VAMPA HOUSE

 
Two weeks ago while in Philadelphia, I also went to Doylestown to take in the Vampa Museum. How appropriate that it be in Bucks County, a county famous for its oddities and hauntings. I was aware of the house and grounds...it had been an antique dealer in most of my years living there. The property is stunning. Very pretty and almost Victorian in design, compete with peacocks, which is where I think they would escape from, as I would periodically see them at my apartment and the neighboring cemetery. After I moved away it became a museum of all haunted items and vampire killing instruments, to unsettling items with presence connected to them. Think of the movie The Conjuring where Ed and Lorraine Warren act as stewards over their collection of haunted items. I thought this would be the perfect day to feature the place. The now owner Edmondo Crimis, a minister and an exorcist, takes his demonology very seriously, and will regale you with tales about demonic infestations and mysterious presence on the property. The place dates back to the late 1700's. Edmondo has collected most of the pieces in the museum over the last 40 years during travels to Germany, Austria, France and Italy. The museum houses several thousand pieces in the rooms and many pieces dating back to the 17th century, some pieces are said to have been owned by witches and private collectors, and some art that was owned by " suspected" vampires. there was on portrait in particular that we were told not to hang around looking at for long. Other pieces were donated to the museum, and some others were purchased from private vampire enthusiast like Vincent Price, Wolfgang Pauli and Jack Palance. I will say the place is heavy. There is definitely an aura about the place. If things like this make you nervous, or unsettled, I wouldn't go. I was told some go, and then will not enter. There are signs of warning of not touching items, and that Edmondo is available for talks and counseling before leaving for those who get unsettled. While I didn't mind being there, I did sense an odd uneasy feeling at times. To date, I don't think any unwanted presence came home with me! And if they did, they haven't revealed themselves. 

Yet.

A Happy Hallows Eve to one and all!

SAMHAIN

 

Spirits, ghost and creatures dance "neath the moon's pale light.

Shadows play, reveling in the night.

Blessings of connection, of memories old and new,

May this Samhain night bring insights true.

A Happy All Hallows Eve to all of you!!!🎃🎃🎃

HALLOWE'EN TOUCHES

 

If you know me you know I love decorating and adding seasonal touches. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Love the feeling and vibe of this time of year. Many of my decorations are old and vintage...some in the family since I was a wee one. Other items are all natural. I love using real gourds and pumpkins. And loads of candles. All year it generally looks like a seance is going on. And as one can see...my halloween black bird Matilda is still with me after 15 years. This year she adorns my door wreath. Some think Im nuts...but it changes things up and gives life to each season. Who wants things to look the same all the time? It's been a while so I thought I would share a few snaps of the Casa du Borghese for Halloween. And just enough not too much.

This pumpkin above was one my mother brought to me to be made into something for her pumpkin contest at work. But they could not be craved. I decided on making it into a witch. Hagtha. The eyes even light up! As of yesterday, she said there were 14 entrants. Yesterday I came home to play the part of little kid, and carved two pumpkins for the tricks or treats night coming up this weekend. I craved two, and the one pumpkin on the ground is actually a old terra cotta pumpkin we got years ago at a garden center. It's been years since it made an appearance.

Here's an overview of my pumpkin placement! 

This one sits among others in the wall flower box.

The terra cotta pumpkin.

And this one sit in the crook of three branches in my dogwood tree. Since I live on a corner, I don't get many beggars for treats, ( yes, last yea I had 12. It was a big year apparently), since they have to walk down to the end of the street, and then cross all the way through the front yard. But for thems that do make it, their getting a bag of mixed candies and chocolate bars and a $5 bill. My little bottles of liquor used to get me in trouble, but the adults loved it!!!!

Even on the back patio, I couldn't resist this votive holder for the table. $3 in a clearance bin. Yes I am still taking a pew out back, if nothing more then for a quick nip and some fresh air. Then in to continue watching horror movies.

STOP THE CAR!

Ignorant bitches? The political parties...yet again. While I was away and didn't get to see any coverage of the NYC mayoral debate, but then I didn't have too. It's been enough to know that journalist, corporate media and corporate Democrats are calling Zohran Mamdani "radical ". I adore him.

