Thursday, October 27, 2011

Halloween Rant

      I think purchased Halloween costumes should be banned.  Here we have a holiday tailor-made for exercising cleverness and creativity, and people head to Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Halloween-Mart, etc. to take the easy way out.  By the time I see the 16th similar costume at my door, I want to shout, "No! no treats until you come back in a better costume!"  (Of course I would never say such a thing; it would be visiting the sins of the parents on the children.)  So what if you can't come up with anything?--that's what the internet is for.
   Our state government has done some wacky things lately--naming a state gun, trying to force people to vote, gerrymandering political districts, and planning to close state parks.  How about something worthwhile for a change?  Join me in a new crusade!  Write your state senator and representative! MANDATE CREATIVITY!!!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Rain

   I've been pondering the evocative propensity of rain.  Let's face it--rain is not simply rain.
  Spring rain is hopeful.  It makes us feel (sometimes erroneously) that winter is past, that good times lie ahead, full of green, growing things and beautiful gardens, bursting with fresh possibilities.  The song, "Singin' in the Rain" must refer to spring rain.
  Summer rain is refreshing.  It settles the dust, washes away the inversions, and makes the earth smell marvelous.  Sometimes it's wildly exciting, with clashes of thunder and lightning that invigorate us and even make our skin tingle.  It brings emotions to the surface--just look on the internet at the many songs about summer rain.
  Autumn rain is somber, even dreary.  It dampens  the bright leaves and reminds us that winter is closing in, the days are getting short, and the nights are growing cold. The Mamas and the Papas song, "Rainy Days and Mondays" can only refer to autumn rain.
  How great it is to live in a world that has it all--anticipation, excitement, melancholy.
Life is not static or boring.  Just like rain.