Day 13: Candy Corn, the Untold Story

In one form or another, I have been writing my October Thoughts since 2003. For sixteen 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 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.

For a while now, due to ill health and Alzheimer’s, she hasn't remembered that I am writing the Thoughts, and 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 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 1800's, 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 handmade 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.

Day 8: Some Call It Socktober

Yesterday was the first day that I had worn socks in quite a while. It wasn't that I felt cold enough to need them, so much as where I had planned to go required socks. As it turned out, my plans changed and my sock wearing was for naught, but it, along with a timely holiday ad did get me thinking.

Normally in October we begin to get cooler weather. The blistering heat of the summer gives way to comfy warmth that slowly morphs into frosty mornings. Those chilly a.m. hours equal scrapping windshields, warming your hands on hot beverages and sock wearing. Since it is October, this means holiday socks, and I love holiday socks.

In general I feel that socks are boring and restrictive. Your choices are either white or black if you want to stay fashion forward, or just dress sensibly. Before I knew the joy of holiday socks, I tried to break with this black or white trend by introducing argyle into my wardrobe, but really, you can only take argyle so far. As soon as I was old enough to veto the frilly sock purchases and the monochromatic wonders that my mother chose, I started requesting crazy socks. It was my way of expressing my individuality. At my school we didn't have uniforms, it was worse. Girls had to wear dresses. If I couldn't wear my beloved pants, than at least I could wear crazy socks in protest.

October was what started it all. It is the first month after the long drought of summer when holiday socks start to emerge. Ok it isn't, there are Fourth of July socks, but they are pretty boring and the selection isn't so great. It is always a variation of red, white and blue and fireworks, which is nice, but limiting. Now October, October has tons of choices.

You can get crazy slipper socks, crazy knee highs, crazy footletts, or just plain crazy socks. They come in all kinds of colors and themes. There are scary socks that look like monsters are eating your feet. Sweet socks with black cats or candy. Vampire socks, monster socks, ghost socks, candy corn socks, bat socks, stripped socks, spider socks, bloody socks, socks with menacing eyes, socks with haunted houses, socks with words, etc… It’s great. And when I found the internet, I found all sorts of places to find good holiday socks.

I don't remember when I decided this, but one October I made the goal of one day purchasing enough October socks to have a different pair for each day of this wonderful month. Which given the variety doesn't seem like it would be so hard, BUT, I am quite picky about the socks I choose. They have to speak to me. Not literally. Good heavens, I am not that far gone, but they have to somehow be unique. To date I have 37 pair of October holiday socks and I am always on the lookout for more. In fact, I have my eye on a pair at the local grocery store.

Wearing crazy holiday socks under my dignified outfits makes me feel a bit rebellious and like I am getting away with something. Plus it is just plain fun. People look at outfits, belts, scarves, pants, shoes, earrings, etc.... b ut unless you are one of those crazy people who wear socks with sandals, no one ever looks at  your socks. Most of the time they are hidden by pants or close toed shoes. So when I have to dress up for a formal occasion, on go the crazy holiday socks. An important meeting I have to speak at...you guessed it, I most likely am rocking some weird footwear.

Wearing crazy socks gives me an inside joke to chuckle over all day long. At some point during a serious conversation, my mind will wander a bit and I will be thinking, hee hee hee, sir or madam, right now you are talking about X, and I am wearing socks with dancing candy corn on them. Hee hee hee. and then I go back to paying attention…..for the most part.

I think my favorite holiday socks are tied for a pair that I was gifted one October and a pair that I bought at Jo-Ann’s. The gift given socks are a trio of mismatched tall socks. You have a pair and a spare and they don’t resemble each other in any way shape or form, so you can mix and match them to your hearts content. Just my style. After all, buying a pair of socks is so passé. The other pair is full of eyes and if you leave them out in the light, in the dark they glow. So you have a leg full of glowing eyes staring at you and it can be quite disconcerting.  I love to wear them with short pants in movie theaters. I know, I know, I have a weird sense of humor. OOOh and then there are my purple bride of Frankenstein socks. I love those because you hardly ever see the bride, and they are a really fabulous shade of purple. Then there are my haunted house socks…….. Ok, I’ll stop.

Yup, I love my holiday socks. They add spice to my life, a spring to my step and a giggle to my lips. I highly suggest that you go out and get a pair if you don't have some already, and if you don’t I am happy to host an intervention. I will bring my holiday sock box with me.

Day 1: Its' the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Everyone, EVERYONE!!!!! It’s finally October. It’s HERE!!!!! The fun begins today. (steps away from the computer and runs around in circles screaming with joy) Usually I would wax lyrical about something amazing and fallish. I would talk about my decorations or my plans for the month or regale you with how I am pretty positive there is a werewolf that lives in the abandoned house on the other side of my backyard fence, but for now I will put a pin in those things and share with you something kinda Christmassy (GASP) that I appropriated for October.

For the past 4 months or so, thoughts of October would keep popping into my head, and then this song would play. The closer October got, the more this ear worm would wiggle and jiggle and boogie in my brain until it’s all that I could hear. Mostly I would just hum the first part of the song and then get lost in an October reverie, but as I was putting my October bedding on last night I thought up some new lyrics and the song got that much better.

So without further ado, I bring you the newest fall song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” October style. Just try getting it out of your head. I dare you. No disrespect to Andy Williams, but to be fair, the song was mostly October related anyway. I mean, who tells ghost stories at Christmas……other than me. ;)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids trick or treating and everyone meeting to drink pumpkin beer, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

It’s the hap-happiest season of all with those cider press parties and caramel hot toddy’s when friends come to call it’s the hap-happiest season of all.

