Moments #39: She’s Got Food

Posted on October 23, 2026 by Dazzling Erin

We’re heading into the days leading up to Halloween. There’s going to be plenty of time for scary moments, so right now, I’m going to share a wholesome one. This is the exact moment, from a few years ago, when the ducks of Huffhines Park noticed that I was eating my lunch and they all decided that my lunch was also meant to be their lunch.

It’s hard to capture the moment when every duck at the park suddenly turns its head toward you and starts moving toward you. For the record, I did not feed the ducks. I obeyed the signs, and I also knew that my lunch may have been good for me but it would probably have had a different effect on the ducks. Those ducks probably ended up hating my guts and talking about how I was a tease, but it was for their own good.

This moment reminds me of why I like going to the park. It’s not just that it’s peaceful. It’s not just that it’s pretty. It’s because the park—with its ducks, geese, squirrels, and turtles—serves to remind me that there’s a lot of life out there.

I hope all the ducks and the geese and the squirrels and the turtles and all the other animals around here have a safe and happy Halloween.

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Moments #38: Three Dolls

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Dazzling Erin

My mom owned over a thousand dolls, all of which now divided amongst her daughters. These three dolls are from mom’s collection. They’re currently in a little building in our backyard.

By Erin Nicole

That building has several hundred dolls in it, all waiting to greet anyone who steps inside. Some people think that dolls are creepy but I’ve never understood why. Is it just because their eyes follow you wherever you go? Is it just because they’re always smiling? I occasionally go on Ebay to look at the dolls that are being sold and it’s funny how many of them are described as being potentially haunted or moving on their own. Most dolls are harmless, as long as you don’t get on their bad side.

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Moments #37: Hello

Posted on October 11, 2026 by Dazzling Erin

Sometimes, you just get lucky. One day, a few winters ago, I was in my room, holding my camera, and I just happened to look out the window at the right time to capture this picture of one of our possum friends.

by Erin Nicole

I know some people who are scared of possums because they always make a lot of noise when they run away from you and they hiss and show off those sharp teeth if they’re feeling scared. Actually, possums are meek and gentle souls who try to keep out of the way and who always politely turn and leave if they realize someone else is already in the back yard. They also eat fleas and tics and other bugs that aren’t good for the other animals who live outside. And did I mention that they don’t get rabies? They may look fearsome but they’re actually very helpful.

This possum and all of his descendants will always be welcome here.

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Moments #35: The Turkey Vulture

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Dazzling Erin

One day, I stepped outside and discovered a turkey vulture walking through the neighborhood.

Usually, I love birds. I put out food for them. I like to take their picture. I’m sad when they leave for a season and I’m happy when they come back. I’m never happy to see a buzzard, though. Buzzards show up when something is dying or has just died. They’re scavengers and turkey vultures are the worst. They only show up after something has already died, mostly so they can get whatever the other scavengers left behind. Their heads are bald so that they can shove their faces into the dead without getting gore on their feathers.

The good thing was that this one appeared to just be visiting. Nothing had died in the neighborhood so it was just looking for a snack to sustain itself until something dead. It walked around and ate a few bugs. The squirrels ignored it. I don’t blame them.

Eventually, it left. Hopefully, it will not return soon.

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Welcome To October On The Shattered Lens!

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Dazzling Erin

by Erin Nicole

Welcome to October on the Shattered Lens!

Here’s hoping this month finds you with joy, family, friends, fiends, ghouls, and ghosts!

Today is also the start of the Shattered Lens’s annual horrorthon! Sit back, enjoy the reviews, the art, and the music videos, and have a great month of ghoulish fun!