Goodnight, Sweet Amber...

 Earlier this week I received an invitation to join a Facebook group. I didn't really understand it because it wasn't to support an author or an artist or an upcoming event. It was titled simply, Amber's Place. I recognized the person immediately. 

The site was for Amber, someone I first met in 2015 when I worked as one of the Rainmakers at Lagoon.

I began reading the posts from the group and I realize this site was not to notify her friends of Amber's latest exploits, but as a way to honor her, a way for friends, family, and loved ones to remember her memory. It meant Amber was no longer with us.

Since 2015 I worked at Lagoon each season during Frightmares. If I remember correctly, Amber moved on to other things, other adventures. As with many social media "friends," I would catch up with what Amber was doing when she posted. But, as it happens with so many, people sort of fade into the digital mist. 

I began noticing something interesting since I was accepted into the private Facebook group. Dozens, hundreds maybe, of post have flooded the page. Person after person posted memories of Amber, several added pictures. The stories, the events, times in college, times on stage, times behind the stage...it seemed everyone who ever knew or worked with Amber felt the need to add their experiences to the thread of wonderful, incredible tapestry of what Amber meant to them.

I guess this includes me, as well.

The condolences all seemed to have similar themes...what an amazing person Amber was, how she helped people through difficult times, how she literally changed many of their lives. They included memories of working with her on shows--tough shows, and almost everyone remembers laughing with her. I know it's been a few years, but I can't recall greeting her where a smile was not included. She had a personality that was infectious and full of light. Though the word is overused so many times, in this instance it is true. Amber was special.

Today, I looked through my photos from the summer and fall of 2015. Amber would occasionally work with us on our Rainmaker show--we needed helpers to make sure no one was injured by the cart and to help with crowd control. I see a person content with making others look good--not needing to be the star. That can be a rare trait for someone in the entertainment industry. 

But, the one time I remember most was when she subbed in the Hackenslash show during Frightmares. After the show I asked if I could take pictures of her holding her chainsaw. I remember the joy and appreciation she felt after I forwarded her the shots. She loved them and I was glad I could do something to bring her such joy.

It's been a few days since I joined the Facebook group and the posts have not stopped. I suppose they'll continue for several days, maybe even weeks. Amber was just that kind of person. I'm glad I was able to know her, even if it was for a short time. I'm sad she's no longer with us, but reading the comments, seeing the photographs from others makes me feel blessed I was part of a special group, a person welcomed into Amber's Place. 

God's speed Amber. I'm sure where you are now is filled with people so happy you're there with them, just as we were when you were with us.

Give Thanks...The Post I Cannot Share

Last night, I snapped several photographs, even took a video to remember the closing of another season of an incredible show.

I can show you almost none of it.

What I can show you is a photo of the venue (what it looks like on the outside...), and the mask I wore when I greeted the attendees as I stood outside with them and waited for the shows to begin.

Other than that...nope.

I am one of a select few that is allowed to see "behind the curtain" of the show...I get to see the inner workings, see how the sausage is made. Oh, and there's little thing called a "non-disclosure agreement" that prohibits me from posting those pictures or that video.

I'd sure love, too...

But I won't, or better, can't.

I'd love to show you just how special the show is, how amazing it is, how  completely dedicated to one singular purpose it is and it fulfills that purpose extremely well.

Basically, the show scares people.

I'm grateful I've been associated with Lagoon's Seance since its inception. I've worked with some of the most talented people I know all dedicated to scare the bejebbers out of all those who enter that non-assuming door. Yes, I'd love to share more, but the best I can do is invite you to come experience Seance yourself next year. And maybe...just maybe, I'll see you there.

The Difference Of A Simple Filter...

During a break in between shows over the weekend, I snapped a picture of a pyramid of illuminated Jack-O-Lanterns. The display--and others just like it--can be found to the entrance of Lagoon's Frightmares. It's one of the first things patrons see as they enter the park. It looks great in the day, but they look fantastic at night.

I snapped the picture and didn't think much about it. When I looked at the picture again tonight, I noticed more about what I captured. First, one thing I didn't capture in the shot were people...it's the art and background only.

I love that.

I do not have access to sophisticated photo editing software. I don't know what I would do to this particular photo if I did. But, I do have have the basic photo editing options that come with my Mac laptop. I usually don't even use them, but I thought I'd try to do a little magic on this one photo.

The edited photo turned out much better. The darker background brought out the lights from the pumpkins and the Frightmares sign. It made the smoke lingering in the background more impactful, and the overall feel of the shot matches the subject matter. The changes do not overwhelm, but they're subtle. I like that, too.

I should probably take more advantage of the editing tools I have or the ones I could get with a little research. Since I try to capture things I see on a daily basis, most of the time, things don't need to be doctored--at least, in my opinion. This particular photo was not used as my Pic Of The Day...sometimes that happens. But, I like how it turned out by tweaking it just a little bit.

