I have a confession to make. Yes another one, pipe down. I, am crazy about pumpkins. I know I just got done telling you how leaves and fall magazines were the be all and end all of October, but I was wrong. It is all about pumpkins. I have a kind of pumpkin mania. Really I am the thing that keeps the retail industry open in October. I am a sucker for fall stuff. And if it has pumpkin taste, smell, appearance or anything remotely pumpkin like, I will buy it. I consume copious amounts of pumpkiny beverages, pumpkiny snacks and pumpkiny innards. It is a veritable pumpkin palooza over here. Which, coincidentally (I think not) is the name of our new fall festival this year. Pumpkin Palooza. Well you KNOW that I am going to attend that.
There are so many wonderful things to do with pumpkins. You can use them for bowling or as a bowl/serving dish. You can make scarecrows out of them, or carriages. You can pumpkin chuck them (which for the uninitiated means you basically catapult a pumpkin across a distance using a really big rubber band and your own arm power, it is so much fun). According to fairy tales, if you grow one big enough, you can live in it. Some people grow them incredibly large so that they can either air lift them and drop them on cars, or explode them in front of anxious spectators. What I mean to say is, pumpkins and most everything associated with them are wonderful.
Pumpkins come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. I myself prefer the oblong or round, but last year I found some that were shaped like a spaceship and I fell in love. I had no idea there were so many choices. But I guess that is what happens when you introduce a city girl to a farm stand. What, you mean they don't just spontaneously grown in the Albertsons produce bin? Mind blown.
Every year I carve a certain type of pumpkin. He has the same features as the year before. This tradition got started mostly because I am not the worlds greatest pumpkin carver and also because I sit around with so many ideas and can't decide which one to do. So every year I carve a Bob. I don't know why I named my pumpkin creation Bob and not Vlad or Frank, but Bob it was. If I am feeling especially creative I carve other things. Last year I was brave and bought a pumpkin body stocking. The end result did not look anything like the picture and it took forever to try to get the mesh over the gourd. Very disappointing.
This year, along with my Bob, I am going to attempt to paint my pumpkin creations. I have high expectations, so we shall see. But I am quite excited to try something new. Did I mention that I l LOVE October ;)
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Day 11: The Night
Today was a rather hectic day. It did not at all go how I planned it. Sadly, it was not a super cool surprise kind of day, but we roll with the punches. After everyone was bedded down and tucked in for the night. I grabbed my mattress and drug it out to the back of the pick up truck. I piled it in along with blankets, pillows, a cup of tea, and the puppy. Then I just snuggled down and looked up at the stars.
Star gazing is a great thing to do in October, and I have had a love affair with the velvety blackness since I was a wee sprout. I find that the night sky always has something fantastic going on. Unbeknownst to my mother, I used to sneak out and climb up on the roof to stargaze. It is just so peaceful. One can sit absolutely still and watch the world turn.
Star gazing was especially wonderful tonight. There was a haze over the moon making it all distorted and out of focus. The glowing orb was only at half strength, which made it easy to see the other twinkly bits in the heavens. I saw a few shooting stars and made sure to look for my favorite constellations. But I don't limit myself to them. I make my own star patterns, name them and come up with back stories. October I have found is a fertile ground for imagination and flights of fancy.
Back home, I used to watch the bats fly as I gazed. Now I look for owls. It always gives me a tingle to see some giant winged thing out and about when the rest of the world is sleeping. But isn't that half the fun of October. Letting ones imagination run away with them? I let mine do that all the time. October nights just make it easy. Foggy, dark, cool, black. Things chirping or rustling in tall dry grasses. Ooooh. I just gave myself goose bumps.
So yes, one of these remaining October nights, go out and watch the stars. Go for a midnight stroll with the bats. Play peek a boo with the moon. You won't be sorry you did.
Star gazing is a great thing to do in October, and I have had a love affair with the velvety blackness since I was a wee sprout. I find that the night sky always has something fantastic going on. Unbeknownst to my mother, I used to sneak out and climb up on the roof to stargaze. It is just so peaceful. One can sit absolutely still and watch the world turn.
