Time Change, Halloween and Costumes

Two days to Candy Corn Day
 Three days to Halloween

This weekend we will turn the clocks back an hour.  The old saying goes ‘spring ahead, fall back’.  My husband kidded me and said he will be getting up at 4:00 a.m. instead of 5:00 a.m.  until he gets use to the change.  Sure this was just a joke on his part or so I hope.  I have no problem with the fall time change, but in the spring it takes me at least a week to adjust.  

With this being Halloween week, I have come to the conclusion, that like when a full moon approaches, people seem to be going a tad crazy.  The past few days, the drivers on the road just are a bit more reckless.  Is there something in the air that is making them this way?  It not only were those driving motor vehicles but those on bikes were just as bad; yesterday I almost got run over by a man in a golf cart when I was walking to my car from the post office.

Halloween falling on a weekend may be a problem.  Trick-or-treaters will be out in full force all day long into the night.  I recall as a kid going out Saturday in the afternoon, returning home for supper then going back out till at least 8:00 pm.  This means one thing, make sure you have a supply of treats on hand.

As I look forward to the day of dressing up in a costume, I have yet decided what to wear.  Looks like tomorrow I will be searching my closet to pull something together that can pass for going out to a party and wear to the store at the same time.  Not like I have not gone into stores dressed at Christmas time in my Ms. Santa outfit; and no I do not plan to be Ms. Santa for Halloween.  My husband already has his outfit planned, in fact he planned his attire in June.  

A few web sites have been helpful in providing insight to costumes from items from the closet.  All one needs is a good imagination and there you have it a costume to wear on October 31st.  I remember a few years ago, I pulled together a costume in a matter of a few hours, a fifties female outfit.  I now use that outfit for when there is a Fifties Night at one of the veterans clubs.  

Whatever you decide, costume or no costume, Halloween is not just for kids anymore.  More and more adults get into the fun of dressing up, if only to pass out treats at home.  

Until next time…..remember to have fun….have lots of treats and if there are left over the next day…I am sure someone will gladly take them off your hands.




                   WITCHY NIGHT OUT
                      ©Scottie-ann Murphy

Witches fly overhead in the starry moonlit sky 
Driving brooms that are sturdy and thick
Many don’t like automatic models
They prefer to drive a stick

Crackling loudly as they land on the street 
Park their ride at the curb near the meter 
The enchantresses hurry inside to the candle lit club
Where they will encounter night boogie fever

Drinking a cauldron brew colored deep blood red 
Made with cranberries, frogs and eyes from newts
The band will play a slow haunting melody
As the sorceresses dance with monstrous brutes

The patrons are having a wonderful evening
At the place called “The Frank-n-Stein Dive”
Witches always celebrate quite responsibly
And they never drink and then drive

Memories and Candy Corn

Four days till National Candy Corn Day and five days till Halloween as of today.

I mentioned in a prior blog how I enjoy this season of the year; also mentioned how I quietly sit and consume twenty pieces of candy corn during October.  I remember how intrigued I was as a three year old with candy corn.  It resembled the chicken feed my grandfather fed to his chickens.  I remember my first encounter with this sugary confectionary treat.  My Uncle Harold brought a bag to me one Sunday.  At the time I lived with my maternal grandparents and Aunt Julia.  My grandmother took the bag from me and told me I could have some later in the week; she put it away where she thought I would not see it. After all ‘out of sight out of mind’.  A few days later as I helped my grandfather throw chicken feed around, I remember the bag of candy.  I asked my grandmother and reluctantly she gave me some in a bowl after my lunch.  I sat on the couch with my cat, Fluffy.  Picking up one piece of the candy I looked it over; the white, yellow and orange colors were the prettiest I had ever seen together.  I put the first piece in my mouth and thought I never tasted anything so delicious.  It was then, it dawned on me; this looks like candy chicken feed.  I decided that if chickens can eat their feed off the ground, I could eat my candy corn the same way.  I took the bowl of candy and scattered it on the floor.  Getting down on all fours, I began to eat the candy from the floor.  Fluffy got down on the floor also and began to lick the pieces of the candy.  My aunt walked into the room, saw what I was doing and began to laugh.  Grandma walked in but instead of laughing, she yelled that I was eating off the floor and that the cat was licking the candy pieces.  I looked at her and told her that I was playing chicken.  She then began to chuckle.

This event was told to me by my aunt when I was a teenager.  I found it to be a fond memory of my childhood; a happy memory I did not want to forget.  Each year, since I heard the story, I would purchase a bag of candy corn; count out thirty pieces (as an adult it became twenty); I would sit quietly, eat one piece at a time as I let my mind wander with pleasant memories of my grandmother and my aunt.

