I can't believe it, the big day is finally here. I have waited so long and semi patiently and now the day is a bit bittersweet. I am not ready for my October fun to end. Yesterday when I was moseying about the town, it looked like November already. I was most put out. But no, I have one more glorious day to spend in the best month ever.
Last night I got a pumpkin ice cream sundae and drove around the city looking at Halloween lights. I saw ghosts and goblins. Scarecrows, vampires and other monsters I can't quite figure out. There were inflatable pumpkin men and glowing spider webs. I felt very much at home. I listened to violin music by candlelight. I watched some classic Halloween films and ate some early Halloween candy.
Today I drove all over creation experiencing Halloween. I had a Frappula and went trick or treating in a candy store. I found an add for one last corn maze but it proved to be a mythical creature that resisted giving up its location. I watched more classic October films whilst waiting for trick or treaters to show up. Yet again my record is untarnished, no trick or treators darkened my door.
But I did get to watch hoards of them swarming the streets and local businesses. It was a cute site to see. I love this time of year. I can't wait for it to come again.
Happy Halloween everyone and thank you for coming on this journey with me. I'll see you again 353 days from now.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
October Thought Day 30: Scare Me, Scare You
I have had haunted houses on the brain lately. Ok, haunted houses and zombies. I just found out today that there is something called a Zombie Hunt in my area. And I quote "Players armed with paintball markers will navigate the fields in order to escape the zombie horde! Your team will be asked to wipe out the zombies and make it to the decontamination zone to retrieve the antidote and save humanity." I mean HOW COOL IS THAT! I want to go save humanity from the zombie hoard. Granted, I already did it once this month, but I feel it is my duty to go where I am needed and after all, humanity needs me.
I also was rereminded that there is such a thing as Escape Rooms. There are a few in my hometown and this is the descriptor for one of them, "Prepare to be locked in a room with up to 11 other people and a Zombie that is chained to the wall! Hidden in the room is a key that will unlock the door to your freedom. To find the key you must locate numerous clues and solve riddles. Every five minutes the hungry Zombie’s chain will be released another foot. Within an hour, the Zombie will be able to reach you. You have 60 minutes to the find clues, solve the puzzles, unlock the door and escape the room without getting infected! Are you smarter than a Zombie? Find out!"
I want to find out. I want to find out. Pick me. Pick me. (jumps up and down over in the corner frantically waving both hands). I mean, are they purposely gearing these things to me? I think so and I appreciate it. Not all the escape rooms are scary though. There is one that has to do with the American Revolution for us nerdy history buffs, and one is in an arcade. I want to go so bad or haven't I mentioned that?
Then there is the Haunted World. I usually don't go for scary stuff like that. My motto is, there are already too many actual freaks and weirdo's out in the world, I don't need to seek them out. But this actually sounds kinda fun. "The Haunted World is a 30 acre outdoor haunt. You will wind your way through Gristle's cornfield and then make your way underground and into his 700 ft. dungeon of torture. If you can handle it, you will then pass through his barnyard, and visit his ravenous animals. You will also visit Hacksaw Jim's Stanky Cellar, Voorhee's Dilapidated Shack, Vertigo's Tunnel, and Cannibal Lecter's Carnival of Pigs." And if that isn't enough fun, they have something called Skullvania "which is is a hostel asylum gone wrong. Disturbed patrons have checked in, never to check out! You will make your way through each one of their rooms and experience firsthand what they experience daily. May their souls rest in peace." I just got goose bumps and they are the good kind.
I think all this mania started when I began binge watching The Walking Dead and then it kind of took off when I was in the car and heard the radio announcers mention a haunted house attraction that was so scary over half the participants can't finish it. The haunted house is called the 17th Door and it is scaring the pants off people. They are actually selling out of tickets and then about 60% of the participants can't even finish the course. I don't know whether to be impressed or really freaked out? You have to go room by room and supposedly things escalate as you go. You have to sign a waiver at the start and you are given a safe word if you can't go on. If you use the safe word you are immediately taken out of the...event....attraction.....room? That does not sound fun to me. I like to be scared every now and again, but on my own terms. It says for this haunted house the actors get up into your personal space. NO THANKS. If I wanted that I'd go stand in line at the DMV.
Ahhh haunted houses. I do have a soft spot in my October heart for you. But mostly I am thinking of the one back home with velvet glow in the dark paintings where the eyes follow you and they pipe in scary sounds through the PA.
Oh October, you do have something for everyone.
I also was rereminded that there is such a thing as Escape Rooms. There are a few in my hometown and this is the descriptor for one of them, "Prepare to be locked in a room with up to 11 other people and a Zombie that is chained to the wall! Hidden in the room is a key that will unlock the door to your freedom. To find the key you must locate numerous clues and solve riddles. Every five minutes the hungry Zombie’s chain will be released another foot. Within an hour, the Zombie will be able to reach you. You have 60 minutes to the find clues, solve the puzzles, unlock the door and escape the room without getting infected! Are you smarter than a Zombie? Find out!"
I want to find out. I want to find out. Pick me. Pick me. (jumps up and down over in the corner frantically waving both hands). I mean, are they purposely gearing these things to me? I think so and I appreciate it. Not all the escape rooms are scary though. There is one that has to do with the American Revolution for us nerdy history buffs, and one is in an arcade. I want to go so bad or haven't I mentioned that?
Then there is the Haunted World. I usually don't go for scary stuff like that. My motto is, there are already too many actual freaks and weirdo's out in the world, I don't need to seek them out. But this actually sounds kinda fun. "The Haunted World is a 30 acre outdoor haunt. You will wind your way through Gristle's cornfield and then make your way underground and into his 700 ft. dungeon of torture. If you can handle it, you will then pass through his barnyard, and visit his ravenous animals. You will also visit Hacksaw Jim's Stanky Cellar, Voorhee's Dilapidated Shack, Vertigo's Tunnel, and Cannibal Lecter's Carnival of Pigs." And if that isn't enough fun, they have something called Skullvania "which is is a hostel asylum gone wrong. Disturbed patrons have checked in, never to check out! You will make your way through each one of their rooms and experience firsthand what they experience daily. May their souls rest in peace." I just got goose bumps and they are the good kind.
I think all this mania started when I began binge watching The Walking Dead and then it kind of took off when I was in the car and heard the radio announcers mention a haunted house attraction that was so scary over half the participants can't finish it. The haunted house is called the 17th Door and it is scaring the pants off people. They are actually selling out of tickets and then about 60% of the participants can't even finish the course. I don't know whether to be impressed or really freaked out? You have to go room by room and supposedly things escalate as you go. You have to sign a waiver at the start and you are given a safe word if you can't go on. If you use the safe word you are immediately taken out of the...event....attraction.....room? That does not sound fun to me. I like to be scared every now and again, but on my own terms. It says for this haunted house the actors get up into your personal space. NO THANKS. If I wanted that I'd go stand in line at the DMV.
Ahhh haunted houses. I do have a soft spot in my October heart for you. But mostly I am thinking of the one back home with velvet glow in the dark paintings where the eyes follow you and they pipe in scary sounds through the PA.
Oh October, you do have something for everyone.
October Thoughts Day 29: The Last Corn Maze
Ok, I promise, this is the last time I will write about a corn maze this year. I went to the final one today and while it wasn't the best of the best, it still was fun.
The maze and its complex didn't open until four which gave me a limited time to run around in since I didn't want to be there after dark. Hey, I watch movies, I know what happens to people in corn mazes after dark. One day I'm sure I will try it, but today was not that day. It isn't because I am scared, I just don't relish being lost in sharp corn in the cold for hours on end.
When it was my turn in line, I paid my fee and inquired about special pricing on something called The Creature. It is a giant inflatable lizard looking thing and you get to walk through it, which is right up my alley and is way cooler than I make it sound. So, as I haggled with the ticket attendant I felt a tap on my shoulder. The lady behind me said that she couldn't help but overhear my conversation, and had a free pass to the Creature that she could give me if I waited until after she had paid for her brood. I was tickled pink and agreed.
So sure enough, she paid for her kids and then went all the way back to the parking lot to get the free pass for me. It was an October miracle. I thanked her profusely, really an embarrassing amount and then I hightailed it to the Creature. It was marvelous. If you have ever wanted to experience what Jonah must have felt like, minus the sea water and smell with the addition of a few neon exit signs I highly recommend it.
While I was in the literal belly of the beast I moved off the path and sat down in a part of the stomach cavity. I listened to the pulse of the freeway outside and enjoyed the dark. I really could have spent an obscene amount of time in that thing. I think my favorite part was that in some places, you have to go through very tight openings. Like you are being squeezed through the Creature's intestines. It was AWESOME! I was so sad when it ended that I almost turned around and went back in. Other highlights included getting to see the Creature's heart and having to walk around the giant uvula. I can just imagine the dreams that I am going to have tonight.
Once the inner workings of the beast were explored I milled around a bit and checked out other attractions. I took a picture of a giant pumpkin man (I also may or may not have bought the accompanying stuffed toy of said giant pumpkin man). I looked at the actual fishing pond. I honked at the geese and contemplated freeing the bunnies. I wished I could be smaller so that I could go on the pony rides and I laid down on the corn beach an finally got to make my corn angels. Let me tell you, hardened corn kernels are the miracle beds of the future. I was so comfy that I almost fell asleep. I say almost because right before I was in danger of drifting off to dreamland a toddler fell on me and that was that.
I played a football tossing game against myself and won. I ambled over to the Field of Screams and took pictures of their warning signs and contemplated breaking in just to be contrary. Then it was down to maze business. I got my map, questions and game board and in I went............to the wrong maze. I walked around the mini maze first by accident. I was wondering why it was so short. Then I saw all the flags and the huge walkway leading to the giant maze and I felt a bit dumb. It turns out that was to be the high point of my maze going experience.
I must say, Phase 1 of the maze really kicked my patootie good. I think a large portion of the problem was the fact that I kept trying to use the map when I didn't really know where I was. At first I just wanted to have fun and do it without, but after I walked past stupid, wretched, awful, lowdown and horribly frustrating sign post three for the millionth time I started to feel a bit rageful. I'm pretty sure the maze was taunting me. The theme for this maze was Peter Pan and I must have spent a good half hour or more stuck in his left shoe with no end in sight. I still have no idea where sign post one or two got to, I never did find them.
While I was aimlessly wandering around and around sign post three, it began to rain on me and I vowed that if I ever did get out of the maze I was going straight to the refreshment stand to drown my frustrations in a large tankard of cider. Of course that didn't happen. Instead I opted to go into Phase 2 of the maze immediately. I'm a glutton for punishment. Phase 2 was much kinder to me after I yelled at it. I promised myself that I would follow the map and NOT end up in the section of the maze with sparkles. So of course I went straight to the sparkles. I stood in the middle of a really large one and yelled, OH YOU"VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME, then I almost slipped and fell down in the mud. But I didn't. I found my way around in record time. I found the second sky bridge and saw that I was at the farthest point in the corn from the entrance and daylight was fast fading. So I took a shortcut and reached the end of the maze just as the sun was sinking into a purple haze over the horizon.
It was fun. To celebrate my semi excellent survival skills I high fived a few scarecrows, went and chilled (literally) in the pumpkin patch and then went on a bone jarring hay ride with one of the children from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He looked like Mike TV and acted like the snobby rich girl Veruca Salt. He actually told his dad "Daddy, I want a pumpkin. I want a pumpkin right now." And then he kept chanting it over and over. His older brother finally got him to be quiet, for which the whole wagon was happy.
After my hay ride I was a bit cold and figured that it was time to go home. So back I went to my horseless carriage and wound my way back through the hills in the dark.
All in all, despite the rain, slippery paths, and frustrating Phase 1 maze I had fun. I have a new pumpkin man toy, a cool new sweatshirt and an appreciation for warm fingers. It was a good adventure and I look forward to next year.
The maze and its complex didn't open until four which gave me a limited time to run around in since I didn't want to be there after dark. Hey, I watch movies, I know what happens to people in corn mazes after dark. One day I'm sure I will try it, but today was not that day. It isn't because I am scared, I just don't relish being lost in sharp corn in the cold for hours on end.
When it was my turn in line, I paid my fee and inquired about special pricing on something called The Creature. It is a giant inflatable lizard looking thing and you get to walk through it, which is right up my alley and is way cooler than I make it sound. So, as I haggled with the ticket attendant I felt a tap on my shoulder. The lady behind me said that she couldn't help but overhear my conversation, and had a free pass to the Creature that she could give me if I waited until after she had paid for her brood. I was tickled pink and agreed.
So sure enough, she paid for her kids and then went all the way back to the parking lot to get the free pass for me. It was an October miracle. I thanked her profusely, really an embarrassing amount and then I hightailed it to the Creature. It was marvelous. If you have ever wanted to experience what Jonah must have felt like, minus the sea water and smell with the addition of a few neon exit signs I highly recommend it.
While I was in the literal belly of the beast I moved off the path and sat down in a part of the stomach cavity. I listened to the pulse of the freeway outside and enjoyed the dark. I really could have spent an obscene amount of time in that thing. I think my favorite part was that in some places, you have to go through very tight openings. Like you are being squeezed through the Creature's intestines. It was AWESOME! I was so sad when it ended that I almost turned around and went back in. Other highlights included getting to see the Creature's heart and having to walk around the giant uvula. I can just imagine the dreams that I am going to have tonight.
Once the inner workings of the beast were explored I milled around a bit and checked out other attractions. I took a picture of a giant pumpkin man (I also may or may not have bought the accompanying stuffed toy of said giant pumpkin man). I looked at the actual fishing pond. I honked at the geese and contemplated freeing the bunnies. I wished I could be smaller so that I could go on the pony rides and I laid down on the corn beach an finally got to make my corn angels. Let me tell you, hardened corn kernels are the miracle beds of the future. I was so comfy that I almost fell asleep. I say almost because right before I was in danger of drifting off to dreamland a toddler fell on me and that was that.
I played a football tossing game against myself and won. I ambled over to the Field of Screams and took pictures of their warning signs and contemplated breaking in just to be contrary. Then it was down to maze business. I got my map, questions and game board and in I went............to the wrong maze. I walked around the mini maze first by accident. I was wondering why it was so short. Then I saw all the flags and the huge walkway leading to the giant maze and I felt a bit dumb. It turns out that was to be the high point of my maze going experience.
I must say, Phase 1 of the maze really kicked my patootie good. I think a large portion of the problem was the fact that I kept trying to use the map when I didn't really know where I was. At first I just wanted to have fun and do it without, but after I walked past stupid, wretched, awful, lowdown and horribly frustrating sign post three for the millionth time I started to feel a bit rageful. I'm pretty sure the maze was taunting me. The theme for this maze was Peter Pan and I must have spent a good half hour or more stuck in his left shoe with no end in sight. I still have no idea where sign post one or two got to, I never did find them.
While I was aimlessly wandering around and around sign post three, it began to rain on me and I vowed that if I ever did get out of the maze I was going straight to the refreshment stand to drown my frustrations in a large tankard of cider. Of course that didn't happen. Instead I opted to go into Phase 2 of the maze immediately. I'm a glutton for punishment. Phase 2 was much kinder to me after I yelled at it. I promised myself that I would follow the map and NOT end up in the section of the maze with sparkles. So of course I went straight to the sparkles. I stood in the middle of a really large one and yelled, OH YOU"VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME, then I almost slipped and fell down in the mud. But I didn't. I found my way around in record time. I found the second sky bridge and saw that I was at the farthest point in the corn from the entrance and daylight was fast fading. So I took a shortcut and reached the end of the maze just as the sun was sinking into a purple haze over the horizon.
It was fun. To celebrate my semi excellent survival skills I high fived a few scarecrows, went and chilled (literally) in the pumpkin patch and then went on a bone jarring hay ride with one of the children from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He looked like Mike TV and acted like the snobby rich girl Veruca Salt. He actually told his dad "Daddy, I want a pumpkin. I want a pumpkin right now." And then he kept chanting it over and over. His older brother finally got him to be quiet, for which the whole wagon was happy.
After my hay ride I was a bit cold and figured that it was time to go home. So back I went to my horseless carriage and wound my way back through the hills in the dark.
All in all, despite the rain, slippery paths, and frustrating Phase 1 maze I had fun. I have a new pumpkin man toy, a cool new sweatshirt and an appreciation for warm fingers. It was a good adventure and I look forward to next year.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
October Thoughts Day 28:Blanket Thanks
As I sat under a bright harvest moon letting my mind wander over October things, inspiration struck in the most surprising of places. I was curled up by the fake fire with a blanket on my lap and it got me thinking, I have been gifted with an awful lot of blankets over the years and I won't share all of them with you, but there are a handful that do merit special mention.
One blanket in particular found its way to me via an anonymous donor. I walked into the church office to pick something up and there on the desk was a blanket in my favorite colors with my name on it. I hadn't asked for it and I certainly wasn't expecting it, but there it was nonetheless. As of late I have been using it through the summer months and into fall as a covering for my bed and it literally gives me the warm fuzzies as it snuggles me to sleep at night. I never did find out who my blanket fairy godmother was, but I am grateful for her gift.
Next in line are two blankets that were handmade for me. One came with a pillow and had a pattern full of penguins frolicking on it. I break it out in the winter months and think fondly of the hands that made it. The other blanket was a surprise and not a surprise. I got to hear all about it being made, never knowing that it was for me. I was a little jealous when the blanket was finished and it was shipped off. I thought, how lucky that person is to be getting something so lovely. So imagine my surprise when it showed up on my doorstep. It is an October blanket through and through and I most definitely use it all through fall, though it also sits in my room and reminds me of the love and care that are being radiated my way. It has comforted me through some dark days and I cherish it. Truth be told I treasure both blankets and the hands that made them, as well as the friendships that they represent.
Another bevvy of blankets found their way to me after we had our house fire Halloween eve a few years ago. Having a fire is never a good thing, but having one around the holidays can be particularly depressing. There are so many things you take for granted about your life until you don't have them anymore. Blankets were in short supply and once again, a surprise blanket fairy visited us. We received 3 from family heirlooms from friends, 2 more were made for us while I watched, another was purchased on a surprise shopping trip and one survived the fire that had sentimental value and was rush cleaned so that we could use it. Like the blankets mentioned before, I also treasure these coverings. They came from the heart no matter if they were store bought, homemade or given. Each time I use them I am covered in love. I think about someone taking the time to pick them out for us and I am humbled.
Which brings me to my final blanket. The blanket that has taught me to love all the others. If I had to pick a special blanket it would probably be this one. It doesn't stand out in any particular way. It is pretty but not showy. It wasn't homemade, but that doesn't make it any less special. I like this blanket above the others oddly enough because it taught me humility. It reminds me to be thankful and gracious in all circumstances and to realize that appearances can be deceiving.
I got this blanket at my college graduation from a friend. She was more than a friend, she was almost like family. She was my secretary in student government and she looked after me like I was her own kid. I wasn't running a fortune 500 company, but she took her job seriously and was my watchdog. She safeguarded my time from others, made me stop for lunch breaks and scolded me when I burned the midnight oil. We laughed, we joked, we worked hard.