Star gazing was especially wonderful tonight. There was a haze over the moon making it all distorted and out of focus. The glowing orb was only at half strength, which made it easy to see the other twinkly bits in the heavens. I saw a few shooting stars and made sure to look for my favorite constellations. But I don't limit myself to them. I make my own star patterns, name them and come up with back stories. October I have found is a fertile ground for imagination and flights of fancy.
Back home, I used to watch the bats fly as I gazed. Now I look for owls. It always gives me a tingle to see some giant winged thing out and about when the rest of the world is sleeping. But isn't that half the fun of October. Letting ones imagination run away with them? I let mine do that all the time. October nights just make it easy. Foggy, dark, cool, black. Things chirping or rustling in tall dry grasses. Ooooh. I just gave myself goose bumps.
So yes, one of these remaining October nights, go out and watch the stars. Go for a midnight stroll with the bats. Play peek a boo with the moon. You won't be sorry you did.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Day 10: Candy Corn, the Untold Story
In one form or another, I have been writing my October Thoughts since 2003. Quite by accident, I realized tonight that that makes this my tenth anniversary. I can hardly believe it. For ten years I have been writing about things that go bump in the night, holiday décor, strange obsessions and whatever else pops into my head. What started out as something for friends and family has branched out into the wide world and it is exciting and a bit scary. So really, it is perfect for October.
Over the ten years, one thing has remained the same, and that is my original fan, my mom. Every year, she is my Thought writing supporter. She reminds me (like I could forget) that I need to sit down and write a thought before bed. She pesters me about what the next thought will be and why I pick and choose some and leave others out. She offers suggestions, gives critique and really wishes that I would stop writing about vampires. I love having her on my "staff." She keeps things interesting.
This year, due to ill health, she hasn't remembered that I am writing the thoughts. When reminded, she is often too tired to read, but she smiles and tells me that she is sure they are good. Every year there is one theme she insists be written about. She doesn't care when it happens, just so long as it does. When my friend Kristen writes her Thoughts, mom insists that I remind her to write about them too. She is after all, an equal opportunity pester-bot. So since she can't remember to heckle me this year, I will do it for her.
Today then, is all about candy corn. That wonderful little multicolored triangle that is perfect for making vampire teeth out of. Sorry mom, it had to be said. 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.
Over the ten years, one thing has remained the same, and that is my original fan, my mom. Every year, she is my Thought writing supporter. She reminds me (like I could forget) that I need to sit down and write a thought before bed. She pesters me about what the next thought will be and why I pick and choose some and leave others out. She offers suggestions, gives critique and really wishes that I would stop writing about vampires. I love having her on my "staff." She keeps things interesting.
This year, due to ill health, she hasn't remembered that I am writing the thoughts. When reminded, she is often too tired to read, but she smiles and tells me that she is sure they are good. Every year there is one theme she insists be written about. She doesn't care when it happens, just so long as it does. When my friend Kristen writes her Thoughts, mom insists that I remind her to write about them too. She is after all, an equal opportunity pester-bot. So since she can't remember to heckle me this year, I will do it for her.
Today then, is all about candy corn. That wonderful little multicolored triangle that is perfect for making vampire teeth out of. Sorry mom, it had to be said. 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.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Day 9: Lovely, Lovely Leaves
Let me first say, "IT TOOK YOU (mother nature) LONG ENOUGH." Whew, glad I got that out of my system. I have been waiting for October for months. I have been waiting semi patiently for all the delights that come with this fabulous month. I twiddled my thumbs and waited for the corn maze. (I may or may not have constructed a practice maze in the shop to pass the time). I jiggled my legs in restless anticipation waiting for pumpkin spice lattes. I paced and fretted over the remaining time left until fall décor hit the stores. And I overloaded my bookshelves with other tomes trying to distract myself from reading prepurchased October themed books (that sickness is just as bad as my magazine purchasing, but we won't go into that here). But the thing that really drove me nuts, was waiting for the leaves to turn. Here it is 9 days into October and FINALLY I see some progress.
Last year the trees had the good sense to start putting on their show in August. Not this year. This year they made me wait......and wait....and wait some more. It was getting to the point where I was about to go out and start spray painting trees just to see some color. But last night, I noticed it. Overnight the shiny greens had been replaced with gold and crimson. If I hadn't been driving at the time, I would have done a happy little dance right there. As it was I let out WHOOP and shimmied a little in my seat.
