10/31/2023 - Day 31 October Fest!

Samhain has finally arrived!

That might just be Halloween

to you. Seems I've waited all

year for it to arrive as it's my

favest of all holidays.

Looking back, we lived way

out in the country and were

not allowed to Trick or Treat.

I get it, absolutely. We got to

dress up and T or T our own

home.  I just love the Trunk

parties parents have invented

for their children's safety.

I had my first T or T's late

afternoon yesterday. So fun!

Methinks we're going to have

some adults knocking on the

door later this afternoon. Fun!

Not to forget, in my own 

familial realm, today is 

Day of the Dead. We honor,

celebrate, raise a glass or two

to our fams and friends who

have passed . . .

May they long be remembered!

10/30/2023 - Day 30 October Fest!

Grrrrrrrrrr ~!@#$%^&*()_+

7:00 a.m. TWO DEGREES . . .

This is winter? Hell no! This

is October and it's supposed

to be autumn! Okay, enough

bitchin' already . . .

. . . Tryin' to be positive here,

let me think . . .

10/29/2023 - Day 29 October Fest!

1:00 a.m. No can do sleep; been 

snowing all day and all night. 

Methinks we have about six 

inches so far.

Pray for me; not sure I'm going

to make it. Alas, 'tis SAD time

again!

 - - -

7:00 a.m. Still snowing, 27 

hours now. My guy just went

out to check; he says we've 

got about 10 inches. I swear, 

moving back to Mexico!

 - - -

11:11 a.m. Still snowing . . .

fairly large flakes and coming

on down. I'm going to have

some ice cream and pretend

it's summer. At least I think

that's what Pat was recom-

mending!

 - - -

1:00 p.m. The snow is taking

a break and the Sun is coming

out. I might just make it yet!

Yayyyyy!!!

10/28/2023 - Day 28 October Fest!

Today is a gift of October gifts . . .

A full Blood Moon, a lunar 

eclipse, as well as a congregation 

of friends for FAC . . . Wow! Just 

W O W !!!

Now, on the negative side, woke 

up a snow covered yard . . . only 

about half an inch, but still . . .

Rumor has it we're supposed to 

get about 8". I simply don't hold 

with snow in October. Seems, 

nobody asked me!

I'm not quite as mad as I sound,

but the s-word does turn me into

a serious loony tune . . . double

entendre intended!

I've even decided that I won't be

saying shit any more. I'm just

going to say SNOW! Far worse

than the s-word and a whole lot

more expressive as to how I feel.

Snow!

10/27/2023 - Day 27 October Fest!

"A free spirit is someone who

believes in who they are and 

who does not need the approval 

of any one." American Hippie

Ran into this quote early a.m.

Reminds me of my daughter-

in-law who is coming to brunch

today.

She is definitely her own person,

goes her own way, doesn't seem

to need approval. Love this . . .

just who I want to be when I grow

up.

Strange how we grow up, always

needing acceptance from others. 

We spend our entire lives trying 

to get to a place where we need 

approval from no one. I'm not 

even sure we realize we're doing

this . . . all part of personal growth.

Know this, daughter of another 

mother, you are an example to us

all. Keep it up; we need you!

10/26/2023 - Day 26 October Fest!

"We are a momentary spark 

of light existing between two 

endless pillars of darkness. 

Make the most of it." ~db

Read this a few moments ago

and it really hit me. Part of

that might have to do with me

dealing with SAD. Still, the

truth of it really hit me. And

yes, I get that the author may

have had something else in

mind.

We live in a dark world, in

dark times, in the dark where

monsters lurk. This simply is;

has naught to do with moi!

War, poverty, violence, rape,

incest, loss of hearth and 

home . . .

So these momentary sparks 

of light are beyond priceless!

Love, family, friendship, full 

bellies, place to lay our heads . . .

I repeat, beyond PRICELESS!

Today, I celebrate with just such

a friend.  He's been in my life

ever since I came to the US. A

lovely chap; sweet, intelligent,

caring . . . just plain lovely!

God, I have ever so much to be

thankful for!!!

10/25/2023 - Day 25 October Fest!

