Posted by Well, well, well, how the turned tables….turn. (shout out to the Office!)
Only two more events to go in 2025 – Peoria Book Fest on Saturday, November 15 and then the Normal West Craft Show on Saturday, November 22, and that, my good people, will be a wrap for the year. We just returned from the Wheaton Haunted Flea, the looooong 9 hour marathon, and it went pretty well. Not the best selling year, but not bad overall.
I know I’ve harped on this before, but I think that overall, people are buying less. There are reasons a-plenty for this, but it has been a bit of a trend that I’ve noticed over the past couple years. Could be “event burn-out” or lack of spending cash, but for those of us who do several events throughout the year, this pattern of “window shopping” DOES make vendors think twice about actually doing them. For those of you who vend, how are things for YOU?
NaNoWriMo doesn’t officially exist anymore, BUT, I’m hoping to pick an upcoming month and try to pound out a first draft of something I’ve been thinking about (a novel). As usual, I have the tiniest base of an idea/concept, but don’t have anything else (including plot lines, characters, or settings) in mind. I’ll likely create this next one just as I have done with the previous five – by being a pantster. (flying by the seat of…and creating the story on the fly) I MIGHT start in November (or December). Either way, it’s kind of exciting. I haven’t written a novel in 4 years (since the last was a short story collection). I’ll keep you apprised.
Monkey is adorable as usual.
As for what we’ve been watching?
We’re making our way through Task (An FBI agent based in Philadelphia leads a task force to investigate violent robberies transpiring across working-class suburbs.) We aren’t done yet, but it’s pretty good. Somewhat confusing because there’s a number of characters and it’s difficult to remember who is “working for who”. We have one or two more episodes to go.
The Conversation (1974) – Surveillance expert Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) is hired by a mysterious client’s brusque aide (Harrison Ford) to tail a young couple, Mark (Frederic Forrest) and Ann (Cindy Williams). Tracking the pair through San Francisco’s Union Square, Caul and his associate Stan (John Cazale) manage to record a cryptic conversation between them. Tormented by memories of a previous case that ended badly, Caul becomes obsessed with the resulting tape, trying to determine if the couple are in danger. (Google) A solid 70s crime thriller (with the late, great Gene Hackman). Good although a bit slow, this is the kind of film that you really need to pay attention to – no phones or secondary conversations. If you dig old school drama, this is for you. I gave it a 7.1, but Charlie came in at 6.1.
The Calendar Killer (2025) – The Calendar Killer gives Klara the choice between dying or killing her husband Jules. When Jules starts his night shift at a safety help line for women who are alone on their way home, Klara’s call reaches him. (Google) Blechhhhh. Just…don’t….waste….your…..time. It’s ridiculous from the start. No safety help line person would act or talk like this guy. Ever. And the woman calling for help? Just…no. The entire plot and all the characters were like caricatures of ‘real people’. It’s almost like it was TRYING to be bad. (lol) I barely gave it a 2.3, but Charlie was on another planet watching this apparently and gave it a 6.2. Go figure.
Bring Her Back (2025) – Andy and Piper land in a foster home with Laura, an eccentric ex-counselor. But danger brews when Andy meets Laura’s son Oliver and uncovers the chilling past of her dead daughter. (Google) Wow. Great movie on so many levels – acting, setting, plot, emotions – all at the top of their game. Aside from a few ‘jumpy scares’ (which I generally hate, but work here), this is hands down a freaky movie that goes to places I never expected. High recommend at 8.1. Charlie even gave it an 8.7.
Have a spooky Halloween, read/watch some good stuff, and stay away from scary Necco candy (lol).
Sue Rovens 