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Saturday, October 31, 2020

HALLOWEEN....Day Thirty-One

 

So since today’s the last day of October and Halloween month, I thought I’d include the first Clarisse story from few years back. 
I am keeping this short today.  I know many of you may have holiday plans; I do. I’m not sure what I’ll be doing after I go to breakfast but I do know I need to drop off treats to a few people later (well two bartenders).  I’ve enjoyed doing my challenge words this month. Today’s word of course is HALLOWEEN.  I did an acrostic and a verse. The verse focuses on attire worn.  The acrostic on the day itself.  Hope you enjoyed the thirty-one days of Halloween.  Keep checking back for future posts. 
Who knows what new glimpses you may find in the life of Madison, Austin, Sarah and Sean in the upcoming holiday.  
       HAPPY HALLOWEEN 
Until next time....enjoy your day; don’t over indulge in all that Halloween candy and as always Stay Safe. 


⚫️🎃🔴⚫️🎃🔴⚫️🎃🔴⚫️🎃🔴⚫️🎃🔴
             HALLOWEEN ATTIRE 
            © Scottie-ann Murphy

Halloween is finally here at last 
One of my favorite days of the year
I plan to dress in a funky outfit 
Then go out and do errands 
Actually I will not be dressed any different 
    from any other day for me
I just won’t get odd looks from people I 
        encounter 
Do I care what people think....no I do not 
I do know though that only on Halloween
     Day 
Many will consider my outfit normal holiday 
      attire 

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
              HALLOWEEN HOLIDAY 
             © Scottie-ann Murphy 
How fast October seemed to have sped by 

And now another Halloween holiday has 
       arrived 

Last day of the month; a new month starts 
       tomorrow 

Little beggars going house to house
    tonight under a full moon sky 

Oh how they scurry along on their mission 

Wandering the streets of the  
     neighborhoods knocking on doors 

Each hope for a tasty treat and not a nasty 
     trick

Every year I patiently wait with a bowl of 
     treats 

No one comes to my door so I eat them 
      myself 

⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️
           PERKING UP THE SPIRITS

             ©Scottie-ann Murphy

Swoosh. Under a starry moonlit sky, Clarisse rushed off like a gust of wind; a perfect autumn night clear, crisp and a tad on the chilly side. She had donned her cloak to keep warm. On her way to meet with friends for a night of fun, drinks and dancing the night away, Clarisse could hardly wait to arrive at the club. After her hectic week at work, she needed to unwind and regenerate her troubled soul. 
Although being the youngest in her circle of friends, Clarisse appeared older at times. She dressed in vintage and retro-styled attire and preferred to drive a stick instead of an automatic. 
As she drove on she could not help noticing how the full moon had cast eerie shadows on the ground. The month, after all, being October when all things strange and bizarre occurred. Clarisse enjoyed this month; not only because her birthday came in October, but because her favorite holiday celebrated….Halloween. Clarisse enjoyed watching horror movies, going to haunted houses, taking spooky hay rides and walking through corn mazes. She considered some of the holiday entertainment lame but she kept her opinions to herself.
Clarisse thought about what could possibly transpire that evening at her favorite haunt The Frank-n-Stein Dive. 
She wondered if she would meet anyone of interest to hold tight when she danced. Would Mr. Right be waiting or just Mr. Right Now? The only current male in her life the past few months was Toby, her black feline. As she continued her journey, she salivated as she pictured holding a goblet of Hag O’Brew in her hand. The blood red colored drink made with cranberries, raspberries, cherries and other ingredients would hit the spot and perk her spirits.
Approaching Crow Street, Clarisse noticed only a few parking places left in front of the club. She zoomed in for a landing at the curb, jumped off her broom then placed it against the parking meter. Circling her right index finger three times clockwise and chanting an incantation, the broom entwined with the meter. Only she could break the spell to retrieve her ride when the evening ended. Another chant and one counter clockwise circle of the finger, produced five hours of meter time.
Clarisse walked to the door of the building, the greeter said hello as he held open the door. She noticed his pearly whites gleaming in the darkened night. Once inside, she made her way down the hall to the coat check area, handed her wrap to the attendant and waited for her claim ticket. Clarisse stood mesmerized by the ruby eyes embedded in the silver skull that hung on the velvet ribbon around the attendant’s neck. She made a mental note to inquire where the woman purchased such an intriguing piece of jewelry. 
Clarisse took the claim check from the young woman put it in her black velvet bag and walked through the dimly lit corridor to the night club area. Music from the band penetrated her ears. The quintet for the evening, The Bat Viper Five, was playing their new song, “Just a Nibble on the Wrist.” Clarisse hoped they would play that slow haunting melody again during the evening when she had a willing dance partner. She stood at the main room entrance and looked around for her friends. She spotted Darcella and Magalene at a table near the back. Two monstrous brutes sat with them. Darcella waved once she saw Clarisse maneuvering to the rear of the room through a maze of tables 
“Hello” a deep voice said behind Clarisse. She stopped dead in her tracks. The man bent down seductively whispering in her ear, “Will you save the last dance for me?”
Clarisse could feel the man’s hot breath on her neck. She felt as if she were on fire. She turned to face him. Staring up in the dark blue eyes of the handsome man, she did not answer his question, but gave him an alluring smile. Doing an about face she continued heading toward her friends. 
She took five steps stopped abruptly and turned around. The man had moved on to his next victim. Clarisse chuckled to herself and wonder how many unwilling suspects that evening Count Vronski would try to pick up using that cheesy line.





