Dear Debbie Reynolds,

   You were wonderful in every role, but your performance in, of all things, Halloweentown will always be a treasure to me. Everyone who knew my grandmother (who died long before I was born) told me you were the spitting image of her in that film, not only in looks, but in character. Your performance as Aggie Cromwell brought to life the things that I hold so dearly to my heart today; adventure, courage, tradition, and of course love. Not to mention a passion for my favorite holiday, Halloween, another thing you had in common with my grandmother Beverly, so I am told. I guess in a way I looked up to you as an actress and to your interpretation of Aggie the way a young girl might her grandmother, and why wouldn't I considering I grew up with you and not her. Funny, odd, I know. But these are the things I wanted to tell you my whole life, but I now accept that I won't get to. I wish you a peaceful transition knowing you are with your beloved wonderful daughter Carrie. The strong connection you share only proves you really were the amazing loving woman I believed you to be. And even though watching Halloweentown will never quite be the same, I look forward to the motherly encouragement you offer each year - you know, where my obsession for Halloween gets rather abnormal, and you kindly remind me that being normal really is in fact vastly overrated. Thank you for always reminding me to be myself. Rest in peace. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Missing My Trouble

    A few days before this last Halloween, we had to put my precious kitty cat Trouble to sleep. Not sure why I waited so long to post about it, but I've just been missing her so much today, so I figured why not? I posted about the passing of her sister Smudge a few years ago, and now both have gone to kitty heaven.

   Trouble was an exceptionally sweet and loving cat, but choosy - she was attached to my mother, mostly, and viewed me as a sibling figure. She would warm up to me, but it would always take some caution and time - I'm energetic and have a pretty loud laugh, not what most cats prefer. But even she found it in her heart to love me back, despite her disdain for my giggling.

   In shape, she was the opposite of her sister, tiny and compact, and it probably earned her the name Trouble (given to her by her previous owners) as she very often found her way into small spaces. She also spent all the years that Smudge was alive, taking care of her. They had an odd George and Lenny complex, if you will: Smudge being larger and not all there mentally, and Trouble being sharp, and small. When Smudge had to be put down, Trouble was sad, but soon blossomed into a whole new kitty, relieved for her sister, who had had many health and mental difficulties at the time. The last few years, Trouble was able to bond with us more and leave an imprint on our hearts, as all lovely pets do.

Rest In Peace: Wes Craven

Thank you, Sir, for giving us the best nightmares we could ever ask for. 

Rest In Peace James Horner

Very sad to hear about the passing of composer James Horner. 

I watched a great piece of footage in my Film Music course last year of Horner conducting the orchestra for Something Wicked This Way Comes. I got chills watching the piece come to life (so wishing I could find that footage now!) - he really knew what Halloween sounded like. 

Here is another piece I have always loved, not only because I admire Horner's work on Jumanji (one of my favorite movies), but because this one makes me remember Robin Williams and his great performance in the film. Missing him, too. 

Click Below: