Dark Before Five.

Today is the start of a new month and I'm going to try to get back into some sort of routine that allows me some creative time everyday. There is new energy around....can you feel it?

I started this post this morning and now after a day at work, I am determined to complete it, so it will probably be long, rambling and disconnected. I'd like to be blogging everyday in November, so what I manage to commit to today might have a bearing on the rest of the month....or it may not! ;)

I thought I'd join in this during November .....

Maybe using ideas from here and maybe doing a bit of this.....

It might be dark earlier at this time of year, but I plan great things for those cold winter nights. I'm looking forward to wearing my woolen gloves, scarves and hats too...so I may also have to plan a few walks out in the windy hills.

Have you any plans for November? 

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This post is a kind of belated Halloween, end of October and a new month post all rolled into one. I did warn you I would ramble....for those of you still reading!

It's All Saint's Day today, and All Soul's Day  tomorrow. The sky certainly looked almost otherworldly to me, this morning as I drove to work, and I was sure I felt something special in the air. Maybe it was simply because it was the beginning of a new month, and I was thinking about all of the promises I've made to myself for some creative time. Maybe it was because I got up earlier than I needed to and came to write a blog post, instead of just stumbling out of bed and into the car as I have been doing lately. I even took my camera out with me today, sadly I didn't capture the beautiful sky this morning, but I did manage to snap the moon, at 5 o'clock this afternoon on my return home. It had been twinkling at me on the drive home, and calling me to take a photo. When I went out into the garden to capture her, she was only just visible above the roofs behind our house. Then I went upstairs, and I could still see her glowing in the quickly darkening sky, a bright white blurr through the bathroom window.

1st November 2011

By the time I finished work yesterday, and walked out into the street just after five, it was already dark...and miserable too may I say. I think I must work in one of the windiest streets on earth. It runs parallel to a river estuary and the wind just seems to howl down there most of the time. By five last night it was already deserted, except for a few cars turning onto the road to start their drive home. It all felt a bit spooky. I do scare easily however and tend to stay away from scary movies. As a child my imagination would run away with me totally, if I was allowed to watch anything remotely scary(which was rare), and I would then be unable to sleep or have terrible nightmares.

Two years ago on Halloween we were arriving in the USA and managed to catch a glimpse of some of the fun and games going on, though it was quite late by the time we arrived at our Hotel. I try to stay away from horrible scary masks if I can, they still make me jump even now. Strange to think that people used to wear masks to prevent being recognised by the soul of an enemy seeking vengeance, before that soul moved on to the next world. I love making Pumpkin or Turnip Lanterns however, and was interested to learn that they were originally carved to remember the souls held in purgatory. I was never taught the meaning behind these traditions as a child but am fascinated by them now. I also did not attend a Church School and so although I do not practice a religion now, I feel that I wasn't taught the meanings and origins of days like All Saints and All Souls. I like the idea of remembering and honouring the souls of the dead at this time, this post about gratitude for our loved ones was so beautiful to read today. They are always with us in our memories, often with heavy sadness, but at this time of year I think I can feel the joy of having had them with me more vividly. This time of year ... when the air feels thinner....the mists....the early darkness...does bring the feeling of other worlds, and other souls being closer. Don't you think?

Last night we decided to escape the trick or treaters knocking on the door, and go out for dinner. Last year I did join in the fun and had sweets at the ready, but somehow I think this new game might all feel a bit different if you live in a community where you know all of the children and families. It must be good to see the children you know coming by in there costumes each year and seeing them grow. As I child I remember Halloween and Bonfire night fairs, where we would play apple bobbing. Wasn't there also some old wives tale about peeling an apple in one complete piece and throwing the peel over your shoulder(left?) to reveal the first letter of your future husband's name? I don't remember dressing up or going trick or treating.  I love all of these old games and traditions but wonder what is left of them in the modern trick or treating we have now. Gosh don't I just sound like a grumpy old lady? ;)

How do you feel about Halloween traditions and have you any good memories of this time of year? 

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One of my favourite chilling reads is Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel. The title is so delicious on it's own, without even reading the book! But then once you do read, the title is just right for this story...... truly beyond black.

I have a sneaking feeling I have blogged about this before, but then I've just had a root around but cannot seem to find it. The plot centers around Alison, a medium and the collection of souls that stalk her, for that is what it seems like. Alison, never alone, never at peace. The story has a very dark humour, I laughed out loud at some of the conversations between Alison and her visitors, and at her relationship with Collette who becomes her manager. The book brings you very close to horror, at imagining the life of a medium who is haunted by the dead with their stories and their demands; and at the memories of Alison's early life; and at the sometimes deadness of life for the living. Sounds dreary and miserable? Not totally. It is a fun and inventive read for most of the book, moving, gripping, and stomach turning all at once; it's the final few chapters that leave you feeling disturbed and questioning.

Certainly a book I would read again. Have you any favourite spooky reads?