Lower turnout than last year :(

But I had fun anyway.  We only had about 30 or so actual trick-or-treaters this year, and about that many adults accompanying them.  I was running behind, as usual, but I did manage to get into costume by the 2nd set of kids, so I was able to get out there and get a few scares in.  Several people commented on "Peter", and I told everyone that the display will be different next year, so they must come back.  Of course, we may not even be here at all next year, but that's a whole 'nuther story.  ;-)  I had a little fun with the post-Halloween photos when everyone was gone and it was nice and quiet.  Photos located on the main site (http://www.theghostess.com)  Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween.

Peter, Peter, Trick-or-Treat Eater

The past few posts have been my teasers for this one.  It's been a very long time since I finished a prop - well over two years.  I decided to finish that pumpkin head prop I started and gave it a body as well.  I present to  you, "Peter, Peter, Trick-or-Treater Eater".

Green again

Twisty brown...

And a splash of orange....

...makes me happy.  :)

Green is the new orange

An amazing facade

http://www.davisgraveyard.com/slideshows/2011/


I've been following several haunters every year for a while now, and these are in my absolute faves group.  LOVE the work this year!

Some thoughts and ideas for my financial future...

Some of you may know that I am again jobless.  Right now, things are looking pretty bleak.  I have been told by several people over the years to use my talents to make some extra cash, and I spent half the night last night and all morning this morning trying to figure a way to do just that.  I'll admit, I do love to create things, but it is hard to find that one thing that I can do well enough to sell on a regular basis, not to mention I have no supplies or cash to buy any.  Tombstones are a dime a dozen out there, and I pretty much gave away the one that I sold on Ebay thanks to shipping.  I basically gave away the Pumpkin Head that I so lovingly created too - thanks to my ex's oh-so-savvy Ebay work when he sold it for me.  I know Etsy is very popular right now, but I have nothing original to try to fit into the folds there. 

I am really frustrated folks.  I know I can do it, but I don't know WHAT to do.  Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated... I'm just really lost here.  I don't wanna get rich, but if I can just bring in a little something to ease the stress of paying bills, I'd be a lot happier.

Halloween ornaments

http://www.trendytree.com/raz-christmas-decorations/raz-5-skeleton-cat-pumpkin-halloween-ornament.html

I really like these!

Halloween Buyback?

http://www.halloweencandybuyback.com/

Interesting concept, unfortunately, it wouldn't make it to the post office if I were participating.  ;-)

Worst costumes ever.... retro

http://www.retrocrush.com/costumes/

I remember these plastic things, but my mom usually made our costumes every year, sparing us from the hot sweaty plastic against our faces...lol

Chocolate Peppermintini!

This tasty treat is very reminiscent of a York's Peppermint Patty - but with vodka!  We made some at our family Easter/Spring party this year, and it was a hit.  Delicious - as my sister says, it's like a cocktail and a dessert all in one.  I thought it would be a good mixer for the next Halloween party, and fitting because of the candy-like taste.

Woohoo - come on Zombies.... walk with us!!

The next Jacksonville Zombie Walk is fast approaching!!  Visit the website for the latest news, and stagger on over to the Facebook page for updates!!  The walk is scheduled for May 20, 2011... and leads up to the Cult Fiction Drive-In Convention.  Be there!!!!!

http://www.jaxzombiewalk.com/info.htm

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161021643961931

Florida Haunters converge on Ocala!

The Florida Haunters had their first Make and Take of the year in Ocala at the Marion-Dunn Mason Lodge thanks to Doc TerrorEyes, who also taught the flicker circuit building segment of our get-together (fantastic job on that Doc!)  It was a fabulous time, and I was so glad to be able to attend after a couple of years of not being able to go to any of the events due to work/money constraints.

We had a really good turnout for this one, and it was great to see many of my old friends and to meet some new faces as well!  I also had the opportunity to introduce Tom to my crazy little haunter family, and I think he'll fit in just fine.... as well as my son's girlfriend who also loves Halloween and wants to help out with the prep this year.  I'm really looking forward to the next one!

Here's a few photos from the day:

Haunt Cast!!!!!

Show my buddies at Haunt Cast some love!  Throw a buck their way and give the show a listen!  

Prop-making supplies... what's important to you?

I was just sitting here, thinking about the tax refund that I'm getting back, and how to best spend some of it.  Now, part of the reason that I haven't really made anything new in the past 2 years is due to a severe lack of funds for supplies - along with low motivation.  I was thinking I could use some of the upcoming cash to put into my prop-making supply cabinets.  The most important things to me are: carpenter's glue, latex paint, DryLok, joint compound, liquid latex, assorted paint brushes (mainly chip brushes), and foam sheets.

I'm curious though, what would everyone else consider a "must-have" for their supply list?  I want to pick up a new medium in the hopes that it will spark some of that creative flow that I used to have, while I have the temporary means to try it.  Please chime in!

Happy New Year (Hi 2011, please be a good haunt year!)

Well, already a week into January and I finally got the boxes put back up in the attic from Halloween.  Did the party, had fun, pics posted on the site.  I really REALLY hope I can get back into my Halloween groove this year.  I miss making props and getting excited about  October.  The past couple of  years have just been severely lacking in all areas concerning haunting.  Wish me luck, good karma, whatever.... I just need my mojo back.  :-(