Halloween Memories

Costumes, Cousins & Candy

Dear Readers,

A Jerry Seinfeld clip regarding Halloween in the 80's prompted me to write this post. Boy how times have changed.

Halloween was always one of my favorite holidays. It was one of my favorite holidays with my dad who passed away 12 years ago this past Thursday. Every year is bitter sweet for me.

I have fond memories of.....

• My cousins coming over to trick or treat.
• Getting a family picture on the front steps.
• My mom buying cider and donuts.
• Wearing my witch costume that won me 1st prize at the local Fire Department Parade. (I saved that $5 for a LONG time!)
• Dressing up early to go to the grandparents house.
• Walking around the neighborhood with my dad while mom stayed home and handed out candy.
• Knowing which houses gave out the "good" candy and the "large candy bars".
• Dumping our bags of "loot" out on the living room floor and exchanging with each other.
• Hoping my mom had candy left over from trick or treaters because she always bought the good kind.
• It being dark early so it was spooky when we walked around the neighborhood.

Then I have other memories of Halloween. Jerry Seinfeld reminded me of some of those......

• The plastic costume that tied around the neck and ripped almost as soon as you put them on.
• The plastic masks that were stapled together and cut into your face.
• Living in NY where it was either warm or freezing cold. You might trick or treat in 70 degree weather or sludge through snow, possibly sleet or rain depending on the year.
• Trying to fit costumes OVER the jacket you were being forced to wear because it was too cold to go without it. Or even worse, having to cover your costume with the jacket. Then nobody knew who you were.
• The make-up. I once had my face painted entirely green with a fake nose and wart to go as a witch. Better yet, having to replicate it for the elementary school parade.
• Having so many props such as the wig, hat and broom when dressed as a witch. Having to carry that while holding a trick or treat bag.
• Having a reaction to all the make-up (sensitive skin just doesn't go together with green costume face paint).
• Having to take my younger brother trick or treating who, by the way, never listened to me and wandered off frequently.
• Trying to stand on the "porch" with about 15 other kids crowded around you.
• Trying not to get hit by the door as the resident opened it to hand out candy. (Or fall off the porch.)
• If you were the last one in line, having to run to catch up to your group. (Fun when it was dark and you couldn't see anyone.)
• Having someone in the group who was "tired of walking and wanted to go back" while you were ready to push ahead to as many houses as possible!

The joyful memories of childhood. May you all (if you celebrate) have a spooky and treat-filled Halloween!

Warmly,

Teresa

An Anonymous Coffee Thank You

My Heroes: First Responders

Dear Readers,

Exactly 12 years ago tomorrow morning my dad took his own life. My world was turned upside down and has never been the same again. I have always respected and admired first responders, but after that day, they are truly heroes to me.

They run into situations we run out of. They risk their lives to save others. They do not question or hesitate. They bravely and blindly walk into circumstances we could not even fathom.

I was heading into school early today and stopped at DD for coffee. I was turning right and someone was turning left so I got in line first. I hate doing that to people so I usually pay for their order. I happen to glance in my mirror and saw it was an ambulance.

What are the chances that today, of all days, a first responder would happen to pull in behind me? I paid for their beverage and unfortunately it was just a cup of coffee. I wish he or she would have ordered an entire breakfast.

Thank you. Thank you to the police officers and EMTs who were called to my dad's house that day. Thank you for being brave enough to enter the house and take care of things. Thank you for all you do for those you may never meet. Know you are appreciated.

Warmly,

Teresa 

There Was a Knock on the Door........

Friday the Thirteenth Fun!

Dear Readers,

Visualize the following scenario if you will........

Date: Friday October 13th

Time: 10:45 AM EST

Place: Ms. Gross' Classroom

Task: Read Aloud The Monkey's Paw from SCOPE Magazine

Setting the scene: turn off the lights, close the shades and play a thunderstorm in the background for sound effects (it helps to have movement as well, see link below)

Thunderstorm!!!!

You walk into the classroom to find this message and posting.

You are seated in somewhat of a circle in the darkest corner of the room. You have already read the short story. (see link below for full story)

The Monkey's Paw

We start to read........here is a very general outline of the events.....

The story begins.........

• The Whites are visited by Sargent Morris.
• Sargent Morris has a Monkey's Paw that legend says is cursed.
• Mr. White insists on having the paw.
• However, before leaving, Sargent Morris warns him of its curse.
• Mr. White wishes for money to pay off his house.
• The Whites go to bed.

The following day.........

• The Whites find out the horrific news their beloved son has died.
• The company compensates the family with the exact amount of money they had wished for.
• Mrs. White is grief stricken.

That evening........

• Night falls and Mrs. White realizes they have two wishes left.
• Mr. White wishes for his son to come back.
• All of a sudden......they hear a knocking on the door.......

It is at this exact moment that a colleague banged on the door and the entire class screamed and jumped!!!!!! 

Two of my students raced to the door to see who it was. 

But nobody was there.......so we continued........

The End.......

• Mrs. White frantically tries to open the door.
• Mr. White makes his final wish, for "IT" to go away.
• Mrs. White finally gets the door open when......

My colleague comes crashing through the door screaming, 

"There's someone at the door!!!!!!!!"

Everyone screamed and jumped in their seats.

"Ms. Gross we are going on a haunted hayride tonight!"

"That scared me!"

"I wasn't scared."

"Ms. Gross, did you plan that?"

Happy Friday the 13th everyone!

Warmly,

Teresa