I'd be the first to admit it . . .

I love celebrating my b-day.

Strangest thing though, I'm

actually running out of energy.

Never thought it would happen.

Alas, I fell yesterday. We were

buying water and I walked off

an 8" curb w/o seeing it. The

tough part is that I fell on my

left knee and right hip, same

two places I hit 8 months ago.

I know! I know! Only moi . . .

Praise God, I must have had a 

moment of wisdom . . . I didn't 

schedule anything for today. 

Not sure whether I'm going to

sleep all day, or dream up 

something to do once I wake 

up . . . that is, if I can walk!

Guess I'll just have to wait

and see . . .

10/24/2023 - Day 24 October Fest!

I've so enjoyed doing something

daily to celebrate my favest of 

all months . . . October! 

Be that as it may, methinks I'm 

on the verge of total exhaustion. 

Only a half a doz more days to 

go . . .

Today, my guy and I are ventur-

ing forth to see my b-day twin's 

new home. So exciting! 

She's a phenomenal chef and 

all she makes is phenomenally 

delish! 

Alas, I'm thinking November 

is going to be all about dieting 

just as October was all about 

partying.

Damn!

10/23/2023 - Day 23 October Fest!

Today, I treat myself to my 

own special birthday gift . . .

Taking a Libra b-day picnic

to my mentor, teacher, friend.

We enjoy doing this from time

to time. We arrive w/basket in

hand and after hugs all 'round,

she asks my guy to choose a

bottle of red.

She's been an amazing gift to

me in my life. We met when I

returned to CO after 20 years

in Mexico. Both of us teachers,

both having lived abroad, ever

so much in common . . . ours

was an instant hit.

I may as well confess, 'twas

shero worship for me from 

the very start. The woman 

is so knowledgable, rather a

been there, done that kind of 

gal. Bottom line, obviously

believing in LIVING rather 

than simply EXISTING.

Thus today, I gift myself time

with the most amazing woman

I've ever met . . .

 . . . That little girl in me wants 

to be just like her she grows up!

Happy birthday sweet mentor

of mine!

10/22/2023 - Day 22 October Fest!

A SOPES report . . .

We ate; we drank; we made

merry . . . and praise the Lord,

on the morrow, we didn't die!

Still, now I know what heaven

looks like! Friends, margs, and

sopes . . .

Sopes are little homemade masa

cups, deep fried and filled with

goodies.

I would say rather impossible to

describe. I recommend . . .

https://www.mexicoenmicocina

.com/como-hacer-sopes/

If you don't wish to pay the piper

and make them, suss out a Mexican

restaurant that makes them.

Yummmmmmmm

10/21/2023 - Day 21 October Fest!

A fun day begins with plans,

continues with expectations,

followed by the even itself,

and ends with those memories

created!

Today our, d) all of the above;

neighbors, students, teachers,

fellow imbibers, will arrive to

try SOPES on for size.

Sopes is a fab Mexican dish

that I don't make very often

as it is quite involved. Don't

call me old, just call me lazy!

Find my mouth watering even

as we speak. They damn well

better turn out or I may have

to break down and have a

temper tantrum like my better

half.

Wish me luck!

10/20/2023 - Day 20 October Fest!

Today awaits and I feel the

excitement rising from within.

I sit here this early morn, by

candlelight, awaiting my two

favest. The anticipation is 

almost too much to bear.

We will eat, drink, be merry

and tell tales out of school.

I can just feel the excitement

coming on.

We will be having class as

well. Teach insists on making

us behave, mind our manners

and learn a thing or two.

Then, we get to hit the town

for a bit. Treasures ahoy, here

I come . . .

 . . . never forgetting that I 

have two of the greatest

treasures right next to me.

10/19/2023 - Day 19 October Fest!

I suppose the days of yesterday

and today mark the difference

'twixt and 'tween 73 and 74 . . .

Or, would that be 174?!

Today, I rest from the festivities

of 18 consec days . . . but tonight

I shall resume celebrating w/my

bestie. Can hardly wait!

I so love birthdays; the gift of yet

another year when once they had

been threatened.

