tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15426365723534761062024-02-18T17:42:12.861-08:00Bats in the Belfry, Cats in the AtticOddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-84675723441296540272020-06-08T10:59:00.001-07:002020-06-08T10:59:26.221-07:00Catch Me on Wicked Paranormal Radio Tomorrow!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Picture taken by Moments by Monica for Ghosts of Marietta</i></td></tr>
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Two of my fellow ghost hunters with <a href="http://historicghost.net/">Historic Ghost Watch and Investigation</a> host <a href="https://www.paramaniaradio.com/SHOW.php?showid=114">Wicked Paranormal Radio</a> every Tuesday evening on Paramania Radio. Tomorrow, I will be their guest on the show from 8:00 pm-10:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Join me for fun conversations about ghosts, my personal experiences with the paranormal, as well as my time as a ghost tour guide. This is a fun, conversational show, so prepare yourself for plenty of jokes and other random side conversations.<br />
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You can listen in by going to <a href="http://www.paramaniaradio.com/">paramaniaradio.com </a> tomorrow (Tuesday, June 8) at 8:00 pm EST. Just click the "play" button at the top of the screen to start listening. If you miss the live stream, the show will be recorded and archived on <a href="https://www.paramaniaradio.com/SHOW.php?showid=114">Wicked Paranormal Radio's main page</a>.<br />
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Make sure to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2617102888562070/">RSVP on the Facebook event page</a>. OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-21353213180657105622020-01-06T18:12:00.000-08:002020-01-07T12:00:22.102-08:00Odd Ghoul Out's 2019 Concert Clip ShowIt's been a decade since I first got into goth music and subculture. And, with my tongue firmly stuck to my cheek, I observe how I am <i>still</i> a baby bat! I'm young enough to still be called a "baby" at shows and club nights yet old enough to recall, with deep nostalgia, vying for a spot directly in front of the stage at my first Peter Murphy show nearly 10 years ago at a now-relocated venue in Atlanta... I also remember with fondness—and some embarrassment—writing a cliché poem for Peter Murphy, referring to him as the "original Bat." And, instead of keeping it to myself, I actually threw the typed poem up onto the stage directly following the show, hoping he'd pick it up and keep it in his breast pocket. Ah, the folly of youth!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I don't recall there ever being this many bands of the goth or goth-adjacent persuasion playing in Atlanta since I got into the subculture. That's not to say there weren't plenty of bands playing this city. I only found out about big-name shows such as Peter Murphy, Dead Can Dance, the Cure, Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, etc. </span><br />
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This year, I started participating more in my local scene; hence, I am now in the loop about shows and other happenings. I've been discovering more contemporary bands, and I managed to see 12 live shows. I've even felt the old fluttery feelings I got when first discovering the musical foundations of the goth subculture.<br />
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Lately, I've wanted to compile a list of all the shows I've ever seen in order to aid my own memory. I haven't done that yet... Instead, I made a clip show of sorts to commemorate the shows I saw in 2019. I will include that here for your listening pleasure:</div>
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What are some of your favorite concert memories? What bands did you get to see in 2019? What are some contemporary bands that excite you?</div>
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OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-21298611880350355082019-07-12T07:32:00.003-07:002019-07-15T05:53:41.009-07:00Drab Majesty Releases Modern Mirror TodayChances are, if you pay attention to goth music news, you've heard of Drab Majesty. They're the otherworldly children the goth scene never asked for but desperately needed. They've used the words "tragic wave" to describe their sound, which is ever-evolving. Their imagery is decidedly distinct and draws on many influences, most notably UFO cults (like Heaven's Gate) and Greco-Roman statues.<br />
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The first time I heard of Drab Majesty was at Cold Cave's most recent tour stop in Atlanta. A woman wore a Drab Majesty t-shirt to the show, and she and a couple of others talked about their love of the band. I decided to take out my phone and search the band so I could listen later. </div>
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The first song I heard was "Cold Souls" off their second album, <i>The Demonstration</i>.<br />
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The first thing that sprang to mind was The Chameleons because of the atmospheric, "sonic cathedral" sound. I love cold, dreamy and otherworldly music, and while "Cold Souls" is reminiscent of The Chameleons, Drab Majesty is undoubtedly a creation all its own. </div>
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There are so many incredible bands associated with the goth scene forming and creating new music right now. I, for one, think Drab Majesty is the most exciting. </div>
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<i>Modern Mirror</i> is Drab Majesty's third album, released today. You can order your copy from <a href="https://www.daisrecords.com/collections/releases/products/drab-majesty-modern-mirror">Dais Records</a></div>
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Give it a first listen on Drab Majesty's Bandcamp: </div>
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2651019203/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=ffffff/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://drabmajesty.bandcamp.com/album/modern-mirror">Modern Mirror by DRAB MAJESTY</a></iframe>
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Also take a look at their dreamy music video for one of their singles off of <i>Modern Mirror</i>, "Oxytocin," which features Kennedy Ashlyn of <a href="https://www.daisrecords.com/collections/SRSQ">SRSQ</a> and <a href="https://www.daisrecords.com/collections/Them-Are-Us-Too">Them are Us Too</a>.</div>
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<br />OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-16328644060003880092019-06-09T14:00:00.000-07:002019-06-09T18:29:43.903-07:00Coming Soon: Updates to This BlogI started this blog, <i>Bats in the Belfry, Cats in the Attic, </i>in 2011. I began this blog as a young person shouting my voice into the void, hoping others would respond. Like many young people who find themselves interested in an alternative subculture, I wanted another space to express and explore my authentic self away from the push-back alternative kids receive in the "real world." So, this blog became that space. For that I am grateful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A throwback to 2010 in Baltimore, near Edgar Allan Poe's grave</td></tr>
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Since 2011, I've graduated high school and college, moved out on my own, got married, and have a different sort of life as a young professional in the corporate world. I've spent time in and out of the goth subculture proper. My heart still beats for all things dark and weird, but I am a different person than I was in 2011.<br />
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While I've grown as a person, this blog has stayed, for the most part, stagnant. I want this blog to grow as well, and I have some plans to help it along.<br />
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I work in marketing and communications. As such, I've been thinking about the purpose of this blog and how it can add value to its readers' lives. I want it to have meaningful content. I also want the this blog to be more visually appealing and easy to navigate.<br />
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Here is what all I plan to update:<br />
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<li><b>New name</b>: <i>Bats in the Belfry, Cats in the Attic </i>was a good name in this blog's infancy. But don't worry, the new name won't be unfamiliar to old readers. Because of its simplicity and appeal, I've decided to re-title this blog <i>Odd Ghoul Out </i>after my screen name<i>. </i></li>
<li><b>New look</b>: I want to update the banner, choose a few good fonts and a nice color scheme. </li>
<li><b>Easy navigation</b>: I want the new layout to make my posts more accessible to the reader. I'd like the visuals of the content to be front-and-center. I also plan to simplify my blog tags/labels and create some tabs along the top for easier navigation.</li>
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Due to my work schedule, I've been slowly chipping away at these tasks. If I hurry to make these updates, I risk the quality of this blog. For that reason, these changes will take some time. In the meantime, I've been coming up with ideas for new content. </div>
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If you've made changes/updates to your blog or website, what are some helpful tips and tricks you can offer? If you're a long-time reader (and you're still here after all these years), how do you feel about these changes?</div>
OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-3962164759674524862019-06-02T05:00:00.000-07:002019-06-09T08:08:22.287-07:00Recent Concert and Club Outings (With What I Wore)Staying in and getting more sleep is wise. I love sleep, and sleep is good for my health. But lately, the desire to bedeck myself in gothic clothing and become a creature of the night at local goth nights and shows has risen once again. Why? I love music, especially music that happens to fall under the "goth" umbrella. That's no surprise to readers of this blog. I like to dance to that music too. I'm not the best dancer (my mother once said I dance like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY_DF2Af3LM">Elaine from <i>Seinfeld</i></a>), but I do it nonetheless. I also like dressing up in clothing that's black, creative and perhaps otherworldly. I don't get to do it all day everyday because of my corporate™ job, so I've been relishing these chances.<br />
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My husband's been working hard to finish his doctorate these last few months, so I've had more time on my own in the evenings. I've been using this time to dress up and get out and even socialize with other folks in my local scene (which is relatively new to this introvert!)<br />
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Here's what I've been up to since January:<br />
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<li>VNV Nation show</li>
