Forty years after the release of the original movie, Laurie Strode, played once again by Jamie Lee Curtis, faces a final confrontation with her brother and nemesis, Michael Myers, played by Nick Castle.
She’s not going to let him get away again! from screengeek.net
This new version of Halloween begins with Michael escaping from the sanitarium where he has lived for most of his life so he can continue to kill. Laurie has survived when no one else has, and rather than fearing that Michael will come after her, Laurie actually is prepared and even eager to wage war on the psychopath who murdered their sister among many others. She will fight with everything she has to protect her family and stop Michael.
Michael Myers began his killing spree as a six year old child in the original theatrical release, Halloween (1978), when he murdered his sister Janet. Confined to a sanitarium for fifteen years, he escaped with only two goals in mind, to find his sister and to continue his murder spree. The next few movies weave a mysterious and horrifying mythology around the characters, culminating in a reboot of the series in 2007, with a sequel, Halloween II, in 2009.
This second reboot of the franchise that has sparked eleven movies to date, plus novels, comic books and video games, Halloween (2018), arrives in theatres next weekend. What a perfect way to get into the spirit of the season-just leave younger children with the sitter because this movie is rated “R” for violence and gore.
I remember long-ago nights when, accompanied by my siblings and friends, I walked through the streets of our neighborhood, dressed in an outlandish fashion and carrying a plastic jack-o-lantern. There were usually a few parents along for the trip, but we didn’t fear the night, because surely our large contingent of monsters could handle any truly scary denizens of the dark.
I remember the excitement I felt as a child as I chose a new identity, a new persona I would become, if only for one night. Simply by putting on different clothes, a mask, a wig or a hat, my mind was free to imagine, and I took advantage of the situation to act, to pretend, to become someone new.
Once our baskets were full and we had paid homage to every last house in sight that displayed a lit front porch light, it was time to return home, where our bounty could be inspected before we secreted it away, and removed our costumes and wigs, ready to be ourselves again.
It’s October, and as I wander the aisles of my favorite stores, the displays of colorful seasonal merchandise take me back to those treasured memories of my childhood. I’m not talking about the bountiful Christmas decorations that are often exhibited side-by-side with the other stuff, but rather those items strictly designed especially for the period that begins with the start of autumn and that we are usually ready to store, or dispose of, by Thanksgiving at the latest.
Halloween has always been one of my favorite times of the year, from the neighborhood camaraderie generated by the descending hordes of costumed children seeking sugar, to the imaginative and eye-catching displays some of our neighbors create to entertain, and to scare.
Halloween is one of the few excuses we adults get when it is socially acceptable (aside from Comic-con or Renaissance Fairs) for children and children at heart of all ages to become someone else for a little while. One simply needs to don a mask, and live out a fantasy. Pick up a wand or sword, and become a new character. Put on a costume, and revisit childhood and the world of let’s pretend.
Who would you choose to be if you could become someone else, temporarily? Would you choose to be your favorite character from a book, movie or television show? Would you choose an archetypal character like a generic vampire or pirate? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wander around or simply answer the door as a zombie, a werewolf, or a fairy godmother?
Let’s take this occasion to fantasize, to remember, to return to when life was filled with the joy of imagination. If you have the opportunity to attend a work or community event where you can dress up for a night, why not take advantage? Remember for a little while the joy that comes from such a freeing activity.
If you have children you can take door to door, or through the local mall for trick or treating, consider coordinating costumes with them. I have seen some really cute theme costumes in the past, where every member of a family became a character from The Wizard of Oz, or Star Wars, or Marvel.
Take pleasure in using your imagination. Even if you don’t go out, you always can dress up to hand out candy this year. You may find that you enjoy the thrill your guests get from seeing you as you answer the door. Whatever you choose to do this year, have fun. After all, that’s what Halloween is really all about.
Fall officially begins at the end of this week, but I’ve been gearing up for it for some time. For those who follow my blog, I’ve already written a couple of posts this month related to my favorite season, with hopefully more to come. Today, as I start planning the decorations I’ll be putting up over the next few weeks (Do I really want an entire cemetery on the front lawn this year?) I began thinking about one of my personal favorite monsters-the vampire.
What is it about these creatures of the night that is so fascinating? The myths that surround vampires are hardly new, but because of new additions to literature and Hollywood, their lore is continually being renewed by modern culture. There are even societies devoted to vampires, where members dress and act as if they are members of the undread.
Vampires are enormously popular, thanks to television shows- Vampire Diaries (Netflix), The Originals (CW), True Blood (HBO), as well as recently popular movie series- Underworld, Blade and Twilight, to name a few. Of course, books about vampires can be found by the dozens and hundreds in any seller or online retailer, from authors such as Charlaine Harris, Anne Rice, and the one who started who launched the cult following, Bram Stoker.
