Witch of Rose Hill 2011

It's not perfect, but it'll do for now. Click on the pic to watch...

And Yet More

I honestly debated whether to post more pics, as aside from Leota and the change in the front room, there haven't been any changes to the graveyard. The witch is still substandard in looks and no new tombstones have been added. I was just too damn busy this year. 

The hand-blown spider jar looked quite at home on the apothecary shelf, I must say.

I brought out my trusty tarot deck for a prop. I'm sure someone will be offended by that, but oh, well. And, oh, my dog found and tore up that lovely zombie head the next day. Bad dog!

My last-second costume decision. I was feeling a little dark that day, I guess. Had to pose by my favorite Pumpkinrot treasure.

Even though this is a bit out of focus, I thought it looked pretty decent. The fog was very cooperative that night.

 Stewie always looks so deceptively sweet amongst the roses. We'd had an unusually warm October, and they rewarded us with one last lovely bloom.

I hope to cut together the Leota footage this week. My back has been giving me a helluva time, so it doesn't look like rearranging the studio is on the list and sitting on the couch is.

A Few More

Did some packing up of the outside today (plus laundry put-away duty, plus returning costume bits, plus...), as we're expecting a huge rainstorm tomorrow. Gotta get Stewie covered up! So I haven't had time to compile things appropriately, as of yet. (I guess it's called having a life! Who knew?)

 More soon...

Just a Few

More soon.

Stills

The Witch of Rose Hill-Hallows 2010

At long last, the video is done! I may do more tweaking later, but at least you can get an idea of what the Night of Nights looked like from my house. (Watch it as soon as you can, in case the soundtrack is silenced by The Man!)

Click on the pic to watch.

Update: I fixed the editing issue at the end of the video and re-uploaded it, so it should play better now.

Notes From Hallowe'en Night, 2010

The Night of Nights dawned clear and warm. It was surprising, since the weather man had been threatening us with rain throughout the weekend. Since the party was the night before, 99% of everything was set up already, and that made for a more relaxing day. I'll have to remember that early setup is the key to not completely losing my mind next year.

Things go wrong every year; it's just part of the mischief that floats around like that strange, unidentifiable substance in your cocktail. Here's a random sampling of things that went wrong and things I want to keep in mind for next year:

1. Though I had acquired a few more three-outlet, 100' extension cords, I still had to borrow a few from the neighbors. (Note to self: buy one new medium-to-heavy duty extension cord a month for the next year. You'll probably only wind up one short next year.)
2. Even though the surround sound system and 5-disc CD changer worked fine last year, that doesn't guarantee it this year. (And WTF happened to the cone in one of the speaker housings?! I opened it up, and was greeted by two wires, just hanging there. Note to self: Talk to Stewie about strange eating habits.)
3. Just because your little 400 watt fog machine for your witch's cauldron worked fine for the big photo shoot three weeks ago, doesn't mean it will work at all when next you plug it in.
4. Roses don't like it when you walk through them and will try to kill you. (Note to self: hack those bastards back before setting up props, electrical, and air lines. Another note to self: have blood transfusion standing by next time, just in case.)
5. Stop trying to make a "quick, throw-together prop" on Hallowe'en. They are never quick, and you can't just throw them together. Give it up, already! (I am referring to my PVC dummy, which I have yet to use because everything else always seems to get in the way.)
6. Start planning next year on November 1st, and start building December 1st. You might actually get everything finished that way.
7. Just because Widows Movie Maker was on your computer to edit your movie last year, doesn't mean you didn't forget you needed it and uninstalled the program to free up disc space this year. (That's o.k. I got another program that has better reviews, anyway.)
8. Fellow haunters don't want to wait to see your photos, so you really should see to your schedule a little better next year.

I'll share some fun stories with you soon.

Tease

Just a few teaser shots from the haunt. I was too busy yesterday to get to doing more.

*Yawn*

Christmas Ape in costume, posing with the Overlook's staff and guests.

I'm snuggled in bed with my husband, my laptop, a cup of coffee, and a delightful assortment of pastries from Great Harvest Bread Co, and I am really tired!

I'll be getting some pics up over the next few days, so keep an eye out!

Last Year's Ghosts

 Photos by Bud Barnes. 

Halloween '09 Leftovers

Neighbor Bud brought over his thumbdrive the other night, and it had some neat pics of my '09 haunt. I thought I'd share.

My first edited movie. Please be kind; I've never done this before.

YouTube link here.