This blog is moving!

Today I'm excited to announce that Haunted Mansion Collectibles is moving to a new home! Our new site will still offer the same material, but in a much better format in which to showcase my pictures more easily. Anything and Everything HMC will still be here for reference sake, but I will no longer be updating this blog. Please don't forget to update your bookmarks.

Our new home can be found at www.HauntedMansionCollectibles.com or click here.

back from the dead

Greetings Blog Readers...
First I owe you a HUGE apology for dropping of the face of the web for so long. I hate to admit this, but I was feeling bitter after the Haunted Mansion 40th fiasco and decided to have a month long tantrum. I didn't want to look at my stuff, which was easy since a lot of the collection was still in boxes. I didn't want to discuss the Haunted Mansion because the estrogen in my body would cause me to cry like a girly girl at the mention of Grim Grinning Ghosts or the like. I just wanted to sulk, which I did, but I don't feel any better for it, and now I have guilt for not posting so long. So, I am done with my tantrum, and will stop sulking and pouting and crying, well...sorry, I'm a sensitive girly girl and this girl just has to cry every now and then. Forgive me readers for my poor behavior.

I also owe you a HUGE thank you for emails popping up in my inbox as of late asking about my whereabouts and posts. You really know how to make this bratty, sensitive girly girl feel much better. Sincerely, I thank you for your concern.

Yesterday, I pulled out some collectibles and actually started to feel better, so much so, that I redecorated my master bath with our Lenticular collection. I felt like I was visiting old friends. Today I will be hanging up my Duelist portraits in the master bedroom, where most of our collection seems to be ending up. All the little pieces are still in boxes, but I'll be paying them a visit soon, and getting reacquainted. Once the bedroom and bath are completed, I'll share some pics.

Since blog posts are always more interesting with pictures, here are some pictures of the Duelists that I'll be hanging later today. I had these framed by a local framer here in So. Cal by the name of Link, who does amazing work. Check out his site here.

Haunted Mansion 40th Event Registration Fiasco

The day of the Haunted Mansion 40th event registration, a friend of mine facebooked that she was spending the day at the "Happiest Place on Earth." I had just spent the last hour and half trying to register for this highly anticipated event, and out of complete and utter frustration and sadness I responded with "Oh yeah, well give the Mouse a kick for me."

I thought I had better explain myself. And I do not advocate kicking any of the Disney characters... some might hit back.


So I'm not really mad at the mouse, just the company he represents. Would you believe that Disney Event Services would only allow one person per registration for the Haunted Mansion 40th event? Basically what that means is, there are a lot of married folks, family and friends who were not able to purchase all their tickets at the same time, leaving some people out of the event. Registration was online; only so many people could get thru at one time and the servers couldn't handle the influx of requests. I have friends back east who have planned a family vacation around this event, but Dad didn't get a ticket, or daughter didn't get a ticket. What are they supposed to do now? My friend's husband didn't get a ticket. While Sam and I were lucky enough to get a ticket, it wasn't for the package we wanted, so we don't get to attend the dinner and seminar with many of our friends. (I am grateful to have something, but missing out on the entire event is terribly painful. I've waited for this event since I missed the 30th Anniversary all together.) So.. yeah... I was a little miffed at the mouse. But its not really Mickey's fault that the people running Event Services are so damn Goofy!

Moving news...

So for the past 3 weeks, we've been moving.  Doesn't that just sound ridiculous?  It feels even more so!!  We are lucky that we can take our time to move, but frankly, I think its better to just get it done and over with in one shot.  

I'm pleased to report that none of the larger, more delicate collectibles were damaged in the move.  Knock on wood.  Seriously, someone knock because I'm sure I just jinxed myself.  :) We've moved all of the framed art pieces, all the big figs, all the lenticulars, and of course, all of our favorite pieces.  We still have all the little chotskie pieces to pack, and hopefully that will be finished this weekend.  It feels so strange seeing the collection dispersed around the house in such ordinary places  - a gargoyle and stanchion hanging out in our closet, stretching portraits resting along the wall next to the dog kennel, a bride and her ghostly beau sitting on the kitchen table.  I can hardly wait to redecorate!

Now onto the really fantastic, super-duper, its-about-friggin-time-news!  Sam was offered a job and the best part is that his commute to work is less than 10 minutes!!  We are so thrilled! We're still waiting for the official compensation package, but Sam was informed that the company was extremely impressed and looking forward to having him on their team.  That team, by the way, is Perot Systems.  Thank you Ross Perot!!  Life is looking brighter and I know everything is going to be ok.  Thanks again for all your encouragement and prayers!!  