I LOVE leaves in the fall. They are spectacular. To be fair, I really love trees, but when they turn, ooooh, it makes my little October loving heart go pitter patter, or rather crinkle crackle. One day I hope to be able to drive around New England while the leaves change. Even better, I hope to be in a horse drawn carriage, sipping cider and looking at the leaves. Wouldn't that be fantastic.
Having completed many, many science courses in my long educational career, I know that the turning of the leaves mean that in reality they are dying. But what a way to go out. I hope to live my life that way. Shiny and green for the majority of my life, then on the way out, a riot of color and vibrancy that all can appreciate.
There is a movie that perfectly describes how I see fall leaves. It is called Pleasantville and in it, the world is all in black and white. There is no color at all. One of the characters happens to be out for a stroll one evening and chances to walk past a tree. As he looks at it, the tree suddenly BURSTS into flame. But it isn't black and white flame, it is flame in color. Seeing that fire, against a black and white world is amazing and that is how I see fall leaves. A brilliant splash of color against the drabness of everyday life.
As one of my October pins says, "I love the leaves. I love the air. I love the rustling sounds everywhere." Even the crinkly noise that the leaves makes is music. Crackly leaves, a cricket choir, a froggy chorus and the hoot of an owl....best. symphony. ever!
Leaves are magical. They must be, because they have so many different uses. They can make forts, art projects, clothing, table décor, regular décor, pressed patterns, and the list goes on. If I ever get married, I want fall leaves scattered instead of rose petals and a leaf bouquet instead of flowers. Dying leaves hold so much possibility. Their life may be coming to an end, but look at all they still have to offer.
And then there are the leaf piles. Raking leaves is the best job ever, especially if you have a leaf blower. (power tools and October fun, I get thrill giggles just thinking about it) You can rake them up, then frolic in them, then rake them up and repeat to your hearts content. You can make leaf angels in them, or a pillow. Just don't jump into leaf piles from anything higher than your legs can spring you. While they may look bouncy and full of cushioning, they are not. Trust me. I learn these things so you don't have to.
Yes, October leaves thrill me and I am not ashamed to say it. Just another wonderful October gift.
Last year the trees had the good sense to start putting on their show in August. Not this year. This year they made me wait......and wait....and wait some more. It was getting to the point where I was about to go out and start spray painting trees just to see some color. But last night, I noticed it. Overnight the shiny greens had been replaced with gold and crimson. If I hadn't been driving at the time, I would have done a happy little dance right there. As it was I let out WHOOP and shimmied a little in my seat.
I LOVE leaves in the fall. They are spectacular. To be fair, I really love trees, but when they turn, ooooh, it makes my little October loving heart go pitter patter, or rather crinkle crackle. One day I hope to be able to drive around New England while the leaves change. Even better, I hope to be in a horse drawn carriage, sipping cider and looking at the leaves. Wouldn't that be fantastic.
Having completed many, many science courses in my long educational career, I know that the turning of the leaves mean that in reality they are dying. But what a way to go out. I hope to live my life that way. Shiny and green for the majority of my life, then on the way out, a riot of color and vibrancy that all can appreciate.
There is a movie that perfectly describes how I see fall leaves. It is called Pleasantville and in it, the world is all in black and white. There is no color at all. One of the characters happens to be out for a stroll one evening and chances to walk past a tree. As he looks at it, the tree suddenly BURSTS into flame. But it isn't black and white flame, it is flame in color. Seeing that fire, against a black and white world is amazing and that is how I see fall leaves. A brilliant splash of color against the drabness of everyday life.
As one of my October pins says, "I love the leaves. I love the air. I love the rustling sounds everywhere." Even the crinkly noise that the leaves makes is music. Crackly leaves, a cricket choir, a froggy chorus and the hoot of an owl....best. symphony. ever!
Leaves are magical. They must be, because they have so many different uses. They can make forts, art projects, clothing, table décor, regular décor, pressed patterns, and the list goes on. If I ever get married, I want fall leaves scattered instead of rose petals and a leaf bouquet instead of flowers. Dying leaves hold so much possibility. Their life may be coming to an end, but look at all they still have to offer.