Some say that don’t like candy corn; they find it to be terrible tasting or just plain gross; but to me, it is a connection even to this day of two people who cared for me for five years of my life.  On October 30th, I will put twenty pieces of the confectionary into a little dish, sit quietly and eat one piece at a time while I reflect on that day when I was three years old.  As I think about it right now, I may include thoughts of the person who gave me my first bag of that candy, my uncle.

Until next time….enjoy Candy Corn day.  Enjoy the piece following on this time of year.


                                   THE STORY
                            ©Scottie-ann Murphy


The old house looked deserted
Leaves covered the lawn
A carpet of red, orange, gold and brown
Limbs from the trees cast eerie shadows on the sidewalk
The full moon the only light shows me the way
Cautiously I walk up the weather worn steps
My hand holding tightly to the banister
A black cat rests motionless on an old metal glider
It lets out a loud ‘meow’ as I step up to the porch.
Jumping down from where it sits….the feline saunters over to me
Rubs against my leg….then runs off into the night
I debate whether I should knock on the door
My heart races….I can hear the thumping of each beat
I stand staring at the door wondering what to do
Taking a deep breath I knock….anticipate if anyone will answer
Wild thoughts spin through my mind on what or who may lurk inside
Will my friends read my text message on where I had gone
And what I planned to do…..will they come looking for me?
Perhaps I should not have taken the dare to come alone
Wondering and waiting…..i feel apprehensive
Seems like I have been standing here for hours….not minutes
The door suddenly opens….a tall menacing figure stands at the threshold
“Welcome, we’ve been waiting for you”, the voice deep and gravely
He moves to one side…. motions me to come inside
I slowly step into the foyer…..the house is dark....no sounds can be heard
A chill runs down my spine….I try not to show fear….i bite my lower lip
There is no turning back…..or is there?
A question pops into my brain…..did I make a rash decision
Is the story about this strange house and its’ mysterious inhabitants
Worth the price the newspaper will pay? I ponder the answer…..

TIS THE SEASON FOR HALLOWEEN

I am a fan of the month of October or as I call it the ‘Season of Halloween’.  The colors of black and orange or black and purple are my favorite to wear this time of year.  Shirts with a skull, skeleton, black cat or witch are what I like to don.  It is during this time of year I purchase a bag of candy corn and eat twenty pieces in memory of my grandmother Hazel and my Aunt Julia.  There is a story behind this of course but perhaps will save that for another time.  Last year I found a candy item I had forgotten about that I use to get in my trick-or-treat bag; peanut butter kisses wrapped in black and orange wax type paper.  They are sort of like the candy called Mary Janes which have a peanut butter center around a honey type coating.  I  purchased a bag of those kisses last Halloween and passed them out with mini-candy bars at the American Legion and VFW parties.  A few people told me they had not seen the kisses in years. 

This year I have my give-away candy ready for trips to the VFW, Legion and Amvets.  I do what is called reverse trick-or-treating by going to places to pass out treats.  Adults enjoy getting a little something not just the children.

Halloween is not just a holiday for the kids anymore it seems.  I will dress up early that morning, since it is on a Saturday.  Patiently I will wait for someone to ring my doorbell; I enjoy seeing the different costumes on not only humans but our four legged friends.  Now I wonder, do I have a milk bone or two on hand?

Halloween brings the time of year I enjoy to read more paranormal type stories and write my own poems on the holiday.  A few years ago I penned the ‘flash fiction’ story listed below.  I dedicated to a friend I knew where I lived up north as she, like me, is truly a Halloween person.

Until next time, which will be in a day or two….enjoy the story.


   
                             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.

ONE HOLIDAY AT A TIME

As of today, Halloween is twenty-one days away.  Thanksgiving is forty-seven days away and Christmas seventy-six.  Yes people are already posting how many days till Christmas on social media.  I like to take holidays, one at a time.  Presently I am celebrating the season of Halloween.  The fall is a fun season for me.  Although living now in the south, I can honestly say I miss fall; not the cold days but the days of Indian Summer.  I enjoy seeing Mother Nature’s handiwork as she paints the trees with brilliants shades of burgundy, orange, gold, yellow and red.  The fallen leaves make a colorful carpet on the ground that eventually will turn to dark brown.  Living up north, I always enjoyed going to a farmer stand for apples and fresh made apple cider.  Visiting a haunted house or barn, going on a haunted hay ride and walking through a haunted maze were fun activities.  My favorite colors to wear during the Halloween season, black and orange or black and yellow.  Candy corn reigns supreme as the sweet confectionary treat.  As I grew older, I can only eat twenty pieces.  I recently pondered what one could do with left over candy corn.  Low and behold, internet research provided many interesting ideas from using candy corn to make adult beverages to using the candy for baking and craft items.  There is even a wacky/weird holiday on October 30 called National Candy Corn Day.  This seems like a fun activity for me to pass out bags of candy corn at one of the veteran’s clubs where I hold membership.  Everyone enjoys getting a little something for free, so why not make it a reason to celebrate.  I only hope I can find an appropriate outfit for the celebration.

