Dia De Los Muertos

This video is gorgeous. A bit sad and happy at the same time, and offers an interesting idea about the holiday it takes its title from.

Music Monday 29

There's only a few days left until Halloween. I really hope that if you're celebrating the holiday you've got your costume all figured out. If you've got a favorite Halloween song, please feel free to leave us a note about it. We're always looking for new things to add to our fall music playlists. Happy hauntings, and we'll be waiting for tricks and treats.

Alice Cooper : Welcome To My Nightmare

Avenged Sevenfold : Scream

Rasputina - Transylvanian Concubine

MC Hammer : Addams Family Groove

The Addams Family Musical : Just Around The Corner

Candy For The Soul

So sometimes when we order something online, we don't always get what we imagine we've selected. In this instance, it's a HUGE difference. But it leads to a cute scene. Enjoy, remember to have your candy ready for next week! Halloween is a lot closer than you imagine.

Music Monday 28

We've got 11 days until Halloween. So today we're looking at music from musicals that have a more questionable nature. Well, not really questionable, let's just say that they are a bit darker. Darker can be good.

RHPS - Science Fiction Double Feature Show

Into The Woods - Last Midnight

Repo!- 21st Century Cure

LSOH - Feed Me (Git It!)

 

Jekyll & Hyde - Dangerous Game

Porcelain Rising

You know, there's a lot of scary things about dolls. But there's no telling why people are scared of them right away. But it's fun to speculate. Got to love youtube.

Music Monday 27

October is such a funny month. We all want to go through some darker things. But today is a Holiday, and I think that calls for some steampunk music. A little bit of variety this time. I hope you're getting ready for Halloween too. It'll be here sooner than you think.

Abney Park - The Circus at the End of The World

White Ghost Shivers - Mama Said

Johnny Hollow - Bogeyman

Hellblinki Sextet - Indelicate Brew

Paul Shapera (The Dolls of New Albion Steampunk Opera) - Annabel Has A Doll

 

Vampire's Crown

Dentists can be scary. But what happens when a Vampire goes to see the dentist? A few laughs that's for sure. I hope you're enjoying the celebrations so far this October.

Music Monday 26

Wizard Rock, I think we've mentioned this at least once before in the past. My apologies if a song is familiar from the past, but not everyone has heard them. And these are the ones that I thought would be fun to hear this week. I hope you're all rocking out your October! Make sure you've got your costumes planned!

The Parselmouths - Voldemort Fangirl

Ministry of Magic - House Song

Draco & The Malfoys - Slytherin Pride

Gred & Forge - A little less Incantation

Lauren Fairweather - Post Potter Depression

Zombies That Ate the World

Music Monday 25

This week, feels like a week when we need something that we can sing along to. So how about some old familiar favorites to help perk up your week? I hope that things are going well, and hey, let me know if you find something unique or new. am always looking for something to add to my listening library.

Wings : Silly Love Songs

Elton John : Crocodile Rock

Kool & The Gang : Celebration

Gloria Gaynor : I Will Survive

The Weather Girls : It's Raining Men

Music Monday 24

So, the kids have gone back to school. College courses are back in session. Fall is on the way. What is not to like? Oh... Right...winter is coming soon. But hey, let's enjoy the fall. Here's to a great Monday!

The Ramones - Palisades Park

Ghoti Hook - Earth Angel

The Misfits - Latest Flame

Ben Kweller - Lollipop

New York Dolls - Stranded in the Jungle

"Spirit of Man"

You know sometimes it's nice to find something different. So here's a little bit of something slightly risque to make your Thursday a little more interesting. Just... be careful since it might not be considered work appropriate by some. But hey... it can still be a little fun.

Strain

This video entitles Strain is not the usual fair I know some of you may expect us to pick. But this was picked and posted today for a reason. Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Found smack dab in the middle of National Suicide Prevention Week, it's a day to reflect on. I know we've posted about suicide before, but it doesn't hurt to have a reminder that it's not an exclusive answer.

Please watch closely, and reflect on it. Sure they don't talk. But the text says a lot, and let's be honest a lot of teens and young adults today don't really say everything they mean out loud. 

Music Monday 23

I really do miss posting steampunk music. So it really is about time for a dose of this fun genre. I hope you're all enjoying you're September so far. Can you believe that Halloween is already merely a few weeks away? I hope you've got your costumes ready.

Frenchy and The Punk : Make Out

Ghostfire : Dance of Fate

The Clockwork Quartet : The Doctor's Wife

Rasputina : 1816, The Year Without A Summer

Emilie Autumn - Gentlemen Aren't Nice

Just Delicious

This video amuses me in some ways. Not because it is funny, but because it animates a story I remember reading in a book when I was younger. Probably you know it as well. But I hope you enjoy the memory refresher as much as I did.

Off the Shelf : The Death of Yorik Mortwell

Am sure that by now you're used to me posting about things that I've read in digital format. This is a change of pace we're looking at a book that I brought home in hard copy format. Nothing is ever going to replace the way turning the  pages in a book feels. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy digital books. They all have their own types of appeal.

Image from Amazon

The Death of Yorik Mortwell

Stephen Messer

173 pages

Illustrated by Gris Grimly

To be fair, it was the art combined with the first two lines of the book that hooked me. Gris Grimly is a name that I recognize, and I enjoy his art style. So you could say that in truth, this was sort of a guilty pleasure read. It's a young adult, or maybe a juvenile book. So it's aimed at younger readers. But I know that I'm not the only one that has a soft spot for a light enjoyable read.

"Twelve-year-old Yorik Mortwell lay on the hard, cold ground, dead.

            His day had started off rather better than that."

                        Chapter 1, Stephen Messer

Am sure you can see why the first couple of lines hooked me. There's a level of understanding without even getting any further. We all have days like that, where things start out good and just go downhill from there. So I really enjoyed the way the story moved. It had a wonderful pace, and it kept it without really slowing down.

I would classify this almost a steampunk piece. Just because of some of the referencing in the book. There's a dirigible, and a few other elements, such as an almost fairy like creature or three. So it definitely touches on the general imagery you would see in the genre without being so complex as to distract from the plot. Also, if you have a younger reader interested in the supernatural this would be a good book for them. It's not scary, and there are no gory descriptions.

I really enjoyed this book, although I'm sue you've figured that out by now. I would recommend it for all age groups, it's a good read for a male or female audience. If you do read it, I hope you enjoy it. 

Music Monday 22

Easy theme this week. It's time to go back to school, so I'm sure you're all seeing money move like water through your fingers preparing all the little ones. But look at it this way, you'll get some free time and you're going to have some fun hearing about their friends and everything they're learning.

Happy Monday! Have a GREAT week!

Eric Church - His Kind of Money (My Kind of Love)

David Bowie - Golden Years

Steve Miller Band - Take The Money And Run

Pink Floyd - Money

ABBA - Money, Money, Money

Reasons Die

This video is beautiful. A bit bizarre at points. But it is unique and has a lovely song. It might not be something I'd have watched usually, I kind of ran into it by accident.

Music Monday 21

Common theme between the songs this week? I'm sure you'll figure out what it is if you listen to them and think on it hard enough. You are all wonderful, and I hope the music perks up your Monday and that you have an amazing week! I know that I plan to. Just don't get too crazy. ^_~

The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor

Ricky Martin - Shake Your Bon-Bon

Breathe Carolina - Blackout

Shaggy - It Wasn't Me

Jeffree Star - Prom Night

Music Monday 20

Sometimes  there are some unique sounds that stick in your mind. The 5 songs that you get this week fall into that category. The one that you really want to pay attention to though is Echosmith. The song says a lot of things that I understand. I hope that you all enjoy this weeks recommendations. Have a great week!

Echosmith - Cool Kids

Fifth Harmony - One Wish

Frankie J - Beautiful

P9 - My Favorite Girl

Hot Chelle Rae - Why Don't You Love Me
(Hrmm... I really like this song too....)

Just Visiting : Sterling Renaissance Festival

As we grow up sometimes we forget how wonderful playing pretend can be. We can at times believe that we are too old for such things. Thinking inaccurately, that only children are allowed to enjoy it. Thinking like that is wrong though. Not only do you miss out on a lot of enjoyable things, life can at times seem boring and bitter.

But not for us. Oh no, we enjoy looking for things that interest us, that let us explore. Explore what? Our own creativity, as well as the arts and talents of others. There are a lot of them that people don't think about or get a chance to experience in to-days modern speed crazy world.

The phone number that's cut off is 1-800-879-4446

Sterling Renaissance Festival

sterlingfestival.com

It's always fun to go to events in a group. This is no exception. The first time we attended was about 6 yearss ago, and it's been our goal to go for one weekend ever since. You get to see some amazing outfits/costumes at the festival. My friends always look amazing. But it's a chance to be creative and have fun, without having to wait for a special occasion.

