Halloween Fun!

Just lately I have really been in to my sewing. I have done counted cross stitch for a long time and it has been something I find I can really relax with. Maybe its the feeling of knowing that you are achieving something as you sew. Maybe its the fact that when I look at something as it grows and takes form and knowing that it will be something to enjoy. To quote Keats "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." I try and look for that in a lot of life because its in finding that beauty in something that makes it all the more worth doing. Even if its something small.

Last night was an example of just doing something to make someone smile. Halloween is a strange time of year because so many people are so grumpy about it (even though we were kids once too) and I wanted too do something positive and kind to the local kids. I sat and carved a pumpkin which I placed an LED light in (so that I wouldn't risk anything with candles and oxygen as they don't go together very well) and set it up in the window with 2 glitter skeletons and waited patiently for the kids to come and knock for treats. It was all in the name of fun really and to just do something kind for the kids. It's the first time in a couple of years where I have actually been up to doing something for the "trick or treaters" and I will admit it was tiring but it was worth it. I definitely felt good for taking part.

So I got a simple "costume" (well actually it was an Optimus Prime front shirt (with blue pj bottoms) and my voice changer helmet) and when the kids knocked on the door, I handed them out some sweets. I think my favourite moment was when a little boy came to the door and I knelt and made my helmet talk. Seeing the little lad smile when it said "I am Optimus Prime" was probably the most awesome thing ever. I had made that kid's night! He smiled and said "You're a Transformer!!" and I had to laugh, his mum looked so grateful that I had at least made the effort but its something that will stay with me for the reason that I had a lot of fun and I did something different. Besides, who wants to be that grumpy sod in the neighbourhood that just yells at the kids and doesn't do anything positive?

I like that the local kids know me as the "guinea pig lady" and they love coming to see my small furry friends. It's a shame that they didn't spend as much time outside this year, partially due to weather and partly because of problems with my upstairs neighbour and I didn't want to leave vulnerable animals outside in the yard unattended where anything could have happened. It's common sense really. When the animals are out though, I have no qualms in letting the kids stroke them and telling them about what guinea pigs are and what they like to eat and do. It surprises me that some children have never seen a guinea pig up close, but then again, I have lived closely with them for 7 years now and I love them as much as I always have. Whenever I need a perk up, I just look through my plethora of pictures and videos of guinea pigs past and present and it always makes me feel better, particularly a video of Kaiba and Yugi playing with a ball of paper. Kaiba loves his paper and his fluffy chops just make him a huge character around the flat!

Now comes the rush to finish my Christmas cards and get them sent out. I have sewn some to start with but decided to take a break for a couple of days from it otherwise the metallic threads would probably destroy my fingers! They will be sent out on the first of December, so I have 30 days of stitching to do. I can do this easily and its going to be nice to send these cards out when they are done. It works because now is the time of year for cosy nights in and spending hours with my needle and threads.

Loves
Wendy xx