<li>Peter Murphy and David J show</li>
<li>Ascension (club night)</li>
<li>Cold Cave show</li>
<li>Dark Room (bar night)</li>
<li>Ritual (club night)</li>
<li>Hocico show (with a local band, <a href="https://finiteautomata.bandcamp.com/">Finite Automata</a>, as an opener)</li>
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I took photos of some of my outfits from those nights. I won't list brands, but I will say I've gotten most of these pieces over the years through consignment shops or Goodwill. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5ehALUfKldo_qPmd-cn8LVWYXIN80SAOQI8eMZ69lQLW9uANNrI_AOf270g6PIb9SlPgljn3GntgnApWY8sgtinCCAnAmasWIy11VXeAXhXzgmN0KYOQ0g8EvivbK5BPoIOYaKcdT_Zd/s1600/outfits+1q+19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5ehALUfKldo_qPmd-cn8LVWYXIN80SAOQI8eMZ69lQLW9uANNrI_AOf270g6PIb9SlPgljn3GntgnApWY8sgtinCCAnAmasWIy11VXeAXhXzgmN0KYOQ0g8EvivbK5BPoIOYaKcdT_Zd/s1600/outfits+1q+19.png" /></a></div>
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While I won't get to go out much for club nights this month due to travel for work, I'm looking forward to seeing She Wants Revenge at the end of this month, Drab Majesty in August, and Boy Harsher in September. I'm also interested in going to Tampa for <a href="https://www.absolutionfest.com/">Absolution Festival</a> in October, but I'll need to make sure I don't have a scheduling conflict that weekend. </div>
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What are some recent concert, club or festival experiences you've had? Are there any bands you are excited to see? Feel free to share in the comments.</div>
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OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-70339235653314029912019-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:002019-03-22T05:28:08.151-07:00Let's talk Goth, Consumerism and #zerowaste<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: #666666;"><i>Disclaimer:<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i><i style="font-weight: normal;">I do not claim to be an expert on low waste (or "zero waste") living</i><i style="font-weight: normal;">—far from it</i><i style="font-weight: normal;">. The purpose of this piece is to explore what it means to belong to the Goth subculture in the context of consumerism and making sustainable choices. There are many ways to live sustainably, but this piece will focus on reducing waste. This piece does not seek to shame or blame anyone but rather to challenge throw-away attitudes that dominate our world—and the modern Goth subculture—by offering another perspective. Respectful discussion in the comment section is welcomed. </i></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>W</b></span>hen I hear the words "zero waste," I often think of people making videos to show off three months of trash fitting inside a little mason jar, their magical Whole Foods shopping trip, or even a tour of their impossibly-tiny capsule wardrobe. Search #zerowaste on Pinterest and you'll come up with pictures of tidy little beige pantries with uniform mason jars filled with chia seeds, nutritional yeast and other dry goods. I'll be honest<i>—</i> #zerowaste as a subculture is not me.<br />
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<b>However, over the past few months, I've felt a sense of urgency over lowering my environmental impact further through my most visible impact<i>—</i>the trash I send to the landfill. </b>I'm not going to sugar-coat it: It's been pretty tough at times.<br />
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Now everywhere I look, I see single-use items. When I go to the grocery store, produce is wrapped in plastic. For goodness sake, limes do not need plastic and Styrofoam! If I'm out seeing a band play (most recently <a href="http://coldcave.net/site/">Cold Cave</a>), all the drinks come in plastic cups with cocktail straws.<br />
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Seriously though, there is an important lesson in it all: this global economy is designed to sell more goods by giving the consumer a false need. Sustainable alternatives<i>—</i>glass water bottles, mesh produce bags, menstrual cups, etc.<i>—</i>are products that only sell once and have a higher up-front cost. Therefore, living "zero waste" was designed to be hard and less accessible.<br />
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So often in this modern culture, our identities are defined by what we consume. Back in the days of hunters and gatherers, the amount of stuff you accumulated helped your chances of survival. Nowadays, people don't necessarily gather for survival. Some gather stuff for comfort, entertainment, or even social capital.<br />
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<b>So often in this modern culture, our identities are defined by what we consume.</b> </blockquote>
In 50 years, what happens to all that stuff? It'll still be in the landfill (or the waterways) <i>not</i> decomposing, while we might very well be dead, our bodies decomposing. That thought shakes my soul.<br />
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<b>What does this have to do with Goth though?</b> Goth has been incorporated into the larger consumerist culture. When I search the Goth YouTube community, I find so many vloggers doing unboxings, showing off their shoe collections or trying to promote the newest eyeshadow palette. The fixation on material goods is a point of contention within the subculture right now.<br />
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Four and a half years ago, I was contacted by an alternative clothing brand wanting to send me their product<i>—</i>free of charge<i>—</i>in exchange for regular reviews. I admit I was shocked initially because I don't have a large readership. After considering the company's offer, I decided to decline. The clothes weren't really my taste (too commercial-looking for me), and I wasn't prepared for the commitment. </div>
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Nowadays, I find consumerism and the over-commercialization of the Goth subculture problematic for a variety of reasons:<br />
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<li><i><b>Quite simply, everything we consume either comes with waste (packaging) or will eventually become waste.</b></i> It's the plastic packaging covering a band t-shirt. It's even those platform boots we loved but only wore a couple of times before the platform separated from the boot or the vinyl started peeling off.</li>
<li><b><i>Fast fashion uses poor labor practices.</i> </b>Many of the clothes on the market were made by underpaid workers in sweatshops. Poor labor practices exist in both developing <i>and</i> developed nations, even if the tag says "Made in the USA." As a subculture, I don't think we should support fast fashion if we have the option (such as buying local, small business, small online shops, thrifted, swapped, homemade, etc.).</li>
<li><i><b>Consumerism is drowning out the local and DIY spirit of the Goth subculture.</b></i> Plenty of Goths are going to keep DIY'ing and supporting local makers in their scene. But, the mass-produced brand name products are taking up the digital airwaves, leading to less money going to support and sustain local scenes and more people wearing the exact same clothes. </li>
<li><i><b>Consumerism is reducing Goth to what and how much we can purchase. </b></i>I understand people can feel pride after working hard to save up for nice brand name pieces to add to their collections. However, some can't or may not want to do that. And that's totally okay. Fashion is an important part of self-expression, but Goth is about more than just fashion. <i> </i></li>
<li><i><b>There is a toxic perception, especially among younger or fledgling goths, that one must have the perfect, Instagrammable outfit, make-up and hair to have their "Goth Card" stamped. </b></i>That means people who dress in more subtle ways feel less comfortable having an online presence and even venturing out into Goth spaces offline (concerts, festivals, meetups, club nights, alt shops). </li>
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<b>What's next? </b>The #zerowaste lifestyle takes planning and effort. Not everyone has the time or ability to go cold-turkey with trash. Maybe you're loyal to Aqua Net and aren't prepared to start making your own <a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/135739-i-tried-homemade-hairspray-heres-what-happened-photos">hairspray </a>(It is possible, but I have not tried it yet and cannot vouch for it). But, baby steps are do-able for anyone. This includes simple things such as using your own cloth shopping bags or carrying utensils and cups from home.<br />
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If you are seriously interested in altogether quitting single-use items and items that come with waste, then you might get flustered. If you aren't already ripping your hair out thinking about all the things you <i>can't </i>purchase while #zerowaste, then you will. My husband (sorry, Husband) almost had an existential crisis when he realized Cheez-its aren't zero waste. I still keep thinking about all the make-up I own<i>—</i>all of it is in plastic, and none of the containers even have the tiny recycle symbol. </div>
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Although the popular term is "zero waste," <i>there is no way to be absolutely zero waste without seriously sacrificing your quality of life.</i> The term "low waste" is probably a better descriptor. It's much more do-able to start by reducing waste, step-by-step, to keep trash from going to the landfill and even <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/06/28/623972937/china-has-refused-to-recycle-the-wests-plastics-what-now">recycling facilities</a>.<br />
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Everyone, myself included, can start with thinking in terms of waste <i>before </i>we buy something.<i> </i>As someone who participates in their local Goth scene, this means opting out of plastic drink cups at shows or club nights. <b>And, more importantly for me, this means learning to love what I already own. </b>It was eye-opening to learn even <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-does-goodwill-do-with-your-clothes_n_57e06b96e4b0071a6e092352">a lot of things we donate still end up in a landfill</a> whether we want them to or not.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/152310871" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/152310871">Consumerism Commercial</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/carlenaltman">carlen altman</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</span><br />
