Happy Halloween!!
I am in my element today!! :) I've been baking, painting, sculpting and decorating! I hope you enjoy this post...it's my favourite time of the year!! Here are this year's pumpkins. Christopher Lee as Dracula...and the Scream Ghost. That ghost face was hard...carving a little pumpkin is quite the challenge...note to self - next year, carve BIG pumpkins!!!
The theme for Michael's Scribble Picnic this week is Jolt/Double. Have you ever seen the horror movie "Scanners"? It's from 1980-ish...about telekinetic energy and such and such...I wanted to recreate the famous movie poster. That's fellow Canadian Michael Ironside whose head is about to explode!! A jolt indeed!! :)
In the Looney Tunes short "Scaredy Cat", Porky Pig and Sylvester stop for the night at what they think is a run-down motel. In fact, it's a Haunted House!!!
Sylvester caught a glimpse of the windows...and the scary shadow of a spider and he got quite the jolt of fear!
And to complete the picnic, here is my "Double" painting in acrylic.
I had a lot of fun the last few days making my Paper Maché Pumpkins. It's so easy and a very frugal craft!
Here are my last few "Ghostober" pieces. I really enjoyed coming up with 31 ghosts, spooks and ghouls this month! Yesterday, I included a local ghost story from my home town of Montreal, Quebec. Does your home town have a famous ghost?
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| "Tulip Staircase Ghost" (watercolour/ink): In 1966, a retired reverend was visiting The Queen's House in Greenwhich, England when he took a photo of an interesting staircase called the Tulip Staircase. When he later saw the photo, the image of what is believed to be a ghost appeared. Some speculate it is the ghost of a maid who died on that staircase over 300 years ago. |
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| "Mary Gallagher" (mixed media): Mary Gallagher was a prostitute who was brutally murdered, decapitated and dismembered in Montreal Quebec in 1879. Every seven years, her ghost roams William street in Griffintown, in search of her missing head. |
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| "Stingy Jack" (acrylic): Stingy Jack was a miserly old drunkard who, accepted in neither heaven nor hell, was forced to wander the earth with a coal from hell stuck in a turnip to light his way. This is the origin of the Jack O' Lantern. |
The table is set...I came up with a fun and spooky menu this year!!
My table setting this year...watch your fingers...those fangs are sharp! :)
EEEK and Potato Soup served in a Pumpkin Bowl.
Corn Salsa with Goat Cheese and a Bacon Cheddar Dip served in a bread coffin. I remember last year you said you loved that idea Debra, well I did it this year!!! :)
Bat-shaped Tortilla Chips for dipping.
Joyce's Rustic Olive Bread Sticks shaped as snakes.
Pumpkin-shaped "Spooked Meat" Sandwiches (that's smoked meat!)...and Potato Scream Skins with my Homemade Sour Cream.
Count Chocolate Orange Cupcakes for dessert! I made the Meringue Ghosts as toppers.
I filled 8 vinyl gloves with chocolates and candy...we will not run out of sweets soon! The little drink on the right is a Stewart's orange soda with a little clementine pumpkin for garnish.
While we feasted, we listened to an episode of Suspense called The Shelter. Trust me, there were some jolting moments in that show! Does anyone else enjoy "old time radio"? Some of these episodes are more nerve-racking than a lot of the new movies out there today...and you can find a lot of them for free on YouTube!
Besides a lot of fun...Halloween is also a very important holiday for me. As my friends know, I am a Pagan and today is called Samhain (pronounced Sow-wen). It's my New Year holiday. I follow the tradition of my ancestors who lived by the seasons. At the end of Harvest, a new year begins. Happy New Year to my fellow Pagans and Wiccans! I just wanted to mention to those who don't know, I have a blog called Rain's Thoughts. It's more about spirituality, my original Tarot spreads, thought-provoking posts, lore, Nature and Self-improvement. Feel free to stop by any time! :)
I can't wait to see how all of my friends enjoyed their Halloween! :)
I can't wait to see how all of my friends enjoyed their Halloween! :)
Perfect Halloween post. You are so creative!
