When A Stranger Calls

by | Oct 28, 2022

What Is Scarier — Being Home Alone And Hearing A Strange Sound Or Being Alone In A Strange House?

For me, I believe it is being kind of alone in a strange house. Now in this movie, the babysitter has sleeping children upstairs and a live-in housekeeper who is on the third floor. There is a strange sound and you do discover the housekeeper is feeding the fish in the fish pond. It is also windy outside . . . The house is in a secluded location on a lake. It’s a beautiful place, but isolated and a bit creepy.

Unfortunately, this movie will be leaving Amazon Prime Video soon, so you need to catch it before it is taken away. Hopefully, it will be around for your Halloween viewing . . . I do like the concept of the babysitter and receiving phone calls . . . In a strange house out in the middle of a private lake . . . isolated . . .

You do get this creepy feeling that someone has come into the house . . . A stranger?. . . not likely. The security alarm was set when the owners left for their dinner engagement.

My thoughts turn to the college-aged son who is from the Doctor’s first marriage . . . who comes and goes unannounced to stay in the guest house . . .

And there are previous movies with a babysitter and receiving strange calls and being informed the calls are coming from inside the house . . .

And there may even be an urban legend centering around a similar event . . . of course the location is different . . . but the key ingredients are similar . . .

And then there are the opening scenes of the movie in a place 124 miles away . . . during a carnival-type celebration . . . and a brutal murder — so brutal that they don’t show the crime scene . . . You just know it is something you don’t want to see . . .

It does make you wonder. And I wonder how much to tell from the opening of the movie. So . . . I believe a trailer video would be most welcome so we are all on the same page here.

I Love Movie Trailers — They Give You A Glimpse As To What To Expect . . .

Here’s The Opening Scene Of The Movie To Give You A Flavor Of Perhaps What To Expect . . .

Well, Some People Are Into Spoilers And You Can View Other Videos On YouTube To See Some Scenes Of Interest

I like knowing a bit about the movie to see if I want to view it. I don’t want to know more than is absolutely necessary. I like to be engaged while watching the movie — experiencing things right along with the characters . . . And depending on the story and the direction, I can get a creepy uneasy feeling when things seem a bit odd or creepy . . . And I must say this movie delivers that for me . . . Or I was in a creepy, uneasy state of mind when I turned to watch this movie.

Since this is October, I do have a bit of a Halloween vibe going . . . I’m not into real horror slasher-type movies . . . Yet I did watch one the other night . . . Don’t know if I’ll be talking about it . . . Along with some others, I saw that gave me the creeps . . . But maybe that is what you’re wanting to see . . .

I did enjoy this movie and I do hope you enjoy it, too, if you decide to watch it.

Just Wanted To Give This Post A Bit Of The Halloween Feeling . . .

I know this movie is not a Halloween movie, but it does fit the season of getting the wits scared out of you while you’re watching it and feeling just as uncomfortable as Jill Johnson who keeps getting these annoying phone calls.

I Did Mention Earlier How This Movie Is Based On An Urban Legend — Which Many Times Are Based On Actual Events . . . I Do Have Another Video For You

Babysitting is probably something just about every teenager of a certain generation have done at some time in order to earn some money.

This makes the movie theme so popular and since there was a real crime, it did go well with being an urban legend that would warn other young women to be careful when babysitting. Not to allow a stranger into the house, to turn on the porch light to alert the neighbors that something may be wrong, and not to invite friends over while you’re babysitting.

The 2006 version of the movie was well done, in my opinion. It is a shame that it was based on a true crime — possibly two. But I thought it worthwhile to visit the crime upon which the movie was roughly based.

Thank you for stopping by and I do hope you check out this movie.

Sharon

Peripheral 2019 Movie

by | Oct 26, 2022

I Love Movies About Writers — This One Has To Do With Editing Software . . .

It does make one wonder about the power of artificial intelligence — with our computers and smartphones and other smart appliances . . . We may be living in our own science fiction creation . . .

I know I’m very much into all the modern technology, especially when it comes to building websites and adding content to them. I am in the process of making some major changes to this website . . . but it is a process that may take a bit of time.

Fortunately, I’m not on a timeline as the character in this movie Bobbie Johnson is to complete her novel. Nor am I being controlled by technology. It all comes down to the choices we make. A theme that seems to be running through many of the movies I’ve been watching.

