The end of October

I love the fall. I love being greeted by the crisp air and the red and yellow leaves as I walk out my door. Most of all, I love the thought of coffee as I rouse myself on a dark morning as it is the only thing that makes getting up seem worthwhile. But the dark is part of it.

Tonight, it will be Halloween. I'll hang out with Chris and wait for the masses of children to arrive at her door, looking for some candy and possibly some scary costumes. Perhaps I'll buy a mask...

They say that the veil between the living and the dead is the thinnest around this time of year. If you can get past the rampant commercialism there might be something to consider. Tonight, people from my culture will dress up but not know why. Tomorrow, Mexicans will celebrate Dia de los muertos in remembrance of those who have crossed over. Rather than being afraid of death, they embrace it as part of life.

As I hurl myself forward into the future, I enjoy the opportunity to pause for a moment and be thankful for all the past things that have got me to where I am.

FOUR THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR A FEW MINUTES

If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.

No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.

Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

~Noah benShea