ReplyDeleteThose are totally wonderful. You have so much talent.
ReplyDeleteHappy Halloween Rain, I can tell from this post how much you love Halloween! Lovely art for both the SP themes and the paper mache pumpkins are amazing as is your food!
ReplyDeleteHappy Hallowe'en, Rain! Are you having a get-together with friends, or did you put all that together for just the two of you? So creative! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteOMGosh, what Halloween fun you've planned! Everything is terrific. Your paper mache pumpkins made me smile, especially the expressions of the first two. Love the menu and its festiveness.
ReplyDeleteWow, Rain, well you definitely did not disappoint! you went all out. There is so much here tha tI honestly don't know what to comment on first as all of it is well done and actually most quite funny...like the smooked meat. hahaha. I love those cucakes too and the idea of soup from a pumpkin.
ReplyDeleteYour local legend was a perfect one to end on too for your series that was super interesting. I must say, that would seriously suck to have to come back and wonder around with no head.... a futile blind search indeed!
Yes, I've listened to a few old radio programmes and always found them far more imaginative than most spooky shows today. I don't need or even like a lot of blood but suspense definitely keep me on my toes.. just not into anything torturous.
I loved the old Hammer House of Horror movies and instantly recognized Christopher Lee's Dracula there. Loved Peter Cushing the most when he would pair up with Lee. Every Sat. night BB2 would play these old movies and the one I remember the best, the most gripping(pun intended) was "The Hand!" Have you see it?
you never cease to amaze me at your vast knowledge of Looney Tunes episodes. A true unique talent there, must say. That episode sounds so funny. Would love to see that too and will have to see if I can find it on YouTube too.
Happy New Year to you. Enjoy the rest of your year end, as it were and your fave time of year to boot! I love your revelry in spooky. Great work, all around. Oh, and thank you for reminding me about your other site--had totally forgotten that with this big move!
Blessed Samhain sis ... u did a wonderful job putting your menue and decoration together. So much fun 🎃
ReplyDeleteHalloween looks much different in this house with three young children that are overly excited to go out trick or treating. But we also had a fun day.
I love Halloween but I have to admit yule season is my favourite time. Even the snow is beautiful during that time ;)
I know your next year will be very exciting. I hope it will bring to u everything that you are hoping for :)
So wonderful all you hard work! And the Mary Gallagher painting was fantastic. My father loved Halloween and was an artist as well. You've brought back some great memories.
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented! What a feast and celebration. If I lived next door I would be 'trick or treating' at your house for sure! You go to so much work but it's not work if you enjoy it , right? Thank you for sharing it with us. I was truly looking forward to your post. It's hard to pick a favorite....so many great ideas! Thank you for the Suspense radio program....I watch a lot on You Tube; especially old movies. I just started watching Inspector Allelyn (sp?)...very good. Not sure it's old or just filmed to look like it but it takes place in the 40's. I used to have some old radio tapes but I have no idea where they are now. I will love listening to them, thank you! It's easier to listen when doing my handwork than trying to watch something at times. I didn't know you had another blog...I'll be visiting for sure! I hope your Halloween was everything you wanted it to be and more!
ReplyDeleteWe listen to suspense all the time, love the Sirius radio! You do Halloween beautifully, I knew you would lol, I love it all, happy new year to you!
ReplyDeleteWow you leave me speechless every time dear Rain!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED these spooky stories and thrilling decoration !
Loved mostly the Stingy Jack as it was also additiona to my knowledge about Halloween related stories.
Each feast is greatly delicious looking and so much fun :)
You are soooper lady I must say!!!
wow! we all could learn something from this post and learn how to celebrate to the fullest just for ourselves! what talent you have with everything you touch. happy new year fellow pagan!
ReplyDeleteThose paper mache pumpkins are grrrrrrreat!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAs always, you have so much fun, with your feasts!!!!!
All the "spooky" is a bit much for me. I admit. I'm a wimp. -grin-
We had a pizza. Gave out candy to "Grands" from next door. And watched "The Sixth Sense." I've seen it before, but he had not. It's a great film. :-)
Happy November!
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Spooktacular! LOL Couldn't help myself. I had to say that :)
ReplyDeleteSo much fun! You have outdone yourself. And I LOVED that Looney Tunes episode "Scaredy Cat". It is one of my favourites. Totally hilarious.
Good Morning Rain, thank you so much for visiting my blog and for being so sweet with your comments. Quilts made from scraps are just so much fun to make . . . no rules, no worrying about patterns and fabric going together or not . . . just pure fun and coziness :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a yummy and spooky Halloween.
Happy November . . . can you believe it, November already!
Stay warm.
Connie :)
Rain,
ReplyDeleteFabulous pumpkin carving job! I love viewing your sketches because I sensel the paper and pencil (or other mediums) feel in my hands. I really want to get back to old school art sketching but using my iPad really gives me a lot of freedom right now. *sigh* All things in good time, right? Your ghost sketches are spooktacular! Thanks for sharing & visiting. Have a good evening!
As Michael said, WOW, you went all out! I love how your paper-maché pumpkins turned out! The Eek and Potato soup play on words made me smile. Such a fun/creepy post all round. hehe
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a Blessed Samhain.
I get hungry looking at the food. I like those Count Chocolate Orange Cupcakes, they reminds me of the ghost in the movie ghostbusters.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about Samhain but happy belated new year.
have a lovely day.
Happy New Year, Rain. I read and loved your post then ventured over to your blog ... I am overwhelmed by all that I read. Trying to remember and learn from all of it. I was impressed that your path to recovery was always questions to yourself, forcing the answers to be from yourself ... the only way anything works is if it come from within yourself. There was too much there that I latched to to even begin to comment on, but I was so grateful for all that you offered ... and you are helping others still, but not in a way that takes away from yourself and who you are ... isn't that just a wonderful feeling? You are a deep and kind person and I am so glad that I made my way back to you through Scribble Picnic. I am going through many disruptions in my life as you may know. We have moved into a new house and there is so much to be done to make it a "home" that it is overwhelming. Following some of your Tarots have giving me some starting points and means of finding direction. Bless you, Rain, you are a gift.
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
I always love your posts Rain because they are so chock full of wonderful things and I almost always learn something. Your creativity as rose to the top this week with your wonderful preparations for your holiday. Happy new year to you as you celebrate!
ReplyDeleteI wish I lived near you. Hanging out with you would be so much fun and like a getaway from home. Thank you for the pouch love. I think I need to order more.
ReplyDeleteWowee! What wonderful creations - from the carved and paper mache pumpkins to all that wonderful food. I hope you thoroughly enjoyed yourselves!
ReplyDeleteAll of the recipes have been updated in this post! Including the paper machier pumpkins :))
ReplyDeleteThank you Starting Over :) It was so much fun this year!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan :) I spend most of September and October planning everything, Christmas time is next!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine :) Yes! It's my favourite time of the year, and over so fast!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenn :) I did put all of this together for just the two of us! We don't really have people over any more!