Friday, October 30, 2020

HALLOWEEN....Day Thirty

 

It’s Friday and Halloween Eve.  Instead of my every Friday red tee shirt I’m wearing my RED wrist band imprinted REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED.   On Halloween Eve I dress in all black or black and orange.  
I have a tradition with an apple flavored beer and Fireball.  In years past it was beer and a whiskey shot but past years I upped it to an apple beer and cinnamon whiskey. 
I’ve always had a pizza also on Halloween Eve.  I know that’s odd, but it’s what I do. I reflected on this today.  
Today’s FALL/HALLOWEEN word was FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER.  
The piece I composed centers around brothers going out trick-or-treating and taking their little sisters along.  As big brothers they protect their siblings. I think this came to mind as I remember my first time going out trick-or-treating after I went to live with my uncle’s family in Chicago. My older male cousins took me with them to trick-or-treat.  I was sort of scared and lagged behind but they kept watch to make sure I was safe.  
It’s official National Candy Corn Day and National Frankenstein Day today as well as mischief night.  
 I realize fifty years ago today I left for the WACS (Women’s Army Corp). You could say that particular Halloween I was a female solider. 
Have a great Halloween Eve. 
Until tomorrow....as always Stay Safe. 

🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠
October 30th DAILY REFLECTIONS 

It’s Friday....it’s Halloween Eve....today  I will wear my RED wrist band not my RED shirt.... the RED wrist band imprinted with REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED.... need to keep my Halloween Eve tradition by wearing black 

My traditional drink of Halloween Eve....apple flavored beer and Fireball....food of the day pizza of course 

Traditions are good to have....Halloween Day I’ll celebrate with a Dracula drink....a Bloody Mary....cheers to the day   
⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️

                        SIBLINGS 
               © Scottie-ann Murphy 

Frankenstein monster and Dracula 
   roaming the street on Halloween night
The full moon lights their way 
     as they trek through the neighborhood 
        going house to house begging for a    
            treat
A princess and a witch lag a few feet behind
  carrying their heavy bags loaded with fun 
     size candy bars
        snack bags of chips and pretzels 
Only a few more houses will they approach
    until they arrive at the house at the end 
        of the street the old Victorian mansion 
           on Madison Street
What will the Frankenstein monster and 
      Dracula encounter
Will the princess and witch walk up the 
       creaky staircase 
Will they knock on the black door 
Who will be on the other side 
    as the little group shouts 
          “Trick-or-Treat” 
A mystery indeed but the Frankenstein 
    monster and Dracula will protect
         the princess and witch
Big brothers always look after their sisters 






