Haiku for the End of Autumn

strolling through Autumn
surrounded by Summer's death
and the birth of Winter

cinnamon bark shards
maypole the dancing delights
the dance floor is crowded

I can't stop looking
or inhaling pungent fall
ring of crisp beauty

with a hushed whisper
I pull up the welcome mat
and lock the front door

Good Night Sweet Autumn

This week end has been one of the most beautiful I can ever remember here in
Northern beauty. To a storyteller, writer..it is simply a masterpiece of
beauty. To my friend, Fred Wooly, a naturalist, it is the cold frosted nights and
bright sunshine.

The town was host to tourists all week end as they flocked to Pokagon State
Park for the last camp out...the last picnic...to stare in complete awe of the
beauty. This week end will stay with me into the coming months of winter.

I must say that I spent many moments this week end enjoying it all...on my
bike, with my camera, hiking through trails and leaf-littered streets.

Last night was my yearly Halloween show at the State Park. It is one of my
favorite shows as it is in the heart of my own community and so many folks from
town come out for the event. We had record crowds last night, 250 for the
kids show...then clearing them out by 8:15 we had over 350 adults there for the
adult scary stories. My friend, Steve, and I share the stage. I look forward
to this event every year. The state park places illuminaries on the walkways
and lit-carved pumpkins are everywhere. The pavilion can only hold so many
so lots of folks bring lawn chairs and spill out into the grassy areas. It
would have been beautiful last night as the night was clear and frosty. Above
were the Seven Sisters of the Pleides which is in the night sky now...close to
Mars.
Don't pass up your chance to view this spectacular sight.

My trip to Ocracoke was a whirlwind....just five days and two of which were
travel...but oh, it was worth it. Philip hosted his open house with relatives
pouring in from all over the country. His Aunt Thelma who is 92 made the trip
from Dallas. She was born in the house and is the only survivor of the
thirteen children. She is an amazing woman. I enjoyed getting to know more of his
family and of the stories that a family shares!

Philip's house was beautiful. All decked out for her own party. He has
taken such pride in his restoration project...even down the light fixtures.
I was honored to be part of his celebration. But the time always goes too
fast when I am there. I return home to my lovely old house and the silence
always echoes my sadness. My busy schedule keeps me moving, though....school,
stories, my babies, friends, hobbies. I hosted a friend's family as they had
another wedding at their house. (That makes three daughters being married in one
year!) It was fun being a B and B for a few days. They mostly just slept
here, but my house is perfect for a B and B, and things like that always get me
thinking???

I wish October wasn't over. It is my favorite month, and for me it could
just go on and on......And then maybe it is just knowing the long winter awaits
us....But for this one week end, it was great to see all the neighbors one more
time as everyone scurried around putting up storm windows, raking leaves,
last minute paint jobs, hauling down of ladders.

Tomorrow is Halloween...I have my costume ready...folks just bring their kids
here for that (I also have candy!) My Mom's birthday is tomorrow...she met
my Dad on a hayride on her birthday, and they are still a love story. Happy
Birthday, Mom. We will call you tomorrow night when the boys are all over in
their costumes! Have a wonderful day.

As for all of you, I wish you good night...don't forget to walk out into the
darkness and look for the Pleides...give a smile to ancient rituals of witches
and ghosts and things that bump in the night....and as for October, you were
splendid. Thank you.

Love to all, Lou Ann