I think learning to be content with what I have has been the toughest mental shift for me. I enjoy fashion. Clothes and make-up are a wonderful creative outlet, especially for Goths, since it is a visible marker of subculture affiliation. <b>However, contentment and gratitude for what we already own doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't treat ourselves </b>(especially as long as we know we'll wear/use the item for the long-term, or at least find the item a good home with someone else). But naturally, that shift in attitude and world-view will influence purchase patterns. <br />
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For the average Goth or alt person, making more intentional purchasing choices may mean only owning one tube of black lipstick at a time (or opting for an eyeliner pencil instead). Or better yet, supporting local makers or ethically and sustainably-made goods when you're able. You might consider purchasing a corset made by someone in your local scene rather than buying one that ships from the other side of the world and breaks after two wears. Before making the decision to get something new, look in your closet and see if you already have something similar, or how you can re-purpose or modify old items first. And, if you can afford, opt for something ethically and sustainably made that will last a long time.<br />
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<b>If major clothing brands that cater to the Goth subculture can thrive, those same brands can also do their part for their workers and the planet. </b></blockquote>
I realize there are many challenges to living sustainably (i.e. up-front cost, time, planning, habits and mental hurdles). But, our voices and our dollars have power. <b>If major clothing brands that cater to the Goth subculture can thrive, those same brands can also do their part for their workers and the planet. </b>If you find your favorite brand supports poor labor practices and/or unsustainable production, leave your concerns in a review, send an email or tag the brand in a tweet. I believe if more Goths are willing to take baby steps and vote with their money, the better off our subculture and our world will be.<br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">After writing this piece, I found this lovely video below that fleshes out the topic of Goth fast fashion and captures a lot of my thoughts on the subject:</span><br />
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<i><b>What are ways you try to lower your environmental impact? Have you ever tried making your own hairspray, hair-dye, make-up, etc? Do you know of any great "zero waste" or sustainable make-up or clothing brands that cater to alt folks? What is your favorite Etsy shop? Feel free to share your thoughts, links, resources, struggles or differing opinions in the comment section! </b></i><br />
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OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-90532732462534454232019-01-01T13:37:00.000-08:002019-01-01T13:37:22.196-08:00Ten Things of 2018For the majority of the past ten years, I've wanted to say "good riddance" to that current year and hope for a better coming year. But even though this year did bring loss, change and sadness, it also brought me great joy. I've felt a deep sense of gratitude for this year.<br />
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<b>Here are ten big things that happened in 2018:</b></div>
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<li>I settled in to my job and house.</li>
<li>Ryan and I started planning our wedding.</li>
<li>Ryan's youngest brother was diagnosed with glioblastoma. He passed away in April. </li>
<li>I competed in a charity dance competition with a Waltz routine.</li>
<li>We got married on July 21st in Thomas, WV (where I did my AmeriCorps service). </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reader, I married him.</td></tr>
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<li>We had a "mini-moon" in Asheville, NC. I didn't have enough time off work for us to have a "real" honeymoon. We'll be planning a honeymoon for 2019. </li>
<li>Ryan's brother got married in September.</li>
<li>Ryan's cousin got married in September as well. (2018 will be the Year of Weddings.)</li>
<li>I went to my first out-of-town conference in Washington D.C.</li>
<li>I became a member of the Catholic Charities Atlanta 2018 Leadership Class. I've been fundraising for the organization, meeting other Catholic professionals and learning skills to be a better servant-leader.</li>
<li>Oh, and I turned 25 in November! I know it's number 11 on my list, but I couldn't leave it out. </li>
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Of course, this list doesn't include all the great little things that happened 2018. <b>So, here's a list of ten little things that happened in 2018:</b></div>
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<li>I love to watch historical dramas, but I'd never read any until this year. So, I read some that had been sitting on my shelf, including <i>Jane Eyre</i>, <i>Wuthering Heights </i>and <i>Persuasion</i>. </li>
<li>Since our wedding, Ryan and I have been cooking a lot of nice meals from scratch. We made vegetarian Moussaka and beet hummus this past week, for example. We also make our own bread instead of buying it from the store.</li>
<li>Ryan learned how to make butter tarts! It's a Canadian dessert. He'll spoil me with butter tarts if I'm feeling down or need something warm and sweet to pick me up.</li>
<li>I got to see VNV Nation for the first time. Ronan Harris does a wonderful job interacting with the audience. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Ryan bought me the latest albums from Dead Can Dance and Shriekback. My ears are happy.</li>
<li>I went on another paranormal investigation for the first time in a long time. My team went somewhere local, and it was quite informal. Basically, we went on a night hike with EVP sessions. </li>
<li>We found a kitten and gave it a home. We almost hit the kitten with our car. It was so tiny crossing the road, and we barely stopped in time. The kitten now has a home with someone from my work. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>I got to do some more ghost tours this October. I loved it, but this year was bittersweet. The parent company for the tours closed down. However, the walking ghost tours will continue with a new owner. </li>
<li>Perhaps I've spend too much time watching TV... This year, I've watched <i>The First</i>, <i>The Crown</i>, <i>Star Trek Next Generation</i>, <i>The Haunting of Hill House</i> and <i>When Calls the Heart</i> (my guilty pleasure). Ryan and I also just started watching a fun, coming-of-age show called <i>Derry Girls</i>.</li>
<li>While I haven't written fiction in a long time, I've been taking more mental steps to start writing again. I've tried to make writing in my journal more of a routine. I've reconnected with some of my old English department friends at readings or gatherings. I even set aside a little "writer's nook" in my house. As writing is something I've long felt called to do, these small steps are significant. </li>
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This year, I'm looking forward to more travelling, more home-cooked meals, and more writing. I find that despite having a list of big achievements, it's often the little moments that can sweeten life. What was one little thing that made you happy in 2018?</div>
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OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-76207350734777849852018-11-02T12:30:00.000-07:002018-11-02T12:55:56.938-07:00A Sc-Eyre-y Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I read <i>Jane Eyre </i>by Charlotte Bronte this year. I absolutely loved it. I loved every minute of reading it. Read the book if you get the chance. </div>
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I didn't plan very much this Halloween. I work full time and was leading ghost tours and doing other things most evenings. I knew that I wanted to dress up though. So, the weekend before Halloween, a thought dawned on me to go as Jane Eyre. </div>
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The only piece of the ensemble I had to buy was the skirt. You can't get a good view of it in the picture below, but it is a sumptuous black fabric. It's stiff, pleated and almost glows if the light hits it right. It was another serendipitous thrift store find, and I'll be sure to wear it again. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw this spider in my yard. It's nature's Halloween decoration.</td></tr>
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We decided not to go out Halloween night but instead continued watching a new Netflix series called <i>The Haunting of Hill House.</i> A lot of the images from the show have stuck in my mind. We've just watched the fourth episode, and the show is growing more and more intense.<br />
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If you've seen <i>The Haunting of Hill House</i>, let me know what you think!<i> </i>I hope you all had a fun Halloween! Keep being spooky all year long.OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-32111026764065294632018-10-11T11:11:00.001-07:002018-10-11T11:11:39.790-07:00Halloween #TBT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know "time flies" is a cliche, but it's exactly what I'm feeling. I was going to write about last year's Halloween, but then I remembered the Halloween on my mind actually happened two years ago! I'm too young for time to go by so fast. Yet it does. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Titania and Bottom costumes</td></tr>
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Today I find myself reminiscing about the Halloween when Ryan came to visit me in West Virginia, and we made the drive to the gorgeous, sprawling <a href="http://trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/">Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum</a> in Weston. (Click the link for pictures and more information.) I had heard about this place for years as a paranormal investigator, not fully realizing it was so close to where I lived in the Mountain State. </div>
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It's one of those huge Gothic structures that dominates the landscape. The town of Weston itself needs some tender loving care. Although it is making progress, plenty of the buildings and homes are "blighted." But then you turn a corner and this magnificent former asylum stretches out behind the main street. </div>
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We took a ghost tour there completely in the dark except for the light of our flashlights. It was unlike any ghost tour I'd experienced because after telling the stories, the guide let everyone explore on their own. After that, we made our way down to the BYOB Halloween party, where we drank Mothman black IPA beer, people watched and listened to a live rock band. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Robert Smith" at the asylum party</td></tr>
