You are all probably wondering the same thing - "how will we get through this pandemic?" Or "what can I do to make this time easier?" For Kelly, she needs quality local craft beer, delicious coffee, and fresh meals with the occasional take out. For Jess, she requires daily cups of coffee or tea, baked vegan goodies and a glass of Kraken Spiced Dark Rum with Pepsi before bed.
We also can’t help but want to keep you placated with recommendations right now so here are the top things we have been doing to keep ourselves busy with during these times of self-isolation and dread!
Kelly:
I am, thankfully, considered an essential worker in Toronto, ON. I am a Registered Veterinary Technician and work in a small animal hospital. Right now I am working on a rotating schedule of two weeks on and then two weeks off. That means that during my layoffs I am very free. Like, ridiculously free to do (almost) anything. I wake up each day and see where it takes me!
Movies:
I have been watching a ton of movies, which has been really wonderful. To have the time and energy to enjoy my favorite medium is priceless. Here are just some of the notable films I have watched:
Planet of the Apes (old & new)
Bloodsucking Bastards (2014)
Nosferatu (1979)
Bliss (2019)
All Cheerleaders Die (2011)
Full Moon/Empire (Charles Band's production companies) movies like Corona Zombies (2020), Trancers (1984), Necropolis (1986), and Witchouse (1999).
As a horror fan, I have to make a strong recommendation for Tubi TV. With over 1000 diverse titles, this FREE streaming app is indispensable right now.
www.tubitv.com
TV shows:
Now is also a fantastic time to revisit old shows, or find a new one, that you can binge on these long nights or host virtual watch parties. I can't recommend these ones enough!
Angel (1999-2004)
Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)
Books:
Now, I haven't been reading quite as much as I thought I would (of books anyways) but I did manage to devour this one:
Fragments of Horror by Junji Ito
Hobbies:
Before Spinsters of Horror, I didn't really have any set hobbies. Sure, I watched horror movies and read books, that never changes, but something to set aside and dedicate personal time to was something I didn't have. During these extended times at home, it's been a great way to produce extra content and get ahead of schedule for due dates between May to July. Folks, my Taboo Terrors for May are KILLER!
If you are a Joss Whedon fan, I also have another podcast called The Nevers Podcast, and I do writing for their website. We have a Patreon and record bi-weekly episodes on the series Dollhouse - sign up if interested!
Please also check all the amazing content on the Morbidly Beautiful website! There are many weekly articles to lose yourself in.
Miscellaneous:
Then there are the random little special things that I have been doing like taking hot baths (with an ice cold beer!) and going for walks with my cat Mikey. I am clicker training him and continuing our tricks! He knows high five, paw, and fist bump, so far. I also participated in two script readings with friends (Scream 2 and an episode of Community). My partner and I don't live together so we have been doing Full Moon watch parties while drinking beer on the phone.
Jess:
Fortunately, I am one of the people that can remain working during this time, albeit remotely. I am a Security Compliance Specialist for an IT company in Ottawa ON, so I am very busy!
Movies:
Before this whole pandemic situation, I had already set a goal for myself to watch as many new movies on my ever-growing lists and queues on Amazon Prime, Shudder and Netflix. As well as the movies I have in my collection that I haven’t even watched yet! Plus, Tubi TV has a bunch of free movies from horror to 80s TV shows and even a Full Moon channel.
Here are some of the movies I have watched so far:
Pyewacket (2017)
Satanic Panic (2019)
The Descent (2005)
Session 9 (2001)
The Loved Ones (2009)
Them (2006)
Chopping Mall (1986)
The Slumber Party Massacre (1982)
Podcasts:
A lot of my podcast listening happens when I am commuting to work, meeting up with friends, cleaning or while working. These days some of that has changed, but I am still trying my best to keep up. Some of the podcasts I have been listening to have been ones of comfort for me either by making me laugh or telling me a spooky story.
Haunted Places - https://www.parcast.com/haunted
Ghost in the Burbs - https://www.ghostsintheburbs.com/
The Horror Virgin - http://horrorvirgin.com/
TV shows:
My queue on Netflix just continues to grow and people continue to send me recommendations of what to watch these days. However, I have been sticking to TV shows that are lighthearted and make me laugh or just make me feel good. I can get back to my heavier TV series later, but for now, it's time to laugh as much as I can.
Kids in the Hall (1984-1988)
Rick and Morty (2013-Present)
That 70s Show (1998-2006)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009-Present)
Books:
Among the podcasting and movie watching around my work schedule, I am trying to get some reading done while I can. Here are some of the books I am reading right now:
Horrorstor - Grady Hendrix
The 1990s Teen Horror Cycle: Final Girls and the New Hollywood Formula - Alexandra West
House of Psychotic Women - Kier-La Janisse
Reclaiming the Feral Feminine - Kristen J. Sollee
Hobbies:
When I am not working, I am making time to continue doing work for Spinsters of Horror. I am also collaborating with Kelly to produce some extra content for everyone during these trying times.
Then, when I am watching a movie or TV show, I am unwinding with either knitting or crocheting. I am always crafting and in due time I will be getting back to my cross-stitching because there is no better way to handle stress than stabbing something a million times!
Miscellaneous:
On top of everything else, I have been keeping busy with baking, doing Kettle bell workouts and metal yoga, and, of course, cuddling my cats. I have been scheduling virtual movie and TV show dates with friends and my other partners to keep in touch. I have also done a script reading with a bunch of fun horror peeps (Scream 2 is up on Youtube!) I enjoy playing D & D online with my group and watching my team - San Francisco Shock - in the Overwatch League with my partner who is currently staying with me.
Although times are tough, and for some even tougher, we want everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves! Please take this time to do whatever you want, and need to do, to remain healthy and sane. If you want to reach out to us, please do so by emailing horrorspinsters@gmail.com or send us a private message on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. And if you checked out any of the recommendations above, let us know what you thought!
