Ellen Sanderson, a long time supporter and
friend of SOC, is a Jill (the Reaper?) of all trades as far as the online
horror scene goes. She runs the
facebook page RyaansHorrorMovies as well as administrating one of my favorite
horror groups, Lair of Terror.
She’s a photographer and artist
(you can find her stuff HERE). She’s a
social media butterfly (check her out HERE on tumblr and @lovealandjill on
Twitter. I think my favorite thing
about Ellen, the way we became friends in the first place, and the reason I had
to get her in on this countdown is that she’s a true blue, hardcore, tireless
horror geek. Just about any time I get
on the ‘ol FB, Ellen’s there talking horror. Talking about what she’s watching, what she wants to watch,
horror collectibles, movie watching competitions that she’s organizing, and
generally just spreading the love of the genre. Anyone THAT into horror is definitely my kind of people. Most importantly, as you’ll see in her
piece, she’s a momma. So Ellen, what
does Halloween mean to you?
“What DOES Halloween mean to me? Before
Nathan presented me with the honor of writing this piece, I thought I knew the
answer. What I'm finding as I've written and re-written my entry is that I had
NO IDEA how deep and with what an overwhelming passion I would discover my
answer to this question.
I believe that having been born in Salem,
Massachusetts is where it all begins. Although I have never spent a Halloween
in Salem as an adult, the connection I feel to this spot on the map is incredibly
powerful. Hailing from a place with such a rich history of darkness, I'm left
to feel as if who I am today, and who I am yet destined to become, all stems
from my original roots being planted in Salem.
Growing up in Vermont, Halloween has meant
the season of fall. If you've ever visited New England at this time of year,
then you know of the beauty we are treated to here. As the sun's warming effect
lessens the leaves lose their green, resulting in the magnificent explosion of
fiery colors across the treetops. The crisp smell of all things fall fills the
air. Flip-flops and t-shirts are traded up for warm socks and hoodies as we are
taunted by the chill of the coming winter. We celebrate the season with pumpkin
and harvest festivals, hayrides, corn mazes, haunted forest walks, and driving
around at night to look at the Halloween lights and decorations throughout our
town… not to mention trying on every single mask in our local stores and
painting up our faces "just because.”
As Halloween arrives, we are never sure
what to expect for weather; rain, wind, temps anywhere from 30-70 degrees, even
snow! This doesn't stop us from adorning ourselves in our homemade costumes and
going off out into the night, even if it's in hats and mittens! We navigate our
way through the neighborhoods; feeling the fallen leaves crunch beneath our
feet and taking in all of the seasonal sights and sounds as we lead our little
ones out for trick or treating.
Since I first became a mother 16 years ago
(1 week before Halloween to be exact) the time of year became even more
meaningful for me. Sharing Halloween time with children is magical! My children
are at the heart of EVERYTHING I do in my life. It only makes sense that they are the heart of my Halloween too!
There is no greater joy than seeing my kids happy and excited about something
that has always been so special to me. The feeling is overwhelming and
wonderful!
I had planned on talking about my love for all
things HORROR! My film collection and how I celebrate the season with certain
titles, but I was caught off guard, and this assignment took me completely in
another direction. What does Halloween mean to me? It means feelings of love,
wonderment, joy, beauty and having been blessed with my children. Halloween is
a gift and a reason for celebration that truly warms my heart. And horror too,
of course! It also apparently means the mushiest piece of writing you'll
probably ever read on Son Of Celluloid! Cheers and thank you, Nathan. Fun
times, my friend! And would you look at that! I didn't drop the F-Bomb once!
MUAHAHAHAHA! Happy Halloween, all.”
25 days ‘til Halloween, Halloween, Halloween. 25 days ‘til Halloween. Silver Shamrock.
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