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It was a great night, barring the fact that when we got back to the house, I found out my drunk roommates and friends accidentally let my cat out of the house into the cold, windy evening. "Cold and windy" is putting it lightly. The wind howled like banshees, and it was so cold we weren't sure the cat would survive if she didn't take shelter. I called for her and looked everywhere before finally going to sleep. In the morning, the mayor of my town drove around looking for her. I ended up finding her hiding underneath the porch. She was so frightened that the only sound she could make was the tiniest squeak. </div>
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Now I'm living back in Georgia. It was recently 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the leaves are still green. I'm working the ghost tours for fun this year, even though I work full time. I'm still planning how I'd like to enjoy this Halloween season. Last night we relaxed during a dark and stormy evening, courtesy of Hurricane Michael. I lit a pumpkin candle, and we ate dinner while watching the very beginning of the vampire movie <i>Byzantium. </i>Our wi-fi kept resetting because of disturbances on the power line, so we couldn't finish it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall colors in Canaan Valley, WV.</td></tr>
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I wish you all many spooky blessings this season. And remember, be careful out there. You never know what you might find when you venture out into the night. (This is where I wink.)OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-5043018835767027662018-06-25T06:57:00.000-07:002018-06-25T06:57:51.200-07:00I'm Getting Married in a Month...and Musings about "Growing Up" with This BlogFinally people have stopped asking me, "What are your colors?" But now they're saying, "It's getting close! Are you ready?"<br />
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I woke up a week and a half ago with tension in my temples and feeling like I couldn't get my heart rate down. I realized that it was probably wedding-planning stress. I've tried with all my might not to stress about the wedding, so much so that it's finally caught up with me, I suppose.<br />
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But, I made sure to de-stress over the weekend last week and get done what I could with my week nights and this past weekend. What will be will be.<br />
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I might be a married woman the next time I post here! That's an interesting thought considering I started this blog in high school. It's been less than a decade, but life has crammed so many changes into that short amount of time.<br />
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When I began this blog, I was an inexperienced teenager, enthusiastic about the Goth subculture, searching for kinship with others who shared my interests. It was a means of expressing my ideas and musings to the world while making virtual friends, since I didn't have anyone around me who shared those interests.<br />
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I felt a real sense of community with other "darkly-inclined" bloggers. Although I've let this blog go inactive on and off, it's still been something I've turned to with fondness. And although I may not be active in comment boxes, I still peruse all the blogs I used to frequent.<br />
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Since starting this blog, I've graduated high school and college, met my soon-to-be husband, went abroad, moved out of state, and moved back but into my own house with a good and steady job in my field to support me. There's been death and illness in my family and a lot of change in general. I'm sure everyone's twenties are characterized by flux.<br />
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Since starting this blog as a "Goth" blog, I no longer identify with the label of "Goth," although I miss being a part of the subculture, and I still go to concerts (and want to get back into going to Goth club nights). I no longer look remotely Goth in my opinion, even though I still wear mostly black or grey. And, even many of my interests and hobbies have shifted. For example, my paranormal investigation team has gone inactive, and I no longer participate in investigations (although I miss them on occasion). I still enjoy going to Goodwill, but I mostly browse for books; I'd rather read a good novel than sew and modify thrift clothes for a new outfit. My music tastes have expanded, although I still listen to a fair amount of "Goth bands" when I do listen to music (which isn't all the time anymore). <br />
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Anyway, you get the idea. I'm still the same person, but change is natural and not something to be curbed. I still maintain Goth was never a phase for me.<br />
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Whatever happens next, I know this blog has played more than a small part in my "growing up." Thanks to all my readers, past and present, for encouragement, commiseration, and for giving my ramblings an audience.OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-39289208526863253272018-05-28T11:08:00.000-07:002018-05-30T05:20:02.740-07:00Experiencing Loss and Looking Eternity in the Face<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMtGjso_4FJhq1C-ozQyLwzet8z5Ce-ux1r4QkTCKpWPIdHl34Xa05P2VjCvYxwChMPwc-S48EXa-nyn7gYQddSXXfcLJgtptaQXKOEOPSRx0o3_qI3__22JFdYZIDXR9ntAGSzv0G8qE/s1600/owen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMtGjso_4FJhq1C-ozQyLwzet8z5Ce-ux1r4QkTCKpWPIdHl34Xa05P2VjCvYxwChMPwc-S48EXa-nyn7gYQddSXXfcLJgtptaQXKOEOPSRx0o3_qI3__22JFdYZIDXR9ntAGSzv0G8qE/s320/owen.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan's brother Owen in the hospital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When someone close to you dies, it's never easy trying to recover. Even if you weren't so close with such person, you have to find a new way to live. You have to remind yourself that the person is no longer around. And that reality sometimes falls gently, while at other times it bursts in on your thoughts. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div>
We lost Ryan's brother, Owen, over a month ago from complications with his brain tumor. The progress he made astounded his doctors. But the hemorrhage happened without warning. I've only known him for five years, and Ryan and I have lived out of state. Still, though, I would catch myself thinking, <i>Next time we visit...</i></div>
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But the next time we visit, he won't be there. </div>
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This experience of loss is different every time it happens. For example, when my grandmother died over four years ago, I had so much trouble coping. I tried my best to "be strong" because people told me to. But then I couldn't be strong anymore. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
She was sick for six months as well. I spent my free moments after class and work with her, either at home or at the hospital. I sat next to her when she received her chemo treatments. I drove her around and helped with errands and chores. I stayed in her bed while she fell asleep. And then I'd go back to school and work and carry on as normal.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then, one day when we knew she was nearing the end, I broke down at work. I couldn't go on as normal that day, alienating myself from my work. I felt so embarrassed and attempted to hide my tears. One of my coworkers saw and said to me, "You need to try to pull it together. You need to be strong. Everyone goes through this." I still remember his stern gaze, his lack of compassion.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We never know exactly how someone else is feeling, even if we think our experiences are similar. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Even then, my mental framework caused me to experience my grandmother's death with much more difficulty than I would have experienced it now. But, it's arguable that it's partly <i>because</i> of my experience of her death that I have the mental framework and worldview I have now. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When Ryan's brother passed away, my experience of it versus that of his family is of course different. The emptiness—the knowledge that there is now a lack causing us to find a new way to live—is still present in varying degrees. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But one thing his family does have, which I lacked before my grandmother died, is faith. The word "faith" can be met with rolling eyes. It's too often perceived as a willful denial of reality, a clinging to ignorance for the sake of happiness, a coping mechanism for the feeble minded. </div>
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<br /></div>
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That perception can't be farther from the truth. Faith is a palpable act of will. It's the bold admission that we're weak on our own. It's what we have when we look eternity in the face and let it kiss us on the cheek even though we know it will kill us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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And, often times, it's something we find only when we have nothing left. "For when I am weak, then I am strong," St. Paul says.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Something I love to reflect on is a passage in the book of Matthew when Jesus draws our attention to the ways of nature: "Look at the birds of the sky," He says. "They do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them." In the same passage, He also says. "Learn from the way the wild flowers grow...I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is not to deny the reality of Evil. Jesus knew better than anyone human suffering. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The passage is not meant to tell us "God never gives us more than we can handle," which is an inaccurate platitude anyway. Neither is it meant to encourage us to repel help when it's needed. Jesus never lacked compassion. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What it's telling us is that God will give us what we need—although not always in the way <i>we </i>perceive "need"—at the precise moment we need it. And sometimes it means through suffering and loss when we'd prefer a miracle. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ryan's brother Owen knew this. He started to go blind at a young age and had to learn to adapt. He used his affliction to help others overcome theirs. When he developed brain cancer and became so fragile and close to death, he was the one telling us that it was going to be okay. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At first I was angry. He had just turned eighteen, after all. He had university information arriving in the mail. He was always so prayerful and gracious, and the diagnosis felt unfair. "God <i>has</i> to come through for him with a miracle," I thought. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, He didn't. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Someone stronger in faith may not have felt this sting, like I did when he was diagnosed with an inoperable and barely treatable glioblastoma. But then I grew to accept the outcome. And the outcome is that while his family no longer has him here, Earth has gained another intercessor. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Every day, we have to look eternity in the face anew. We have to make a decision each morning how we're going to proceed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The option for those with faith is clear: We need to foster beauty and truth in a world plagued by ugliness and false-promises. </div>
OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-9545687552889402292018-03-30T16:29:00.000-07:002018-03-30T16:29:29.092-07:00What Have I Been Doing with my Life?I'd say, "Wow, it's been a whole year since I've updated my blog! Where has the time gone?" but I don't think that would be genuine. I know it's been a year.<br />
<br />
On my long to-do list, blogging has been the very last item. Although, lately I find myself missing the semi-anonymous space and group of supportive followers to whom I could pour out my thoughts.<br />
<br />
So, I'll give a Reader's Digest update of all that's happened since February of 2017:<br />
<ol>
<li>I finished a tough year of service with AmeriCorps in West Virginia.</li>
<li>I moved back to Atlanta to live with my then recently divorced parents until I could find a full time job.</li>
<li>I did ghost tours and found a part time job making bubble tea.</li>
<li>I found a full time job in my field! I started work in Communications in December.</li>
<li>I moved into a house of my own.</li>
<li>I'm making plans to get married to Ryan (finally). The wedding is in late July 2018. </li>
</ol>
<div>
Here's a more detailed account: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nl2MvLIWVhi-s8el_V1rNe3LLl1GJySCO9WZVc4No2gl7acCxgCab7uZR2OLF87VhwjzKugZleexloAlwV8DyY4EBzOLUQoRcMtMkeo87pqj2rSmZDqX3hINLQdqhCpgKTgeLy-9m8Ym/s1600/GhostTours2017-0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nl2MvLIWVhi-s8el_V1rNe3LLl1GJySCO9WZVc4No2gl7acCxgCab7uZR2OLF87VhwjzKugZleexloAlwV8DyY4EBzOLUQoRcMtMkeo87pqj2rSmZDqX3hINLQdqhCpgKTgeLy-9m8Ym/s200/GhostTours2017-0006.jpg" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I led some ghost tours again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
AmeriCorps was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I'm not even joking. I was under a lot of stress last year from my job as well as home<span style="background-color: black; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">—</span>so much so that I got a nasty shingles flare-up. I battled loneliness and fatigue. I shed too many tears. Although, I [usually] managed to hold my broken pieces together during the work day. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+88&version=ESV">Psalm 88</a> became my overly dramatic battle cry for a while. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, through it all, I made some very close friends and grew as a person. I hiked, swam in secret swimming holes, explored caves, got to guest-sing in a <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-the-tridentine-mass-542958">Tridentine Mass</a> choir, rode on 4-wheelers, tried deer jerky, and did a lot of other awesome crap that people who live in West Virginia get to do. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't love the harsh winter. I didn't love my AmeriCorps experience (although I am grateful for it). But I loved West Virginia. I find myself thinking about it often, and I even considered going back when I couldn't find a job. Ryan and I are even getting married there this Summer at our favorite church with our favorite priest presiding over the liturgy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div>
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29366032_1096523613821810_4276123016543059836_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=59f33ef52e637cc78e5fd05d8e5c081c&oe=5B3D5143" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, tree, outdoor and closeup" border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29366032_1096523613821810_4276123016543059836_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=59f33ef52e637cc78e5fd05d8e5c081c&oe=5B3D5143" width="320" /></a>When I moved back to Atlanta, life didn't get easier. I spent months looking for work and receiving rejection after rejection. I had no choice but to move back in with my parents, who are divorced and still living together (partly out of stubbornness and spite, partly our of necessity). The emotional intensity of that environment, plus my own feelings of inadequacy and failure, simmered together in one big pot of oppression stew. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then, one day, I got an email of interest from my current employer. They liked my resume. They found my portfolio "impressive." They wanted to meet me. Then, a week later, they called me to tell me I got the job.<br />
<br />
The salary was more than I could have hoped, and the benefits are great. Since I've been here, I've been showered with free stuff (like the FitBit in the photo above!). I even get to use the employee gym and have access to free fitness classes. And, people at this job are friendly! I started to feel this overwhelming sense of gratitude. I wasn't used to being treated as someone of value in the workplace. I've never been seen as a professional until now. Now and again, I still get the feeling that this is more than I deserve. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But then something else happened the week I started my job. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ryan's youngest brother got diagnosed with Glioblastoma. It's inoperable. The doctors gave him anywhere from three to nine months. We offer up all our Rosaries and Divine Mercy chaplets to him. He is constantly on our minds. It's been a difficult journey for Ryan's family. Last I heard, the tumor has not grown. He's also made a lot of progress with his mobility and speech. He's not in pain right now either. These things are little miracles. Whatever the outcome, this is his path to sainthood. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
For months now, I've been finding myself with very little time. I've reached the stage where I have to decide how to spend what little free time I have. I'm evaluating my priorities and making personal goals. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yAvJJIkmb9UzihIMfj6dH_jOa0EmhqOMghUDy74JluPvDXuliZBe6iQTJ6hSGWXaikS5dEKtbCoNUfusU1JZX6-SM-CeyNRDX6K6Y7GSEfOyML54gIxVr1UPexn6Q-NX4u6tyXQRfadw/s1600/Dancing+Lift.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yAvJJIkmb9UzihIMfj6dH_jOa0EmhqOMghUDy74JluPvDXuliZBe6iQTJ6hSGWXaikS5dEKtbCoNUfusU1JZX6-SM-CeyNRDX6K6Y7GSEfOyML54gIxVr1UPexn6Q-NX4u6tyXQRfadw/s320/Dancing+Lift.JPG" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's taken weeks of practice to<br />
smile and dance simultaneously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
My main priority right now has been wedding-planning. It's going to be a small and simple wedding, so this task has been pretty manageable. I've also been practicing for a charity ballroom dance competition through my employer. When I was asked to compete, I thought, "Why not?" I didn't realize how much of my time it would take. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because of the immense amount of time I spend either working or doing necessary life to-do's, I feel like I'm losing more and more of my identity and sense of purpose. Is this normal, readers? Do you struggle with finding that *something* that gives you a sense of purpose and zest for living? Tell me your secrets!</div>
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OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-19723734903135464912017-02-01T19:09:00.000-08:002017-02-01T19:09:36.674-08:00My Mom Wanted me to Update my Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, I didn't plan to stop blogging. It just happened that I haven't posted in six months. A lot has happened in that time, and I owe it to my biggest fan, my mom, to post an update. Here it is, Mom!</div>
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I ended up going to a few more Goth club nights before I left Atlanta. I went with one to my best friend, who is pictured below:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0_EpwmJ1YD3HwDd9oFDRtN2YH2MkB9-uruoFxH_-qJij5SEAwp9eBuuJJzVaCW-Y0QT00Vt7tvYd_Hf6PJBHQsw772WerMCyKGn6mkryOh80UBbQnowF4ZrRN13n_TC2-Ve1t0vMmdgk/s1600/Justeangothnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0_EpwmJ1YD3HwDd9oFDRtN2YH2MkB9-uruoFxH_-qJij5SEAwp9eBuuJJzVaCW-Y0QT00Vt7tvYd_Hf6PJBHQsw772WerMCyKGn6mkryOh80UBbQnowF4ZrRN13n_TC2-Ve1t0vMmdgk/s320/Justeangothnight.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then I moved to rural Northern West Virginia where I can walk to water falls and hike up mountains. I live only 3 hours from Washington, D.C., so I've been there a few times as well. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJUPv6Xr2TEUSm-jjYAFE0zUVNVkLbGQVloha2cly2lXgTD7KD5kAzzPGhNh1tCYe-rNIromgo_x_NNLt1gNJHaGPoIzruenBjfwmyBYrpH6Nm-eiFWgbjQ1MJ8P35d_vgYEp3YsXOYGd/s1600/SAM_1414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJUPv6Xr2TEUSm-jjYAFE0zUVNVkLbGQVloha2cly2lXgTD7KD5kAzzPGhNh1tCYe-rNIromgo_x_NNLt1gNJHaGPoIzruenBjfwmyBYrpH6Nm-eiFWgbjQ1MJ8P35d_vgYEp3YsXOYGd/s320/SAM_1414.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Douglas Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TzQwZw9jGuS4hz28AQVbhyphenhyphen0BoyiQacBgMZVIAWlG0KLiy6XL9uVWPbRN4UBoSrlmYjKQAPEAzHwSynUKkpdXn2-8ZrmEZSksADGqMOE5VhWkvyoaUkCQDHCADOOUkzaaSiM_EON_6Rg1/s1600/SAM_1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TzQwZw9jGuS4hz28AQVbhyphenhyphen0BoyiQacBgMZVIAWlG0KLiy6XL9uVWPbRN4UBoSrlmYjKQAPEAzHwSynUKkpdXn2-8ZrmEZSksADGqMOE5VhWkvyoaUkCQDHCADOOUkzaaSiM_EON_6Rg1/s320/SAM_1568.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my hike up Bald Knob</td></tr>
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When Halloween came around, Ryan flew up to visit. We dressed as Titania and Bottom from <i>A Midsummer Night's Dream </i>and drove to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum for a Halloween Ball. The old asylum is huge and has beautiful Gothic architecture. We brought our own beer and walked around, ogling at the elaborately dressed costumers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid_-CUoXM3bew7t3TiYi_8hoY2lc4tIIbHxdetas5kiXkmNpJ6Mz8JBnHWg2YkS7vloK6jYcbyscYgNFITTQUyhJO9QK4ct_RtyX-vlyHp16Ocs8xF4MRwtu1JEvthGlk0bt1K_YWGeh2/s1600/SAM_1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid_-CUoXM3bew7t3TiYi_8hoY2lc4tIIbHxdetas5kiXkmNpJ6Mz8JBnHWg2YkS7vloK6jYcbyscYgNFITTQUyhJO9QK4ct_RtyX-vlyHp16Ocs8xF4MRwtu1JEvthGlk0bt1K_YWGeh2/s320/SAM_1574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I even saw Robert Smith! He seemed very pleased that I recognized him.<br />
