Black Friday

 Ahh Black Friday - I love that name - should be a horror movie about a serial killer in Walmart.

 I went Black Friday shopping but as I have taken a pledge this year not to buy anything new,  I  fulfilled my American consumer addiction at the ARC and Who Gives a Scrap.  

At the ARC,  I got much needed Santa hats, Creepmas sweaters, Creepmas ornaments, and gay apparel for Creepmas. About 80% of the store was 50% off. I will share pictures of these finds during Creepmas. Your anticipation is palatable.

Who gives a Scrap had everything in the store at 50% off  - naturally I went a little crazy.

They had a good selection of miniatures for great prices.  I got a few for my dollhouse makeover.

I got many other bits and bobs for crafting with no specific project in mind - Donut over at the Potionsmith can inspire ideas here.  She is an upcycling Goddess.

Acquired some lovely vintage earrings for wearing and crafting. Also purchased some dirty bottles for my dirty bottle collection - one can never have too many. 

Well that's my haul.  Pounds of  stuff diverted from the landfill and did not get trampled, jostled and swore at once.  Did you shop black Friday?  How was your American consumer experience? 

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing all my American readers a Happy Thanksgiving with this festive picture of a turkey taken on my back deck.  As for the rest of the world, have an enjoyable Thursday.

Creepmas

Once again it's that time of year - crackling fires, mistletoe, and skeletons.  Yes Creepmas is back and I will be celebrating here in the haunted parlor with gifts, stockings, a Creepmas tree and a Creepmas feast.  Hope you will all join me Dec. 1 to the 13th. 

Would you like to participate?  Here is your link to the Creepmas badges.

And Now for Something Completely Different

Ghost Tours

The Heritage Center, where his Lordship is a board member, put on Ghost Tours in conjunction with the Emma Crawford Coffin Races.  This year they teamed with another nonprofit Theater D'Art and results were great -  550 tickets sold and $5,000.00 raised for the organizations.  I went on Friday October 25 at 9 pm and thoroughly enjoyed my jaunt into Manitou's  past.

 

Touchdown

Not really a football fan but visiting my Dad this weekend so I suspect we will be watching some.

Haunted Stay with the Friendlies

Tonight my twisted sister and I will be driving toward Chicago.  We will break our journey in the town of Greenfield Iowa, home to the Haunted Motel Greenfield.  When I called to make the reservation I was shushed and told not to use the "H" or "G" word.  They call them friendlies. So I requested a room where the "friendlies" are active.  It ought to be fun tonight.

Supposedly it is the bathroom in the restaurant that is haunted. I hope that is not the room they have given us!

Witch House at Glow

This witch house at Glow was staged in a beautiful solarium -  so enchanting.

My pictures don't do it justice so here is a little video.

Skeleton Judging Results

I have been so neglectful in telling you who won the skeleton craze. After 31 days of consecutive blogging, I hit a wall.  So I've had a rest to reset my enthusiasm.

The winners were announced November 1st in the Pikes Peak Bulletin, our little, local, beloved rag. If the pictures in the article look familiar, it is because they were taken by me.

 So here are the winners as judged by Lady M and Annie:

First Prize - Mountain West's Harry Potter
One cannot deny the artistry and effort that went into creating this fantasy world - not just in one window but in two - simply incredible.

Second Prize - The Cliff Houses Pianist and Singer
I just love these two - the way they are dressed and posed.  The setting in which they are displayed - elegant and timeless.

Third Prize - Lane Mitchell's Marie Antoinette
What can I say?  I have a soft spot for this headless queen.  The way she is cradling her noggin and her costuming appeal to me.  Plus I have to give this business kudos for having their skeleton ready to go at the first day of the competition.

Honorable Mentions
Green Horse Gallery's American Gothic - so funny

Southwest's Silver Fortune Teller

Commonwheel Co-op's Painted Lady
I thought they got ripped off in 2016 so I just felt they needed to be acknowledged.

La Henna Boheme's Henna Skeleton
Again, feel this beautiful skeleton deserves an honorable mention.

Manitou Springs Realty Old Man Skye and His Keys.
He's just awfully funny.

Whickerbill's Bogie and Bacall

Finally, we have the people's choice awards.  These won the popular vote:
Colorado Custard Companies Captain Custard

Mushroom Monday's Gal on a Bench

Whickerbill's Bogey and Bacall

Hope you enjoyed the results.  Did your favorites win?