Halloween 2026

 Hello everyone! It's the morning of October 31, and that can only mean that All Hallows Eve is drawing nigh. As is my tradition, I'd like to present a few vintage Halloween images from days and years past. So, let's get started. 

I really like this one. Supposedly, this image is early twentieth century. I enjoy its simplicity; yet, here's a black cat wearing a witch's hat. Bats fly overhead as the moon rises or sets in the distance. What's not to like? 

Here we have a young girl sitting atop a Jack O' Lantern. She also wears a witches hat and is surrounded by a broom stick on either side of her. While I'm not sure what the two ornamentals above her are, I'd like to speculate that they might represent apples as bobbing for apples used to be a Halloween tradition. I remember participating in one such event as a young child. 

I'll finish with this one because it is truly an oldie but goodie. This photo, apparently of a real girl, appears to be turn of the twentieth century. She holds a Jack O' Lantern, wears a witch's hat and there's a smiling moon behind her. Images of a smiling moon seem to be a much more common feature of Halloween art way back when. In those days Halloween was simple. Images seemed to reflect nature somewhat more than they do now. It was all about ghosts, witches, black cats, skeletons and the macabre, at least to me it was. 

Well, that's it for this year. I hope you all enjoy the images. Happy Halloween! 

 

New Book - Gruesome Encounters: A Collection of Nightmarish Fables

 

It's hard for me to believe that it has been five years since I published my last book, but it really has been that long. Now, I am pleased to announce that my fourth publication, Gruesome Encounters: A Collection of Nightmarish Fables, is available in the Lulu bookstore. Further, it's available in both print and ebook format. 

Inside the book's covers you will find the story of a woman who is harassed by a group of small-town toughs, and how she makes them pay the consequences of their actions. 

You will read about a French man of the cloth who finds himself enraptured by the charms of a young woman who just happens to be stalked by her demonic ex-lover. 

Furthermore, the Rosalie/Narkissa Laveau storyline continues when a malevolent harlequin with preternatural abilities kidnaps a young girl from the carnival at which her mother works.

And, the book contains more!

If you enjoy spooky reading just follow this link for more information. Thanks for being here!

World Goth Day 2026

Happy World Goth Day everyone! 

Yes indeed, it really is that time of year again when we celebrate our subculture, its roots and its beginnings. Word has had it that this spring that there are far more related events taking place this time around than in previous years. So, I took a look and yes, I found far more happening this year than I've seen during recent years. The best part of it all is that the events are taking place almost world-wide. So, there might just be an event that you'll be able to make. 

All you have to do is follow this link to the main page and click on events. Anyway, that's all I have for you today, but I hope you find something. If not, I hope your celebration is a good one. 

Our First Annual Vampire Ball

 

This past Saturday night, Northwest Arkansas goths hosted their first annual vampire ball at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville--and what a great time it was! 

As is usual for our events, there was a spooky assortment of creations and wares created by our community's artisans, which were readily available for purchase. While deejays usually provide the musical entertainment for our events, the music Saturday night was provided by four bands, which included Little Rock's Clusters of Fornication, Jonesboro, Arkansas' Skull Family, and Stare Away from New York City. The musical headline for the evening was none other than Rosegarden Funeral Party, which hails from Dallas, Texas. 

I have long wanted to see/hear Rosegarden Funeral Party live, and it finally happened Saturday night. Most importantly, I got to meet the band's front woman Leah Lane in person. She's an incredible vocalist, songwriter and guitarist as well as a just amazing person. She simply invited folks to hang out with her after the band's set, and well, how could I refuse? It was truly an honor to be able to meet and talk with her.

   I had a great time hanging out with friends, and danced a good part of the night away. The photo below shows a few of us waiting for things to kick into gear.

Finally, I couldn't resist having a photo taken of Leah and myself. 

A couple of things that struck me about our vampire ball was the attendance. Ordinarily goth nights have been held in smaller venues, including last July's Goth Prom. On that night the venue was packed with people, many of them seemingly baby bats. This might have had something to do with the decision to find a larger place for the ball, and it's a good thing the organizers did, because there was a big crowd at George's Majestic Lounge on Saturday night. We were both astounded and encouraged by the attendance. It would seem that there are lots of younger people, baby bats perhaps, that are embracing the darkness. Further, even Leah from Rosegarden was impressed by our community, which was very flattering indeed. 

Coming up next is Horror for the Holidays in mid-December. If I'm not mistaken, this will be the fourth annual Horror for the Holidays. I'm really looking forward to it. 

Our first vampire ball was a huge success with great crafts, music, and a good time was had by all. I would like to thank The Gloom Collective, The Goth Tea Society, Bone Church Jewelry and Death Mistress Sarah for organizing this event. 

All photos by K. Kiera