Simple Scares that Turn Bad when the Lights go out.

 

2 Days until Halloween

Madam Widow - "Light of the Rose"

 

Blog post #1 of two - Later today my original story - "Mystery of the Harvest Moon" is set to make its debut. Lets hope Sandy keeps her distance and destruction away long enough to get this story to you.

 

 

With all the hype of "Frankenstorm Sandy" churning out in the Atlantic waiting for her moment to put her own Halloween scare on all of us in her path, and the rain that finally stopped threatening it was coming and showed up with its buddy "Mr. Wind" - we still had our last opening night for the Halloween Happening 2012. All the ghouls and all the volunteers waited in wonder -  would anyone venture out on a Sunday night with a major storm pending, or would they remain home to hunker down? In the two hours that we were open, only two dozen people ventured out for the closing night of our event.

It was a somber feeling that filled some of the volunteers; others were celebrating the joys it was over. For myself, I think I fit into the third group of people that found the ending to another year of Halloween fun, was now a feeling like a sense of loss and sad that it was over so soon. It happens, with all the hype, all the preparations that had been made to create scary scene after scary scene, both inside the Haunted Barn and for the Haunted Hay ride, all the running around to get this and fix that. You would have thought it was Christmas time. I get this same feeling of loss the day after Christmas. I guess like a major holiday, our event brings the same rush to get ready as the Holiday seasons do and just as quickly as it gets here – it’s gone.

So, now that the event is over, I wanted to take a moment to share a few pictures of what our tour looked like with the lights on.  They were simple scares that turn bad when the lights go out and the head ghouls yells - PLACES - Their coming in!

 

 

Madam Widow & Her Carriage Assistant (A.K.A. - The Hubby)

 

I do hope that everybody exercises extreme caution and stays safe as Hurrican Sandy makes her own Debut over the next several hours. You are in our thoughts and prays.

Until later today - I'll blog ya later.

"Be On The Lookout"

17 Days until Halloween

"My son and his Ghoul Friends"

As many of us prepare for the upcoming Halloween traditions, I find myself being pulling in several directions which often leads me to leave things incomplete; take my blogging for example. I am doing the best to write every day, but my weekends are not forgiving when it comes to needing my time to write.  As you know, my family and I have been volunteers for our local Halloween Haunt for the past ten years. But something happened this year that none of the haunted barn and hay ride ghouls ever expect - This year we all got the green light to change our scene's 100%.  So here is my question of the day - What happens when you tell about two dozen very creative extreme Halloween lovers they can change their scare tactics?  You get a house that is guaranteed to completely scare all those who dare to enter through its doors. Four about six years I had always obtained the back portion of our haunted house. I would always make the Meat Locker scene and a maze that resembled walking through very dimly lit catacombs that would take you past most people’s worst nightmare - Clowns. Another year I added a huge spiders den and a huge mystery box into the maze and locker scene. I just kept adding to what I had already created, never changing the original design that I had started with. I guess you could say I was becoming very complacent in where and what my scenes would be. The best way to describe my thinking - I wished for change, but at the same time, feared it as the set up each year was easy because I knew it very well. It would usually take about four days and I would be done and then wait for opening night.

This year, our Queen of Haunt did something like non-other. Her exact words were, "I WANT THIS HAUNTED BARN AND HAUNTED HAY RIDE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THIS YEAR -MAKE IT HAPPEN!"  What made me think that I was exempt from this change is beyond me. It was a phone call from a very close friend that snapped my complacency into a huge reality check. All I remember hearing was myself repeating what she had told me, but with sheer fear wrapped tightly around my words - "They moved my maze to the front of the building!?" Immediately my brain began to shake rattle and roll with crazed thoughts slamming back and forth in my head. How could I do it? I have no place to attach the walls too! I'm going to have to build it free standing!? It won't work! It won't look right! I am certain that my friend heard the panic in my voice, but she had enough on her mind and with great ease simply said to me, "You'll figure it out, I know you will."

