It is about that time of year.  The time when bright orange pumpkins are carved and turned into jack-o-lanterns.  A few days ago, I was looking through old photographs, and I found this picture.

I am sure many of you have similar pictures.  Creating jack-o-lanterns was a yearly tradition.  It began with a trip to the pumpkin patch that was on Interurban – Cox’s Fruit and Vegetable Stand.  It was wonderful, and the boys always had the best time picking out their pumpkins.  There was also a witch that flew over the awnings, and try as they might – the boys never could catch her.

This picture brought back fond memories.  Ever-Lovin’ must have made the “Daddy” Jack with the flying ears.

True Confession time.  – I have to admit.  Please do not think I am a party pooper, but I am NOT a fan of cleaning out pumpkins.  It is HARD work.  Pumpkin innards  are slimy, stringy, and smelly.  UGH!  You have to scrape and scrape, and scrape, and finally dig out the slimy, stringy, smelly mess with your hands.  I do not like doing that, but for the sake of the family, I did my part.  (What won’t a mother do for her children?)  I think I feel better since I confessed.

Of course, now it is not uncommon to see elaborately carved pumpkins.  This is a jack-o-lantern we saw at the State Fair of Texas a few years ago.  Amazing.

Last year I found two clay jack-o-lanterns.  These are not slimy, stringy or smelly.  I do not have to scrape and dig out the innards.  I like them.  They hang by our front door to greet one and all.

 

My favorite jack-o-lanterns are these miniature (smaller than a pin-pong ball) clay sculptures that were bought many many moons ago in New Mexico.  They were made by the same Native Americans that created storyteller doll figurines. Each face is different, and they have such cute expressions.  They make me happy.

Blessings to you and yours,