Of Beaches and Monsters

‘Ber months may start tomorrow, but Summer isn’t over just yet. There’s still 23 days left to celebrate Summerween. I couldn’t decide which is scarier, horror films featuring spooky cabins or mysterious beaches. So, here’s a double list with the best of both worlds. From creature features to crazed killers, you can find all of these films streaming somewhere. Let me know which list you think has the scariest movies.

Best Nautical Horror Movies

Happy Summer! Tis the season for visiting the beach and taking boat rides across the seven seas. The theme this month has been June Doom and as recent events has shown us (orca boat attacks, lost Titanic sub, etc.), the ocean is still the Earth’s most dangerous playground. But, for as much as I love Jaws, shark horror is a dime a dozen, so I decided to go in a slightly different direction by sharing my picks of the best nautical horror that doesn’t involve sharks. From vengeful spirits to alien creatures hiding in the depths of the trenches, this list will give you plenty of reasons to stay on dry land. Check them out and leave me comment here or on Instagram to let me know what you thought.

It Came From Beneath the Sea, 1955
The Fog, 1980
Deep Rising, 1998
Leviathan, 1989
Deep Star Six, 1989
Below, 2002
Ghost Ship, 2002
Underwater, 2020

March Madness – Ten Great Psychological Horror Films

Originally, my monthly theme was March Madness, but I didn’t like the story. However, I already put together a list of my fave spooky movies about going insane. Is it all in their heads or is something more sinister afoot? Gotta watch to find out.
In keeping with the theme of March Mischief, I’m totally posting a March Madness movie list!🤪😄

Haiku of the Week

As Christmas season 2022 winds down, we look forward to a bright and shining year. Now is the time to start anew. Refresh. Shed skin. Take on new challenges and don’t look back. The past is gone. There’s nothing for us there.

Our little ghost friend had a visitor last night, and now, he’s safely back with his family, where he belongs. See, everything works out in the end, even for the haunted. Our theme this month has been haunted holidays.

_upscale

sugarplum dreams
bright light in the darkness
Ole Saint Nick was here

Happy New Year, everyone!

Haiku of the Week

Our little ghost has no name, but he wanders the hallways of his old home this December, looking for Christmas cheer. The theme this month is haunted holidays.

grand noble fir
lit candles on the branches
our last Christmas eve

Gifts for Ghost Hunters

Thinking of embarking on an exciting journey of becoming a paranormal investigator, or perhaps you have a young family member interested in ghosts and paranormal research? Well, you’ve come to the right place. There are dozens of options these days for folks just starting out. My lists are designed for quick and easy holiday shopping, but I encourage all to do a little bit of research before making big decisions on pricey equipment.

Top Shops

Ghost Stop – One-stop shopping for ghost hunter fans
https://www.ghoststop.com/gifts/

Ghost Hunter’s Equipment by Ghost Augustine – As seen on Taps, Ghost Adventures, Destination Fear, Ghost Finders, and many more.
https://ghosthuntersequipment.com

Top Gifts List

Motion Light Balls – $5
Think there’s a ghost in the room? Well toss one of these suckers on the floor and wait to see if the ghost interacts with it. Made for one-time use, so get a couple for the stocking.
https://www.ghoststop.com/motion-light-ball/


Antique Brass Compass – $12
Before EMF readers, changes in magnetic fields were judged by this little pocket-size tool. No need to worry about batteries or technical issues, any standard brass compass will point you in the right direction.
https://www.amazon.com/Antiqued-Brass-Poem-Compass-Leather/dp/B009HJOE3O/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=vintage+compass&qid=1671324858&sr=8-2

The Ghost Hunters Handbook by Lori Summers on Etsy – $15
A little pocket guide for hunters on the go.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1061718871/the-ghost-hunters-handbook-a-field-guide

A Teen’s Guide to Ghost Hunting by Amanda Woomer – $15
This book written by paranormal investigator and author Amanda Woomer from Spook Eats was designed to introduce teens to the exciting world of paranormal investigation. Ms. Woomer has written several books about her paranormal adventures, so she knows a thing or two about ghost hunting.
https://spookeats.com/a-teens-guide-to-ghost-hunting/

