Amanda Norman
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So Long 2011
Well it’s certainly been a challenging year and as I write this now, I’m suffering with severe tonsillitis. As soon as I opened my mouth at the emergency GP clinic, the doctor almost jumped backwards stating the obvious. Thankfully I now have my anti-biotic tablets, but of course, I can’t have a drink for the next week. New Years Eve without a drink! 
My 2yr old granddaughter, Holly is most definitely providing the terrible two syndrome and yes, Christmas has been very different this year. To be honest, my patience has been very thin and I wish I could have crawled into a hole and hibernated instead of putting on a show for everyone and pretending that I’m not as bad as I feel. At least I’m feeling better and to while away some alone time, I’ve decided to highlight the good and bad points of 2011.
Gothic and Horror Photography
It’s a huge struggle selling Gothic and horror photography. This year I’ve made about five sales, if that as it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Obviously I get lots of really nice feedback, which is much appreciated and I thank you all for your kind words. I’ve recently updated my photography gallery (click here to view) as it presents the photographs a lot better. The music is supplied by the lovely Tony Longworth, who I miss working with on a daily basis due to being made redundant a few years back.
I will carry on with my photography, but some of you may have noticed that I’m gradually stepping out of the shadows and dipping my toes into the world of commercial photography. I’ve taken child/family portraits and completed one wedding this year.
Mother and Child Portrait Photography
Gail & Stuart’s Wedding Photography
My heart will always be with the Gothic and horror photography though and I will update my galleries soon.
Gothic Jewellery Box
My big drive this year has been pushing my Gothic jewellery that I started to create at the beginning of the year. It is inspired by my love of classic horror. I’ve been more successful with selling items of jewellery than my photography, but if I’m to make a profit, I need to sell a lot more.
There’s currently a massive sale on where you get 15% off any item of jewellery from now until the end of January using code NY2012. http://www.gothicjewellerybox.com
What I’m really pleased about happened very recently. My mother asked me if I could make a pendant featuring a photograph of a girls deceased mother as a nice gift for Christmas day. The girl loves it and it might bring in some more orders for me, so that’s brilliant news.
Meeting Twitter Friends in Person
I’m really happy that I got to meet the following Twitter peeps in person as it’s been fun and it’s always nice to make new friends.
- The wonderful @PepperyApple who is a local girl and we had a really nice chat over a Starbucks coffee. I’m guessing it will be the first of many.
- I finally got to meet @Cyberschizoid and @ScareSarah in person at the Manchester Horror Campaign Festival. I also met some other followers such as @liverecs and more.
- Of course @HorrorExtreme has been to stay a couple of times with us this year, but fancy passing out on Halloween…
and finally……
The Hammer Horror Poster is Framed and Up
To my amazement, Luke purchased this poster as a Christmas gift last year and today, yes today, it’s actually been placed on the wall and doesn’t it look FANGTASTIC?
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours all the best for 2012 and thanks for supporting my classic horror creativeness as again, it’s much appreciated.
Best Birthday Cake Ever!
Well, last week I turned 40 and well I don’t feel any different, but I just have to show you my Birthday cake.
It broke my heart to cut it up, but my daughter was begging for a piece of cake so I got her to dissect it. 
Finally, as I had my party celebration on Saturday just gone, an old friend turned up and asked where all the vampires are as she was under the impression that a lot of them would be in attendance. I really don’t know where she got that idea from as the bar don’t stock True Blood yet. 
What is Classic Horror?
You might have read that my photography and jewellery is inspired by my love of Classic Horror, but what is my definition of classic horror?
Simply put….
‘Classic horror are the films of yesterday that today still stand the test of time. No CGI, just music, lighting effects and a good story that together builds a powerful atmosphere that you won’t forget’.
I’ve done quite a few posts featuring my favourite classic horror movies and below is my list of classics that should never be forgotten and by no means is this list complete. I’m sure you will add yours.
