Brewfeeds

Good evening readers, I know I haven’t gone to my morning haunt in the back patio but I assure you the plants haven’t died. In fact, there are butterflies galore at the moment thanks to the passion flower vine growing. BUT I’m noticing a pattern I’ve been doing lately and we all need a night in with our lickies and chewies to unwind without having to leave the comfort of home and boy, is the movie Together scary, not cringy but it had me wanting to push away from the screen as far as I could go, so let’s brew about it!

I really love Dave Franco and Alison Brie as actors they really make you believe that they ARE those characters and this IS their lives. Naturally, for me to settle on my Friday movie, yes its Thursday but my week for me ends on a Thursday (just roll with it) is a horror movie. I love LOVE that the trailer is using the song Happy Together by the Turtles. Yes, I had to look up the song and the band, I’ve heard this song a million times but never took the time to find out whom sang it and what the title is, other than the happy together song.

Anyways, the sticky-squishing of these two people freaked me the hell out, but what really freaked me out is that their MINDS didn’t have a choice that their bodies were being FORCED TOGETHER. Literally had me crawling on the back of the couch to be far away as possible. I mean I knew it was going to happen because trailer, but the angle of the shots and cuts had me wanting to crawl away and that is good editing. So why pray tell ARE they trying to stick like Gorilla glue to one another? Well, it comes down to a cult deal and they unknowingly drank from the poisoned water well kids. You see them together but not really in sync with one another and after drinking the bad juju it seems to tear them further a part until they have their eureka moment of I really do love you and I don’t want this happening to you!

It is a creepy crawly fantastically horrific movie, so grab your popcorn, candy and favorite beverage and drown in this movie. BUT! Have you seen Together, why or why not? Do you think it’ll be the best horror movie of the year? What are you anticipating?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good evening readers! I’m still trying to get my sea legs after traveling. It was very rough getting TO the airport versus getting on the plane. But I digress, after a big ass event like The Stanley Hotel it’s really tough to top it. However, it’s not about topping but more about keeping the momentum and intrigue. Let’s brew about it!
Taking The Stanley Hotel off the bucket list is a big win, its rich in history and of course Steven King, revived it with one of his greatest stories, The Shining. So what’s next? Do I close up shop and retire? Two words, hell no. Although I’ll have to bide my time for another trip to rack up PTO hours and money of course, but doesn’t mean another big trip is out of the question. I heard, Jay and Silent Bob are holding down a cruise to Mexico and boy am I excited about that! It’d be cool to glimpse them around the ship but obviously you can’t just walk up to them ( a girl can dream.)

I have other places in town I have yet to sink my teeth into. The Catnip Cafe, veteran owned and rescue cat adoption cafe, Brownlee the garden center, and The Raven Faerie( yes, I went there for recon, but I’d really like to meet the owner). These are just a few places nearby that can bring the curiosity without having to pack yourself up and go halfway across the U.S. Which is what I’m getting at, local finds that can make the ho-hum weekend a nice little kick. But where or what would YOU like to see next? Is there a haunted place or event you’d like to see me head to? I know there’s an orchestra that’s doing a candlelight service featuring Halloween classic music, have you been?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good evening readers! I’m sorryIm still coming off the sails of The Stanley hotel trip, but I wanted to talk about The Naked Gun, because although I hinted the trip back was a pain in the ass and it was. I was hoping because the sun was down the trip home would be quiet (hopeful wishing) however, there was a glimmer of joy while my seat was being beat down by two kids behind me. Let’s brew about it!

Naked Gun has been around for a longggggg time. I always enjoyed the slapstick humor and acting from Lesley Nielsen so it only fit to have Liam Neeson reprise the role as the son of Frank Drebin and I couldn’t think of anyone more fitting to play the role. Now, I was surprised that Pamela Anderson played the leading lady. I haven’t seen her in anything, ever. At least not since Borat so that came to me as left field, BUT the chemistry was FIRE.

Now, was I worried that the humor from the original films wouldn’t be there? Yes, I was afraid that they wouldn’t be able to produce the beauty that is Naked Gun and lose all the slapstick one liners and create the boggy comedy that we have today. There was one name that gave me hope that was on the team producing the film, Seth McFarlane. Thank God, he knows how to hold the essence of an original story and without remaking the same damn thing.

The Naked Gun, was gust busting and playful AS IT SHOULD BE! I have no hate in my heart, although I couldn’t believe how off scene things are heating up between Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, who da thunk right? What about you? What do you think? Have you seen the new Naked Gun, did you like or hate it?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning readers! I am back home in what I like to call Jurassic Park State aka, Florida. I’m still trying to adjust to the time change and the exhaustion from traveling back. I made this a two-parter due to the fact that I wanted to talk about the walking of the grounds during the day and the Underground show with Nick Wallace. I really didn’t want to smoosh the last tour in on a whim, it deserves more than that. So, let’s brew about it!