 

"How 'Bout That?"...She Pointed To A Facade Of An Old Creepy House

 "AAhhhh!" Becky screamed.

"I hate it when they sneak up on me like that," Becky said to her best friend Sarah.

"He didn't sneak up on you--if you'd ever get your head out of your phone, you'd have seen him coming."

Becky thought of responding in a manner only appropriate from one teenager to another, but decided against it. After all, it was Becky that practically begged her friend to come to the amusement park where "all things fun" had transformed into "all things scary" for the Halloween season--a season in which Sarah was not a fan.

"Hey..." Sarah said stopping, which in turn caused Becky to stop.

"Yeah?" Becky asked.

"You want to try some of those Haunted Houses they have here?"

The question surprised Becky. A sly smile crossed her face. "Sar--that's not like you. I don't know if I can trust you now that I don't recognize a person I thought was my friend."

Sarah began walking. "You think you know me, huh?"

"I thought I did," Becky matched Sarah's stride. "But, to be honest, I don't think you have the guts to even step foot in one of them."

"Wanna bet?" Sarah said.

"You're on." Becky still couldn't believe her friend wanted to actually go inside an actual haunted house. "But," a thought suddenly came to Becky. "I get to chose which one we  go in."

Becky noticed a look of determination cross her friend's face. "Okay--you got a deal. Which one?"

Becky looked around. They ended up near the old arcade. "How 'bout that?" She pointed to a facade of an old creepy house.

"I think you have to get tickets--it costs extra," Sarah said.

"You backing out?" This time Becky knew she had her friend--no way Sarah was backing out.

"Nope--let's get tickets and get in line."

The two walked to the ticket booth. "Two tickets, please."

The girl with BROOKLYN on her name take took her card, processed the transaction, and handed back the card and two tickets.

"So, is this scary?" Becky asked.

"You've never heard of this?" Brooklyn asked. Both girls shook their heads. "It's terrifying," Brooklyn said with a knowing smile. "If you like to get scared, you'll love it."

"Well, we like to get scared, don't we Sarah?" Sarah made a face. Becky laughed.

The two made their way to the lines in front of the house. The sun had set and darkness surrounded the group of others who bravely chose to "be terrified." Becky scanned the faces of the others--some scared, many exited, several with faces illuminated by the warm glow of their phones.

"Excuse me," a man smartly dressed complete with suit, vest, pocket watch, and wearing a white theater mask to shroud his identity interrupted the teenagers as they waited. His appearance slightly unnerved the pair. "Have either of you ever seen our show before?"

"Nope," Sarah said.

"Well...," the man began and the teenagers's lives changed forever.

FanX, 2021 Edition...Day 1

 This week has been, in a word, insane. I knew it would be. Last week Frightmares opened for the season and I spent a couple of days at the park getting ready for our show. This week FanX returned to existence, and I spent a couple of days at the Salt Palace getting ready for that show. And today, both events merged, at least, they did for me.

But, yesterday, it was all FanX.

I am part of the programming team so I usually don't take a ton of pictures. Truth be told, there's so many picture-worthy things at the convention that I could spend all day just taking pictures of people. My assignment at the convention is the convention floor stage. Liz and I make sure the acts go off without a hitch. Yesterday was wonderful. Good crowds, mega-talented performers, and our tech guy Ryan (who looks a lot like a young Freddie Prince, Jr...) who could not have been better. What I love about the stage is the different acts we can get. What you can't see in the picture with the harpist is, just beyond the back row of on-lookers, there's a pro wrestling ring set up. We had harp music accompanying big beefy men slamming each other on the mat.

Surreal.

I know there are people who make their living at these type of conventions. They travel from city to city (or, they did before covid...) and do a show every week. That's a tough life. I was burned out an hour after the doors opened. Thankfully, I could sit during the performances and put out fires when needed. We had no fires on Day 1.

One thing I heard over and over again was how much everyone had missed the experience of being at a con. I know how they feel. 

As I'm typing this, FanX is still entertaining, surprising, and hopefully enriching thousands upon thousands of people about 15 miles to the south of where I am right now. In a few hours, I'll be entertaining, surprising, and hopefully scaring the stuffing out of dozens of people at our venue.

What a way to spend a weekend.

My Mom's Birthday Pumpkin...A Family Tradition

The last two years I've had busy Octobers. My son and I worked Frightmares, our local amusement park Halloween celebration. And last year as well as this, I'm in a Christmas play. It doesn't give me a lot of time for extras.

Ever since I can remember I've carved a pumpkin for my mother's birthday. Today is that day. Nine years ago was the first time I was unable to give her birthday pumpkin to her in person. She passed away a few months before. For the past nine years I've carved a pumpkin and placed it on her grave. I might have missed a year--I'll have to check my journal. But if I did miss a year, I know it's something I wanted to do.