But why do we love vampires? Here’s a few of the top reasons:
Vampires have longevity. The stories and legends of vampires existed long before Bram Stoker penned his epic novel, or before Hollywood first introduced Dracula to the masses.
Vampires are mysterious. No matter the version of the story, all vampires have secretive pasts and hidden existences that leave an audience wanting to know more about them.
Vampires are often seen as romantic characters. Whether they are seductive fiends that come into a woman’s bedroom at night, or brooding teens that shy away from their bloodthirsty nature, we can’t help but be drawn to them.
Vampires are powerful. They have superhuman strength and speed. In some versions of the story, they can turn into bats or wolves, and have the ability to take control over a human’s mind.
Vampires often have a duality of nature. Vampires can be both scary and attractive. We are captivated by them; while at the same time we fear them. They appear to be human, right up till the moment they give in to the urge to feed-on us.
Vampires have history. Many stories include vampires that have been around a century or a few, that have seen mankind’s many triumphs and missteps, and have acquired a great deal of wisdom from their extended lifespans.
Vampires represent eternal youth, beauty, and immortality. They are often portrayed as being attractive, appearing young, and of course, they live forever, or until they see the sunrise or someone stakes them.
Vampires are outsiders. Many of us can identify with characters that exist on the fringes of society, which are often portrayed as being solitary, as loners.
Vampires are the ultimate bad boys. They live outside the rules of society, because they must kill to live, or at least steal blood from a bank or animals.
Vampires are monsters, even if they appear human. We can’t help being fascinated by the idea that something out there considers us prey, which makes us vulnerable. After all, horror stories in general have widespread appeal.
When you have some downtime this week, why not dust off that vampire novel you’ve been meaning to read, or download your vampire movie about those creatures of the night? After all, with fall right around the corner it’s the perfect time to feed a monster obsession.
September in the Midwest brings with it a relief from the humidity and a slight drop in temperatures as we meander ever-closer to the beginning of autumn. This gentle change in the weather is the perfect backdrop for a number of activities especially suited to the harvest season. Here are just a few ideas of ways to spend quality time in the great outdoors with your loved ones this time of year.
Sunny fall afternoons offer the perfect excuse to breathe in the crisp air and enjoy some lawn games with your family. Bring out a ball to toss or kick around, or play an old-fashioned game of tag. Outdoor games such as cornhole, which involves aiming beanbags through a wooden target, are a good choice that can appeal to all ages and skill levels. Take time to appreciate the colorful foliage, by letting little ones collect pretty leaves, and perhaps joining them in jumping in a pile.
Chilly autumn nights are the perfect time to utilize that fire pit on the deck or in the backyard. Settle down with your loves ones for an evening of s’mores and sharing your favorite ghost story. Many communities will host bonfires in the fall, often in celebration of back-to-school or in support of a local sporting event. Check local listings for events, and don’t forget to pack lawn chairs. A blanket may come in handy as the temperature drops, too.
Feed your artistic side by carving a pumpkin. While this can be done indoors, it’s often easier to move outside, especially with younger helpers participating! Pick up pumpkins at a local grocery, nursery, or farm, and use your imagination. Kitchen knives work well but specialty carving kits are easy to find, as are carving tips and designs in magazines and online sources such as Pinterest.
If you want to make a pumpkin creation that will last beyond the season, faux pumpkins make of foam, cardboard, and wood are available from your local craft store, and can be decorated with carving tools, paint, and any type of decoration you desire.
Visit a nearby farm. Check directory listings for rural venues that offer special seasonal events. Many of these destinations will feature attractions tailored for families, such as hayrides and corn mazes. Spend an afternoon picking apples, selecting a pumpkin straight from the patch, or wandering through displays of colorful fall flowers. As the sun goes down, warm up with a mug of hot apple cider or cocoa, before you carry your bounty home.
The varieties of activities that are available to make the most of nature and the harvest season are as unlimited as the autumnal colors surrounding us. I hope you can take time to breathe in the cool air, smell the falling leaves, and spend some precious time with your loved ones today.
September has arrived, and while the temperatures here are still in the nineties mid-day, school is officially back in session and everywhere I turn, I’m beginning to see signs of the impending autumn season.
I don’t just mean the planter full of mums I just put out front, either. A visit to nearby Target or Meijer will showcase a clearance rack of back-to-school needs, alongside half-stocked display shelves full of costumes, decorations, and knickknacks styled for the upcoming fall, and sometimes winter seasons. The local gardening stores have begun to carry planters filled with seasonal foliage, and grocery stores are already stocking decorative pumpkins in the produce aisle.
