This is my favorite day of the year. Dreams are wisps of mist and leaf- whirling about on the winds of a gracefully departing Autumn. The arms of a world always changing- always shifting- embrace the quickly encroaching night with comfortable splendor. Trees sigh, waiting for the dusting of darkness to fall upon their bright leaves and brighter wishes... they will soon be bare and silent- dreaming of a coming year full of brilliant possibilities.

Children- with dragging costumes- fill the streets with a glee that is unrivaled. This is a night of mischief and delightful mayhem- when their little tummies can be filled with candy, quested for and found with great adventures!

It is a time of merry-making and moments of laughter (or fear!)- as we watch the year slowly leaving us. Winter comes, curling snow white fingers about the shoulders of a drowsy autumn, as we fill the local haunted houses, buy immense amounts of chocolate... and wait- our treasure bowls brimming- for the children to arrive.

And I- I revel in this... in all. This is a day when we can all become children again- enjoying the simple pleasures of food and company- or scaring ourselves silly with badly masked "villains!"

Whatever your cup of tea this day- it is my greatest wish that you enjoy it with the utmost happiness.

Happy Halloween, my dears.