The spookiest thing about this Hallowe’en is how completely the day got away from me, heading off in a direction of its own that has nonetheless been quite satisfying and even productive. But that didn’t lend itself well to writing a decent blogpost.
I did post something over on my reading blog, having written most of it yesterday evening. Those of you who care to compare and share titles will find that post here — it’s yet another faltering attempt to catch up with recording books I’ve read this year. . .
But by the time I had time to sit and write today, I found I was more inclined to do that by hand, on paper, so I’m just going to share my journal page with you. The page is above; the transcription of my handwriting follows. . .
No witch or pumpkin or bat here today, but I got evicted from the condo so repair guys could fix the fan venting our washer-dryer. Luckily the bill wasn’t too scary — $173! (I will add that $173 is scary enough, except that we’d been imagining much worse, considering how complicated the building’s HVAC system is)
Meanwhile, I was up Main Street at Three Bags Full buying yarn to make a sweater and a beret . . . Such a good time there enjoying too many choices and trying to decide about future projects and chatting to the friendly staff.
On the way home, I thought of taking the bus, but decided to walk all the way, despite the drizzle. . . and was rewarded by spotting the elegantly dressed young woman I’ve sketched above — her coat was perfection — fit-and-flare shape in a lightweight wool plaid — worn with fishnets and flat ankle boots. As I passed (in the opposite direction), I said, “That coat is fabulous! — and your whole outfit is wonderful!” — and she flashed the most delightfully open smile. Little moments, right?
And another small pleasure — Paul brought home a bag of Hallowe’en candy. Uh-oh!
Top right, on the perpendicular: Also today, I ran this morning, about 5 km, and I have my French class this evening. . .
There it is. That’s all she wrote. Trick or Treat!
No tricks or treats here either.Being one of three houses on a dark street that dead ends at the river seems to discourage trick or treaters. I can't imagine why. Ha. We used to buy treats that I would then cart off to school to feed to my colleagues or my classes. Now Stu and I would have to eat then so we've stopped.
Love that story (and the sketch) of the girl in the wonderful coat. Funny how someone's face lights up when they get a compliment from a stranger.
I'm off to do something arty tomorrow night. There's an art gallery in my former school, carved out of space that was shared with the public library which has since renovated. The librarian and the former arts head dreamed it up. Amazing idea. Tomorrow night is the vernissage for an exhibit featuring JMSS alumni, both staff and students. Love that this space exists and makes itself available to local artists. Mostly through the hard work and volunteer hours of former teachers. Guess we just can't stop doing extra-curricular stuff.
We used to be the same — not so many trick-or-treaters came to our side of the island, but I'd always buy too many treats, just in case, and then eat them myself! In the condo, there's no temptation, at least, but I do miss seeing the little ones.
That sounds like a cool occasion tonight — wonderful to see what all the creative people have been up to, I'm sure, and to re-connect with former students and colleagues — have fun!
Always nice to comment on a stranger's outfit. It brightens up their day and especially nice too when someone comments on what we are wearing. Walking in a drizzle is always refreshing. Great that you're back into running – keeping body mobile/healthy.
Fortunately in my condo bldg all venting problems strata paid for to ensure work was done. We were a very small bldg
We were a bit surprised the strata didn't look after the vent fan, but on the other hand, that could be a big expense given the size of the building, and we'd end up paying anyway. We're just feeling fortunate it was an easy fix.
Sometimes it is the small moments that make an ordinary day special. Clearly, the happy smile of the young women at your compliment gave you both pleasure. That small human connection.
Envy your nearby wool shop. I have to drive 35 miles (one way) to get to the nearest one here. Nothing like touching the wooly stuff and imagining a new creation.
It did give us both pleasure — sometimes I'm not sure how someone will receive a comment from a complete stranger, but there was a simple happiness in the exchange.
Yes, I feel really lucky having a wool shop within walking distance and would really mind that long a drive — Do you tend to stock up when you do get there?
Hope that everything in your condo is ok again
Such a lovely thing to compliment on stranger's outfit (and to receieve the compliment with grace and smile)
We don't celebrate Hallowe'en traditionaly-time for the masquerade and tricks or treats is on Carnival-day before Ash Wednesday
I'm home again,after trip to Milano via Vienna-completely "in ritardo" with everything,with four language mishmash in my head. It was raining heavily (poor Venice),there were too many people (and I've chosen Milano instead Rome because of crowds!) walking completely unconsciously of anything around them but their phones and photoshooting
Today is All Saints day-time to visit graveyards and our dearest there,light the candles and bring flowers
Dottoressa
That's a lot of travel — four (counting your own) or five (possibly even six if you went through Slovenia) countries and all the languages and the different city maps and the cultures and the sights!!! I've been through Milano at least four times now on the train and never managed to get outside the train station. I must remedy that in the next year or two (but not when there are so many other tourists and all the Selfies!!)
I know you will be thinking of your father today (and other lost loved ones) — take care. . . xo
Hallowe'en finds me unprepared every year, although it is increasingly taking over. The traditional date here for children to collect treats (for songs, no more tricks involved than bad music) is St. Martin's day. Nowadays, most children just go round on both nights, and they don't care very much about the religious background, either. I always enjoy the situation when Turkish and Arab speaking children ring my doorbell and sing German songs about a catholic saint to an atheist ex-protestant. It's the chocolate that brings us all together ;-).
Oh, your last two sentences!! I love that image, yes! It's the chocolate! 😉