On the day of graduation, after it was over I will milling around like graduates are prone to do, hugging and congratulating, taking pictures, scurrying here and there. My mother caught up with me and mentioned that my secretary wanted to see me. We made our way over and once together we hugged and congratulated each other. She handed me a package and I tore into it. Inside was my blanket. As I mentioned, it was a nice blanket, but nothing that on first glance would make one stop and exclaim about its beauty. As excited as she was to give it I thought it must be something more. So I took the blanket out and shook it a little, seeing if there was something in it. There wasn't. I looked it over a bit puzzled and said thanks. I meant those thanks. I wasn't being sarcastic or dismissive. It was a blanket. A nice blanket, but a blanket nonetheless. I could see she was a little hurt that I wasn't jumping up and down over the blanket so I mustered up a little extra enthusiasm gave her a hug and told her that it was a nice blanket and thank you for thinking of me.
We said more congratulations, took more pictures, said our goodbyes and I handed the blanket over to my mother and we all went our separate ways. It wasn't that I wasn't grateful for the gift, I was, but it was just a blanket. Awful, of me I know. Anyway, the day went on, there were graduation parties to go to, more family events to attend and a weekends worth of activities engage in. I totally forgot about the blanket.
It seems after I had so obliviously handed it off, my mom had tracked the secretary down and apologized. Her feelings were more hurt than I had noticed in all my post graduation excitement, but my mom hadn't. The blanket wasn't just some cheap store purchase (though there would be NOTHING wrong if it had been). It was a blanket from her hometown and since they were homemade they cost a bit more than regular blankets. She had though about getting me this blanket all year and had saved up for it. She told my mom that she couldn't wait to give it to me and then thoughtless me had totally rained on her parade.
I wish I could say the story has a happy ending. In a way it does, but more in the vein of a lesson learned. Mom tried to find me after the girl told her all this so that I could make amends, but by the time she found me again, the girl had left. I wrote her an apology and sincerely thanked her for the gift later that week after mom had told me what happened. I truly was sorry, I still am, but I never heard back. I actually haven't heard from her since. I still troll the internet every now and then hoping to find her, but quite some time has passed. She could have moved, gotten married, been forced into witness protection, joined a new age collective and changed her name to Rainbow for all I can find out. I would like to tell her how much this blanket has come to mean to me. How it has changed how I see other gifts that I am given. But it seems I might not get that chance.
I was careless with someone else's feelings. I didn't give my full attention to the moment and didn't see a treasure for what it was. I wasn't as grateful as I should have been. I was still polite but far to self absorbed. I still feel guilty about it. But that said, we can't always see the treasure for what it is. Sometimes a blanket is really just a blanket. It isn't always picked out with care and attention, but how are we to know?
Since then I have tried to cultivate a better attitude of gratitude. I don't always succeed. I have a terrible time writing thank you's in a timely manner, but now it's because I want to take the time to properly convey my thanks, rather than forgetfulness. (still, I should speed it up some) I try to be gracious and present in the moment. I also try to see past the surface to what might be a treasure. Again, sometimes a blanket is just a blanket. But sometimes it is so much more.
One blanket in particular found its way to me via an anonymous donor. I walked into the church office to pick something up and there on the desk was a blanket in my favorite colors with my name on it. I hadn't asked for it and I certainly wasn't expecting it, but there it was nonetheless. As of late I have been using it through the summer months and into fall as a covering for my bed and it literally gives me the warm fuzzies as it snuggles me to sleep at night. I never did find out who my blanket fairy godmother was, but I am grateful for her gift.
Next in line are two blankets that were handmade for me. One came with a pillow and had a pattern full of penguins frolicking on it. I break it out in the winter months and think fondly of the hands that made it. The other blanket was a surprise and not a surprise. I got to hear all about it being made, never knowing that it was for me. I was a little jealous when the blanket was finished and it was shipped off. I thought, how lucky that person is to be getting something so lovely. So imagine my surprise when it showed up on my doorstep. It is an October blanket through and through and I most definitely use it all through fall, though it also sits in my room and reminds me of the love and care that are being radiated my way. It has comforted me through some dark days and I cherish it. Truth be told I treasure both blankets and the hands that made them, as well as the friendships that they represent.
Another bevvy of blankets found their way to me after we had our house fire Halloween eve a few years ago. Having a fire is never a good thing, but having one around the holidays can be particularly depressing. There are so many things you take for granted about your life until you don't have them anymore. Blankets were in short supply and once again, a surprise blanket fairy visited us. We received 3 from family heirlooms from friends, 2 more were made for us while I watched, another was purchased on a surprise shopping trip and one survived the fire that had sentimental value and was rush cleaned so that we could use it. Like the blankets mentioned before, I also treasure these coverings. They came from the heart no matter if they were store bought, homemade or given. Each time I use them I am covered in love. I think about someone taking the time to pick them out for us and I am humbled.
Which brings me to my final blanket. The blanket that has taught me to love all the others. If I had to pick a special blanket it would probably be this one. It doesn't stand out in any particular way. It is pretty but not showy. It wasn't homemade, but that doesn't make it any less special. I like this blanket above the others oddly enough because it taught me humility. It reminds me to be thankful and gracious in all circumstances and to realize that appearances can be deceiving.
I got this blanket at my college graduation from a friend. She was more than a friend, she was almost like family. She was my secretary in student government and she looked after me like I was her own kid. I wasn't running a fortune 500 company, but she took her job seriously and was my watchdog. She safeguarded my time from others, made me stop for lunch breaks and scolded me when I burned the midnight oil. We laughed, we joked, we worked hard.
On the day of graduation, after it was over I will milling around like graduates are prone to do, hugging and congratulating, taking pictures, scurrying here and there. My mother caught up with me and mentioned that my secretary wanted to see me. We made our way over and once together we hugged and congratulated each other. She handed me a package and I tore into it. Inside was my blanket. As I mentioned, it was a nice blanket, but nothing that on first glance would make one stop and exclaim about its beauty. As excited as she was to give it I thought it must be something more. So I took the blanket out and shook it a little, seeing if there was something in it. There wasn't. I looked it over a bit puzzled and said thanks. I meant those thanks. I wasn't being sarcastic or dismissive. It was a blanket. A nice blanket, but a blanket nonetheless. I could see she was a little hurt that I wasn't jumping up and down over the blanket so I mustered up a little extra enthusiasm gave her a hug and told her that it was a nice blanket and thank you for thinking of me.
We said more congratulations, took more pictures, said our goodbyes and I handed the blanket over to my mother and we all went our separate ways. It wasn't that I wasn't grateful for the gift, I was, but it was just a blanket. Awful, of me I know. Anyway, the day went on, there were graduation parties to go to, more family events to attend and a weekends worth of activities engage in. I totally forgot about the blanket.
It seems after I had so obliviously handed it off, my mom had tracked the secretary down and apologized. Her feelings were more hurt than I had noticed in all my post graduation excitement, but my mom hadn't. The blanket wasn't just some cheap store purchase (though there would be NOTHING wrong if it had been). It was a blanket from her hometown and since they were homemade they cost a bit more than regular blankets. She had though about getting me this blanket all year and had saved up for it. She told my mom that she couldn't wait to give it to me and then thoughtless me had totally rained on her parade.
I wish I could say the story has a happy ending. In a way it does, but more in the vein of a lesson learned. Mom tried to find me after the girl told her all this so that I could make amends, but by the time she found me again, the girl had left. I wrote her an apology and sincerely thanked her for the gift later that week after mom had told me what happened. I truly was sorry, I still am, but I never heard back. I actually haven't heard from her since. I still troll the internet every now and then hoping to find her, but quite some time has passed. She could have moved, gotten married, been forced into witness protection, joined a new age collective and changed her name to Rainbow for all I can find out. I would like to tell her how much this blanket has come to mean to me. How it has changed how I see other gifts that I am given. But it seems I might not get that chance.
I was careless with someone else's feelings. I didn't give my full attention to the moment and didn't see a treasure for what it was. I wasn't as grateful as I should have been. I was still polite but far to self absorbed. I still feel guilty about it. But that said, we can't always see the treasure for what it is. Sometimes a blanket is really just a blanket. It isn't always picked out with care and attention, but how are we to know?
Since then I have tried to cultivate a better attitude of gratitude. I don't always succeed. I have a terrible time writing thank you's in a timely manner, but now it's because I want to take the time to properly convey my thanks, rather than forgetfulness. (still, I should speed it up some) I try to be gracious and present in the moment. I also try to see past the surface to what might be a treasure. Again, sometimes a blanket is just a blanket. But sometimes it is so much more.
Monday, October 26, 2015
October Thoughts Day 27: Meeting of the Months
It was the longest night of the year and once again time for the annual meeting of the months. Everyone was there. The triplets April, May and June were giggling over a fashion magazine on the oversized couch. July was off in the corner causing trouble and slipping firecrackers under the butlers shoes. March was drinking with January out on the patio while September scolded them and tried to keep things in order. November was hungrily eyeing the goodies on the sideboard while February was stuffing sweets in her purse when she thought no one was looking. August was lazing near the fire listening to a boisterous December recount holidays past and October was in his easy chair watching it all.
The meeting of the months always took place in the Great Hall of the Time Mansion. The Great Hall was a place out of time and was thereby deemed neutral ground by all the months. No one could claim favoritism or privilege in the Hall and they all took turns chairing the meeting. Out of the Hall, each of the months had their own set of rooms in the mansion and their own personal staff, which at the beginning of time had presented a problem when unsuspecting visitors had dropped by. They had been met at the door by any variety of beings. There were elves, flying babies, leprechauns, water nymphs, talking jack o lanterns, flower people, stars, elementals, ents, scarecrows, cats and more. How would you feel if the north wind came to the door when you knocked? So, at one of the annual meetings it was decided that a butler needed to be hired, just for the odd unexpected visitor. After all, one didn't want to scare the people too badly, that was October's job.
The hiring process was mercifully short. Thousands answered the add but only one stalwart gentleman actually stayed for the interview process. The rest fled at varying points either at the front door or in the corridors on the way to the interview room. But not Manfred Lilywhite. Manfred was made of sterner stuff and supposed that if his new place of employment had a few oddities, who was he to complain. He had grown up in a rather uneventful life and felt that a few quirks here and there would be a welcome change. Happily there was no shortage of eventful occurrences for Manfred to handle.
There was the time April decided that her pet bunny needed to befriend one of October's bats and soon the mansion was overrun with flying rabbits. Then there was the great Christmas cookie debacle of 783 when one of the elves has turned the entire mansion into a gingerbread house. Thanks to February's sweet tooth, whole sections of the mansion had to be redone or forever sport tooth marks. Yes, the atmosphere was never dull in the Time Mansion. Why, one could walk from room to room and experience vastly different weather patterns and seasons. You could go alpine skiing on the grand staircase or visit the spooky caverns that made up the basement. Some of the bathrooms resembled tropical gardens complete with bathing pools and waterfalls and the kitchens, yes, kitchens plural stocked every sort of gastronomical confection imaginable and the cutlery drawers looked like a cross between an arsenal and a medieval torture chamber.
Which was what made it so much fun to be the host of the annual meeting. October loved to show off the fruits of his months bounty and the tables almost bent under the combined weight. There was pumpkin panettone for December who liked fruitcake, and pumpkin soups and breads for November. There were cupcakes, candies, cider, tortes, tarts and ales. Fruit pies, meat pies, sweet pies and sour pies. There was so much food in fact that scarecrow waiters stood by the Hall doors next to wheelbarrows ready to wheel the months out after the meeting. Truth be told, some method of conveyance was always standing by to wheel the occupants out. Overindulgence was the goal not the exception. When December was in charge it was a sled pulled by gingerbread men, when it was August's turn giant floating sunflowers harnessed to bees carried them all away.
Sensing that things needed to get going, October indicated to Manfred to sound the gong and slowly all the months made their way to the great table. Once seated and properly situated, October opened the big book and called the meeting to order. He banged his pumpkin gavel and asked the secretary (who happened to be September this time) to read the minutes of the last gathering. Once that was done they proceeded to new business. February raised her hand and asked that her official color be changed from pink and red to lavender because it was a much more soothing tone. May took issue with the change and her sisters rallied around her. Not surprisingly the vote ceased to gain ground, but in order to placate her, June did offer to give up her 31st day so that February could celebrate one more day of her month. Everyone agreed that this was an elegant and gracious solution and the motion carried. It would be noted however that in the human world such a change would only be reflected once every four years in order to not cause too much of a commotion.
The next order of business was brought up by September who asked that November make up his mind and finally set an official date as to when Thanksgiving should be held. Traditionally it would occur whenever November felt hungriest and sometimes that meant two or three times in a month. The other months had heard the human population grumbling and decided to make November finally choose. Round and round they went. November lobbied for earlier in the month, but October wouldn't' have it. People were still in a candy coma from Halloween and didn't need another party. December didn't care one way or another and November kept trying to haggle for two more holidays. In the end they decided to hold the official day halfway between the festivities and most everyone was happy.
The only other bit of business was to present Manfred with his annual bonus and then choose the next month to host the meeting. March was unanimously chosen mostly because he was passed out in his chair and couldn't pawn the job off on anyone else. October rapped his pumpkin gavel to close the meeting and everyone began to disperse. They climbed or fell or were carried to their respective wheelbarrows and taken to their rooms. When the last of them had left, Manfred snapped his fingers and the room was once again put to rights. The giant sandy hourglass was turned on its access to count down the days until the next meeting and the candles were blown out. The fire was banked and with a contented sigh Manfred closed the giant oak doors to the Great Hall. Yes, working here was certainly never boring.
The meeting of the months always took place in the Great Hall of the Time Mansion. The Great Hall was a place out of time and was thereby deemed neutral ground by all the months. No one could claim favoritism or privilege in the Hall and they all took turns chairing the meeting. Out of the Hall, each of the months had their own set of rooms in the mansion and their own personal staff, which at the beginning of time had presented a problem when unsuspecting visitors had dropped by. They had been met at the door by any variety of beings. There were elves, flying babies, leprechauns, water nymphs, talking jack o lanterns, flower people, stars, elementals, ents, scarecrows, cats and more. How would you feel if the north wind came to the door when you knocked? So, at one of the annual meetings it was decided that a butler needed to be hired, just for the odd unexpected visitor. After all, one didn't want to scare the people too badly, that was October's job.
The hiring process was mercifully short. Thousands answered the add but only one stalwart gentleman actually stayed for the interview process. The rest fled at varying points either at the front door or in the corridors on the way to the interview room. But not Manfred Lilywhite. Manfred was made of sterner stuff and supposed that if his new place of employment had a few oddities, who was he to complain. He had grown up in a rather uneventful life and felt that a few quirks here and there would be a welcome change. Happily there was no shortage of eventful occurrences for Manfred to handle.
There was the time April decided that her pet bunny needed to befriend one of October's bats and soon the mansion was overrun with flying rabbits. Then there was the great Christmas cookie debacle of 783 when one of the elves has turned the entire mansion into a gingerbread house. Thanks to February's sweet tooth, whole sections of the mansion had to be redone or forever sport tooth marks. Yes, the atmosphere was never dull in the Time Mansion. Why, one could walk from room to room and experience vastly different weather patterns and seasons. You could go alpine skiing on the grand staircase or visit the spooky caverns that made up the basement. Some of the bathrooms resembled tropical gardens complete with bathing pools and waterfalls and the kitchens, yes, kitchens plural stocked every sort of gastronomical confection imaginable and the cutlery drawers looked like a cross between an arsenal and a medieval torture chamber.
Which was what made it so much fun to be the host of the annual meeting. October loved to show off the fruits of his months bounty and the tables almost bent under the combined weight. There was pumpkin panettone for December who liked fruitcake, and pumpkin soups and breads for November. There were cupcakes, candies, cider, tortes, tarts and ales. Fruit pies, meat pies, sweet pies and sour pies. There was so much food in fact that scarecrow waiters stood by the Hall doors next to wheelbarrows ready to wheel the months out after the meeting. Truth be told, some method of conveyance was always standing by to wheel the occupants out. Overindulgence was the goal not the exception. When December was in charge it was a sled pulled by gingerbread men, when it was August's turn giant floating sunflowers harnessed to bees carried them all away.
Sensing that things needed to get going, October indicated to Manfred to sound the gong and slowly all the months made their way to the great table. Once seated and properly situated, October opened the big book and called the meeting to order. He banged his pumpkin gavel and asked the secretary (who happened to be September this time) to read the minutes of the last gathering. Once that was done they proceeded to new business. February raised her hand and asked that her official color be changed from pink and red to lavender because it was a much more soothing tone. May took issue with the change and her sisters rallied around her. Not surprisingly the vote ceased to gain ground, but in order to placate her, June did offer to give up her 31st day so that February could celebrate one more day of her month. Everyone agreed that this was an elegant and gracious solution and the motion carried. It would be noted however that in the human world such a change would only be reflected once every four years in order to not cause too much of a commotion.
The next order of business was brought up by September who asked that November make up his mind and finally set an official date as to when Thanksgiving should be held. Traditionally it would occur whenever November felt hungriest and sometimes that meant two or three times in a month. The other months had heard the human population grumbling and decided to make November finally choose. Round and round they went. November lobbied for earlier in the month, but October wouldn't' have it. People were still in a candy coma from Halloween and didn't need another party. December didn't care one way or another and November kept trying to haggle for two more holidays. In the end they decided to hold the official day halfway between the festivities and most everyone was happy.
The only other bit of business was to present Manfred with his annual bonus and then choose the next month to host the meeting. March was unanimously chosen mostly because he was passed out in his chair and couldn't pawn the job off on anyone else. October rapped his pumpkin gavel to close the meeting and everyone began to disperse. They climbed or fell or were carried to their respective wheelbarrows and taken to their rooms. When the last of them had left, Manfred snapped his fingers and the room was once again put to rights. The giant sandy hourglass was turned on its access to count down the days until the next meeting and the candles were blown out. The fire was banked and with a contented sigh Manfred closed the giant oak doors to the Great Hall. Yes, working here was certainly never boring.
October Thoughts Day 26: October Storms
I've finally done it. I've managed to turn my October calm into the frenzied crush that is Christmas. Instead of simply basking in the day I spent a large portion of it fretting. I looked at the piles of October movies I still had to watch. I poured over the mountains of October books I still wanted to read. There is so much left undone and I was trying to pile it all in. But then the rains came.
I have been wanting an October storm all month long. I w...as even dreaming about it this afternoon. One of my favorite childhood memories of October was sitting at my bedroom window staring out at the dark night and listening to the rain pelt against the glass. The water made trails down the pane and in the morning I just knew that the leaves would be all shiny and glistening from the evening deluge. It was October magic at its finest.