Since last year and this year were busy, I ended up carving my mom's pumpkin not at my home, but at different locations. Last year I took my pumpkin down to Frightmares and carved it between shows. I'm sure I took a picture and posted it here. I'll have to check my blog. This year I took a pumpkin to my writing group and as we discussed each other's writing selections, I cut the top off the pumpkin, took out all the innards, and wrote my mom a message, something I would have told her had she been here.

I can't really remember exactly when I started this family tradition, but it's probably been twenty-five or thirty years. When I was away on my mission and when I was in school, I'm sure I failed to deliver a Happy Birthday pumpkin, as well as a few times since being married. I'll try and do better in the future. But for the last two years at least, I know I've done it.

Today marks my mom's eighty-fifth birthday. I'm glad I'm continuing this tradition. It allows me to remember just what a special lady she was. Happy B-Day Mom!

My Thanks...To A Bunch Of Zombies

After my summer gig ended, Lagoon asked me to help them out with their Frightmares season. They needed floor managers for one of their shows. My son, with whom I worked at that summer gig, was already lined up as a floor manager and they needed more help.

"Sure," I said. "Sounds like fun."

I didn't realize it would be much more than that.

I work in an office building on the third floor surrounded by half-high gray cubicle walls. At no time in my almost twenty year career have I worked with zombies (of course, some might argue I do, but that depends on the definition of "zombie" which is a whole of other topic altogether...). But I did last month. As everyone watched the Frightmares zombies entertain, my job was to observe the people, making sure they were safe and that the kids (and occasionally, the adults...) didn't grab the chain that formed our temporary stage.

I loved watching the people. They smiled. They sang along. They danced and clapped and cheered. They were happy and being a part of that production--albeit, a small one--was very satisfying.

But, when I looked back after the season ended, I realized what I most appreciated about the job were two things: 1--working with my son, and 2--the way the cast and crew treated my son.

Some authors have asked me why I do so many shows. Granted, usually I don't do as many shows as I've done in the past two years, but even one show can throw a writer's schedule into complete chaos, especially a writer who works a full-time job and is trying to be a good husband and father.

I do shows--for the most part--to be with my kids. My son doesn't like to do plays like his brother and sister do, so this summer I got to spend time with him, performing and getting paid to do it. Spending so much time with him this past summer and fall made me remember what it was like being sixteen-years old. The fact that he looks almost exactly like I did at his age helped. I remember what it was like to be shy, especially around confident performers. When I was sixteen I worked with the show "Music U.S.A." doing lights. Those performers were larger-than-life at times. They could do things I could only dream of doing, and they treated me well, like one of their own, like I somehow belonged.

Fast-forward thirty-three or so years and I'm watching life repeat itself. I watched entertainers make jokes and laugh and compliment the boy who looks the way I did and it made me happy, more happy than seeing the faces of all those who came to watch the zombies sing and dance.

So, as a father on my own father's birthday, I thank you Karson, Mickey and Truman, to the Aarons, Mason and Cody, to Taryn, Alexa, Angie, Jack, Chelsey, Amber, Matt and Adam. You all made my first Frightmares a fantastic time. 

Thank you.

Faces Of The Frightmares Shows...

Ever since I began my autumn gig as a house manager at a Frightmares show at Lagoon Amusement Park, I have been blown away by several things. The talent of the performers is obvious. There's an excitement when the lights and the sound and the fog machine cranks up and they take the stage.

But one aspect of the production I love...

The make-up!

Under the lights at night, the make-up radiates. There are talented costumers, choreographers and make-up artists that all collaborate to pull off a first-rate product. Today I took out my good camera and tried to get shots of the beautiful faces of some of the performers. There are two shows at Frightmares, Hackenslash, a chainsaw-fueled song and dance show--their live band is very, very good! The second is the show that I house manage, Zombie Mambo. 

I apologize I didn't get everyone's. Maybe I'll have to break out the good camera again. I hope you enjoy seeing what I get to see each weekend, at least, until the end of the month.

  

Ever Seen A Zombie Mambo...?

Our small town (that's not so small anymore...) has its own amusement park. Growing up I spent every summer day--except probably Sundays--at that park. When I was a teenager I worked there and had some wonderful times and make some great friends.

For the past twenty years the park has a season after the regular summer season. They call it Frightmares and it's a lot of fun. I had never been to Frightmares so I was excited to see what it was all about. My son and I are house managers for a show. They call it Zombie Mambo, and it too, is a lot of fun!

The show is made up of seven talented performers, four men and three women. There's actually two versions of the Mamba. Truth be told, I like Show A, but Show B is great, too.

The show's centerpiece is a late 1960s/early 1970s pink and purple Cadillac hearse. They dance on the car, climb all over it and during a couple of songs, get that car rockin'.

Frightmares goes until Halloween day. The park is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but it's open the entire last week of October. If you're on the park, just go north after coming in the main entrance. And if you do come see the show, stop and say "hi." That is, after you've enjoyed the show.