I'm still getting to the many emails from all you wonderful readers. I promise I will be sharing your pics and answering your questions just as soon as I can.  I also want to say that all the items I had up for sale, here and on ebay, have sold!  The revenue from these sales helped to keep us afloat.   Not only did the all the pieces go to great homes, but I got a chance to meet some great people!   Please stay in touch and I look forward to seeing pics!!

Back Online!!

Greetings Foolish Mortals!

Today we have internet and all is right with the world again!  I can't believe how much I missed it.  What a sign of the times, eh?  Thanks for all the emails while I was away.  I promise I will be responding to everyone shortly.  

We are living in the new house now, but still have tons of stuff to move from the old house.  What a pain!  Who ever said moving just a few blocks away will be easy should be shot!  Wait, that was me....  I was so misguided.  We still have collectibles in the old place needing to be packed, collectibles in the new place dying to be showcased and a beautiful modern home waiting to be transformed into a habitat suited for 999 happy haunts.  I can't stand all these white walls and I miss my demon eyes wallpaper!  As I start anew, I look forward to sharing the process of decorating for the spirited collector.  It should make for some fun posts!  

Haunted Mansion Holiday Scary Teddy on Coffin Bobble

Greetings Foolish Mortals!

Today's collectible shows how attention to detail can make a ho-hum collectible into something really cool. I'm not all that into bobbleheads.  When I think of bobbles I think of my kids' Littlest Pet toys or Dwight's bobble from The Office. Ok, I admit Dwight's bobble is kinda cool, if not a bit scary.  In 2004, the Haunted Mansion Holiday event released a Scary Teddy on Coffin Bobble. Beyond the fact that its a nice resin piece of the "Lemme outta here" coffin guy, at first, the piece doesn't appear to be all that special.  However, upon closer inspection, you start to notice all the beautiful layers of details.

click on picture for larger viewing

I love the roses carefully placed at the head of the coffin, but I love even more the scattering of the delicate petals around the coffin. Also atop the coffin is a bat adorned christmas tag. What about the meticulously painted fingernails? And of course, Scary Teddy sitting on top of it all, like a proverbial cake topper, flashing his mischievous grin. For a relatively inexpensive piece, originally selling for $25.00, there's quite a bit of bang for the buck. I love examining all the textures and details of this piece. Did I mention that it is limited to 500 pieces?

** Update**

So we believe that all things happen for a reason.  We might not understand what the reasons are, or even accept them at first.  In our case, we were really hoping to move to New Hampshire with our friends, the Bell's.  Well, as you may recall that move never happened, and now we like to say there was reason for us not moving out of state.   In two weeks, we are, in fact, moving into the Bell's old house, here in Southern California.  Go figure!  The house will afford me to expand my home business, providing my family more financial security.  The house also has room for extended family to live with us, allowing us to help another family member in need.  We are so excited about this move and feel like we're heading in the right direction.  Sam has had a few jobs with a temp agency and is doing very well with the interview process at a local hospital.  Remember crossing those boney fingers?!  Keep 'em crossed.  He's moved onto the 3rd round of interviews with one more to go.  :)

Also, thanks to the readers that have contacted me about purchasing some of pieces offered here on the website.  I'm proud to say that the Maid Costume, the Gracey Lenticular pin, and the Jack Lenticular have SOLD!  Thank you so much for your business and I'm confident my babies are going to good homes!

Still available for purchase are :***ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD.  THANK YOU!**

The Butler Costume

Oogie Boogie Lenticular

If you are interested in purchasing either of these pieces, please email me at hauntedmansioncollectibles@gmail.com.

As we are packing away, I will be pulling aside more collectibles for sale, so hurry baaack!

And I haven't said it enough recently, but I really appreciate everyone who stops by this little ol' blog of mine.  I can't believe how much the viewership has grown in just a few short months.   I love to hear your comments, so do stop by and say hi!

~Carrie

Happy Birthday Sam!

Today is Sam's birthday! You all know what kind of year its been for our family, but I have to say that through it all this man has continued to be my inspiration, best friend, and kindred spirit.

Have a most spooktacular birthday, Sam. See you at the Mansion!

P.S. Keep your boney fingers crossed for us. He had an interview yesterday and they called him back for a second interview on Tuesday. :)

Snowglobe and a No-Go

OK, So the name that collectibles game was a flop. I'm sitting here, red-faced and feeling the heat from embarrassment coming thru my pores...

while listening to the crickets chirp....

