greetings!

Is Summer over yet?

I have reached my limit on the Summer season and am ready for the great descent into Fall. This heat and humidity has been making me feel lethargic, which in turn is cause for me to procrastinate on tasks or projects because every movement feels like it is done in thick, hot soup. Alas, I persist in the name of my experiments!

During the week I attempt to go on a bike ride during lunch (weather permitting). Typically my jaunt will be to a nearby park, a library, and sometimes if I am feeling adventurous I will go somewhere exotic: an unchartered land in hopes of discovering a new and exciting destination. This has been a focus of many of my artist dates (what’s the artist date? find out here). Well, and now that Halloween is approaching, one of my regular stops has been Home Goods to scope out the merchandise.

Upon entering the store I feel like an explorer in search of buried treasure. One of my favorite items that I have exhumed thus far is this amazing Bat candle stick holder. You’ll be able to spot this in future episodes of my video show, Cinematic Crypt (hits the airwaves September 18, find out more here):

However, the pièce de résistance is an item that I did not even procure on my own. My mother (who loves me dearly) retrieved this exquisite Frankenstein’s monster bust after I initially left it behind. I could not stop thinking about it, and she returned and rescued it from the shelves. Isn’t it absolutely exquisite?

what’s the latest scoop?

I bid you welcome to the Cinematic Crypt

It’s aliveeeeee!

The pilot episode of the Cinematic Crypt is in the can, as they say in Tinseltown. Last Sunday, I filmed and recorded the first episode of the revamped Cinematic Crypt program.

My last podcast show aired on August 13, 2025 and the Crypt has been in complete darkness since. Emotions were running wild on Sunday and I came to a realization while writing my morning pages that day. I would never be ready to do this (film the show). There would always be something left to do, there is no such thing as perfection, and the key was to LET IT GO. Just do the thing. Make it happen. Take the first (and hardest) step. Even if this is a complete failure, I tried.

Well creepies, it felt absolutely amazing to return to the Crypt after being away for much longer than I ever expected to be. I am really proud of myself for taking this HUGE step and I feel incredible that I am finally seeing this project come to life after talking, brainstorming, and dreaming about this moment since I made the escape in 2024.

With the revamping of the show, the Cinematic Crypt program will now be an audio podcast as well as a video show. Crypt dwellers can choose which they prefer: to simply listen along or listen/watch. As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, I have been really putting myself out there in terms of spreading the good word of motion pictures. This means that I have been trying to become more comfortable with public speaking by providing film introductions in person and creating videos that I post online. Being in front of the camera and permitting someone (Shayna Davis) to be in the same room as I record is a huge step for me. A few things were going through my mind as we were filming… I spent over 16 years in Human Resources doing a lot of things I did not want to do. A lot my tasks made me feel quite uncomfortable, and much of it was anxiety inducing such as, presentations, hosting a training, disciplining an employee, or conducting an investigation. Here’s the thing though: I always did it and often did the task well. Over time these situations and tasks got easier, I got better at it. When it came time to step in front of the camera, I realized I owe it to myself to try, and I owe it to myself to have the feelings of anxiety and nervousness be for something that is important to me. I was, of corpse, shaking in my vest at first, but as the production went on I relaxed and started to have fun. I am already looking forward to the filming of the next episode.

Here’s some behind the scenes snaps from the Cinematic Crypt shoot this past Sunday:

Welcome to the Cinematic Crypt:

Your Cinematic Crypt host, Rosalie Kicks:

The Cinematic Crypt wardrobe:

Tommy Udo is ready for his close-up:

The pilot episode will feature 1940’s The Devil Bat and exhume Bela Lugosi’s cadaver. This is the first motion picture that I examined on the Cinematic Crypt when I started the show many moons ago. I thought, given this new format, it would be fitting to begin where I originally started and expand on my findings for one of my favorite pictures and Tinseltown corpses.

I could not make this show happen or have the confidence to do so without the following beings, I send them my THANKS:

• Media Maven, Shayna Davis - responsible for filming, editing, producing, and giving me direction such as “get weirder, pretend I am just a shadow and that I’m not even here”. I am so thankful our paths have crossed, I can’t express how much she has helped me become more confident and truly embrace the McFly mindset of “If I put my mind to it, I can accomplish anything”

• The Village Doctor, Ashley Jane Davis - creates the amazing tunes and theme music within the program. I can’t wait for Ashley Jane to be a guest on the show. I also love that she and Shayna share the same last name but are in no way related (as far as we know).

• Partner in crime, Ben - he always provides me with the best criticism, ensures that I practice safety in the lab (no flames allowed), ensures I am fed, and have clean clothes

Tune in to the Cinematic Crypt!

Teaser drops: September 4

First episode airs: September 18

Follow the show on Instagram here and subscribe to the YouTube channel here to keep tabs on when new episodes air. Hope you tune in creepies!

this week i am proud of…

two things

The Morning Pages
Week six of the morning pages and still going strong. What are the morning pages? Find out here.

My coverage of Turner Classic Movies’ Summer Under The Stars
I continued my coverage of TCM’s Summer Under The Stars with my flick picks for week three. Find my picks here

Here are my favorite Summer Under The Stars watches thus far:

• The Gazebo: in celebration of Glenn Ford - this is a silly movie that takes a bit to get going, but once it does the hijinks ensue and it ends up being a lot of fun. I loved Herman the pigeon and that Ford gets advice on murder from Alfred Hitchcock

• They Won’t Believe Me: in celebration of Susan Hayward - not quite sure what these ladies saw in this total scoundrel of a man, but this picture surely takes you on a ride. The horse broke my heart and Susan steals the scene anytime she makes an appearance. Loved learning from Eddie Muller’s intro about the producer Joan Harrison - can’t wait to dig more into her career.

• I Met My Love Again: in celebration of Joan Bennett - the final action sequence of Joan driving wild-eyed in the car to prove a point was everything. Benjamin and I had different feelings about this one: we both thought it was absolutely bizarre, but I felt it truly showed the strange behaviors of humanity. Bennett is aces.

this week i recommend…

Blueberry French Toast

On a recent trip to the lovely farmers market of sorts Booth’s Corner, with my pal, Kate Beach, Benjamin and I procured Blueberry Bread from Linda’s Bakery. If you are in the Philadelphia area, I highly recommend taking a trip to Booth’s - it will change your life in the best way possible. Fresh produce! baked goods! Witch brooms! Mickey Mouse Television sets! and other random treasure await. Shout out to: Kate Beach for sharing this destination with me. I love our trips to Booth’s.

Benjamin used this bread to make delicious French Toast pictured below:

Why I recommend: As much as I am over summer, I truly love eating all the delicious fruits it has to offer. I often don't choose a sweet breakfast, but this was a reminder that it is nice to have once in a while and is a surefire way to a great weekend. We enjoyed our Blueberry French Toast with fresh figs, blueberries, and vegetarian sausage. Bon appétit!

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy you are here. xx.
goodbye.