Sweet as a Pumpkin!
What a delight to see the glee on the face of this sweet child playing amongst the pumpkins in my local farmer’s field.
Have I ever tasted pumpkin? Actually no! Though the image of pumpkin pie comes to mind, I am told that with its natural sweet flavour there are so many dishes where it shines. Sadly, since childhood I have always associated the pumpkin with the celebrations of Halloween, something that has never been on my agenda.
Quite frankly I think it is a horrible time of the year and I have always discouraged it. Frightening people, hurting others and thinking it is comical to dress up as a ghoulish character with splatters of pretend blood, always baffled me. Witchcraft and violence. is very real and not to be celebrated.
On another note I love all that is positive and beautiful. I love the fact that some schools, institutions and churches now celebrate the night of Halloween with a ‘Light Party.’ Some define such a party as the Christians alternative and use it as an opportunity to dress up as their favourite superheroes and book characters. I truly have learned – having been in childcare and education for over 30 years – that many parents don’t want their children practicing negative behaviour, trick or treating, and wearing scary masks. So, as we now speed towards the night before bonfire night children prepare for mischievous and annoying antics, often upsetting the elderly in our society. And sadly idiots – and I repeat idiots – fool around with fireworks not only risking harming themselves but endangering others. What I have seen in the last couple of days of teenagers is truly beyond belief. One example being; –
‘Leicestershire Live News reported that youth, and students were identified in a Speight of incidents as they launched fireworks towards pedestrian and moving cars during the early hours of the morning. Clearly there was a huge risk of substantial damage to property and personal injury. Arrests were made as police, medics and firefighter were called to the scene.’
I’m now thinking of my little dogs and all the other family pets who hate those fireworks and charge around the house sometimes quite traumatised. Sadly, it is not confined to November 5th as it used to be, it seems to go on for at least a week. It will all be over soon.
Stay safe everyone.
Anna