At first I didn't even hear the storm that was happening in present day. I had one of my October movies playing out of obligation rather than enjoyment and the sound drowned out the rain. The movie finished and I was about to pop another in when I heard it. I closed my eyes and listened for the beat of the tiny drops against the side of the house. The steady staccato stilled my frantic nerves and like they sing in Frozen, I just let it go.
I always say that one of my favorite parts about October is that it doesn't pile on the stress. You don't actually have to do anything except for have fun. I finally remembered that tonight. So, while I still have some plans for my remaining week of the best month ever, I no longer have a strict agenda. I am going to go with the flow. Maybe this year I don't watch my films. Perhaps those books will just have to wait till next year, or a different month. So what if I don't bake all 112 autumn recipes or go to a Halloween party. I might not even carve a pumpkin....gasp.
For now, I am simply content to go sit by the window with my cup of cocoa and listen to the rain beat its tiny fists. Thank you October storm for reminding me to take it easy. Thank you for getting my attention and for washing away the hustle and bustle I had created for myself. Thank you for resetting my joy. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
I always say that one of my favorite parts about October is that it doesn't pile on the stress. You don't actually have to do anything except for have fun. I finally remembered that tonight. So, while I still have some plans for my remaining week of the best month ever, I no longer have a strict agenda. I am going to go with the flow. Maybe this year I don't watch my films. Perhaps those books will just have to wait till next year, or a different month. So what if I don't bake all 112 autumn recipes or go to a Halloween party. I might not even carve a pumpkin....gasp.
For now, I am simply content to go sit by the window with my cup of cocoa and listen to the rain beat its tiny fists. Thank you October storm for reminding me to take it easy. Thank you for getting my attention and for washing away the hustle and bustle I had created for myself. Thank you for resetting my joy. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
October Thought Day 25: October For My Mom
The thought for today is about candy corn. I thought I was done with the topic, but it seems that those little multicolored triangles haven't had enough of me yet. I wasn't planning on writing about them again but for two things, the first being a poll that showed what candy each state most consumed in October, with Oregon identifying as candy corn. The second reason is that though she has not read my October Thoughts this year, my mother asked if I had written about them yet. I told her, "well kinda" and apparently that wasn't good enough for her.
So, without further ado, I give you the yearly lesson on the process and consumption of candy corn. Enjoy.
According to the National Confectioners Association, candy companies will produce nearly 35 million pounds of the corny candy this year. That's about 9 billion individual kernels of corn. Or about 10 million dollars in dental bills.
Most people know the traditional candy corn with three stripes -- yellow at the bottom, orange at the center and white at the top -- but it also comes in a variety of other colors and flavors depending on the holiday: Brown, orange, and white Indian corn (the brown section is chocolate-flavored) for Thanksgiving. Green, white and red Reindeer corn for Christmas (which I think should be mint flavored but so far they have not mass produced my idea yet). Pink, red and white Cupid corn for Valentine's Day (gag). And the dreaded Pastel-colored Bunny corn for Easter. Dreaded because even though color has nothing to do with it, and I know they make it fresh, Bunny corn looks ridiculous and tastes stale. And that is just the way it is. But my mom isn't the only one who loves the triangular sweet stuff, October 30th is National Candy Corn Day. Though I don't think I have ever heard them announce that on the news.
According to writing and research done by TLC staff reporter Stephanie Watson, "Candy corn has been around for more than a century. George Renninger of the Wunderlee Candy Company invented it in the 1880s. It was originally very popular among farmers and its look was revolutionary for the candy industry. The Goelitz Candy Company started making candy corn in 1900 and still makes it today, although the name has changed to the Jelly Belly Candy Company.
Although the recipe for candy corn hasn't changed much since the late 1800s, the way it's made has changed quite a bit. In the early days, workers mixed the main ingredients -- sugar, water and corn syrup -- in large kettles. Then they added fondant (a sweet, creamy icing made from sugar, corn syrup and water) and marshmallow for smoothness. Finally, they poured the entire mixture by hand into molds, one color at a time. Because the work was so tedious, candy corn was only available from March to November.
Today, machines do most of the work. Manufacturers use the "corn starch molding process" to create the signature design. A machine fills a tray of little kernel-shaped holes with cornstarch, which holds the candy corn in shape. Each hole fills partway with sweet white syrup colored with artificial food coloring. Next comes the orange syrup, and finally, the yellow syrup. Then the mold cools and the mixture sits for about 24 hours until it hardens. A machine empties the trays, and the kernels fall into chutes. Any excess cornstarch shakes loose in a big sifter. Then the candy corn gets a glaze to make it shine, and workers package it for shipment to stores."
\
I know it is time consuming, but I miss the good old days of hand made candy corn. Not that I ever tasted it, but don't you just imagine that it was better? But how weird is it that so much work went into making something so small. I think knowing that painstaking process is what cemented my love of candy corn in the first place. Candy is a complex thing and we just grab it off a supermarket shelf like it is no big deal. It really is something to savor. Think about it the next time you have some, hopefully this month.
Think about time, and creativity. About taste and texture. I know they say that the colors don't make a difference and that the corn tastes the same. But I swear, the orange part tastes a bit like a creamsicle, the yellow like honey and the white like a frothy marshmallow top. Just taste and see if I am wrong.
But now that you know the technical side of things, imagine with me if you will the fantastic. See, I don't think that candy corn is really made like that at all. I think candy corn comes from a parallel world that we can't see. In it, candy corns are living creatures who dwell in villages made out of gumdrops and romp and frolic like fairies. They fly to and fro on sugary wings, and eat only the choicest marshmallows from the mallow trees. As candy corns mature they get more colors. Baby corns start out as little white nubbins who then eventually grow into orange adults. From those adults, only the wisest and most magical of the candy corn people attain their yellow stripe.
But lest you think we barbaric human beings gorge ourselves on sweet candy people, let me tell you the rest of the story. When the wise candy corns have lived a full and happy life and are ready to journey onto the next adventure, they shed their triangular coats and become October sun and moon beams. Haven't you noticed the particular sparkle and shine on a beautiful day, or the twinkle of a star at night? Those are the candy people waving hello and giving October a little extra oomph.
With all those discarded candy coats lying around, something has to be done. That is where the scarecrows come in. Did you really think that they just stood around in fields all day looking at birds? Their job is to harvest the candy corn coats while the world is sleeping. And really, the birds work for them. They spend their days on the lookout for the candy coats and then report back. It is quite the system and I don't want to spoil all the secrets, but doesn't that just give you a whole new appreciation for the tiny, tasty triangle.
So the next time you are at the supermarket, buy a bag and support a scarecrow. Taste a tiny tricolored triangle for me. Have one for my mom (as long as it isn't chocolate) and be sure to have another on the 30th. I know I will.
So, without further ado, I give you the yearly lesson on the process and consumption of candy corn. Enjoy.
According to the National Confectioners Association, candy companies will produce nearly 35 million pounds of the corny candy this year. That's about 9 billion individual kernels of corn. Or about 10 million dollars in dental bills.
Most people know the traditional candy corn with three stripes -- yellow at the bottom, orange at the center and white at the top -- but it also comes in a variety of other colors and flavors depending on the holiday: Brown, orange, and white Indian corn (the brown section is chocolate-flavored) for Thanksgiving. Green, white and red Reindeer corn for Christmas (which I think should be mint flavored but so far they have not mass produced my idea yet). Pink, red and white Cupid corn for Valentine's Day (gag). And the dreaded Pastel-colored Bunny corn for Easter. Dreaded because even though color has nothing to do with it, and I know they make it fresh, Bunny corn looks ridiculous and tastes stale. And that is just the way it is. But my mom isn't the only one who loves the triangular sweet stuff, October 30th is National Candy Corn Day. Though I don't think I have ever heard them announce that on the news.
According to writing and research done by TLC staff reporter Stephanie Watson, "Candy corn has been around for more than a century. George Renninger of the Wunderlee Candy Company invented it in the 1880s. It was originally very popular among farmers and its look was revolutionary for the candy industry. The Goelitz Candy Company started making candy corn in 1900 and still makes it today, although the name has changed to the Jelly Belly Candy Company.
Although the recipe for candy corn hasn't changed much since the late 1800s, the way it's made has changed quite a bit. In the early days, workers mixed the main ingredients -- sugar, water and corn syrup -- in large kettles. Then they added fondant (a sweet, creamy icing made from sugar, corn syrup and water) and marshmallow for smoothness. Finally, they poured the entire mixture by hand into molds, one color at a time. Because the work was so tedious, candy corn was only available from March to November.
Today, machines do most of the work. Manufacturers use the "corn starch molding process" to create the signature design. A machine fills a tray of little kernel-shaped holes with cornstarch, which holds the candy corn in shape. Each hole fills partway with sweet white syrup colored with artificial food coloring. Next comes the orange syrup, and finally, the yellow syrup. Then the mold cools and the mixture sits for about 24 hours until it hardens. A machine empties the trays, and the kernels fall into chutes. Any excess cornstarch shakes loose in a big sifter. Then the candy corn gets a glaze to make it shine, and workers package it for shipment to stores."
\
I know it is time consuming, but I miss the good old days of hand made candy corn. Not that I ever tasted it, but don't you just imagine that it was better? But how weird is it that so much work went into making something so small. I think knowing that painstaking process is what cemented my love of candy corn in the first place. Candy is a complex thing and we just grab it off a supermarket shelf like it is no big deal. It really is something to savor. Think about it the next time you have some, hopefully this month.
Think about time, and creativity. About taste and texture. I know they say that the colors don't make a difference and that the corn tastes the same. But I swear, the orange part tastes a bit like a creamsicle, the yellow like honey and the white like a frothy marshmallow top. Just taste and see if I am wrong.
But now that you know the technical side of things, imagine with me if you will the fantastic. See, I don't think that candy corn is really made like that at all. I think candy corn comes from a parallel world that we can't see. In it, candy corns are living creatures who dwell in villages made out of gumdrops and romp and frolic like fairies. They fly to and fro on sugary wings, and eat only the choicest marshmallows from the mallow trees. As candy corns mature they get more colors. Baby corns start out as little white nubbins who then eventually grow into orange adults. From those adults, only the wisest and most magical of the candy corn people attain their yellow stripe.
But lest you think we barbaric human beings gorge ourselves on sweet candy people, let me tell you the rest of the story. When the wise candy corns have lived a full and happy life and are ready to journey onto the next adventure, they shed their triangular coats and become October sun and moon beams. Haven't you noticed the particular sparkle and shine on a beautiful day, or the twinkle of a star at night? Those are the candy people waving hello and giving October a little extra oomph.
With all those discarded candy coats lying around, something has to be done. That is where the scarecrows come in. Did you really think that they just stood around in fields all day looking at birds? Their job is to harvest the candy corn coats while the world is sleeping. And really, the birds work for them. They spend their days on the lookout for the candy coats and then report back. It is quite the system and I don't want to spoil all the secrets, but doesn't that just give you a whole new appreciation for the tiny, tasty triangle.
So the next time you are at the supermarket, buy a bag and support a scarecrow. Taste a tiny tricolored triangle for me. Have one for my mom (as long as it isn't chocolate) and be sure to have another on the 30th. I know I will.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
October Thoughts Day 24: Here We Go Again
Yesterday I promised myself that I was not going to write about corn mazes again. This morning I promised myself that I was not going to write about corn mazes again. On the way to my third corn maze I promised myself that I was not going to write about corn mazes again. Once I was in the corn maze I.....well, you get the picture. It seems I just can't help myself. I really would have spared you another corn maze story, but this one, this was a set up to rival all others and I just can't keep such a wonderful October day to myself.
I set off early this morning directions in hand, ready for a new adventure. I had heard of this maze before but never gone. I was quite looking forward to it and my excitement was not without merit. Just turning down the main street to the place had me all aflutter. And once it came into view, I almost caused a minor traffic incident. The place was massive. It was like the Costco of corn mazes. There were a plethora of things to do and at ten o'clock in the morning the lot was already half full. By the time I left there must have been at least six or seven hundred people present, maybe even more. The sheer swarm of humanity made me think of Disneyland, but out in the middle of nowhere....and with corn.
I bought an all day pass which entitled me to try all the attractions and you had better believe that I partook. There was a sign post after the entrance that pointed to all the different areas. I wanted to do everything at once. But since I was there for the maze, I tried it first.
The small maze was over a mile and a half and I'm pretty sure I walked two or three. I was having so much fun I just kept going around and around and trying directions that I had missed.The attendant at the opening gave me a map to follow but I didn't pay it any mind until I got to the first checkpoint. It seems there were twelve total and you had to get a different hole punch at each. That set off my inner Indiana Jones and I KNEW that I had to fill up that card. Along the way I got to listen to other people walking around the maze. Most of the conversations centered on how lost they were. One was about someone building a house and another was a business deal. It is pretty funny. Corn is not concrete, other people can hear what you are saying.
I could see the zip line from various points in the maze and it looked like a guard tower. It was magnificent. I kept thinking it was a zombie lookout station. Then I got to thinking what would happen if everyone got turned into zombies while I was in the maze. What on earth would I do? What would I do if there were zombies in the maze? It was a pretty fun way to pass the time. The other in maze entertainment was a maintenance worker who was driving an ATV around the perimeter. There was an access road that went through and near the maze and he would go by with his siren on (reinforcing my zombie apocalypse fears) or he would drive by with this crazy laugh. I have no idea what he was doing, but it was pretty funny. Especially the siren bit.
For the big maze I decided to actually use the map that they provided. It was so much fun to see exactly where I was going, especially because the theme for the maze was Jurassic Maze and the small maze was a raptor and the big maze was a t-rex. So while I was traversing the big maze I would stop and realize, hey, I'm in the teeth right now. Now I'm in a claw. Trust me, it was way cooler than I make it sound. I did get all twelve of the holes punched and I did a little victory dance after I got the last one.
I have also decided that I need a new vocation. I need to be a professional corn maze guide. I got asked for directions five times today even though I wasn't a staff member. And amazingly enough I knew what directions to give each time. Yes, there was a map, but if you weren't really paying attention it was easy to go off in some weird direction. And if corn maze guide isn't a thing, then I think I need to be a professional corn maze critic. I can travel the world experiencing corn mazes and writing reviews of them. I would have even more fun than I do now. I would become world famous for my corn maze critiques and would write a surprise best seller. Ok, I seriously need to find this job.
But back to my adventures. Once my spaghetti legs finished the second maze it was time to visit the snack bar. They had everything you could ever want out at a corn maze. Cider, hot chocolate, water, cider donuts, fries, tater tots, candied apples, hot dogs, hamburgers, I could keep listing but really just imagine a county fair and you get the idea. And when the sign says you get your fries in a bucket, you really do get them in a bucket.
After that pit stop I decided to take it easy and ride the cow train. I was the only adult on this particular ride but my aching feet didn't care. From my vantage point in my bumpy cow I surveyed the other attractions. While on the slowest cow train ride known to man I had time to ponder and I have come to the conclusion that adults need to get over the adultishness and have more fun. Why do the kids get all the rides? They had an amazing corn kernel box that you could climb in and fiddle with the corn. It was like a ball bit with teeny tiny balls. It looked like amazing fun, and even though there was no sign saying adults couldn't go in, only kids were in the box. I didn't want to be the weirdo adult who climbed in and started making corn angels so I had to leave that one alone. I'm still bitter about it. There was also a really cool chain swing that was just for kids that I would have loved to go on. Down with adult discrimination I say. We like bouncy houses just as much as the next kid.
But don't feel too sad for me though, I did get to go on this trampoline thing that required a harness. You were attached to two poles and the attendant had control of some sort of switch. I have no idea what it did, maybe made me bounce higher I don't know I was too excited to listen but I bounced like earth had no gravity. I sling-shoted up into the air and then gave a mighty bounce and did it again and again and again. I was so sorry that I had to get off. But there was a line of kids waiting.
After getting my bounce on I headed over to the mechanical bull. I have always wanted to ride one but my vertigo and sense of self preservation says no. I had no such qualms today and since no one else was on it or in line I asked the attendant if he could put it on the slowest setting and give me a go. He agreed and I took my very first ride. Now I'm not going to win any rodeos, but me and my geriatric bull had some fun. I waved my hands around, took the heckling of some passers by who said I should kick it up a notch and generally enjoyed myself. I wish I had had a cowboy hat or someone to record me. It must have been pretty funny to see me going .1 mile an hour, but I loved it.
Since I stayed on my bull and felt pretty tough I decided to go save the world from the undead. At the maze they had a separate section where you could go shoot zombies with paintballs Zombies....paintballs....I'm IN. Let's just say, my fears of being overrun were highly unfounded. You can all thank me because as of 12:01 this afternoon, the world is now safe from the undead hoard. You're welcome world. They don't call me Crack Shot McGillacutty for nothing. Ok, they don't but they sure could.
All that zombie killing had me thirsting for even more adventure so I made my final ride the zip line. They are very serious about their zip line safety at this place which I greatly appreciated. I had a safety lecture and had to wear a harness and everything. It made me feel very secure and official. I hooted and hollered and waved at the people in the maze as I zipped by and really hoped that I wouldn't hit the concrete blocks at the end. I survived and went one more time just to make sure that I had really, really liked it the first time. Yup, I did.
After the zip line was done the place was so jam packed that it was getting a bit less fun to be there so I opted to head home. I still have a smile on my face from all my adventures and I can't wait to do it all again next year. I now have a new favorite maze to patronize. Besides, someone has to keep the world safe from zombies and it might as well be me.
I set off early this morning directions in hand, ready for a new adventure. I had heard of this maze before but never gone. I was quite looking forward to it and my excitement was not without merit. Just turning down the main street to the place had me all aflutter. And once it came into view, I almost caused a minor traffic incident. The place was massive. It was like the Costco of corn mazes. There were a plethora of things to do and at ten o'clock in the morning the lot was already half full. By the time I left there must have been at least six or seven hundred people present, maybe even more. The sheer swarm of humanity made me think of Disneyland, but out in the middle of nowhere....and with corn.
I bought an all day pass which entitled me to try all the attractions and you had better believe that I partook. There was a sign post after the entrance that pointed to all the different areas. I wanted to do everything at once. But since I was there for the maze, I tried it first.
The small maze was over a mile and a half and I'm pretty sure I walked two or three. I was having so much fun I just kept going around and around and trying directions that I had missed.The attendant at the opening gave me a map to follow but I didn't pay it any mind until I got to the first checkpoint. It seems there were twelve total and you had to get a different hole punch at each. That set off my inner Indiana Jones and I KNEW that I had to fill up that card. Along the way I got to listen to other people walking around the maze. Most of the conversations centered on how lost they were. One was about someone building a house and another was a business deal. It is pretty funny. Corn is not concrete, other people can hear what you are saying.
I could see the zip line from various points in the maze and it looked like a guard tower. It was magnificent. I kept thinking it was a zombie lookout station. Then I got to thinking what would happen if everyone got turned into zombies while I was in the maze. What on earth would I do? What would I do if there were zombies in the maze? It was a pretty fun way to pass the time. The other in maze entertainment was a maintenance worker who was driving an ATV around the perimeter. There was an access road that went through and near the maze and he would go by with his siren on (reinforcing my zombie apocalypse fears) or he would drive by with this crazy laugh. I have no idea what he was doing, but it was pretty funny. Especially the siren bit.