This little one is getting into the spirit of the season! Photo on Foter.com
I ask you, is it too early to decorate for fall? Is it too soon to pull out the orange candles, the colorful silk leaves and plastic spiders? Is it time yet to think about Halloween costumes, and where to hide the candy so it actually survives long enough to be handed out to trick-or-treaters?
I tend to go a little overboard when it comes to fall. The drop in temperatures invigorates me, and I absolutely love the colors, the smells, and the foods of the season. As my family can attest, this is hardly a new phenomenon for me. I’ve had the habit since I was a child, and I shared the love with my own kids, to the point we have nearly as many boxes of decorations and paraphernalia for fall and Halloween as we do for Christmas.
To me Halloween has always symbolized a freedom of expression- the one time of year (other than Comic-con or Renaissance Fairs) when it’s socially acceptable to become someone else, for just a little while. It’s okay to live a fantasy, to act out a favorite character, to revisit the childhood joy of make-believe and imaginative play. That’s why I tend to dress up, even if I’m just handing out candy, because why should the kids have all the fun?
So while I’m going about my daily tasks, I’m also planning the display we’ll set up this year, the costumes I need to get or make, and estimating how much candy to buy. I’ll be digging through my recipes to make my special pumpkin coffee cake, and choosing between recipes for pecan pie. Of course, once fall officially arrives later this month, I’ll have planning for Thanksgiving to do, too, and then the winter holidays. The next few months are going to be busy!
To everyone out there celebrating today, I hope you enjoy a wonderful day filled with family, friends, good food, and everything that makes you happy. God Bless!
The summer heat has been slightly less oppressive in the last week, as August winds down and we realize autumn is right around the corner. While there are still tomatoes growing on the vine and my petunias haven’t yet bloomed their last, many of us are already consumed with thoughts of back-to-school time. Soon we’ll be dealing with a barrage of colorful leaves covering the lawn, and looking forward to tailgate parties and bonfires.
First, though, summer has one last hurrah in the coming weeks- Labor Day is almost here. For many of us, this national holiday, a tribute to the labor unions and the American worker, means a rest day off from work, a time to spend with family, a last chance to visit an amusement park or the lake before the end of the season.
It’s time for the last blissful days of summer. Photo on Foter.com
This year the holiday falls on September 3rd, and all over the country people will be breaking out corn hole boards and s’mores supplies, packing up the RV or the four-wheelers, and setting out to enjoy one last weekend of summertime fun.
For myself, my family will most likely stay home this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t celebrate. I’ve already started going through recipes and deciding the menu for our cookout. Which of our favorites have I used this year, and which will be the best to cap off this summer?
Burgers, brats, or something more exotic? I’ll have to poll the guests, and check what’s on sale this week.
Potato salad? Done it, but it’s always worth repeating.
Fried green tomatoes? Done that a couple of times too, so put that on the maybe list.
Homemade cherry pie with homemade filling? I haven’t actually made that this year, so this might be the time, while the cherries are still in season. Or maybe peach cobbler would be better? Decisions, decisions.
I’ve got some time to work on the menu. After all, the most important part of the day is not the food, or the activities, or even the location, but the time spent together. Labor Day, and any holiday really, is first and foremost a time for families to reconnect. Everything else is really secondary as we visit, relax, and let the stress of jobs and outside activities melt away.
I hope however you spend your holiday you enjoy yourself, and have the opportunity for some quality time with those you love.
One of the hardest parts about being a parent is when their children move out and begin a life of their own. Whether their kids are going away to college, beginning a career in another city or state, or simply settling into a new home with a significant other all parents face a sense of loss. They can sometimes feel like they are no longer needed or as important in their children’s lives.
It’s okay to be sad when the kids leave the nest, but life doesn’t actually stop for mom or dad just they suddenly have a different role in the lives of their offspring. There are ways to cope with the change in your relationship, and many things to look forward to ahead.
Take care of yourself first. If you feel depressed or overwhelmed by becoming an empty nester, talk to someone. Whether you have a significant other to turn to, or you confide in a friend, or even seek professional help, it really does make a difference to know you’re not alone in this. Your kids are starting a new chapter in their lives, and so should you. The feelings of loss should ease as you settle into your new norm and your new relationship with your children.
Your relationship is changing, but your kids will always be yours. The worry and the concern will remain, even when they’re out of the house and if you don’t see them as often. They will always be a part of your lives and in your hearts and minds. Keep in touch however you can-whether you call, text, skype, or email. You can always visit, or have them visit you. If you live close enough schedule regular family dinners, either at home or a restaurant. Let them know that it’s still okay to turn to you when they need a sounding board, or advice. You can offer to help them with big “adult” things, like shopping for a car and decorating a new home.
