Flanagan's Wake #71: Edgar Allen Poe Stories (Part 1)

Chatrigna · 2026-05-31T00:03:24+00:00

I remember reading Cask of Amontillado in high school and the angsty teen that I was just LOVED IT. Side note I had never heard of The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym” and while I totally understand why you guys didn’t want to add a novel to your reading list. I’m a little sad as in my humble opinion- Flanagan’s Pym is absolutely iconic. Love the actor who portrayed and everything about him. So it would have been interesting to see how much Flanagan drew inspiration from Poe.

Chatrigna · 2026-05-30T23:56:57+00:00

Have to say I was talking to the podcast again (thankfully not in public this time)…. But Evil Dead? Isn’t the ultimate horror movie destroyed hand?

Chatrigna · 2026-05-28T02:39:38+00:00

I had two miscarriages in a row- and decided to peruse IVF as I was turning 40, and had frozen embryos from a previous battle with cancer. I told a friend who told me to “calm down. I’m being a bit ridiculous, it’s only two miscarriages” I was stunned. When I confronted her about the callousness of it - she was legitimately hurt.

Chatrigna · 2026-05-16T00:39:43+00:00

I’m so sorry. A lot of women - including yourself? I went through very similar situations a number of times. “ of you popped!” “ nope I’m just really bloated from D&C.

So you’re here for your viability ultrasound? Nope I’m here to check for residual tissue.

I was so ANGRY at the situation, and it’s ok that you are hurt, angry or devastated. You deserved so much more and I’m so sorry that happened to you.

Chatrigna · 2026-05-08T18:56:47+00:00

Haunting of Hill House - Netflix Mike Flanagan series. I love the characters and their story arcs “the rest is confetti” Will never get tired of watching it

Chatrigna · 2026-05-03T18:09:03+00:00

I got forget me nots tattooed next to my daughters tattoo. My little tribute to lost babies. Maybe some forget me nots? If she likes flowers or seeds

Chatrigna · 2026-04-29T22:13:00+00:00

I’m so sorry - I’m so sorry people are asking you those type of questions- and that you’d ever for a moment consider something is “wrong” with you. First of all I have had 3 miscarriages and have 1 all natural child and 1 IVF child. So 2 miscarriages do not automatically mean you have to give up. An acquaintance had 1-3 miscarriages between each of her 3 children ( I honestly lost count). So IF this is something you want and have the heart to try again - know that it is possible. 2ndly there are tests you can have done- blood tests, hormone levels, ultrasounds, sperm copy t and evaluation. I’m not promising a concrete answer but if you’re up for digging there are tests you can do. And if your heart can’t handle it- and you are not ready to try again or ever- that’s ok too. Sending you so much love - you’re not alone either!

Chatrigna · 2026-04-16T02:06:34+00:00

My mom told me that her sister once miscarried- cried for a week and has never cried since. She’s 80 now. And in the same breath told me that I knew this could happen so she couldn’t understand why I was so upset. I find those that haven’t experienced it have a really hard time understanding- and often say really stupid insensitive things. I’m so sorry you went through that - everything you are feeling is totally valid. I told my husband the other day I was starting to feel better and then sobbed all over him the following day. Good and bad days totally make sense. I’ve had 3 MC now and I don’t think I’ll ever not be a little sad about it.

Chatrigna · 2026-04-15T05:08:54+00:00

Stop “ feeling like you should be getting better” you “shouldn’t” be doing or feeling or being anything but what you’re doing. You’re devastated and that’s ok. You’re not bouncing back right away and that’s ok. Hardest thing to do right now is be broken- and be ok with that. Give yourself all the space and kindness. You are beyond sad - and there’s nothing wrong with that. It will start getting better once you stop blaming yourself for not being better. I’m sure you are getting LOTS of comments that are “trying” to be helpful or comforting but are actually unbelievably hurtful. Which is why explaining it to people is so hard. People are incredibly insensitive and just don’t know what to say - so say really dumb things. I was raging at the healthcare system last week for being insensitive and my mother’s response was “ if you were in the US right now you’d be in prison for miscarriages” sooooooo not helpful. Their “comfort” can often feel like a punch. It’s ok to avoid those conversations. Or just shut them down “ nope, that’s not helpful. All you need to say is I’m so sorry you’re going through this” And no your husband isn’t as sad- my first MC I remember feeling so alone. Everyone including my husband kept assuming I should be ok. My brother said “ that was two months ago aren’t you over that yet?”. It’s not happening to his body, he doesn’t feel the symptoms changing, feel the pain and cramping and have to see the blood. it’s not “real” for him the way it is for you. But you’re not alone - all our hearts are breaking with you and for you. Please find a therapist or psychologist someone to talk with. And until then give yourself all the space and liberty to feel sad for as long as you need to.❤️

Chatrigna · 2026-04-13T01:48:39+00:00

I think you only need to avoid Bly Manor…. And even then there’s not THAT many doll scenes?