For the big maze I decided to actually use the map that they provided. It was so much fun to see exactly where I was going, especially because the theme for the maze was Jurassic Maze and the small maze was a raptor and the big maze was a t-rex. So while I was traversing the big maze I would stop and realize, hey, I'm in the teeth right now. Now I'm in a claw. Trust me, it was way cooler than I make it sound. I did get all twelve of the holes punched and I did a little victory dance after I got the last one.
I have also decided that I need a new vocation. I need to be a professional corn maze guide. I got asked for directions five times today even though I wasn't a staff member. And amazingly enough I knew what directions to give each time. Yes, there was a map, but if you weren't really paying attention it was easy to go off in some weird direction. And if corn maze guide isn't a thing, then I think I need to be a professional corn maze critic. I can travel the world experiencing corn mazes and writing reviews of them. I would have even more fun than I do now. I would become world famous for my corn maze critiques and would write a surprise best seller. Ok, I seriously need to find this job.
But back to my adventures. Once my spaghetti legs finished the second maze it was time to visit the snack bar. They had everything you could ever want out at a corn maze. Cider, hot chocolate, water, cider donuts, fries, tater tots, candied apples, hot dogs, hamburgers, I could keep listing but really just imagine a county fair and you get the idea. And when the sign says you get your fries in a bucket, you really do get them in a bucket.
After that pit stop I decided to take it easy and ride the cow train. I was the only adult on this particular ride but my aching feet didn't care. From my vantage point in my bumpy cow I surveyed the other attractions. While on the slowest cow train ride known to man I had time to ponder and I have come to the conclusion that adults need to get over the adultishness and have more fun. Why do the kids get all the rides? They had an amazing corn kernel box that you could climb in and fiddle with the corn. It was like a ball bit with teeny tiny balls. It looked like amazing fun, and even though there was no sign saying adults couldn't go in, only kids were in the box. I didn't want to be the weirdo adult who climbed in and started making corn angels so I had to leave that one alone. I'm still bitter about it. There was also a really cool chain swing that was just for kids that I would have loved to go on. Down with adult discrimination I say. We like bouncy houses just as much as the next kid.
But don't feel too sad for me though, I did get to go on this trampoline thing that required a harness. You were attached to two poles and the attendant had control of some sort of switch. I have no idea what it did, maybe made me bounce higher I don't know I was too excited to listen but I bounced like earth had no gravity. I sling-shoted up into the air and then gave a mighty bounce and did it again and again and again. I was so sorry that I had to get off. But there was a line of kids waiting.
After getting my bounce on I headed over to the mechanical bull. I have always wanted to ride one but my vertigo and sense of self preservation says no. I had no such qualms today and since no one else was on it or in line I asked the attendant if he could put it on the slowest setting and give me a go. He agreed and I took my very first ride. Now I'm not going to win any rodeos, but me and my geriatric bull had some fun. I waved my hands around, took the heckling of some passers by who said I should kick it up a notch and generally enjoyed myself. I wish I had had a cowboy hat or someone to record me. It must have been pretty funny to see me going .1 mile an hour, but I loved it.
Since I stayed on my bull and felt pretty tough I decided to go save the world from the undead. At the maze they had a separate section where you could go shoot zombies with paintballs Zombies....paintballs....I'm IN. Let's just say, my fears of being overrun were highly unfounded. You can all thank me because as of 12:01 this afternoon, the world is now safe from the undead hoard. You're welcome world. They don't call me Crack Shot McGillacutty for nothing. Ok, they don't but they sure could.
All that zombie killing had me thirsting for even more adventure so I made my final ride the zip line. They are very serious about their zip line safety at this place which I greatly appreciated. I had a safety lecture and had to wear a harness and everything. It made me feel very secure and official. I hooted and hollered and waved at the people in the maze as I zipped by and really hoped that I wouldn't hit the concrete blocks at the end. I survived and went one more time just to make sure that I had really, really liked it the first time. Yup, I did.
After the zip line was done the place was so jam packed that it was getting a bit less fun to be there so I opted to head home. I still have a smile on my face from all my adventures and I can't wait to do it all again next year. I now have a new favorite maze to patronize. Besides, someone has to keep the world safe from zombies and it might as well be me.
Friday, October 23, 2015
October Thoughts Day 23: Pick Your Pretty
I was trolling through various blog posts this morning when I came across one that had this blurb, find six beautiful things today and post something about them. For some reason I got so excited. Find six things about today that I like, how about sixteen or sixty! But for the sake of your sanity, I will keep it to six.
1) The way the sun backlit the leaves today making them look like molten gold. I love, love, love fall trees, but this was just amazing. I really think that had I stopped the car and gone over to those leaves, they would have felt like solid gold bars in my hand. I'll bet it was true. Man, a missed opportunity. That'll teach me.
2) Yet another miracle of nature. There is a bush in my neighborhood that every time this year turns an amazing shade of red. It is a red so incredible and vibrant that I can't even begin to describe it, but I'll try. It is a bright red with dark hints. Like the golden leaves it sparkles in the sun and it actually looks like it is alive. Yes, I know plants already are alive, but I swear this one could talk if it wanted too. I think it really is a part of a phoenix's tail that has come loose and taken root here.
3) My Jurassic World lunch box. How is that a thing of beauty I hear you asking. To you I say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is a marvelous lunch box that I will be taking to work with me the first chance I get. It has a raised pattern on the front and back and I have spent more time than I care to admit running my fingers up and down the boney spine of the front dino skeleton. But the back is what has my heart. It has the four raptors of the movie in raised relief and they look fierce. To me it is a work of art, a true beauty.
4) My mom's smile. For a while there she lost it. It doesn't come as easily as it used to. But today there it was, hiding in the midst of some clothes and a bee sting, but it was there and it was as if the heavens themselves opened up and smiled down on me.
5) The lady singing behind me at the stop light. Usually I am the one serenading people, but all my stations were on break so I had the radio turned down. I glanced in the mirror and there she was, bopping, grooving and belting it out. I have no idea what song she was singing but she was clearly enjoying herself and that made me happy. I love it when other people can find their joy.
6) The haze around the moon this evening. It looked like the moon had a while gauzy bathrobe on and was primping for her evening debut. It stayed that way for quite a while and I was content to just lie back in my hammock and watch. Nothing beats October nights.
Ahhh, what a day, what a glorious day.
So, some of my beautiful things had something to do with October directly, some only because they happened during this month. But that is what October is all about. There are no rules. No hard and fast dos and don'ts. And unlike Vegas, what happens in October has the capability to branch out into other months and spread the joy.
Now you know my beautiful things, what are yours?
1) The way the sun backlit the leaves today making them look like molten gold. I love, love, love fall trees, but this was just amazing. I really think that had I stopped the car and gone over to those leaves, they would have felt like solid gold bars in my hand. I'll bet it was true. Man, a missed opportunity. That'll teach me.
2) Yet another miracle of nature. There is a bush in my neighborhood that every time this year turns an amazing shade of red. It is a red so incredible and vibrant that I can't even begin to describe it, but I'll try. It is a bright red with dark hints. Like the golden leaves it sparkles in the sun and it actually looks like it is alive. Yes, I know plants already are alive, but I swear this one could talk if it wanted too. I think it really is a part of a phoenix's tail that has come loose and taken root here.
3) My Jurassic World lunch box. How is that a thing of beauty I hear you asking. To you I say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is a marvelous lunch box that I will be taking to work with me the first chance I get. It has a raised pattern on the front and back and I have spent more time than I care to admit running my fingers up and down the boney spine of the front dino skeleton. But the back is what has my heart. It has the four raptors of the movie in raised relief and they look fierce. To me it is a work of art, a true beauty.
4) My mom's smile. For a while there she lost it. It doesn't come as easily as it used to. But today there it was, hiding in the midst of some clothes and a bee sting, but it was there and it was as if the heavens themselves opened up and smiled down on me.
5) The lady singing behind me at the stop light. Usually I am the one serenading people, but all my stations were on break so I had the radio turned down. I glanced in the mirror and there she was, bopping, grooving and belting it out. I have no idea what song she was singing but she was clearly enjoying herself and that made me happy. I love it when other people can find their joy.
6) The haze around the moon this evening. It looked like the moon had a while gauzy bathrobe on and was primping for her evening debut. It stayed that way for quite a while and I was content to just lie back in my hammock and watch. Nothing beats October nights.
Ahhh, what a day, what a glorious day.
So, some of my beautiful things had something to do with October directly, some only because they happened during this month. But that is what October is all about. There are no rules. No hard and fast dos and don'ts. And unlike Vegas, what happens in October has the capability to branch out into other months and spread the joy.
Now you know my beautiful things, what are yours?
Thursday, October 22, 2015
October Thoughts Day 22: Sweet Memories
Have you ever been walking and stumbled upon a scent lingering in the air that made you stop in your tracks? A scent that caught you by complete surprise and triggered a memory or made you smile? That happened to me today. It was completely random. There was no way this particular smell should have been lingering, but it was, and sniffing it took me right back to my childhood.
I can't accurately describe the smell. It was a pleasant is about as close as I can come. It smelled like the candy my grandfather used to buy at the corner store when we went for walks. Since I know that much I should be able to describe if it had more caramel overtones or a chocolaty vibe, but the best that I can say is that I smelled a memory.
The minute my nose came into contact with that phantom scent I was instantly transported back to that corner grocery store with my grandfather. The particular goodies he liked came in bins and he would fill up a small plastic sack with a mixture and then we would walk home. Sometimes he even let me pick what went in the sack. There were chewy things like taffy but not. Candied orange wedges, spice drops, butterscotches, cinnamon bears and other hard candies. Hands down, the candies that went into that sack were the best candies I have ever eaten. Maybe it was because we walked a couple miles to get them. Maybe it was because of the company I was in, or the fact that my taste buds were younger. Either way, I have never been able to find those same candies since.
Sure, there are the modern day equivalents, but they just don't taste the same. They can still be found in bins and they may even be from the same company as when I first tried them, but they just don't taste right. That doesn't stop me from buying some whenever I come across them. Who knows, maybe this time I will find the magic one that tastes exactly as I remember.
That smell and those memories got me thinking about candy. On the radio last week the DJ took a poll of what were listeners favorite Halloween candies. Then at the retreat I went to, we had almost the same question. We had to pick from a list of four, which was our favorite Halloween candy. I was just as stumped then as I was the first time I heard the question.
I don't think I actually had or have a favorite. Ok, that isn't true, it will always be candy corn, but you really can't compare that to other Halloween candies, it's like the king high supreme ruler overlord of candies so for arguments sake we will leave it out of the equation.
I can keenly remember what I didn't like to get in my trick or treat bag. I wasn't fond of the houses that gave out health food. That's the equivalent of getting socks and underwear for Christmas. Sure, you may need them, sure, health food may be, you know, good for you, but you don't hand it out on holidays. That's like the dentists who give out toothbrushes. Major buzz kill. I also wasn't overly fond of popcorn balls. I like them more to play with than eat. They are just too messy.
I remember when I was done trick or treating, I would come home and put all my loot out on the floor. If it wasn't wrapped it went in the trash. If it was waxy like those lips or some of the really hideous caramels they also went in the trash. I sorted my candy by type, chocolate, fruity, gum, licorice, suckers, stuff I don't want and other. Once my piles were sorted I called my parents in and they took their cut of the loot. It worked out well. Most of the time my parents loved the things that I couldn't stand and I would happily hand them over. But when it came to the good stuff, I would haggle a bit.
If I had to narrow it down, I would say that my favorite Halloween candies would be the peanut butter cups and tootsie rolls. Wow. It is kind of sad that I can't remember what candy I liked as a kid. I know I had definite favorites, but tastes change and memories fade. I hated Almond Joys when I was little and now I love them. I also liked pixie sticks and now I can feel my teeth rotting just looking at them. If someone had given me a package of Red Vines back then I probably would have asked if they could adopt me. Twizzlers not so much. Cheap fruity knock offs.
Isn't it interesting what we remember. I have a fuzzy recollection that I liked the candy bars. I think probably Snickers and Hershey. Dad got the Mr. Goodbars and no one wanted the Krackle unless the candy supply was dwindling and it was the only chocolate left.
So now that I have put some semi serious thought into it, what was your favorite childhood candy? Or if you are having trouble remembering like me, what is your favorite candy now? And if you say chocolate you had better be more specific.
I can't accurately describe the smell. It was a pleasant is about as close as I can come. It smelled like the candy my grandfather used to buy at the corner store when we went for walks. Since I know that much I should be able to describe if it had more caramel overtones or a chocolaty vibe, but the best that I can say is that I smelled a memory.
The minute my nose came into contact with that phantom scent I was instantly transported back to that corner grocery store with my grandfather. The particular goodies he liked came in bins and he would fill up a small plastic sack with a mixture and then we would walk home. Sometimes he even let me pick what went in the sack. There were chewy things like taffy but not. Candied orange wedges, spice drops, butterscotches, cinnamon bears and other hard candies. Hands down, the candies that went into that sack were the best candies I have ever eaten. Maybe it was because we walked a couple miles to get them. Maybe it was because of the company I was in, or the fact that my taste buds were younger. Either way, I have never been able to find those same candies since.
Sure, there are the modern day equivalents, but they just don't taste the same. They can still be found in bins and they may even be from the same company as when I first tried them, but they just don't taste right. That doesn't stop me from buying some whenever I come across them. Who knows, maybe this time I will find the magic one that tastes exactly as I remember.
That smell and those memories got me thinking about candy. On the radio last week the DJ took a poll of what were listeners favorite Halloween candies. Then at the retreat I went to, we had almost the same question. We had to pick from a list of four, which was our favorite Halloween candy. I was just as stumped then as I was the first time I heard the question.
I don't think I actually had or have a favorite. Ok, that isn't true, it will always be candy corn, but you really can't compare that to other Halloween candies, it's like the king high supreme ruler overlord of candies so for arguments sake we will leave it out of the equation.
I can keenly remember what I didn't like to get in my trick or treat bag. I wasn't fond of the houses that gave out health food. That's the equivalent of getting socks and underwear for Christmas. Sure, you may need them, sure, health food may be, you know, good for you, but you don't hand it out on holidays. That's like the dentists who give out toothbrushes. Major buzz kill. I also wasn't overly fond of popcorn balls. I like them more to play with than eat. They are just too messy.
I remember when I was done trick or treating, I would come home and put all my loot out on the floor. If it wasn't wrapped it went in the trash. If it was waxy like those lips or some of the really hideous caramels they also went in the trash. I sorted my candy by type, chocolate, fruity, gum, licorice, suckers, stuff I don't want and other. Once my piles were sorted I called my parents in and they took their cut of the loot. It worked out well. Most of the time my parents loved the things that I couldn't stand and I would happily hand them over. But when it came to the good stuff, I would haggle a bit.
If I had to narrow it down, I would say that my favorite Halloween candies would be the peanut butter cups and tootsie rolls. Wow. It is kind of sad that I can't remember what candy I liked as a kid. I know I had definite favorites, but tastes change and memories fade. I hated Almond Joys when I was little and now I love them. I also liked pixie sticks and now I can feel my teeth rotting just looking at them. If someone had given me a package of Red Vines back then I probably would have asked if they could adopt me. Twizzlers not so much. Cheap fruity knock offs.
Isn't it interesting what we remember. I have a fuzzy recollection that I liked the candy bars. I think probably Snickers and Hershey. Dad got the Mr. Goodbars and no one wanted the Krackle unless the candy supply was dwindling and it was the only chocolate left.
So now that I have put some semi serious thought into it, what was your favorite childhood candy? Or if you are having trouble remembering like me, what is your favorite candy now? And if you say chocolate you had better be more specific.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
October Thoughts Day 21: Lost in Books
I had really grand plans for today. I was going to get stuff done. I had lists and everything. Funny I know. I was a productive person right up until noon when I had pumpkin waffles for lunch. Those waffles must have had some weird effect on me because for the rest of the day I curled up with a blanket and the puppy and read October books. Not one, not even two, but four and I am halfway through my fifth. I only paused long enough to eat dinner. Ok, I didn't pause so much as carry it back to my room and continue reading while I ate. But it was so worth it. I read outside in the weak sunshine and gentle breeze. I read in the garage. I read in the livingroom, bonus room and my room. I read on the floor, on couches, on concrete, on a chair and on my feet, and you know what, it was wonderful.
October is like that. I can plan my day one way and have it take an unexpected turn and love the new plan even better. I have oodles of stuff on my plate for tomorrow, but something tells me I will be staying up to finish my newest book. After all, that's why God made coffee. He made it expressly for people who stay up all night reading.
So thank you October for such a beatiful day. It was peaceful and unexpected and wonderful. Just like my favorite month.
October is like that. I can plan my day one way and have it take an unexpected turn and love the new plan even better. I have oodles of stuff on my plate for tomorrow, but something tells me I will be staying up to finish my newest book. After all, that's why God made coffee. He made it expressly for people who stay up all night reading.
So thank you October for such a beatiful day. It was peaceful and unexpected and wonderful. Just like my favorite month.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
October Thoughts Day 20: Scary in a Different Way
Oh my, this is scary, there are only 10 days left in the bestest month ever. I know I say it every year, but, how did that happen? It seems like we just started this wonderful month. Sigh. Oh well, that just means that I need to up my October fun quotient.
The month of October simply crackles with possibility. There are things to explore, see, taste and touch. It is a symphony of delights. At least to me. But what really rustles my leaves are October nights. They can be spooky, cozy, contemplative, full of fun, magical, mystical and just about everything else in between. Truth be told, I am a night owl anyway, but October nights are really my favorite.
There is a bite to the air. A crispness that is so very welcome after the hot and punishing days of summer. The coolness is perfect for campfires and blankets. And campfires of course lead to smores and ghost stories. Anything could be lurking out there in the dark just past the firelight. October nights are the perfect time to let ones imagine run away with them.
On these chilly nights I like to go a walking. When the world is fast asleep, I find myself roaming the hills with the creatures of the night. I pass corrals where horses nicker in their sleep. I tiptoe past cows who are plotting devious cow revenge while they slumber. I listen for the far off bark of a dog and wonder if I will stumble upon the wolf man.
I like to look at the stars and search for bats and owls. I watch for black cats and see if I can spot candy corn elves at play. October nights are ripe for imagination and flights of fancy. Elie Wiesel says it best though. "Night is purer than day; it is better for thinking and loving and dreaming. At night everything is more intense, more true. The echo of words that have been spoken during the day takes on a new and deeper meaning."
So go out, howl at the moon and let the Octoberness of it all soak in.
The month of October simply crackles with possibility. There are things to explore, see, taste and touch. It is a symphony of delights. At least to me. But what really rustles my leaves are October nights. They can be spooky, cozy, contemplative, full of fun, magical, mystical and just about everything else in between. Truth be told, I am a night owl anyway, but October nights are really my favorite.