Over the years there have been several movies with the theme of man versus machine — computers in particular. We have these devices to make our lives easier — The question comes down to whether we’re making these decisions for ourselves or being manipulated into making them . . .

These messages come to life during the viewing of this movie — choosing to believe what others say or what one knows to be true . . .

It is strange how my laptop started acting up during the writing of this post. I did lose some content, but that is the least of my concerns. I can always recreate what I originally created — sometimes it does come out differently, and maybe not as good . . . but it does get done . . . It was just a strange occurance . . .

Are we more relevant by the words we write or how we write the words?

That seems to be another theme running through this movie . . . And since I’m not into spoilers . . . I do have to wonder how much of what Bobbie believed was happening to her physically was true or . . . something else . . .

I Believe A Sign Of A Good Movie Is One That Makes You Think About It After The Final Credits Have Run . . .

The Peripheral Is An Amazon Original Series With New Episodes Every Friday . . . I’ll Be Reviewing This In An Upcoming Post . . . So Basically, I Came Across The 2019 Movie Of Peripheral Completely By Accident . . . However, A Very Happy One

I do find it interesting how movies can have similar titles and be completely unrelated . . . Or are they?

This Peripheral is about a writer and getting forced into the modern age of technology . . . The Series is about Computer Games — A very sophisticated software . . . hummmmm

Of the few episodes of the series I’ve viewed so far, I see no other similarities between the two . . . But I would recommend you watching for this series . . . If you’re into computer games . . . and even if you’re not . . . 

I did like the ending of Peripheral. I felt Bobbie was put in a tight spot . . . plus being manipulated by her own addiction and her own desire . . . This is a spoiler alert!!! Her desire wins — in my estimation and conclusion . . . You may see it entirely differently.

Another spoiler alert is when she has a meeting with her favorite author and their discussion of Shakespear . . . I found it quite enlightening.

Thanks for stopping by! Leave me a comment if you’re so inclined to do so.

Sharon

Just Finished Watching Saving Grace On Amazon Prime Video

by | Oct 25, 2022

Many Of You May Like To Watch What Is New And Current, But I Appreciate Some Of The Older Series I Missed When They Were First Aired . . .

I may have been busy with other stuff . . . or just not interested in it at the time. Or I may have just missed out on it. That’s what is so wonderful about Amazon Prime Video. It allows me to see what I missed.

Saving Grace came out in 2007, starring Holly Hunter who plays an Oklahoma City Police Detective Grace Hanadarko.

I was impressed by how the main character was very much a free spirit and throughout the series you learn more and more of her backstory. It unfolds quite naturally . . . And, of course, the ending of the series is something to experience . . .

I’m not into giving spoilers. I hope I don’t ruin this series for you. I did enjoy it and what I especially like is that with Amazon Prime Video you can binge-watch this series. You don’t have to wait week after week or for an upcoming season. All 4 seasons are available here and now.

This Series Does Have A Religious Element To It With An Angel Reference . . . Well Actually Theme To It . . .

I’m Always Impressed By Free Spirits — Basically, I Want To Know Why?

I am impressed by how gutsy Grace Hannadarko is in both her professional and personal life. She seems confident and also capable of taking care of herself . . . yet I wonder if she’s aware of the risks she takes . . . or just accepts them as how things are . . .

In life, we accept certain things in our lives . . . maybe it has to do with our physical appearance — both a positive and a negative . . . depending upon how we feel about it — too tall or short, weight issues, attractiveness, and the list could go on and on. It may also stem from our family or family background, or how we were raised . . . personal experiences, our intelligence or lack thereof . . . whether it is easy or difficult to learn . . . and, of course, the choices we make.

Free will does seem to be a positive thing . . . but when we’re exposed to choices that are far from good for us, then it seems free will may not be a true factor . . . but more of a stimulus and response type of thing.

In many ways throughout the series, I wonder about Grace Hanadarko’s choices. Are they really her choices or a set pattern that was developed . . . a reaction . . . a rebellion . . . an expectation . . . And, whether she really thinks about what she’s doing?

It was in the final episode when I noticed Grace was wondering the same thing . . . She seemed to have everything worked out . . . and she made her choices . . . or reacted to them . . .

I’m always sad when a series ends . . . however it ends . . . just the fact that it is over is sad for me. It does allow me to experience something else . . . but it is sad leaving a good series and all those I’ve grown fond of watching . . .

