There are some changes afoot in my cemetery! Your beloved Twisted Libra has decided to escape the Zucker-verse! Soon, the Facebook and Instagram pages I created years ago will be nothing more than a memory.
Why the move, you ask? Well, mainly I am just not a fan of Zuckerberg or the shady shit he does with his companies. That, and Facebook has become a toxic cesspool of ignorance of which I want no part. Instagram was my favorite, but it must go as well. Any platform owned by Meta is a hard no from me.
Where will I go? Don’t fret, my lovelies! I have already created an account over on BlueSky! It is a new social app that is a welcome departure from the corporate greed and data mining that Zuck and Musk are so well known for. I, for one, am looking forward to a fresh start! I want my social media to focus on my work and not anything personal. If Libra Dog and Libra Hubs wanted public exposure, they would create social accounts. This will be my opportunity to get back to posting my writing and photography. I am excited to see what the future holds!
You can find my social links in the Seance Parlour on www.twistedlibracemetery.com. Do come by and see me! It is always my dark pleasure to have you!
Hello, my lovelies. I hope those of you in the US are all enjoying a wonderful day full of food, loved ones, and laughs. Or, if you’re like me, a cozy day at home with peace and quiet. Either way, what bliss, am I right? I don’t really get into much celebration other than Halloween, but I figured today would be a good day to speak on things for which I am grateful.
The obvious ones are family, friends, health, a great rack, and a kick-ass sense of humor. I mean, these are no surprise. What I want to do is list the things I am grateful for that might seem obscure to everyone else. What am I if not strange, no? Anyway, here is my little list. This isn’t everything I am grateful for, just a few things. Enjoy!
Gray, drizzly days with cool breezes
Quiet cemeteries, especially on those gray days
A hot Gevalia Signature Blend coffee with a splash of Silk vanilla oat milk creamer
Dark poetry
The music of Nox Arcana and Evanescence (the entire Fallen album is perfection)
Dogs (we don’t deserve them)
Solitude and time to think
Logic enough to say ghosts aren’t real, but whimsy enough to wonder
Dracula, and all the intriguing parts of that legacy
How, when the world dies each winter, it does so in magnificent shades of red, orange, and yellow
Being born on a Friday in October under a full Blood Moon
Embracing goth culture after many years of suppression by parents, partners, and society at large, and finally loving my weird little self enough to be me
I don’t actually need a special day to be grateful. I am aware each day how far I have come and how much I love being the Twisted Libra. The last thing I will add to my list tonight is all of you, my lovelies. Thank you for supporting me, for reading my ramblings, for visiting my cemetery, and for accepting me as I am. You mean more than you know. Now, before I go getting all mushy, how about the obligatory self-promotions?
With the uncertainty that looms ahead for many of us, I feel it is imperative that I continue to create. Happiness and fulfillment are my focus, and I can guarantee those things more easily here in my cemetery than out in the regular world. Do not mistake my silence for apathy, just know that my focus going forward will be on the work that keeps my little dark heart beating. That being said, I have a new creation I would like to share. It isn’t finished, just in the early stages. I am potentially crafting a new collection of story-driven poetry. I have yet to decide. However, here is the first taste. Enjoy!
A giant, black tent looms ahead against the moonlit sky.
The ticket in my hand smells of rot, and stains my skin with ashes.
A broken melody drifting from the entrance sounds as though it’s being played in reverse.
I can feel the curious gazes of demons and ghouls watching from the shadows.
Finally, it’s my turn.
I hand the ticket to a strange man who seems there…but not there.
I step inside to take my seat, and wait for the Dark Circus to begin!
More to come soon, my lovelies! In the meantime, did you know your beloved Twisted Libra was mentioned in an incredibly captivating episode of Spiritus Podcast? I contributed the idea of covering the legend of the Richmond Vampire. I also provided pictures of the alleged vampire tomb, which you can find on the Spiritus Instagram!
Be sure to follow Spiritus/Ivy on Instagram, Facebook, and wherever you listen to your podcasts! And don’t forget to give her the highest rating! Her show and her images are always amazing!
Now, forgive me my lovelies, but it is time for the shameless self-promotion!
Yesterday, I treated myself to a performance of Dracula by a local theater group. This may sound rather mundane; a trip to the theater is exquisite, but not necessarily newsworthy. Well, did I mention that this was an immersive production (my first!) with a revised locale of Virginia? This was no ordinary Dracula. Hang on tight, my lovelies. Here is my Wolfbane Productions Presents: Dracula review!
