THANKFUL THURSDAY: Changing Seasons

It's November again.  Say what?  2011 has flown by in its usual manner.  I've heard that the older you become, the faster time seems to slip away.  I suppose there is truth in that.  Maybe it's because you slowly lose your sense of wonderment.  "You mean I'm an ADULT already?  Jeez."  There are more things to occupy your hours.  Stress.  Gadgets.  Stuff.

As much as I shudder at the mention of "Eh. Winter." the changing seasons have been a part of my life since birth.  I can't imagine living somewhere farther up north or down south that doesn't experience all four.  Although in the dead of old man winter's grip at 15 degrees when my snot is frozen, I'd gladly trade with the chick who's learning to boogie board in the Pacific Islands.  It's a change that is necessary I think, not just in the sense of mother nature for me.  It's the time of year to slow down a little.  Contemplate.  Hibernate and ponder.  Then prepare for Spring, rebirth and excitement of warmer breezes.

So, if someone grabbed my arm behind my back and gave me an Indian Rug Burn and told me to pick a favorite season...I'd be forced to say, "Alright!  It's Autumn!  Get off!!" 

This time of year brings back fond memories of...

  ...skips in the woods, swan dives into leaves...

Photo by Muffet

...collecting acorns and other woodland doo dads...

...stovetop hot chocolate with mini's...

...homemade noodle soup...

So this Thankful Thursday I'm very grateful for my appreciation of nature.  For my amazing parents who raised me to be down to earth and take notice of the little things that matter.  I recommend that everyone slow down a bit...from time to time is all...just an hour here and there.  Take a deep breath.  Notice how a tree sways.  Ponder the changing of seasons and what it means to you.  I know you can do it.

Go Explore Nature: 50 Ways!

FREAKY FRIDAY: Halloween Decor

Let me first say that typically I'm a lover of kitschy, cutesy, vintage and magical goodness.  Most of the time. 

French singer Sliimy

(LOOOVE HIM!)

Now THIS time of year is a completely different story.  The darkness in me bubbles to the surface.  Not that I myself am scary, but my imagination kind of takes a turn into creepy town.   Jekyll and Hyde stuff.

Some houses might be decorated with happy little pumpkins, some witchy silhouettes and maybe a few strands of orange lights.  And like I said, that's my mind set around 10 months out of the year! 

That route is all good and sweet, but in our household it's gore galore. 

Mannequins in every corner watching.  Contemplating. 

Cobwebs, disturbing dolls, skeletons, props, apothecary jars filled with discarded limbs. 

It's quite a sight for these few months around here!  That's before everything is transformed into an over the top Christmas Wonderland of course.  But for now it's blood splatters, faux weapons, snarls and all around creepy goodness.  I really should have went to school for theatre because I love decorating so much.  This season I want to learn to use Mister Hubs miter saw to make my own "structures."  You know...coffins and such. 

Little Baby Clown holding a "Come Closer" sign

Last year was a Carnival of Carnage theme with Killer Clowns.  Let me tell you, it's not just the little kiddo's who are afraid of clowns.  Adults are equally freaked out.  We had a lot of laughs.  This month is going to be an Insane Asylum and I'll post the mayhem in November. 

                                                                  
                                                         "Bwaa ha haaa."

                           We wouldn't have it any other way.

Halloween 2009 / Zombie Apocolypse

(I was hongreee...poor dollie)