I pray to be blest with a year of

that acquisition of wisdom I have

yet to find . . .

 . . . I so need it!

10/18/2023 - Day 18 October Fest!

This day is turning out to be the 

best b-day ever . . .

I awoke to my guy bringing me

pancakes and strawberries in bed.

Next, he brought in a fun set of

movies, Pirates of the Caribbean,

that the kid in me muchly enjoys. 

He has plans for the afternoon in

front of the fireplace. I can hardly

wait to find out . . . but I'm going 

to enjoy each moment today as it 

comes.

Sooooo, 74 years ago today, or 

was it 174 . . . guess it depends 

on the day . . . that I was born on

the wrong day.

'Twas supposed to be born on

Halloween, but it obviously did

not happen . . . so I'll just have 

to soldier on enjoying the days 

'tween today and . . .

 . . . All Hallows Eve!

10/17/2023 - Day 17 October Fest!

Today is one of those equal opportunity

days, as I tend to think of them . . .

I get to spend two hours in the dentist

office at the a.m. and a similar amount

with my son and his wine at the p.m.

I know I'm not alone when I say I'm

scared ~!@#$%^&*()_+ of the dentist

office. It is what it is and if I'd always

brushed more faithfully, etc. I might

not have to go through this. I deserve

it and I need to man up and take the

consequences. Still, doesn't make it

any easier!

Me thinks, sitting on said dental throne, 

holding my breath, trying not to faint,

and/or cry, makes me some kind of

shero crossed over with idiot . . . go

figure!

Then, I get to come home to my kids

and supposedly some kind of treats

and drinks, which my mouth won't

be able to deal with. Just add in the

guilt already!

Still, don't they say, all's well that

ends well and any time I get to see

my babies is a good day!!!

10/16/2023 - Day 16 October Fest!

"Monday, Monday, can't trust that day

Monday, Monday, it just turns out that way

Oh Monday, Monday, won't go away

Monday, Monday, it's here to stay."

The Mamas & The Papas

Not sure why most of us grow up hating

Mondays. Must have something to do

with having enjoyed the weekend and

knowing we have to go back to reality

on Monday.

For either good, bad or indifferent . . .

retirement turns into a series of weekends,

yet those pesky Monday feelings remain.

I'm lucky as today I get to spend time

with a somewhat newer friend. We shared

an incredible loss this summer, which will

never, ever be let go. I still hope that she

and I will remain friends and stay in touch.

Sooooo birthmonth or not, here's to

learning to enjoy Mondays, one way or

another.

Pray, have a happy Monday . . .

10/15/2023 - Day 15 October Fest!

"When man can't find a deep

sense of meaning, they distract

themselves with pleasure."

~Viktor Flankl, 1905 - 1917

If any author ever speaks to me,

it has to be Frankl. Such wisdom!

I would ask if he came by due 

to all he had been through in the

Holocaust. Indeed, is it sorrows,

rather joys, that bring us wisdom?

Alas, in looking at my own life,

I do find this to be true. 'Tis the

sad times that bring on reflection,

right?!

I'd never discount joy. Methinks,

joy is that salt, pepper and spice

that makes our learning plausible.

Having said that, we must never

lose ourselves, our sorrows and

our learning in a world of naught

but horseplay! 

We must, ever and always, seek

balance and pay close attention

to that which the Universe is

trying to teach us.

My half-way mark through my

favest month of the year, brings

me this bit of learning. Pray I

pay attention. Oft, I tend to get

distracted . . .

 - - -

Viktor Emil Frankl was an Austrian

psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor,

who founded logotherapy, a school

of psychotherapy that describes a

search for a life's meaning as the

central human motivational force.

Wikipedia

10/14/2023 - Day 14 October Fest!

Today I celebrate my b-day 

with the Universe itself! I

am so wowed; it's both the

New Moon & Solar Eclipse.  

I pray to be gifted a view.

Alas, we're pretty clouded in

just now. Wouldn't you know

it, our first dusting last night!

night. 

Then, off to celebrate b-days

with our d) all of the above.

Ahhhhh, what a gift this Oct

has turned out to be. I may be

annoyed with the weather . . .