There is a bite to the air. A crispness that is so very welcome after the hot and punishing days of summer. The coolness is perfect for campfires and blankets. And campfires of course lead to smores and ghost stories. Anything could be lurking out there in the dark just past the firelight. October nights are the perfect time to let ones imagine run away with them.
On these chilly nights I like to go a walking. When the world is fast asleep, I find myself roaming the hills with the creatures of the night. I pass corrals where horses nicker in their sleep. I tiptoe past cows who are plotting devious cow revenge while they slumber. I listen for the far off bark of a dog and wonder if I will stumble upon the wolf man.
I like to look at the stars and search for bats and owls. I watch for black cats and see if I can spot candy corn elves at play. October nights are ripe for imagination and flights of fancy. Elie Wiesel says it best though. "Night is purer than day; it is better for thinking and loving and dreaming. At night everything is more intense, more true. The echo of words that have been spoken during the day takes on a new and deeper meaning."
So go out, howl at the moon and let the Octoberness of it all soak in.
Monday, October 19, 2015
October Thought Day 19: Feelin' a Bit Colorful
I think that October has the monopoly on color. What's that, you don't believe me. Then let me prove it to you. November has brown. December has red and green. January is all about the silver. February is pink and red. March is green, April is blue. One could say that May has a large color palette with all the new flowers, but mostly I don't associate May with a specific color. It is the Switzerland of the months. June is white. July is red, white and blue. August is a blazing yellow and September is yellow and red.
But October. October has the richest, most vibrant colors one could ever imagine. October is the reason color was thought up in the first place. One could say that Octobers colors are red, purple, orange, yellow and black. But that is like saying ice cream is just ice cream. October doesn't just have red, it has scarlet, crimson, fire engine, cherry, vermillion, maroon, brick and candy apple just to name a few. Of the yellows there are mustards, goldenrods, neon, gold, bronze, amber, maize, blonde, and lemon. Purple makes a grand showing with plum, eggplant/aubergine, indigo, violet, wine, orchid and lavender. Black has coal, midnight, ink, velvet, obsidian, shadow, onyx and jet. And these are just the names I can come up with off the top of my head. I'm sure the people who think of make up names, interior decorators and paint swatch people could list dozens more. (man I want that job, whoops, sorry, got sidetracked there)
But the color I most associate with October is orange. There is tangerine, peach, burnt sienna (thank you Crayola) flame, carrot, ginger, rust and creamsicle. Funny how there are more descriptive names for the other colors, but for orange, not so much. Then it's wierd how the ones it does have are food related. I think it is because October is so hard to pin down and explain. Really, the best things are. You just have to experience it to understand. I can tell you about the orange of a pumpkin sitting in a patch waiting to be chosen. Or a magnificent orange sunset. I can convey the crackle and pop of a bonfire or the crunch of a leaf, but I just can't tell you the color other than orange. But somehow, if you truly love October you will still understand.
October has an embarrassment of color. From the tantalizing foods on display in the farmers market, to the vibrancy in the color palette of a costume. There are colors a plenty in the candy choices and decorations. But the best way to experience October color is in the leaves. To channel my inner SAT prep professor, leaves are to October as snow is to Winter.
Every summer, and sometimes sooner, I find myself looking to the trees trying to find that first tinge of something other than green. Don't get me wrong, I love green. It is tied for my favorite color with blue, but there is something about autumn that makes me want to wish that green away in a hurry.
Leaves are sneaky things. One moment they are green and bright and swaying on the tree. The next they are almost every color of the rainbow and floating gently to the ground on a cool breeze. When October leaves are really in their glory the trees seem like they are on fire. But in a good and beautiful way. The closest I can come to explaining how I see fall trees, is if you watch the movie Pleasantville. Most of the movie is in black and white. But as the characters have awakenings color starts to enter into their world. One character walks by a tree that has been in black and white for the whole show. Suddenly it has burst into flame. The tree is burning brightly but it is night time and it is on fire in a black and white world. The flame is shocking in contrast and beautiful and you can't take your eyes off of it. That is how I see October trees.
In October plants put on their best dresses before they head off to sleep through the winter. If I were any kind of seamstressly inclined, I would attempt to make myself a dress out of fall leaves. Really, it would be better than any Oscar gown. How could it not. Of course I would have to shellac the leaves cuz sitting might be a problem, or bending, cuz they would be all crackly and break. But who cares. Then they would be brightly colored and shiny shellacked leaves. I would make the best dressed list for sure.
It is my fervent wish that one day I will get to drive the roads of New England in the fall and look at the beautiful leaves. What a wonderful thing for an area to be known for. Yes, we have gorgeous leaves. I am so jealous. Just imagine cruising along a deserted back road highway that is nothing but a riot of color as far as the eye can see. Maybe along the way there will be a cider stand and they will be offering cider donuts or candied apples to go with it. Perhaps there will be salted caramels and popcorn balls. Man, I think I should just move to New England and start my own leaf tour business. Imagine having that job. Would you ever get tired of it. Introducing new people to the wonder of the fall beauty around you. I don't think so. I haven't gotten tired of sharing my love of fall leaves with anyone yet and I am at least a quarter of a century old.
October really is breathtaking if you just stop a minute and look. My challenge for today is to go out and find something that represents fall beauty to you. Take a picture. Share it or don't, but just take the time to stop and appreciate.
But October. October has the richest, most vibrant colors one could ever imagine. October is the reason color was thought up in the first place. One could say that Octobers colors are red, purple, orange, yellow and black. But that is like saying ice cream is just ice cream. October doesn't just have red, it has scarlet, crimson, fire engine, cherry, vermillion, maroon, brick and candy apple just to name a few. Of the yellows there are mustards, goldenrods, neon, gold, bronze, amber, maize, blonde, and lemon. Purple makes a grand showing with plum, eggplant/aubergine, indigo, violet, wine, orchid and lavender. Black has coal, midnight, ink, velvet, obsidian, shadow, onyx and jet. And these are just the names I can come up with off the top of my head. I'm sure the people who think of make up names, interior decorators and paint swatch people could list dozens more. (man I want that job, whoops, sorry, got sidetracked there)
But the color I most associate with October is orange. There is tangerine, peach, burnt sienna (thank you Crayola) flame, carrot, ginger, rust and creamsicle. Funny how there are more descriptive names for the other colors, but for orange, not so much. Then it's wierd how the ones it does have are food related. I think it is because October is so hard to pin down and explain. Really, the best things are. You just have to experience it to understand. I can tell you about the orange of a pumpkin sitting in a patch waiting to be chosen. Or a magnificent orange sunset. I can convey the crackle and pop of a bonfire or the crunch of a leaf, but I just can't tell you the color other than orange. But somehow, if you truly love October you will still understand.
October has an embarrassment of color. From the tantalizing foods on display in the farmers market, to the vibrancy in the color palette of a costume. There are colors a plenty in the candy choices and decorations. But the best way to experience October color is in the leaves. To channel my inner SAT prep professor, leaves are to October as snow is to Winter.
Every summer, and sometimes sooner, I find myself looking to the trees trying to find that first tinge of something other than green. Don't get me wrong, I love green. It is tied for my favorite color with blue, but there is something about autumn that makes me want to wish that green away in a hurry.
Leaves are sneaky things. One moment they are green and bright and swaying on the tree. The next they are almost every color of the rainbow and floating gently to the ground on a cool breeze. When October leaves are really in their glory the trees seem like they are on fire. But in a good and beautiful way. The closest I can come to explaining how I see fall trees, is if you watch the movie Pleasantville. Most of the movie is in black and white. But as the characters have awakenings color starts to enter into their world. One character walks by a tree that has been in black and white for the whole show. Suddenly it has burst into flame. The tree is burning brightly but it is night time and it is on fire in a black and white world. The flame is shocking in contrast and beautiful and you can't take your eyes off of it. That is how I see October trees.
In October plants put on their best dresses before they head off to sleep through the winter. If I were any kind of seamstressly inclined, I would attempt to make myself a dress out of fall leaves. Really, it would be better than any Oscar gown. How could it not. Of course I would have to shellac the leaves cuz sitting might be a problem, or bending, cuz they would be all crackly and break. But who cares. Then they would be brightly colored and shiny shellacked leaves. I would make the best dressed list for sure.
It is my fervent wish that one day I will get to drive the roads of New England in the fall and look at the beautiful leaves. What a wonderful thing for an area to be known for. Yes, we have gorgeous leaves. I am so jealous. Just imagine cruising along a deserted back road highway that is nothing but a riot of color as far as the eye can see. Maybe along the way there will be a cider stand and they will be offering cider donuts or candied apples to go with it. Perhaps there will be salted caramels and popcorn balls. Man, I think I should just move to New England and start my own leaf tour business. Imagine having that job. Would you ever get tired of it. Introducing new people to the wonder of the fall beauty around you. I don't think so. I haven't gotten tired of sharing my love of fall leaves with anyone yet and I am at least a quarter of a century old.
October really is breathtaking if you just stop a minute and look. My challenge for today is to go out and find something that represents fall beauty to you. Take a picture. Share it or don't, but just take the time to stop and appreciate.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
October Thought Day 18: Friendship
Have you ever noticed that traits from other months find their way to October. I can be basking in a perfect October day and be suddenly overwhelmed with a feeling of thankfulness. Actually, I think I am more thankful in October than I ever am in November. I think about resolutions more in October than January and I use the word love more in October than I do in February. Go figure. I know that those months don't have the monopoly on those particular topics but it just feels a bit out of place when they do pop up.
But what does all that have to do with October, you may ask? Friendship, I reply. You see, August is the official month of Friendship Day. But today, actually all of this weekend, I have had a chance to reflect on what it means to be a friend and I realize that I am more cognizant of friendship in October than any other time of the year, especially August. I think it has to do with the weather turning a bit brisk and me finding ways to keep cozy. Cozy equals friendship in my world and naturally my mind turns there.
This weekend while I was squirreled away in the mountains in front of a flickering fireplace I sat back and thought about friends past, present and future. I thought of friends who at the time meant something special in my life. How I shared important moments and milestones with them. Some of those friends I still have, some have moved on and I can only wonder what their lives are like now. Friendship is an odd thing. Sometimes quick friendship bursts can be just as important as friendships that last throughout the years.
I had one friend who saw me through some dark days when a relative passed. They were a shoulder to cry on, a warm body to sit next to and a voice of reason when mine was clouded by grief. If you'd have asked me then how long our friendship would last, I would have said forever. But after a while our lives took different paths and we talked less and less. Not because we had any animosity or a falling out, life just happened. One day they moved and that was that.
There was another dear friend who I suppose would be classified as only an acquaintance by a casual observer. I saw this person every week and only for an hour at that. We never talked about anything of substance, in fact we didn't talk much at all. We were simple glad to see each other and that was that. This friendship lasted for maybe ten years until they passed away, but I still think of my friend and whenever I do that memory makes my heart sing.
I have other friends who have known me either all my life or very close to it. We drift in and out of contact but always seem to circle back and it is like no time has passed at all. I treasure those friendships.
I have new friends who I feel I have known forever. I feel as comfortable with them as with family and they have only known me for a minute or less. I treasure those friendships as well and can't wait to see what the future holds for us.
Friendship is a funny and multifaceted thing. Much like autumn leaves they can take on many hues and colors. They can last like a leaf preserved between the pages of a book or they can fall and blow away like a leaf on the wind. For each of these friendships I am extremely grateful. They have had a part in shaping who I am and I know they will continue to shape who I will be.
So while my Octobers may be full of bats and pumpkins, monsters and mayhem, it is also full of friends. Friends who like me despite my proclivity for pumpkins. Friends who read these lengthy October letters and keep coming back for more. Friends for dark days and light days. Friends for the long haul and friends for the minute. If you count yourself as one of my friends, thank you. I cherish you and the joy that you bring to my life. Whether we are near or far from each other, whether we have seen each other ten minutes ago or ten years ago, you are not forgotten. You are my friend and there is a special place in my heart that belongs only to you.
If you aren't my friend, but still are reading these words, then perhaps one day we will be. Mayhap you are simply a friend that I haven't met yet, in which case, I am already very excited to meet you.
So, take a minute today to think over your friends, past, present and possible future. Give thanks for them and what they have brought and what they will bring to your life. You won't be sorry, I promise.
But what does all that have to do with October, you may ask? Friendship, I reply. You see, August is the official month of Friendship Day. But today, actually all of this weekend, I have had a chance to reflect on what it means to be a friend and I realize that I am more cognizant of friendship in October than any other time of the year, especially August. I think it has to do with the weather turning a bit brisk and me finding ways to keep cozy. Cozy equals friendship in my world and naturally my mind turns there.
This weekend while I was squirreled away in the mountains in front of a flickering fireplace I sat back and thought about friends past, present and future. I thought of friends who at the time meant something special in my life. How I shared important moments and milestones with them. Some of those friends I still have, some have moved on and I can only wonder what their lives are like now. Friendship is an odd thing. Sometimes quick friendship bursts can be just as important as friendships that last throughout the years.
I had one friend who saw me through some dark days when a relative passed. They were a shoulder to cry on, a warm body to sit next to and a voice of reason when mine was clouded by grief. If you'd have asked me then how long our friendship would last, I would have said forever. But after a while our lives took different paths and we talked less and less. Not because we had any animosity or a falling out, life just happened. One day they moved and that was that.
There was another dear friend who I suppose would be classified as only an acquaintance by a casual observer. I saw this person every week and only for an hour at that. We never talked about anything of substance, in fact we didn't talk much at all. We were simple glad to see each other and that was that. This friendship lasted for maybe ten years until they passed away, but I still think of my friend and whenever I do that memory makes my heart sing.
I have other friends who have known me either all my life or very close to it. We drift in and out of contact but always seem to circle back and it is like no time has passed at all. I treasure those friendships.
I have new friends who I feel I have known forever. I feel as comfortable with them as with family and they have only known me for a minute or less. I treasure those friendships as well and can't wait to see what the future holds for us.
Friendship is a funny and multifaceted thing. Much like autumn leaves they can take on many hues and colors. They can last like a leaf preserved between the pages of a book or they can fall and blow away like a leaf on the wind. For each of these friendships I am extremely grateful. They have had a part in shaping who I am and I know they will continue to shape who I will be.
So while my Octobers may be full of bats and pumpkins, monsters and mayhem, it is also full of friends. Friends who like me despite my proclivity for pumpkins. Friends who read these lengthy October letters and keep coming back for more. Friends for dark days and light days. Friends for the long haul and friends for the minute. If you count yourself as one of my friends, thank you. I cherish you and the joy that you bring to my life. Whether we are near or far from each other, whether we have seen each other ten minutes ago or ten years ago, you are not forgotten. You are my friend and there is a special place in my heart that belongs only to you.
If you aren't my friend, but still are reading these words, then perhaps one day we will be. Mayhap you are simply a friend that I haven't met yet, in which case, I am already very excited to meet you.
So, take a minute today to think over your friends, past, present and possible future. Give thanks for them and what they have brought and what they will bring to your life. You won't be sorry, I promise.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
October Thoughts Day 17: Rickety Bridge Adventures
I'm still a guest at the most unhaunted hotel in America. If it is haunted it would be by the very polite ghost of Laura Ashley or else by someone who really likes foofy wallpaper and teacups. I knew going in that this wasn't the most likely place for a spooktacular occurrence, but I came prepared nevertheless. I brought a book about a haunted house with me to fuel my imagination and I have two roommates who I can feed to ghosts while I make my getaway should anything untoward happen. Sorry girls. I don't have to run fast, just faster than you.
I waited in keen anticipation to meet the things that go bump in the night, but so far the only spooky noises have come from the housekeeping crew that is vigorously cleaning the room above me and the only thing going bump in the night is my hip against the bedstead in the dark. So on the whole, not very scary. But, I did get to go on adventure.
My roommates and I piled into Princess Kia and drove down the mountainside in search of a swinging bridge that we had seen signs for coming up. During our search we made many stops to clamber over rocks and roots like goats and take pictures of the beautiful water and scenery. Sometimes we went together, sometimes someone stayed behind. On one such occasion I had scrambled down to the rapids to take pictures. My roommates were scattered looking at other things but always visible. I filled up my photo card and hiked back up to the car, but when I got there, my fellow adventurers were no where to be seen. There was just me, the lonely mountain and the car, which of course was locked. I looked over the ledge back down to the water to see if I could spy them. Nothing. I looked in the car and around the car. No go. No cars were passing us on the mountain road and my first thought was "this is how horror movies start." Three ladies out for a trip, telling no one where they are going. Nothing happens, nothing happens, and then two of the three disappear.
I checked the waters edge down below again, climbed halfway down and looked, but there was still no sign of them. Calling out was pointless because the roar of the water was so loud that unless you were right next to the person you wouldn't hear anything. So I climbed back up for another look and still no one. What was an adventurer to do? I went and sat in the shade to wait and eventually they showed back up again, but there were a few tense moments. If it had been a movie I would have been designated the "final girl" Had my friends run into a mountain lion? Perhaps zombies had crawled out from under the rocks to sip some brains. Maybe crazed mountain men had absconded with them and driven off in their rusted out truck. Really, anything could have happened. I was glad to see them safe.
So, after all those scenic stops and a brief interlude at a closed campsite we were losing hope in finding our bridge. We decided that incredibly intrepid adventurers such as ourselves needed ice cream and we decided to pack it in and head back to the non haunted hotel. But, as we were heading home, I spied the very bridge we were looking for out of the corner of my eye. There it was in all its glory, stretched out on steel cables and wood, hanging above the moving water below. We were so excited. I couldn't wait to cross.
Though I wish it had been longer, the bridge was everything I had hoped it would be. It swung a bit when you walked out on it. Some of the steel bars weren't quite bolted in all the way and once you got to the other side, you were met with forest and rail tracks that wound off into the distance. It was great. Once my roommates had made it back to the other side I ventured out on it by myself and jumped up and down, shook it from side to side and let my giggles roll down the canyon. I felt very Indian Jones out there in the middle. Granted, my bridge wasn't made of rope, had less of a drop, and there were no alligators, or crazed Indian cult leaders were pursuing me, but a girl can still dream.
We were all very excited to have found our adventure. We did get our congratulatory ice cream and now I am curled by the fire awaiting the night when possibly I can coax a ghost or two out to play. All in all yet another wonderful October day.
I waited in keen anticipation to meet the things that go bump in the night, but so far the only spooky noises have come from the housekeeping crew that is vigorously cleaning the room above me and the only thing going bump in the night is my hip against the bedstead in the dark. So on the whole, not very scary. But, I did get to go on adventure.
