Wednesday, October 5, 2022

When the Wind Blows

I wrote the post below before Hurricane Ian blew in then sat over us for what felt like years. As someone who's been through hurricanes before and as someone who writes scary things, let me tell you, that was scary. Even now, I still kind of flinch when the wind picks up. But compared to what others went through, we were incredibly lucky. We only had minor damage to our home and were unable to move farther than our block for a few days. We had spotty communication, and no water or power for a while. But, like the little bougainvillea tree we planted when we moved into our home, we here at The Shellshank Redemption are bent but not broken, and we are so grateful to be pretty much upright again. Please join us in sending good thoughts, positive vibes and prayers for those who are struggling and suffering, and for all those who are helping and working to make things better.   

 

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October is my birthday month, and I usually use this time to start thinking about goals for next year. I kind of look at it as MY new year. And, as this is one of those bigger birthdays, I have mixed feelings. What do I hope to accomplish going forward? What do I do differently? What do I keep the same? What do I try? What do I stop doing? 

 

How do you celebrate your birthdays? Do any soul searching or is it all party?

 

I think it's ironic that I was born in the spooky Halloween season, because, as I've mentioned before, I really am a big chicken. That being said, I do plan on reading and/or watching something creepy in keeping with the season. 

 

Do you have any Halloween plans? Any recommendations for scary reading or watching?

 

What I've been reading – 

Amen, Maxine by Faith Gardner and Look Closer by David Ellis are both five star reads and made my favorite books of 2022 list. I don't want to say more about them because it's best to go in not knowing too much. 

 

Have you read anything lately you'd recommend? Have any favorites so far in 2022?

 

What I've been watching – 

The movie "The Black Phone" was excellent! Creepy and heartbreaking and the child actors were amazing.

 

My husband and I started watching "What We Do in the Shadows" on Hulu, and I will say that while I like it, my husband almost falls off the couch laughing at least once an episode. 

 

Have you watched anything lately that creeped you out or made you really laugh?


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At the moment, our Internet connection is still spotty, so it might take some time before your comments and my responses appear here on the blog.

19 comments:

  1. I was thinking about you all during the storm, so I'm very glad to hear you're pretty much upright again.

    I haven't yet watched What We Do In The Shadows, but it's definitely on my list. I keep hearing great things about it.

    Happy birthday!

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    1. Thanks, MJ. I lost track of Ian's path, so I hope you didn't get any damage, that you all are okay.

      The show is not my usual kind of thing, but I am enjoying it.

      Thanks for the birthday wishes!

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  2. I'm glad you didn't suffer much damage due to Ian. I've never experienced a hurricane, but it sounds terrifying. Happy birthday! My birthday falls during the kids' spring break every year, so I take the day off and we typically go out to do something fun. Last year, we went to an amusement park. I'm definitely a party squirrel when it comes to my birthday.

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    1. This storm was a particularly bad one. Scared me more than any other I've been through.

      I am definitely not a party squirrel. :)

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  3. Hi Madeline, I'm glad that you are safe. Take care and stay safe.

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  4. Glad it was just minor damage! I've been through hurricanes. No fun and they are scary.
    What We Do in the Shadows is hilarious! I laugh out loud more at that show than any other.

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    1. We were incredibly lucky.

      My husband would agree with you. :)

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  5. Glad that you are safe and didn't suffer too much damage!
    I love horror movies and I'll probably watch a lot this month.

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    1. Thanks, Sarah.

      I hope you enjoy your horror movie watching! I might re-watch some old favorites.

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  6. Glad you're safe and that your house wasn't damaged much. I was very relieved that mom moved here from Florida so we haven't had those worries. Sorry, I don't watch horror so can't recommend anything to you.

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    1. Thanks, Natalie. Good thing your mom is near you because communication here was iffy, and people were wondering if family and friends were safe.

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  7. To celebrate October, I watch a load of horror films. Some, like Scanners, Firestarter, The Monster Club and The Howling, are from way, way back. Others are brand spanking new.

    It's what I do this time of year.

    I'm glad you and yours are alright. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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    1. Fun! I think I saw The Howling - or a version of it? - a very long time ago.

      Thanks, Anna.

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  8. I'm glad you're safe! Praying for those who have lost so much and are struggling.
    I've been reading more non-fiction and poetry lately, as well as some re-reads like listening to an audiobook of The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen with my husband who doesn't like to read print or ebook.

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    1. Thank you, Tyrean.

      I struggle with audiobooks. My mind always wanders.

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  9. Happy Birthday old friend. I stumbled across your blog a few months ago and gave been enjoying it. Hope you enjoyed your celebration!

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    1. Thank you! And how great to hear from you! :)

      My email address is under the Contact tab if you'd like to keep in touch. :)

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