Usually that helps calm my mind down, but not this time. I was in for a massive change and feared that I would let the Queen of the Halloween Happening down. After having three days to ponder in my head what my scene would look like, I was still unable to envision it in my mind without going there in person to take measurements and make myself begin to think outside the box I was hiding in. It was only then, and the endless help from my husband, did my inner creative self-slap the negative Nelly out of my thinking for good.  Today, after two days of working diligently on my new creations, I am able to stand back and honestly feel that this may be the best creation I have thought up, that includes a whole new maze, unknown scares have been incorporated, and the best part, this will require a new tour guide costume for me. WAA WHOO!!!! You will not only be taken into the biggest Halloween thrill in Annapolis - You'll be entering the best Anne Arundel County Fair Halloween Happening event, you'll be entering;

"ADAM'S NIGHTMARE"   

One can only hope that the nightmare won't haunt you in your dreams.

So I know that I had said that my hopes were to have my blog written every day for the month of October and that it would be Halloween Themed. Well I guess I can say I have kept part of my promise. I may have missed both the Saturdays so far in October, but everything I have put together for you, my loyal readers and new readers that may have just discovered my writing,  the main goal continues to remain – Halloween themed. I have been working very hard on two very special original writings that my editors have been very happy with thus far. My plans were to post a spooky story called “The Harvest Moon” last week, but have been asked to keep it for Halloween week to really shake things up. I love that people are writing to me about my stories all asking for me to write more. Well,  I am pleased to announce I will continue to post stories I receive and that I will have another one of my original scary stories posted this week that is titled; “The Sister’s Curse”.  So until tomorrow, I will let your eyes leave my page so that your mind can begin to wonder – “Is this blogger crazy or what?” I’ll answer that question tomorrow.  Goodnight All – Blog ya later. Hey and if I haven't said it lately. Thanks for reading my writings. It means so much me to see all the different countries that are seeing my words. I am truly grateful.  

The Spooktacular Countdown Begins - R U READY?

 

 

 

"30 Days until Halloween"...

  

We can't start October off correctly without a little

 advertising for the event of the year! Won't you come and

 join us for an evening of fun and fright for the whole

 family. Be sure to check out the link below.

 

http://www.aacountyfair.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=18

 

 

 

Over the next 3o days, my hopes are to fill this blog with

spooky and fun stories, drawings, great costume ideas,

decorating tips, pumpkin carvings, and all the delicious

food ideas for this Halloween Season. Come back

tomorrow when we kick it off with our first spine chilling

spooky story - I dare you. Until then - I'll blog ya later.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7Lw-hc_FQ4

 

 

FALL MEANS FOOD, FAIRS, FAMILY & FRIGHT! R U READY??

ONE MORE DAY UNTIL AUTUMN! YIPPIE!!!

 

Good Friday Morning to everyone in blogger land near and far. I hope today’s blog finds you all excited for the arrival of autumn, which is indeed one of the most favorite times of the year for me. I love the crispness in the air, the colors of the leaves as they peak and their sounds as they take flight across a cool autumn breeze.  For me, the autumn season means, sleeping with a fan in the window under layers of handmade quilts snuggled up tight next to the one you love. Being invited by your kids to go to their Homecoming parade and then enjoy the sights and sounds of a High School Homecoming football game – win or lose you just feel the fun and happiness in the air. I love the feeling of wearing a fleece over sized sweatshirt and comfy jeans while driving down a country road with your family, on your way to pick apples, with the sunroof and windows open as your listing to a song that reminds you of great times during the fall season. For me one song that instantly comes to mind is a song by Pat Benatar. It is called - One love. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOgxVWC4a18&feature=related

