Happy Friday the 13th! :)

Happy birthday Vincent Price

Here is one of my favourite actors that has a birthday today! Vincent Price was born on May 27th, 1911 and born in St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Actor, writer, and gourmet, Vincent Price was born in St Louis, Missouri. He traveled through Europe, studied at Yale and became an actor. He made his screen debut in 1938, and after many minor roles, he began to perform in low-budget horror movies such as House of Wax (1953), achieving his first major success with House of Usher (1960). Known for his distinctive, low-pitched, creaky, atmospheric voice and his quizzical, mock-serious facial expressions, he went on to star in a series of acclaimed Gothic horror movies, such as Pit and the Pendulum (1961) and The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971).
He abandoned films in the mid-1970s, going on to present cooking programs for television - he wrote "A Treasury of Great Recipes" (1965) with his second wife, Mary Grant - but had two final roles in The Whales of August (1987) and Edward Scissorhands (1990). He also recorded many Gothic horror short stories for the spoken-word label Caedmon Records. We can't forget his voice on Michael Jackon's Thriller song. :)
As a writer he has written many cookbooks as he was an avid gourmet chef. Was notoriously superstitious. He once joked that he kept a horseshoe, a crucifix and a mezzuza on his front door.
Shortly before his death, he said that one of his most favorite roles was the voice of Professor Ratigan in the Disney feature The Great Mouse Detective (1986), especially since two original songs had been written for him.
He died on October 25th, 1993 from lung cancer. I was sad to hear of his passing. He has many other things he has done and you can google him to see it all.
I remember him as to many Canadians for his narration on "The Hilarious House of Frightenstein" (1971).
Here are a few quotes of his:
"I don't play monsters. I play men besieged by fate and out for revenge."
"A man who limits his interests limits his life."
"I sometimes feel that I'm impersonating the dark unconscious of the whole human race. I know this sounds sick, but I love it."

Birthday!

May is always a busy month here. With my parents wedding anniversary, mother's day (which was lovely.) :) and at least few birthdays. A couple days ago it was my birthday. I hit the big 40! I remember when I turned 20 I thought 40 was old! LOL! Now that I'm here I can see it's not that bad. Though I do have days when I feel older than my age.
The day started like any other ordinary day except for the fact my 8 yr. old daughter kept telling me "happy birthday" every five minutes! LOL! Drove me nuts after an hour of it. I got lots of well wishes from family and friends via computer even though I couldn't be with any of them.
Round supper time we had a nice BBQ and I got a few gifts with a cake which my 4 yr. old helped me to blow out the candles. lol! So after eating cake it was back the the usual grindstone and I cleaned up after everyone and continued with my usual day. So all in all it was a nice day. Now I can worry about my son's 10th birthday next week and I have to remember to send my brother a card. He'll get it late but that's okay, he doesn't mind.

Return of the Adam's Family

Looks like Tim Burton will be resurrecting the Addams Family in the style of Nightmare Before Christmas. I was sorry when Raul Julia passed away in 1994, putting an end to any more Addams movies with the great cast they had.

Go here to see: http://www.totalfilm.com/news/burton-tackles-new-addams-family

Anti-Valentine's Day

I was never crazy about this day...for as far back as I can remember I never did. Why should we have one day to tell someone how much we care about them? How they are such an important part of our lives? It's something that should be told throughout the year. I remember people would always make a big deal about it and it can be especially hard on teenagers I think, having their hopes up but only to be disappointed about how the day turned out.
I don't have to worry about celebrating it this year since Vic and I split so I'll just continue to lavish love and attention on my 3 kids that day. :D But I think I'll have my own little Anti-Valentines Day with a broken purple heart shaped cake...some black candles...hey...maybe a party theme with that. :D I think it would be a fun way to "spit in the face" of lovey dovey couples, big business, and even the idea that we need to be in a relationship to be happy. It is about having fun being independant, confident and single. Hmm...I don't think I'll do too much this year as I don't have alot of time between now and "the day". Something small that's just for me I think.
I'm going to think of other ideas as well. Maybe get some ideas online. :D

New Year, New Beginnings?

I know that many of us had a rough year in 2009, myself included. From big things to small things. Despite the fact that it can make one weary and tired I think I have done okay managing through them.
So when the new year came I thought that maybe there was hope for a better year. Seems it was not to be. For some reason out of the blue my fiance of many years decides that it was over, that we are too different now, lashed out at me for his woes, my beliefs/religion, etc. and in general lay all the blame on me. As usual, he makes himself the victim. Something goes wrong he lashes out at whoever is there whether or not it was his fault or not. I'm still trying to figure out why he wants to end it but there's no point. I'm tired of him "breaking it off" anytime he throws a rant so if he's going to try to get back together with me it's a no this time. I'm tired of this, I tried to work things out since he cheated on me for the sake of the kids but I don't think things will get any better if I stay with him.
The last few days or so I've been working out a plan as to what to do...this time I have three kids to think of and they always come first. I have a basic plan so I will try to stick to it and well...just see how things go.

