Halloween Haunt

 

Another year visiting King's Island for their Halloween Haunt is in the books! And this year, we took a group with us! 

I've really only ever been to the Haunt with one other person with me, so this was so much fun to have a group go. The trip did start off rocky with us waiting 2 hours to ride Banshee. And it was our first ride! Of course, I completely understand after the terrible accident at a Six Flags that everyone was being extra cautious. Rightly so! And because of that, Orion and Diamondback were closed. I do think this caused other ride lines to be longer, but again, I'd rather the park be cautious. 

It was a perfect day weather wise. It was on the chillier side, but with the sun shining, it was so pleasant! The decorations were spooky and fun as per usual. Once the sun started setting, the fog rolled in and the haunted houses opened up. We were able to hit three this year. I did find that there weren't as many characters/actors walking around the park scaring people. That was a bummer, but it worked well for me.

This year, we did spring for the Gold Pass because it was cheaper than buying all the tickets. And I'm already counting down the days until the park opens again in the spring. We will be coming back again and again all summer long. And for another round of spookiness. 

At the Pumpkin Patch

I think I wear this sweater and skirt combination to the pumpkin patch every year. The pleated brown skirt may change, but the look is generally the same. Except for one year when it was just too dang hot to even think about putting a sweater on my body. Is it silly? Yeah! That's why I love it! If not to the pumpkin patch, where else can and should you wear a jack-o-lantern fairisle sweater? 

I had someone comment on on a post asking why females (le sigh) always wear the same things to do activities. Except it was with terrible grammar and was obviously just meant to tear someone down. This person was blocked, but it had me thinking about the "I'm not like other girls" thing. You know what, I'm exactly, like other girls. Of course I'm still me. I'm weird and whimsical and wacky. I enjoy things other people don't. I don't enjoy things other people do. None of us are the same. But yeah. I want to go to a pumpkin patch with my girlfriends wearing a silly outfit that I've worn every year before to take cute photos and videos. 

It stems from some other insecurity, I know. And it's feels easier to bring down someone that, on the outside, appears "basic". But why? Who cares? 

I try to not let comments like this bother me (and, truly, they don't), but I recently read a Substack that felt very on the nose. In "Bring Back Private Hating", the author mentioned the people who can't stop at "this isn't for me." So, okay, you may not wear a jack-o-lantern sweater or a fall sweater and pleated skirt to the pumpkin patch and that is an affront to your sense of self. Now, this was a man commenting, so I do think the purpose of the comment was something different, but maybe not. They couldn't imagine a world where people receive joy from doing that and so it made them upset. That's fine. But keep it to yourself, yeah? 

A Sunny Day at the Orchard

Our annual pilgrimage to McCordsville, IN for, let's face it, applesauce. Tuttle Orchards has been my go-to orchard for years and it's really amazing to share with the people I love. My friend, Erica, and I have been doing this for a few years now and it never gets old! 

This year was a little different, though. They tore down/moved their apple trees! As some of the trees have gotten older, they've produced less fruit and they're starting fresh with some newer trees. While it was a bit disappointing to see trees that were not as bushy, I can definitely see the difference in the number of apples produced. Give it at least 5 years, and they'll be back to their original glory! This did not slow us down in the slightest. There were plenty of Golden Delicious to be picked. 

We always go at the end of September (usually the first day or weekend of the pumpkins!) and it's always a bit warm. While I usually prefer a cloudy day for these activities, it was so beautiful seeing the sky so blue. 

I, of course, wore my trusty new Hunter boots. I had to get rid of the last pair I had because I had worn them well into the ground. I thrifted these on Poshmark for well below half the price of a new pair! I had always wanted the olive green color and I'm excited to report that they're as lovely as I dreamed. I know people feel some kind of way about thrifted shoes, but I don't think there is anything weird about it unless they are well and truly worn. You can absolutely tell when shoes are unwearable. 

Another beautiful day at the orchard. Applesauce acquired. Cider relished. And too many apples brought home. 

Season of the Witch

The witch is back. 

And she has a secret. This Selkie dress? It will no longer zip in the back. I am absolutely devastated. It is my favorite Selkie dress. I mean, florals and Van Gogh's 'Skeleton with a Cigarette'? It's perfection. If I hadn't just told you this, you would have never known because the corset is doing all the work of keeping that hidden. In the short term, this is my fix. In the long term, I'm thinking about adding a corset backing. Then, no matter what size I am, I'll be able to wear my favorites. 

Bodies change and that's supposed to happen. I do not believe in keeping clothing that no longer fits (physically or emotionally). I'll make an exception for a $300+ dress. I am so emotionally attached to my Selkie dresses. I will absolutely find a way to make them work even though most of them no longer zip. Don't keep things in your closet unless you're willing to do the work to make them fit into your life and on your body. If you can't make the expense of altering work right away (like me currently), find someway to change it up. I can't believe I never thought to add a corset top to my Selkie dresses until I saw it on someone else. A cropped sweater vest could work as well for something that doesn't zip. If the sleeves aren't as problematic, even a jacket or a regular sweater. There are so many options in hiding something that isn't quite right.