But let us not forget that autumn also harbors the heavenly aroma of delicious foods at the fairs. I have two fairs that are my favorite and very symbolic to me and I guess my reason for that is because the memories all include my family, one when I was a young child and the other as a parent with my own children. My very favorite - the Sandwich Fair in Sandwich NH. This event is something that I think everyone should experience once in their life time. I grew up in Laconia, New Hampshire, and I remember always getting so excited for the big day my family would venture off to the Sandwich Fair. I still remember how striking the colors of the trees were and the sharp cool sting in the air that was setting the tone for a winter blanket of snow white.  I remember the strange feeling of my stomach lying to me that it was hungry because of the combine scent of the various foods being made by a multitude of vendors. I think my absolute favorite stand was the Spiced Cider and homemade pumpkin drizzle donuts that really accompanied the fall weather beautifully.  I marveled at the huge crowds of people that never  resulted in long lines. Who knows maybe I just planned it right when going on the rides or getting those must have french fries covered in ketchup.  For some reason at the Sandwich Fair, everyone just seems to mingle and move well, or maybe I was just having way to much fun to notice or let it get to me. This Fair is also the place where I made my first step into the world without my family, when my mother allowed me to finally go outside of the city limits with my high school friend in his car, who was taking others from school as well.  THANKS DAN, for the memories of a fun trip in your Mercury Montego. I'll never forget the sense of freedom that I felt that day. 

Check out the pictures below and I also provided a link if you ever wanted to plan a trip to NH in October.  You won't be disappointed.

Sandwich Fair, Sandwich New Hampshire

Walking up to the Midway.
The Cider and Donut guy was usually on the right
if your look at this picture but back behind where this
picture was taken.
 

 

Horse Pulls - Sandwich Fair, Sandwich NH.
You can kinda see part of the White Mountains
in the back ground.

 

http://www.thesandwichfair.com/html/general_information.html

 



 

 

My second favorite fair is the Anne Arundel County Fair. This is a fair that my entire family has been coming to and getting involved with for over ten years.

http://www.aacountyfair.org/

 

Now I have got to say, the three boys in my home really enjoyed themselves this year, and yes when I say three boys, I am including my husband. This year my two sons actually got to work their dream jobs with companies who have been vendors at the fair for many years. As for my husband he finally had a dream come true, but let’s start with my sons first. My older son was hired by a company that is operated all by young ladies, what teenage boy would turn this opportunity down? These ladies call their business "Cowgirl Up" pony rides/parties. They manage the business while their parents are very strong supporters of what they are doing. It's a great thing they've created.  Check out their link. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cowgirl-Up-Pony-Parties/123017821107203.

My younger son was hired this year to work for "Fast Action Motorsports Entertainment" which is a contained R/C car race track. Go to their website to learn more. www.fameracing.com  Now there is something very special about this company. Both of my boys have won the championships over the course of 8 years, with the exception of last year. Below is a picture of some of the trophies my younger son has won, and I don't dare go into my oldest sons bedroom - have you seen the pending nightmare that lurks in an 18 year old boys room? All I can say is Halloween is just around the corner; I'll save that story for the horror story segment of my blog. *Wink*

 

This isn't even half of the trophies that my boys have
won from "Fame Racing"
and they had fun collecting them.

My husband, younger son, and myself with one of the reps
of the company and the car that I sponsored
 in2011 to promote my book.
#56 was my husbands football number in High School
and the yellow and black resembles the "Bee" in me.
 

OK, I'm getting off track, ha-ha no pun intended, so where was I, oh yes,  with the exception of winning last year, which was a pivotal moment for my younger son as this was when he learned that sometimes holding a title isn't everything and sometimes when we lose - WE WIN! This year, his dream came true and he was indeed the big winner when he found himself working alongside of some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. My younger son is so into R/C Cars that it is almost scary how well he can put these things together and make them go as fast as they do.