My roommates and I piled into Princess Kia and drove down the mountainside in search of a swinging bridge that we had seen signs for coming up. During our search we made many stops to clamber over rocks and roots like goats and take pictures of the beautiful water and scenery. Sometimes we went together, sometimes someone stayed behind. On one such occasion I had scrambled down to the rapids to take pictures. My roommates were scattered looking at other things but always visible. I filled up my photo card and hiked back up to the car, but when I got there, my fellow adventurers were no where to be seen. There was just me, the lonely mountain and the car, which of course was locked. I looked over the ledge back down to the water to see if I could spy them. Nothing. I looked in the car and around the car. No go. No cars were passing us on the mountain road and my first thought was "this is how horror movies start." Three ladies out for a trip, telling no one where they are going. Nothing happens, nothing happens, and then two of the three disappear.
I checked the waters edge down below again, climbed halfway down and looked, but there was still no sign of them. Calling out was pointless because the roar of the water was so loud that unless you were right next to the person you wouldn't hear anything. So I climbed back up for another look and still no one. What was an adventurer to do? I went and sat in the shade to wait and eventually they showed back up again, but there were a few tense moments. If it had been a movie I would have been designated the "final girl" Had my friends run into a mountain lion? Perhaps zombies had crawled out from under the rocks to sip some brains. Maybe crazed mountain men had absconded with them and driven off in their rusted out truck. Really, anything could have happened. I was glad to see them safe.
So, after all those scenic stops and a brief interlude at a closed campsite we were losing hope in finding our bridge. We decided that incredibly intrepid adventurers such as ourselves needed ice cream and we decided to pack it in and head back to the non haunted hotel. But, as we were heading home, I spied the very bridge we were looking for out of the corner of my eye. There it was in all its glory, stretched out on steel cables and wood, hanging above the moving water below. We were so excited. I couldn't wait to cross.
Though I wish it had been longer, the bridge was everything I had hoped it would be. It swung a bit when you walked out on it. Some of the steel bars weren't quite bolted in all the way and once you got to the other side, you were met with forest and rail tracks that wound off into the distance. It was great. Once my roommates had made it back to the other side I ventured out on it by myself and jumped up and down, shook it from side to side and let my giggles roll down the canyon. I felt very Indian Jones out there in the middle. Granted, my bridge wasn't made of rope, had less of a drop, and there were no alligators, or crazed Indian cult leaders were pursuing me, but a girl can still dream.
We were all very excited to have found our adventure. We did get our congratulatory ice cream and now I am curled by the fire awaiting the night when possibly I can coax a ghost or two out to play. All in all yet another wonderful October day.
Friday, October 16, 2015
October Thoughts Day 16: Briefly October
I'm sitting in a hotel lobby and it isn't even haunted. I feel a bit let down. So far no monsters have checked in and the only thing Octobery about the place are the fall wreaths on the front doors.
The drive up was beautiful. The tailgaters behind me were kept to a minimum and I choose to believe that the rather insistent fellow behind me was swallowed by a river monster after he finally passed me.
As I was driving up, the song Hotel California came on. It is one of my favorites and it got me thinking about my own impending hotel stay. I love mysterious places. I wish I could stay at the Hotel California. How cool would it be to stay in a place that disappeared and then only reappeared once or twice a year? I'm not sure where it would go or what my bill would look like after a year long stay, but it still sounds like fun.
I love mysteries in general. Every since I was small enough to read I have devoured periodicals on things like the Bermuda Triangle, the Curse of the Mummy, what happened to D.B. Cooper, where did Amelia Earhart go, the story of the Mary Celeste, Area 51 or what happened to Jimmy Hoffa. I'm by no means a conspiracy theorist, but a good yarn always gets me.
Perhaps while I am here I will run across bigfoot or find some buried treasure. I am really up for anything, and isn't that what October is all about?!
The drive up was beautiful. The tailgaters behind me were kept to a minimum and I choose to believe that the rather insistent fellow behind me was swallowed by a river monster after he finally passed me.
As I was driving up, the song Hotel California came on. It is one of my favorites and it got me thinking about my own impending hotel stay. I love mysterious places. I wish I could stay at the Hotel California. How cool would it be to stay in a place that disappeared and then only reappeared once or twice a year? I'm not sure where it would go or what my bill would look like after a year long stay, but it still sounds like fun.
I love mysteries in general. Every since I was small enough to read I have devoured periodicals on things like the Bermuda Triangle, the Curse of the Mummy, what happened to D.B. Cooper, where did Amelia Earhart go, the story of the Mary Celeste, Area 51 or what happened to Jimmy Hoffa. I'm by no means a conspiracy theorist, but a good yarn always gets me.
Perhaps while I am here I will run across bigfoot or find some buried treasure. I am really up for anything, and isn't that what October is all about?!
Thursday, October 15, 2015
October Thought Day 15: Oops and Poems
Wow, I didn't realize that I had gotten behind. I guess time really does fly when one is having fun. Remember how I said that I wouldn't share any Halloween poetry until the end of the month. Yeah, I lied, but it was just a teeny, tiny orange one. Today was officially the halfway point in October and I think a little poetry is just what Doctor Jekyll ordered.
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This poem comes from a book called Scarum Fair by Jessica Swaim.
The poem is titled The Werewolves Den
Are you sick from too much I-Scream?
Is the carnival too loud?
Then curl up in our den awhile,
escape the raucous crowd.
If you'll come a little closer,
we will nibble on your nose,
we'll lick your hands, your face, your ears
your scrumptious little toes.
Like our friendly canine cousins,
we're a cute and cuddly bunch.
Just think of us as puppies,
and we'll think of you as....lunch.
This poem is what made me buy the book. On the page where this poem is, is an illustration of were-puppies getting ready to nibble on a boys toes. Trust me, it isn't a scary picture, it is really quite funny and cute and frankly, if the kid was dumb enough to go into a werewolves den in the middle of a creepy carnival, then he deserves to be dinner.
Three tiny paragraphs and I'm hooked. First of all, I hate, hate, hate werewolves. They creep me out to no end which is why reading about them is so fun. Odd how my mind works, isn't it. If I was the child in this poem I would in no way, shape or form trundle off to a werewolves den. Firstly, talking animals are not to be trusted. Secondly, if a carnival is too loud, I am going back to my nice cozy home where there is a bubble bath and cookies. Thirdly, NO WEREWOLVES. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, just run. Run far, run fast and toss dog treats behind you to slow them down.
They tell the child in the second paragraph that they are going to nibble on him. I mean, have some sort of sense of self preservation kid. But that last line, so funny. Yup, that kid totally gets what he deserves.
But now that I think about it, my puppy does the exact same thing. His favorite pastime is chewing on my fingers. And he does lick me a lot.....aww man, I have a were-puppy who is going to nibble me in my sleep. I guess there are worse ways to go and like I said, I suppose I deserve what I get.
While I was reading other poems in the Scarum Fair my mind wandered and I got around to wondering how would a mummy handle a spa day? I mean, if it signed up for the seaweed wrap, would it use fresh bandages or put the new ones on top of the old? How would the spa attendant react to wrapping or unwrapping a mummy? I'll bet there would be a lot of hazard pay involved. This is just one of the many things I ponder about monsters. Like can vampires tell the difference between blood types? Is one spicier than another? Does the werewolf see a doctor or a vet? How does Frankenstein buy clothes when all his parts come from different people? Would living in a really big aquarium be considered living in a condo for the Creature From the Black Lagoon? I'll bet the people at the fair could tell me. So many questions. So few answers. Sigh.
\
This poem comes from a book called Scarum Fair by Jessica Swaim.
The poem is titled The Werewolves Den
Are you sick from too much I-Scream?
Is the carnival too loud?
Then curl up in our den awhile,
escape the raucous crowd.
If you'll come a little closer,
we will nibble on your nose,
we'll lick your hands, your face, your ears
your scrumptious little toes.
Like our friendly canine cousins,
we're a cute and cuddly bunch.
Just think of us as puppies,
and we'll think of you as....lunch.
This poem is what made me buy the book. On the page where this poem is, is an illustration of were-puppies getting ready to nibble on a boys toes. Trust me, it isn't a scary picture, it is really quite funny and cute and frankly, if the kid was dumb enough to go into a werewolves den in the middle of a creepy carnival, then he deserves to be dinner.
Three tiny paragraphs and I'm hooked. First of all, I hate, hate, hate werewolves. They creep me out to no end which is why reading about them is so fun. Odd how my mind works, isn't it. If I was the child in this poem I would in no way, shape or form trundle off to a werewolves den. Firstly, talking animals are not to be trusted. Secondly, if a carnival is too loud, I am going back to my nice cozy home where there is a bubble bath and cookies. Thirdly, NO WEREWOLVES. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, just run. Run far, run fast and toss dog treats behind you to slow them down.
They tell the child in the second paragraph that they are going to nibble on him. I mean, have some sort of sense of self preservation kid. But that last line, so funny. Yup, that kid totally gets what he deserves.
But now that I think about it, my puppy does the exact same thing. His favorite pastime is chewing on my fingers. And he does lick me a lot.....aww man, I have a were-puppy who is going to nibble me in my sleep. I guess there are worse ways to go and like I said, I suppose I deserve what I get.
While I was reading other poems in the Scarum Fair my mind wandered and I got around to wondering how would a mummy handle a spa day? I mean, if it signed up for the seaweed wrap, would it use fresh bandages or put the new ones on top of the old? How would the spa attendant react to wrapping or unwrapping a mummy? I'll bet there would be a lot of hazard pay involved. This is just one of the many things I ponder about monsters. Like can vampires tell the difference between blood types? Is one spicier than another? Does the werewolf see a doctor or a vet? How does Frankenstein buy clothes when all his parts come from different people? Would living in a really big aquarium be considered living in a condo for the Creature From the Black Lagoon? I'll bet the people at the fair could tell me. So many questions. So few answers. Sigh.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
October Thoughts Day 14: Why October is Wonderful
Yesterday was an October day for the books. It had just about every one of my favorite October things rolled into one nearly perfect day. I say nearly perfect because 1 the air was smoked filled from a local fire and I have been coughing like I'm trying to wear my lungs on the outside, and 2 I like to leave the door open for an even more wonderful October day to sneak in. They are tricksy and like to do that ya know.
But what made this day in particular so great? It involved adventure, wonder, beautiful scenery, good company, pumpkins, books, more pumpkins, new friendships and so much October goodness that as I write my heart is still full to bursting with joy.
The day started out with pumpkin cake deliveries. A special few had the benefit of trying out the fruits of my new pumpkin recipe labors, and if I do say so myself the results were rather tasty. From there I ventured into the wilds of the big bad city to meet a friend whom I had previously only known through the miracle of the internet. See how October brings people together! In order to meet said friend I had to take some roads that I had never gone on before and it was so much fun. I found a couple thousand more Starbucks, saw some truly awesome street names, heard almost all my favorite songs on the radio and I found a diner that had a Viking theme. You had better believe I will be going back!
I safely made it to my friends house no thanks to MapQuest who insisted that I would know the street I was looking for because there would be an Asian restaurant on the corner. Unless the restaurant had a cloaking device it wasn't there. My friends house was something straight out of a fairytale. It was on a tree lined street and she had the best October décor in her front yard. The inside had all sorts of treasures to behold and a handsome doggie greeted me at the door. He looked a little like the beast from Beauty and the Beast and I got a few kisses, so my fairy tale was complete.
The first stop on our adventure was a diner that just happened to be serving pumpkin pancakes. Well of course I had to order one. According to the menu I could have ordered them in a stack and added chocolate chips, but I opted for plain pumpkin and only one cake. It was as big as the plate though, so don't feel too bad for me. It smelled wonderful but only mildly tasted like pumpkin if you thought about it real hard. But it was still worth the trip.
From there we ventured all around the city. My wonderful chauffer took me down beautiful side streets where I saw amazing architecture and some Halloween décor that I was truly jealous of. We stopped in a used bookstore and I had to promise my first born in order to walk out the doors with my haul. I think they must have been alerted to my arrival beforehand because they had a Halloween section right as I came in the door. I say had because I bought a large chunk of it. I actually left with a box of books. The proprietor had to go out to her car to get it. Ahhh books....and Halloween books at that. Did you know that there is such a thing as a book of Halloween poems? Now you do and I promise to share some with you as this most glorious month nears its end.
Since I was mostly broke by this point, we took a refreshing walk down by the water and I behaved myself and only dipped a toe or two into its freezing depths. It sure felt good though. We found a perfect reading tree and a few secluded shady spots that one could pull a small boat into and while the hours away reading or napping.
Then I got to have my first Trader Joe's experience. People, did you know that they have pumpkin EVERYTHING?! Well they did, I bought most of it. However, I did exercise just a soupcon of restraint. Ok, I spent too much at the bookstore and couldn't buy it all, but I did leave some things there. I only bought one actual pumpkin and the rest of the goodies I fully intend to share. I was really excited to see a cereal called Pumpkin O's but when I read the back label most of the ingredients were sugar and if I wanted that much I would just drink some pumpkin flavored syrup and call it good. So, the Pumpkin O's stayed on the shelf, but not before I took a picture of them much to the delight of the stock boy who was shelving near us. Yeah, yeah, I'm a total pumpkin tourist, get over it. I may or may not have done my weird little happy shuffle dance when I came across new pumpkiny things. I also may or may not have squealed at some of them. Sadly, my quest for soy pumpkin nog continues. It is my holy grail. Grocers in general carried it for two years just to get me hooked and now they have cruelly taken it from me. I can't even find it on Amazon. Did I just imagine that such a wondrous beverage existed? Cuz I think if anyone was going to hallucinate pumpkin flavored stuff it would be me.
So after I looted Trader Joe's we finished our outing with a stop at Jamba Juice where I gleefully ordered a pumpkin smash. It was SO good. Liquid pumpkin goodness just danced its way down my throat. I want another one post haste. Like now. Do drones take Jamba Juice orders? We visited one more bookstore and I found the cutest zombie book and card. When my funds magically replenish themselves I will be going back to liberate them and make them a part of my October collection.
I got stuck in a traffic jam on the way home, but since I had pumpkin everything in my vehicle I wasn't too worried. I sang pumpkin songs and Thriller came on the radio and I serenaded those closest to me in the traffic snarl. I don't think they were as appreciative as they could have been, but I honestly don't care.
Now I am home sipping pumpkin tea and surveying all my Octoberiffic loot. I managed to procure far less pumpkin stuff than anticipated. I even passed a farm stand full of pumpkins without stopping...several times. Ok, some of those several times I wasn't the driver and I had my anti pumpkin sponsor coaching me, but I passed it once all on my own and that has to count for something.
All in all, it was a truly marvelous day. It wasn't about the buying of stuff. It was about the company, the creativity, the silliness and the October of it all. Days like this, when you can just be and enjoy and discover new things, are what make life special. I wish you all an October day like mine.
But what made this day in particular so great? It involved adventure, wonder, beautiful scenery, good company, pumpkins, books, more pumpkins, new friendships and so much October goodness that as I write my heart is still full to bursting with joy.
The day started out with pumpkin cake deliveries. A special few had the benefit of trying out the fruits of my new pumpkin recipe labors, and if I do say so myself the results were rather tasty. From there I ventured into the wilds of the big bad city to meet a friend whom I had previously only known through the miracle of the internet. See how October brings people together! In order to meet said friend I had to take some roads that I had never gone on before and it was so much fun. I found a couple thousand more Starbucks, saw some truly awesome street names, heard almost all my favorite songs on the radio and I found a diner that had a Viking theme. You had better believe I will be going back!
I safely made it to my friends house no thanks to MapQuest who insisted that I would know the street I was looking for because there would be an Asian restaurant on the corner. Unless the restaurant had a cloaking device it wasn't there. My friends house was something straight out of a fairytale. It was on a tree lined street and she had the best October décor in her front yard. The inside had all sorts of treasures to behold and a handsome doggie greeted me at the door. He looked a little like the beast from Beauty and the Beast and I got a few kisses, so my fairy tale was complete.
The first stop on our adventure was a diner that just happened to be serving pumpkin pancakes. Well of course I had to order one. According to the menu I could have ordered them in a stack and added chocolate chips, but I opted for plain pumpkin and only one cake. It was as big as the plate though, so don't feel too bad for me. It smelled wonderful but only mildly tasted like pumpkin if you thought about it real hard. But it was still worth the trip.
From there we ventured all around the city. My wonderful chauffer took me down beautiful side streets where I saw amazing architecture and some Halloween décor that I was truly jealous of. We stopped in a used bookstore and I had to promise my first born in order to walk out the doors with my haul. I think they must have been alerted to my arrival beforehand because they had a Halloween section right as I came in the door. I say had because I bought a large chunk of it. I actually left with a box of books. The proprietor had to go out to her car to get it. Ahhh books....and Halloween books at that. Did you know that there is such a thing as a book of Halloween poems? Now you do and I promise to share some with you as this most glorious month nears its end.
Since I was mostly broke by this point, we took a refreshing walk down by the water and I behaved myself and only dipped a toe or two into its freezing depths. It sure felt good though. We found a perfect reading tree and a few secluded shady spots that one could pull a small boat into and while the hours away reading or napping.
Then I got to have my first Trader Joe's experience. People, did you know that they have pumpkin EVERYTHING?! Well they did, I bought most of it. However, I did exercise just a soupcon of restraint. Ok, I spent too much at the bookstore and couldn't buy it all, but I did leave some things there. I only bought one actual pumpkin and the rest of the goodies I fully intend to share. I was really excited to see a cereal called Pumpkin O's but when I read the back label most of the ingredients were sugar and if I wanted that much I would just drink some pumpkin flavored syrup and call it good. So, the Pumpkin O's stayed on the shelf, but not before I took a picture of them much to the delight of the stock boy who was shelving near us. Yeah, yeah, I'm a total pumpkin tourist, get over it. I may or may not have done my weird little happy shuffle dance when I came across new pumpkiny things. I also may or may not have squealed at some of them. Sadly, my quest for soy pumpkin nog continues. It is my holy grail. Grocers in general carried it for two years just to get me hooked and now they have cruelly taken it from me. I can't even find it on Amazon. Did I just imagine that such a wondrous beverage existed? Cuz I think if anyone was going to hallucinate pumpkin flavored stuff it would be me.
So after I looted Trader Joe's we finished our outing with a stop at Jamba Juice where I gleefully ordered a pumpkin smash. It was SO good. Liquid pumpkin goodness just danced its way down my throat. I want another one post haste. Like now. Do drones take Jamba Juice orders? We visited one more bookstore and I found the cutest zombie book and card. When my funds magically replenish themselves I will be going back to liberate them and make them a part of my October collection.
I got stuck in a traffic jam on the way home, but since I had pumpkin everything in my vehicle I wasn't too worried. I sang pumpkin songs and Thriller came on the radio and I serenaded those closest to me in the traffic snarl. I don't think they were as appreciative as they could have been, but I honestly don't care.
Now I am home sipping pumpkin tea and surveying all my Octoberiffic loot. I managed to procure far less pumpkin stuff than anticipated. I even passed a farm stand full of pumpkins without stopping...several times. Ok, some of those several times I wasn't the driver and I had my anti pumpkin sponsor coaching me, but I passed it once all on my own and that has to count for something.