There could be more of a storyline worth exploring . . . The development of other primary characters . . . and the choices they make and the opportunities they may experience . . . 

I suppose a sign of a good series leaves you wanting to learn more or thinking about the numerous messages . . . or perhaps I read into things too much and should be happily entertained.

 

It’s Interesting How A Movie You Once Saw Comes To Mind When You Watch Another Movie Or A Series Even Though They May Not Be At All Remotely Related . . . 

In The Mystery Of Her, The Lead Character Is In A Car Accident And Loses Her Long-Term Memory

The doctors are unclear as to the long-term or temporary effects of this memory loss . . . which leaves one wondering . . . 

Alison Spenser, a high school student with friends and future plans all mapped out gets into a car accident and erases all memory of what was once so important to her . . . or was it . . . 

Of course, we all have positive and negative memories . . . It would be wonderful to pick and choose those we want and those we don’t . . . But along with those memories come experiences and lessons . . . some much more positive than negative one would hope . . . 

I think what I took away from this movie and found relatable to the Saving Grace series was discovering things about ourselves along the way . . . bad experiences do shape us . . . good experiences shape us as well . . . which ones have the most impact, one never knows . . .

Alison discovers a journal she was keeping. It wasn’t entirely clear what the journal entries meant other than she was not happy with the direction her life was going and she wanted to explore other things — her poetry as an example instead of soccer. 

Grace was discovering how her choices have consequences . . . some she never really gave much thought to . . . she was busy with her life and enjoying it . . . 

You may not draw similar parallels to the two pieces, but I think life is interesting . . . as are movies and the different takes writers and directors take in presenting a story . . . 

I do thank you for stopping by! Please leave me a comment about any parallels you’ve noticed or add a movie or two you find follow a similar theme or message.

Sharon

 

An Antique Mall

by | Oct 21, 2022

There Is Truly Something About The Halloween Season That Makes Me Nostalgic . . .

I remember back in 2014 when I began this website again that I was truly into the paranormal and all things that go bump in the night. That has not changed . . . although I did set up a new website with a ghost story niche . . . but, of course, with the old content I have I need to share it here . . . and I must share even more . . .especially during this time of year.

I must admit I did get a bit side-tracked by creating a new website . . . One that was originally set up to promote my internet marketing platform of which I am a member and affiliate. As September turned into October . . . things started changing . . . it could be the lifting of the veil between the seen and unseen . . . or an awakening . . . abandoning a concept that was destined to bore me to tears and realize who I am and what is truly important to me . . . 

Earlier this week I came across the Trick Or Treat Tarot which I absolutely had to have. I did purchase it and it was delivered to me that same day. You can find it over at MysticalKey.com

It was this Tarot Deck I consulted and asked about my new website and how I really liked the domain name, but wanted to make it into a niche I would enjoy. And to bring my beloved TwoCansOnAString.com into the mix as well.

An Antique Mall Is Always An Adventure

I find it enjoyable to go to one of our local antique malls with my ghost-hunting friends. They do have an interest in different antiques. I love things to do with candles — wick cutters, snuffers, lighters, etc. Usually in silver.

My friend, Barb will buy just about anything if she has a feeling it is haunted. And over the years she has discovered some very haunted objects — an umbrella stand, a hat rack, an antique desk, oh my the list could go on and on.

Mike goes for antique toys. And he’s also into jewelry and other items that interest him at the moment. He does a lot of reselling online and also has clients who are looking for particular haunted items. I usually don’t ride with him on these ventures. I don’t like sitting in the backseat with an antique item that gives me the creeps.

I’ll usually meet my friends there. This way we are all free to say as long as we like or leave and visit another place. Or just go home with a treasure we found.

 

I have some old cameras from my uncle. I do love them, but of course, I now go digital rather than film. It suits me because I’m not a great photographer. And with my printer, I can print out the pictures I want or have them on my computer to share on my blogs. But . . . there are times I just can’t resist an old camera or lens . . . There is something about them that fascinates me.

Perhaps it’s the writer in me, or my interest in mysteries and all the “what if” concepts employed by such writers as Stephen King . . . What if there was a picture in the camera? What if the camera would show you the future? Or the past? Or something mysterious you just have to know about . . . These are thoughts that go through my mind. I am curious . . . and very much afraid at times of what I may discover or what my imagination would imagine.