This year we went for Ale Fest Weekend. Sterling themes their weekends to offer some direction and inspiration for those who attend. It's a way to create a level of expectation and excitement. We were very excited to be going, especially since there was a slight scare where the faire almost didn't open on schedule. Ale Fest Weekend was children light, a pleasant surprise for those who don't happen to be huge on being around huge groups of children.

There's different performances for those who attend to enjoy. One of our favorites wasn't there this year, but that's alright because there was still a lot of things to see. We enjoyed a number of other acts. Three specific ones that we attended were Zilch the Torysteller, Arthur Greenleaf Holmes, and Filthy Irish Stories with Uncle Churchyard. Needless to say, these are not really children friendly acts. But they're a lot of fun.

The Washer Wenches were also fun this year too. As always the audience ended up getting a little wet. But it's great fun for all involved, just like the rest of the faire. Am sorry that this post is later than I planned. But there's one last weekend of the faire this year. So if you get a chance, head over and enjoy the faire. There's just one weekend left this summer. Sorry that I was such a slow poke about telling you how much it was enjoyed.

Can't wait for next year!

Music Monday 19

Yeah I know that it's been a few weeks of down time when it comes to the music monday lists. My deepest apologies to those of you who are wondering why. It really comes down to a few factors. Reality, and the accessibility to the internet. By now you know I don't have a computer of my own at the moment. I also haven't been getting to the library very often. So sorry. But A dear friend of mine, Esme, has motivated me to try and get some of this back in order.

So Esme! This week is for you sweet pea ^_~

Eddie Cochran - C'mon Everybody

The Honeydrippers - Sea of Love

Bob Lind - Elusive Butterfly

Bobby Vee - Rubber Ball

The Zombies - She's Not There

and a special addition, not in theme with the rest, but still good, and specially for Esme...

America - Man's Road

The Passenger

The Subatomic Creative Director Ego Minimizer

Alright, I'm only sharing one of these cute steampunk invention commercials. Why? Well because they each made me laugh, but I think they might get to some of you quickly if I just posted the lot all together. Besides, You're smart folks If you like it you can figure it out. Hope you've been having a great week!

Just Visiting : Shakespeare In Delaware Park : The COMEDY of ERRORS

Alright, hopefully some of you got the chance to see Henry V earlier this summer. But now it's time to let you know about the next play that's coming up on the green.  The Comedy of Errors. And as a side note, they're supposedly doing it up steampunk. Or so the posters would have us believe. I'm very excited about this.

This is the art that they have up as a promotion/advertisement. It Shows Both the plays they've had this summer.

Alright, and because I'm not feeling like trying to be overly creative and don't really have a lot of time to write currently; If you're a regular reader you may recognize the following content slightly. PAY ATTENTION TO THE DATES!!!

Now remember, you'll be able to see this play Tuesday through Sunday from July 24th through August 17th. The performances start at 7:30 pm (and that's the local time in Buffalo). And they recommend coming at least half an hour early to make sure you have a chance to get seated and park. There's no parking, it's all on street parking, so it is a first come first serve basis. If you're not sure where to find the part of Delaware Park where they'll be having the play, it's on Shakespeare Hill which is more or less right behind the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

So why should you go? Well, it's technically a free family friendly event. They do accept donations, and it's a blessing when you're able to help. You can pack a picnic, sit out in the summer air and enjoy a great theater show. They're perfectly happy to see you eating and drinking and enjoying the actors. There are no seats provided, so you'll want to take a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.

The Comedy of Errors
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
199 Lincoln Pkwy, Buffalo, NY

7:30 pm Tuesdays through Sundays‎
July 24th - August 17th

A Short But Well Deserved Update

I know that you haven't really been seeing a lot of new content from me of late. Well, not even collected content for music Monday. To be quite honest I've just been a little busy and I haven't had time to write. That and not having a laptop or computer at home puts a crimp in my ability to create content while offline anyway. But that's not an excuse.

So just ~what~ have I been doing?

Reading, a LOT of reading. I read 2 books this past week, and when I get a chance I will post about them. I even started making notes about them hard copy so I don't forget my thoughts. But as I'm sure you already guessed, the ones that I'm reading lately are fiction. Though some of you may be relieved to hear I've also been slowly devouring a book on the mafia's past in Buffalo.

