Friday, October 21, 2011

Baery Scary Halloween

I was never one for horror movies—blood—but I loved scary movie shows when I was young: Creature Feature, Twilight Zone and Svengoolie. We looked forward to Saturday nights to watch these shows. Of course they don’t even come close to being scary now, but at the time they were awesome. They were simple movies that served their purpose—entertain and scare.

Just like trick or treating, an all out evening adventure. There were no time limits to trick or treating, and there weren’t really Halloween parties. My trick or treat days began when candy scares first started—razor in an apple or candy. I think there was a mixture of urban legend and truth to the stories, yet it didn’t stop my mother from checking. We poured out our candy on the floor and she picked out her favorites, unwrapped them as she explained she was checking to make sure they were all right for us to eat.

But it didn’t matter that she was checking, because we emptied our pumpkin buckets so we could head out for more. We rang doorbells until 10:00 p.m. and told other children which houses not to go to because they were giving out pennies. Pennies! Can you believe it?

I grew up on a street that was full of children—young couples moving into this new division to raise a family. When I was really young, there wasn’t much to choose from in the way of costumes. Stores were loaded with plastic masks, pants and shirts. Below is a picture of me wearing one of my Halloween costume. 
As we got older, my neighbor’s mother used to make his costumes. I was so jealous because one year she made him a Jaws costume. It was awesome.

I miss those easy days of figuring out what to wear on Halloween and trick or treating with friends and family without worry. Colored leaves accumulating along the curbs with candy wrappers and costumes that couldn’t hold up to the challenging hours. The smell of burning leaves in the distance.

Smarties and Mary Janes,
Bea

7 comments:

  1. Halloween did not get fun for me until I was a teenager, being born the day before Halloween, was the main reason, nobody wanted to go to a birthday party because they were to busy getting ready for the holiday. Now it's great! My kids love to get together and celebrate it and we usually throw a Halloween party as well. (now I dont have to worry about eating myself sick on candy ;D )

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  2. Aw, yeah that wouldn't be fun. Like those who have birthdays around Christmas.

    I'm glad to hear though that your family gets together now and celebrates. That's what it's all about.

    I know it's early, but I wish you a Happy Birthday. May all your wishes come true and health and happiness remain.

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  3. That's hilarious that your mom would "check" with her favorites! I absolutely loved Halloween as a child. I love it a whole lot less as an adult.

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  4. Hey Peggy,

    Yes, my mother...I remember my eyes tearing up as she bit into a piece of candy I loved.

    Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award.

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  6. LOL... your costume is too cute! I always, *always* had the store bought costumes with the plastic face masks. Ugh. My best friend's mom used to make her all these creative costumes and I was jealous, too. It's interesting how times have changed, and how, now, most neighborhoods have scheduled time blocks for trick-or-treating. As someone who goes to bed early... I must say I"m glad they can't ring my bell past 7pm! :P

    Sweet post. It's nice to get a glimpse into your childhood life, Bea.

    p.s. Smarties are the best! Not sure I ever had a Mary Jane??

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  7. Belva, thank you very much for the award. I will get on it soon. Thanks again.

    Barb, Mary Jane’s are chewy and have peanut butter in them. Mmm….

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