Happy Halloween #WednesdayHodgepodge (4)

I’m off work this week, which means more time for blogging, reading and writing! Here are this week’s questions, which are all about spooky season.

1. In two or three sentences describe yourself to someone who has never met you. 

I’m a dreamer with a love of sci-fi and fantasy, nature and all things retro. I love being a mum and I’m very close to my family. I have a few short stories published and would love to send a novel out into the world one day.

2. Will you celebrate Halloween this year, and if so tell us how? Let’s play this or that-chocolate candy or fruity candy? pumpkin seeds or pumpkin pie? Halloween party or scary movie? Hay ride or corn maze? carve a pumpkin or paint a pumpkin?

Halloween is one of my favourite holidays. We are visiting a pumpkin patch on Friday and then we will carve jack-o-lanterns together and make soup. We’ll also watch spooky films and dress up for a little party at home, complete with scary snacks like brain jelly.

I prefer chocolate over sweets usually, but I’m not fussy! Definitely pumpkin pie rather than seeds, although I am struggling to get hold of pastry cases this year and I am loath to make my own. I love both Halloween parties and scary movies.

I had to look up what a hay ride is. It’s not a typical Halloween activity here, although I enjoy them when we visit farm parks. The local “maize maze” is great fun despite it being a mud bath.

3. What’s something that scared you when you were young? Are you still afraid? 

I used to be terrified of spiders and would scream for my younger sister to remove them from my room. Living in an old house in the countryside for so many years has meant plenty of exposure therapy, so I’ve become somewhat used to them. I also acknowledge how useful they are for the ecosystem, so I never kill them.

As long as they stay in a corner on the ceiling and keep themselves to themselves, I can tolerate them. But I still jump if I see a big one scuttling across the floor and I certainly wouldn’t want one crawling over me! Luckily, that doesn’t happen often since getting our youngest cat, who gobbles them up frighteningly quickly, poor things.

4. Your favourite soothing drink? 

Hot chocolate with all the spices, syrup and whipped cream.

5. Are you thinking about Christmas yet? Does this make you feel happy or stressed? 

It’s hard to avoid thinking of it when all the decorations are in the shops already. I’m feeling a little stressed about it because there’s always so much to organise and it’s so expensive. I have a big family and I always put a lot of pressure on myself to find the perfect gifts, so I often end up overspending. I know I’m worrying needlessly, but that’s anxiety for you.

I also need a lot of time to recharge after social events, and I already feel tired thinking about all the meals and parties coming up. That, combined with my hatred of the dark and cold weather makes it quite a difficult time for me. I’m trying to focus on the things that I do enjoy about the season-the decorations, the lights, the food, and spending time with my family.

Insert your own random thought here.  

I made a friend while waiting at the bus stop yesterday.

Are you doing anything to celebrate Halloween? Have you been thinking about Christmas yet? Let me know in the comments!