As many stores are already or have been displaying their Christmas items, we should remember that fall holds many other holidays.  October brings us Columbus Day, National Candy Corn Day and Halloween.  November not only brings us Thanksgiving but we have Veteran’s Day which will be in thirty-two days; Pearl Harbor Day, December is only fifty-eight days from today and the Army-Navy football game sixty-three days. 
As I previous mentioned, I am taking ONE HOLIDAY at a time.

 The merchants need to take it, one holiday at a time.  Yesterday while out shopping I noticed employees setting up Christmas items in the same area where I seen ghosts, pumpkins, witches and black cats.  I had hoped to find a turkey, Indian or Pilgrim item, but none to be had.  We all live in a fast paced world, but we just need to stop, take a deep breath once in a while and smell the roses, or in this case since it is Halloween Season, the candy corn.  November first, put away those ghosts, goblins, witches and zombies bring out the Indians, Pilgrims, Capricornia and turkeys; leave the pumpkins and scarecrows out for Thanksgiving.  Don’t forget on November 11th to proudly fly your flag in honor of Veteran’s Day.

Till next time…dress up on October 31st in a costume, pour a glass of apple cider, have a few pumpkin flavored or apple-caramel donuts and eat some candy corn.

MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day holiday weekend is here.
Many consider this the first official weekend of the beginning of summer, even though the first day of summer is a few weeks later.
For some, Memorial Day weekend is a chance to take a trip to the shore or beach, an opportunity to go camping, have a picnic in the park or enjoy a cook-out in the back yard. Many will get together to watch the Indy Race. The holiday means something different to everyone.
As a veteran, the Memorial Day is a day to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and now slumber under grassy covered mounds. The day is one where flags are flown at half mast. There will be parades to honor those fallen heroes, services at gravesides or at a veteran’s club. Speeches will be given by key note speakers at many of these observances and someone someplace may read John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields”. Recently I learned that John McCrae was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Canadian Army. This poem is considered one of the most memorable war poems ever written. As I read the poem during the week prior to Memorial Day I find the words moving on how the poppies grow between the crosses of those who gave their lives. Years ago I wrote a poem for Memorial Day where I mentioned the poppies being the color of the blood of those who died and were buried in Flanders Fields.
Over the years I have composed many a patriotic poem for Memorial Day. Ninety-nine percent of the poems have been dedicated to members of either my family or my husbands. A few have been dedicated to a family member of a friend or acquaintance or dedicated to a friend who served in the military and has passed on. This year will be no exception as I stand at the podium on Memorial Day at services and read a new poem dedicated to a member of one of the veteran’s organizations of which I am a member.
Sometime this weekend, I suggest you attend a Memorial Day service in your local area. It only takes no more than an hour out of your weekend. Buy a poppy if available; fly your flag; wear your red, white and blue and remember this weekend is about those who gave their all so we could enjoy the barbeques, cookouts, picnics and Indy Race.
Till next time….remember FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
　

GIVING ALL WITHOUT HESITATION

©

Scottie-ann Murphy

MAY WE ALWAYS REMEMBER AND NEVER FORGET

ALL WHO ANSWERED THEIR COUNTRY’S CALL

ON NONNATIVE LANDS THEY FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY

AT TIMES UNCERTAIN OF HOW THEIR DAY WOULD END,

GIVING THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICED

MANY PERISHING UPON THE BATTLE FIELD

THEIR BLOOD SOAKING INTO FOREIGN SOIL

WE CALL THEM

‘HEROS’

UPON THEIR FINAL RESTING PLACE

A FLAG IS PLACED LETTING EVERYONE KNOW THEY

PROUDLY SERVED UNCLE SAM

TODAY….A GRATEFUL NATION WILL UNITE TOGETHER

TO PAY HONOR AND TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO

HAVE GONE TO THEIR FINAL REST

FLAGS LOWERED TO HALF MAST

WE BOW OUR HEADS FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE

THE RIFLE SQUAD FIRES A TWENTY-ONE GUN SALUTE

AND THE BUGLER WILL SOUND “TAPS”

