Merry Christmas!!!

 

 

 

 

Happy Halloween!

Salve Omni!

           
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Wishing you a happy and magical day of fun, frolic, revelry and merrymaking…with just a touch of the macabre!
 

 

I found Balthazar seated in his comfy chair last night, writing something secret.  He wouldn’t let me see what he was composing, but I can only assume that it might be horror-related (judging by the open book of Poe’s Poetical Works and the skull he was seeking inspiration from).  I am guessing that we can expect some more Balthazar-esque poetry soon – or some kind of messed-up memoir…either way, we should all be worried!

 

 

 

 

 

Well, Dear Readers, have a good one!

 

 



The Great Pumpkin-Carving Fright

Salve Omni!

Happy weekend!

The time is almost nigh – so I thought I would share another one of my original, darkly-humorous poems to get you in the Halloween spirit.  As usual, it was written (actually, this morning!) with my creepy-cute little teddy bear, Balthazar, in mind.  Here he goes again, quietly terrorizing yet another poor defenseless Victorian child…perhaps I need a bit of counseling!

Let me know what you think!

 

The Great Pumpkin-Carving Fright

(Original poem by Trijan Maddux, 10-26-2013)

 

Little Patrick Skranton loved to carve jack-o’-lanterns –

He carved them with oh-so-much pride!
His heart left him too weak to play hide-and-go-seek,
And his parents confined him inside.

He usually carved –

Not to be attention-starved –
In the audience of his favorite stuffed bear.
This particularly-gloomy day,
Try as he may –
His companion could not be found, anywhere.

“Oh where could he be, my little bear, B?”

Patrick searched as much as his little heart was able.
Deciding soon after to give-up the chase –
His attention turned, with quick haste –
To a pumpkin sitting on the kitchen table.

Taking a carving knife –

The highlight of his dismal life,
He began to cut open the top.
To his unfortunate surprise –
Was met with a pair of beady glass eyes –
Which gave him such a fright –
That his little heart stopped!

Poor Cook found him dead –

Heart filling with such dread,
As she witnessed the horrific sight.
Patrick lay there, cold, clutching his chest,
Eyes wide-open in fright!

The little bear, B…but where then, was he?

Sitting there, but quietly, on the cold tiled floor.
This suspicious guest –
Covered in a great pumpkin mess –
Curiously, was wearing a striking pumpkin lid hat…
Need I say more?

 

 

Beetlejuice…Beetlejuice…A Second Beetlejuice Movie in the Works? Could it be???

Salve Omni!

So, there has been an exciting little rumor buzzing all around movie land and the Internet…and if it is true, I will be the happiest girl in the world!  For those who haven’t heard, supposedly, (fingers crossed!) there is talk of a second Beetlejuice movie in the works.  And, yes, it looks like Michael Keaton will be reprising his role as Beetlejuice!!!  The only drawback – it is not certain if Tim Burton will come back to direct the second film – What?????  This can’t be true!!! 

If it is true, and Tim Burton decides not to direct, I pray to God above that whoever takes charge will keep the adult humor and the dark quirkiness that Tim Burton so wonderfully-established in the first film.  I am begging you, Do Not Make This Into A Kid-Friendly Cutesy-Type Film!  It just won’t work!

Just in case the writers might be stuck on what to write about or which direction to take, I am here to help.  Here is my brilliant idea for part 2:

 

The movie starts out, years later, same house – except now, Lydia, her husband, and their two teenage children, live there.  Lydia’s dad and stepmom moved away years ago, leaving her the house.  Though Lydia is now married, she still remains the Goth character that we remember from the first film.  To add a little dramatic flair, let’s make her husband more of a hipster-type skeptic.  Their two teenage kids (a boy and a girl), are outcasts and misfits, and take more after their mother; with interests in the paranormal and the macabre.  I must point out that Lydia’s ghost couple pals, Adam and Barbara Maitland come around occasionally, but they no longer inhabit the house.  Instead, they are busy “traveling the world.” 