And then there are the leaf piles. Raking leaves is the best job ever, especially if you have a leaf blower. (power tools and October fun, I get thrill giggles just thinking about it) You can rake them up, then frolic in them, then rake them up and repeat to your hearts content. You can make leaf angels in them, or a pillow. Just don't jump into leaf piles from anything higher than your legs can spring you. While they may look bouncy and full of cushioning, they are not. Trust me. I learn these things so you don't have to.
Yes, October leaves thrill me and I am not ashamed to say it. Just another wonderful October gift.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Day 8: October Disease
I have this affliction. It only seems to present itself at certain times of the year. I can be walking along, minding my own business, when suddenly, it hits. I am powerless to stop it. I am forced to do its bidding no matter how I feel. What is this malady, you ask? Is it contagious? Will it soon overrun the population like a zombie plague? Never fear gentle readers, I think this sickness is confined only to my person. It is.........no, it is to gruesome to say. But I must. I admit..........I am..............a fall magazine addict. Whew, there, I said it.
It is no joke. It doesn't matter if I hate the publication on principle, if it has the words, fall, autumn, Halloween or October on the cover page, I feel strangely compelled to buy it. Maybe I was hypnotized by a roving October magician. Perhaps I drank one too many pumpkin spice lattes and all the orange flavoring did something to my brain. Whatever the cause, holiday magazines seem to multiply like vampire bunnies around my house in the month of October. Really, there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to fall ideas, but I must buy the product anyway.
By now I must have hundreds of dozens of articles on how to make witch fingers out of breadsticks, how to turn cheesecloth into ghosts or what areas of the US are the best for leaf peeping. The new fall colors are always the same, parents always supply information on how to turn your kid into a cute scarecrow for cheap. But I don't care. I LOVE each and every repeated cheesy idea. And speaking of cheese, did you know that mini Rondelle cheeses can be carved like pumpkins? I have about 7 or 8 articles on it if you want more information.
Maybe one day, I will be in one of those magazines contributing some cheesy autumnal craft idea or wacky Halloween recipe. Either way, I know I will be buying multiple copies. I won't be able to help myself.
It is no joke. It doesn't matter if I hate the publication on principle, if it has the words, fall, autumn, Halloween or October on the cover page, I feel strangely compelled to buy it. Maybe I was hypnotized by a roving October magician. Perhaps I drank one too many pumpkin spice lattes and all the orange flavoring did something to my brain. Whatever the cause, holiday magazines seem to multiply like vampire bunnies around my house in the month of October. Really, there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to fall ideas, but I must buy the product anyway.
By now I must have hundreds of dozens of articles on how to make witch fingers out of breadsticks, how to turn cheesecloth into ghosts or what areas of the US are the best for leaf peeping. The new fall colors are always the same, parents always supply information on how to turn your kid into a cute scarecrow for cheap. But I don't care. I LOVE each and every repeated cheesy idea. And speaking of cheese, did you know that mini Rondelle cheeses can be carved like pumpkins? I have about 7 or 8 articles on it if you want more information.
Maybe one day, I will be in one of those magazines contributing some cheesy autumnal craft idea or wacky Halloween recipe. Either way, I know I will be buying multiple copies. I won't be able to help myself.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Day 7: October Bounty
I know that I have said it before, but October is magical. The best things really do seem to happen during this month, and they happen with amazing frequency. I'm sure skeptics will say that I am simply looking for good and surprise, surprise, I find it. But I think it is more than that. I don't believe in coincidence. October really is this wonderful. You don't believe me, then observe a typical day. There was so much wonderful in the day that I am about ready to burst.
1. We took our church picture yesterday. Everyone gathered in a tight group outside and we stood in the beautiful sunshine and smiled like a bunch of crazy fools. It was GREAT! I don't care if you hate having your picture taken. I don't care if you don't like getting up early on a Sunday morning. To have such a massive group of people all fancied up and grouped together laughing and joking was wonderful. There wasn't a frowny face in the bunch and no one really cared that the sun was in our eyes the whole time. It will make for a great memory.
2. I got to finally hug a bunch a people that I have been missing and who have been on my mind. I didn't know they were going to be there. I didn't know that they were going to come into my path. Everything just fell together and I got to share some of my joy with them.
