knows, I may just decide to be one of those people training in the use of firearms; best to be safe than sorry... I suppose. My family is first and should I need to protect them I will, in whatever way I can. (Note to self: learn martial art... one that doesn't break old bones.) Not sure I'm at that point, though I can legally own a gun I'm terrified of one in the house especially with a teen, and more importantly afraid a friend of theirs may get it in their head to "play", so a locked gun cabinet is a must, and something I suggest for anyone owning a firearm. (I grew up knowing exactly where my fathers rifles were -- still are -- unlocked I might add, and was thankfully terrified of them; will not allow my kid to grow knowing those things.) I suggest that for anyone considering this, its not an option -- a necessity; why tempt fate? Too many gun related deaths and I refuse to contribute to that statistic.

Just to be on the safe side, I've got zombie decimating handled too. (;

ZA aside, it actually does make sense to prepare a disaster plan. There have been plenty of disasters where people panic and its bedlam. As mentioned above I legitimately do believe in most disaster situations it will be people you really have to be on tenterhooks about. Having a disaster plan helps to keep you calm, know what you need to do, where you need to go, how to get in touch with loved ones, etc., all in the face of something I hope we never have to face in our or our children's lives.

To make this a fashion/ lifestyle/ vintage post I'd like to leave you with the latest in Zombie Survival Chic. Please, if you're sensitive about wearing animal based product, cut to the end.

For survival chic, think leather. Leather jackets, and trousers. Sturdy leather work boots, engineer or motorcycle boots, steel toes. Leather is hard to ruin, a main reason that its used by motorcyclists. It will survive road rash with minimal damage. Of course leather in the heat isn't going to be very comfortable, but you can find lightweight leather as an alternative (or just be like me & get used to wearing it year round!) The main thing is to keep yourself covered in some way so it would be harder for a zombie to get at you and infect you.

Invest in a Schott Perfecto now, not only look great but it gets better with age and never goes out of style!

Denim is another hard worker (not fashion denim you need the old fashioned, vintage workhorses like heavy cotton Levi's) and the jackets are pretty indestructible, difficult to rip and keep you safe.

Mainly when it comes to clothing, chic really has to go out the window and utility is most important. No reason army-navy supply shops can't provide you with clothing you can make your own with the addition of accessories. Just make sure they aren't accessories that can't be easily grabbed (like long hanging scarves.) I can think of one good accessory that is both chic and utilitarian: heavy rings. You could slash pretty good with a nice heavy ring, and at least it would buy you some time while still being able to show your individuality with your chic look. Don't forget those bullet belts! Very chic either as a belt or slung like a cross body bag. Of course also handy dandy when filled with ammo.

There is also something to be said for layering. If a zombie has you by a jacket, just take it off!

One important thing to remember if you live in a clime that can get brutally cold is that fur and wool are you're best friends when there is little to no heat! Hit those thrift stores for all you'll need.  I don't advocate buying new fur products when there is an abundance in thrift shops.)

With so many things to consider during the coming ZA, I seriously doubt you're going to be thinking about how chic you look. I know I'll be too worried about protecting myself and family from getting eaten!

Now go on the "Virtual Blogger Walk" and see what others have to say about zombies! Just "walk" through each link below.

XXX

PS Does anyone know where I can buy a tank and a helicopter? (I can drive -- and probably fly -- anything. I've driven just about any vehicle you can think of, so how hard could it be?)

Zombies Everywhere
[Retro-Zombie] 
Halloween Blues
The Southern Northerner 
Martha's Journey 
Annie Walls 
GingerRead Review
App'y Talk 
Kweeny Todd 
Jenny's House of Horrors
Bubba's Place 
Fictional Candy 
herding cats & burning soup 
Author Sherry Soule Blog 
Paranormal research Group Blog
Adult Urban Fantasy by Sherry Soule 
Moonlight Publishing Blog
Candid Canine
Ghost Hunting Theories 
Above the Norm 
A Dust Bunny In The Wind 
Faith McKay
Zombob's Zombie News & Movie Reviews
Flesh From The Morgue
The Living Dark
Some One Else's Cook
Stumptown Horror
Forget About TV, Grab a Book
Zombie Dating Guide
Strange State
The Paranormalist - Renae Rude
Idée Fixe
Random Game Crafts
WhiteRoseBud's Tumblr
Gnostalgia
Book Me!
Carmen Jenner Author
Sarasota Zombie Pub Crawl
Not Now...Mommy's Reading
Love is a Many Flavored Thing
Its On Random
Ellie Potts
Attention Earthlings!
Horror Shock LoliPOP
The Spooky Vegan 
The Story In...
DarkSide Detectives Blog
Something wicKED this way comes....
Julie Jansen: science fiction and horror writer
Author/screenwriter James Schannep
The Zombie Lab
Creepy Glowbugg
Pickleope
Sharing Links and Wisdom
Midnyte Reader
This Blog Has A.D.D.
Carol's Creations

