Good morning readers! February is coming to a close and Plant City is bringing it to a close with a historical bang. I’m excited to get into this one today. So grab your coffee and let’s brew about it!
So, since 1930 Plant City holds the annual Strawberry festival due to the strawberries harvested here. This year happens to be the 90th anniversary, which is crazy to even write, it’s older than anyone that I know and was established by the Plant City Lions Club. Each year there are bands that play, one of which is Reba McEntire(she’s already sold out).
Beyond music there are exhibits which is a range of displays highlighting horticulture, crafts, livestock, fine arts, industry, agriculture, and commerce are available for visitors to view. These displays shed light on the agricultural history and cultural diversity of the area.
Then of course, food! And you guessed it, it’s strawberry based so if you’re allergic, well, you know what to do. The strawberry shortcake is the headliner, a delicious treat that attracts guests from far and wide, is a festival highlight. A variety of other strawberry-flavored dishes and classic fair fare are also available at the festival.
The Strawberry Festival has a lot to offer, whether your there for the rides or food or maybe the music, this festival has a lot to offer. I’m definitely hitting the road for this attraction and I hope to see you there!
Good morning readers, I hope your weekend was exciting, anything fun? Currently enjoying a piping cup of hot coffee and debating a different flavor or brand altogether. But neither here or there, if I find anything delicious worth writing about, you guys will be the first to know. What I really wanted to talk about is the movie Presence, so let’s brew about it!
I mentioned Presence back in January as being one of the ones I was interested in seeing and so with relish I sunk my teeth into it. Unlike my previous posts I”m going to divulge information, so spoiler alert. So, Lucy Liu is in this which is exciting as she’s one of my favorite actresses since Charlie’s Angels. Anyways, the movie is about a family buying a new home to start fresh. There’s a slight disconnect with the family but the parents seem to put on the brave front of, “everything’s fine!”
But it seems the camera revolves around an unseen presence as it paces back and forth through the house even before the family sees the house! Which was very interesting instead of us seeing the paranormal. I’m going to be honest, I have motion sickness and yes I had to hang my hat on playing video games for the mossst part.
Anyways, the presence seems to keep close to the daughter, watching almost trying to prevent bad things from happening specifically with the daughter. Watching the dynamic of the mother and son how, she pays more attention to him than the rest of the family and chooses to close herself with anything that has to do with her husband and daughter.
Everything comes to a head when the kids are left alone and the daughter is in danger. The end isn’t sudden but not much is to be explained and both the future and present intertwined together. It isn’t a bad watch, but have you guys seen it? What are your thoughts?
Good morning all! I’m back again with another movie watch. I wasn’t even expecting this until my social media feed started blowing up about a Valentine slasher film. Obviously, this tickled my fancy, so let’s brew about it!
The concept of Heart Eyes is pretty simple, a serial killer goes after couples, boom that’s it. Now, I get what you’re thinking, seriously that’s it? No under lying juices? No back story just straight murder of Valentines Day couples getting merc’d on V’Day? Yep, that’s it. BUT the comedy and cheesiness makes up for the lack of story.
It may not be Friday the 13th but I double downed on popcorn and enjoyed myself. So, what’s not to love? Jump scares, gore, hacking and comedy all the things I love wrapped up on a Valentines Day eve. Which is a nice change from the usual whimsical romantic comedy or period romantic piece.
How do you feel? Are you more the romantic comedy feels or are you in for the dark and laughter type love? Or nix the both altogether? Honestly, I like that horror/ slasher is elbowing it’s way into the holidays so it’s not just one wild sprint for the month of October. I really do feel it should be entertained throughout the year in my opinion, what about you?
Good morning readers! It is the month deemed for love! There’s a mixture of emotions I feel i.e. excitement and whimsy, repulsed and loathing, sadness and loneliness. How do you feel about the holiday? Let’s brew about it!
Valentines day, whenever it has come around started with the card giving in school with stickers and candy, which was always exciting as a kid. Who doesn’t like the mystery card of whom gave what and what character was on it and the treat that’s inside of it. Then, it evolves to getting it from a secret admirer or love interest, but there is the assumption right? That the other person is suppose to get you something and if they do will it live up to the expectation? It seems rather unrealistic and kind of entitled. Not that I’m knocking on Valentines Day or anything, but it does feel like it forces people to have to do something which I feel isn’t what it’s suppose to be about.