The drama begins one rainy afternoon, when the bored teenagers decide to go snooping around in the old attic.  You see, Lydia and her husband went away for the weekend.  They find a box of their mom’s old stuff…including a diary that chronicles all of the events that occurred in the first film.  So…being full of curiosity about their mom’s interaction with the paranormal, they break out the old Ouija board (when will people ever learn?) and attempt to contact the spirits of the Maitlands, with no luck.  Just when they feel as if their attempts were pointless, a portal is opened, and Beetlejuice, who has been waiting to find a way to get back to Lydia, is released.  But he is not alone – a few other nasty ghouls and one crazy poltergeist also come through. 

Now it wouldn’t be a modern-day Tim Burton film without the likes of Johnny Depp!  So let’s make him the crazy poltergeist character- real dark and creepy, but funny as hell, and oh-so-sexy!  So he comes through the portal, and immediately forms an attachment to the house, and later, to the girl.  At first, Beetlejuice is fine with Depp’s character hanging around, he even takes him under his wing to teach him the ways of the “bio-exorcist” and supernatural troublemaker, but Beetlejuice soon gets enraged, as he is extremely territorial, and doesn’t want any other entities crouching on his space.  He especially thinks he still has a shot with Lydia after all these years.  Beetlejuice sends the young poltergeist packing, but there’s only one problem – Depp’s character just won’t leave!  And he is much younger and stronger than his older counterpart.

Lydia and her husband return home to find that there is a battle of ghoulish wits being waged, and that their children have not only brought back Beetlejuice, but they have opened a portal.  Lydia’s husband doesn’t remain a skeptic for very long!  Comedy ensues.  A battle of wits and haunts to free the household from Depp’s character and to banish the bothersome Beetlejuice once and for all to get him to attach himself to another location, begins.  Bring in Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin as the Maitlands, who are summoned to help, and, voila!  A dark and hilarious paranormal romp!

 

Yes, I am available to write the screenplay for this – just sayin’!

 

Have a great week, Everyone!

 

An Original, and Darkly-Humorous Poem to Get You in the Halloween Spirit!

Salve Omni!

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

Wow, it has been too long!  I do apologize for the recent lack of posts – the past three weeks have been extremely busy; leaving me with very little time to write.  It always feels so strange when I don’t write or post anything – writing is definitely one of my passions – has always been.  Hopefully I will be able to resume writing 1- 2 weekly posts from here on, with no interruptions. 

Since Halloween is fast approaching, I thought I would start this brand-new post with an original piece that I wrote last month.  I have a teddy bear named Balthazar.  He is a cute, little lovable bear that has been with me pretty-much since the day I was born (that’s 31 years…yikes!  I wonder how old that is in teddy bear years?)  He is well-loved, as you can see from the photos – his fur is a bit scruffy, his nose is crooked, and his mouth is missing (been that way for years now…I couldn’t tell you what happened to it), but, I still think he is as cute as a button!



Sinister?  No way...just look at that little face!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite his presence in my life and my world, my husband and I feel as if he might have been around for much longer than a mere 31 years.  I’ll explain…for some strange reason, Balthazar seems to creep the crap out of people!  I don’t see it (OK, yes I do), but my husband, friends and family all claim that there is something sinister about him.  Sinister?  Hardly!  Strange?  Maybe.  I will say one thing…don’t let the cute innocent exterior fool you!  Balthazar is a prankster with a very dark sense of humor.  We will often find him wielding knives/swords from our collection over some of the other stuffed animals, while shouting, “There can be only one!” in that little timid voice of his.  Perhaps he is just looking to practice his fencing skills.  He often appears in random places…one moment he’ll be sitting on the bed...moments later, I’ll find him peeking in the doorway of our TV room.  If you fall asleep on the sofa, you might just wake up to find the little bear peering over you, quietly observing…disturbingly quiet!

Of course he isn’t this old, but my husband and I can’t help but imagine this little creature creeping out the children of the Victorian era.  I can just imagine this small, quiet little bear with no mouth, sitting on a chair in a child’s nursery or playroom – watching and waiting.  I imagine a very dark and sinister sort of teddy bear.  Although he says nothing and “does nothing”, all of the children who are unfortunate enough to possess him end up dying mysterious deaths or suffer the strangest injuries.  I imagine Balthazar as having a very curious story to tell…that is, if he could talk (no, of course he can’t talk…that-would-just-be crazy?!!!)

