It's almost time for Halloween...what does that mean?

Yes, Halloween is just around the corner, but what does that mean? Does it mean Christmas is also just around the corner, or maybe the New Year? Well, yeah, it does that too, but what it means to me is that Fall is in the air and leaves are turning colors.

There's something about the earth when it is all green, but then when it starts to turn the many shades of Autumn, it is beautiful still. The world is a wonderful place and all of the colors we see when the air gets crisp is just wonderful. Mountains turn from shades of green to yellow, red, orange and brown. Sometimes in the right light, they even look as though they are on fire, because of the wonderful shades of yellow, orange and red. I love the fall, it's time to bring out the sweaters, hoodies and rakes. Yes, to clean up all the leaves that have fallen from the trees.

Halloween is my favorite time of the year, I love being able to dress-up as something else. I love being scared and scaring others, I love having the opportunity to be something or someone else for even just one day. The question this year, is what shall I be? Something scary, like last year or the year before or the year before? Maybe I'll make my own costume this year, I love to sew and when it gets chilly out, there's nothing like sitting down and sewing or scrapbooking, which is something I'm just getting into these days.

Yes, Halloween is my favorite holiday, it always has been. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas and the meaning behind it, but I like having just one day to be someone or something other than myself. It's great that it is just the one day too, because I love who I am and I won't change anything about me; but one day a year, I can be something or someone else.

This photo was taken last year, though I think I've been Sally from "A Nightmare Before Christmas" at least three or four years running, she is my favorite and last year, Dave was Jack Skellington. The perfect couple, but what to be this year?

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have fallen in the fight for our freedoms and in our protection. It is a time when we should remember that we are free because of others being willing to give their lives for us.

I have a special place in my heart for those who serve in our military and continue to support for and fight for our freedoms. I have many family members who are in the military, as well as a husband and serving myself. It is for love of country and the desire to continue to live in a free country that I serve.

On this Memorial Day, I find myself thinking of my Grandfather, who passed away a couple years ago. He served in the military and was honored for his service in World War II. Due to a fire, we do not have any of his records, just his memories and they were shared with my Mother before his passing. These stories are enough for us to recall the great service he provided so that we are free today.

This also reminds me of the need to keep my own record. Writing down the happenings in my life. Though they may seem like small things today, one day, they may be helpful to someone else. Keeping journals and histories is how we know what happened in the past, there is a need to keep these records now so that those who come after us can remember what we have done. Maybe they can learn from our mistakes.

On this Memorial Day, I am going to remember those who have served and those who are serving. It is because of them that I have the freedoms I do today and I will never forget nor take for granted these freedoms.