Trick Or Treat At The Campground

Picture this: It's the last Saturday night in October at Defeated Creek Campground near Carthage, Tennessee. Just before dusk there's a haze of campfire smoke floating in the air, mixed with the scent of grilled burgers, chili, and hot dogs. Campsites are decorated with backlit ghosts, witches, jack-o-lanterns, tombstones, giant spider webs, spooky music, and eerie colored lasers. Some are pretty elaborate; we had two plastic pumpkins illuminated with tea lights sitting on the picnic table.

It's like a neighborhood party and most of the campers hand out candy. Kids (and some adults) were decked out in costume with their sacks full of treats. I saw a tiny witch riding a pink and turquoise bike, several undead zombies, a bumble bee, Duck Dynasty characters, princesses, pirates, and cheerleaders. One little girl vampire in a Victorian red and black satin dress had drops of blood painted over her face, and when I said she looked scary she hissed at me with her fake fangs instead of saying trick or treat. An adorable two year old boy with a head full of blonde curls was wearing an engineer cap and a Thomas the Train costume. Too cute!

We were dressed as retired campers in jeans, flannel shirts and hoodies. It was fun for us to watch and give away goodies while we sat by the fire, even if we don't have kids.  Everyone was well behaved, laughing and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere. Parents and grandparents were walking with their little spooks, having a good time. I'm sure there were lots of ghost stories told and marshmallows roasted once it got dark and everyone was back at their campsite.  Those families will have great memories of camping and trick or treat.  

Happy Halloween!

Naturally Curly Hair

I have always had curly hair.  All my baby photos feature cute little blonde curls. I spent my teen years trying to straighten them because in the 60's everyone wanted long, stick-straight, silky hair.  I rolled it on jumbo orange juice cans, which almost worked.  It was straighter, but always had a bit of a wave or curl in it.  When it rained, nothing worked.  It frizzed, kinked and curled, usually on photo days or when I had a date.  I identified with Frieda, the cute little red haired girl in the Peanuts comic strip.  

Once everyone got perms in the 80's, I was finally in vogue.  I didn't have to do anything but let it dry naturally. 

I still straighten my hair, but I've come to love my curls.  I don't fight them anymore, especially when it rains.  At the campground, damp air around the lake keeps them soft and fluffy.  And after years of being red, they are back to the blonde of my childhood, mixed with quite a bit of silver.

Ripples Of Change

Life is all about change. Seasons, people, circumstances, politics, habits, health...you name it, it eventually changes.

Humans have the ability to recognize change, adapt to it, accept it, and move ahead.  Adults normally do just that, at least most of the time. Lots of us resist or delay some changes until we have no other choice (losing weight, eating healthy, avoiding conflict). Some people choose to ignore change or deny it altogether because they want their lives to stay constant. They blame themselves or others, make excuses and whine when things vary from their usual routine (if only, it's not my fault, why do I have to). Others want everyone around them to conform to their idea of perfect.

It's probably healthier to be flexible, have patience, compromise, adapt or move forward. The stress of resisting change takes a toll on us. And life would certainly be dull if nothing new ever happened. We'd be stuck. Change forces us to take action, explore, experiment, and expand our minds.

Change is inevitable. It ripples through our lives, sometimes barely moving along and sometimes crashing through like a tidal wave. Maybe the best way to manage it is to keep a paddle AND a surf board handy. 

"Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others."  

 – Jacob M. Braude

“When you blame others, you give up your power to change.” 

– Dr. Robert Anthony

“Change is necessary, particularly when it comes to bad cooking and politicians.  Sometimes all you can do is toss out the whole batch and start all over.”   – Anonymous

Ten Reasons To Love October

It was a crisp 46 degrees up here on the ridge this morning, a perfect fall day ahead! While drinking my coffee, I quickly came up with ten reasons why I love this month.

Cozy sweaters, hoodies, and boots

Walks in the woods

Hot chocolate, hot tea and hot coffee

Brilliant autumn leaves against bright blue skies

Fall festivals and craft shows

Warm snuggly quilts

Homemade soup and chili in the crock pot

The end of grass cutting season

Pumpkins and Halloween candy

First frost...no more bugs!

Campfires should be on the list, however that may not happen this year since our favorite campgrounds have been shut down by the government.  Guess I'll have to build one in the backyard.