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Then, before we knew it, Christmas arrived. My roommates and I went to the Wildlife Refuge where they were giving away Scotch Pines. We took one home and decorated it in beer cans in the true spirit of West Virginia.<br />
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It's snowed over a foot the past couple of days, and my roommate and I went Cross Country skiing this evening. It was my first time. We skied down the street and through the cemetery. We raced, and I fell. I lost control going down a hill a few times. It was good fun. I needed it.<br />
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To be honest, there have been a lot of ups and downs since I moved here. I felt isolated living in such a small town so far away from family. I've been going through periods where I feel so accomplished with the service work I've been doing and in a state of wonder over the fact that I live in such a beautiful place, but then I'll feel the opposite. I'll feel each second tick by with a crushing sense of isolation and frustration. But then I remember that once this time passes, I will never get it back.<br />
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<br />OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-8017067146474625472016-07-17T18:04:00.000-07:002016-07-17T18:04:10.128-07:00My First Time at a Goth ClubWhen I walked into the building for Ascension, a Goth/Industrial night, they started playing "This Corrosion." I was introduced to Goth six years ago when I listened to the song, so it was like the night saying "Merry Gothmas, Katie!" I'd been planning on going all week, but when Friday rolled around, I was so exhausted from spending the entire day getting a new car (my last one was totaled) and then visiting family with a long drive back. I came home and wanted to just take a nap, and after taking too long to decide, I got dressed and headed out the door. This past Ascension was the last one held at the Masquerade, a much-loved local venue, and I wanted to experience it before I left for West Virginia.<br />
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I'd known about Ascension for a while. One reason why I hadn't gone before this past Friday is because of being a student and having lived an hour away. It's a lame excuse. Aside from that, I told myself for years that I wasn't a cluby-type (although that changed last Summer in Cusco where I loved going to dance clubs). I was too stubborn and nervous to go. I had some fears about not knowing anyone, being too young, and possibly experiencing elitism.<br />
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But I went. I got dressed up and did my makeup darker than I have in a while. I crimped my hair, and Ryan let me style him as well. We got there at 1 AM, and we danced until 3 in the morning. They played so many good songs—a good mix of Goth and Industrial—and they had colorful lights and smoke machines.<br />
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Here's a video from the night shared by one of the DJs. You won't be able to see Ryan and I in the background, but we're there: </div>
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One of the DJs played this song, "Black Leather" by Prayers, who I learned are pioneers of the "Cholo Goth" movement within the subculture. I'm loving it, so give it a listen:</div>
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Most of the Atlanta scene looked to be a little bit older than I am. There was even an old man there with long white hair and a white beard who danced until the close. People dressed in a variety of ways, and everyone there looked like they were having a good time dancing and socializing. It really felt like a judgement-free zone with a sense of community. I even recognized someone I'd seen at the Soft Moon concert, although I didn't go to say "hello."<br />
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The last song of the night before they turned on all the lights was "Forever Young," which struck many of us and made me chuckle as it was unexpected. "No one said that Goths didn't have a sense of humor," I told Ryan as we slow-danced like it was prom. The DJ came to the edge of the stage, and everyone cheered. He made a speech and had a stack of fliers in his hand, saying that the new venue invited Ascension to come back and host a night in late August. I had such a fun time and plan on going to the next one before I move.<br />
<br />OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-49344628075981217242016-07-12T15:39:00.000-07:002016-07-12T15:39:10.701-07:00Anticipation for My Summer as a Goth I remember in 2011, I read on Gothic Charm School that <i>My Summer as a Goth, </i>a coming of age movie, had a kickstarter. I watched the videos and read the posts as a high schooler who had also gotten into Goth during the summer time about a year or so prior. After five years of waiting, the movie released another video on their Vimeo account:<br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/174125524">My Summer as a Goth - Kickstarter Video - Finishing Funds - July 2016</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/mysummerasagoth">My Summer As A Goth</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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The co-producers say that they will be shooting through August, which is approaching very soon! However, they still need more money to edit and produce as well as promote the movie. I'm not sure how the movie will turn out (though Jillian Venters says that they "get Goth right."). Regardless, I'm looking forward to watching the movie, indulging in nostalgia and seeing if any of the experiences of the young goths in the movie coincide with my own.<br />
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I'm sure the film will be quite different from another much-loved coming of age film, <i>Gypsy 83, </i>and I'm wondering if it will be reminiscent of the John Hughes brat pack films I so love like <i>The Breakfast Club </i>or <i>Pretty in Pink</i>, in particular. Aside from my hopes and expectations, it's exciting to see some independent filmmakers attempting to create a film that captures the mystery, wonder, passion, rebellion, and self-exploration that one experiences as a teenage Goth.OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-11175707311007138452016-07-01T21:16:00.001-07:002016-07-01T21:16:58.737-07:00The Cure's 2016 Tour<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">found on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GothMeme/">Goth Memes</a></td></tr>
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Ryan and I went to see The Cure this month when they came to Atlanta. They played at a big amphitheater, so we sat on the lawn along with all the other fans, including a couple who got married during the concert! People were dancing and drinking, hitting around beach balls, and enjoying the music of course.<br />
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The Twilight Sad is the name of the band that opened for them. Check them out:<br />
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This was my first time seeing The Cure, and I was delighted and surprised by the fact that they played over thirty songs with four encores. And, the weather was skin-melting. They talked about how it was "bloody hot" and that we Atlantans should "vacation in Greenland," ( I hope you're reading that in Robert Smith's voice) but they still kept going, taking breaks occasionally to stick their heads in the freezer. <a href="http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-cure/2016/aarons-amphitheatre-at-lakewood-atlanta-ga-4bfe4b12.html">Here</a> is a link to the concert's setlist if you'd like to take a look.<br />
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I haven't been dressing up much lately. I'll usually just wake up and put on a t-shirt and a simple skirt or jeans with minimal (or no) makeup, but I still like to have an excuse to get dolled up even if it doesn't bring me as much joy as it used to in years passed. I wore my favorite flowy top with my eyeball necklace (it's got a glass eye!). I did get a bit excited about wearing my Edgar Allan Poe-ka dot socks that Ryan bought me (confession: I <i>love </i>socks) with my wingtip creepers I bought a while back. I'm terrible at doing my hair since it's at an awkward length, so I tied a bandana over my hair like Rosie the riveter.<br />
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As you might be able to tell from the pictures, it was "bloody hot" out. I still don't regret the socks. They were worth the extra sweat. <br />
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As you can see, the show was pretty crowded. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting out on the lawn. I couldn't see the band very well, but the acoustics were great. Also, being out on the lawn with all those fans made me feel a sense of camaraderie. I saw so many black-clad, tattooed, colorful-haired folks, and we all danced like no one was watching. It was good fun.<br />
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I'll share only one of the videos from the night since they take up a lot of space. I like how you can see everyone's excitement (and the beach ball) in this one. And, if you listen closely, you might be able to hear me singing along. Please excuse the poor quality; it was recorded on a phone:</div>
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I had so much fun at this concert. I bought one of the tour shirts and wore it to lunch the next day, and I even went running this evening with "Want" playing on loop in my head. The rhythm was perfect for my running pace, I might add. I hope I get to see them again in the future. </div>
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Let me know down in the comments if you got to see them on the 2016 tour or a previous one.</div>
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OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-38426751888960320902016-06-30T16:36:00.000-07:002016-06-30T16:40:14.440-07:00This One Got a JobI finished college a few couple of months ago, and I'm glad to say that I got a job (sorta)! I formally accepted a year of service (renewable for a second year) with AmeriCorps, a group similar to Peace Corps. I will be living and working in Thomas, West Virginia. It's a small town with about 600 residents, surrounded by national forest.<br />
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If you're curious, I'll answer some questions I've gotten<br />
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<i>"So what will you be doing?"</i></div>