After The Underground experience, I headed to the final tour which I’m excited for because I’ve heard about Lucy from previous ghost hunters and paranormal researchers. Who is Lucy? Lucy is the little homeless girl that was shoo’ed out into the cold and froze to death. I’ve been intrigued about her since I’ve heard about Lucy, the tour started where The Shining tour did. Now, The Shining tour is the headliner for ghoulishness and haunting, but The Stanley Night Tour has the history of The Stanley but with ghosts.

The tour us outside on the grounds and heading toward the theater where F.O. Stanleys wife, Flora, would entertain family and friends. Originally The Stanley was meant to be F.O. Stanley’s last hoorah before he passed, which was SUPPOSED to happen within weeks of arriving to Colorado since he had Tuberculoses really bad. Although Flora wanted to keep their home small, F.O had other plans and so the great estate began to grow to what it is now. But it was a beautiful place to entertain but evolved into a place to perform, ergo the caretaker office converted into a dressing room ( which is haunted). Lots of pictures occurred, but best part, we were one room from where “Lucy” was to be. Alas, my bubble was bursted Lucy isn’t real but rather just a name used for the homeless that would stay when The Stanley was closed during the winter months which is why they started having a caretaker stay year round to keep an eye on the buildings while guests weren’t around.

The tale end of the tour was intriguing as went in the underground tunnels where the servants used to move about without disturbing the guests back in the day. The tunnels aren’t in use anymore as they have collapsed, but I could almost envision servants popping out in random parts of the hotel. It was a fantastic way to end the evening. I can’t wait to go back out and adventure into another haunted and historic place. Where do you think I should go next? What’s a place you find that puts the hair on the back of your neck stand up?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Hello readers! This time I have more Keurig cups so I don’t keep lurking downstairs for coffee and loaf slices. But I am on the balcony soaking up the beautiful crisp air and scenery, I’m really going to miss the view and the fresh air. I’ve been leaving the door cracked at night, I’m really going to loathe going back to the hot humid Jurassic Park weather in Florida so I’m soaking up the Colorado vibes as much as I can ‘. I did last night after the seance set up the REM-POD and recorded, it went off a lot through out the night. I can’t wait to push the video out when I get home. However, the first night here I did set up the light up cat spheres with no such luck in the bathroom so I moved them to the main part of the room in hopes to catch them lighting up or moving. BUT today’s adventure is up to the elements let’s brew about it!

I decided to grab a cherry and banana loaf at The Colorado Cherry Company before roaming through the Rose Garden and maze, just good old meandering about, plus I wanted to get more wildflowers to press. Also, I heard there was a pet cemetery on the grounds and with the ping I found. I was able to walk up to it. NOW, I could tell you EXACTLY how I found it but where is the adventure in finding it on your own? I will give you a hint just type in pet cemetery while in Estes Park near The Stanley Hotel and you’ll find the ping for it.

In the evening I headed out to a magic show aka the Underground performed by Nick Wallace, down at The Post which is a part of The Stanley. The Underground is indeed UNDERGROUND, well, basement. I went down the stairs to where a wall to ceiling bookcase and with a pull of a book a door slid open. Smoke emitted from the room and stepping inside lit in low blue light the walls were decked with oddities and famous magicians from the past. The performance was exciting and comedic. It was a delightful evening with a message that reminded me of 13, the seance with Hannibal, bringing it full circle about spending time with one another gathering together. instead of our faces pressed to a screen.

But It has been a wonderful trip, the majestic beauty of Colorado can’t be denied, I wanted to have my things hauled over and buy a horse to live off the land (not happening…maybe). The Stanley Hotel itself historic and grand with it’s allure to the other side it has been nothing but fantastic, and I wish I had more time to uncover more of its nooks and crannies. What about you? Would you be interested in making the trip to The Stanley? Would you take part of their tours? Would you lean towards the historic or the spooky side? Maybe both?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good morning readers! today is going to be a long and exciting day, like I said yesterday I’m utilizing the balcony/ terrace. I’m not sure which word to use, but I’m enjoying the view out here and the fresh air. I’ve already ran out of the Keurig coffee they provide in the room so I have to go downstairs (awww shucks) to the cafe where theres all these amazing jarred and baked goods; such a terrible fate for me. But during the day today besides cruising around the Stanley grounds, I’ll be headed to the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP for short) and in the late evening hour I will be going to a Seance tour known as 13 led by Hannibal. Let’s brew about it!

I walked around the grounds after having the latte known as Room 217 in honor of the wonderful evening tour and spontaneous invite into said room last night. There was a beautiful outside patio and garden complete with a waterfall to enjoy before I meandered back to the main floor and into the gift shop known as Chrysalis, and bought goodies to bring back home before making my way downstairs to grab some treats for later.