3. I have been saving up for a snazzy jacket and today I finally had enough to get it. I walked into the store and they only had one left. It was the one in my size and it looked great (ok, it makes me look like a hipster biker, but who cares). When I went to check out, a random lady gave me a $20 off coupon.
4. While out and about running errands, my wonderful, fabulous, green thumb extraordinaire neighbor texted me that she had extra pumpkins and whatnot for me to come peruse. It was the perfect day for pumpkin perusal. I mean, you couldn't have ordered a more perfect day. I got to spend at least an hour, if not more, roaming over the hillside, through vines, and across the planting bed in search of perfect, natural October décor. She had Alice in Wonderland sized sunflowers towering high above our heads. The pumpkin patch had taken steroids and overgrown the banks. There were white pumpkins, warty pumpkins, orange pumpkins, green pumpkins, purple corn, orange corn, speckled corn, yellow corn. I was in heaven. I got to feed a skittish cow, toss gourds at chickens (no chickens were harmed in the tossing of said gourds) snuggle an October colored kitten, snuggle its momma and take pictures of bees. I even found a lady bug. It was better than any pumpkin patch and I am truly spoiled to have such a wonderful neighbor.
5. While eating dinner I happened to glance outside at the valley below. There, slowly creeping its way along the riverbanks was a massive fog bank. The sun was just beginning to set and there was a long snake of fog just winding its way across the hills. It was magnificent. I went outside and watched it for at least a half an hour. It expanded and flowed like a living thing. The mists began to branch out and slowly climb the hillsides. Watching the fog was better than watching any TV show...........except...........
6. Tonight was the first of the Halloween episodes for some of my TV shows. It was so good. It was full of everything I love about holiday theme episodes. The characters house was super decorated. The actors had fabulous costumes AND I have been turned on to a new hobby, Halloween caroling! Why on earth didn't I think of that sooner?!
So you see, it really isn't just my imagination, October really spoils me with the wonderful. The only thing missing in this perfect month so far is the fact that I still have not found soy nog yet, but I still have 25 days, so I'm not really worried. Bring on the wonderful October. I can take it!
1. We took our church picture yesterday. Everyone gathered in a tight group outside and we stood in the beautiful sunshine and smiled like a bunch of crazy fools. It was GREAT! I don't care if you hate having your picture taken. I don't care if you don't like getting up early on a Sunday morning. To have such a massive group of people all fancied up and grouped together laughing and joking was wonderful. There wasn't a frowny face in the bunch and no one really cared that the sun was in our eyes the whole time. It will make for a great memory.
2. I got to finally hug a bunch a people that I have been missing and who have been on my mind. I didn't know they were going to be there. I didn't know that they were going to come into my path. Everything just fell together and I got to share some of my joy with them.
3. I have been saving up for a snazzy jacket and today I finally had enough to get it. I walked into the store and they only had one left. It was the one in my size and it looked great (ok, it makes me look like a hipster biker, but who cares). When I went to check out, a random lady gave me a $20 off coupon.
4. While out and about running errands, my wonderful, fabulous, green thumb extraordinaire neighbor texted me that she had extra pumpkins and whatnot for me to come peruse. It was the perfect day for pumpkin perusal. I mean, you couldn't have ordered a more perfect day. I got to spend at least an hour, if not more, roaming over the hillside, through vines, and across the planting bed in search of perfect, natural October décor. She had Alice in Wonderland sized sunflowers towering high above our heads. The pumpkin patch had taken steroids and overgrown the banks. There were white pumpkins, warty pumpkins, orange pumpkins, green pumpkins, purple corn, orange corn, speckled corn, yellow corn. I was in heaven. I got to feed a skittish cow, toss gourds at chickens (no chickens were harmed in the tossing of said gourds) snuggle an October colored kitten, snuggle its momma and take pictures of bees. I even found a lady bug. It was better than any pumpkin patch and I am truly spoiled to have such a wonderful neighbor.
5. While eating dinner I happened to glance outside at the valley below. There, slowly creeping its way along the riverbanks was a massive fog bank. The sun was just beginning to set and there was a long snake of fog just winding its way across the hills. It was magnificent. I went outside and watched it for at least a half an hour. It expanded and flowed like a living thing. The mists began to branch out and slowly climb the hillsides. Watching the fog was better than watching any TV show...........except...........
