How is October nearly over already? I can’t decide my feelings on this moot point. Either way, we are officially in full swing of the spooky season. I failed miserably at watching 31 Halloween movies. But I did manage to consume the Halloweentown Movies as well as Adams Family and several episodes of the Simpsons Tree House of Horror. So I figure that counts for something. What are people doing with their kids this year? I’ve seen several charming ideas online mostly centered around glow sticks and night time spooky candy hunts in backyards. Before the end of the season, I would like to attend a Corn Maze. I love fall, but I don’t feel like I’ve enjoyed nearly enough of it. I miss picnics at the beach and bundling up to stay warm. I miss hot coffee walks with friends. I miss scarves and public swing sets.

This past week I finished the art on my full 78 card tarot deck. I’m not sure what will happen from here. I have ideas about publishing, whether on my own or traditionally, I’m undecided. Either way, the plan is to do something with it in time. Finishing that last piece felt so cathartic. Like I’d made the last healing stroke of digital ink on wounds that are finally scared over.

Speaking of scars, I’ve been trying to get back out there. I figure the only way to meet someone is to do that whole gross online dating thing again. We’ve gone down this road before. The last time it led to love, so I figured trying again in the middle of a pandemic couldn’t hurt. Although I have to be honest, dating kind of sucks. Like it’s a lot of wasted time talking to men who either don’t know how to hold a conversation or, after a week of chatting, stands me up for the actual date. Is it just Seattle men, or is this a new thing? I’m thirty-five, and I don’t play games. I don’t have space in my life for extra bullshit. I can own who I am and how I feel, and when I am or am not attracted to someone. I believe in honesty above everything else. Sigh It’s just so much work. I miss the middle. I miss making dinner with someone and watching movies and cuddles. I miss cuddles. I did make a friend through this process, and so for that, I’m grateful. But in all honesty, I don’t think I’m cut out for online dating. I’ll give it another week, and then I’m pulling the plug. I’ll find a different way to meet people. I’m open to ideas; drop me a comment because, in this pandemic, I’m not super sure what else to do.

Hamilton is a monster. But we are learning to cohabit, and while we’ve had our ups and downs, I feel like the worst of it is over. He donated his testicles to science last weekend and is back to full power. He recently learned what a spray bottle is and wasn’t happy about it. But mostly, he enjoys cuddles and wants to be loved on for hours. And hours. And hours. With claws.

Today I went to a salon and got a proper hair cut for the first time since quarantine started. It was one of those easy days with simple pleasures, like another human combing through my hair. I miss being touched above all other things right now. I’m looking forward to the weekend. I’m going to see my beautiful niece and catch up with an old friend on Sunday. Who knows what else it will hold. I’m keeping a positive attitude about life for the moment. All things considered, I think I’m doing pretty good.

Does anyone out there know how to dye flowers pretty colors? I tried food dye in the water, but nothing happened. Did I not use enough, or is that a hoax? Anywho, I hope you’re all hanging in there. I have a couple of short story ideas at the moment. I’ll get them up in the coming weeks.

Happy Halloween!

M