And with a blueberry lemon loaf next to me and a large water I headed to the RMNP for a 2 hour drive through the most beautiful and scariest drive. One wrong turn of the wheel and yours truly would be doing a theatrical tumble and burn down the mountain side. 12,000 feet in the mountains 2 miles above sea level, best believe I wore my hoodie because it was COOOLD. It was crazy passing through Continental Divide and atop the Alpine Tundra, I cant believe back in the 1930s they went on horseback and blew up the mountains to create the road I drove on. I grabbed some wild flowers to press in a book to take home and frame.

After a quick bite to eat and a shower it was time to meet Hannibal for 13 A Late Night Seance. Hannibal was a very delightful gentleman. The room he conducted the seance in what was the quiet room for one of the owners, F.O. Stanley, whom was ailing from Tuberculous and would go up there to rest for fresh clean air and of course the view. But now the room is filled with antiquities on loan from collectors and items in storage at the Stanley. The night began with 9 strangers, myself included and as it began the energy was nervous but filled with the thrill to be in the room hoping to connect with the beyond or learn something more about ourselves.

At the end my own belief on the otherside, other than straight fascination and some experiences, came to ahead. The last practice Hannibal had us go through before closing the door, was for 4 of us to write down on a card. He wanted us to write down something happy, a happy memory, place or action as he spoke to the others in the group I felt a sharp tapping in between the base of my neck and right shoulder. It was very rapid, almost impatient before digging piercingly into my flesh. I looked up and told him as he instructed to do so if we were to get an interaction and he stated that it could be Margaret trying to get my attention and to let him know if it was bothering too much that he would take care of it. When it came down for him to guess what was on my card he quoted The Hobbit to me(I wrote Lord of the Rings on the back of my card) I was dumbfounded and delighted at the same time.

As the seance came to a close I kept the last experience I had with me, I was getting tickled ON my shoulder towards the end before he closed the door on the seance. I got to take a photo with Hannibal before he closed up the room. But I had a question, whom is Margaret and what does she want with me? Hopefully I’ll get to bump into him tomorrow as it will be my last night at The Stanley.

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good evening readers! I’m excited to be in Colorado (it’s my first time!) and let me tell you it is B. E. A. UUUUTIFUL here! At first, I was put off because it was very flat, but as I got closer to Estes Park, the mountains began to appear from the shadows stretching higher to the skies. This adventure starts off on a 2 hour trek to the hotel itself but the first night I HAD to do The Shining Tour, let’s brew about it!

Again the adventure to get to The Stanley Hotel took about 2 hours, but it was worth it. Stopping at Rosa Cantina for tacos and nachos, probably the freshest tortillas I ever had (made in house) and the Horchata was divine. Amongst the twists and turns, rise and fall of the land it made me think of the Fellowship of the Ring or a hero’s journey a quest for how long it took but it was well worth it to see the lay of the land. The Stanley Hotel itself can be seen from afar across a large lake before you even get close to the turn off. It is a gorgeous and massive place with smaller surrounding buildings.

Coming up to the great main building, the maze is off to the left. It isn’t as terribly tall nor large as it is in the movie, but it is fun to see. Inside the grandeur doesn’t stop, with deep dark ornate wood and floor to ceiling walls, even though there are 4 floors. I’m staying on the second floor in the Sunset Suite room 230. It is a gorgeous room with a large balcony to myself. I can’t wait to sit out there and write. Side note I’ve been wanting to start writing stories again. I thought if I challenge myself to do a page a day and see if in a year or less I MIGHT have a decent book on my hands. I mean I’m at the birth place of The Shining, Steven King ,did it because this place is inspiring, why not give it a go?

I booked the last tour of the day, so I explored around the first floor and then the basement where the tours begin. There they have The Vault where they sell spirits, a chocolate factory and cafe ( both of which were closed )when I went careening about. The tour itself is an hour long taking us from the basement up to the main floor where the MacGregor ballroom is, and about how the night Steven King came up with the idea of The Shining, which was because of a severe nightmare and a bit of drinking with the bartender, who’s name was Delbert Grady, yes Mr. King used the actual name of the man for his story. The tour took the group to the male and female work dormitories which they are fixing up and then to the caretaker’s cottage which was beautiful, they even had a room decked out as it was in the movie as well as a vault holding the axe Jack Nicholson used in the hedge seen. And of course, your’s truly had to get a picture in the infamous 217 tub lady scene, not my first rodeo in being in a haunted or murder/ suicide tub. ( I happened to pop in a tub where a woman passed away in at Scarlett O’ Hara’s).

