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We combined an event (Parks and Crafts in Utica, Illinois) with a mini-vacation at Starved Rock Lodge (which is a VERY cool place just down the street from where the event was held).
I won’t go into how awful the event was run and organized (email me if you want to know details, and, I might do a ‘subtle’/not so ‘subtle’ All Business article on how NOT to run a show, later), but let me assure you that if you can make Starved Rock a vacation destination, do it. Wonderful food. Great service. Cozy room. Groovy hiking. We saw nine hawks, a bald eagle, a little deer, and this amazing bird. I think it’s called a Pileated Woodpecker. Anyway, the picture above illustrates the vibe of our two-day stint. High recommend, especially in the off season.
Anyhow, I am thisclose to finishing Nano! As it stands right now, as of this typing, I’m at 49.043 words. Barring any weirdness, I should be able to finish up tomorrow sometime before midnight, hitting that all-glorious 50,000 word mark. I believe I mentioned this before, but this is a first draft of In a Corner Darkly: Volume 3 – 15 short stories similar to Twilight Zone/Night Gallery. I’ve never done a Nano with short stories before – it’s always been for the novels.
I have to say, I found it easier to do. Maybe its because this is my sixth year doing Nano, or maybe it was because short stories aren’t as involved. Either way, I’ll be elated to be done. Charlie, tomorrow night could be a reason to celebrate! 🙂
As for event-a-palooza, that too, is nearing its end. I have one more on Saturday, December 9th in Towanda, Illinois ( The Old Rugged Barn Craft/Holiday Show from 11am to 4pm). After that, done! I plan to take January and February off as far as shows go.
So, what the heck have we been watching?
Sorry, Charlie (2023) – A remote helpline volunteer is targeted by a stranger who lures women from their homes with a recording of a crying baby. (IMDb) Holy cow, was this a terrible movie. LOL. While the premise was based loosely on a true story (stories?), the execution of this film was painful and annoying. Bad, bad acting. Terrible and outright stupid moves from pretty much all of the characters. It was almost laughable except that it tried to take itself seriously. I think I was kind in rating it a 2.2. Charlie came in at a 4.8. Hard, hard pass on this one.
Seed (2007) – When attempts to execute mass murderer Sam Seed all fail he is buried alive, but having clawed his way above ground he takes bloody vengeance. (Google) I guess we were in a horror movie slump because this one was even worse than the previous movie. Totally bonkers lead character, for no specific reason, decides to go on a killing rampage. Yawn. Gross? Yeah. Harsh and violent? Sure. Worth seeing? Nope. Directed by Uwe Boll, (the Guardian claims that he’s the “world’s worst director”, so that should tell you all you really need to know), this slasher/gorefest might be for some, but not for me. Am I glad I saw it? Uh…still thinking on that one. I gave it a 1.8 and Charlie gave it a 1.2.
Scout’s Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America (2023) – This is basically an expose on the very serious and dark goings on with the BSA. Abuse, scandal, cover-ups – it’s all here in this three part television series. I didn’t know much about the BSA, but this sheds some light on what has gone on behind the scenes (and may still be taking place). Personally, I think it’s something that everyone should watch because it’s important to know that people are doing “bad things” and getting away with it. But, that’s my opinion. High recommend.
The Stroll (2023) – The history of New York’s Meatpacking District told from the perspective of transgender sex workers who lived and worked there. they recount the violence, policing, and gentrification that led to a movement for transgender rights. (Google) Documentary with a number of interviews. A very interesting, fairly in-depth conversation/interviews/discussions on what happened in New York and how the area changed over the years. LGBTQ+ for those interested.
Ghosts of the Void (2023) – Spending the night in her car, a newly homeless woman struggles with exhaustion, her crumbling marriage and the threat of mysterious, masked strangers. (Google) It sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Perhaps, with different actors and writers, it would have been. My GOSH, these characters were like screeching parrots on cocaine. Annoying, needy, whiny, poor decisions over and over again – and that’s not even the guy who’s a loser and an alcoholic. It’s basically a mess from the word GO and then proceeds to roll downhill. The redeeming qualities would be the cinematography, the use of a drone (which was a little funny), and I think the soundtrack was okay. If you own this, sell it. Now. You’re welcome.
Okay, that’s a wrap. I’ll leave you with a parting shot I took during our hike at Starved Rock. Now, go kick some Nano butt!! You’ve got one day left!
Sue Rovens 