It was October 13th when I realized that I didn't have a thing put out for Halloween yet and I didn't see a day two weeks out in my hectic schedule to attempt to decorate.
Well, maybe I can just look for a few things in this closet, I decided. Within minutes, the guest bed and floor were covered with pumpkins, ghosts, ravens, spider webs, and gooey eyeballs. Within an hour, a spooky spread adorned the kitchen table. A few last touches (like setting up the antique sepia-toned photos of non-smiling relatives) and I was headed to the store for batteries. It didn't take Don long to get into the swing either. While I was headed out the door he said, "Get some of those lighting pumpkins and cobwebs for the tree and something scary for they yard."
When I walked into the grocery store the ladies at Starbucks were handing out samples. Pumpkin Spice Lattes—my official start of fall festivities. (Chocolate-covered cherries initiate my Christmas.) I inhaled the latte first and wiped the whipped cream off of my nose. Aaaahh, let the memories begin.
I love everything about October. The cool mornings and evenings, chicken stews, oyster roasts, candy corn. The Charleston leaf change season. Okay... that's stretching it a bit.
Then there's the Coastal Carolina Fair! October 1st through November 10th. Woohoo... There is nothing like stepping out of my car onto the rutted dirt parking lot to the wafting aromas of cotton candy, candy apples, and elephant ears...
I close my eyes and I'm already there! Early arrivers pass by me leaving with tired children. A daddy maneuvers the crowd with a huge stuffed bear on his head (that he won for $50).
As I get closer the lights and sounds intensify. The kiddie bumper park music blends with the thumping of the Scrambler music, riders squeal while being tossed about on their rides. Cows bleat and chickens squawk at the AG barnyards. The Ferris wheel lights hypnotize me while strobe lights to the left and right beckon me to come throw my money away.
As I exited through the flashing arch, I glanced back for a final look as the music fades. The empty field that became an adrenaline-fueled night will be empty again within days for another year. But, all is well. Because... Halloween memories come next.
(And to clarify, yes, this is how it works with me—little mini-bites of memories pop up as I cruise the aisles of the grocery store.)
I can see the kids in their many costumes. And memories of my own—a Casper face, sweaty from the real rubber mask in the 60s going from brownstone to brownstone in Chicago yelling "Trick or treat," old pillow cases brimming with goodies. And the disappearing candy. I know there were at least 10 Snickers bars in my bag when I went to bed...
I almost laughed out loud on the toothpaste aisle when I remembered the kids muttering under their breath when they trick or treated a dentist's house and received toothbrushes.
What is your favorite Halloween memory? Think for a minute. Was it that big Zero bar in your bucket? Was it the coolest costume ever? Did the magic end when your mask laid on the floor by your bed?
There is still some magic left. Living in the South where boo hags, haints, and hags are respected with mustard seed, upturned broom handles, bottle trees, and haint blue ceilings. One needn't travel far for inspiration. But, if nothing else trips the trigger... try the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Seriously, though. Share your fave Halloween memory!