My first passion has always been poetry.  I have been writing original poetry for about twenty years now.  So far, I have been published twice – once in a small anthology when I was in middle school, and again in high school. 

 

Recently, I was inspired to write a series of macabre, yet strangely funny, poems based on poor unsuspecting Victorian children, who meet their demise at the hands of Mr. Balthazar.  I know it sounds horrible, but believe me, they are quite humorous and entertaining – great fun for the whole family to read and enjoy!  To get you in the Halloween spirit, I thought I would share one of these poems with you.  Let me know what you think of the poem – I have written a few more like this that I might be inclined to share in future posts.  I am currently working on a small book of macabre, yet fun, poems in this style.  Of course, each poem will be illustrated for the full effect – but until then, you will just have to use your imagination!

And now, the poem:

One Lump, Or, Tree?

(An original poem written by Trijan Maddux, 9-2-2013)

 

Kara-Anne-Mae had a tea party one day –
With Balthazar, and a few other toys.
Out in the open air –
‘Twas quite the affair –
And safe from the taunts of the boys.

“One lump, or two?”

While bending to lace-up her shoe,
She heard a timid voice ask.
Looking up in the tree,
She asked, “Who is speaking to me?”
The last thing she did see –
Why, the little bear, B –
With a saw, on a limb –
And then…Crash!

It’s a Skull-a-bration of Accessories! Adorn Yourself with Some Bewitchingly-Beautiful Jewelry Pieces Just in Time for the Halloween Season!

Salve Omni!

And a happy Saturday to All!

It has once again been a busy week!  I should be sleeping, but I am just now getting a chance to sit down and relax, and I figured that I would take the time to write at least one new post for the week.  It has been a week of various projects, and a few sleepless nights, but it has been fun!  I have especially enjoyed working on one project in particular – my jewelry business, Designs by EHL.  I finally had the chance to focus a bit more on my Earth, Mother, Goddess Collection, but I also decided to revisit one of my older collections; and for a good reason!

I took a look at the calendar yesterday, and realized that (a) the weekend is nigh, and (b) it is almost October!  Seriously, where has the time gone?  Where has September gone?  I swear, it was just September 1^st about a week ago!  Oh well, ’tis not a bad thing…COME ON OCTOBER!!!  And come on cooler weather (I live in Texas)!

Fall is my favorite season of the year, and October is one of my favorite months.  This October, so much will be going on:  Season 7 of The Big Bang Theory will return to TV on September 26^th (well, it’s almost October), the Dallas Comic-Con:  Fan Days will take place October 4-6, Season 4 of The Walking Dead will return to TV on October 13^th, my husband’s birthday is later on in the month (I’m thinking a Farscape-themed birthday celebration), and then, there is Halloween!  So excited!!!  I am especially excited for Halloween (October 31^st) for two reasons:  (1) it’s Halloween!, (2) it is also my wedding anniversary (4 years this year!)  As you can see, it should be a month jam-packed with fun and exciting events and things to see and do.

Since Halloween is just around the corner, I want to re-introduce one of my jewelry collections that I feel is simply perfect for the Season.  It is a small collection of skull-themed jewelry pieces, called Dia de Los Adorables.  Skulls????  What???  Yes indeed!  I like to describe this collection as a mix of the Day of the Dead, Goth, Victorian/Steampunk, the macabre, gorgeousness and elegance.

Now I know what some of you might be thinking, “Skulls?  How can that be elegant, or anything else but dark and creepy?”  Well, to answer your hypothetical question, I will have to show you.  Trust me, the pieces speak for themselves.  Skulls can truly be a thing of beauty and shouldn’t be considered scary – I mean, everybody has one.  Yes skulls also serve as small reminders of our mortality, but not just in terms of death and graveyards.  And yeah, they can be a bit on the macabre and creepy side, which I feel, strangely lends a sense of elegance and timelessness to this collection.  But hey, see for yourself…I have included a few photos below.  Take a look, and let me know what you think!

 

I just added these new/old pieces to my online Etsy.com store a few hours ago, so you are the first to get a sneak peek right here on my blog!  If you like what you see and would like more detailed images and information on each piece, and to view the full Dia de Los Adorables Collection, be sure to click on the link to visit my Etsy.com store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsbyEHL. 

Now let’s get ready for Halloween - the pieces from this collection make great and unique gifts!  But don’t stop there – they can also be worn year-‘round if you are anything like me and love to wear unique statement pieces.

I will return next week with brand new ramblings and brand new posts, so stay tuned!  Wishing you a safe and happy weekend!

 

 

 

Delayed Reaction…Batfleck? How About Batcage Instead?!!!

Salve Omni!

Okay, okay…I know it’s a bit late to post my reaction to the announcement that Ben Affleck has been cast as the new Batman/Bruce Wayne in the upcoming Batman Vs. Superman film, but, hey…who am I to follow the norm?  The true reason for my delayed reaction – SHOCK!!!  I am not going to lie – as a super hero enthusiast and Batman fanatic, I was saddened to hear that (a) Christian Bale was not going to reprise his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and (b) Ben Affleck had been chosen. 

My reaction…NOOOOO! 

I have yet to see Argo, but I do remember Daredevil, and to be honest, I was not impressed…at all!  I don’t think that Ben Affleck has what it takes to don the mantle of The Batman; maybe (and I mean, maybe) he could pass as Bruce Wayne because of the dark hair and appearance, but his acting range would have to broaden greatly and quickly in order to encompass the duality of my beloved Batman.

Now we could all be proven wrong when the movie debuts…who knows?  Stranger things have happened.  Affleck might blow us all away with his version of The Batman.  Obviously, when he auditioned for the role, the studio saw something of quality in his performance that made him fit (in their eyes) to be cast.  So, I guess we will just have to wait until 2015 to either be pleasantly-surprised, or extremely disappointed.  But until then, I can always dream of a different Batman…of my choice for Batman.  And that, Dear Reader, is why it has taken me awhile to respond to this matter – I had to thoroughly ponder which actor would make a qualified candidate.  And I have come up with the perfect solution – Nicolas Cage!!!

Now, before you take to the comment section to blast my decision, I ask you to first read on to understand why.  Other than my slight, harmless obsession with Nicolas Cage, I took a look back at some of his films.  Ghost Rider – awesome!  Kick-Ass – excellent!  Knowing – (one of my favorite Cage films) he played the crap out of that role.  Shall I go on?  Let’s see, there’s also Valley Girl, Leaving Las Vegas, Face/Off, City of Angels, National Treasure (see, he can do adventure), Adaptation, and, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.  I could go on, but I listed these films to showcase his role versatility.  Whether you love Nicolas Cage or hate him, his impressive acting skills and believable characters tend to stick with you because he gives each role/character 150%, and, well, it is just so darn entertaining to watch him on screen!

Who better to play Gotham City’s sort of eccentric and well-respected socialite billionaire, than a real-life eccentric.  We all know that Mr. Cage is quite the eccentric gentleman – with his fondness for exotic pets and real estate purchases; he once even owned a castle!  It is also noted that he is a fan of comic books, and even auctioned off a large collection of his vintage comic books.  See, he has an advantage!  One who has great respect for comic books will have a great respect for the comic book character he or she portrays onscreen, don’t you think?

I could see Mr. Cage playing an older Bruce Wayne, eccentric, wealthy and impeccably-dressed.  Come on – it would be worth it to just to see him interact with Alfred, as long as Michael Caine reprises this role (I know there would be plenty of witty banter).  As Batman, he would be kicking ass and taking names.  And he would look awesome in the Bat suit.  He would definitely make Superman seem inferior…yeah, because Nicolas Cage does that!  If we’re lucky, maybe the studios will reconsider and let him go up against Superman; or, at least let him play Batman in the upcoming Justice League movie (fingers crossed)! 

Well, you’ve heard my suggestion for the next Batman…I’d like to hear yours – send me a comment or two…don’t be shy!