I also did something unlike me, and decided that it was time to get over my fear of touching people, and so I ventured out and assisted the "Tiffany's Moon bounce/Face painting" company as a face painter. (I can't find a link on line for her at this moment, but I know her very well and I'll get one) I went from mild to wild all depending on the person and what they were wanting on their face, cheek or arms. I even had a lady that was so impressed with the sleeve look on her arm, that she asked me if I would be willing to body paint at an adult Halloween party...SPOOOOOOKY!!!!  Ha-Ha Yes, I'll admit, I was very curious, but gracefully declined. My husband will be bummin about this decision - I'm sure. Smile. I excelled in all the designs in a book that the owner had with her. I just decided to take the designs and add even more life to them. This book is what I used; my favorite was the rainbow glitter style design. People believed they were wearing masks and that it was not painted. Made me feel great, but the lines were crazy endless once they figured out where I was located. I also painted this horse on my arm just before the fair opened so people could see that I could paint in a simplest way so that it didn't burn their money out of their wallet.



I painted this upside down on my arm.
People really believed it was a Tattoo 
and was in disbelief when I told them
it was face paint. Did they want me to
paint something on their face.
*Smile*
They Did.

I gave them every bit of their monies worth and then some. Nobody went away unhappy, and this includes my husband. He too had a dream come true and in came in the form of being flat, green, and was the size of money...Ok it was money. Because I also decided to dabble a bit in the money making part of the fair this year, what money I brought in from face painting, meant money for all the delicious food the fair had to offer. I felt kind of like a sugar mama' and I loved it. For once we didn't have to kill our budget or take out a loan, just to enjoy the fair. 

So when I get that first taste of autumn, fun with family and my favorite two fairs are the very first memories that tickle my senses and lets me know that it's time for more wonderful memories to be created and that I am thankful that the hot, humid, and hazy days in Maryland are finally behind us. I don't have to worry about my husband working in the blazing sun and my kids want to get out of the house. Needless to say - when fall hits this Bolin home - Everyone is happy!!!  What's the old saying...A family that plays together - Stays together.  Below I have added some additional highlights of our times at the Anne Arundel County Fair  Hope you all have a wonderful "First day of  Autumn Weekend!"  Oh, one last thing for those anticipating things that go bump in the night, if you're not afraid....I dare you to click on the video below.

My oldest son in the Garden Tractor Pulls

"Best In Show" for our Peach Jam



My Honey and I winning the "Newly Wed Game"

I know, we've been married 20 years, they needed contestants. 

Oldest son preparing the track for the big tractor pulls.

Reese and his - almost - 8 second ride

A view of the Midway.
It's a beautiful sight just as the sky
turns to that dusky grey/navy blue color.

 

"Do you have what it takes to continue to scroll

down???? I dare you!!!!

 

DANGER -  CAUTION

TURN BACK NOW!

BEWARE OF THE WIDOW SPIDER!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.aacountyfair.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=18

"Life Has A Way of Just Happening"

Below is a true story. I was given consent to write about this, but chose to protect the identity of those outside of our family.

Song that inspired the story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSJbYWPEaxw

"Life Has A Way of Just Happening"

In everyone’s life, people, known and unknown, will step in front of you without any warning and alters one’s path in life. Some interactions are merely a nod of one’s head, or a smile accompanied by a greeting of hello, or excuse me, if you happen to be standing in their way as they walk by. Other times it could be simply a look that turns into conversation or an introduction by one person to another. This is how life has a way of changing people and often times how new friends and acquaintances are made.

Over the weekend I was introduced to a very sweet family that had been invited to the Tractor Pulling event, which we attend every year, by my oldest son who was pulling in one of the heats. It was because of our family involvement with the Halloween Happening at the Anne Arundel Country Fair Grounds in October each year, and their love for Halloween; they were introduced to my husband and me to learn more about our yearly ghoulish delight in scaring people. Their daughter was the first of the family to speak with us. She talked about her love for Halloween and where she went to school and various teen things, but you could see the sorrow behind her smile. She spoke of general topics with the exception of one that was due to the result of my asking her if the couple sitting on a bench near the announcer’s box was her Mom and Dad. Her reply was more than I bargained for. With a quick pause, she answered. "Yes it is. Mom and dad were married twenty years, but got divorced. They are trying to work things out." That was a response that I never expected but placed in the back of my mind as her mother walked our way. When I was finally introduced to her mother, I noticed mom wore the same type of smile. Clearly something was wrong and their look was all too familiar.