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I'll be working with a few different organizations in the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area, including Tucker County Development Authority, Tucker County Commission, and New Historic Thomas. These organizations work on sustainable economic and community development throughout the county. New Historic Thomas works specifically in the city of Thomas, doing revitalization and preservation of the community's history, cultural heritage, and resources. I will be helping these organizations, but the specific possibilities for what I will do remain open. I could be helping recruit local artists to do murals, working on the trails, speaking with folks at the legislature, and even keeping a blog.</div>
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This video was created by one of the organizations I'll be working with:</div>
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<i>"Wait, didn't you get an English degree?"</i></div>
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What most people don't realize is that English majors can do anything and everything! My degree has given me a strong foundation in written communication as well as critical thinking skills. I've also gotten experience teaching, doing presentations at conferences, speaking publicly as a tour guide and in meetings, and recruiting volunteers--not to mention my experience in general badassery. Jokes aside, a B.A. in English can go far. </div>
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<i>"Why don't you want to teach or stay in academia?"</i></div>
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When I started my degree, all I knew was that I loved to read and write. After studying and having an assistantship with the department, I realized that academia was not the place for me. I like being outdoors, for one. However, my main reasons are as follows: I'm not a fan of the structure of academia, which has remained virtually the same since the Middle Ages. This makes it impossible to change, which is astounding considering the amount of self-proclaimed "progressives" in the field. I don't like how separate (ivory tower, even) it is from the broader community. I also realized that it's become highly business-driven, which doesn't seem to fit well with academic work, which takes time and spontaneity. </div>
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I also got experience teaching a variety of age groups, and it's safe to say that it's not the career for me...(although I do enjoy tutoring, which is quite different). </div>
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I know I will continue to write, and I will try to publish. I also know that I have a passion for community work and public speaking. I'm contemplating going into a sustainability-related field in the future, and this position seemed to be a wonderful fit that would give experience and valuable skills. </div>
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<i>"Why would you want to live in West Virginia?"</i></div>
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West Virginia and the Appalachian region in general have been struggling with some significant issues. Mountaintop removal has been cutting the tops off of their beautiful mountains, destroying ecosystems and dumping the debris into streams and rivers, contaminating the water. The region's also seen the clear cutting of trees and strip mining, which obviously harm their natural resources. The mining industries that employed many were not usually Appalachian-owned, so the money didn't stay in the region. Additionally, many of the towns, including Thomas, suffered after the coal mines left. Appalachia has some of the most extreme poverty in the nation. To add insult to injury, there is an unfortunate "ignorant hillbilly" stereotype (think <i>Deliverance)</i> that hovers over the region and denies that any culture or history emerges from the place. I've talked with folks who have actually said that "there's no culture where you are going." </div>
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Actually, though, there's plenty of culture! They have folk art and music, hymns, Bluegrass, storytelling, blood feuds, and a lot of passionate people who love their land and will fight to protect it. There's also a lot of natural beauty here with many different micro-climates, rock formations, and waterfalls, so a lot of people are into hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. I'm really looking forward to living in this place.</div>
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A video about Tucker County: </div>
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Feel free to ask any questions! </div>
OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-37855372620521362492016-05-25T09:40:00.000-07:002016-05-25T09:40:12.691-07:00I Graduated! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello, everyone! I can hardly believe how long it's been since I've posted last. In that time, I have been finishing up my last semester at university. I am pleased to say that I am now a college graduate (Summa Cum Laude with honors distinction!) with a B.A. in English and a minor in Spanish.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving my Honors distinction certificate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very tired Katie and her Ryan</td></tr>
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If everything works out, I plan to do an AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a community service-based organization (similar to Peace Corps) that partners with local organizations to tackle a variety of issues. Those I have applied to deal with sustainable development, conservation, and hunger. I'm unsure of where I will be, but my top two programs are in the Appalachian mountains (WV and OH).<br />
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The programs start late Summer/early Fall. In the meantime, I plan on taking some time to rest and hopefully do some writing and volunteer work. This is already a tough transition because I forgot how <i>not </i>to be stressed out about school work. I'm also struggling with letting the day crumble before my eyes and turn to dust, only focusing on accomplishing trivial tasks (or nothing at all).<br />
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The good part is that I now have no homework and so much time! I'm taking Ryan to go on a night hike/ scorpion and owl "hunt" this weekend, for example!<br />
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<br />OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-32506993874599961292016-01-29T14:12:00.000-08:002016-01-29T14:12:00.259-08:00The Soft MoonEarlier this month, I went to go see an exciting band called The Soft Moon. Originally, they were scheduled to open for Killing Joke. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Killing Joke cancelled the show. However, I still got to see The Soft Moon performing the new Deeper album:<div>
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You can listen to the full album above. Listen with headphones and imagine hearing it live. I guarantee you will be hooked. It's hard for me to describe this band's "genre," but it reminds me of Post-punk, Dark wave, EBM, and even Shoe-gaze at times. </div>
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Also, I got really pumped when Luis Vasquez took a trashcan from the side of the stage and started playing it. I thought I heard someone behind me yelling "more trashcan!"</div>
OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-71779820968361536112016-01-06T10:46:00.002-08:002016-01-06T10:46:30.675-08:00Wrapping Up...Well, it is now January 2016, and I am set to graduate from college in May. Of course, when I first started doesn't seem so long ago. Things have changed so much from when I started, and I am glad for it. I still don't completely know what it is I will do when I leave, but I have the peace of knowing that things will work out. I have so many opportunities, even despite the daunting job situation in which every employer requires at least 2-3 years of experience in addition to a degree. These past four years have given me experience working behind a desk, tutoring writing and ESL, volunteering in education, speaking publicly, and work-shopping my writing. I've gained practical experience living and working in a non-English-speaking country, at least for a short time. These things have prepared me.<br />
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I feel like my horizons have broadened so much. I have worked extremely hard over these four years. If there is one thing college has taught me, it is knowing how to say no to people (and instead stay in and study). I have not made one B yet (fingers crossed), but even if I just pass with C's this coming semester, I will still have a good enough average to graduate with Summa Cum Laude. So, I can maybe let my hair down a little bit this time around.<br />
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What will I do after May? This is something I'm wondering myself. I do know that I want to continue my education, but I think I need a break for 1-2 years. And by break, I don't mean taking a rich kid gap year. I mean a break to work (and potentially do a little more school in a different field.) I just finished a difficult (high fail rate) Spanish translation course this semester, and the professor recommended the graduate certificate program for it. This would probably take a year. It would be graduate classes in Spanish, but it would not be thesis-track. It's something I would be interested in pursuing because I love the Spanish language, and having this certificate, while not essential, would help me gain more opportunities if I wanted to do work in translation. The classes are all at night, so that would also give me the freedom to have a job during the day.<br />
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For more short term plans, I am looking at an internship with StoryCorps. StoryCorps is a large-scale oral history project. This organization interviews people from a variety of backgrounds, and records their stories. I'd very much like intern with them.<br />
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And of course, I'm looking to do some travelling. I'm not sure if I'd be able to afford any out of the country trips right now, though. However, I am looking into a 2016-2017 Fulbright program in Madrid, Spain. This would cover a 9-month period, and I would be teaching English. I'd also like to walk the Camino de Santiago while I'm there, which would add another couple of months. Of course, all this is just tentative, so I can't form any solid plans.<br />
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Anyway, next week is when my last semester officially starts, and I have a lot of things I have yet to do, but by telling all this to Blogger, I am helping hold myself accountable for what needs to be done! Any prayers or positive thoughts/vibes would be much appreciated.<br />
