Happy Halloween, my dears

Happy Halloween and Happy Samhain to those who celebrate it! This is a magical night. The one time of the year to explore another side of ourselves through costume and disguise. However you celebrate this holiday...by watching scary movies, reading spooky stories, giving out candy or having a party, I hope your whole day and...

Cast a magical spell

Ready for a little self care? Get in the spirit of Halloween with these magical and relaxing rituals. Candle Magic Photo by Breakingpic on Pexels.comHave you ever blown out a candle and made a wish? That is a version of candle magic. Jack o'lanterns? Originally created to chase away evil spirits. Just as with stones,...

You’re up late! Let’s watch Nosferatu (1922), full movie

This strange and dream-like German silent movie is an adaption of Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula, (1897), with several changes incorporated. For example, the vampire character is called "Count Orlock." According to Wikipedia, Nosferatu is an example of the artistic movement German Expressionism, as is another famous silent film, The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari. German Expressionist...

Fun Facts: It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown airs tonight at 8 p.m. Did you know? It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown was the third Peanuts animated television special.  It aired for the first time on CBS on October 27, 1966, and thereafter was aired on television annually through 2000. The director, Bill Melendez, also plays the...

Horror Movie Week! Let’s watch Werewolf of London (1935)

"The Werewolf of London" wasn't the first werewolf movie ever made (that was the silent film, "The Werewolf," in 1913) but it predated the more famous "The Wolf Man" by 6 years. It is worth a view for its interesting story line, elegant leading lady, some very humorous scenes and its more spooky elements. Both...

Celebrate Her-o-ween! Fun events (for everyone) in Northern Virginia on Saturday, October 26

You've heard of Galentine's Day, right? Well, a lot of Halloween fun is happening this Saturday, October 26 all over Northern Virginia. I think we should call this day "Her-o-ween." Her-o-ween is the chance to go out with your squad on the most fun day before Halloween occurs and make some memories. With combined efforts,...

Fun stuff to do this weekend in NoVa Oct. 25 – 27

Friday, October 25 Cox Farms Fall Festival. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. $11. DIY Candy Jar Workshop (adults). 11:30 a.m. Reston Regional Library. Reston. (free, but advance registration is required and opens October 11). Herndon Spooktacular (kids ages 3 - 8 and their parents/guardians). Magic show, treats and more. Herndon Community Center, Herndon. $15 at...

Horror Movie Week! Let’s watch Brides of Dracula (1960)

Campy, creepy, over-the-top Hammer horror films. Gotta love 'em. The lush colors of the sets! The amazing costumes! The technicolor red blood! The impressive decolletages! The hard-to-place accents! The cheekbones of Peter Cushing! Yvonne Monlaur is so fetching in this movie. She really was French, a model and a ballet dancer. You can see the ballet...

Horror Movie Week! Let’s watch The Wolf Man (1941)

Starring Lon Chaney, Jr.,  Claude Rains and the inimitable Maria Ouspenskaya, this Universal film was a great favorite of mine when I was young. Maybe another actor could have portrayed the Wolf Man. Or his father. But there is only one Maria Ouspenskaya, who played the role of the gypsy, Maleva, and the tiny actress...

Plans tonight? Three spooky options

Make plans to attend one of these tonight! The 73rd Annual Vienna Halloween Parade is tonight at 7 p.m. Maple Avenue/Route 123 and surrounding streets will be closed no later than 6 pm, so plan to arrive in the Town of Vienna early before 5 pm. You can find parking at the Vienna Community Center...