And why are they saying that? Because he campaigned on cheaper groceries, freezing rent-stabilized apartments and free buses, especially in NYC. Nothing of that is radical. The high cost of living was the #1 issue in the 2024 election, so how could Mamdani's answers for that possibly be radical? Rent stabilization across the country should be a propriety, and it helps many that live in cities, and many friends I know who live in NYC and other cities. As far as groceries? He has the right idea as should the rest of the political parties. Shit, I'm about to go on Ozempic, not because of weight loss but to curb my appetite. I paid $15 for a sandwich last week! Not only has NYC not been affordable in decades but neither has any other city. Cuomo's best argument vs Zohran is that he has no executive experience. Well guess what neither did the Dump. While it's true Zohran has no executive experience, look at Cuomo's experience as governor. That brought us Covid deaths in nursing homes due to Cuomo's lying, cutting healthcare, so billionaires could pay lower taxes and setting up anti-corruption board, only to dismantle the board when it questioned his ethics. Piff.

Of course, Mamdani's a muslim, who supports Palestine loudly. Good for him I say. Something many other democrats and progressives refuse to do yet keep "helping" the war criminal of Israel. To some this will automatically make him a radical. He is one of two I've heard take a stand while all the Dem candidates were asked which country they would first visit, and all said Israel. They'd go to an apartheid state while it commits genocide? THAT is radical to me. Not to mention that fact that as mayor of NYC Mamdani has zero jurisdiction over US foreign policy. And don't expect any of the others to "fix" the Israel/Gaza mess, because all the republicans and every sitting Democrat beside Rashida Tlaib has caved to Israel.

Let's also point out that Democrat leadership will refuse to endorse him, especially shame on Hakeem Jefferies whose territory covers much of Zohran's. You'd think he would endorse him. Zohran's popularity and votes in many of the same areas were even higher than that of Jefferies. I think Zohran Mamdani has fresh ideas, and things that makes sense with what he wants to do. He sees what people are needing and hurting for...and that's far from radical to me. Many other politicians better wake up. So far, still, I have not much hope for the next election. But a nice start would be Mamdani winning his seat as mayor.

SANDERSON SISTERS

Just leave it to some Queens. You want to see a drag treat, Hokus Pokus Live will be for you this fall. It took flight in late August and stars Ginger Minj, Sapphira Cristal, Jujubee and drag king Landon Cider. But Minj is doing triple duty, starring, writing and directing this production, and one of the biggest touring productions to date for any of these queens, crossing the country into 29 cities. This version of the play is a love letter of sorts to the classic film, and Ginger herself was told by Bette Milder, and even encouraged by her, to take the movie and see what she could do with it. Bette even told Ginger she loves seeing her take on the part Milder played. I don't know I'll have time to see this in Philly, but I understand they all nail the parts they are playing, and audiences are leaving very entertained and spellbound by three queens and a king.

BIRTHDAY WITCH

No, I didn't hang a trick out the window from the third floor who didn't please me...rumors I tell you! Well, I'm happy to report my birthday came and went with no real dramatics of turning another year older. I'm really starting to like off season beach trips. It was another swell trip to Rehoboth Beach for the Sea Witch Festival. It's impressive the amount of people in costume for the event. Us? We wore all black with black witches' hats. The parade itself a good half day of events. Of course there was daily walks on the beach. a gay bingo one night, a drag show visit. some delicious dinners out. At the Blue Hen, I had an amazing Lobster Toast! YUM! Of course, there was also some copious amounts of libations, and I have to have my customary piece of Grotto's pizza while there. The highlight of the trip was of course the parade, and my day at the spa getting the whole body glowed up for another season. The massage felt great as did the body wrap and all the other services.  And there might have been some debauchery, but I won't kiss and tell. Here's some snaps from the weekend. I can't tell you how it was nice to get away from it all.

 

Some tins of sand tarts I made for the staff there.

I could make my own gin with all those juniper berries of the tree! It smelled heavenly.

The owner Garrett goes all out decorating, adding to the fun of the stay.

I don't know, I felt I was being watched the whole time.

My quarters are always upstairs on the right. I adore that room and it has its own private deck.

Garrett's dog Zorro!

Our B&B at night! Spooooooky!

Big cock wall art at the Blue Hen! Loved it. Its where I had the incredible Lobster Toast.

Got a good chuckle from this sign at the Purple Parot in the men's room! And then there's my favorite happy place more than any other on the planet. The beach!

It was a great trip, both fun and relaxing! I really should look at moving to a beach locale.