BUT what IS Valentines Day about? So I poked around. So, there are a number of theories regarding the origins of Valentine’s Day, which are somewhat mysterious. Saint Valentine, a priest in third-century Rome, is the subject of the most widely accepted legend. The story goes that Emperor Claudius II forbade young men from getting married because he thought that soldiers without wives were more effective in combat. Saint Valentine, however, disregarded this directive and carried on performing covert marriages. Valentine was apprehended and given a death sentence after his actions were discovered. He reportedly became friends with his jailer’s daughter while he was incarcerated, and prior to his execution, he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” which is thought to have served as the impetus for the contemporary custom of sending romantic notes.
Currently, the tradition of Valentines Day around the world is a little bit different but all in all the same concept, in Japan women give chocolate to men and they reciprocate by giving back a month later where as Finland celebrates by giving gifts to friends. A new one I noticed for the ladies giving gifts to other ladies is called “Galentines Day.” Which is really cool since you aren’t focusing so much on the romantic love and having the sense of community/ connectivity.; thus kicking the feeling of being “left out” to the curve.
Any which way you want to celebrate, it shouldn’t be just the month of February but any day and any way you choose to express your love. Most importantly don’t forget to love yourself and take time to nourish yourself.
Good morning! I hope all is well! Last month I talked about a couple of movies that appeared thrilling and after watching this one, I felt a mix of emotions and left with a little lackluster. So, let’s brew about it!
Companion in a nutshell is about an artificial intelligent (AI) robot that is geared to care or love the person that they are “synced” up with. These AI beings are able to think and feel to an extent of what their owner wants them to which is pretty creepy, very controlling if I might add. As a living human being that is creepy, because no one wants to be controlled but at the same time this AI being isn’t a “real” person. Humans and animals alike want to be treated with kindness and respect, but the movie really makes you feel for Iris (this is the AI being in question.)
I feel if you’re going to put feelings that are equivalent to a human being even with fail safes to keep people safe there are going to be some ramifications. There are safety precautions and warnings of what can happen on everything that is put out there to purchase. But what if the thing that has a safety in place starts to adapt and overcome wanting their own choices and their own path that isn’t dictated for them?
Companion was very interesting take on this scenario and made you want to root for Iris. However, I find it chilling if we as humans can create something that is close to being human. Do I think it is possible? Yes, but I think what gives me pause is the other question that pops in my head, are we disconnected from real interaction with other people that we would create something like this? We already have devices similar, but nowhere near the intelligence of a human so I don’t think this is so far off or science fiction that it isn’t possible. What are your thoughts?
Good morning readers! I recently watched The Wolf Man movie and I have thoughts. Kind of scratching my head. It’s always good to switch things up and take it down another path, like vampire movies, there’s always a grain of similarity. BUT let’s brew about it.
The 1941 movie of The Wolf Man, story is about a guy whom goes back to his home town because his brother was murdered. He then, gets attacked and becomes a werewolf. Pretty quick to the point there? I mean it’s the bread and butter there’s more to it than that but that’s the story at its core.
The way to, and you can correct me if I’m wrong, but in order to contract the werewolf gene is by being bitten by a werewolf., not coughed on, not maimed without a bite, or an air contagion and definitely not by drinking the blood of a werewolf ( but there’s a rabbit hole, not going to go further down that path).
I say all this to say The Wolf Man of 2025 has some different traits to the original movie made in 1941. It runs parallel in a way, but takes a detour almost immediately. I like that in the beginning it uses a native term which sets the tone that this kind of wolf is different kind of like in the movie, Blood and Chocolate, they didn’t necessarily go ferocious wolf monster but actually a wolf and isn’t contracted like a werewolf and is more inherited.
Either way, the movie had some jumps as well as a supernatural or higher self going on beyond the wolf man part. THAT’S as far as I go in spoiler alerts but I wish they pursued it more. I digress though, what are your thoughts? Did you grab some popcorn and nestled into a cozy theater chair? Are you going to? It isn’t a bad watch so, if you haven’t anything going on for your Friday night I’d say go check it out, see where your inner wolf takes you.