I do have a creepy front bedroom. It used to be my office and now it does have my printer and lots and lots of antique mall treasures . . . and many camera pieces . . .

I Heard My Printer Printing Out Page After Page . . . I Know I Didn’t Engage The Printer . . . 

Years ago, Tim Holtz had a collection of Found Relatives — of course, these were a collection of old photographs Tim collected over the years probably from a variety of different places — perhaps some old family photos as well. It’s a concept I have always found interesting. Even when we go through old photos of true relatives, we don’t necessarily relate to them or see a family resemblance . . . or maybe we do in a “found relative” pack . . . I do find it all quite interesting.

Well, my printer was busy printing out page after page of images . . . some people, it seemed to be on a crowded street with people perhaps waiting for a parade or it just passed or perhaps it was going on . . . I wasn’t sure what I was seeing or why it was significant . . . but I did study the pictures . . .

I set them aside for a while. I needed to clear my mind. I lit a sage stick and let the smoke fill the room and cleanse the pictures and everything . . . 

I decided to leave the house and take a quick walk around the block.

I only walked a couple of houses up from my house when it dawned on me. I knew the street. I remember seeing a newspaper article about it in the library quite a few years ago . . . Someone disappeared . . . it was during a founders day parade or perhaps the 4th of July . . .

I knew she wasn’t abducted, but she and her best friend fled never to be heard from another. Well, the friend did return, but she was where she wanted to be . . . free from her father and the plans he had for her.

I knew there was much more to this story, but the camera and pictures weren’t going to help me. I needed to call Barb and her psychic friend and arrange to have a seance.

This just wasn’t going to be a seance. It was to be a whole event with food and snacks and since it was close to Halloween costumes and decorations and oh my goodness! I needed to call in some other people to make my home into a haunted house set with props and creepy stuff to freak others out . . . Yes, it was way over the top!

The Night Of The Seance Was Especially Creepy — We Even Got Rain . . .

I had no idea a storm was brewing . . . I do know whenever I call for a seance anything can happen . . . And I should be prepared for anything . . . but, of course, I’m not . . . And that creepy figure that was lurking in front of my house was getting on my nerves . . . He would move and stand in the shadows across the street . . . then in the middle of the street then off to the right, then the left . . . as my guests were arriving I didn’t see him . . . but I could sense he was lurking in the shadows . . . somewhere . . .

I was tempted to call off the seance and just have a Halloween party and read Tarot cards . . . Food and beverages would be served and everyone could tell their creepy tales and have quite a wonderful time . . . But . . . I didn’t want to disappoint Barb and her psychic friend . . .

I have to admit that having a seance in my house is quite off-putting. Everyone gets to leave . . . and I’m still here . . . with whatever residue or spiritual energy that could be lingering . . . and I’ve had experiences that more is revealed after everyone is gone . . . and I’m confronted with the truth of what had happened so many years ago . . . I did have a feeling this was going to happen and it had something to do with that figure lurking outside.

The more I thought about it, I decided to invite that lurking whatever in to join us . . . I thought it would be better to face him with the others than alone after everyone was gone . . . Yes, I’m a scardy cat!

We did the smudging and the prayers all in preparation for inviting him in . . . But . . . we were far from prepared . . .

 

We knew the moment he stepped foot on the steps leading up to the porch . . . It was a cold followed by a hot blast of air that took your breath away and knocked you off your feet. My goodness, the minute you got back on your feet, you were knocked down again. We decided to stay down.

I was scared but also annoyed that an entity would be invited into my house and be so rude. I had a mind to throw him out . . . but I knew I would have been the only one thrown about . . . I was not in control of the situation. I knew we were in serious trouble.

The entity may have been the girl’s father or some remnant of his past demonic associations. That’s the problem with this area is that it was rife with demonic practices. Some tunnels run through the town and into many of the grand mansions on the hill where I live. I’ve heard and seen robed figures chanting as they walked down the street in front of my house . . . It is truly unnerving, but a practice that was quite common during the early 1900s. I remember the first time I heard it and looked out. I was quite surprised by what I saw and was pleased that I was aware of the possibility before I actually experienced it.

There was no doubt what we were dealing with and after it had its fun with us, it did leave and we did have our dinner and our snacks and our seance.

We found that the young girl in her late teens ran away to a convent someplace safe. I’m not quite sure whether she stayed at the convent until her death or she left briefly and then returned. It was unclear and I didn’t want to belabor the point. It was good that what she endured at the hand of her father and the other satanic followers was over once she left.