Happy New Year!

Best wishes to all my friends in the New Year.

A tornado tore through...

When it comes to big holidays, the aftermath is like a tornado tore through your home...after your company has gone, gifts opened, etc. The place looks in shambles no matter how hard you try to keep up. And all that is on top of your regular chores! LOL! I can now actually see my livingroom floor now.;) I do little by little as I won't wear myself out like I have in the past. The older 2 kids still have a week left before going back to school...that is when I'll be able to do more and get my house back to somewhat normal household. That will be when I probably start taking all the Christmas decorations down. For now it's sifting through all the boxes, plastics ect. to see what gets recycled and what is garbage. But I've got my older daughter's birthday this weekend to worry about. Then I have a month before my youngest daughter's birthday.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and got at least one thing you wanted to get. Even though I enjoyed my Christmas, I didn't get what I wanted. It was only two things...one that was less than $200.00 and a Gothic Charm School book but instead I got about $300.00 worth of stuff that my dh likes or we could use for the house. Of all the Christmases we've had together (about 10) this year he was clueless. Ah well, perhaps next year he'll get back on track and do better. He even forgot stocking stuffers this year for me. But my kids are happy with what they got and it will take a while before they get their own rooms organized and have figured where they are going to put their stuff in their room. :)
As much as I love the different holidays, I am usually glad when it's all over. :) Now I can start thinking of next year! :D

Merry Christmas all!

Wishing you and your loved ones peace, health, happiness and prosperity now and in the coming year.

Death in the family

Sorry I haven't posted for a bit...would have been sooner but my grandmother just passed away from lung cancer but she did live a long life. She died at 89 yrs. old. From what I was told I was the only grandchild of hers that would send pics, cards, etc. to her and keep in touch. My aunt told me that my nanny spoke of me often and spoke of a special bond we shared. Thankfully she died peacefully while she slept and all of her children were able to say goodbye to her. She was the last of my grandparents to cross over. So now I won't be able to get anymore letters/cards from her. Makes you appreciate those that are still here with you as you never know how much time you have with them.

Happy Halloween!

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe and happy Halloween!

Talk Like A Pirate Day

Once a year, on this day is Talk Like A Pirate Day. And only a few days ago I found out they announced that they will be doing a Pirates of the Caribbean 4!
So to help us landlubbers or those with no sea legs ;) here are some words and/or saying of pirates to help you get into the mood. Perhaps you can even dress up as one today. :D

* Ahoy: Hello!
* Avast: Stop and give attention. It can be used in a sense of surprise, "Whoa! Get a load of that!" which today makes it more of a "Check it out" or "No way!" or "Get off!"
* Aye: Yes
* Aye aye! - "I'll get right on that sir, as soon as my break is over."
* Arrr! - This one is often confused with arrrgh, which is of course the sound you make when you sit on a belaying pin. "Arrr!" can mean, variously, "yes," "I agree," "I'm happy," "I'm enjoying this beer," "My team is going to win it all," "I saw that television show, it sucked!" and "That was a clever remark you or I just made." And those are just a few of the myriad possibilities of Arrr!
* Black spot: to be 'placin' the black spot' be markin' someone for death.
* Booty: treasure
* Buccanneer: a pirate who be answerin' to no man or blasted government.
* By the Powers!: an exclamation, uttered by Long John Silver in Treasure Island!
* Bilge rat – The bilge is the lowest level of the ship. It’s loaded with ballast and slimy, reeking water. A bilge rat, then, is a rat that lives in the worst place on the ship.
* Bung hole – Victuals on a ship were stored in wooden casks. The stopper in the barrel is called the bung, and the hole is called the bung hole. That’s all. It sounds a lot worse, doesn’t it?
* Davy Jones' Locker: the bottom o' the sea, where the souls of dead men lie
* Doubloons: pieces of gold...
* Gentlemen o' fortune: a slightly more positive term fer pirates!
* Grog – An alcoholic drink, usually rum diluted with water
* Jolly Roger: the skull and crossbones pirate flag
* Keelhaul: a truly vicious punishment where a scurvy dog be tied to a rope and dragged along the barnacle-encrusted bottom of a ship. They not be survivin' this.
* Landlubber: "Land-lover," someone not used to life onboard a ship.
* Lass: A woman.
* Lily-livered: faint o' heart
* Loaded to the Gunwales (pron. gunnels): drunk
* Matey: A shipmate or a friend.
* Me hearty: a friend or shipmate.
* Privateer: a pirate officially sanctioned by a national power
* Scallywag: A bad person. A scoundrel.
* Scurvy dog!: a fine insult!
* Shiver me timbers!: an exclamation of surprise, to be shouted most loud.
* Sprogs: raw, untrained recruits
* Swashbucklin': fightin' and carousin' on the high seas!
* Thar: The opposite of "here."
* Walk the plank: this one be bloody obvious.
* Wench: a lady, although ye gents not be wantin' to use this around a lady who be stronger than ye.

