Halloween Countdown!

My Historical Halloween Countdown begins tomorrow!

Crafts

This Christmas I decided I just can't - cannot, cannot, cannot - do the buy and spend and wrap and send. I want to do some homemade presents, and I've found a couple of projects that will work nicely. I hope to identify a couple more. Then I may make donations to charity in people's names. The affluenza and stress take all the joy out of the holiday for me, and I am tired of it.

At least I have some time to plan!

To get off this stressful topic, here is another pretty picture.

Scarecrows

Some jolly fellows have come to visit my front yard.

Pirate Ghosts

A glimpse of Halloweens past - these are my cheese cloth pirate ghosts from our 2006 pirate theme. I made them with crumpled up plastic bags for the heads and formed the cheese cloth (soaked in a glue-water mixture) over two-liter cola bottles. I did the forming and drying in the shower, so the fabric dried on the shower floor to make the floating effect. I cut out black felt for the mouths and eye(patches).

We might do our pirate theme again next year.

Crows

I love crows. In the bright blue sky of autumn, they careen through the sky. Their calls fill the neighborhood; they are such cheeky things. I love hearing them "talk" to each other on lazy mornings when I'm still lazing about in bed.

This picture was taken in Pueblo, CO. That is the high school.

Alas...

My camera has gone missing.

I cannot, therefore, show off the fantabulous Dracula/steampunk/HP/whatever-I-want-it-to-be cape I got at the thrift store last night. We found some great things last night, in addition to Halloween treats. Mr. Viv found more collectible vinyl. Bless him. And I found the large print books for elder relatives that make such nice Christmas presents. I am trying to think ahead.

Now that the thrift stores are in their full Halloween costume glory, I'll be looking for vintage items. I found this adorable 1950's dress in the costume section of one last year. It was half price, so I bought it for less than $5. Amazing.

Halloween Countdown!

I am very excited! I'll be doing a 31 day countdown of Halloween facts and interesting tidbits.

A new show

I watched the pilot for The Secret Circle tonight. I was greatly entertained. It's on CW, and it reminded me of Buffy in all the best ways. Check it out!

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-secret-circle

It's fall!

I am officially ready for fall. The leaves are just beginning to turn here, and there is a chill in the morning air.  I love nothing better than cuddling under blankets with that cool air coming in the open window.

I need some candy corn. And a pumpkin. And maybe a scarecrow while I'm at it.

Falling

Fall came overnight! We've had non-stop hot weather - 90s all the time - and today it didn't even get to 70. It was GLORIOUS. The windows and doors are open now with a cool breeze coming in.

I was wondering today what it is about fall that makes me feel so much more spiritual. It's as if the dying of the year gives birth to a longing to celebrate the season. Tomorrow I am going outside with my candles and incense and Tarot cards and I think I will try out my little cauldron for the first time. We'll see how it goes.

September

It's September!

I'm not sure how I zoomed through the year to get here, but here I am.

I am looking forward to changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and, of course, Halloween.