Good morning readers, we are bringing the month of January to a close, sitting here sipping coffee and reflecting on the first month of 2025. I wrote a lot about different genres i.e. horror, new years Chinese traditions, healing with crystals, and being a more creative / dynamic fucking person. Although it seems I’m leaning more on the crystal grow it seems this month, so let’s brew about it.
I definitely dabbled in crystals, moon water, tarot decks, etc. I’ve been buying from Sage Goddess for years which has an assortment of crystal, jewelry, box sets that can come with crystals, candles, perfume or all the above for a particular horoscope, pagan holiday, etc. I’ve also, have gotten intention boxes from AphroZodiac and Tamed Wild (which I love both by the way). Tamed Wild used to do a monthly but I think they do more of quarterly intention box. AphroZodiac was the last one I bought and had a lot of goodies in it, but this go around I decided to buy from Mindful Souls.
Mindful Souls, just like the others provides a monthly subscription. I keep seeing them popping up on my Facebook feeds. So naturally, ever curious, I went snooping. Not only did they have some really nice looking goodies in their subscription boxes but their first box discount definitely caught my attention. Which, I bought post haste! I even got a couple of freebies to boot, one is a surprise and the other is a Crystal Wisdom Deck (super intrigued to see). I have a couple of different decks that set intentions besides the traditional tarot deck. They also, provide a mental health planner, access to workshops and webinars and benefit tips. I find this tidbit to be very interesting because I haven’t come across anyone that does this with their subscriptions, so far.
I can’t wait for this box to come in the mail! When it does I’ll make a video of the unboxing. I’ll make sure to set out a reminder on the Facebook BrewFeeds page so that you guys can jump over to youtube( as mention in the first post of the year).
Good morning readers! So, last week you read my Chinese Zodiac animal dilemma that pivoted into talking about the tradition OF the Chinese New year. But I’m swaying back to talk about the zodiac animal for this year, the snake. Let’s brew about it.
The Year of the Snake is a prominent symbol of intelligence, charm, and intrigue. The snake, which is the sixth animal in the Chinese lunar calendar’s 12-year cycle, is linked to the virtues of discretion, sophistication, and wisdom. People born under this sign are believed to have a special combination of charm, intuition, and calm resolve, and their life path is frequently characterized by a compelling presence and a strong sense of purpose ( none of which I have, I’m born in the year of the tiger).
Each of the 12 animals—the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig—represents a year in the Chinese zodiac. In addition to being associated with a specific year, each animal is paired with one of the five elements—Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, or Wood—to form a cycle of 60 years. This year it is the element of wood. Snakes with the wood element will have strong traits for growth and creativity.
Generally those born under the year of the Snake are perceptive, charming, seductive, mysterious, and resilient(I feel like the snake has all the good attributes, tigers are known to be big headed.)The year of the Snake is a time to consider the traits of this amazing creature, such as its intelligence, tenacity, and grace. This is a time for people born under this sign to embrace their innate abilities and work patiently and persistently toward their objectives.
Those born in the year of the Snake are urged to capitalize on the snake’s poised assurance, cunning, and alluring charm. It serves as a reminder that great things frequently come from quiet, deliberate effort—and that there is power in being able to shed one’s old skin. Let’s be like the snake and rid ourselves of old things we don’t need ( objects or negative habits).
Good morning Readers and happy Tuesday, our new years here in the states has came and went. Nothing new there, but as I sat with coffee in hand I wondered what Chinese zodiac animal it was this year. So I did some research and had to stop myself, I never ONCE wondered if the Chinese New year was the same as it is here. Like, how arrogant of an asshole am I to think theirs would be the same as ours? So, pivoting from looking up what animal it is this year(still did by the way) and down the rabbit hole of what a Chinese New Year entails; let’s brew about it.
The Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is lunar calendar based unlike the US where its based off a Gregorian solar cycle. Because the Chinese New Year is lunar it fluctuates yearly this year it starts on the 29th of January and ends February 12th. New years for them is about rebirth, family get-togethers, and the observance of customs that have been carried down through the ages. Because of the festival’s rich cultural significance and symbolic meaning, it’s not just a time for celebration but also for introspection, thankfulness, and optimism for the coming year, kind of like Christmas for the US, mostly for the new year here it’s about fireworks and drinking adult beverages. I feel I’m more on team Chinese New Year.
