My favorite day at work . . .

  

Happy Halloween!

Dia de los Muertos

I'm not sure when I became fascinated with this custom.  I'm sure my fascination is tied into how much I enjoy Halloween.  But I have enjoyed Halloween for years . . . for as long as I can remember really.  My interest in Dia de los Muertos has come about more recent.  I love the colors, flower and other decorations, and the whole idea of why people create altars to honor their loved ones.  Last week Richard and I went to see a local Day of the Dead art exhibit.  It was small . . . but we really enjoyed it.  Well, I really enjoyed it . . . I don't think Richard necessarily would have gone without me, but he seemed to enjoy it because I did.  We were lucky enough to have the director walk through part of the exhibit with us and he explained who some of the altars were made for and gave us some more information on some of the artists.  

Day of the Dead 

Pumpkin Carving Night

 Richard had the back yard looking great . . . pumpkins, skeletons, and Halloween lights strung.  The little ones were so excited.  Me too . . . I think Pumpkin Carving Night is more fun for me than Christmas.  My family thinks that is a little weird . . . but they go along with it . . . or maybe they are just used to me by now.

It was also a night for watching baseball.  Unfortunately the Cardinals are not in the World Series, but the Giants are . . . I think Brent is the most excited about that, but because of Sarah, and just for the sake of the National League, we are hoping the Giants win. Unfortunately though, it meant that Sarah could not be with us.  We had a special SF pumpkin in her honor.  

 Lily has started bringing me pretty leaves when she finds them.  I love that she brings them to me, and that she sees the beauty in them.  

"If we all could see the world through the eyes of a child, 

we would see the magic in everything."

Chee Vai Tan

 I don't know how anyone drinks a Red Bull . . . but I do like this can.  I am thinking I need to cut that skeleton out and make something out of it.  I'll have to think on that one a little while.

Jake also brought pumpkin spice coffee , , , he knows what I like!  

Way better than a Red Bull.

 Last year Jake and Kasey arrived with patterns and carved very detailed pumpkins.  This year Jake's pumpkin was more simple . . . their initials - their first pumpkin as a married couple.  

Dinner was delicious and once the pumpkins were carved . . .

A fire . . . Jack-O-Lanterns . . . s'mores with giant marshmallows , , ,

after the game - an outdoor movie . . . it was a great night!

Even better . . . the Giants won!  

I believe I said that Brent was excited about the Giants . . . I love this crazy young man!

On Halloween the thing you must do

is pretend that nothing

can frighten you.

And if somethin' scares you 

and you want to run . . . 

Just let on like it's Halloween fun!

Lucy

 Shabby Charlotte Doll - Lucy 

I made this little monster doll awhile back . . . in fact she was one of the first dolls that I made.  I didn't really like her story and she needed some accessories . . . don't we all?  So I shortened her name from Lucille to Lucy, gave her a bag, an umbrella, and something to collect . . . and she is a much happier little monster.

Lucy is listed for sale on my Etsy Shop.

Lucy is a quirky little monster who simply loves being herself.  She loves to dance and be silly . . . she like books, looking at old photographs, coffee, and staying up late – especially if she is with friends.    Her favorite color is green . . . of course.  She is always on the lookout for anything green and keeps the things she finds in her bag.  She believes anything green is good luck – including herself, and besides . . . green things just make her happy.  Keep this little doll nearby and some of that happiness is sure to rub off on you.