It worries me when Hollywood and the like make re-makes for the younger generations with all of their CGI and 3D technology that the originals will never want to be watched by future generations. This is one of my reasons why I fully support Richard Gladman’s Classic Horror Campaign and I highly recommend that if you’re a fan of classic horror, you visit the campaign’s website and show your support. Click here for Classic Horror Campaign and look out for future double bill events coming your way and you can then join in on the fun.
Where I’ve wrote about my favourite movies in the past, they will link up to the relevant post for further reading.
This list isn’t in order of preference and feel free to add your thoughts and favourites.
Halloween
John Carpenter’s 1978 film starring Donald Pleasence and Jamie Curtis is one film that scared me simply because Carpenter created a monster called Michael that would never die. What was Michael hiding behind that mask of his?
It’s an all time classic as the music was spooky and eerie and you can’t tell me that you never jumped once when feeling compassion for Jamie’s character, hoping that she will survive. The original version of Halloween is a classic and I would be extremely disappointed if future generations only got to see the sequels.
Exorcist
Absolutely shocking and damn right scary for it’s time. Heads spinning, green puke, scary eyes and OMG that voice that you will never forget!
I can’t believe that I advised my daughter who was 19 at the time to watch this movie and she came back telling me that her and friends couldn’t stop laughing at it and that it was rubbish. OMG! What does this say about generations younger than me?
Cujo
Awwwww, what a cute little puppy….
Is something you won’t say in this film.
The little boy in this film made it for me. Remember when he was having that asthma attack and they’re trapped in the car by the rabid St Bernard that’s drooling down the windscreen just waiting to rip them to shreds? Click here for previous post titled ‘Horror No Go Zone’ for a video clip.
Salem’s Lot
‘You’ll enjoy Mr Barlow and he will enjoy you’.
I’ve wrote so much about this vampire movie made for television that I’m simply going to list the posts that feature Salem’s Lot.
The Legend of Hell House
Again, the music, the settings and that horrid black cat really make this movie an all time classic horror.
So, it’s now up to you to share your favourite classic horror movie and why.
Rambling About Life And Death
My head is in a constant spin these last few days and half the time I’m buzzing, because people have finally started buying my handmade jewellery and photography, which of course I’m extremely grateful for, but then I’m brought back down to Earth with an almighty bang that leaves me feeling, err… numb!
I was told back in April that a friend of mine was terminally ill and had about three months to live. Lung cancer! I was worried about going to see him in the hospital as I don’t know what to say and friends advised me to be as normal as I can. Well, I went to see him and he was tired, smiley and comforted that all his family was around him. Tony is a big family man. His family means the world to him and they’ve always come first.
I told myself after the hospital visit that he will get better and that it’s a mistake. Only last Halloween he was buzzing about organising a Halloween bash at the local pub and I designed the poster for the event. There was no sign at all that he was ill.
He came home from the hospital a few weeks later and my daughter is a regular visitor and she told me that last Sunday he was up and more like his usual self. I was very pleased as it looked like I was right all along.
Last Thursday, my daughter phones me to tell me that I have to visit Tony as he’s got worse. I spoke to his son about visiting and he told me that the funeral directors were visiting in the afternoon and I told him that I will ring tomorrow then for the best time to visit.
I can’t tell you how much this has gutted me. It’s finally confirmed that it is going to happen and that I’ve been stupid for avoiding what’s coming. I did go and see him yesterday and at one point I could feel the tears start to well, but I fought them back and gave myself a headache, just like I’m doing now. He’s been unconscious since Tuesday.
The Tony I remember absolutely lived for life and his family. He’s a joker, licking people’s ears and enthusiastic about his music and computing. Honestly, he was the life and soul of any party, always fun to be around. I have lots of good memories about Tony.
Why am I publishing my thoughts and feelings for the world you might ask?
I’m numb and well, I hate to say it, I guess I’m waiting for the inevitable.