All in all, it was a truly marvelous day. It wasn't about the buying of stuff. It was about the company, the creativity, the silliness and the October of it all. Days like this, when you can just be and enjoy and discover new things, are what make life special. I wish you all an October day like mine.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
October Thought Day 13: Not What I Normally Write About
Usually on October thirteenth, I write about superstition. But I wasn't feeling very superstitious. Today I felt like dreaming, probably because I had some real amazing dreams last night. I tried to keep them going, but like all dreams, they soon slipped away into the ether to frolic and play as good dreams do. Since I couldn't go back to sleep I got lost in my other passion, daydreaming. I love to daydream. I enjoy indulging in flights of fancy. My capacity for whimsy and merriment knows no bounds. I partake of these pleasures year round, however, October seems to magnify them. I see fairy hollows in each passing shrub or tree. I envision portals to secret worlds in every corn field or grove of trees. The moon seems to sparkle and the clouds are up to mischief. Dusk doesn't mean the end of the day, it means new adventures are awaiting for those brave enough to brave the dark. Perhaps there will be a shadows tea party where they drink mulled cider and eat chocolate cakes. Perhaps the pumpkins in the patch wait until the scarecrows give the clear and then hold waltzes in the garden.
I love October and the creativity it infuses me with. In no other month do I get such a sense of wonder and wanderlust. It isn't that I am unhappy with where I am, it is just that in October I KNOW there is so much beauty to be seen all over the place that I want to drink it all in as much as possible. I want to fill to bursting with the riot of sensory delights that October unleashes.
I want to move to Vermont or Connecticut and run a bed and breakfast. I want to get up early and go kayaking on a misty lake. I want to twirl through falling leaves in a maple grove. I want to skip across a covered bridge in the daylight and peek around its corners in the dead of night looking for headless denizens.
I want to find some sleepy town where time forgot and listen to them spin their stories while sitting on front porches in rocking chairs. I want to get asked to a cider social and have the thrill of picking out a fall colored dress. I want to enter a pie eating contest just so I have the excuse to smoosh my face deep into a pie without it seeming weird. I want to lay awake at night in a house older than my grandfather listening to the boards creak and settle. I want to wander past a wishing well in the middle of a glen and toss a shiny penny in then listen for the splash. I want to wander the back hills in search of local phantoms.
Sure, some of this, maybe all of this might sound too quaint. It might strike you as something only Norman Rockwell would paint. But I know for a fact that there are still pockets of this autumnal wonder left in the world. I want to strap on a well weathered green rucksack, lace up my sturdy boots and wander until I find it.
Sometimes I envy those pioneers. So much adventure waited around their door. I know their life was not without privation and hardship, but they also knew how to rest, converse, merry make and dream. I think we lose that in our hustle and bustle of life today. We don't value the dreamers and the free spirits. People who are just content to be and to take life as it comes. To imagine and wonder and live. October brings out those feelings in me and I am so grateful for it.
That is your homework as you move through the dwindling days of this month. Dream. Look for the magic giggling behind the corner. Pull it out and take it for a spin. See where the moment leads you. I'll bet it will be somewhere wonderful.
I love October and the creativity it infuses me with. In no other month do I get such a sense of wonder and wanderlust. It isn't that I am unhappy with where I am, it is just that in October I KNOW there is so much beauty to be seen all over the place that I want to drink it all in as much as possible. I want to fill to bursting with the riot of sensory delights that October unleashes.
I want to move to Vermont or Connecticut and run a bed and breakfast. I want to get up early and go kayaking on a misty lake. I want to twirl through falling leaves in a maple grove. I want to skip across a covered bridge in the daylight and peek around its corners in the dead of night looking for headless denizens.
I want to find some sleepy town where time forgot and listen to them spin their stories while sitting on front porches in rocking chairs. I want to get asked to a cider social and have the thrill of picking out a fall colored dress. I want to enter a pie eating contest just so I have the excuse to smoosh my face deep into a pie without it seeming weird. I want to lay awake at night in a house older than my grandfather listening to the boards creak and settle. I want to wander past a wishing well in the middle of a glen and toss a shiny penny in then listen for the splash. I want to wander the back hills in search of local phantoms.
Sure, some of this, maybe all of this might sound too quaint. It might strike you as something only Norman Rockwell would paint. But I know for a fact that there are still pockets of this autumnal wonder left in the world. I want to strap on a well weathered green rucksack, lace up my sturdy boots and wander until I find it.
Sometimes I envy those pioneers. So much adventure waited around their door. I know their life was not without privation and hardship, but they also knew how to rest, converse, merry make and dream. I think we lose that in our hustle and bustle of life today. We don't value the dreamers and the free spirits. People who are just content to be and to take life as it comes. To imagine and wonder and live. October brings out those feelings in me and I am so grateful for it.
That is your homework as you move through the dwindling days of this month. Dream. Look for the magic giggling behind the corner. Pull it out and take it for a spin. See where the moment leads you. I'll bet it will be somewhere wonderful.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
October Thoughts Day 12: A Question For You
I spend a lot of time talking at you telling you what I think are the best parts of October. I like leaves, pumpkins, zombies, scary movies, socks, bats, cider, pumpkins, corn mazes, monsters, holiday breakfast cereals, did I mention pumpkins, etc...The list could go on and on. I have no shortage of things to say. But yesterday, as I was contemplating quiet country roads it occurred to me, I don't know why any of you like October. It is wonderful to find kindred souls on this month long journey. I love sharing my memories, activities and joys. But I would like to know some of yours. What makes October so special for you? What is a favorite October memory? What is a tradition that you have that only happens in October? Do you like the scary and the beautiful, or just the leaves? Do you like the dark and the howl of the black cat, or do you much prefer a cozy blanket and a cup of cider by the fire? I really want to know.
But it wouldn't be fair if I didn't share something, so I will go first. This isn't my favorite thing about October, I don't think I have just one, but this is the one that floated to the top today.
\
I am comforted by nostalgia and that is what October is for me. I get misty when I take out my decorations for the season for the first time. I see each of them as more than just trinkets, they are memory portals. I pick up a broken snow globe with a skull in the middle with bits of black snow stuck to it and I am instantly transported to the warehouse job that I worked one summer. I remember finding the globe and gleefully putting it aside so that I could buy it when payday came around. I also remember quite a few years later when it slipped out of my hands and broke making an awful mess on the floor. I remember being really sad, awfully frustrated and then I remember deciding that I would not throw it away, I would instead turn it into a new decoration.
I look at past October Thoughts and relive the fun and wonder. I am reminded of the kindness of friends and strangers, the beauty that is all around, and what I was fixated on that particular year. It is fun to walk around in my own memories. It is comforting that somewhere in cyberspace, even if my own memory fades, past Octobers will live on for posterity. That is unless I break the internet.
I love the possibility of what will be. Towards the end of September and possibly other earlier months I am plotting and planning my October list. What will I watch, read or do? What new adventures can I take? What old traditions must be upheld? Then when October is over, I look back and see how this October measured up. Was it one to remember, or one that should best be forgotten? I spend November first giving thanks for the October that was and the October that will come again. I say thank you for the changing of the seasons and realize that winter will soon arrive with its snowy cloak.
But not today. Today I still have over half of October left and I am determined to experience every bit of it that I can. So, hid your pumpkins, put out the good candelabras and lets take this glorious October adventure together......
Ok, your turn
But it wouldn't be fair if I didn't share something, so I will go first. This isn't my favorite thing about October, I don't think I have just one, but this is the one that floated to the top today.
\
I am comforted by nostalgia and that is what October is for me. I get misty when I take out my decorations for the season for the first time. I see each of them as more than just trinkets, they are memory portals. I pick up a broken snow globe with a skull in the middle with bits of black snow stuck to it and I am instantly transported to the warehouse job that I worked one summer. I remember finding the globe and gleefully putting it aside so that I could buy it when payday came around. I also remember quite a few years later when it slipped out of my hands and broke making an awful mess on the floor. I remember being really sad, awfully frustrated and then I remember deciding that I would not throw it away, I would instead turn it into a new decoration.
I look at past October Thoughts and relive the fun and wonder. I am reminded of the kindness of friends and strangers, the beauty that is all around, and what I was fixated on that particular year. It is fun to walk around in my own memories. It is comforting that somewhere in cyberspace, even if my own memory fades, past Octobers will live on for posterity. That is unless I break the internet.
I love the possibility of what will be. Towards the end of September and possibly other earlier months I am plotting and planning my October list. What will I watch, read or do? What new adventures can I take? What old traditions must be upheld? Then when October is over, I look back and see how this October measured up. Was it one to remember, or one that should best be forgotten? I spend November first giving thanks for the October that was and the October that will come again. I say thank you for the changing of the seasons and realize that winter will soon arrive with its snowy cloak.
But not today. Today I still have over half of October left and I am determined to experience every bit of it that I can. So, hid your pumpkins, put out the good candelabras and lets take this glorious October adventure together......
Ok, your turn
October Thought Day 11: October Sundays
Sundays in October are truly meant for Sunday drives. The world is awash in fall color, the temperatures are moderate with a slight breeze and there are things to see everywhere. Off to the side of the road there are the last remnants of yard sales, fall bazaars, kids playing soccer or touch football. There are decorations to ogle and farmers markets to visit.
Today was a perfect day for a drive. I put dinner in the crock pot for later (cream of pumpkin soup if you must know), filled up the gas tank and let the road take me where it may. I passed through sun dappled hollows, drove beside gurgling streams, chased the sunlight and generally enjoyed myself. I drove to the highest elevation I could find and sat on the tailgate and sipped pumpkin spice cocoa (what else would I be drinking) and read one of my October books. Once back on the road I rolled the windows down and belted out tunes on the radio. I waved at farmers out in the fields and passed passenger vehicles headed to the local corn mazes. It was a good day.
Back at home I slurped pumpkin soup with some grilled cheese, watched a zombie movie or two and settle in for the start of another wonderful October week. Yes, it was a good day indeed.
Today was a perfect day for a drive. I put dinner in the crock pot for later (cream of pumpkin soup if you must know), filled up the gas tank and let the road take me where it may. I passed through sun dappled hollows, drove beside gurgling streams, chased the sunlight and generally enjoyed myself. I drove to the highest elevation I could find and sat on the tailgate and sipped pumpkin spice cocoa (what else would I be drinking) and read one of my October books. Once back on the road I rolled the windows down and belted out tunes on the radio. I waved at farmers out in the fields and passed passenger vehicles headed to the local corn mazes. It was a good day.
Back at home I slurped pumpkin soup with some grilled cheese, watched a zombie movie or two and settle in for the start of another wonderful October week. Yes, it was a good day indeed.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
October Thought Day 10: A Bit Out of Control.....and I Like It, Like It, Yes I Do
There is a meme going around about white girls and pumpkin spice everything, and the sad thing is, I sorta....ok really, relate to it. It isn't so much that I love pumpkin spice as it is the fact that I pretty much love anything pumpkin. I have a real problem when it comes to pumpkin.....everything. If there is a picture of a pumpkin on it, I buy it. If there is wording that has pumpkin in it, I buy it. I really have no control over the matter. I have tried to abstain from pumpkin buying and what do I do instead, buy more pumpkiny stuff. Is there a Pumpkin Buyers Anonymous group that I could join? Cuz it has the word pumpkin in it and I would totally go. See, what I mean.
This mania extends to other facets of October as well. Holiday magazines. For the other eleven months of the year I might buy a magazine here and there but come fall, I'm a goner. This year I have amassed 15 different holiday magazines. Periodicals that I don't even give a second glance to at any other time. But they had fall things on the front so I was greatly compelled to purchase them. It got so bad this year that I bought two of them twice because I thought that I didn't already have them.
I have bought two more pumpkin cookbooks that I really didn't need and a sweatshirt that communicates my love of pumpkin spice. I have made a batch of pumpkin spice cupcakes and am planning on having a pumpkin everything day with a friend later in the month. My mania seems to be reaching abnormal and worrying proportions.
\
But the kicker was today. I went to my second corn maze and this one had a pumpkin patch. I had my two trusty pumpkin sherpas with me and they did an amazing job of finding exactly the pumpkins that I liked. They did too good a job in fact. I came home with 13 pumpkins. It was almost twelve, but then as the hay wagon was leaving the patch I spied one more perfect pumpkin. I actually yelled for the driver to stop (I had to yell, the tractor was loud and I didn't think he would hear me). I jumped off the back, scooted down the row, grabbed my pumpkin and was back on board in a flash. My two sherpas were just shaking their heads at me. As I sat surveying my pumpkiny loot, one of the sherpas said "you have a problem." And when I cast longing looks at the passing patch and turned to tell them I wanted just one more, they both said "NO, you don't need any more." To which I replied, of course I don't need them, I want them. I may have looked a little like Gollum when I said it and called the orange orbs my precious as I sat in the middle of them and tried to hug them all.
Last year I think I had twenty some pumpkins. I am mulling over the idea of getting 31 this year and carving numbers into each of them. I don't know, that may be taking things a bit far, but then when it comes to October, moderation doesn't seem to be my strong suit.
This mania extends to other facets of October as well. Holiday magazines. For the other eleven months of the year I might buy a magazine here and there but come fall, I'm a goner. This year I have amassed 15 different holiday magazines. Periodicals that I don't even give a second glance to at any other time. But they had fall things on the front so I was greatly compelled to purchase them. It got so bad this year that I bought two of them twice because I thought that I didn't already have them.
I have bought two more pumpkin cookbooks that I really didn't need and a sweatshirt that communicates my love of pumpkin spice. I have made a batch of pumpkin spice cupcakes and am planning on having a pumpkin everything day with a friend later in the month. My mania seems to be reaching abnormal and worrying proportions.
\
But the kicker was today. I went to my second corn maze and this one had a pumpkin patch. I had my two trusty pumpkin sherpas with me and they did an amazing job of finding exactly the pumpkins that I liked. They did too good a job in fact. I came home with 13 pumpkins. It was almost twelve, but then as the hay wagon was leaving the patch I spied one more perfect pumpkin. I actually yelled for the driver to stop (I had to yell, the tractor was loud and I didn't think he would hear me). I jumped off the back, scooted down the row, grabbed my pumpkin and was back on board in a flash. My two sherpas were just shaking their heads at me. As I sat surveying my pumpkiny loot, one of the sherpas said "you have a problem." And when I cast longing looks at the passing patch and turned to tell them I wanted just one more, they both said "NO, you don't need any more." To which I replied, of course I don't need them, I want them. I may have looked a little like Gollum when I said it and called the orange orbs my precious as I sat in the middle of them and tried to hug them all.
Last year I think I had twenty some pumpkins. I am mulling over the idea of getting 31 this year and carving numbers into each of them. I don't know, that may be taking things a bit far, but then when it comes to October, moderation doesn't seem to be my strong suit.
Friday, October 9, 2015
October Thoughts Day 9: October Surprises Me Again
Last night I had the best of intentions to sit down and write my October Thought. I was excited, I was ready, and then I got distracted. The night was dark. The wind was howling. It was almost perfect October weather. (perfect would have fog and a full moon) I grabbed my trusty blanket, snuggly dog, some warm socks and went to watch the show. Everyone was asleep so I snuck into the living room and listened as the wind tried its hardest to take the roof off of the house. The eaves creaked and moaned and it was wonderful.
There is nothing like the feeling of being safe, secure and snuggly. One can watch the wind push and pull against nature. Listen as it screams in frustration and all the while be wrapped up in a cozy blanket. It just feels good. After a while I wanted a little more ambience to add to my late night snuggle fest, so I turned on the electric fire. I made a cocoon out of the blanket, curled up on the floor and watched the fake flames dance. It was all so peaceful.
Too peaceful in fact. I woke up quite a few hours later and dawn was peeking over the horizon. The wind was gone, but the fake fire remained. The puppy was curled up in my cocoon with me and all was right with the world. October seems the ideal time to find moments like this. Quiet times to be alone with ones thoughts. I don't know if it is the weather that turns us inward, but introspection seems to happen a lot more in October, at least for me. So that was how I spent my morning, watching the sun come up and enjoying the simple pleasures of an electric fire, warm blanket and a cuddly companion. I love these unexpected October moments!
There is nothing like the feeling of being safe, secure and snuggly. One can watch the wind push and pull against nature. Listen as it screams in frustration and all the while be wrapped up in a cozy blanket. It just feels good. After a while I wanted a little more ambience to add to my late night snuggle fest, so I turned on the electric fire. I made a cocoon out of the blanket, curled up on the floor and watched the fake flames dance. It was all so peaceful.
Too peaceful in fact. I woke up quite a few hours later and dawn was peeking over the horizon. The wind was gone, but the fake fire remained. The puppy was curled up in my cocoon with me and all was right with the world. October seems the ideal time to find moments like this. Quiet times to be alone with ones thoughts. I don't know if it is the weather that turns us inward, but introspection seems to happen a lot more in October, at least for me. So that was how I spent my morning, watching the sun come up and enjoying the simple pleasures of an electric fire, warm blanket and a cuddly companion. I love these unexpected October moments!
Thursday, October 8, 2015
October Thought Day 8: October Surprises
One of my favorite things about October is the surprises. I never know quite what to expect, but something wonderful always happens. Maybe it is something unexpected in the mail. Sometimes it is an impromptu adventure. The point is, October is full of wonderful things and this year is no exception.
I had it all planned out yesterday. I was going to write another installment of the corn maze story and that was going to be that. But then an October surprise came along and wonderfully changed my plans. So, the October Thought for today is all about my parents which may be another October Thought first.
My parents really get me. While that might seem like an odd statement to make, not all parents and children are close. Not all see eye to eye and not all have the relationship that I have with mine. I have never once felt crazy for liking an entire month the way I do. I don't feel belittled being an adult and still going nuts over Halloween. Not only do my parents support this crazy mania, they actively participate and encourage it.
When I went to visit my dad a few weeks ago he gamely went to craft and candle stores with me picking out October décor. He carried bags, made deals and found some swag that I had missed. He was even going to go to a Halloween town with me and fully participate. He never once rolled his eyes at me when I bought yet another decoration or thing with a pumpkin on it. He even bought a few himself. But I digress.
Before leaving, dad had me load a box in my car to take home. He said that it was something to open later as he had packed it pretty tight and didn't want to undo it. That sounded sensible and I agreed. Once I got home and unloaded, the box went right out of my mind until this week. On Monday when we talked he reminded me about the box and said that I could open it. I was sleepy so I went to bed instead and promptly forgot about it, again. On Tuesday when we talked he asked if I had opened the box yet and I told him no, but that I would do it when we hung up. Once again I forgot and it wasn't until will talked on Wednesday night when he asked if I had opened it that I remembered. I couldn't believe that I had forgotten again and I said I would open it right then and there while he was on the phone so this wouldn't keep happening.
So I opened the box and the contents almost made me drop the phone. Inside was a beautiful, six piece Halloween train set from my favorite company. You see, there is a pharmacy near where my dad lives and they have a Halloween village set up under a dark canopy with twinkle lights. I drag him there to look at the model every time I visit, and on one of my last trips he went back after I left and bought the train set for me because he knew how much I liked it.