Bonus Halloween Playlist # 2

Right after I published the first of one of my many Halloween playlists, I kept thinking about all the other great songs I could have included. My husband kept reminding me of others, I'd hear them on the radio or when playing my iPhone on shuffle, and some of you gave suggestions. Due to this, I thought "what the hell" (oo I made a Halloween punny!) I'd start another bonus playlist for fun. There are so many songs that would/ should make the cut, but I've narrowed it down to the traditional Witches Dozen as before, and every year. As before, these are not in order of importance, I'm a child of Eris (goddess of Chaos) so its quite a mishmash, but makes sense to me.

1. There are two bands on this playlist that I really dislike. Bruce Springsteen is the first. Never was a fan, never will be. But, this little ditty -- "A Night with the New Jersey Devil" -- about the legendary NJ Devil doesn't sound like him at all, and I love it, probably because it sounds so unlike him! I also happen to think he looks better than I've ever seen him in this -- sinister is a good look for him! (This coming from one who doesn't find him attractive in the least.) Just realised he looks like he's emulating Robert Mitchum's psycho preacher in "The Night of the Hunter", excellent creepy movie (not horror, just really creepy.) Our local paper did a "top 10 film psychos" yesterday, and Robert Mitchum in this role was on there.

2. Concrete Blonde "Bloodletting", vampires and New Orleans, nothing more to be said.

3. Tom Waits "Whistlin' Past the Graveyard". The song is filled with folk magick superstitions, and Tom Waits does a brilliant job of making it sound eerie, while he's really talking about something entirely different. (Okay, Tom Waits can make anything sound eerie if he really wanted to, I adore him, and Blue Valentine -- which this is on -- is one of my fav albums.)

4. Inkkubus Sukubus "Belladonna and Aconite". Thank you to Sandy from Bella Morte for reminding me. I had meant to include this in the first playlist, but got sidetracked. Sung by a band of real Witches, any of their albums in their entirety would be appropriate as a Halloween playlist on their own. This one is about one recipe (of many) of the infamous "Flying Ointments" that go back to antiquity. Don't go trying to mix any up though, both belladonna (botanical name Atropa Belladonna) and aconite (commonly known as wolf's bane, botanical name Aconitum Napellus) are highly poisonous and quite commonly found, even in NYC! FYI: If you like to garden, work with herbs in any way, have plant allergies, have children, or just like picking wildflowers, I highly suggest you get a good book about herbs to educate yourself about poisonous plants as they are so easily found all over the world -- even as previously mentioned in someplace as unlikely as NYC. A great book is called "Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities" by Amy Stewart.

5. Laika "Black Cat Bone". I have Sandy from Bella Morte to thank for this one as well! I haven't been able to get the chorus out of my head since first hearing it!

6. Rush "Witch Hunt". This is the second band you will never find on the blog again. I'm posting this one under extreme duress, due to the fact that Getty Lee's voice is to me the most grating male voice I've ever heard. However, Neal Peart writes most of the lyrics and I will admit that the lyrics to this are very good, as well as very Halloween appropriate. Plus since its Halloween and our anniversary, I'm throwing my husband a bone as Rush is his favourite band. 22 years and I'm still wondering how I managed to marry a Rush fan. It really was love!

7. The Ramones "Pet Cemetery", how I managed to not include this in the first list is a mystery!

8. Jimi Hendrix "Dolly Dagger", a classic! "Voodoo Child" would work as well. Had to put a live video even though the sound is iffy, there is nothing like watching Hendrix. (Side note: I had the honour & privilege of wearing one of his jackets for a short time once, and have spent many happy hours in his old apartment in the West Village, not to mention my first shop was above Electric Ladyland! Geez I gotta start writing this crap down before the memory goes!)



9. Fields of the Nephilim "Psychonaut". The title was taken from the book "Liber Null and Psychonaut" by Peter J. Carroll, a book about choas magick (see, told you in the beginning I was a child of Eris!) and magickal theory. A good portion of their songs have magickal themes, and this video is quite disconcerting, perfect for the season.

10. DeSol "Chango". This is from their first self-titled album. Their music has that great mixture of rock 'n roll with a Latin beat, like a modern version of Santana. (Its my "happy feet" music as I can't stay still and have to dance whenever I hear them.) They are fantastic live, at times there can be 15 or so band members on the stage at once, and I guarantee you will be up and dancing with the first notes! "Karma" would have been the more "witchy" song to play (a very beautiful song, do check it out); but I decided to mix it up with what is essentially a Yoruba ritual song, conjuring Chango the Yoruban god.

11. Donovan "Season of the Witch". How could I have left this out before? Duh. Found a rather trippy version, but its the song that matters!