6. Tonight was the first of the Halloween episodes for some of my TV shows. It was so good. It was full of everything I love about holiday theme episodes. The characters house was super decorated. The actors had fabulous costumes AND I have been turned on to a new hobby, Halloween caroling! Why on earth didn't I think of that sooner?!
So you see, it really isn't just my imagination, October really spoils me with the wonderful. The only thing missing in this perfect month so far is the fact that I still have not found soy nog yet, but I still have 25 days, so I'm not really worried. Bring on the wonderful October. I can take it!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Day 6: Joyful
The title pretty much says it all, October makes me joyful. I don't know why, but it does and I roll with it. I can't pinpoint exactly when I really first started feeling this way. If I wrack my brain, the very first instance I can remember being excited about October was in elementary school. It wasn't a month long love affair like it is now, but it was there. I really can't explain it. Does October make me joyful, or do I make October joyful? Or is it some strange combination of both?
There are so many things to see and do in this super month. So many things to taste and experience. Yesterday was the perfect, joyful October day. The sun was out, but it wasn't to hot or to cold. There was a gentle breeze. There was a cider party that I could have gone to, the downsized Octoberfaire was happening and the Corn Maze opened. There was just a glut of wonderful things to do and that is the rule, not the exception.
So how did I spend my day? I slept in until the suns liquid gold rays peeked around my curtain and poked my eyelids. From there, I strolled through the day without a care in the world. I went down to the river and read my book. I bought some cider and sipped it as I drove through the countryside. I went to the very last movie at the drive in and got to drive home on darkened back roads. It was a wonderfully relaxed day.
But that is how I see most October days. They are full of promise. Ready and willing to be anything you need them to be. You can cram them as full of things as you like, or spend the day lazily rocking in a hammock. It is your choice. I think the magic that happens in October is a way for my system to gear up for the holidays. There is no pressure in October. You don't have to wrap any gifts or host any dinners unless you want to. October is the best possible way to usher in the holidays. The deep breath before the race.
But loving October like I do, has given me a deeper appreciation for the other busy holidays. I used to be a staunch Thanksgiving hater. It doesn't' help that November is the anti October. But last year, I had a change of heart. November really isn't all that bad, and Thanksgiving can be kind of fun I have found. I had been rather Grinch like about December, but I am feeling a softening to that as well. And it is all thanks to October and its easygoing magic.
I hope that some of my October joy finds its way to you this year. I can't wait to see what other adventures the most wonderful of months has in store.....
There are so many things to see and do in this super month. So many things to taste and experience. Yesterday was the perfect, joyful October day. The sun was out, but it wasn't to hot or to cold. There was a gentle breeze. There was a cider party that I could have gone to, the downsized Octoberfaire was happening and the Corn Maze opened. There was just a glut of wonderful things to do and that is the rule, not the exception.
So how did I spend my day? I slept in until the suns liquid gold rays peeked around my curtain and poked my eyelids. From there, I strolled through the day without a care in the world. I went down to the river and read my book. I bought some cider and sipped it as I drove through the countryside. I went to the very last movie at the drive in and got to drive home on darkened back roads. It was a wonderfully relaxed day.
But that is how I see most October days. They are full of promise. Ready and willing to be anything you need them to be. You can cram them as full of things as you like, or spend the day lazily rocking in a hammock. It is your choice. I think the magic that happens in October is a way for my system to gear up for the holidays. There is no pressure in October. You don't have to wrap any gifts or host any dinners unless you want to. October is the best possible way to usher in the holidays. The deep breath before the race.
But loving October like I do, has given me a deeper appreciation for the other busy holidays. I used to be a staunch Thanksgiving hater. It doesn't' help that November is the anti October. But last year, I had a change of heart. November really isn't all that bad, and Thanksgiving can be kind of fun I have found. I had been rather Grinch like about December, but I am feeling a softening to that as well. And it is all thanks to October and its easygoing magic.
I hope that some of my October joy finds its way to you this year. I can't wait to see what other adventures the most wonderful of months has in store.....
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