|
|
|
The past is more that just time you've moved on from...
It's also the people and places you no longer see, or who are no longer with us. From family members to friends to locations, we all think back to bygone times through cherished, or sometimes bittersweet, memories. I was having one of those moments last spring, as I made my dad's favorite cake (pineapple upside down) in honor of his memory on his birthday.
|
I began thinking about it, listing items off out loud to an empty kitchen. And then my mind popped over to my grandfather's favorites. And then to that salad my aunt always made. And the time I had steak tips with a friend. And that other friend's favorite Halloween candy. And so, much as I was honoring Dad with the cake, I decided to try any of those items I hadn't, and to purposely seek out those I already had, all in the name of tasting memories.
|
I didn't much like the martini or the old fashion, and the maple mousse wasn't my favorite, but I smiled as I tried them and many other items, and fondly remembered the person associated with each of them. Their smile, their stories, their hugs.
|
Fast forward to this fall, a time of year when I'm already deep in the thoughts of yesterdays — thinking of past Halloweens and costumes and children over the years, as I put out decorations older than both of them. And here, in the depths of October, is the time of year when we naturally consider mortality, through the flickering candle of a jack-o-lantern. As we witness the changing of the seasons toward darker days and colder nights, the mind wanders through various moments like a trick-or-treater flitting from one porch light to the next. Blips of the past invade, a random thought zipping past like something seen from the corner of your eye.
|
Then last week I went to a memorial for a friend and the thought about things associated to particular people began to flit about again, as I stood frozen in the buffet line looking at the buffalo chicken dip. This weekend, we're having a Halloween get-together, and though I make it all the time, I'm not sure buffalo chicken dip is going to taste the same ever again. It was her go-to item to bring to gatherings. I imagine I won't be the only one who pauses at the crock pot, even if only for a moment.
|
Perhaps we'll raise a tortilla chip loaded with dip and whisper hello.
|
And now I'm thinking about all this again, and I've decided I'm going to continue trying things associated with those who are gone. And I'm going to purposely nod an acknowledgement to those things I already enjoy, but that somehow "belong" to someone I knew. Be they gone from this world or just my own circle. Whether it's a hello or a good-bye to them. From pistachio ice cream to vanilla Tootsie Rolls in the blue and white wrappers. From frozen yogurt to corn in soup. Memories are funny things, attaching themselves to sights and smells and yes, food.
|
I'm sure there are things that make you think of someone specific whenever you eat, drink, or even see it, or hear it mentioned. If you're up for flitting around those memories, tell me yours. Not necessarily the person or the memory itself, but what food item does that to you? What drink or candy dregs up a memory when you least expect it, or perhaps when you purposely go looking for it?
|
|
Now, I have to run some last minute errands for Halloween, but while I'm out there, I'm going to see if I can find some vanilla Tootsie Rolls.
|
|
|
|
|
Afterthought: I have several traditions I do for Halloween, including burying an apple for those who have passed, and putting a plate of food out in the dining room and leaving it overnight — an offering to those spirits passing through to say hi. Maybe this year, what's on that plate will be much more specific.
|
|
|
|
Halloween is when?!!
|
|
Tomorrow? Already? I don't even know how that happened. Sure, I begin planning costumes in July and start decorating in September, but where did October run off to?
|
Ahhh Halloween... the costumes and trick-or-treating and fire pits and parties and parades and decorating and watching movies — Wait, stop right there!
|
For those who don't know, I also own and run Horror on Main (an annual weekend convention that brings together horror creators and celebrities from movies, books, comics, and games). Over on our Facebook Group, I posted a similar thought (where did October go?!) and asked this question... which I'd like to ask all of you as well:
|
What scary movies has everyone been watching this Halloween season?
I need more movies to watch!
• Old Favorites?
• Classics?
• New Releases?
• Playing Catch Up?
|
My answer at the time was:
Bring Her Back — omg the knife-mouth scene!
|
|
Monster: The Ed Gein Story — (should be subtitled: Didn't Happen, and as a Wisconsin native, I'm offended for the families of those around Gein who were sucked into and massively lied about and changed in the name of entertainment... because people will believe all that crap *insert face palm here*)
|
|
The Midnight Club (catching up) — liked this, would watch more.
|
|
Wayward — was going along fine and then BAM, me throwing things at the television.
|
|
28 Years Later — really liked it... didn't realize it was a part 1, so the end was a bit abrupt
|
|
The Substance — yay body horror!
|
Alien Earth — I really enjoyed this and want more more more! Plus, that little eyeball alien is my new favorite critter — can't wait to hear it speak....
|
And many more since those!
|
So... what have YOU been watching this spooky season? You can always answer my questions or comment 1 of 2 ways: (1) Reply to this email, or (2) go to the Newsletter page on the website and leave a comment at the bottom.
|
|
Go ahead, give me a list of movies to watch while I drag Halloween through November and into December, clinging to it and covering my ears whenever I hear Christmas music. And before I go
|
|
|
Have an amazing Halloween!! In t-minus...
|
|
|
|
Are DONE for the year...
Thank you to all who came out to see me!
I do have limited inventory remaining if you're looking to grab a signed copy for yourself or as a holiday present for the reader on your gift giving list. Check out what's available and order direct from me for a personalized signature via the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks for reading and remember, a current inventory of available autographed and/or personalized books is on the website!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