Thursday, October 29, 2020

HALLOWEEN....Day Twenty-Nine

 

I call today, October 29th, Halloween Eve Eve.   October 30th is National Candy Corn Day but as tomorrow is another weird/wacky holiday that intrigues me,  I decided that it would best to write about it today. This is one day I got to pick the FALL/HALLOWEEN word of the day so I picked CANDY CORN
I know I’ve mentioned before about my yearly candy corn tribute to my Grandmother Hazel, my Aunt Julia and my Uncle Harold.  Today I’m thinking of them again as I stare at a picture of candy corn.  
I wrote the acrostic that spells CANDY CORN about trick-or-treating.  Most kids hope for a candy bar of some sort.  I always was happy getting money. Back in my days of being the little beggar if you got a quarter thrown in your bag you were lucky.  Most of the time it was a nickel or pennies; a dime was good as too.  One year I counted up my money and it came to three dollars which back in the sixties was a good hull with all the candy.  
These days candy is now in bite size pieces.  If kids were coming to my house I’d have to give about four bite size pieces or two fun size bars of candy.  I recall one year I purchased packages of cookies; the Oreos went over well.  Another year I had snack bags of chips, pretzels and cheese curls. 
That is a good idea if you’re still looking for what to give the little beggars.  As the acrostic says not everyone can enjoy sweets.  
Hope you have a great day. 
Until next time....as always Stay Safe. 


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                    ALTERNATIVES
                  © Scottie-ann Murphy 

Chocolate and more chocolate is what most 
      hope to receive

As they go door to door on Halloween night 
     for treats
 
 Not ever treat is a candy bar sometimes 
      you get an apple or an orange 

Discourage many will become, but....that’s 
     the fun of Halloween 

You get what you get, it’s the way it goes,      
      no complaining 


Chips and other bags of snacks are 
     welcomed by many 

Of course money wouldn’t be frowned upon 

Remember there are those who can not 
       have sweets

Non-candy items make a good alternative 
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                  CANDY CORN II
            © Scottie-ann Murphy

Waxy texture triangular shaped 
   Yellow, orange and white 
  the colors representing hues of the fall 
     harvest 
         and mimics a kernel of corn 
Flavors of honey, sugar, butter and vanilla 
A staple treat of the Halloween holiday 
Candy corn a yearly tradition 
Some enjoy the sweetness of the 
  sugary confection 
      while others do not
Inspired by the farming industry 
 originally known as ‘chicken feed
Celebrated on October 30th
    National Candy Corn Day 
I’ll do my part to enjoy 
 








  








Wednesday, October 28, 2020

HALLOWEEN....Day Twenty-Eight

 

Short read 

It’s Wednesday today. The Fall/Halloween words today, GHOST and SPIRITS.   I did an acrostic about leaves and fall using the words.  I came up with how leaves are part of the rotation in the seasons. They are born in spring, give us shade in summer and color our world in the fall.  In winter they are gone but come spring, the cycle begins again.  The second verse came from the idea of making a Halloween card for an individual.  I thought what would be cute to have a light hearted verse about ghost and spirits.  It was fun to compose in the time period I did have. 
Today is National Chocolate Day and Champagne Day.  They seem to go together for some reason.  Like bacon everything goes with chocolate.  
It’s only a few days till Halloween and I see candy stores having sales.  Of course I’ve already seen Christmas candy out there ready to be purchased and consumed.  
Have a great day.  
Until next time....as always Stay Safe. 