 

 

 

I’m Still A Bit Creeped Out By The Experience

Barb and the others haven’t invited me to go ghost hunting with them or back to the antique mall . . . Or even for coffee at our favorite spot . . . I didn’t receive an invitation to Barb’s Halloween Party . . . It may take a while for everyone to get over the experience . . . I guess I don’t want to talk about it . . . I do watch for the lurking demon . . . I do wonder if he’s bothering any of the others . . . Could be the reason no one wants me around . . . 

I do thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed this personal experience . . . Leave me a comment if you’ve experienced something similar.

Sharon

What Images Come To Mind When You Hear The Word Halloween?

by | Oct 13, 2022

All Hollows Eve Is My Time Of Year!

The fall season comes around and everyone in my neighborhood is eager to get out and do some major yard decorating — of the scariest and freaky kind with pumpkins and creepy stuff hanging from the trees . . . maybe a graveyard or two . . .

I enjoy going to a Pumpkin Farm and selecting pumpkins for carving. It’s fun if they offer a hay ride and a maze to explore and get lost in . . . And, it is wonderful when people come wearing costumes . . . Yet, not too scary . . . 

It’s good to get a caramel apple to bring in the season. I know a place that has fresh apple cider for our enjoyment as well. There are a lot of activities that many places may offer with all kinds of foods and merchandise you can purchase. I’ve never really been into bobbing for apples . . . but that could have been for an earlier time.

I do enjoy watching pumpkin carving contests. Some people are very clever and creative. It gives me ideas for carving my own.

Two Of My Favorite All Round Halloween Pictures

Trick-Or-Treating Was A Big Deal When I Was A Kid

We didn’t wear our Halloween costumes to school. The big unveiling was that night after dark when the neighborhood seemed to come alive.

I lived close to the curve of the cul-ta-sac and it was a bit frightening to see a huge mass of kids coming up the street towards you. Our streetlights weren’t all that bright. They would cast a shadow beneath it . . . Kind of creepy now that I think of it.

I think what made trick-or-treating so much fun was running around the neighborhood after dark. I know my friends were all about the candy. I thought it was really fun going door to door, ringing doorbells, and having the neighbors answer and greet you. It was kind of cool.

Back then, I don’t remember too many people with elaborate decorations. There were mostly carved pumpkins. But, my focus back then may have not been on Halloween decor. I don’t remember any bats flying around or witches riding on their broomsticks. Now, that would have really been something!

Most of the time when I talk to people about Halloween and trick-or-treating in particular, someone has a story to tell about a creepy house at the end of their street or a few blocks away. Of course, they have to go there. And, of course, the house looks worse in the dark with the shadows and the imaginations of the participants running wild.

In this one story, my brother and his friends were greeted by a creaky old rusted gate that swang slowly in the autumn night air. As they stepped past the gate and before going up the steps to the porch, they heard the crash of trash barrels and the screeching of cats.

Fortunately, I wasn’t there, but if I had been, I would have promptly been about halfway home by the time the others gathered on the front porch.

They did gather on the porch and finally, one of them was elected to ring the doorbell. That sound echoed throughout the interior of the house. As they waited in anticipation, after a while they realized the house was empty and no one was coming to answer the bell.

 

I Admit The True Story Was Quite A Let-Down

Of course, my brother and his friends, over the years had several variations to this particular haunted house trick-or-treating experience.

My favorite rendition was that the front door was open and with the sound of the doorbell, the door creaked open a bit wider. 

One by one they slowly crept into the dark interior of the house. It had been abandoned for several years. Over time, the place decayed — the smell was awful. They had to be very careful placing one foot in front of the other and not falling through wide gaps in the floor. 

A few of the boys ventured upstairs while a few others decided to make their way back outside and wait on the porch steps.

Years later, I did visit that old house as an adult. It did smell bad and it was a complete disaster inside — the floor was pretty much gone and the stairway had a lot of broken steps. 

I always find it sad to see a beautiful old house go to decay. I imagine there was once a fine family that lived there and thoroughly enjoyed that house. But the weather, neglect, and being unable to afford proper maintenance, the place ended up being condemned and eventually torn down.

Well, I know I do need to work on my trick-or-trick stories and get into the Halloween spirit.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon