Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Just Visiting : Halloween In The Catskills

Wow it's been a while since I actually posted about having gone somewhere. Mainly because it's been a while since I really have gone anywhere that I haven't talked about on here before.

So first things first. We scheduled to go on this trip months ago, sort of blindly. We've never gone to one of the Jeff Mach Events before. But we've talked to some people who have and they spoke highly of them. So we packed rather lightly and Halloween generic, since we weren't really sure how other people dress, Though after the fact we decided we felt slightly under-dressed(but that's a horse of a whole different color).

Halloween in The Catskills was held at the Blackthorne Resort in Durham New York, meaning it was a bit of a ride from Buffalo. About 4 hours or a little more is what it took us to get there, and that was mainly because we kept getting behind people that were not driving the speed limit. Luckily I spent a decent portion of the drive asleep in the back seat. The back seat is sort of my designated hiding place for the really long trips, because I do have a tendency to fall asleep in the car anyway.

Anyway, our gps sort of brought us into the place through the back so it was a little confusing at first, and we sort of drove all the way through the resort and out the other side before realizing that we were there. Kind of funny I guess. But we turned back around and found a parking spot. When we walked into the resort office we were tickled and surprised to find an amazing display of Dr. Who memorabilia that was shaped like a Tardis, A small toe pincher like casket with a viewing window, and a variety of steampunk and Halloween style decor. Oh and let me throw this out there, it definitely seems (after going through more of the resort) that the steampunk type stuff is a permanent fixture. I found this to be both encouraging and interesting. We've never really gone somewhere that really did have steampunk things as part of their permanent appeal.

This was on Saturday night when we dressed up.
 The Mind enhancer was really cool looking and creative,
 and a GREAT photo opportunity.
It took us a little while to find our room, but once we did we settled in to deciding what we were going to do. I traipsed off to explore a little before a lot of other people got there, and when I got bored with that I went down and joined the pumpkin decorating in the pub. Yes, I said pumpkin decorating in the pub. I met some very nice people and decorated the pumpkin of my choice. I chose one of the tinier pumpkins because I knew it would be something no one would be upset about if I brought it home to enjoy. (take up as little space as possible at home, don't ask.)

Throughout the weekend we did a variety of things, we explored the various vendors that were available, saw live music performances, heard stories, and enjoyed an amazing variety of food that was made in the resorts kitchen. The staff were amazing and there was really a lot to enjoy. I will admit that I had to go lay down for a while because I wasn't feeling well, but while I do feel a bit guilty for missing out on some of the fun, it's part of life that I've accepted.

^_^ We even got to take a group picture with The Long Losts!
All in all we had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed being in a place where it felt like most everyone was like us. It was fantastic to feel accepted, even if we didn't know anyone very well. Acquainting ourselves with a new group/event pool felt wonderful. And everyone was superbly nice. I added some new music to my collection, picked up another t-shirt, and buttons! Oh my gourd the buttons! I haven't took pictures of them but the buttons made me very happy. ^_^

This is some of what I brought home with me from the event,
other than, you know, memories.
So, just because I want to make sure I share more. I'm going to set you up with some links to a few of the groups that we had the pleasure of seeing over the weekend. If you're curious about how the weekend was in person, by looking into them you may get a glimpse at the entertainment, and a little bit of insight into how the event went. It was a lot of fun, and we've already discussed a little bit the idea of going again.

The Long Losts are a group that I saw at Tatsu Con (well our first in person viewing was there). We really enjoyed their music, and If you want a comparison from me as to what their music sounds like, the closest group I can think of that I might have shared in the past would be Creature Feature. It was exciting to see them perform again. www.thelonglosts.com

Jess-O-Lantern was completely new to us, but her music did not disappoint. It had more of a lighter feel to it, but I've really come to like a few of the songs on her album a lot. I'm quite partial to "Lost, boy". You can check out her music on Band camp ^_^ jess-o-lantern.bandcamp.com

Karnevil was a performance group that does a variety of side show type things. (I think I missed most of this, but I got to hear them discuss their acts) You can get a better handle on them on their website www.karnevil.net

Night Gallery was impressive also. The band members are super nice, and they give the best explanations when it comes to describing their music. You can see more info about them and get a feel from them off their website www.nightgallery.us

Gah I know I'm forgetting something. But all in all it was a wonderful weekend. Full of entertainment and interesting costumes and artistic accessories to enjoy. There was so much to see, and I didn't really take as many pictures as I should have. That's my one regret, but the memories are great <3.

Monday, October 10, 2016

Music Monday - October Holiday 1

So this coming weekend is Halloween in the Catskills! I'm excited, though am missing a lot of the fun am used to. (Not going to be able to volunteer at the Halloween event at the Dunkirk Conference Center, and we always look forward to that... then there's the Halloween parties and events....) But it's hard when everyone overlaps dates. But I can still celebrate now with music. So let's see what we've got to listen to this week... Must be something fun and interesting...I'm so glad that it's October!!!

Halloween Hootananny Band : I Was A Teenage Werewolf

Garfield : What Should I Be?

The Long Losts - To Be Like Lily
(Can't wait to see this group at the event <3<3)

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Nightmare On My Street

Elvira - Haunted House

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Update (yeah... I know it's not the same as creative Content)

So things have been a little crazy here where I am. It's not the same as it usually would be in October. But we're trying to get it all sorted. I've got a lot of things on my plate and it's getting more complicated when it comes to sorting it all out to make it manageable.

In the long run I feel like my creativity has been stifled for a long time, which is part of hwy I haven't been writing or creating anything new. I haven't been drawing. I haven't been coloring. I haven't been creative at all. But for now maybe that's alright. It takes time to get things straightened out.

It's not something that I can explain right now. But I'll be working on something sometimes soon. Sorry ~_~

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Personal Update (not that you want to know)

Sometimes being human is a complicated thing. We get sick, we fall apart, and sometimes we need time to recuperate. Now we're not always given the time we need to do this, so we should each try to do this in the way we find it at least somewhat soothing.

I've actually been given two medications that are helping with new symptoms that I developed this month. Turns out that due to the extreme dry, hot summer we've been having allergens that normally wouldn't bother me are at much higher levels. which means, shockingly I'm allergic to something. Not sure what, but it was getting really ugly last week. So after a week I voluntarily went to see the doctor who informed me about the allergens and that he thinks I have asthma.

Still not sure what's up with my head though to be honest. But I'm working on finding that out still. I've been discouraged today though because I kept calling one of the offices to try and schedule an appointment and they hung up on me multiple times. Which doesn't really make me feel like a very happy person. It also doesn't make me want to go in to see them very much either. But eventually I will have to.

I haven't been gaming much, and I'm still trying to get onto my computer enough to actually do something. I haven't been able to focus on the screen long enough to do any art, and it's very frustrating because there's a high number of things I'd still like to do and I'm unable to do them because I can't look at the screen long enough. Which leaves me feeling frustrated because I should have some things finished by now.

I hate not finishing things that I started and was happy with. It sucks to be  like this.

Anyway, I'll try to write again soon, thanks for understanding.


Monday, August 8, 2016

August means Summer's Ending

Well August does mean that summer is almost over here where I am. So I thought I'd share some pictures from instagram that I think really sum up the way summer has been so far. I love how some instagram photographers share some gorgeous shots that can help sum up the sweltering summer.

Love these shots for summing it up though. If I was able to focus better I'd try to explain why I picked each one.... but feel free to guess....






A photo posted by CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA) (@cbspittsburgh) on








A photo posted by Blade (@likeaknife) on



A photo posted by alyseeeeeeeeeeee (@alyseeeeeeeeeeee) on