ReplyDeleteThanks Stefanie :) Yeah, those two little pumpkins look so happy don't they lol? Your pouches really are cute...I need to get back into sewing very soon! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael :) Oh yeah, the spooked meat hee hee...I had fun coming up with the names! I'm not into the blood/guts/torture films either. But a good 1980's era horror is fun once a year because the effects are so fake lol...but those Suspense episodes are really good! It takes a good production to scare someone with voice and sound only. :) And no, I never saw "The Hand" but it sounds great! The Hammers are so much fun. I love Peter Cushing too. There were some American versions of that type of film with Vincent Price that are pretty good too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sis :) I know the next year will be very good! The last year was a challenge, I'm ready to move on from it. I'm glad you had a great Halloween and hope you have great plans for the new year as well! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna :) I remember you mentioning your dad was an artist. I'm glad I brought back some good memories for you! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sam :)) There are not many people I'd open the door for, especially on Halloween but I'd make an exception for you! :) There are lots of old radio shows on You Tube. We often listen to the Jack Benny show too. Yes, it's perfect to listen to when you're doing arts and crafts!! Halloween was very fun, the food was a hit. :) TOO MUCH CANDY ugh...and we STILL have some, may I even venture to say I'm getting sick of chocolate??? Gosh, strike me down for saying that lol!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurie :) It's so much fun to get all that food together, I even have ideas for next year already lol...isn't the old time radio fun? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Baili :) I'm glad you enjoyed it. I LOVE the spooky ghost stories and folk lore! I think I may continue to do this every October until I run out of ghosts!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Joyce :)) I'm kind of happy it's just Alex and me because you're right, it's just for us. It makes things more fun and there isn't pressure. I don't know how you do it all the time, you have so many people to entertain!
ReplyDeleteThanks Wisps of Words :) Oh I've seen "The Sixth Sense", I really liked it. Actually there is another one we just watched by the same director/writer called Unbreakable. Bruce Willis is in it too, it's one of those psychological thrillers.
ReplyDeleteThanks Martha :)) Ha! Someone had to say spooktacular lol...giggle. I was trying to find the Looney Tunes episode on YouTube or Daily Motion, but only could find bits. We have them all, Alex downloaded 5 decades of Looney Tunes a few years back and we dust them off now and then!
ReplyDeleteThanks Connie :) Every time I visit your blog, I get the quilting bug...I don't have the set up here, but hopefully in the future I'll have a great spot for my sewing area. I envision Halloween quilts too! :) I know...November already. Weren't we JUST planting seedlings???
ReplyDeleteThanks Cathy :) Yes! all things in good time, the point is you ARE CREATING!!! Even if it's on an iPad for now. I still create some things on the computer with photos and text...mainly my Tarot spreads. I just love the feel of a paintbrush in my hand though! I'm so glad you enjoyed the spooky art!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Serena :) Oh I'm happy you commented on the Eek and Potato soup lol...that actually came to me last minute when I was thinking up words that rhyme with scary words ha ha...
ReplyDeleteThanks Lissa :) Oh Slimer I think right? Ghostbusters is one of my favourite comedies. You've reminded me to watch it again!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea :) What a sweet comment :) Yes...I did learn the VERY hard way that the only way to heal is to face yourself and ask those tough questions for the answers, because a lot of the time, you won't get the answers from the ones who hurt you sadly. It takes a lot of practice. I still haven't perfected it though. My healing time is long in general. I'll be in your position very soon when we move in the spring/early summer. Making a house a home is a big deal for sure. I am very much looking forward to it though! :) By the way, I hope you figured out your commenting situation on your blog. I've commented on each of your posts, and I'm sure others have as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorraine :) I appreciate your comment! :) I feel like the more I create, the more I can create and it brings me so much joy! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Becki :) We did enjoy yourselves!!! It was a very fun night! I'm going to keep doing paper mache because it was a lot of fun and I have so many ideas for future projects!!
ReplyDeleteTruly amazing post Rain!! LOVE IT!!! Happy New Year! Happy Halloween! Happy Samhain!!! Many blessings! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacy :) Many blessings back to you! :)
ReplyDeleteSuper clever food displays!!
ReplyDeleteThanks TB :)
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh I want to come to your house for HAlloween!
ReplyDeleteThe papermache pumpkins looks so great!!!
Thanks Jenn :)) The paper mache pumpkins were so much fun to do. I want to do more projects like that! :)
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