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
                     LEAF CYCLE 
              © Scottie-ann Murphy

 Gone soon will be the colorful leaves of 
     autumn 

How bare the trees will be until spring 
       arrives

 Of course it is just the cycle of the seasons 

Spring brings renewed life and greenery to 
       the earth

The buds will appear on the trees for new 
      leaves 

Summer they will shade us from the 
      scorching sun


And will again change to brilliant 
     colors come fall 

Never ending goes the evolvement of the 
        seasons

Days of autumn hues will end, winter will 
       make itself known 


Spring will again return, then dog days of 
       summer, then the fall 

Providing once more the glorious hues of 
     the trees 

It always appears autumn never last as long 
      as the winter

Ready to prepare for cold dismal gray 
         days of December through March 

Inasmuch as we know that fall will soon end 
     
The preparation for winter we wait till       
      the first snowfall 

Still for this year, we can enjoy the fall 
      leaves for a few more weeks 

👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻
                    ROAMERS 
               © Scottie-ann Murphy 

Ghosts and spirits roam the earth 
On the night of Halloween 
The monsters come out to scare us
As vampires and witches make the scene

Ghosts and spirits roam the earth
From the witching hour until the dawn
If you look out your window closely
You’ll see them dancing on the lawn

Ghosts and spirits roam the earth
It is such a sight to see
But you can only see them once a year
On the night of Halloween 








Tuesday, October 27, 2020

HALLOWEEN....Day Twenty-Seven


Today is Tuesday and a few fun weird/wacky holidays.  First it’s National American Beer Day; National Black Cat Day; Cranky Co-Workers and Navy Day.  I know the Navy celebrated its birthday on the 13th but not sure why there is another day to celebrate.  I guess another job for Google.  
I did not have much time to do the word for today which is BLACK CAT.   I decided on an acrostic and based part of it on my neighbor’s cat even though it isn’t black.  It sometimes sits on the porch and it will hiss at people driving past on bikes or walkers.  Most of the time it’s friendly but I think it gets in the mood and don’t want to be disturbed.  The cat in the verse sits waiting for prey on Halloween night and it hisses as it’s hears kids shouting for treats.  It reminds me of going out trick-or-treating one year alone.  There was a cat I recall sitting on the porch of a house.  It was a big gray and white cat that seemed to be liking to pounce.  I was afraid to go up the stairs on the porch so I waited till a group of others came along and went up with them.  
I’ve always like black cats and never thought of them as unlucky.  
So today if you, friend or family member a veteran of the Navy, happy Navy day to you. 
If you have to put up with a cranky co-worker I’m so sorry.  Now if you like beer then celebrate with an American brew. 
It’s Day 27 of Halloween month and Day 2 of Halloween week.  Enjoy. 
Until tomorrow....have a great day and as always Stay Safe. 

⚫️⚫️⚫️🐈🐈🐈⚫️⚫️⚫️🐈🐈🐈⚫️⚫️⚫️
                   HALLOWEEN NIGHT 
                 © Scottie-ann Murphy

Black Cat sitting statuesque on the porch 
    swing

 Looking out into the darkness of the night 
      waiting for its prey

Approaching the house little ghouls and 
     goblins

Carefully they climb the squeaky stairs 
    of the veranda 

 Knock on the door, then wait with 
     nervous anticipation 

Creakingly the black door slowly opens 
         wide

A raspy voice says “good evening and 
      welcome” 

“Trick- or-Treat” the children shout as the 
      black cat hisses at them 







Monday, October 26, 2020

HALLOWEEN....Day Twenty-Six



Today is National Pumpkin Day being so the fall/Halloween word to use for the second time is PUMPKIN.  Yesterday was PUMPKIN CARVING but on November 2nd, the word was PUMPKIN(S).  I wondered about how to do the challenge today and did first the acrostic then a verse.  The acrostic mentions about how they can be used for Halloween.  Yes they can be carved; painted fancy or a combination of both.  I just liked to leave the pumpkin as is; not carved or painted up.  Of course in Florida they don’t last long outside.  
I wrote the verse piece about how a pumpkin is a seasonal object.  If you think about it, you only have the pumpkin for a few short weeks then evergreens take its place. 
This is Halloween week and all week I will be celebrating.  In fact all my daily ads I do for the Facebook page of my veterans organizations club will have a Halloween look to it. 
Until tomorrow....enjoy the day.  I still need to pick up candy, not for trick-or-treaters, but for those at the club. Have a great day and as always Stay Safe. 