But I can't just leave the question floating around out there like Madame Leota's head.. juuust in case there is that one guy or ghoul who is dying to know... what was that mansion collectible?



If you were thinking the teeny tiny mini mansion snowglobe thingy.. you were right!
try saying that 5 times fast.



This cute little gem plays Grim Grinning Ghosts; it almost sounds like a midi file, and honestly I can tolerate listening to it once every 6 months or so. But I love the little bats that swirl around the Hitchhiking Ghosts, so I find myself picking up this piece quite often just to give it a shake. We bought one several years ago, and they are still available at Disneyland for $12.00.

******

On a personal note, Sam and I decided that right now is not the time to move to New Hampshire. He is still looking for work, and sending resumes to companies in New Hampshire, but that dream is on hold for now. Sam just had an interview for job working help desk, of all things, and was turned down for being overqualified. His spirits are low and he is very frustrated, so please keep good thoughts for my husband while he is going thru this very challenging time.

Thanks!

In Memory of Harriet Burns

I am so saddened to hear the passing of Harriet Burns. While our time with her was brief, she left an indelible impression with me and Sam. My heart goes out to her friends and family in this sorrowful time, especially to Blaine Gibson. He and Harriet lived in the same community and he looked after her with such love and admiration. The friendship between them was almost palpable.

Sam and I are sitting here reminiscing about that fateful 24 hours with the Disney Imagineers. I'll never forget how she was so thankful and appreciative of my driving. Sam and I had rented a Town and Country MiniVan for the trip in hopes it would be the most comfortable and roomy of the vehicles available. I had put together a basket filled with a variety of healthy snacks, gum, and bottled water for our guests to enjoy. Because we were late in picking them up the second day, the basket of goodies was a hit on the drive home. X opened the package of gum, while Harriet and Maureen, X's wife, enjoyed the carmel and chocolate mini rice cakes.

Just on the outskirts of town, Harriet mentioned that she needed to pick up a prescription at the local drug store. We offered to take her there, since we were going into town anyway. She was pleased and impressed that I could park that big car into such a tiny parking space. That memory makes me smile. When we said good by, she gave me a kiss on the cheek.

As Sam said, the time spent with Harriet, Blaine, X and Maureen, felt like a road trip with old friends. Its hard to believe that we had only just met. I will miss her dearly.

Harriet Burns Disney Legend Imagineer Bio





Harriet Burns 1928-2008

Announcement

Greetings Haunted Mansion fans!

You probably don't remember, but way back in my post about my 24 hours with the Imagineers, I mentioned that in February my husband lost his job. I'm not gonna lie to you. Its been a tough couple of months, but we do believe that everything happens for a reason.

Currently, Sam and I reside in Southern California, about an hour away from Disneyland, which is mighty helpful with an obsessive condition such as ours. So the decision to move away from here hasn't come easy, but in fact that is what is most likely happening. We're not talking about moving from our 4 bedroom house to the town next door. Nooo-oh-ohhh! That would be too easy for us. We're moving 3000 miles away to the opposite coast.

To New Hampshire!


To a 20 acre farm.


Did I mention it was over 3000 miles away? We've google mapped it. That's one looong road trip, folks!



I'll give you a moment to absorb that.



I need a moment, myself.




Actually, our family is extremely excited about this new adventure in our life. Sam is hopefully flying out this week to interview with a company out there. We've already found a house out there, and have a renter for our home. All the pieces seem to be falling into place. So keep your boney fingers crossed that Sam gets this job!

And if there are any Haunted Mansion fans in New Hampshire, lemme know! It would be nice to have some friends in that neck of the woods.. and woods.. and woods. Did you know that New Hampshire is the second most forested state in the nation?


Here are some interesting facts about New Hampshire. Our kids are fascinated with learning as much as they can about their new state. I'm so thrilled they're excited. Being a native to Southern California, I'm most afraid of #48.

The other thing I'm most afraid of is packing up this expansive collection of ours. Seriously. I need advice. I never thought I'd move, so I didn't save boxes to the bigger pieces. So, if any of you fans have some moving advice or lessons learned from your moving adventures, please share. Please. Don't make me beg.


Here's a picture of our Haunted Mansion room, where the collection started and from where it has since spread. This was taken back in 2006, so the collection has expanded quite a bit.




I think a playful spook must have left that black hairbrush on the tile. :)