Pumpkin Patch!

Sunday we made our annual pilgrimage to our local pumpkin patch, Jumbo's.  We always go with Chris's parents; it's been a tradition since the kids were little.

We didn't do the corn maze this year because it was a bit stressful last time since it was a very hot day and we couldn't find out way out for a long time.  We just took the hayride directly to the patch.



The farm has some beautiful views.  I just wish more leaves had turned.







Becca trying to carry a pumpkin that weighs more than she does.





My girls.



A cute goat.



A pumpkin I thought was deformed, but turns out they're grown this way:



And finally, I took this at an old barn.  I thought it looked sufficiently creepy for Halloween.



 

Top Ten Tuesday, 10/12/10 - Joshua Hoffine

I recently discovered a horror photographer whose work I absolutely love.  His name is Joshua Hoffine, and he creates work of fear as well as beauty.  Yes, there is beauty in this horror art; the photographs are breathtaking.  Since it's October, an official creepy month, here are ten of my favorite Joshua Hoffine photographs.

CAUTION:  If you are easily offended or horrified, you may want to reconsider looking at these pictures! 

Swarm, Spring 2005

This is one of the first photographs I saw and got me to become a fan of Joshua's work:

Basement, Winter 2006
Who hasn't been afraid of going down into a dark basement?



Bedside, Summer 2004
This is a truly horrific picture, but beautifully photographed.



Devil, Autumn 2008
Thanks to all the threats I had as a child about the devil and hell, this one really got to me.



Balloons, Spring 2004
This one reminds me of Stephen King's It.



Babysitter, Summer 2009
"Have you checked the children?" "The call is from inside the house! Get out!"



Bed, Autumn 2004
All of us have been convinced of a monster under the bed at some time or another.



Couch, Summer 2004
Even if you have your back to the wall, something can get you.



Candy, Summer 2005
Didn't this little girl ever hear of Hansel and Gretel?



Closet, Summer 2004
Sometimes I still think there is something in my  closet.



If you are interested in Joshua Hoffine's work, check out his website.

 

 

Randomness

It's been a bit chaotic here the past several days.  Poor Becca has been very sick; I picked her up from school last Wednesday because she had a nasty sore throat.  I took her to the doctor Thursday morning to check for strep.  She didn't have strep, but it looks like she may have picked up a stomach bug from the office because she threw up about 20 times throughout the day Friday.  She's still weak and hasn't eaten much.  But she is a lot better than she was a few days ago.

Lauren went to the Brunswick homecoming dance on Saturday night.  We went shopping for her dress last Monday, and she tried on three.  The dress she ended up choosing was definitely THE dress.  She looked amazing in it.  These pictures don't do her justice because like me, she hates having her picture taken.  





I have been writing more and more each week, which pleases me.  I have entered several contests and submitted a couple stories.  I have also had articles published at Xomba Horror.  Here are a few links in case anybody is interested:

My story Train Station, placed in the Honorable Mention for the month of September at Necon E-Books Flash Fiction Contest.

I took Lauren to see My Soul to Take yesterday.  You can find my review of it at Xomba Horror Channel.

I wrote an essay about bad horror movies on the 80s, also at Xomba Horror Channel.

I love writing for Xomba.  I haven't gotten paid or anything, but it's a great way to get a little exposure and hone my writing skills.

That's about it for now!

Knowing Me, Knowing You, October 2010

I found this meme through my Google Reader, and though it would be fun.  Hey, who doesn't like talking about his or herself?


This was taken from The Fairy Blogmother.


1.  Started your Christmas shopping yet?


No, but  I do have ideas and a list started in my head.  I need to start shopping soon.  Every year I say I'll have it done by December 1st so I can do fun stuff during the season, but it never happens.

2.  Fall is here, what's your favourite cold weather comfort food?

I think chili.  I make several kinds, and they're all pretty good.  

3.  Are you watching any new shows?

I've checked out a few.  I really like Boardwalk Empire and Raising Hope.  I've only seen the first episode of The Event so far, but it was very intriguing.

4.  Have you read Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet? 

I haven't - is it one of those books like Of Mice and Men that everyone should have read at some point in their lives?

5.  Is the top of your desk cluttered or clear?

I don't have a desk, but the end table next to my recliner is definitely cluttered.  It would only take a few minutes to declutter, but I only do it occasionally.

*************

Finally, my flash fiction story, Train Station, placed in the Honorable Mention category at Necon e-books.  Last month I was in the winning category, but to me, this is just as good.  I'm pleased.

Reclaiming Myself

I participated in this meme several months ago, but haven't since.  Today I thought I'd try again.



I have been fighting my weight since I had my first baby almost 22 years ago.  I'm tired of of fighting.  I'm turning 45 in December.  It's just not as easy to lose weight anymore!  Not to mention that my various meds, including Depo Provera, are making it even harder. I am eating well and exercising almost every day, but I'm just losing and gaining the same pound.  So frustrating.

But why should I fight so hard?  It doesn't make me happy.  I obsess, get upset, then feel bad about myself.  I squeeze myself into jeans that don't fit or flatter me anymore, then feel bloated and unattractive all day.  The truth is, while I'd love to lose 10 or 20 pounds, I don't think it's going to happen at this point.  

The more I think about the situation, the more I realize I'm becoming OK with not losing all the weight I'd like to lose.  When I wear jeans that fit, I look pretty good when I look in the mirror.  My husband still finds me attractive and tells me that all the time in words and actions.  My doctor says I'm in great health.  Then why keep torturing myself?

So today I'm claiming a truce with my body, for my sake and the sake of my girls.  I'm a little overweight (according to Wii Fit!) and damn it, there's nothing wrong with that.  My girls need a confident, happy mom to help them grow to be confident and happy young women themselves.

This truce does not mean I'm giving up on eating right and exercising. Far from it!  I enjoy making and eating healthy meals for my family, and the Wii Fit is fun.  What I am going to do is buy myself some new jeans that fit and flatter my figure (which is not bad at all for 45!), and stop obsessing about the size number on the tag.  Numbers are nothing but trouble!

I am also not going to obsess about every non-healthy thing I eat.  There is nothing wrong with treats on occasion in moderation.  I mean, I love to cook and bake and I'm really good at it - why deprive myself or make myself feel guilty for enjoying what I make for my family?


Keeping this attitude won't be easy, I know.  Once winter comes and my Season Affective Disorder kicks in, I'll have to work hard at not gaining more weight and getting down on myself.  But I know Chris will help me.


Not to say I won't be happy if I do lose weight!  I won't stop trying, but I won't obsess about it, either.  There's more to life and being happy than numbers on a scale or the number on your jeans.


Wish me luck!






 

Top Ten Tuesday, 10/5/10

This week, it's all about Jack.  Ten of my favorite pictures of him.  For a dog who gets on my last nerve almost daily, he has certainly gotten under my skin.



First, my favorite picture of both dogs.  This photo makes me very happy.







After a hard day of getting on my nerves.


>

Not letting me take a nap.



Trying desperately to be a lapdog.



Doesn't matter how many times you throw the ball, he is NEVER satisfied.



His breath could be used as a weapon of mass destruction.



And he always kisses me with that deadly breath.



He loves to bother Magic, too.  She's not as patient as I am.



Howling is one of his favorite pastimes.



But his favorite activity is gazing at me as he falls asleep, many times throughout the day.









 

Meet Me on Monday, 10/4/10

Before I participate in Meet Me on Monday, I want to mention that my recent post, Tragedy in Our Family, was featured on the Feels Like Home blog yesterday in Things to Write Home About.  Thanks for including me!



Now onto the meme!

1. What is the best dish you can make?

I'm actually a pretty good cook, but I think it was Shrimp Creole that won Chris's heart.

 

2. How often do you change your sheets?

As often as needed.

3. What is the longest car trip you have ever taken?

We live in Maryland, so traveling to Texas to see my dad is the longest car trip.

4. What is your favorite fruit?

I love most fruit, but have recently discovered a love for dates and fresh figs.

5. Would you rather have breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast?

Breakfast for dinner!  Although I have a recipe for Breakfast Pizza, which I consider a compromise.

 

Tired, or Just Lazy?

This time last year, I was suffering from mono, sinusitis and bronchitis.  Needless to say, I was a mess.  It took about 6-9 months, but I recovered, only to start suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  I couldn't catch a break, it seemed, and winter only exacerbated my condition.

Once the weather took a turn for the better, so did I.  My doctor found the right combination of meds to battle my fatigue, insomnia and depression, and I finally started perking up.  Summer was great; I was able to take the kids places and do fun things, and I was happy.

Recently, though, I find myself absolutely exhausted after a day out or a busy day.  Driving really takes a lot out of me.  It's very discouraging.  I don't feel sick like I did when I was so ill last summer and fall, just easily tired.  I'm also trying to lose weight and it isn't working!  I'm eating right and exercising, but I just keep gaining and losing the same pound.  Arrgggh!

A Facebook friend suggested getting my thyroid checked.  I Googled the symptoms of Hypothyroid, and it could fit.  I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow and try to get an appointment soon.

Once again, I can't catch a break!