(I swear we went straight from

Summer to early Winter this

year! ~!@#$%^&*()_+) . . .

. . . but, never with my favest 

of all b-day months!

10/13/2023 - Day 13 October Fest!

"Friday the 13th is considered

an unlucky day in Western 

superstition. It occurs at least

once aa year, but can occur up

to three times in the same year."

Wikipedia

Ever and always have I loved 

the magick of Friday the 13th! 

I can remember back in grade

school, how we used to play

jokes on each other on this

supposedly fearful day. We

thought it hilarious!

I also recall dressing in black

at college and partying, of

course! A whole different ball

game! Maybe even more fun!

In my world today, I find it

more of a spiritual day, a day 

of reflection and quiet joy. I'm

particularly pleased this year

it graces my birth month.

Enjoy your Friday the 13th in

which ever way you get a kick

out of . . . 

Happy! Happy!

magic – act of staged illusion

magick – movement of natural

energies to create needed change

10/12/2023 - Day 12 October Fest!

 Happy b-day to moi . . .

Yesterday, my girlfriend 

asked me if I wanted to 

go on a ride to see the elk. 

I actually said to her that 

they came from time to 

time to visit the yard and 

that I enjoyed them muchly!

When it was time for her

to go, I headed up for my

daily! Methinks it comes 

w/the whole aging process.

Upon awaking, I saw that

the yard was full of elk.

There was a male w/6 or

7 tines; my guy says 6, 

I thought 7.

There was a young buck

with no tines at all, as well

as a mama and a baby. We

watched them nigh onto

kingdom come. I could

hardly let go.

Such magnificence, such

beauty. Simply blows one

away!

What a blessing! Best b-day

present, E V E R !!!

10/11/2023 - Day 11 October Fest!

Today is lookin' fab! A long

time neighbor, co-worker, 

and friend is coming for an

October b-day visit.

As I'm not allowed to drive

due to those pesky attacks

of mine, she's insisting on

sneaking me away to shops 

and other naughties!

Not one to leave my shanty

for almost any reason, 'twill

be interesting to see what 

she can talk me into.

October reminds me of so

many gifts Mother lays at

our feet; family and friends,

hearth and home, health and

well-being.

I am overwhelmed . . .

I am undone!

10/10/2023 - Day 10 October Fest!

I forgot something when I

asked the deities for special

celebs each day of my birth

month. I should have used

the word fun!

I spent my entire weekend 

w/the worst toothache known

to mankind! Never had one

before so maybe I have no

real comparison. All I know

is, I prefer childbirth.

Yesterday was a holiday so

I went in today. Not pretty

and going to have to go in

three times to get fixed.

For now, I do know I haven't

sinned enough for this pain.

Rather makes me think I need

to get on with some serious

naughty.

Please send me your ideas at 

the bottom of this missive!

10/09/2023 - Day 9 October Fest!

So enjoy other October sisters

celebrating their days . . .

Today, I get to spend a couple

of hours with one of these. I

call her my d) all of the above;

neighbor, student, teacher, fun,

drinks mate . . . anything else 

I can think of.

I see the vardo awaiting . . . 

my guy is dealing with the

heat for us. He is the treasure 

of my life, and he built this

wondrous gypsy wagon for me.

Frankly, wish we spent more

time out there!

Happiest of all b-days to both

of us . . . let's drink up and say,

Salud!

10/08/2023 - Day 8 October Fest!

Sooooo unfair!!! 'Tis my b-day

month after all . . .

Woke up with a gynormous tooth

ache. I've never had a tooth ache

in my entire life . . . at least that 

I can recall. What the hey?!

And, to think I was going to have

ice cream for breakfast! So pray 

this doesn't mean things don't bode

well for the day!

My guy is having his own special

day . . . steak for breakfast and

hours of long awaited football. 

Yayyyyy!

Rather thought this meant hours

of good reads for moi!!! And, not

to forget the ice cream. 

I may have to break down and just

see what happens; perhaps there's

a surprise or two round the corner!

 - - -

p.s. Bet your damn boots I'm having

ice cream for breakfast! It's 33.3

degrees, my fave number THREE

times over! And, the cold is even

soothing to my toothache. Go figure!

10/07/2023 - Day 7 October Fest!

Most fun b-day E V E R !!!

My guy nudged me in the 

middle of the night and

whispered, "Happy birthday,

midnight margs coming up!"

I just wanted to turn over

and sleep some more, but I

got into it.

We went downstairs, made

the margs and brought the

trappings up to the bedroom.

He put on a movie, served

the margaritas and we were

in business. So fun. 

We only had a couple, over

loads of ice. Probably not

even a complete drink. But,

it was the thought, unusual

and endearing.

I'll never forget . . .

10/06/2023 - Day 6 October Fest!

Today has started out on a

phenomenal level . . .

At least, I waited until dawn, 

and then . . .

A very special birthday ice

cream awaited me in the

garage freezer.

Back to bed to eat a glorious

raspberry and dark choco bits

ice cream.

If the rest of the day goes any-

thing like that delish dish of

pure ambrosia . . .

Ahhhhh 'tis ever sooooo grand

to be alive!

10/05/2023 - Day 5 October Fest!

Only Day 5 and I've already

had sooooo much fun. I just

love reconnecting with fam

and friends.

I get to spend today with 

my first friend I made when 

I returned to the US. Taught

together many a moon and 

have been friends for eons.

In my love of October, I'd

have to say that the true gift 

it offers, would be the people

that come into our lives. I am

ever so fortunate!

"I will cut adrift - I will sit on

pavements and drink coffee -

I will dream; I will take my

mind out of its iron cage and 

let it swim - this fine October."

~Virginia Woolf

10/04/2023 - Day 4 October Fest!

Today in waiting . . .

This trio of besties get

together a couple of special

times a year. One would be 

to celebrate our mutual love

of Lady Hékate. The other,

to make Chartreuse. 

I could fill this space with

volumes of stories. My fave

scientist gifted me these 

friendships rather inadvert-

ently lo these many moons

ago.

So lovely to find these like

minds awaiting friendship.

And, today's gift would be

a reminder of the value to

be found in these special

people the universe has

arranged for us to meet.

I raise my glass . . .

(Bet H & W come over

for an October FAC this

afternoon!!!)

10/03/2023 - Day 3 October Fest!

My guy has already brought 

me breakfast in bed. Have to 

see what the rest of the day 

brings!

So love me some surprises 

and he just served me black 

walnut ice cream. Yum . . .

Now, he's put on my fave

show and invited me to an

ld movie fest . . .

 . . . with, I might add, my

favest of all faves, Cheetos.

God, I sooooo love Cheetos

and only allow myself this

treat once in a while.

Happy birthday to moi . . .

 - - -

I will cut adrift

I will sit on pavements 

   and drink coffee

I will dream

I will take my mind out of its

   iron cage and let it swim

this fine October.

~Virginia Woolf

10/02/2023 - Day 2 October Fest!

And, it has already been a 

wondrous day!

Daughter wed! Fam seen and 

enjoyed! Safe travels both 

directions! Deer in the yard to 

welcome us home! Mama and 

baby are currently sacked out 

by the vardo. Too sweet for 

words.

Today our drive surrounded us 

with the most vivid fall colors; 

a kind of heaven if you will. 

Such beauty. It's good to be 

reminded the colder weather 

brings its own gifts.

We're still watching the deer

'twixt and 'tween tasks to be

accomplished. What a blessing

and a rather glorious b-day 

pressie!!!

10/01/2023 - Day 1 October Fest!

Today! TODAY!! T O D A Y !!!

begins my wondrous month of

October . . . 

I love October so much that I

have to find ways of celebrating

each and every day! All stems

from being born on the wrong

day!

My parents met on Halloween,

married a year later on Halloween

and planned for me to be born

the following Halloween. Alas . . .

I was born early so to console 

myself, I celebrate every day of

the month. 

Starting today, we had a delish

post-wedding brunch with my

daughter and her new hubby!

Twas glorious!

Can hardly wait to see what

each day will gift. 

Yayyyyy OCTOBER!!!