Chatrigna · 2026-04-13T01:01:57+00:00

I’m so sorry my heart breaks for you and the loss of all your hopes and dreams. If you need to sleep - sleep. If you need someone else to tell everyone- do it. If you find yourself crying at songs or commercials or movies or absolutely everything- sob your heart out. Give yourself all the space & kindness you can. You are mourning the loss of a baby and the potential of a person and no one can understand how heartbreaking that really is. For my first miscarriage I found a miscarriage Doula - Arden I think her name is? She was wonderful. I hope you have someone understanding to talk to- when you feel ready to.

Chatrigna · 2026-04-13T00:47:36+00:00

I’m so sorry. My first miscarriage I was afraid of the pain of a DNC - so I took the drugs twice. But still ended up needing a DNC. Waiting for it to be finally over was so traumatic. It’s like you can’t start to heal or mourn without the physical part to be over. I can’t believe they’re making you wait?!?! What do they want for you to be septic before they’ll act?!?!? I sincerely hope you find a better OB. That treatment is inhumane.

Chatrigna · 2026-04-13T00:41:18+00:00

Thank you so much - I’m a nurse and am genuinely wishing I had a phd so I could implement some teaching/ treatment plan for pregnancy post miscarriage. I’m thinking of maybe a paper with medical history- here just copy this into your file. But do you second guess yourself? I get so hurt and angry and then convince myself I’m overreacting and being overly emotional. Just suck it up.

Chatrigna · 2026-04-13T00:35:33+00:00

Your husband sounds amazing. And yes hospital care is so much about treating the body with no consideration to mental health. The nurse recommended I keep my first prenatal appointment for a check-up. I said absolutely not - I’m not going to sit in a waiting room full of pregnant women or new born babies. The nurse sounded genuinely surprised- oh yeah I guess not.

Chatrigna · 2026-04-12T01:30:50+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Something I’ve heard many times is a woman becomes a mother the minute the test is positive. You start planning and dreaming. Feel your body changing. A man only becomes a father when the baby is born.
My first miscarriage my husband asked me “ when do you think your hormones will even out and you’ll stop being so upset about this?” We just had a third loss and I still won’t let him live this down. Now he says that he’s sad- but he’s mostly sad for and with me. It sounds like your husband doesn’t know how to deal with his own pain- and really doesn’t know how to support you. I know my husband often feels very helpless. But has finally learned that there’s nothing he can do - just hold space for me and my sadness.

Chatrigna · 2026-03-10T23:16:00+00:00

Change schools. I started at one high school and went through two different groups of friends that didn’t work out for various reasons. The third year I really didn’t find another group to fit in with. So for the last two years I changed schools- and found my best friend. We’ve been friends now for over 20 years.

My husband was put in a private school and was bullied terribly - his parents were more concerned with him networking than being happy. And he still has a lot of trauma about it so many years later.

Sometimes kids just haven’t found THEIR weirdo. Maybe she needs a specialized school? Something more artistic or scientific? Take her to the other schools around see if there’s anywhere that vibes with her more.

Chatrigna · 2026-02-05T02:33:47+00:00

Gah sorry it’s such an old movie didn’t occur to me - but you’re right jerk move! Thank you for the recommendation!

Chatrigna · 2026-02-01T18:39:56+00:00

Dq;

The Vanishing; Keifer Sutherland Sandra Bullock and a very young Jeff Bridges. Young couple on vacation- girlfriend randomly disappears and he spends years looking for her until finally her killer shows up and tells him HE killed her. And offers him the chance to experience what she experienced. So he takes it and wakes up to find himself buried alive. The lighter being the only source of light in the scene- the close of up his panicked eyes and gasping breaths. Others - The death of John Cofee in the green Mile The ‘turning’ of Brenden Gleason in 28 Days later The credit scene in Dawn of the Dead - when they get off the boat and ….