***

Have you ever seen someone you didn't know yet you feel an unexplained connection? Then suddenly your finding yourself in a conversation that is so deep and so personal you ask yourself, "Do I, or did I know this stranger at some point?" Then you ask yourself this question as you find that the problems they are currently facing relate to something you have already experienced yourself or maybe the situation was different but the hurt of a bad situation harbors the same pain and sorrow within ones heart and soul as you once felt yourself. I honestly think this is a way that our guardian angels shows us that we all heal in our own time from whatever made us feel emotionally conflicted.  That at some point in our lives and when we do overcome our pain, we must pass the life lessons we have learned to others  as merely a tool to guide those facing their own challenges as they climb their own ladder of life.  I knew this meeting was a reason far greater than myself, yet what my family and I have faced over the years would help them in some small way.  

***

I knew that smile as my mother wore the same one when my father became tempted by another, which eventually resulted in their divorce. I kept the conversation on what I knew best - Halloween.  I could see they needed to talk and more importantly they needed someone to not only listen, but in some way, understand without judgment. It wasn’t until later on in the day, they both confided in me what had been troubling them. What I learned was the pains of a daughter struggling with the inability to connect with the most important man in her life, her father, and to find the love and positive attention that she needs to feel from him. I found a father that is trying to find himself and a sense of love since the death of a very close family member several years ago and a wife that had been hurt by this same man who is now her ex-husband because of his choice to be with another during their marriage. With all that they had shared with me, my heart had me thinking that this family wants to be together, but due to the nature of the hurt, their hearts are guarded as they fear the hurt will repeat – and that was a coping mechanism I knew all too well.

I was puzzled as to why, myself being a perfect stranger, would they share such deep emotional feelings with me. Maybe they somehow knew I once wore the same smile as the daughter does. I could relate to her words. I knew this life once, but then I was not mature enough to even begin to comprehend what was truly going on inside the mind, body and soul of a 13 year old. I’m 43 now, and I only learned a year ago what I was going through during my childhood years. That is a long time to push feelings aside because you don’t know how to talk to people about it. I was pleased to know that she had not been like I once was and chose to open up and let the hurt out. As for her mother, I can’t say that I have ever had the love of my life stray. I’ve had other men that I have dated and loved in my life, stray, but I took that as more of a get out jail free card because I only loved them, but was not in love with them (Yes there is a BIG difference) and quickly found my freedom until my true love came along. The one thing I could relate to, the struggles to lose weight and the female emotions that go with it. Her additional hurt came from, her now ex-husband, believing her weight loss was a way to engage in extra marital relations with other men, however these accusations were the result of his way of hiding that in fact, he was going outside of their marriage and into the arms of another.

But in all of the turmoil that they are struggling with, I know they will one day find the strength to overcome the hurt and reconnect, maybe not as man and wife, but as a man, woman and the child that they created together.  I was so happy to see the man of the family was very comfortable talking with my husband and they found there was a common interest between them – They both were die hard country boys and both were stuck in the city with the hopes of one day getting back to a life of peace and quiet. When we all talked together, it was as if we had been old friends catching up on the times and we decided to get together the next day for good food and conversation  as we were forced to say our goodbyes to another weekend. My hubby and I shared a lot about how some of the significant events in our lives had knocked us off our path of positive thinking, but with time, things got better and we realized that the most important things we see in people we know,  in people we meet, and even looking within ourselves, people all desire the peace of mind of knowing they are loved and to be shown love. RESPECT. Everyone needs affection and compassion. We all want to be appreciated and know that people listen when spoken too. If all else, EVERYONE has a story to tell. Take the time to listen people. Who knows you just might discover the beginnings of a new found friendship you never thought you’d find and took a negative part of someones life and make it positive for them again.