Your future is in your hands. Just because your children don’t live at home anymore doesn’t mean your life is over. Take advantage of your situation to try new things. Make plans to travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, but couldn’t manage before because of schedules or budget. Find a new hobby you can share with your spouse, or take a course at a local college. Join a book club. Volunteer. Spend time planning how you will spoil any future grandkids.
Having your children grow up can be harder on the parents than it is for the kids. Remember how big a wreck you were on their first day of school. Hey, you survived that, right? You’ll get through this too. Just hang in there.
Today we live in a world where smart houses are becoming everyday fact. When I was growing up, the idea of a “smart house” was still considered science fiction. Of course, I’m old enough to remember when The Jetsons wasn’t a rerun seen only classic cartoon channels. When Back to the Future Part II (1989) came out, the technology presented from the McFly’s future home was still fantasy, but today televisions capable of showing multiple shows at once and video door bells are things we take for granted. (No flying cars yet, though.)
Robot helpers, automated household help, and endless viewing choices- not too far off from today! image from cyberneticzoo.com
My husband and I recently gave in to both encouragements from our kids and the financial relief of ditching cable TV in favor of switching to internet options like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Not only are we saving money, but we are also rediscovering a number of programs which we never had the time to watch on cable, that are available, commercial-free, at our finger tips or at a voice command to Alexa.
That is another “futuristic” feature we’ve added to our house recently, a second Amazon Echo Dot, so we that we can use them in tandem as a functional intercom, in addition to everything else they are capable of, such as giving us a weather forecast, playing radio stations, and now controlling our TV access.
There are so many time and effort saving gadgets out there, now, that only a couple of decades ago could only be seen on Star Trek or at Disney’s World of Tomorrow. We can purchase from any store or online retailer self-propelled vacuuming robots, plugs to run houselights from a phone app, and appliances such as washing machines that be preprogrammed to begin a cycle in the future and refrigerators that can email us when we need to add eggs to the grocery list.
We live in a time where digital books are available any time we wish, from retailers or even the public library, and any information resource we could want from movie schedules to college courses can be accessed from a laptop or any Wi-Fi capable device. For a one-time purchase, anyone can use a digital personal assistant such as Alexa or Siri to order dinner, schedule appointments, or remind us to pick up the kids. We can use our home Wi-Fi networks to shop for anything from a new house to a new car, and even take care of the financing and purchase insurance, without leaving our front door.
Thanks to virtual reality, we soon won’t have to leave home to take a vacation. I’m still waiting on that flying car, though.
Maybe in another twenty years? image /i.dailymail.co.uk
I saw the following sign posted in front of a local church: Be Kind, Everyone You Meet is Fighting a Hard Battle.
While this is hardly a new sentiment it is actually more relevant today than ever. In the course of an ordinary day, we all chance meeting people and situations that will try our patience, and where a few hasty, unthinking words can escalate an uncomfortable situation into a conflict. Or we can choose to take control of our own emotions, and ease the tension and diffuse the situation before it grows into a conflict.
I’m not by any means advocating that you should allow strangers to take advantage of you or mistreat you just so you can avoid having a confrontation. By all means, stand up for yourself when it becomes necessary. However, sometimes we may be able to control a situation and eliminate the need for harsh words or even violence.
Since we only truly can know our own hearts and minds, consider the following in dealing with others, especially when they seem to be angry or aggressive:
Try and put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Before you allow harsh words or careless actions to color your own behavior, ask what could be happening in the other person’s life that makes them respond a certain way? What information are we lacking about their point of view? Unless they have taken the time to explain their situation and outlook to you, it is impossible to truly know at a glance how they feel about a subject or situation, or why it affects them a certain way.
Don’t judge other people on their reactions. You never know if someone is behaving out of character-perhaps they are having a bad day, or have recently experienced a major traumatic event. There may be a very good reason why they are acting a certain way that has nothing directly to do with your or the situation you are experiencing with them. Until you know their circumstances, offer others the courtesy of the benefit of the doubt.
Try to be non-confrontational in a tense situation. Don’t allow yourself to be provoked into raising your voice or responding in anger. Demonstrating calm in the face of conflict can help defuse the situation. When the other person fails to get an angry response from you it may help deflate their anger and give them a chance to calm down. At the very least, you will be able to work out a better response with a cool head.
Confrontations are an unavoidable fact of life, but they should not define us. Deal with any tense or unpleasant situation you must face, and then move past it. Try your best to let go of any negative feelings that remain. If necessary, give yourself a time out or take a stress break by deep breathing, exercising, listening to music, or whatever else helps you calm down. Do not let one bad situation affect the rest of your day and everyone you meet. You owe that to yourself, and everyone else you will encounter.
Here’s hoping you all have a peaceful, pleasant rest of your week!
amycaudill.net 