A Decade of Dinkel (the 10th anniversary of “DARK EXCURSIONS: first set”)

Calling myself out 
Stepping into light 
Without a thought or plan 
Just a dream held tight 
-excerpt from 2013, a poem from VISION BENT (half-blind poems) 

It was March 19th, 2013 when I called myself out as an indie author and stepped into light with the release of my first ebook.  

DARK EXCURSIONS: first set was out in the world and I was simultaneously excited and terrified.  I wondered if anyone would read my soap opera tale of murder, manipulation and lust.  Then, when a few copies were downloaded, I worried what the readers would think.  Would they understand?  Would they enjoy it?  Would they think it’s utter crap?  

Thankfully, the years have brought some positive reviews.  I try to wear those kind words as a shield from the cricket-chirping silence from other readers.  I interpret silence as having nothing good to say, but those quiet readers don’t matter.  If they don’t get my story, then they don’t get me. 

 
Now, ten years later, those readers who get me are still here providing support and encouragement.  This means the world to me and I can’t thank you enough.  You’ve made the last ten years worth it and will make the next ten years even better. 

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of DARK EXCURSIONS: first set, I seriously considered unpublishing the ebook, but that was born from a dark moment of self-doubt.  Instead, I put together a hardcover edition and this rather spiffy looking book is available from an Amazon near you.  

My proof copy is obviously not for resale

So, thank you for loving Dinkel, the one-armed gardener and loving to hate Anapola Van Der Van, the manipulative matriarch.  They are two of my favorite emotionally damaged characters and are waiting to be discovered by new sets of eyes and rediscovered by familiar ones. 

Thank you for reading or listening to any and all of my words over these last 10 years.  

Freak Out, 
JLH 

P.S.  Read the origin of DARK EXCURSIONS… 
https://freakboyzone.blogspot.com/2015/04/whipping-midnight-oil-excursion-behind.html

freakboy on film: SOMETIMES AUNT MARTHA DOES DREADFUL THINGS (1971)

Barry of Cinematic Catharsis knew I was eyeing this AGFA release on the Vinegar Syndrome website when he challenged me to review it.  I ordered the Blu-ray on Black Friday, so I am obviously adept at procrastination when taking on a blog challenge.  

Aunt Martha begins her day

Paul and Stanley are on the lam from the law, and possibly a John Waters film, having fled Baltimore after Stanley apparently murdered an old lady.  Now they are hiding out in a residential neighborhood of Miami.  To blend in and not be recognized, Paul dons the impenetrable disguise of Aunt Martha and Stanley dresses up as Stanley, but pretends to be Martha’s nephew, at least for the benefit of the outside world.  

Does Stanley only have eyes for Paul?

Between nosy neighbors and Stanley’s penchant for bringing home guests, the outside world is closing in on their hideout love nest.  Yes, Paul and Stanley are a couple.  A completely unhinged, dysfunctional couple, but they need each other in their own ways.  Paul is a domineering control freak who wants to keep himself and Stanley safe.  Stanley is an immature man-child who just wants to have fun, but always turns to Paul when things get too real.  What happens when outsiders come between them and their secrets?  Well, as the title says, sometimes Aunt Martha does dreadful things. 

Aunt Martha has trust issues

Writer/director Thomas Casey spins an off-kilter tale of love, obsession and murder.  The plot is rather bonkers and a bit slow-paced at times, but it’s impossible to not watch.  You’ll be surprised at how much care Paul puts into Aunt Martha’s underthings!  You’ll be shocked at how Stanley freaks out when a woman tries to get into his pants!  You will be aghast at how easy it is to root for Paul and Stanley, even as the dreadful things become even more dreadful for the two! 

Is that a knife in Paul’s hand or is he just happy to see Stanley?

Ok, maybe it’s just me rooting for this dysfunctional couple.  It helps the actors give some weirdly compelling performances.  Abe Zwick as Paul is a whirlwind of hostility and love for Stanley.  Wayne Crawford (going by Scott Lawrence) as Stanley is a mixture of insolence and neediness towards Paul.  The other actors are fine in their roles, but this is Paul and Stanley’s film and they are the reason to watch!

True love!

In conclusion…
Sometimes this film feels like John Waters and Ed Wood had a baby and hired Andy Milligan as an au pair.  Sometimes the situations feel positively goofy.  Sometimes you’ll wonder what they put in the water in Florida. (Seriously, I’ve seen a few other Florida-shot 1970’s films and they are…um…unique.)  Sometimes this is just the escape you need, so grab a cigar box of doughnuts and embrace the chaos as SOMETIMES AUNT MARTHA DOES DREADFUL THINGS! 

Thank you for reading or listening to my half-blind words. 

Freak Out, 
JLH 

P.S.  I pass on a blog challenge to…

Gill of Realweegiemidget Reviews - 
I challenge you to review THE LOVE LETTER (1998, starring Campbell Scott & Jennifer Jason Leigh) or FRESNO (1986, starring Carol Burnett and Gregory Harrison)! 

Michael W. Denney of Maniacs and Monsters - 
I challenge you to review an Andy Milligan film of your choice! 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
My books & blogs… 
http://thejlhcollective.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-collective.html

Motionless Wonderings

 

I’m just sitting here wondering…

…where the copies of my books are in their journey through time.  Especially the copies of DARK EXCURSIONS once owned by two people who have since died.  Are the books collecting dust at a thrift store or are they boxed up in an attic, just waiting to be discovered by a future freak like me? 

…if Andy Milligan’s lost films will ever be found.  Maybe I really should research old Nebraska theaters and drive-ins just to make certain TRICKS OF THE TRADE, THE DEGENERATES and other titles aren’t lurking in a forgotten basement.  Seems unlikely, but if one German-language reel of THE FILTHY FIVE can be found, then anything is possible! 

…what will the person who goes through my film collection after I’m dust think of my mental state.  I mean, how can I fully explain Ed Wood, John Waters, Andy Milligan and puppet porn?  Never mind the films I haven’t been gutsy enough to blog about…yet. 

…if the 2-in-1 physical copy of  DARKENING STURGEONS and HAUNTING STURGEONS will ever see the light of day.  I’m slowly working on it.  Very, very slowly because I question how much interest for such a book exists.  

…if I’ll ever do another video for The FreakOptic Files.  Doing one takes a lot of time and effort and I’m not sure if it’s worth it.

…if I’ll purchase the blu-ray of COCAINE BEAR upon its release. 

…if I should’ve blogged about something more interesting than these wonderings. 

Thank you for reading or listening to my half-blind words. 

Freak Out, 
JLH 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
My books & blogs… 
http://thejlhcollective.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-collective.html

Passing Secrets (a poem, of sorts)

Lips parting 

Tongue straining  

Ready to spill 

The blood 

of truth 

or lies 

or whatever 

secret  

Needs to be 

Shared  

in the moment 

When no one is 

Listening 

Just between 

Us 

and the ears 

We set 

Burning 

____________

2023, John L. Harmon 

The preceding was born from a request by a friend to write a poem about secrets.  I hope I fulfilled the request in a satisfactory manner. 

Thank you for reading or listening to my half-blind words. 

Freak Out, 

JLH 

P.S.  A book full of other poems, available from an Amazon near you… 

getbook.at/VisionBent