FOR THOSE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVED WITH

DISTINCTION….HONOR….AND PRIDE

WITHOUT HESITATION…THEY GAVE THEIR ALL

Hello to April

Hello to April. Goodbye to March that in some parts of the country did not got out like a lamb. April, I find most interesting. The first day is known as April Fool’s Day. I decided to find out more on this day via internet research. How interesting the information was to me. April is also the month where we in the United States have to pay the piper or Uncle Sam by filling out those dreaded tax forms. I always thought there should be a symbol of sorts on the calendar for that day which would be a dollar bill with wings to show how our money has to fly away from us. But then that is just my thought on the subject. Easter is celebrated in April. One of the most holy days of Christians. Easter Sunday always means to me the actual first day of spring (even though March is the official start of the season). Many will don a fancy outfit of a pastel color, go to church and have a large Easter meal. I always enjoyed getting a new Easter bonnet to wear, a new dress and new dressy shoes. As I got older, I adorned my home with hyacinths, a lily and some tulips. Last year I got an orchid corsage to wear. April showers they say bring May flowers; a rhyme I recall from my youth. As I mention rhyme, let us remember April is National Poetry Month. Thirty days to celebrate the genre of poetry. The past few years, I took a challenge to write a poem a day in honor of the month. This year will be no different. I plan to continue my goal of writing one poem each day (number of lines is not an issue); what the issue is taking the time to sit down and compose. I must say this is not an easy quest. As of this afternoon I have not yet composed Poem One for Day One. Guess this my April Fool’s on myself. As you think about the month ahead with warmer temperatures, spring cleaning, spring break for some and the snowbirds returning home after their winter in the south, Christmas is only eight months away.
Until next time….enjoy your Easter holiday. Eat some jelly beans, a marshmallow peep or two and a cream filled chocolate egg. I hope to get a milk chocolate bunny in my basket so I can eat off the ears.
　
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH AGAIN
　
National Poetry Month arrives with little fanfare
No big announcements on news channels,
articles in the local papers
or mention on social media sites…..
(Ah but I will do so….a post to inform friends and the world)
Thirty days…dedicated to the genre of poetry….
Reading of odes, rhyme, free verse, ballads, limericks
The creating of new works by poets
A month just to make all aware…poetry is not lost or dead
Poetry is alive….patiently it waits to be created by the poet
Read by the masses…..recited and heard at poetry readings

Hello to March

March is now here. In some parts of the country it has come in like a Lion with all the wintery weather of snow, freezing rain, icy roads and frigid temps. Let’s hope it goes out as they say like a Lamb. In Florida it seems our winter is now over and we are experiencing spring like temperatures. Moving to the south over ten years ago, it took me about three years to get what is called “Florida Blood”. I feel the cold when it is 70 or below. The best temperature for me is 85. Seventeen days till spring. This weekend we will turn the clocks ahead one hour. I never look forward to the time change. It takes me at least a week to two weeks to get use to it. Of course I like turning the clocks ahead as we get more daylight hours. I doubt I accomplish more though but it is a nice thought.
So as I began saying March is now here. It is a month packed with quite a bit, or perhaps here in the ‘Sunshine State’ and the area where I live. A few years ago I penned a poem regarding all March has to offer. First there is setting ahead of the clocks; we all can enjoy the extra hours of daylight. Spring will arrive on the coattails of winter; hoping to bring milder weather to those living in the northern states. St. Patrick’s Day always a fun filled March holiday; everyone is Irish for at least one day a year. Palm Sunday comes on the last Sunday of the month. March 15^th is the Ides of March; okay maybe we don’t celebrate it, but another holiday for some. Women’s History Month is celebrated in March. Here in Sebring, Florida, the big race brings spectators to the area. The 63^rd Annual Mobil 1 Twelve hours of Sebring takes place on March 21^st. Fans will flock to the track when it opens on the 18^th.
Many will travel here to Florida for spring break to enjoy our wonderful beaches and other attractions. We must not forget major league baseball teams are in the throes of spring training during March. Basketball fans will pack sports bars and pubs to watch teams as they shoot for three pointers and free throws as March Madness dominates the sporting world. March has a lot to offer to beat the winter blues. Veteran’s belonging to the American Legion can look forward to The American Legion’s 95^th birthday in March. (I had no idea how old it was so I checked soures on line). Of course members of the veteran’s organization the Forty and Eight (40&8) have a celebration of that organization in March. They too will be celebrating their 95^th birthday.
Ah March has arrived and the doldrums of winter are slowly becoming a memory for some. Don’t let ’Old Man Winter’ get you down. Find something to do to get rid of those winter blues.
Until next time….I looked online to find that one of the wacky/weird holidays today is ‘Toy Solider Day’. As I have a bag of them I planned to send to my grandson, I just may keep them, open them up and play. Next weekend I guess I’ll celebrate the Legion’s birthday by visiting the Legion and seeing if there will be cake. As for celebrating the 40&8 birthday, I know there will be cake (I hope). Happy March to one and all.