There is a site just for this and you can find it at http://www.talklikeapirate.com/
Have fun!

I Found Another Blog Giveaway

There is another blog giveaway over at this blog...
http://pfatt.blogspot.com
There are some great stuff there to win and I believe the draw is on Sept. 8th so there is still a week to go so pop on by their blog and enter.

Skull Book Giveaway

The Giveaway is for one of his Skull Book Lights: What arcane tome is this? Perfect for a cluttered spell crafter’s desk or witches bookshelf, this ancient tome with a aged skull and battery operated flickering tea light candle is nice for anytime or your Halloween display. Each one is OOAK and may look slightly different than the pictures shown here. Each one is crafted with great attention to detail.
So of course I will throw my name in the hat as it were and try to win this. If you want a chance to win, pop on over to here...
http://www.grimvisions.com/giveaway/skull-book-giveaway
Contest Ends: Sept 13th 2009, 12 Midnight PST
He has wonderful work you can see for yourself besides this wonderful skull he did for his giveaway!
Good luck to all who enter! :)

Happy 119th Birthday Mr. Lovecraft

Lovecraft was been born August 20th 1890 in Providence, Rhode Islands and died March 15th 1937. He liked the atmosphere of 18th century and thought that 19th century was kind of barbaric. Lovecraft has written 67 stories between 1905-1935. Lovecraft was an American sci-fi, horror, and fantasy author most famous for giving us Cthulhu. Cthulhu is a cosmic entity who first appeared in the short story "The Call of Cthulhu." He/She/It/Whatever is represented with an octopus head, dragon-like body and wings, and a human caricature.
Lovecraft has had a huge impact in our modern culture. Arkham Asylum in the Batman series is based off of a sanitorium in one of Lovecraft's stories. Not to mention, that 3 of Metallica's songs (The Call of Cthulhu, The Thing That Should Not Be, and All Nightmare Long) are based off of Lovecraft's literature.

"That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons even death may die"
- H. P. Lovecraft

Decided on a Costume

As you see in the picture here...this will be the costume I'm going to try and put together. (Instead of buying online.) So between now and Halloween I'll be scouring the thrift stores, dollar stores to find the bits I need to complete this costume. I already have the stocking but they are purple and black stripes. The makeup is easy, thankfully. I don't like using masks because it is too hot and I find a little hard to breathe in and I also don't like slathering alot of makeup on my face. (Especially when I have little ones who like to give me hugs and kisses alot. LOL!)
During this time I will also be on the lookout for things I need to put together costumes for my older 2 kids. Haven't decided on the youngest yet.

Give-away at...

http://kingofmicestudios.blogspot.com/2009/08/little-blog-love-back-atcha.html

Here she has a lovely little box to give away (pictured here). Just comment on what makes you smile. You can get an extra two entries...just follow her directions and you can get a total of three. You still have time to put your name in the hat as it were before the draw! Good luck all!

Twin Deaths...Coincidence?

On 2002, Seventy-year-old twin brothers have died within hours of one another after separate accidents on the same road in northern Finland. The first of the twins died when he was hit by a lorry while riding his bike in Raahe, 600 kilometres north of the capital, Helsinki. He died just 1.5km from the spot where his brother was killed. “This is simply a historic coincidence. Although the road is a busy one, accidents don’t occur every day,” police officer Marja-Leena Huhtala told Reuters. “It made my hair stand on end when I heard the two were brothers, and identical twins at that. It came to mind that perhaps someone from upstairs had a say in this,” she said.

DAG Treasure Hunt

I'm usually not lucky enough to win anything and when I do it is very rare. Well this is one of those times! I entered the DAG Treasure Hunt. Many blogs were in on it with each one giving away a great prize of their own creation. The pic you see here is the one I won! Yay! So because I won I'm going to give a little plug for her blog.

http://www.wendysbrainchild.blogspot.com/ is her blog. You can also view her artwork at www.artbywendy.net
Thanks so much Wendy and I look forward to receiving the prize!

Poe Coincidence

In the 19th century, the famous horror writer, Egdar Allan Poe, wrote a book called ‘The narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym’. It was about four survivors of a shipwreck who were in an open boat for many days before they decided to kill and eat the cabin boy whose name was Richard Parker. Some years later, in 1884, the yawl, Mignonette, foundered, with only four survivors, who were in an open boat for many days. Eventully the three senior members of the crew, killed and ate the cabin boy. The name of the cabin boy was Richard Parker.