I felt a bit of October melancholy today. I think it was mostly to do with Christmas creeping in. And it isn't being subtle about it either. Don't get me wrong, I like Christmas, but it needs to quit co-opting October. At McDonald's today as I was getting my Scooby Doo pumpkin bucket I noticed the menu board advertising Christmas drinks. Then later in the evening while watching an October themed show and drinking my cider Target had a full on Christmas is coming add complete with snow and presents. Plus, I got two Christmas coupon catalogues in the mail. Arghhhh. I am no fan of November, but come on. If you are going to skip Halloween, at least give Thanksgiving a fighting chance. Poor fall holidays, it seems that your days are numbered.
So while I was in my pre Christmas funk I found a way to cheer myself up. Yes, I bought another plush Frankenstein doll. No, I did not buy another pumpkin. But I really felt like it. I also bought something called a Ghost in a Jar, which I find greatly superior to the creepy Elf on the Shelf. There are three different ghosts in jars and I have had so much fun with this one, that I may have to go collect the other two tomorrow.
But what really cheered me up was my purchase of an interactive sound book of It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. I usually watch it on TV when it rolls around, and if I happen to miss it I pull out my copy for holiday viewing. But the book just called to me. So this evening after everyone was asleep, I opened it up and went on a Halloween journey with Charlie Brown and his pals. I know I already mentioned this story a few times this year, but when I settle down to do October Thoughts I never quite know what will stick. Today it is this, and it isn't repetitive so bear with me.
Now of course I like Snoopy. He will always be my favorite. I am kind of partial to his happy dance and the sound he makes when he laughs. But my favorite kid is Linus. He is the character that most resembles myself. He is a kid and not ashamed to be one. While his friends go out and party he is content to follow the beat of his own drum and wait for the Great Pumpkin.
I don't know if someone (cough cough his parents) told Linus that there was a Great Pumpkin or if he imagined it. Either way I respect him. If someone told him about GP, then I admire him for sticking to his guns. His friends ridicule him. His own sister calls him names, but he never wavers, even when the Great Pumpkin doesn't show. If he imagined it, then I am in awe of his creativity. I mean, what on earth does a sincere pumpkin patch look like anyway? I have gone round and round about that one for years. I think a sincere pumpkin patch is a bit wild. It might not be in neat rows, it will have a variety of pumpkins and it won't be fenced. Beyond that I couldn't really say. I guess my imagination isn't that great. And how on earth does a really big pumpkin fly, let alone hand out presents? What a creative mind.
I love that Linus is willing to dream big. He has a goal and by golly, he sticks to it. He actively searches out what is the most sincere patch. He writes letters to GP, he misses parties and trick or treating just to catch a glimpse. If Linus were a real boy, I would want him for a friend. I would know that I could count on him. If he said that he was going to do something, then he would do it. I would also hope that some of his youthful innocence would rub off on me. That some of the wonder and magic would find its way into my bloodstream.
I also am a bit in love with the fact that Linus carries his blankie wherever he goes. I did that for years and a man who is confident enough to carry his blue blankie with him, gets my vote. I also love his sweet naiveté. His friends come tromping by on the way to a party and he assumes that they are coming to see him and sing pumpkin carols. I love that in his mind that is the only option. I also love that someone other than me knows that there are such a thing as pumpkin carols.
While the gang goes off to bob for apples and listen to Schroder play the piano, Linus is out in the pumpkin patch having his own fun. He is his own man. He doesn't let anyone's opinion of him get him down. When he is being teased or when things don't go his way, he is positive and looking forward to the next time. My favorite line is "But Linus still wasn't ready to give up." What a guy.
I love that when he thinks the Great Pumpkin is about to appear, he does the manly thing and faints. He is so overcome with excitement, anticipation and joy that he is full to the brim and can't contain it anymore. But I think the bet part is that even though he is teased, even though he potentially missed the Great Pumpkin, as the gang leaves he shouts, "If the Great Pumpkin comes, I'll still put in a good word for you." He is willing to share his magic and wonder. He is willing to believe enough for all of them.
When I grow up, I want to be a Linus. And I don't think that is such a bad thing to aspire to. I even know where there might be a really sincere pumpkin patch ;)
Which Charlie Brown character is your favorite?
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