Everyone crowded into the big bathroom with the big mirror, and got ready for Hallowe'en. Mother was applying face paint while grandma took pictures. The future Astronaut watched and commented, and the small Anna ('Frozen') stood a silent vigil. She was ready and did not want to 'mess it up'.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/scarlett1854/11829583914/
It was certainly the place to be, tonight. Watching mother change a normal human face into a 'Hobbes' was fascinating. She expertly formed all of the important characteristics of the other half of 'Calvin and Hobbes', until the human boy actually did look like the make-believe tiger-playmate. With the addition of the hood, the sweatshirt-stripes, and the tail, the effect was complete.
We were ready to go.
Out we trooped, joining the throngs of other Trick-or-Treaters as they hoofed it down the street. It was a nice street. With nice people. Everywhere we went people called out hello, and how are you, and have I met you before? Just the sort of place you would want to raise your children.
All at once I started thinking back to significant Hallowe'en moments of my own. As children, we always went up to the McCullough's house and bobbed for apples. And drank apple cider. Then Mrs. McCullough offered us other goodies such as popcorn balls and caramel apples. Hers was a revolving door, filled with welcome.
It was always great, and always memorable.
For a holiday that seems to celebrate the un-living, we sure had a good time tonight. I think we ignore the un-living bit, and go for the fun bit. Tonight there were even some good lessons learned. The three saw that in order to receive candy, one must say 'Trick-or-Treat!' and then 'Thank you!', once the candy has been received. They learned that once we were back at the house, giving candy to others was actually MORE FUN than getting it for oneself.
Soon our big bowl of candy ran out, and there were still more 'customers'. The small girl dashed back into the house for her own newly-won pot of candy. "They can have mine, mommy," she said.
An uncomfortable memory flashed before me. It was of another small blond on Hallowe'en night, perhaps in the 1960s, furtively hiding a sack of candy - well away from any possible prying eyes or hands. I don't remember everything, but I do remember that NO ONE ELSE got any of it.
Sigh. Well, there is a comfort in knowing that sweet generosity and kindness seem to be blossoming down here on planet earth.
Who knew?
See you along the way!
the SconeLady
photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/joshsmith/30850566/">Josh Smith</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">cc</a>
No comments:
Post a Comment