A few of you expressed regret that you missed one of the three spots on my pay it forward but I’m popping in quickly to mention there are spots open at Apseed. Apseed is a lovely blog featuring beautiful photos, thoughtful reflections, delicious food and gorgeous handmades. Apseed Crafts is Irina’s equally wonderful shop and I stop in often to drool over her new items. I’m quite desperate to add my name to the sign up but I suppose that would be cheating.

Some of my favourites from her shop.

Sooo…if you are interested in joining a pay it forward and missed the chance you can sign up at Apseed, here.

Ask a dramatic five-year-old for a superhero pose and you may get something like this.

This little hoot slept through all the excitement but her noggin was toasty warm.

Halloween was a blast this year.

I had great plans for costume making, most of what we needed was thrifted with some additions from the fabric store and I was going to be ahead of schedule…Then I got sick and only got myself back together (or almost) just in time for the big event. None of the costumes were too intensive but I was feeling the last minute push as I was sewing at 5:45pm on Monday.

Once the mad dash to finish costumes and feed hungry mouths was over (because candy does not a dinner make), costumes were donned (with layers upon layers upon layers) and Mira was snuggled in her ride (the Ergo). We headed out in the now dusky evening for trick-or-treating.

All five of the them got into the swing of things very quickly. The Cowboy, Peacock and Captain Underpants led the pack while the sweetest little Cupcake moved those little legs with unexpected vigour (even before candy sampling). The darling Sharky preferred to hang back with mama’s hand so we held a slower pace while he made such precious announcements as, “Me share, Mommy!” and exclaiming, “Weird” at every skeleton, jack-o-lantern or bat we passed.

Everyone carried their own bags (or dragged as the Shark preferred) all the way around the small loop.

Now here’s the deal. My children don’t eat much candy. They even still have candy from last year’s small haul. We limit sugar and especially food colouring so a bag full of what they call “junky treats” is a thrill they don’t take lightly. That being said, I think I may be more excited about the candy side of the day than they are. I can’t help it but I’m suddenly transported back to the joys of childhood Halloweens. My mind cries, “Candy! Free Candy!”. I want to visit one more cul-de-sac, one more house just as much as my eager children.

Until, that is, the candy gets strewn, piled and sorted and I wonder what we’re going to do with it all. (I won’t even get into how badly I start feeling about all the plastic waste, consumerism and greed the holiday encourages.) They ended the day on a high (it wasn’t just the sugar), the candy will soon be forgotten and next August will find us planning Halloween costumes once again.

*Confession on the outdoor photos: These were not taken on Halloween. We re-staged them a day late in brighter conditions (the only bright spot in my November yard being in the alley by our yellowed corn stalks). There may have been some bribery, note the suckers, but no one minded the costumes although Sharky rejected his grey sweats. In fact three of the costumes followed us to the chiropractor and a certain little shark is dreaming of fish in bed.

My needles are not as empty as I’d hoped as this new week has rolled around. I’ve got new projects begging to hop on so tonight I am casting off on the last of the Sextuple Tornados and my Ocean Rae. I really am. No buts. The Rae was held up when I ran out of wool and I finally made the necessary yarn store visit today. While there this Malabrigo Sock jumped into my hand. How could I say no to a colour like that? It just may become a second Rae…Call me a gluten if you will.

I did finish the sweet owl hat for the smallest little. I’ve decided that it can’t be strictly for Halloween because no one even noticed it on her. While I can hardly blame them as she was conked out in the Ergo, I’ve decided it will find more wear – despite our friend commenting that the chin strap makes her look like Abe Lincoln (modelled here). Well!

In my search for lighthearted novel reading I’ve falling again (quite willingly) into the Harry Potter series. Don’t know if I’ll make it the whole way through but I’m enjoying The Philosopher’s Stone during those few moments I find myself picking up a book. The comfort of an old favourite always feels right*.

What old favourites do you find comfort in? Do you have a favourite book series or pick-me-up read?

*Speaking of old favourites, this new song is working its way into that category.