12. Alice Cooper, "Black Juju" off Love it to Death. Sorry about it being coupled with "I'm Eighteen" (another classic IMO) but the best I could find live. Another song that reminds me of some wild ritual music. Did they borrow "Old Sparky" from Sing Sing? :shudder: (Trivia: Donovan sang back-up on Billion Dollar Babies.) After seeing all these old videos, how funny is it to see cords on guitars and mics? And oh! those guitars and outfits in this video are so classic glam!



13. The new release from the Rolling Stones is not typically "Halloween" music, but the title is "Gloom and Doom" and Mick does mention killing zombies (oh man I hate zombies... wait until you see my zombie post, I've lost it...) I quite like it, as it sounds like old school Stones to me.

I can think of a ton of others to add, but two playlists is all you're getting this year!

XXX

"The Leatherman" Local Legend & More Spooky Halloween Part Two

The Leatherman (not the popular tool!) was a character of legend who actually did exist in the area where I live. I don't recall how I initially found out about his wanderings and rather unusual life, I think perhaps it was my husband who had found out about him and told me, and then I became intrigued.

It's quite an interesting and fascinating story of a man who traveled a 365 mile circuit throughout Westchester and Connecticut, essentially a tramp who relied on the kindness of farmers and slept in caves to survive, especially during the harsh winters.

He was known as The Leatherman because of his clothing. They were completely cobbled together patchwork style of leather and weighed quite a bit, but would definitely keep out the elements in the worst of weather (aha! zombie proof too!) Only he wore it all the time! Because of his leather suit he made quite an imposing figure although he was not a large man.

Photo via Google Images. Hint: whilst googling images of the Leatherman, of course you get zillions of pics of the knife of the same name, but also pics of Rob Halford! (Major sweetheart so I don't mind if he's lumped in with the old Leatherman. just found that tidbit amusing!)

There isn't much solid proof of who the man was, aside from his circuitous route for over 30 years, his quiet demeanor (he rarely spoke), his handmade belongings, as well as accepting the kindness of those who would feed him when he was hungry.

He was believed to be French, from Lyons. When he did speak he spoke broken English, and some type of dialect of French. In his possession was also a French book of prayer. His original gravestone in Sparta cemetery (Scarborough/ Ossining, NY) stated a name "Jules Bourglay of Lyons, France". But this has never been verified, as his NY death certificate states his name as unknown.

In May of 2011, his body was exhumed and moved to a different part of Sparta Cemetery. When they exhumed the body all they found were coffin nails! The coffin nails and some graveyard dirt from the original grave were taken to the new gravesite and buried in a different area. The tombstone now simply reads "The Leatherman".

This is a documentary recording what could be found out about The Leatherman. Its a little long, but goes in parts so you can take breaks. Plus you get the added bonus of seeing Sparta cemetery which is quite old and near our home (there's an even better, possibly older cemetery closer... investigating soon! Hey I need graveyard dirt!)

Much of this information can be found in the book "The Old Leatherman: Historical Accounts of a Connecticut and New York Legend" by Dan W. DeLuca and available for purchase from the Ossining Historical Society (prob on Amazon, but I'd rather support the historical society.) Drat they don't have the book listed on their shop page, but they do indeed sell it as I saw it when I visited last, and when I said I was writing this, they said if you ask, they will sell it to you, so just ask.

Another grisly local site is Sing Sing prison, which occupies prime Hudson riverfront property and can also be seen if riding the Metro North Hudson line train. (No you're not getting any pics it scares the crap outta me!)

Located in Ossining, NY, Sing Sing was the original name of the town when it was purchased from the local Native American tribe who bore a similar name. The term "getting sent up the river" (as heard in the Tim Burton film "Sleepy Hollow") as a metaphor for going to prison was coined due to prisoners from NYC being sent "up the river" (the Hudson river) on prison barges to Sing Sing prison.

The scene in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" where Holly Golightly visits Tommy "The Tomato" for the "weather report" was actually filmed at Sing Sing. Its said that when Audrey Hepburn entered the room, every inmate went silent and the scene was filmed without a hitch.

Sing Sing is also famous as it had the electric chair which was used for death penalty executions. Some time in the early 70s the death penalty was ruled unconstitutional and NY no longer had use for the electric chair.

It is said that the prison is quite haunted, as I would imagine many are. I don't care to find out! There is a Sing Sing Prison Museum located in town that has a replica of the electric chair (:shiver:) Its located at the Caputo Community Center, 95 Broadway, Ossining, NY. (Count me out as a visitor.)

I've mentioned previously that perhaps we choose this area subconsciously because of the spooky landscape (usually in autumn and winter), as well as the creepy history. As I learn more about the history of the area I'm convinced -- we really are the Addams Family! (Hmm after part three you may also be convinced!)

XXX
Jet