do the monster mash.

What a week!  It’s finally starting to feel like fall in Oklahoma, thank goodness.  This means a wonderful season of cardigans, pumpkin flavored goodies and all sorts of fall fun to look forward to.

Although I have had a bit of a late start indulging in all that fall has to offer, this Friday I set out with a few of my friends in search of their perfect Halloween costumes.

Only two days aways from Halloween, and only hours away from a Halloween get-together, we rushed to find the nearest costume supply store.  Fortunately, Stillwater had just what we were looking for.  After driving around for a bit, we eventually stumbled upon “Costumes, balloons and more!”  We were welcomed into the store by scarecrows and decorative pumpkins, and as we passed through the doors we became overwhelmed with wall-to-wall costumes and creepy decorations hanging from the ceiling.  

Jumping into the Halloween Heaven, we embarked on our adventure.  My friends, Ms. Erin and Ms. Sara, were determined to find something that suited their classy taste.  After rummaging through many Disney princess and Star Wars themed costumes, the pair eventually decided to just keep it simple.

Ms. Erin found an adorable pair of mouse ears and a matching tail, while Ms. Sara left the store still in search of the perfect costume.

Overall, it was a rushed but productive experience.  Even though only one purchase was made, the store was able to spark a creativity light bulb for everyone else as they continued their Halloween search.

End notes:

Happy Halloween.

Lend your ears to: 7 Social Media Tips for Creating an Effective Online Presence

Check out this pumpkin.  

Yes.  That is Jesus.  Courtesy of Mrs. Kathryn Johnson.  

don’t you love mini-ventures?

I’m not sure what all of you thought about this week, but if you live in Stillwater, this week was absolute crazy-ness due to the biggest homecoming in the nation.

Blaming lack of sleep and time, I was only able to devote myself to a quick mini-venture early this Saturday morning: The homecoming parade.

The homecoming parade drew my attention immediately—what better way to celebrate the community of small town than to be an active viewer of the annual homecoming parade. 

What I enjoyed the most about this early morning festivity was the wonderful opportunity to people watch.  It seemed that everyone was connected to each other in some way, whether it be old classmates greeting each other after a year of being apart or a school teacher saying a passing hello to one their students, people were brought together through the excitement of a fall, football homecoming.

This morning was splendid.   It was wonderful to see a community come together and enjoy each other’s company through a delightful parade filled with tractors, horses, floats and lots of smiles.

On a terribly random note, have any of you heard of JJ Heller?  If you haven’t, please Google her now.  Her music is inspiring to the weary college student—her lyrics are a lovely reminder of where we can find pure joy and peace.  If you happen to listen to one of her past casual podcasts, you can tell she has an overflowing joy in her heart that definitely comes out in her faith-based music. 

stole my heart.

 

*Song: Stole My Heart, Little & Ashley

"day-cation" bliss.

Some weeks call for a refreshing retreat.  Pack a day-bag, and get out of town.  Forget scheduling or maps; just get in your car and drive.  Drive no more than an hour to your location; you will want to stay in the general area, while being far enough away to feel like you are on a vacation.  Who knows where you will end up and what adventures will be waiting for you, the discovery is an essential part of the everyday adventure.

This concept is known as the “day-cation.”

       -Leave.  Explore.  Enjoy.  Return in the same day.

Embrace this concept.  It has the potential to break up long weeks and refresh the body and mind. 

Suggested Packing List:

Your own music creation

Create a play list that will set a carefree, sunny tone throughout the day.

A perfect example--this video never fails to make me smile : )

Sunglasses

Because staring directly into the sun is only fun for about two seconds.

Cellular Device

Just in case you already used “50/50” and “ask the audience,” phoning a friend is helpful when you seem to have lost your sense of direction.

Milk Money

Remember to bring money for lunch.  Your tummy will thank you.

An Extra Pair of Socks

You just never know when you might step in mud.  This applies to jeans and t-shirts as well.  Try to pack an extra pair of essential clothing in case of unfortunate weather mishaps*

Camera

Be a tourist.  Document everything.

Keys

They start your car, it would be wise not to forget them.

*In case of unfortunate weather mishaps, please enjoy them; don’t turn sour.  If it rains, go dance in it—you packed extra clothes, so no worries ; )

But the most important bullet on the packing list is….

A FRIEND.  

Please do not venture alone.  First, it is safer.  If you are taking a day-cation to a spontaneous location you do not want to be alone; mis-adventures happen, and it is much better to have someone to share them with.  Second, it is more fun—you need a car-singing buddy anyway.

Easy enough, right?  Now venture.  Have fun, un-wind and feel the breeze run through your hair as you roll your car windows down and play your music to where your voice seems to be in perfect harmony with the artist.

Last week I ventured out on my own day-cation with Mr. Michael Kent.  Instead of telling you how our day went, please enjoy living it along with us through the wonderful world of photographic images.