I've also been working. I've got a nice temp job right now. 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. They have me making outgoing calls which is fun. I just wish more people actually wanted to talk to me.

My weekends have been rather eclectic as to what's been going on. I don't even know where to begin. I've been doing things with my family and friends, and enjoying their company.

Some of the things that I've been up to I really wish I could have blogged about. Some of you might have really enjoyed the Wild Renaissance event that Hawks Creek is holding. Unfortunately it's a little late now for me to do a full posting about the event. This weekend (starting tomorrow) they'll be having a variety of types of entertainment. It's very educational, on flat land, and kid friendly. Also it supports the safety of the animals that calls Hawks Creek home. We attended the event on July 12th, and it was worth the time. JUST REMEMBER TO WEAR SUNSCREEN!

And did I mention? They have an awesome Draconology exhibit?

 

Anyway. Let's see, before that what was I up to? It really is hard to remember everything sometimes. Not to mention backlogging the events like this. But I feel bad leaving you out like I have been. Ah, I know what else I should tell you about. The Fourth of July.

 

Now I know a lot of you had fun things to do on the Fourth of July. Whether it was attending a party, or a parade, or maybe going on a picnic. But I got to be ~in~ a parade with some of my family and members of the church that I kinda grew up in. But it was an interesting experience for a few different reasons.

 

 

1. We did karaoke from the float. No really, we did. There were TV's on the sides and folks walked a couple of microphones down along the sides to try and get the audience to participate. (Plus look at that sky in the picture! It was a GORGEOUS day for a parade.)

 

2. There was a float full of oompa loompas to our left. As in like, a whole miniature Willy Wonka factory. It was absolutely adorable.

 

3. There was this little blue car that was neat in front of us, called a Playboy. What's interesting about this is that they weren't in production very long, but were built in Buffalo, NY. Plus there aren't very many of them around according to the website, so it was a treat to see one in person. You know, that old adage of "They do exist!"

 

4. Zombie Emergency Response Operations. I don't even know where to go o this one. Let's just say the little dark person inside of me gleefully found their participation amusing. Though, they were lacking any zombies.

 

Anyways, I think that's all that I want to tell you about for now. There were some other events that I've attended as well, but I'm sure the rest of the world has been informing you about them. Besides I need to get ready for my next adventure. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes as soon as I can.

 

Keep the magic alive, Believe in yourself.

 

Envious Heart

This is an interesting animation with an operatic soundtrack. I hope that it makes some of you smile. I think it was a gem of a find.

Cupidon

How about a little bit of narcissism?

The Reluctant Dragon

Just Visiting : Shakespeare In Delaware Park : HENRY V

That's right with the warm days of summer comes the outdoor activities we all enjoy. I'm sure some of you remember last year when I noted about the theater in Delaware Park. They're going into their 39th season, which is an amazing blessing for the city. The group really is a city treasure. And they're starting off this summer with Henry V.

The description makes it sound like it is going to be a lot of fun to see. So make some time to check it out. You can go with your friends, your family, or maybe even with some new friends. Just go ahead and have a good time. It sounds like this play might have some dancing too... might be different.

Now remember, you'll be able to see this play Tuesday through Sunday from June 19th through July 13th. The performance starts at 7:30 pm (and that's the local time in Buffalo). And they recommend coming at least half an hour early to make sure you have a chance to get seated and park. There's no parking, it's all on street parking, so it is a first come first serve basis. If you're not sure where to find the part of Delaware Park where they'll be having the play, it's on Shakespeare Hill which is more or less right behind the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

So why should you go? Well, it's technically a free family friendly event. They do accept donations, and it's a blessing when you're able to help. You can pack a picnic, sit out in the summer air and enjoy a great theater show. They're perfectly happy to see you eating and drinking and enjoying the actors. There are no seats provided, so you'll want to take a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.

Henry V
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
199 Lincoln Pkwy, Buffalo, NY

7:30 pm Tuesdays through Sundays‎
June 19th - July 13th

The Little Girl Who Was Forgotten

Katy Towell has some amazing art, as well as a few other wonderful story videos. This was one of the first ones that I saw... eons ago now it seems. But it is still one that I love watching and sharing with other people. I'm surprised I didn't share it with you earlier.

Just Visiting : Darien Lake

Darien Lake is an amusement park in Western New York. I've been to this amusement park many times in my life. It's passed through different hands, and they've tried a variety of different approaches to stay afloat. But it's always been a good time, whether you go there in a big group or a small one doesn't matter.

So far this season I've been to the park three times. So I'm  not making an uninformed post. But I have to admit that it's changed a bit since the last time that I was there. This isn't a good or a bad thing, it's just an observation.

The amusement park and the water park were both open when I was there this past Sunday. So that means you should pack your swimsuits and towels, and maybe an extra set of clothes if you're heading out for the day. There's a variety of rides that are kid friendly throughout the park, and as some of you know there's still the same roller coasters. So there's coasters, various medium thrill rides, and a few classics. The ferris wheel is really something if You want to get a birds eye view of the park.

What did I see that I liked? Moose on the Loose, was an interesting experience. You ride a moose around on a track. You can ride alone or double with a child. I got lucky enough to take one of my nephews on. I was a bit... shocked. It's a ride even adults seem to like. Not a bad thing, it's comical, cute, and well, just fun in general. I also liked the plastic drums that are set up in the center of the kiddie park. They're in the area where there used to be a ball pit or something of that nature. But now there's these interesting plastic drums and picnic tables.

Oh! Yes you can take food in with you but your cooler must fit into a certain size. So the smaller it is the better, or break up things into peoples backpacks. Because as usual, it can be expensive to feed a large group when you're out.

How did I manage to go to the park three times already this year? I could fib and say that I sneaked in under the fence, but that wouldn't be true. A number of my family members have season passes for the park. They were able to get me into the park using their free entry passes for guests. Each season pass holder gets a few of these, so it helps to balance out if you want to bring someone else to the park with you. A ticket for the park includes BOTH the water park and the amusement park. And I do think if you live in the area and intend to go, it's worthwhile to have a season pass. Since it does offer unlimited entry for the park.

Darien Lake
9993 Allegheny Road
Darien Center, NY 14040

The hours really vary a lot this year. So I can't really give you a set schedule. What I do advise you to do if you're going to be heading up that way, is to check the online schedule. Their online schedule lists the dates and times that they're open as well as the events that you can expect to see. They're having a wide variety of concerts through this year, so if you're a music buff check it out.

The Whistler

Down Time

You're going to be seeing a little bit of downtime off and on for a little bit here. Not because I want there to be downtime, but because there will have to be some. But we all get to have some time like that. So consider the current slow times a little bit of down time for me.

Why is there going to be downtime? That's a little bit more complicated to explain. But let's just say that there's not really a reliable way to get content together. Rather in the recent past there hasn't been. So now I am behind in the work that I'd like to do for the blog.

Don't get me wrong. I'm still going to be posting. I'm far from done. But I need to have the time and the proper space to work in. Right now I haven't had that. I've had a lot of different things on my mind, and that just means that I need to work on getting my act together so that I can focus.

Sometimes there's a statement that fits. ^_~

So, here's what I plan to do. It's going to be a bumpy month. But I plan on making sure that we all get to have some good times together. It's summer time soon so we should be talking about the fun places that we can go and the fun things that we can see.

I should know too, I've already been going to a lot of fun places and doing a variety of things. I'll be filling you in a little bit about Darien Lake shortly, give me a little bit of time so I can compose my thoughts and figure out the best way to explain the experiences there.

And we all know that there's going to be concerts starting shortly. That should definitely be exciting.

But for now, please pardon the dust, I'm not quite myself currently.

Crayon Dragon

Remember, art changes over time. We all see things differently. Sometimes our visions can   work together though.

Music Monday 18

Sometimes we want to hear something classic, something old. That's what inspired the selections for this week. I hope that you all have a great week. Remember, Monday is the time to decide if it will be good or bad. So try and make sure that it's good.

The Orlons - Don't Hang Up

The Miracles - Shop Around

Stevie Wonder - Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours

The Robins - Riot in Cell Block No.9

The Duprees - You Belong To Me

Look Up

This is a very interesting video. Why? Well if you've watched it I'm sure you'd agree that it is kind of blunt and straightforward. And honest. Honesty is what made this video seem interesting to me when I bumped into it on a feed last week. (Yes this is a video being swapped in because I did have a chance to pop in and do some writing/watching).

Anyways I hope that you have enjoyed it as much as I have.

Music Monday 17

This week we're feeling a bit nostalgic in some ways. Hope your Monday starts out positive.

Diddy : Coming Home

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros : Home

Toy-Box : Best Friend

The Crystal Method : Born Too Slow

Avenged Sevenfold : Dear God