Happy Halloween

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Happy Halloween! The first snow of the season has arrived here in Chickadee Lane and decided to stay… at least for a day or two!


As I put out the treats this morning, memories of childhood Halloween come to mind. Memories of turnip jack-o-lanterns. Memories of how my sister and I, along with a few neighbour friends, would practice Halloween. 


We would head out several nights before the big night, walk up and down the country road planning and plotting tricks we would do. Tip over someone’s outhouse. Move a road sign. 


In preparation for the scary night, we would gather bulrushes and soak them for several days in used diesel fuel to be used as torches. I can’t imagine how our parents allowed us to play with torches! As wisdom would have it’s way, we never did use the torches. We never did move a road sign nor tip over an outhouse. The thrill was in the planning and possibility. 


It was a different time. A night when mischief was expected. No adult accompanied us along the 3-4 mile walk along the country road, to knock on 10-12 doors. We would delight in scaring a neighbour or, truth be told, imagining how we had scared a neighbour.


Costumes consisted of a black Zorro or ghoulish rubber mask and, stuffed out with pillows, one of my father’s jackets which, of course, all the neighbours recognized. 


Still it was a fun time when imaginations and possibilities were stretched. When boundaries of mischief were stretched. When decisions of right or wrong, decisions of being safe and afraid, were left to our own (parent instilled) conscience.


Today I still love the playfulness of Halloween. I love greeting children and parents as witches and superheroes waddle to the door while parents whisper from the shadows, “Say Thank you.” 


It is a wonderful night of community when strangers and friends alike are welcomed. When no questions are asked. When generosity prevails. We simply say “Glad to see you” and share a treat or two.


Finally, with good planning, the left over treats keep us in bars and chips for weeks... as someone (intentionally) buys more than ever needed for a generous treat!


I wonder what will be the star costume this year? Barbie? 


Are you dressing up?


In this world of chaos, have a fun playful night.


In Peace,


Elizabeth

elizstevenson@gmail.com

506-650-4812


Thank you for reading. I’m always grateful if you want to share this with your friends.

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 31, 2023 at 2:21 PM

    Thanks for the laugh😋and the memories. And who are you kidding? You definitely did tricks!!! Beth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thoughts from Chickadee LaneOctober 31, 2023 at 4:03 PM

      You are most welcome Beth. Glad you had a laugh. What moi? tricks?

      Delete
  2. AnonymousOctober 31, 2023 at 4:29 PM

    How times have changed. Our parents never went out with us. We felt safe.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Marg FOctober 31, 2023 at 8:05 PM

    Thank you, Elizabeth, for reviving some very fond memories.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 1, 2023 at 4:43 PM

    We had so much fun in our "invented" costumes that came from a bag of old clothes found in the attic...thanks for the reminder... Evelyn

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 1, 2023 at 6:03 PM

    This was my reality as a child. Thanks so much for the flood of memories.Marg A.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thoughts from Chickadee LaneNovember 4, 2023 at 9:12 AM

      You are most welcome Marg. Thank you for reading and commenting.

      Delete
  6. AnonymousNovember 1, 2023 at 7:51 PM

    Oh to be young again and make spooky plans that never happened, fun and games! Grace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thoughts from Chickadee LaneNovember 4, 2023 at 9:13 AM

      Thank you Grace for reading and commenting. We did accomplish some safer tricks.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousNovember 7, 2023 at 11:10 AM

    Hi , always like reading your stories ,thank you , Elaine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thoughts from Chickadee LaneNovember 8, 2023 at 11:39 AM

      Thank you Elaine. You will often find yourself in these stories.

      Delete

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