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
                      THE PUMPKIN 
               ©  Scottie-ann Murphy 

 Picking the perfect pumpkin to carve a 
     smiling face

Unless it’s painted instead with a fun design

Many options does one have to do with the 
        pumpkin

Possibly combine carving and painting the       
        gourd 

Kids and adults enjoy the fun of pumpkin 
      picking in the fall 
        
It is the seasonal object like an evergreen 
      tree at Christmas

Not only does the pumpkin make great      
      decorations but tasty treats 

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
                  CENTER STAGE
              © Scottie-ann Murphy 

Happy face of the pumpkin 
  with vacant triangle eyes
Sitting in the window staring out
   into the world
A electric candle inside lights up it’s grin
Those walk past the house see the 
   sneering gourd
    that watches those strolling on a cool 
       autumn evening 
During the day it appears to sleep 
  but come dusk it awakes as the 
      orange face glows in the dark
Each night for a few weeks the pumpkin 
    takes center stage in the picture window
Day after Halloween it’ll be no more 
 Soon an evergreen will take its place 
   












Sunday, October 25, 2020

HALLOWEEN....Day Twenty-Five

 


With only six days left till Halloween I’m unsure what I’ll wear.  I do have clothes for fifties girl, witch, candy corn queen or even a hippie.  In fact I may not even venture out this year.  Today’s word was COSTUME.  I decided to do verse about trying to decide. Only had ten minutes to figure it out. 
 I don’t feel the need to spend a fortune on a costume to attend a party and to possibly win some prize that is possibly less than what I spent on a costume to win a prize. One can find many inexpensive alternatives to create a costume from items they own or from a thrift store.   
One of my favorite costumes I ever put together came from my own closet and thrift store.  I had a long velvet full black skirt.  With the skirt I put on a short sleeve black top and threw on a black cape.  I found a rather interesting black felt hat for a dollar at the thrift store and decorated it with a Halloween pin I owned.  I tied a purple scarf around the hat brim.  It made a nice witch outfit after I pulled it together with accessories.  Ideas on inexpensive costume ideas are all over the internet. 
Today is Sunday and so far it looks dreary outside.  I’m not too impressed with the weird holidays today.  One station on television is already showing Christmas Holiday movies.  I’m not even considering watching.  I’m still in Halloween mode. 
Until tomorrow....get out there and get your costume and as always Stay Safe. 

🧟‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♀️🧟‍♀️🧟🧛🧛‍♀️🧛‍♂️🧟‍♂️🧟‍♀️🧟🧛🧛‍♀️🧛‍♂️🧟‍♀️
             UNDECIDED COSTUME 
              © Scottie-ann Murphy


What should I be for Halloween this year
The usual fifties girl, zombie queen or 
      witch
Perhaps dress as a cheerleader or a pirate 
Now that would be quite a switch

I could attend the party as a fortune teller
Carry a black cat and a crystal ball
How about a twenties flapper
Or even a thirties mobsters moll

A tie dyed shirt and love beads
Would make a sixties hippie
Have a sign of protest and say the phase
‘You bet your sweet bippy’ 

Maybe I’ll check out a thrift shop
To find something unusual I can wear
Put a crazy hat upon my head 
I could color spray my hair

I’m uncertain on what I should do
Undecided what I want to be
I can always wear my everyday clothes
And go to the event as just plain old me 






