Cafe Writing: Scribbles on a Digital Napkin

I'm picking "Option Four: Seven Things" off the Cafe menu; it looks quite delicious!

In improvisation, one of our exercises is a game called "Seven Things," in which we go around in a circle giving each other the challenge, "Give me seven things that...". We are not going to go around in a circle here, but if you're drawn to lists, this prompt is for you. Give me seven things you associate with October. You don't have to explain them, but it's more fun for readers if you do.

As I enjoy making lists, particularly about things I love, and given that seven is considered a magical number, this prompt is perfect for me :-) I've sprinkled my digital napkin with a bit of BPAL's "October" for inspiration and here we go!

1. Halloween: I love EVERYTHING about Halloween...the magic, the creativity, the spookiness! When I was a kid, I always wanted to be a skeleton, but thought I wasn't skinny enough. Now, my favorite costume is a vampirish one; I'd love to have the colored contacts that would complete my outfit, but I'm too cheap LOL! One of my favorite things about Halloween are the carved pumpkins, spooky, glowing, evil jack-o-lanterns. Put 'em in your window, line your driveway with them...they look amazing! Did you know that New England holds the world record for most jack-o-lanterns carved and lit in one place? First it was in Keene, NH for the longest time, but Boston, MA bested them in 2006.

2. Foliage: There is nothing more spectacular to me than reds, oranges and yellows of beautifully colored autumn trees. Talk about going out in a blaze of glory!

3. Crisp weather: Finally! Sweaters, comfy socks, jeans...and that smell, OH that smell in the air. Cool, clean, brisk...I love it!

4. Full Moon: In October, it's called the Hunters Moon and this year will be on the 26th. This moon is in Taurus, which makes it a good time to let go of pain we've experienced due to death, to honor those who have passed, and to become more aware of the spirituality of death itself.

5. Apples: The fruit of Autumn! When the weather starts turning cool, I think of pies and crisps and tarts, all filled with apples and cinnamon and a touch of maple. Yum!

6. Corn stalks: In almost every cornfield, you'll notice one stalk left behind. I don't know why...but it makes for a wicked good picture!

7. Stormy skies: Clouds scudding by, the tiniest of raindrops falling, possibly a bit of snow at the end of the month...but NOT on Halloween, please!

If you'd like to see pictures that go along with the entries, go to the extended entry :-)

1. 6491, 2. happy trio, 3. J1, 4. Not available, 5. J2, 6. pumpkin head crop, 7. scary bat crop, 8. vampire dude, 9. elf, 10. Snape slave negative, 11. wicked horse of the west, 12. skeleton dog, 13. October is here!!!, 14. stem, 15. Oh, my aching head!, 16. leaf / moss / marble, 17. yellow leaves, 18. double moon, 19. apple crisp, 20. lone stalk

A friend of mine who is blogless did Option Five: Pick Three -

I shall not sleep lest I DREAM for in DREAMING in sleep so SHALLOW shall the SPIRITS enter in and torture my soul.

I LOVE the picutres! The smell in the air is great but I hate sweaters. So not comfy. Too bulky all all of that.

I associate October with my baby's birthday!

Wolf looks cute in that hat.

I feel sad for your poor blogless friend. :)

This proves why I should live in New England!!!

Your photos are so ROCKIN'AWESOME, I am just relishing every one.

My daughter wants to be a vampire this year, it should be interesting! My son wants to be the Grim Reaper. I am undecided, it requires more thought! LOL

I will try the maple in the apple recipes, that sounds so very scrumptious.

My favs are Snape Slave Negative, and Double Moon!!

Pumpkins are just so damn photogenic. We're thinking of having a Halloween party for the playgroup this year (most of the kids are now 5-7). None of them have ever celebrated Halloween, but the moms are all very excited!

I LOVE the fall (even though I am a summer person)! For all the reasons you listed!

And our weather has finally started acting appropriately!

Oh, lovely! Does your blogless friend have a name so he/she can get credit?

I love that you love Halloween so much. It really is adorable!

I miss fall in the Northeast. :(

October for us means Festivals, food and great time to dress up for those!

Dusshera and Diwali are the major festivals!

I liked your post!

PLease thank your friend for sharing her poem. I like it.

Thanks for sharing! Great pics! :)