Dear Whoever You Might Be,
It may be a tad cliche of me to write a post on Halloween. But since I'm already writing, there are so many things I could say on this holiday:
Trick or Treating. As a child, I participated in this childhood tradition. Dressed up with family or friends, I ventured out into the darkened eve and walked along the cracked pavement to the houses glowing in welcome. There is nothing like the smell of a pumpkin shaped bucket brimming with cavity-inducing treats. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are my favorite. Of course, as I got a bit older, the bucket became a pillow case and I just thought I was the coolest thing since sliced bread as a strutted through the neighborhoods in my last minute costume; which brings me to my next point.
Costumes. Probably the most stressful part of Halloween. I've never been more indecisive about anything in my life other than costumes. The most memorable and ridiculous year was when I went to a fall festival as a witch, then put on some wings to be a fairy, then took off the wings and put on bunny years. I don't remember what I actually ended up going out as but it was something along the lines of a wainny. Wainny = witch/fairy/bunny. I really don't think I have ever been anything original or creative. A hippie, witch, another witch, 80s girl, clown, bunny, and even "sexy" witch. Clearly my taste in costumes has never been super unique. This year I was going to be a giraffe to salute my sorority, but as it turns out, I'm not even doing anything which merits a costume.
Parties. Halloween parties seem to be an essential part of growing up. Think of Mean Girls. There is always the Cady Heron in the room, the "sexy animals," the jock "costumes" and others of that nature. I think it would be really awesome to have the kind of Halloween party as seen in Hocus Pocus where everone is dressed to the nines in legitimate and costly costumes, not lingerie. We would serve warm apple cider, not cans of PBR. Pumpkin carving contests instead of keg stands. Monster Mash instead of Wiz Khalifa. Don't get me wrong. I'm not judging, criticizing, or condemning anyone or any of these parties. I've attended a few of those in my day too. But a real celebration of All Hallows Eve would be quite spooktacular! I had to say it; since I'm being cliche, I might as well run with it.
Movies. There are a plethora of scary movies and Halloween movies. Hocus Pocus is probably the most staple Halloween movie of all time. Or The Nightmare Before Christmas. And The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. And Sleepy Hallow. And we cannot forget the classics Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolf Man and more. You could even consider Bewitched and peronally, I'm a fan of Sandra Bullock's Practical Magic. I love ABC Family's "13 Nights of Halloween" where it is thematic movies night after night. Although, this year, I was a bit disappointed. There was no "Harry Potter Weekend Event." I guess they consider Harry in the Christmas category more than Halloween? If you have nothing to do, no parties, no trick or treating, stock your DVD shelf with some of these classics, fill the popcorn bowl, and snuggle with a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
So that's it for my cliche's. I could say so much more about different Halloween things. There are a few books which I would love to read during this spine-tingling holiday. The House of Seven Gables, Something Wicked this Way Comes, Macbeth, Frankenstein, and more. But that's for another time. Although, now that the month is close to finish, I may have to put those thoughts on file until next year.
I want to end with something spooky and thrilling, but I am sleepy, and cannot. Readers, I hope you enjoy your cold, dark evening; no matter what.
Sincerely,
Me
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
In the Land of Gibberish
Dear Whoever You Might Be,
For the last week or so, I have been plagued by that horrible feeling in your stomach when you feel guilty about something. Even if you are unaware of the precise reason for this feeling, it lingers. Every person, I am sure, knows what feeling I mean. Children especially feel it when their parents sit them down after doing something naughty. The number of times I endured this feeling is unequivocal and even now, as a twenty year old, whenever someone calls me and needs to "talk," my mind is instantaneously overwhelmed by every single thing I've done in the last few weeks. I search through all my words and actions to make sure I have done nothing deserving of punishment or rebuke. And until I am certain of my innocence, that pit of the stomach feeling remains and haunts me.
This feeling has been with me for too long.
Obviously, the theme of my blog gravitates around being "eloquently inarticulate." I struggle with my verbal expression compared to the constant flow of words in my mind. But this, you already know. What I did not know is that there are people out there who seriously live with disorders of the same nature. I knew that children and adults with certain mental disorders caused a lack of verbal communication but I didn't know that the lack can be a disorder in and of itself. I should have know this, right? Well, I lived in ignorance until reading a chapter on Communicaton Disorders for my education class.
My feeling of guilt should be understood now. I started my blog because I cannot often say what I think. I think lots of things and I wanted them to be known. But I am blessed and do not have a diagnosed disorder. I am capable. I communicate and can be silent when I want. I can think of a word, a sentence, a whole overflow of gibber-jabber and use my throat and mouth muscles to produce the coordinating sounds of these words. It deeply touches me to think of people incapable of such an instinctual act.