I took lots and lots of photos and accidentally scared the tour guide( she didn’t realize I was still in the men’s dormitory and coming from the shadows, she screamed startling the others of the group that were waiting outside). I couldn’t help myself and said, “boo.” I thought that was a great way to end the night but taking the old elevator I decided to go the opposite direction to see the door of room 217 and it just o happens the couple in the same tour asked me and others in their room for a look around, what a coincidence, right? I got to snap more pictures especially room 217’s own copy of Black House where others have left notes of their visits as well as leaving their own scary reads in the bookcase.

Have you ever been to The Stanley Hotel? Have you taken The Shining tour? If not I recommend it, it’s a MUST. Tomorrow I’m heading to a national park before going on a late night tour.

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good evening readers! It’s been an evening write month it seems, but the days have been flying and it’s almost time to be at The Stanley Hotel! I’ll be there for a few days!! I’ve been dreaming of going there for years, but it’s time to make that dream a reality, let’s brew about it!

I’m staying at The Stanley Hotel in room 230, The Sunrise Room. It’s not the famous room 217 where Steven King birthed the idea of The Shining BUT I’m on the same floor. I booked 2 tours, one is a no brainer, The Shining tour and the other is the Spirited tour, where we get to talk to Lucy, the little girl that was found in the basement whom tragically was chased out and died due to freezing temperatures.

I’m bringing the ghost gear to hopefully record paranormal activities. I have the Rook which is an energy reader, the SB-11 that jumps different frequencies so you can speak with spirits, the REM Pod that detects activity and believe it or not some cat light-up spheres(balls) When I stayed at the Hotel Delphine and placed them in the bathroom…they lit up on their own after GOD knows how long they lit up and one of them rolled and they had been sitting there for a hot minute so, I’m excited to see if The Stanley Hotel will have a little activity of it’s own.

Besides roaming the halls at night at The Stanley, I will be going to the Rocky Mountain National Park for some hiking and supposedly there’s a little town area in which you can have lunch. I’m also, excited to see if there’s a metaphysical shop nearby. Any crystal energy will help, I think to attract the friends on the otherside. Have you been to The Stanley Hotel? Have you gone on of their tours? Is there a haunted place to stay that YOU reccomend?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good evening readers! I’ve been wanting to go to one of these Friday events since I moved to Plant city and this one felt totally right, it’s getting spooky in July, let’s brew about it!

Every Last Friday of the month Plant City Florida holds an event where venders can come to the main street area. Locals sell their wares even children can sell their homemade items as well as food trucks. Although it was super hot the smells were delicious. Most of the main street stores close after 5pm but because tof the event they stay open later.

You could find food trucks with burgers, wings and even lobster dishes, while young venders had made masks or bracelets, there was even a dog costume contest for the best wizard costume. Some locals dressed the part in robes or quidditch attire which was wonderful to see. I’m a big harry Potter fan, so you can see why I waited until half the year had gone by to go to this event.

I did stop by Goodies By Jack, because everywhere I go I have to get a pepper jelly or salsa. I bought the Strawberry Scotch Bonnet Pepper Jam and the Mango Habanero Pepper Jam. I have a weakness for baked brie topped with pepper jelly. In fact, I already have some brie ready to be baked in the oven, truth be told. I usually get the hottest salsa but Ms. Jack had ran out of her reaper salsa and I’ll have to wait until the next Friday to try some. Someone had come and cleaned her out! But I’m excited to try her medium to test the waters! I find that it’s a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle to bring a community together, do you have a place like that in your town or city? What’s your favorite or go-to? Have been to a vacation spot where they have locals selling their wares?

As Always Keep On Brewin!

Good evening readers, I hope you had a great weekend. I know I usually write first thing in the morning before I get into work. BUT I felt that it would add to the ambiance since I’m almost done reading The Shining! And it is fantastically creepy and I can’t seem to put it down. Plus, the countdown to the trip to The Stanley is just around the corner, 9 days away! Let’s brew about it!

If adulting didn’t happen to get in the way I would have read this book in a few days or less but work and other necessities cramped my ability to chug down a book without coming up for air(my usual style). The movie stayed close to the book, but as always the movie adaptation is always going to be different. I really wish the instances where Danny had visions with Tony that they applied it to the movie or where Jack interacts with the hotel more I think it would have added a more paranormal and scare factor to the movie.

Another big mistake in the movie, which isn’t really big I guess, but the number of the room is 217 not 237 like it is in the movie(ya know the scene with the ghoul in the bathtub). But that’s whatever, I’m staying on the 2nd floor which is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to wonder the halls at night and hopefully pick up some paranormal readings.

I know I will finish The Shining before hoping on a plane next week so, I might as well go ahead and buy the sequel Dr. Sleep, to read on the trip, however, it’s not a long trip, but it will definitely get the spirit of the adventure going. But what are your thoughts? Have you read Dr. Sleep or been to The Stanley? What do you think of The Shining book or movie, which is better?

As Always Keep On Brewin!