I was speechless. Ok, that's not true. I made lots of excited noises, hopped around, gave him a play by play as I opened each piece and thanked him profusely. It really is a marvelous train set and while I could go into nauseating detail about it, I will spare you and say that if you really want to know what it looks like, Google Department 56 Halloween train. Thus far I have spent two hours just looking at it, setting it up, playing with the lights and taking pictures which don't do it justice. I can't get enough.
But not to be outdone, my mother also had a surprise for me. She had found a Halloween sign in a craft store and presented me with it the day prior. It is a 9x6 sign that is mostly white with orange triangles and black chevrons around the perimeter. In spooky black script it reads "Queen of Halloween. Do it my way or I'll push you off my broom." I loved it instantly. I have a fancy scrollwork crow that I put on top of it and a boney pumpkin I sat next to it. It is the perfect adornment for my desk and it makes me chuckle.
You see, my parents get me. What a wonderful October gift.
I had it all planned out yesterday. I was going to write another installment of the corn maze story and that was going to be that. But then an October surprise came along and wonderfully changed my plans. So, the October Thought for today is all about my parents which may be another October Thought first.
My parents really get me. While that might seem like an odd statement to make, not all parents and children are close. Not all see eye to eye and not all have the relationship that I have with mine. I have never once felt crazy for liking an entire month the way I do. I don't feel belittled being an adult and still going nuts over Halloween. Not only do my parents support this crazy mania, they actively participate and encourage it.
When I went to visit my dad a few weeks ago he gamely went to craft and candle stores with me picking out October décor. He carried bags, made deals and found some swag that I had missed. He was even going to go to a Halloween town with me and fully participate. He never once rolled his eyes at me when I bought yet another decoration or thing with a pumpkin on it. He even bought a few himself. But I digress.
Before leaving, dad had me load a box in my car to take home. He said that it was something to open later as he had packed it pretty tight and didn't want to undo it. That sounded sensible and I agreed. Once I got home and unloaded, the box went right out of my mind until this week. On Monday when we talked he reminded me about the box and said that I could open it. I was sleepy so I went to bed instead and promptly forgot about it, again. On Tuesday when we talked he asked if I had opened the box yet and I told him no, but that I would do it when we hung up. Once again I forgot and it wasn't until will talked on Wednesday night when he asked if I had opened it that I remembered. I couldn't believe that I had forgotten again and I said I would open it right then and there while he was on the phone so this wouldn't keep happening.
So I opened the box and the contents almost made me drop the phone. Inside was a beautiful, six piece Halloween train set from my favorite company. You see, there is a pharmacy near where my dad lives and they have a Halloween village set up under a dark canopy with twinkle lights. I drag him there to look at the model every time I visit, and on one of my last trips he went back after I left and bought the train set for me because he knew how much I liked it.
I was speechless. Ok, that's not true. I made lots of excited noises, hopped around, gave him a play by play as I opened each piece and thanked him profusely. It really is a marvelous train set and while I could go into nauseating detail about it, I will spare you and say that if you really want to know what it looks like, Google Department 56 Halloween train. Thus far I have spent two hours just looking at it, setting it up, playing with the lights and taking pictures which don't do it justice. I can't get enough.
But not to be outdone, my mother also had a surprise for me. She had found a Halloween sign in a craft store and presented me with it the day prior. It is a 9x6 sign that is mostly white with orange triangles and black chevrons around the perimeter. In spooky black script it reads "Queen of Halloween. Do it my way or I'll push you off my broom." I loved it instantly. I have a fancy scrollwork crow that I put on top of it and a boney pumpkin I sat next to it. It is the perfect adornment for my desk and it makes me chuckle.
You see, my parents get me. What a wonderful October gift.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
October Thoughts Day 7: The Story Continues
Leah strolled along the main walkway of the park glancing in to the booths as she passed. She saw a few other staffers as she went by, but like Valerie they didn't seem much concerned with working. However, there did seem to be someone hard at work in the concession stand across from the porta potties. A pit stop would probably be a good idea before tackling the maze she reasoned, so she availed herself of the facilities then ambled over to the food booth. The attendants name was Carrie and she seemed pleasant enough. Leah perused the goodies in the booth and asked if she could take food into the maze. Sure, Carrie said. So Leah purchased a bottle of water and a licorice rope. She thanked Carrie, put the water in the pouch of her hoodie and wove the licorice through her belt loops. Once everything was situated to her liking she continued on down the main path in the direction of the maze.
She could see the sign for the maze at a distance and once she walk out from underneath the awning of the ball pit there it was, towering above a caramel corn cart. It was painted in fluorescent colors that hurt the eyes if you stared too long and the giant bubble letters were made up of mini mazes. Someone had too much time on their hands Leah thought. Despite the korny maze sign that said Corn Maize, Leah was starting to get excited again. She was finally here. She was going to conquer the maze and if the attendance level so far was any indication, she would have the whole thing to herself for a while which suited her just fine. She passed under the sign and entered a large empty area made entirely of corncobs. It was seriously cool. There were corncob benches, corncob arches, pictures made out of corncobs and corncob trash cans. Even the ground was made up of corncobs laid into a pattern. A large corncob arrow pointed to a path to the right which Leah followed. It wasn't a long walk and eventually the corncob floor gave way to dirt and rows of cornstalks with eight openings just like the stamp on her hand showed. Leah looked around to see if she could find a park employee to show her where to go next. For such a large operation things should have been run better and when no one appeared she once again pulled out the park brochure to see if it could give her any clue about the maze. As she fiddled with the paper she spied a small wooden sign off to the left that said ENTRANCE. The map had indicated that there were 8 openings, and Leah had guessed that you could pick whichever one you wanted to start with, but maybe you had to begin at a specific one and it lead you to the others. She really had no idea. One opening was as good as the next it looked like. Besides, part of the fun of a maze was to get lost. So, she refolded the brochure, stuffed it in her pocket and entered the pathway to the left.
Leah loved the beginnings of mazes. Those first few feet into the unknown. You knew for sure what the path behind you held, but you had no idea what was in store for you around the first bend. The corn was taller than her by a good 3 feet or more and the stalks bent inward a bit on the edges of the path giving the maze a tunnel like feel. As she walked the first long straightaway Leah held out her arms on either side and ran her fingers lightly against the stalks. She felt the hard, papery texture against the pads of her fingers and listened to the crack and rustle of the corn stalks as they collided with each other. A few feet further and she came to the first choice, left or right? Tradition said right, adventure beckoned to the left. But she had all day and wanted to get a feel for the maze first before she randomly started choosing contrary directions. Right it was. She followed the curving path around a few swirls and into even more T junctions. A false start at one sent her backtracking a few paces but nothing major. She heard noises in the corn from small animals scurrying and watched a few startled birds take flight when she rounded the corner. Ten minutes later and a lot more right turns, Leah found herself back at the brightly painted entrance. There still wasn't an attendant and she was about to pull out the map again, when she noticed a sign in front of one of the maze openings that said LEFT. She looked back to where she had entered the first maze and saw that its sign was no longer there. Puzzled, she looked around. There were no other signs but for the one that said left. Maybe this was all a part of the Magnificent Corn Maze Extravaganza. Maybe you weren't supposed to see the staff. That certainly made things a bit more spooky. Leah looked at the sign. She looked at the other openings. The corn waved in the slight breeze but otherwise gave no indication what lay beyond each path. Feeling a little apprehensive but mostly curious Leah announced to the empty air, "Ok, left it is then." Before she started onto the new path, she took out her phone and snapped a picture of the left sign and the other openings. Once that was done, she stowed her phone and plunged in.
Much like the first maze, the path followed a straight row before angling slightly to the side and then coming to a T junction. Again she was faced with the choice of left or right? The sign in front of the maze did say left, but Leah was feeling feisty and took the bend to the right instead. She followed it around a curve and came to another split. She took a left this time and was brought right back to the first left or right entry. She chose right again and this time when the split came she chose right again. But her right choice only led her to a dead end a ways down the row and she had to once again back track to the original left or right choice. Standing in front of the first T junction she moved on to the left and was rewarded with a long corridor. At the next T junction she chose left again and moved deeper into the maze. She chose a few rights after that just to see if the maze sign meant always turn left or only on the first choice turn left. It seemed that it meant always turn left and pretty soon Leah was jogging her way past junctions without even considering going right. She turned left so many times in fact that she was starting to get dizzy, and just when she was considering stopping or at least slowing down, out she popped into the original eight opening entrance. She turned around and stumbled straight into an older gentleman in overalls with a baseball cap sticking out of the back pocket. "Whoa there miss, steady on," he said. Leah blinked at him, caught her breath and began to apologize. "No, no young lady. No harm done," the man said. He chuckled and released her shoulders and took a step back. "Was something chasing you in there? You came out like a house a fire." "No sir," Leah said. I was just in this weird left only maze and I was going faster and faster and then it ended and I wasn't expecting it," she trailed off. "Oh I know that maze well" the man said. "It is one of my favorites. People hardly ever go left in a maze, they always go right. This makes for a refreshing change I think. How did you like it?" Leah thought about it then answered. "At first I didn't really believe the sign. I just thought it meant left as the first choice. But then I tried it out and if I went right I would just go around in circles that didn't go anywhere, or I would pop right back to where I started. Once I began going left it felt like I was actually going somewhere and I couldn't wait to see where." The man looked at her and smiled. "That is a good way to put it" he finally said." Leah shrugged and asked, "how many times have you done the left maze?" "Only once," the man replied. "It isn't the same if you do it again." Which was true Leah supposed. You could only have one first experience, anything after that would just be building on the initial outing.
"So, she asked, are you here to go through a different opening today or are you doing some of the other things in the park?" "A little of both actually," the man replied. "You see, I designed this maze, but I like to come over once it opens for the day and see how people enjoy it." Leah stared. "You mean you made this thing? How cool is that? I mean, how do you get your ideas? How do you cut the corn? How do you...." But by then the old man was chuckling and Leah stopped to ask what was so funny. "Young lady, you sure do have a lot of questions" he said with a smile. "I don't really know how I get my ideas," he explained. "I just go about my day and then a thought pops into my head, like wouldn't it be fun to always go left instead of right. Then I just sit down and doodle and out pops a maze eventually. I always did like to draw. Once I figure out the pattern I take it to the growers and they do the rest. It is always something to see what I put down on paper turn into a living breathing thing. I think it has a mind of its own sometimes. Perhaps it designed itself." Leah didn't know what to say to that and they both stood in a bit of an awkward silence until the man once again spoke. "But where are my manners," he said. Here I have been talking and never once introduced myself. The name's Jerome, and who might you be?" "I'm Leah," she said. "Well Miss Leah, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I always enjoy meeting other people who appreciate a good maze like I do." Leah smiled and replied, "yeah, mazes are fun. It's like taking a mini adventure but right in the middle of everyone. It's like a secret that only you know. As to your maze, I really like the part where you have the changing signs. That's my favorite so far." "Changing signs," he said with a question in his voice. "Yeah, when I came out of the first maze there was a sign that said left. It wasn't there when I first started. And when I began, there was an entrance sign, but it disappeared." Jerome looked thoughtful, "and where might this left sign be" he asked. Leah turned to the side to show him the sign but it wasn't there. She looked the other direction but the only sign she saw was a different wooden sign that said THIS WAY. "Huh" it was right there she told Jerome, pointing to the now empty location. "I took a picture of it with my phone. That sign over there wasn't here and the left one was." She flipped to her albums menu on her phone and showed him the clearly marked sign. He looked at the phone and then back to her. "My dear, I think you may need to take another look at this picture." Confused, Leah turned the screen around and looked, there, clearly marked was a sign that read THIS WAY.
She could see the sign for the maze at a distance and once she walk out from underneath the awning of the ball pit there it was, towering above a caramel corn cart. It was painted in fluorescent colors that hurt the eyes if you stared too long and the giant bubble letters were made up of mini mazes. Someone had too much time on their hands Leah thought. Despite the korny maze sign that said Corn Maize, Leah was starting to get excited again. She was finally here. She was going to conquer the maze and if the attendance level so far was any indication, she would have the whole thing to herself for a while which suited her just fine. She passed under the sign and entered a large empty area made entirely of corncobs. It was seriously cool. There were corncob benches, corncob arches, pictures made out of corncobs and corncob trash cans. Even the ground was made up of corncobs laid into a pattern. A large corncob arrow pointed to a path to the right which Leah followed. It wasn't a long walk and eventually the corncob floor gave way to dirt and rows of cornstalks with eight openings just like the stamp on her hand showed. Leah looked around to see if she could find a park employee to show her where to go next. For such a large operation things should have been run better and when no one appeared she once again pulled out the park brochure to see if it could give her any clue about the maze. As she fiddled with the paper she spied a small wooden sign off to the left that said ENTRANCE. The map had indicated that there were 8 openings, and Leah had guessed that you could pick whichever one you wanted to start with, but maybe you had to begin at a specific one and it lead you to the others. She really had no idea. One opening was as good as the next it looked like. Besides, part of the fun of a maze was to get lost. So, she refolded the brochure, stuffed it in her pocket and entered the pathway to the left.
Leah loved the beginnings of mazes. Those first few feet into the unknown. You knew for sure what the path behind you held, but you had no idea what was in store for you around the first bend. The corn was taller than her by a good 3 feet or more and the stalks bent inward a bit on the edges of the path giving the maze a tunnel like feel. As she walked the first long straightaway Leah held out her arms on either side and ran her fingers lightly against the stalks. She felt the hard, papery texture against the pads of her fingers and listened to the crack and rustle of the corn stalks as they collided with each other. A few feet further and she came to the first choice, left or right? Tradition said right, adventure beckoned to the left. But she had all day and wanted to get a feel for the maze first before she randomly started choosing contrary directions. Right it was. She followed the curving path around a few swirls and into even more T junctions. A false start at one sent her backtracking a few paces but nothing major. She heard noises in the corn from small animals scurrying and watched a few startled birds take flight when she rounded the corner. Ten minutes later and a lot more right turns, Leah found herself back at the brightly painted entrance. There still wasn't an attendant and she was about to pull out the map again, when she noticed a sign in front of one of the maze openings that said LEFT. She looked back to where she had entered the first maze and saw that its sign was no longer there. Puzzled, she looked around. There were no other signs but for the one that said left. Maybe this was all a part of the Magnificent Corn Maze Extravaganza. Maybe you weren't supposed to see the staff. That certainly made things a bit more spooky. Leah looked at the sign. She looked at the other openings. The corn waved in the slight breeze but otherwise gave no indication what lay beyond each path. Feeling a little apprehensive but mostly curious Leah announced to the empty air, "Ok, left it is then." Before she started onto the new path, she took out her phone and snapped a picture of the left sign and the other openings. Once that was done, she stowed her phone and plunged in.
Much like the first maze, the path followed a straight row before angling slightly to the side and then coming to a T junction. Again she was faced with the choice of left or right? The sign in front of the maze did say left, but Leah was feeling feisty and took the bend to the right instead. She followed it around a curve and came to another split. She took a left this time and was brought right back to the first left or right entry. She chose right again and this time when the split came she chose right again. But her right choice only led her to a dead end a ways down the row and she had to once again back track to the original left or right choice. Standing in front of the first T junction she moved on to the left and was rewarded with a long corridor. At the next T junction she chose left again and moved deeper into the maze. She chose a few rights after that just to see if the maze sign meant always turn left or only on the first choice turn left. It seemed that it meant always turn left and pretty soon Leah was jogging her way past junctions without even considering going right. She turned left so many times in fact that she was starting to get dizzy, and just when she was considering stopping or at least slowing down, out she popped into the original eight opening entrance. She turned around and stumbled straight into an older gentleman in overalls with a baseball cap sticking out of the back pocket. "Whoa there miss, steady on," he said. Leah blinked at him, caught her breath and began to apologize. "No, no young lady. No harm done," the man said. He chuckled and released her shoulders and took a step back. "Was something chasing you in there? You came out like a house a fire." "No sir," Leah said. I was just in this weird left only maze and I was going faster and faster and then it ended and I wasn't expecting it," she trailed off. "Oh I know that maze well" the man said. "It is one of my favorites. People hardly ever go left in a maze, they always go right. This makes for a refreshing change I think. How did you like it?" Leah thought about it then answered. "At first I didn't really believe the sign. I just thought it meant left as the first choice. But then I tried it out and if I went right I would just go around in circles that didn't go anywhere, or I would pop right back to where I started. Once I began going left it felt like I was actually going somewhere and I couldn't wait to see where." The man looked at her and smiled. "That is a good way to put it" he finally said." Leah shrugged and asked, "how many times have you done the left maze?" "Only once," the man replied. "It isn't the same if you do it again." Which was true Leah supposed. You could only have one first experience, anything after that would just be building on the initial outing.
"So, she asked, are you here to go through a different opening today or are you doing some of the other things in the park?" "A little of both actually," the man replied. "You see, I designed this maze, but I like to come over once it opens for the day and see how people enjoy it." Leah stared. "You mean you made this thing? How cool is that? I mean, how do you get your ideas? How do you cut the corn? How do you...." But by then the old man was chuckling and Leah stopped to ask what was so funny. "Young lady, you sure do have a lot of questions" he said with a smile. "I don't really know how I get my ideas," he explained. "I just go about my day and then a thought pops into my head, like wouldn't it be fun to always go left instead of right. Then I just sit down and doodle and out pops a maze eventually. I always did like to draw. Once I figure out the pattern I take it to the growers and they do the rest. It is always something to see what I put down on paper turn into a living breathing thing. I think it has a mind of its own sometimes. Perhaps it designed itself." Leah didn't know what to say to that and they both stood in a bit of an awkward silence until the man once again spoke. "But where are my manners," he said. Here I have been talking and never once introduced myself. The name's Jerome, and who might you be?" "I'm Leah," she said. "Well Miss Leah, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I always enjoy meeting other people who appreciate a good maze like I do." Leah smiled and replied, "yeah, mazes are fun. It's like taking a mini adventure but right in the middle of everyone. It's like a secret that only you know. As to your maze, I really like the part where you have the changing signs. That's my favorite so far." "Changing signs," he said with a question in his voice. "Yeah, when I came out of the first maze there was a sign that said left. It wasn't there when I first started. And when I began, there was an entrance sign, but it disappeared." Jerome looked thoughtful, "and where might this left sign be" he asked. Leah turned to the side to show him the sign but it wasn't there. She looked the other direction but the only sign she saw was a different wooden sign that said THIS WAY. "Huh" it was right there she told Jerome, pointing to the now empty location. "I took a picture of it with my phone. That sign over there wasn't here and the left one was." She flipped to her albums menu on her phone and showed him the clearly marked sign. He looked at the phone and then back to her. "My dear, I think you may need to take another look at this picture." Confused, Leah turned the screen around and looked, there, clearly marked was a sign that read THIS WAY.
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