Saturday, October 24, 2020

HALLOWEEN....Day Twenty-Four


I never enjoyed carving a pumpkin.  First I hated getting the guts all over my hands; second I wasn’t all that good in the artistic endeavor of carving out a face.  I do enjoy seeing other people’s handiwork.  I have seen pictures of great carvings over the years. Kudos to those who are so creative. 
When I wrote today’s piece using the word/words, CARVING PUMPKINS, all I can see in my mind were smiling faces.  I’ve always wondered why the pumpkins were carved with a smiling grin.  It is an interesting story behind the carving of the pumpkin and how it all began. Google is a wealth of information. If you’re interested read up.  Unfortunately living in Florida it seems carved pumpkins don’t last as long as up in the cooler north states.  Perhaps that is why many don’t carve them; instead they paint faces or do other decorating ideas.  It’s been years since I purchased a pumpkin; but I do have plastic ones.  
Today is Saturday and that means college football. The Big Ten plays their first games today.  I do know I can’t see my team play as not on any channels I get; put I will get scores updated to me. 
Until tomorrow....enjoy your day.  One week till Halloween and as always Stay Safe. 

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
                 FACES of OCTOBER 
              © Scottie-ann Murphy

Smiling faces...... 

   Smiling faces......

       Smiling faces everywhere......

Evil grinning faces once a year I see 

Sometimes the smile is sinister
   What is behind that smile?

The smirk seems to hold a secret
    or two as the jack-o-lantern sits staring 
             at me
Was this the smile of the sculptor 
    as they carved the gourd? 

The devilish happy face divulges not a clue
    from the orange head with vacant 
         triangle eyes

The pumpkins always show a toothy sneer
    never show a frown
Is it because Halloween is near?

 I’ll never know the answers 
     It’s all a puzzle to me 
 Only the pumpkins with the smiling face 
      can reveal the mystery 












 












 






Friday, October 23, 2020

HALLOWEEN....Day Twenty-Three


Short reading today. 

As I looked for clip art to use for my daily reminder of what day it is of Halloween Month, I came across a few of graveyards at night.  Today’s word was GRAVEYARD/CEMETERY.  As I began to compose I pictured an old cemetery I once saw years ago.  It was at the church where I was married.  The church is out in the country area, with an old cemetery next to it.  In my mind I pictured how at the witching hour a graveyard comes alive when I began typing.  I enjoyed composing this as it has a spooky feeling to it (or so I think).  
With only eight days till Halloween it’s getting to the point I have not go an idea how to dress.  Perhaps just go as myself as I generally do dress funky.  
It’s Friday and today we wear our red shirts to support our troops to remember everyone deployed.  
I have not celebrated any of the wacky holidays this week.  I don’t recall any that interested me but today is National Boston Cream Pie Day, I may not find pie anyplace but perhaps I can find a Boston Cream donut as substitute.  
Until tomorrow happy Friday and as always Stay Safe.  I’ll be playing some of those Halloween songs later.  

👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻
             ALIVE EACH NIGHT
             © Scottie-ann Murphy 

The midnight hour has come
And tonight a full moon shines down 
   casting eerie shadows on the ground 
      lighting the cemetery as it comes alive 
From the leafless oak tree an owl hoots into 
    the night.....hoooo.....hoooo....hoooo
A black cat growls as it lurks between   
   broken headstones in the graveyard 
Swarm of bats wildly fly from the old church 
    belfry

Tis the witching hour when spirits rise from 
      below the grave 
For a few hours they come to life 
  dancing in the moonlit graveyard 
    roaming the earth 
A raven perched on the mausoleum 
   watches the nightly activities 
Statuesque it sits night after night 
  guarding the final resting place of those 
      who have passed on 
and return to earth when the clock strikes 
    twelve 
Once more they live until the rooster crows 
    at dawn
When the old boneyard falls to slumber 
    again