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Also, more exciting news: I will be seeing The Cure when the come into Atlanta in June!OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-19062755476931810752015-11-03T18:00:00.000-08:002015-11-03T18:00:43.494-08:00My Costume for Halloween 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have never had a year (as far as I can remember) when I haven't dressed up for Halloween. When I was a kid, my mom would help me put together costumes. We'd look through her closet, do some crafting, or even stop off at the Halloween store to put my costumes together. Perhaps I can find some of my childhood Halloween photos to post one day. This year, I came pretty damn close to not dressing up for Halloween. My Ryan and I took a train ride in the Blue Ridge for Halloween and then walked around town and stopped for some muscadine wine. We didn't get back until somewhat late, but neither of us had actually gotten a costume together because of our schedules. Regardless, I didn't want to make this the first year I didn't dress up, so I pulled something together before a Halloween get-together. The result: Carnival Fortune Teller complete with third eye.</div>
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Above, notice the "orbs" and face-like reflection on the mini fridge in the background. It really completes the look.<br />
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<br />OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-36314478551639745182015-10-26T20:52:00.000-07:002015-10-26T20:52:09.852-07:00Odd Ghoul Out's Halloween Playlist<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL2_iEbpCPgNOe75Q9ypRJU8pYwnbM0ytc" width="425"></iframe>OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-51698071197898767442015-10-10T07:50:00.000-07:002015-10-10T07:50:40.528-07:00Halloween 2015 Costume InspirationI've been low on ideas this year, but I recently browsed the Google to see if I could find any inspiration, and I did! I think that this year, I am going to plan on doing a vintage Halloween costume. Here's some examples of the photos that inspire me:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/inspire/humour/13-creepiest-vintage-halloween-photos-ever">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mikehoolboom.com/thenewsite/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/il_340x270.638610444_llgs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://mikehoolboom.com/thenewsite/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/il_340x270.638610444_llgs.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mikehoolboom.com/?p=15936">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.realclear.com/offbeat/2014/10/16/truly_frightening_vintage_halloween_photos__9188.html">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAYQjB1qFQoTCPavyduNuMgCFcOrgAodH30Gjw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjonmwessel.wordpress.com%2Ftag%2Fvintage-halloween%2F&psig=AFQjCNFa6CQoZSaZFPZh8FQS1kPaUavwgQ&ust=1444573104335103">source</a></td></tr>
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I'm not exactly sure yet about the details, but I do think I'd like to do a vintage-style animal mask costume. Let's see if I stick to that...OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-42326555016457354812015-10-06T11:07:00.000-07:002015-10-06T13:36:04.117-07:00Halloween Tag!It's certainly been a while since I've posted anything worth reading on here, hasn't it? Even though it is midterm time at my university, I will do this tag. The assignment for this tag is to answer the 13 questions and tag 5 more bloggers. I'm declining to tag anyone specifically, but if you want to do the tag, feel free! Here we go!<br />
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Questions:</div>
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1. Favorite Halloween song?</div>
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2. Witch or Vampire?</div>
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3. Favorite thing about Halloween?</div>
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4. Halloween party or scary movie marathon?</div>
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5. Skeletons or Zombies?</div>
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6. Favorite Halloween candy?</div>
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7. Favorite Halloween movie?</div>
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8. Favorite Halloween costume?</div>
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9. Favorite Halloween store?</div>
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10. Jack-o-lanterns, yes or no?</div>
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11. Bats or Black Cats?</div>
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12. Is Halloween your favorite holiday?</div>
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13. Pumpkin spice latte or hot chocolate?</div>
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1. Favorite Halloween Song?</div>
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I listen to a variety of music, but around Halloween, I listen to more Goth Rock than normal. Fields of the Nephilim has been playing on my stereo and in my head recently. </div>
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There's also this song I just found which is really neat:</div>
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2. Witch or Vampire?</div>
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Vampire. Ever since I was little, vampire myths have captivated my interests. I loved watching <i>Buffy</i>, and when I got a little older, I read Dracula, which then led to reading some of the Anne Rice <i>Vampire Chronicles</i> novels. I love that vampires are often misunderstood souls who are trapped, unchanged, in a rapidly changing and monstrous world. They are in the world but of another, disconnected from humanity.</div>
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3. Favorite thing about Halloween?</div>
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It would be difficult to pick a favorite thing. I love the ambiance--the falling leaves, wind, clouds, cooler weather. It's a very ethereal time in North Georgia. The obvious, of course, is the costuming. I love the creative process of building a character piece by piece and becoming that character for a night. </div>
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4. Halloween party or scary movie marathon?</div>
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Scary movie marathon. It's nice to dress up, hand out candy, and then wind down with a drink, snacks, and a few scary movies. Although, I think my companion and I will be taking a train ride through the Blue Ridge mountains this year. </div>
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5. Skeletons or Zombies?</div>
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Definitely skeletons! Perhaps it's because of my love of history and interest in archeology. I could also attribute it to my own creative process as a writer. When I look at a skeleton, a real skeleton, I think about the life that was once attached to that skeleton. I also have a love of Day of the Dead imagery. I feel like being a Spanish-speaker and a Catholic intensifies my connection to this time of the year. Halloween for me does not end on October 31st. Aside from being everyday according to Ministry, it also takes place during All Saints and All Souls days. </div>
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6. Favorite Halloween Candy?</div>
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I have fond memories of dumping my pillowcase full of candy out onto the floor and scouring the pile for Reese's Cups. I still love the chocolate and peanut butter combination.</div>
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7. Favorite Halloween Movie?</div>
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<i>Hocus Pocus</i>. It's not Halloween without <i>Hocus Pocus</i>.</div>
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8. Favorite Halloween Costume?</div>
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Probably my Jareth costume, but my Day of the Dead costume is a close second.</div>
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9. Favorite Halloween store?</div>
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Goodwill and Jo-Ann Fabrics are the only things I need to work my magic. Occasionally though, I'll pop my head into one of those pop-up Halloween stores if I'm low on ideas. </div>
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10. Jack-o-lanterns, yes or no?</div>
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Yes, definitely yes. They're frustrating to carve, but I love digging my hands into the pumpkin's gooey insides and roasting the seeds.</div>
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11. Bats or Black cats?</div>
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Black cats. I am a cat person through and through. My mother has a black cat named Zorro, and he is a big, affectionate goof-ball. </div>
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12. Is Halloween your favorite holiday?</div>
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It had been my favorite holiday for a long time. It's still one of my favorites, but it's tied with Holy Week. It's a dream of mine to see Holy Week in Seville, Spain (and Cusco, Peru).</div>
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13. Pumpkin spice latte or hot chocolate? </div>
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I'd say Mexican hot chocolate. There's a whole different process to making it, and it's rich and spiced!</div>
OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542636572353476106.post-54166042409147593472015-08-21T12:28:00.000-07:002015-08-21T12:28:59.784-07:00I'm Engaged!My lovely astronomer, Ryan, flew over to Peru to visit me. Despite us both being sick, we had many adventures traveling to Cusco, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, and finally Lima.<br />
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Ryan proposed to me in Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes. It is the little tourist town at the bottom of the Machu Picchu archaeological site. There is a beautiful little church there that I had entered the time before when I visited the town. It was quiet and had beautiful religious art. I loved it for the life-sized crucifix of the "black Christ" in the style of Spanish Realism. The statue had real hair and a painful expression.<br />
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I wanted to show Ryan this church, which had no name posted, and we walked up the aisle and knelt down to pray. We both prayed and reflected until he leaned over to me and asked to be my life companion. It was a beautiful moment that I will cherish my entire life.<br />
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Now, we're both back in the US. It feels strange to be home and about to start school. All of my adventures have ceased, and I feel as if I've awaken from a dream. When I look down at the ring on my finger, I know that it was all real, and I think fondly of what the future could bring.OddGhoulOuthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18418482960938732738noreply@blogger.com2