This book was an enjoyable read. The characters were unique and intriguing. The setting, a hurricane ravaged New Orleans, added an atmospheric layer to the story, perfectly complementing its dark tone.
While this felt more like a thriller than a mystery, it leaned into gruesome, almost gory territory. Though not my favorite work by Poppy Z. Brite, it was still a solid and compelling addition to their repertoire. Fans of dark, visceral storytelling will likely enjoy it.
*aiassisted
Last Tuesday, due to extreme winds, a fire broke out near my home in California—part of the Eaton fires that have devastated our area. I smelled smoke and saw the flames about an hour before the evacuation orders came. There was little time to think; I quickly grabbed a few clothes, important papers, my medication, and, of course, my cat. Then, my family and I left.
We were fortunate to stay with relatives for a few days while the situation unfolded. When we finally returned home, the air was smoky, and the smell of fire lingered, but our house was intact. However, the water is currently unsafe to drink, so we’ve had to rely on bottled water for cooking and drinking. Thankfully, our electricity is still on, which has been a small blessing amidst all the chaos.
One of the most incredible things to come out of this tragedy has been witnessing the kindness and generosity of our community. Neighbors have come together in extraordinary ways, offering clothes, water, and food to those in need. On so many streets, you’ll find tables piled with donations—proof of the beautiful human spirit that shines brightest in dark times.
Many families weren’t as fortunate. Entire homes have been reduced to ashes, and the devastation is overwhelming. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change. Still, seeing our community unite gives me hope. Together, we’re finding strength and rebuilding, one step at a time.
If you’re looking to help, consider donating to local organizations supporting those affected by the Eaton fires. Every small act of kindness makes a difference in times like these.
Stay safe, and take care of each other.
*aiassisted
My husband and I went to the psychic fair at Crooked Path in Burbank. I was expecting something lackluster and boring but it became one of the highlights of this year.
When we arrived we got a spot right in front of the store which was lucky, but besides the store looking busy, there was no sign of the market and I thought that maybe they canceled it because of weather or something but it was in fact in full force inside the store.
Upon entering the lady behind the counter informed us of all the tables set up upstairs in the back rooms and in the alleyway outside the shop.
We began upstairs because I have forever been curious of what the upstairs looked like. There were there tables and the temple set up up there. The first table was full of really beautiful jewelry snakes and keys and moons just really pretty.
The other table i found really interesting was a table full of bones and art items. I purchased an item from them that was a relic from 14th century France and was allowed a gift because the person at the booth said they were “feeling nice”. Indeed, it was a nice gesture and I appreciated the gift.
The other two tables were one with handmade glass items that were lovely and magickal inks that I didn’t stop at because another customer was engaging the man behind the booth and they seemed like they were having a great time.
I finally got to see the temple of Hekate!! I was so excited!! I love hekate and was so excited to see her temple. It was beautiful with her statue in the middle and paintings on the walls with beautiful red lighting.
We made our way downstairs to the back rooms. There was a man giving card readings at a round table and just past him was a large room with many tables. There was dark art and incense and candles for Egyptian gods/goddesses. Crystals, wands, and comavvitch! She was one of the booths and people I was so excited to see. She told us a little about her candles and how she hand-paints them. I bought some really nice candles from her. I also bought some stickers from one of the art booths and the last table we went to inside was thug witch who I was also very excited to see. Her name is Lux and she and her friend were actually very lovely to speak with. I was very drawn to a beautifully dressed and decorated Medusa candle with snakeskin. I didn’t realize it was Medusa at first (I thought it was Hekate) and I didn’t really know Medusa as a threesome with her sisters. She told me about the characteristics of medusas sisters amazing impenetrable strength with blood that can heal or kill and the other sister who could destroy with her scream and has been known to turn rocks to dust with her screech. She said she liked using all three gorgon sisters I could use the candle for protection or a return of energy. Sean and I both got free key charms and she told Sean he could keep it in his wallet to unlock opportunities for money.
Out the back door were two more tables. One was a multimedia mixed arts where I got a rad skeleton print and had a conversation about the Palm Springs art museum and the Rhombicosidodecahedron by artist Anthony James. The other table was full of really interesting taxidermy. We spoke for quite a while with the taxidermist. We had just coincidentally had a conversation about taxidermy and all the difficult laws around bones and hides in California before we left our house that morning. It was a lively and enjoyable conversation. In the end I bought a treasure from her.
The whole event was way better than I ever could have expected!! I have never had such a great time at a psychic fair. I really really hope that next year they will do it again for Black Friday/Small Business Saturday.
I saw Aurora with a friend on Thursday Nov 21 at the shrine theater in Los Angeles. The driving around the theater was hectic. However oncev...