There’ll be parties for hosting Marshmallows for roasting and apple bobbing out in the cold There’ll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Halloweens long long ago. It’s the most wonderful time of the year There’ll be much corn maze going and pumpkins’ll be glowing when loved ones are near Yes it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

September 30th, 2019 October Eve

I’m like a kid on Christmas morning….no, worse. I am so giddy with built up anticipation that I could probably power a rocket ship. I tossed and turned last night and couldn’t figure out why. But now I know, it was my proximity to October and I simply couldn’t sleep.

In mere hours it will be time for the best month of them all to burst forth in all her multicolored, pumpkin spiced glory. For 31 days I won’t suffer the mutterings of anti-fall lovers or Christmas creepers. For 31 days I will pen a love note to my dearest month and proclaim that love from the rooftops (unless there is early snow, in which case I will safely proclaim my love from my comfy couch while sipping cider). 

This year I heard the siren song of October in July. It just wouldn’t leave me alone, not that I put up much of a fight. There were foggy mornings, and the most amazing October moon in the middle of August. I heard Halloween standards all summer on the radio. I almost got my decorations out early. I even bought some out of season in the summer (gasp, I know).

 
September has positively flown by and I find myself both ready for October and yet wishing I had one more week to prepare. Too soon my favorite month will be over and the bleak, gray days of November will set in. But for now, I have color, pumpkins, mazes, movies, decorations, parties and so much more to look forward to. So, come along with me on this grand October adventure and let’s see where it takes us this year.

October Thought Day 1: Here We Go...

Hearken now kiddies and I'll tell you a tale......a tale of monsters and mazes, chilly nights and fog. A magical time when whimsy  and gaiety are allowed to run free and the strange and unusual become more commonplace. That's right dear reader, it's time to put away your flip flops and suntan lotion and grab a cozy blanket and monster socks instead. For it is October, the king of all months and for thirty-one glorious days he reigns supreme across the calendar.

This year, I felt the orange tinged stirrings of October in mid August. I woke early one morning and stepped outside to enjoy the golden shine of the suns first rays. I noticed that the clear morning air had a bit to it, an October bite. You know the kind, when the warmth of the summer sun fails to envelope you like a cottony blanket and instead makes you gasp at the crispness. I knew then that autumn was making its way toward me and that October couldn't be far behind.

From that morning forward I began to plot and plan. I pulled out my October lists, got down the decorations, found my special socks and perused the this year October shopping selections. But then a funny thing happened, while I was busy getting ready for October, the rest of August and all of September disappeared. Like some magicians trick I find myself staring at the first freshly minted day of the month and I'm not ready. I am filled with the giddy joy that once again October is here. But I am also a bit dismayed that it finds me so unprepared.

Well, not really unprepared, but......I think I need another week to wrap my head around the fact that it's finally here. I've already broken my solemn vow of pre pumpkin abstinence and have drunk pumpkin everything. I have eaten pumpkin cereal, burned pumpkin candles and cheated and read one of my October books. It's a weird in-between place that I find myself in. Anxious to get on with it, but already dreading that the time is ticking by so fast. One day down already, only thirty more to go. Time is precious and I want to squeeze every drop of joy out of the month that I can.

Which gets me back to why I started writing these thoughts in the first place. October has always been something special to me. It is a transition month and I love it most especially for that. To me October feels like Christmas, Valentine's Day, New Years, my birthday and Thanksgiving all rolled into one. I mark the calendar as I count down the days and look forward to when I can finally decorate again after the long lull of summer. I fall in love with everything, the tiny ice crystals on a spider web, the crunch of fallen leaves, pumpkins in every incarnation. I have time to take stock and revaluate my life and see where it is going and where I have been

In October time seems to slow down like in the Matrix. I have a chance to breathe and take everything in before the frost and snow of winter claim the landscape and another new year begins. October is a time of reminiscence. It also has a bit of a split personality. It is contemplative yet whimsical. You can curl up in a comfy chair by the fire and read, or you can paint your face, dress up and dance around the neighborhood. You can walk along a leaf strewn lane and watch the mist curl around the fence posts or you can find a corn maze and run and laugh till you are dizzy. You can bask in the warmth of a cup of pumpkin coffee or tea or you can scare yourself silly with a horror film. In October, the only thing limiting you is your imagination. Was that really a sasquatch in the hair salon, or a werewolf at Trader Vicks? Is your dentist really moonlighting as Dr. Jekyll or have you decided to find a sincere pumpkin patch and wait for the Great Pumpkin? Strange or not, October has a little bit of something for everyone.

So why do I write these mini novels each day during the month? Am I trying to convert you to my way of thinking? Maybe? Am I trying to mobilize a social media army in order to find me monster cereal or pumpkin soy nog? Possibly? What it comes down to is this, I want you to remember the magic. To dust off your inner child and look at what you thought was a dull grey world and see it through my orange colored glasses. Don't take life so seriously. Get off the crazy roller coaster ride of a life that you have created for yourself for one minute and enjoy the view. Smell the intoxicating scent of a caramel apple. Feel the kiss of a cold breeze on your cheek. Watch for bats in the middle of the night and take a clove of galic with you just in case they might actually be vampires. Let your freak flag fly and watch as others put theirs up too.

So, here we go, another October is upon us. Will you take up the challenge to find the joy and whimsy, the delight and sparkle of the month, or will you sit back complacent in the dull grayness and watch as life passes by? I hope you take the challenge. I hope you find amazing things and share them with me. Most of all I wish you a HAPPY OCTOBER!