Let's Go Visit Some Graves, Kids!

I positively love this concept: graveyard tourism!

If this isn't "me," I don't know what is. I think cemeteries are fascinating and I love to visit them. Although, I didn't always feel this way. It was living in France that helped me to "discover" cemeteries. Not only are tons of famous people buried in cemeteries throughout Paris, but they so peaceful and serene. (well, duh - of course they're peaceful; bunch of dead people there!) No, but I mean, in the middle of a dense and busy city, it's rather relaxing to sit for a spell in a Parisian cemetery. It's like a park, but with lots of personal history around you. Also, cemeteries in France are especially lovely on Nov. 1, the day after Halloween, when families lay flowers on the graves of their loved ones. Mix those flowers with the colors of the fall leaves, and it's quite a sight.

I dunno. I must be a goth at heart.

I Wonder if Robert Knows Chucky

Today's creepy Halloweeny link comes to you from Key West, Florida, home of Robert the Haunted Doll. If you are fan of scary, evil dolls (and frankly, who isn't?!), you will love this story.

The story in a nutshell is that Robert was made a long time ago by some (possibly mistreated and underpaid) servants for a wealthy family. The servants, who practiced voodoo, "created" the doll for the young boy of the family, using his clothes and bits of his hair. The boy loved the doll, gave him a name, and treated him like a living person.

Pretty soon, strange things began to happen. Robert would be spotted in different areas of the house, and the young boy would blame his nightmares and other odd occurrences on the doll.

This link tells the story better.

Robert still "resides" in his original home, still receives visitors, and still clutches his little pet lion. The local community believes in his... presence. He is super old now, and showing some wear and tear, but he is quite the attraction, especially around Halloween.

It's a great story, and allegedly a true one, so go ahead. Check out the link and the videos. Just be careful: Robert knows when you read about him.

I'm Not Dressing as a Republican This Year

Eight more days till Halloween! This year, not only does it fall on a Saturday, it's also day-light savings, so you're practically required to go out. Of course, I have no plans, as I am just another 30-something kidless loser who still insists on dressing up somehow and going out somewhere on her favorite holiday. Oh, well.

So, what are you going as? I have ruled out the obligatory Michael Jackson zombie and sexy Watchmen chick in favor of something lower maintenance: swine flu, perhaps. Hey, scrubs and pig ears - it's easy and topical! I know! Yes, you can steal my idea if you want.

I was just cruisin' the internets for something Halloweeny to link to, and I think I found something, at least for today. Do you know what's super creepy? Victorian post-mortem photography. (Warning: this may be more than a little disturbing if you have kids. I don't know. It's super creepy, so just keep some emotional distance, at least.) If you saw that film The Others, you might remember when they stumbled upon the "Book of the Dead," a moment I personally found to be one of the scariest parts of the film. I've never forgotten it.

So, enjoy! Coming up next: creepy dolls.

Imagine them standing at the foot of your bed

Cool/scary pictures of the Halloweens of yesteryear.

They were not kidding around with those masks.