I take speaking for granted, sometimes. When I was little, I would run my mouth beyond socially acceptable. Even now, I find myself saying much more than needed. Although, my verbal vocabulary is excrutiatingly limited to the point where I sound like a complete moron. I abbreviate everything: "totes," "obvi," "probs," etc.etc.etc. The list goes on to an embarrassing length. And I use the same words over and over. I am a broken record of words: "practically," "literally," "sentimental" and "prime" are the top four words of choice...
I am truly not trying to sound pathetic, but it touches me deeply to think of the minute amount of attention I heed to my verbal use and communication. I know I didn't say much about these disorders....I am no doctor, specialist, or even very educated on the matter. I am at least now aware of my failure to appreciate being able to speak. If I don't say exactly what comes to mind in the moment, so be it. I know I will eventually be capable. I know the words will come. Others are not so lucky, and for them, I say I am sorry.
Sincerely,
Me
P.S. For everyone who wants to recognize their blessing of words and being able to commincate, read what Taylor Swift has to say...I know, I know. It is Taylor Swift and most of you won't take her, or me, seriously for such a suggestion. But I think there is deep substance to what she says. So my readers, speak, or forever hold your peace:
"Real life is a funny thing you know.
In real life saying the right thing, at the right moment is beyond crucial.
So crucial in fact, that most of us start to hesitate, for fear of
Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
But lately what I’ve began to fear more than that, is letting the moment
Pass with saying anything. I think you deserved to look back on your life without
This chorus of resounding voices saying, I could of but it’s too late now.
So there’s a time for silent, and there a time for waiting your turn.
But if you know how you feel, and you so clearly know what you need to say.
You’ll know it.
I don’t think you should wait.
I think you should speak now.”
For the last week or so, I have been plagued by that horrible feeling in your stomach when you feel guilty about something. Even if you are unaware of the precise reason for this feeling, it lingers. Every person, I am sure, knows what feeling I mean. Children especially feel it when their parents sit them down after doing something naughty. The number of times I endured this feeling is unequivocal and even now, as a twenty year old, whenever someone calls me and needs to "talk," my mind is instantaneously overwhelmed by every single thing I've done in the last few weeks. I search through all my words and actions to make sure I have done nothing deserving of punishment or rebuke. And until I am certain of my innocence, that pit of the stomach feeling remains and haunts me.
This feeling has been with me for too long.
Obviously, the theme of my blog gravitates around being "eloquently inarticulate." I struggle with my verbal expression compared to the constant flow of words in my mind. But this, you already know. What I did not know is that there are people out there who seriously live with disorders of the same nature. I knew that children and adults with certain mental disorders caused a lack of verbal communication but I didn't know that the lack can be a disorder in and of itself. I should have know this, right? Well, I lived in ignorance until reading a chapter on Communicaton Disorders for my education class.
My feeling of guilt should be understood now. I started my blog because I cannot often say what I think. I think lots of things and I wanted them to be known. But I am blessed and do not have a diagnosed disorder. I am capable. I communicate and can be silent when I want. I can think of a word, a sentence, a whole overflow of gibber-jabber and use my throat and mouth muscles to produce the coordinating sounds of these words. It deeply touches me to think of people incapable of such an instinctual act.
I take speaking for granted, sometimes. When I was little, I would run my mouth beyond socially acceptable. Even now, I find myself saying much more than needed. Although, my verbal vocabulary is excrutiatingly limited to the point where I sound like a complete moron. I abbreviate everything: "totes," "obvi," "probs," etc.etc.etc. The list goes on to an embarrassing length. And I use the same words over and over. I am a broken record of words: "practically," "literally," "sentimental" and "prime" are the top four words of choice...
I am truly not trying to sound pathetic, but it touches me deeply to think of the minute amount of attention I heed to my verbal use and communication. I know I didn't say much about these disorders....I am no doctor, specialist, or even very educated on the matter. I am at least now aware of my failure to appreciate being able to speak. If I don't say exactly what comes to mind in the moment, so be it. I know I will eventually be capable. I know the words will come. Others are not so lucky, and for them, I say I am sorry.
Sincerely,
Me
P.S. For everyone who wants to recognize their blessing of words and being able to commincate, read what Taylor Swift has to say...I know, I know. It is Taylor Swift and most of you won't take her, or me, seriously for such a suggestion. But I think there is deep substance to what she says. So my readers, speak, or forever hold your peace:
"Real life is a funny thing you know.
In real life saying the right thing, at the right moment is beyond crucial.
So crucial in fact, that most of us start to hesitate, for fear of
Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
But lately what I’ve began to fear more than that, is letting the moment
Pass with saying anything. I think you deserved to look back on your life without
This chorus of resounding voices saying, I could of but it’s too late now.
So there’s a time for silent, and there a time for waiting your turn.
But if you know how you feel, and you so clearly know what you need to say.
You’ll know it.
I don’t think you should wait.
I think you should speak now.”
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