Let’s start with the obvious question: what is “immersive” theater? A traditional theater production will have the audience seated before a stage area, typically one that is raised. This causes a separation between the show and the patrons. You sit and watch the story unfold on the stage, as though you are watching from some invisible window. Everything is happening away from you, to be viewed from a distance. Immersive theater puts you into the action! The stage area was on the floor level, with set pieces creating raised levels. My seat was directly in the thick of the performance! Characters stood next to me, fight sequences took place right in front of me, and I felt like I was one of the players, not just a patron! It was truly exciting!
Now, about the actual play. Forget what you know, or think you know, about Dracula. Wolfbane Productions took the myth by the cape and turned it completely sideways. This was, without a doubt, one of the most creative retellings of the famous story that I have ever witnessed! Written by Ken Arpino & Dustin Williams, this version takes the legendary Count not from Transylvania to London, but from Transylvania to Virginia! Also, gone are the top hats and tails of the dapper London social scene; the Wolfbane Dracula is much more than just some aristocratic vampire. I refuse to post any spoilers, but suffice it to say this Count is one like you have never seen before!
The cast of this show absolutely blew me away. This was an extremely physical performance, and each actor seemed to navigate the action with a professional ease that we should all envy. It was obvious that each performer poured their soul into the character; I never felt like I was watching a play, but rather real people enduring real situations. A good show makes you believe in magic. Wolfbane Productions did that and then some. I felt connected to these characters. I became invested in their outcomes. The second half of the show affected me to actual tears. These were powerful performances. I don’t personally know any of the cast members, but I will list them for you here:
Dracula… JACK FELLOWS Van Helsing… SABINA PETRA RM Renfield… STEPHEN SHELTER Jonathan Harker… SAMUEL CADIEUX Mina Harker… SIMONÉ ELIZABETH BART Lucy Westenra… ERIN MCMILLEN Samuel Seward… ZACH FAIR Quincey Morris… MATTHEW STEVENSON Arthur Holmwood… JACK SCHONFELDER Elsbeth… ASHLEY LENOX WEST Ida… LIZZIE NIGRO
As I said, the entire cast did a brilliant job; however, as a lover of Dracula, I must give recognition to the actor behind the title role. Jack Fellows was tasked with giving an original presentation of a character that has been presented in nearly every conceivable way. How does one even begin to do this? Without spoiling anything, I can say that his delivery of the famous Count Dracula was breathtakingly original and drew me into the story unlike anything else. His choices of mannerisms, voice, and attitude were wholly original. I have seen far too many Dracula actors basically regurgitate Lugosi and Lee. They fall into a familiar pattern that often dulls an otherwise good performance. Jack Fellows found his own path and took us all along for the ride. He blended small touches from both book and film with his own dark design to create a version that will resonate with casual fans and academic aficionados alike. I now consider his performance to be among my absolute favorites!
From the incredible script, to the outstanding special effects, to the utterly spectacular performances, this was an intoxicating thrill ride from start to finish! If you are in the Lynchburg, Virginia area, or if you are willing to travel for a great show, then I can say that Wolfbane Productions Dracula is 100% Twisted Libra approved!
If you can’t attend the show, consider donating to ensure this brilliant theater continues to provide us with exhilarating shows: https://www.wolfbane.org/
I could go on for days about this play, but it would just be repetitions of accolades. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed myself. This Dracula passed the test. If I get the opportunity, I hope to go back before it ends its run. I’d love to watch the magic unfold one more time. I can’t say enough about this show, this cast, or Wolfbane Productions. Consider me smitten.
Before I go, here is my obligatory self-promotion:
Today is your beloved Twisted Libra’s birthday! And you all know how we Libra folk love to celebrate in October. This is basically my month. The whole goddamn month. It’s mine. My birthday, Halloween, spooky decor on sale nearly everywhere…I am happiest this time of year!
So, how does one so fascinated with death celebrate her own life? Well, my typical birthday begins with a quiet walk with Libra Dog. I just enjoy being with her and getting ALL the smooches! Then I whisk myself away for a coffee and an indulgent trip to the bookstore. This year, I also threw in a visit to Hollywood Cemetery for some peaceful photography. Unfortunately, the bastard mosquitoes thought I tasted quite delectable. I didn’t stay for very long.
On my way home, I saw a Home Goods. I have been decidedly well behaved this season, not going to any of the major Halloween decor shops in order to avoid binge-shopping on items I have no room for. However, today I chose violence. Okay, so not actual violence; just a touch of impulse shopping. I left the store with a bounty consisting of two new mugs and a Dracula bust. (One mug was for Libra Hubs, because I’m such a saint that I buy for others on my special day.)
If you came here expecting a disquisition on age or the wisdom of life, you’re just shit out of luck. I don’t really enjoy waxing philosophical, especially here on my blog. I prefer to spin an entertaining tale of my travels, and impart a little dark-hearted love where I can. People often claim “life is short.” It’s honestly not. Unless some tragedy befalls you, most of us will spend several decades on this earth. Life is long and, at times, exhausting. Find happiness when and where you can. Mine just happens to be within the realm of the macabre. But, then again, that’s why you love me, isn’t it?
I might say, one of the best ways to celebrate my birthday would be to purchase your very own Twisted Libra book(s)! You can find them here:
Thank you to every soul who has wished me well today. I love you all. If you decide to buy a book or several, I am humbly grateful. If you already have my books, please consider leaving a review. You can do this on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Good Reads, or any other site you know of that is book-related. Reviews are like lifeblood for an author. I hope all of you have an incredible day. You are always welcome here in my cemetery!
The greatest month of all has finally arrived! Hello, my beautiful October! There are so many wonderful reasons to appreciate this month, least of all being Halloween! This is the one time during the year when my outside world matches my inside feelings. For 31 delicious days, everyone is a creepy, gothic freak! We all rise out of our coffins in search of macabre delight!
I have been writing this post in my head for a few days, but in the wake of the tragedies going on down in NC, SC, GA, TN, and FL due to Hurricane Helene, I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss that rather than the start of October. As a native of NC, I am especially heartbroken for everyone who has been directly affected. We have all month to discuss spooky season. Today, I want to post some links for assistance and donations. Please, if you are able, donate what you can. People have lost everything, including loved ones. We need to spread the love and help where we are able.
These are just a few places to help. There are many more. Local and global sites exist for donations and assistance. If you can donate, please do. If you have power and food, consider inviting over your neighbors who do not. If you see posts on social media about missing people, share the info. Help however you can. Let’s show the world how humanity is supposed to work. Actions mean so much more than just “thoughts and prayers.” Don’t get me wrong, pray if that is your thing. Just don’t let that be all that you do. Step up, my lovelies!
I choose to forego the obligatory self-promotion on this post. There are bigger things to focus on today. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time…
I feel the stirrings of creativity once again, my lovelies. Summer officially ends today, and if your beloved Twisted Libra was capable of performing back flips, I would do several. Bring on the cooler temps, the early sunsets, and the lack of insects. I am ready.
Since taking on the new day job, I find I have less time for creative ventures. It is difficult to balance my survival in the real world with the desire to create in my fictional one. My goal this fall and winter is to carve out more time for my writing and photography. I need to do these things; they are the essence of my very soul. I’m trying my best to shake off the depressive slump of summer and get back to being me.
In the spirit of coming back to life, here’s a little something I wrote about death:
What can I say? I do “bleak” pretty well. Go with your strengths. Anyway, I feel I am back on track to being creative and, dare I say, happy. Stay tuned! Before I go, here are the obligatory self-promotion links:
A few months back, my website domain through Google was purchased by Squarespace. The transition has been, shall we say, less than stellar. In truth, Squarespace and its nonexistent customer service can go fuck itself. I have been unable to edit my website since the transfer. Inquiries and support requests go unanswered. This is absolutely ludicrous. To say I am upset would be an understatement. Livid seems more fitting.
I’ve decided to migrate my domain here to WordPress. My blog is here, so why not have both sites in the same location? The only caveat is, I’m doubtful that WP will offer the exact editing tools as Google did. This means the appearance of my website might have to change. I am not entirely sure how to feel about this. I worked hard on my site. I love the way it looks. Now I will have to (possibly) start all over from scratch. Seriously, fuck you Squarespace. And fuck Google for selling in the first place. This entire transfer has been a disaster.
The transfer to WP will undoubtedly take a few days. My website will remain functional throughout, but I can’t add anything new. Once things gets settled, I will revamp my cemetery! Maybe I can take Twisted Libra in an entirely new direction? This might be exciting after all. Like a happy accident or something. One can hope. While we wait, treat yourself to the latest creation from yours truly:
“Death is but an endless slumber, ushering us into a world in which the dream never ends; we wake only in the memories of those who mourn us.”
This is just the beginning. It isn’t finished, so don’t judge. Just a little something that popped in my head today while I was out at Hollywood Cemetery. That is honestly one of the most incredible places I’ve been. I find so much peace and balance there. It’s my happy place these days.
Thanks for hearing me out on this whole Squarespace thing. It really does suck, my lovelies. On to better things, no? I will keep you updated. In the meantime, here are the shameless self-promotions:
Dancing Among the Remains 