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.
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