Ghostology: The Art of the Ghost Hunter by Steve T. Parsons – $18 (paperback)
Not a how-to book per se, but anyone interested in getting into paranormal investigations, whether for a career or hobby, should check out paranormal author and veteran ghost hunter Steve T. Parson’s work. The man is a bit of an expert on the subject and has been featured on shows of some of television’s biggest networks, such as BBC, Discovery Network, National Geographic, and ITV to name a few.
https://www.amazon.com/Ghostology-Hunter-Steven-T-Parsons/dp/191012172X

Winning Moves Classic Ouija Board Game – $28
Because no good ghost story starts with a game of Sorry. I recommend beginners start with a little small talk first. If you get any feedback, then, you might want to up your game.
https://winning-moves.com/product/ouija.asp

LED Flashight: ThurNite Archer 2A 3V Cool White – $30
Ghost hunting 101: Everyone knows the first tool of a great paranormal investigator is the almighty flashlight. Ghost hunting takes place at night, in the darkest and spookiest of places. No one wants to break a leg looking for Casper, right? If you want the best and have the money to pay for it, check out the Fenix PD36R, but for those on a budget, the ThruNite Archer is the next best thing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H1NTK82/?tag=gjbgtechgeneralflashlights-20

Digital Voice Recorder 16GB – $50
Ghosts have a lot to talk about, but you’re gonna need a good recorder to catch what they say.
https://ghosthuntersequipment.com/collections/spirit-boxes/products/digital-voice-recorder

K2 EMF Meter – $65
The legendary, original paranormal tool used by the pros! This was game changer in paranormal investigating when Ghost Hunters show hit the airwaves, as the practice was consider by many to be pseudoscience. The use of practical and very real technology brought an aire of legitimacy to the practice.
https://ghosthuntersequipment.com/collections/emf-meters/products/k2-emf-meter-plus

EVP Wrist Recorder 3 – $80
For ghost hunters on the go or anyone who suddenly find themselves all alone in a dark, old, spooky place, or, maybe not so alone…
https://www.ghoststop.com/evp-wrist-recorder-3/

Zip up Hoodie Sweatshirt from Ghost Hunters – $99
Gearing up for long cold nights? Don’t forget to pick up a zip up hoodie sweatshirt to keep warm from one of the best paranormal shows ever created.
https://www.officialghosthunters.com/shop/zip-up-hoodie

Beginner Ghost Hunter Kit – $149
Fancy a new hobby in the ghost hunting field but not quite ready for fancy equipment? Then, check out the beginner ghost hunter kits from Ghost Stop. https://www.ghoststop.com/beginner-ghost-hunting-kit/

BooBuddy Interactive Bear – $400
He’s cute. He’s cuddly. But he is not a toy, he’s a ghost hunter!
https://www.ghoststop.com/boobuddy-interactive-bear/

BooBuddy Jr. EMF Trigger Bear – $80
For those who still want to track changes in energy, but suffer PSTD from the Teddy Ruxpin era.
https://www.ghoststop.com/boobuddy-jr-emf-trigger-bear/

Pro Ghost Hunter Kit – $699
This kit has every tool a ghost hunter needs to tackle a big haunt or go pro!
https://www.ghoststop.com/evp-wrist-recorder-3/

Monthly Haiku Corner – December

Happy December! Welcome to the haunted holidays. Not everyone is surrounded by family and friends this season. Some spend Christmastime alone. Some don’t celebrate at all. Some people celebrate different traditions due to their beliefs and religion. It’s busy, stressful, and it’s important to be kind during this time. It’s important to be kind to yourself. No one expects you to be a big ball of cheer, just don’t be an asshole. Hurt and anger is contagious. Shield yourself with love, patience, and kindness, but set realistic goals.

Our little ghost has no name, but he wanders the hallways of his old home this December, looking for Christmas cheer. The theme this month is haunted holidays.

Haunted Holidays by Haĺloweenkristy

Haiku of the Week

Our theme this month is December Ghosts.

footsteps in the hall
ghosts sneak up on Santa
christmas is lost

Haiku of the Week

Our theme this month is December ghosts.

roasted chestnuts
surrounded by the spirits
haunted holidays

Dickens Sunday

Every Sunday, we celebrate Charles Dickens with a haiku tribute to his classic tale, A Christmas Carol.