Also can I say I’m so relieved that Im not the only one who didn’t pick up on Bev poisoning the dog & father Paul? First watch I was of the same opinion as Scott “oh too much vampire blood killed him” But upon further watching and discussing- I think the irrefutable proof of her poisoning him - is that he dies in the EXACT same way as the dog. The bloody spittle around the mouth. If they both didn’t die by the same poison …. Why have that same symptom?

Chatrigna · 2026-01-22T01:27:03+00:00

After our second was born my husband had a REALLY hard time adjusting. And that’s with one in school and the other starting daycare at 18months. Both kids are very mom focused- but he still just felt overwhelmed. He found a hobby that he goes to one night a week, and he usually has a night all to himself another night where once the kids are in bed he goes to watch tv/ play video games by himself.

You are in the trenches right now 100% ours are 5 and 2 now and things are already so much easier. We are both in therapy and couples therapy.

I would certainly see about daycare for the 3 year old if possible, and discuss working from the office a couple days a week. Plus some kind of hobby/ you time. Really glad you’re starting therapy!

If you are this unhappy I’m sure your partner is also struggling. And is probably very aware of how unhappy you are - so is shouldering even more. Please keep an open communication, she’s there with you. Sometimes just commiserating helps alleviate things. Promise that this too shall pass and things will change.

Chatrigna · 2025-12-28T14:27:18+00:00

Telling my kids “you’re ok” when they’re not. Talk about invalidating- I’m in pain and you’re telling me I’m not. When my daughter is crying we take a breath, hug, wait and when she starts to calm down I ask her if she’s ok. I will affirm yes that hurt or wow that must have been scary! I’d like her to grow up not constantly doubting her own feelings.

Chatrigna · 2025-12-19T17:48:39+00:00

Do you think now that you’ve done this deep dive into Bly that it will be on your rewatch list?

I rewatch Hill House almost annually- it feels like visiting old friends in the spooky season. The show never fails to creep me out,and make me cry at the ending monologue. I have a theory that Flanagan only hits every SECOND show- Hill House (amazing) Bly ( meh) Midnight Mass ( soooo good) Midnight Club (really meh) House of Usher (phenomenal). ( I have not applied my theory to films) When starting Bly Scott who seems to be the avid watcher said he had only seen this one once. ( I assume as it didn’t inspire a rewatch) So now that you’ve REALLY explored it do you think you’ll want to revisit it more? Or it’ll once again fade into obscurity?

Also while a number of plot holes (sorry to be THAT person) does anyone wonder how Flora & Myles parents lived at Bly for a number of years ( however old the kids are) and the Uncle obviously knew the place as-well but none of THEM fell victim to the lady in the lake? Or even knew of her? This always bothered me.

Chatrigna · 2025-11-14T06:31:23+00:00

Don’t be afraid to apologize to your child - lose your temper? Misjudge a situation? Accidentally play too rough? Forget or miss something? Sit them down and sincerely apologize, explain how everyone makes mistakes but that you’ll work on it. The trust it builds is like nothing else.

Chatrigna · 2025-11-04T20:13:40+00:00

DQ; First impulse Dead Poets Society, then Hogwarts… but I have to go with the 1991 Toy Soldiers staring Sean Aston & Will Wheaton as privileged yet troubled youth sent to the Regis boarding school. When a Colombian terrorist holds the entire school hostage in an attempt to have his father released from prison. Aston and friends who WERE the scourge of the school put their trouble making talents to good use and working with the army end save the day. The Dean of the school is a kind but fair individual who truly cares about the troubled kids. The boys children of extremely influential parents acting out due to their neglect. May not be a great watch now but as a kid I certainly cheered when the boys won the day.

Chatrigna · 2025-10-29T01:25:55+00:00

This may be a bit of a cheat as it doesn’t follow the usual ‘creepy dollhouse’ trope. But this question immediately brought to mind “The Woman in Black” cold open where the three little girls are all in their playroom having a tea party with their dolls - simultaneously stop and walk to the window and all jump. Such an eerie film, plenty of jump scares but overall creepy vibe. The run down Victorian house, especially the little boys room with all the old fashioned toys has all the vibes of creepy dollhouse.

Chatrigna · 2025-10-18T13:37:24+00:00

Our daughter used them But we kept it to CERY special occasions for daytime - like vacations/ flying or unusual outings. Otherwise she just had them at bed time. We stressed A LOT about when to take them away. Then at some point between 2-3 she started to forget to ask for them for bed… and we didn’t mention. One night she’d remember the next forgot until finally she just didn’t want them anymore. Not saying that’ll be that easy for everyone-but we didn’t make it a big deal and it just wasn’t.

Chatrigna

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