Like I mentioned earlier I was looking to see what zodiac animal it was this year there are 12 animals- tiger, rat, ox, dragon, rabbit, horse, goat, roost, pig, dog, monkey and snake. Also, each year what ever animal it is there is an element associated with it(Earth, Fire, Metal, Water or Wood); making it a 60 year cycle! Now, this I didn’t know, which has me wondering WHAT my animal’s element is, I’ll have a laugh if I end up as an Aquarius(air) Tiger(land mammal) with an element of water….my make up will be most of the elements or half..at least.
I mentioned earlier that it’s about family and tradition so with family comes food. It’s not just any food like some random pie picked up on your way to your parents house. Each dish has a meaning behind it such as fish is meant to be for luck or wealth, a sticky rice cake called nian gao represents growth in life and career. Another dish that occurs on the last day of the Chinese New Year is a must have, it’s called tangyuan which is a sweet rice ball with a sweeten filling inside, this one represents togetherness and harmony within the family. I’m so going to try the last 2, I MIGHT do a video showing me making either one, but I gotta see the difficulty level.
The last day of the Chinese New year is the Lantern Festival, which occurs on the fifteenth day of the new year. Amongst all the good food, spending time with family, warding off evil, trying to manifest good luck and fortune there are colors lanterns that people bring. They also solve lantern puzzles and take in traditional performances, such as dragon and lion dances. Lanterns are released into the sky or float on rivers to mark the evening, signifying the letting go of old problems and the arrival of a new beginning. It sounds so magical I’d love to travel and see this amazing tradition. So with stars in our eyes, I bring us to a close.
Good morning you beautiful people. So I’ve spoken about werewolves earlier this month, which has always been my second runner up for monsters in horror. Second?! You may ask, I know, I know, I’ve always had a soft spot for vampires, I’m sure if any of you were Twilight fans, I hear “team Jacob!” being shouted at me. But out of the classic monsters, vampires have always been my favorite and I blame Bram Stoker’s Dracula for that.
I’d like to take a deep dive into the way to combat a vampire, why does garlic repel them, why in some movies or tv shows it doesn’t? How come they need an invite? Also, WHY are Dracula movies constantly so sexed up?! Seriously, constantly orgies everywhere. But let’s brew about it.
Enter the usual suspects when it comes to keeping a vampire away, holy water and invitation into one’s home. Technically, a vampire is kind of like a demon, I poked around the internet saying a demon and a vampire are totally two different entities, but to me as I thought about it they are very similar. A vampire has to be invited in much like a demon has to be summoned/ invited to come. So, holy water and crosses being an irritant makes sense. Garlic, not sooo much other than it is pungent in smell and since vampires have strong senses it’s more like a gross over powering smell. However back in medieval times Europeans believed that garlic symbolized strength as well as purity. Now, stakes through the heart, well, it can kill anybody so does fire.
Now, the parlor tricks so the “usual” vampire has all the attributes of a lean mean killing machine but with the intelligence of a human that leans more predator, like an apex predator that has a taste for human. In some cases, they have animals to call kind of like a witch or warlock( Dracula could call to wolves), flight, telepathy is most common, and another is reaching across by touch via shadow(very rare in movies nowadays).
Let’s get into the movies shall we, I practically rubbed my hands together for this one. When it comes to Dracula he’s portrayed as a heartbroken albeit blood thirsty soulless creature. If we were to put him in a human perspective with the super charged sexual aspect, he’s having lots of sex because he’s lonely and trying to fill a void much like a person who was broken up with, divorced or widowed. You may say hold your fucking horses that’s not always the case, but maybe for him it is? Dusk Til Dawn, Nosferatu, they too have that sensual aspect. Maybe the lore of vampires creates a sense of sensuality of a creature filled with longing or knowing they’re beautiful and like a succubus lure humans to their death? Or nowadays for book readers the premise that the villain is more desirable over the hero/heroine.
Either way, vampires movies and stories cross reference each other like the diorama we had as kids where the circles overlap but there is always a new way to make these monsters intriguing and at times terrifying. What are your thoughts? What is your favorite vampire movie? Or do you find the furry werewolf more to your liking?
