As I hesitantly begin my first, epic-for-me blog, the East Coast’s hurricane, dubbed “Frankenstorm” Sandy, looms on my mind. My Nephew is experiencing a major power outage and my sister-in-law lives just 4 miles from Connecticut’s coast. Halloween has been dark and scary for them, two years in a row, and my thoughts are with the storm-ravaged East Coast. I, too, am fearful, in a totally selfish way. I am fearful of exposing my weaknesses...I am fearful of failing...but, those fears are trumped by the fear of never attempting something that might turn into a fulfilling adventure. My "Good Twin" will press through those "Evil Twin" thoughts. I feel compelled to write, and what more appropriate time to begin a spooky adventure than on spooky Halloween!
Here in the Midwest, Halloween is being celebrated with Trunk-or-Treats and elaborate costumes. I will probably be scolded by someone, somewhere for acknowledging this bedeviled bastion. I love to celebrate this day of costumes, candy, and parties. Our Halloween tradition for 5 years now is eating at Qdoba and excitedly heading home, to cat-costumed candy-giving. I meow to the trick-or-treaters (TOTs) as I dispense Kit Kats. The little devils, Disney characters, and dogs trudge catawampus up our ski-slope-like driveway.
A few years ago my husband christened our ski slope on a cold, dark, icy morning as he quickly sought to retrieve his newspaper. He was wearing house slippers and skivvies as he gingerly shuffled to his daily destination. The controlled shuffles became a slow slide, followed by uncontrolled, increased momentum. His heart raced as he skied down our driveway, crossed the street, and jumped the curb before his heroic grasp of a stationary object. I can’t help but giggle thinking about it. Jeff could have turned into a snowman if not for that saving light pole…
A few years ago my husband christened our ski slope on a cold, dark, icy morning as he quickly sought to retrieve his newspaper. He was wearing house slippers and skivvies as he gingerly shuffled to his daily destination. The controlled shuffles became a slow slide, followed by uncontrolled, increased momentum. His heart raced as he skied down our driveway, crossed the street, and jumped the curb before his heroic grasp of a stationary object. I can’t help but giggle thinking about it. Jeff could have turned into a snowman if not for that saving light pole…
Eager TOTs scale our slope and then climb seven steps to breathlessly receive our treats. Michelle Obama would be happy to know our TOTs vigorously exercise for their sweets. I like costume time because make-believe is a great avenue for children. They learn to step outside of themselves into a creative, pretend role.
I have longed to see my 22-month-old grandson wear his impressive but cumbersome dinosaur costume. I bought it for him. Unfortunately, he’s close to the tremendous-two’s and has balked. Because I will be visiting his home, and want to instill creative play, there are a couple of other costume back-up options available. This week I’ve seen too many TV segments with distressed children, apparently bribed, to wear clumsy costumes. Nope! Coerced costuming is out of the question.
I have longed to see my 22-month-old grandson wear his impressive but cumbersome dinosaur costume. I bought it for him. Unfortunately, he’s close to the tremendous-two’s and has balked. Because I will be visiting his home, and want to instill creative play, there are a couple of other costume back-up options available. This week I’ve seen too many TV segments with distressed children, apparently bribed, to wear clumsy costumes. Nope! Coerced costuming is out of the question.
Lance Armstrong has been in the news for a cycling enhancement he’s “worn” for years. He is truly a skilled cyclist, but he’s the Bernie Madoff of the cycling world. He’s a cheater and a liar. He downed steroids to win medals, pulling others with him, and repeatedly lying about it. Lance’s steroid façade is finally back-firing on him. He is now stripped of his medals. Any races he won now indicate no first-place winner.
I hope to be genuine with my blogs. I don’t want to be something I am not. I AM in my mid-50s; I AM a seasoned adult; I AM a survivor--of an alcoholic childhood home and breast cancer; I AM overflowing with Mom and Grandma experiences. I wish to be creative, and I wish to be an eloquent writer.
I felt bewitched the other night as I perused the book, One Thousand Gifts, in Barnes and Noble recommended to me by friend Rachel. Author Ann Voskamp is eloquent, clearly revealed in her writings. Her travailing Chapter One is stunning. She shares her candid feelings about familial, premature deaths and her trust journey, composing soulful sentences throughout the book: Anger is the lid that suffocates joy until she lies limp and lifeless; …Fear is suffocating and keeps our lives small; and …turns pain into poetry…
After experiencing Ann’s artistry, I am apprehensive about sharing my writings: Will they end up a sham ...a silly masquerade? Do I want to risk humiliating myself? Are my writings merely a façade, like Lance Armstrong?
I felt bewitched the other night as I perused the book, One Thousand Gifts, in Barnes and Noble recommended to me by friend Rachel. Author Ann Voskamp is eloquent, clearly revealed in her writings. Her travailing Chapter One is stunning. She shares her candid feelings about familial, premature deaths and her trust journey, composing soulful sentences throughout the book: Anger is the lid that suffocates joy until she lies limp and lifeless; …Fear is suffocating and keeps our lives small; and …turns pain into poetry…
After experiencing Ann’s artistry, I am apprehensive about sharing my writings: Will they end up a sham ...a silly masquerade? Do I want to risk humiliating myself? Are my writings merely a façade, like Lance Armstrong?
I will walk through my fears and I will trust that this free-fall blogging adventure is a treat for you rather than a trick. I won’t don an Ann Voskamp costume, but can imagine myself as a particularly spirited and breathing creature…which, for now, will remain anonymous.
A fabulous Voskamp idea that I do want to borrow is to interject a gift or two for which I’m grateful: #1 Florid Fall Foliage #2 Dusty wood floors that will become shiny as I mop them…NOW… Happy Costuming Day!
A fabulous Voskamp idea that I do want to borrow is to interject a gift or two for which I’m grateful: #1 Florid Fall Foliage #2 Dusty wood floors that will become shiny as I mop them…NOW… Happy Costuming Day!
Enjoy this weekend’s extra hour from Daylight Savings. I will post a free-fall blog this Sunday 11/4 …Deo volente!
