Scary Tricks & Treats In My World

BLUSHINGLY BRIGHT images in their last gasp, such as this Virgina creeper, fill the nooks and crannies of the places I explore in my world.

Birds chirp somewhat anxiously from within trees that soon will be bare. Although southwest BC has the mildest winters in Canada, some will be packing up and winging to warmer regions by the end of fall.

Chimes swing as breezes build, casting soulful melodies in the cooling air.

Puffs of pillowy clouds rarely hang in the sky now. Rain clouds and morning mist persist in saturating ...

the washed out flowers already dripping with too much moisture.

The watering hoses that failed to keep the grass green in summer will soon be rolled up and out of sight.

Backyard picnics will creep indoors.

The cat with a summer haircut will need its coat back for the coming chill.

There are walls of bright orange pumpkins at each new turn.

Spooky black cats, bats and witches appear around every corner amid pumpkin pie temptations and memories of hay rides on a farm.

Some reflect on Halloween's past as they unwrap their seasonal decorations and carve strange expressions into pudgy blank faces.

I remember trick or treating as a child when the pillow case full of goodies I collected was ripped from my hands by teenagers lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce. I cried mostly because I thought I should have hung on tighter or put up a fight. I went trick or treating twice that night.

As this mask of American television personality Charlie Sheen shows, Halloween traditions stemming from ancient times evolved into a harmless excuse for both children and adults to play dress up and become actors.

Real fears are associated with the season, however, especially after razor blades were found embedded in apples several years ago. As a result, children are warned not to accept fruit or sweets that are not fully packaged.

Statistics Canada says that in 2009 $331 million was spent on Halloween candy alone. On October 31st costumed children will knock on doors and treats will be handed out by the truck loads. Pretty princesses, wicked witches, little pirates and giddy goblins will appear on thousands of Canadian doorsteps.

There is usually one door in the neighborhood that will be a little scarier to knock on than most.

To view more sights from around the globe visit Our World.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms