TexasGirl Photography

October is definitely a favorite month in our house – maybe THE most favorite month (although it’s hard to argue with the glory of December). It’s when the weather starts to cool down, the nights draw in, ushering towards us the cozy, homey time of year. It’s when the gas fireplace gets turned on (this makes everyone, including the cat, very happy), when homemade cookies start to appear; it’s when there’s a lovely week off from school that we all get to spend together.

And, of course, there’s Halloween! I’ve always loved it, and not just because of the candy and the dressing up (those are awesome too). Once September rolled around, when I was a kid, I would start to feel the thrill of anticipation for this “holiday,” the hint of wood smoke in the air, the brightening stars in the sky, the possibility of parties. Charlie Brown on the TV. The knowledge that Thanksgiving and Christmas were right around the corner.

Unfortunately, my youth was when trick-or-treating started to be considered unsafe: tales of razors and needles in candy, etc. Going to the mall for it just wasn’t the same as running around the neighborhood knocking on doors with your friends. Even before I had one of my own, I really enjoyed handing out candy to the kids who would knock on my door in New York, not for my own sake, but for theirs; I am so glad that kids get to do it up big again, even if I also honestly hope they aren’t eating all that candy themselves.

Imagine my delight for the past 12 years at being a mother! Whether by nature or by nurture, it’s a toss up which one of us has more fun with Halloween. For several years now, I have thrown a party for my daughter and as many of her friends as I can sanely fit into the house; we usually start excitedly planning for it in August. And it usually is an evening that descends into the best kind of (ear-splitting) mayhem. I love it.

For the past couple of years, I have set up a backdrop and photographed the individual kids in their costumes. This one is a favorite. (And yes, I realize I need to iron the backdrop.)

Before that, we just used the curtains.

The local Dia de Los Muertos celebration is something else we always enjoy, although lately I’ve had to attend without my kiddo, I find consolation in the beautiful imagery of it, and in my camera. The dancers are so talented, wonderful to watch!

We don’t limit our dress up fun to Halloween – masks and creepiness are great anywhere, any time of year. I look forward to adding to our werewolf series, and I’m already looking forward to next October. Happy Halloween, all!