[214/365] Treat

It was a treat to be able to take some time off of work to watch this little cowboy march with his schoolmates in their annual Halloween parade. He was so excited about Halloween this year; I haven't had this much fun with it in a long time.

[213/365] Wet

There will be lots of these popped in Boston tonight. Congratulations, Red Sox! B Strong!

[212/365] Hair

This poor scarecrow is falling apart, but it's still wicked cool. Go Red Sox!

I am fighting with my own hair lately, just wearing it up because it's so unruly. Actually, that's nothing new. It's always been wild and curly. I've always wished it were straight. Every time I want to complain about it, though, I think of my grandmother. When she was on chemo for breast cancer, she lost her hair, and I think that was the most devastated I saw her the whole time she was sick. She was so sad, and I had no idea what to say to her. I still feel guilty for not having the right words. At her funeral, I remember my grandfather talking when he first met her, how she had the most beautiful curly hair. I never looked at my own hair the same way again. Perhaps I just need to try a different cut.

[211/365] Just For You

Sometimes, I have those thoughts.

The ones that say I'm not good at anything, that people don't like me, that no one cares about me, that no one is on my side. The ones that make me hate myself. That make me doubt my writing, my photography, and everything else I share here. That make me question why I even take the time to do this and share it, because who is really going to appreciate it?

But the thing is, although I share in case anyone is interested, it's not for anyone else. It's not to make money or become famous (although, I have made some online friends, and that's pretty cool). It's for me. Photography is my passion, and I also love to write. They both make me feel better, whether anyone ever sees my work or not. I know I am not the best photographer or writer, but if they make me happy, who cares?

I am so hard on myself, probably a lot more critical than anyone else would ever be. It's time to put away those thoughts and just live for what fills me with joy.

These beads were just for me, too. A gift from Joshua.

And, totally random because that's how I roll -- here are the latest editions to our pumpkin family. I carved these before I left last week and the bottom one is already completely rotted. So sad, but we enjoyed it while we could.

[210/365] Peaceful

We spent the afternoon at our home away from home -- the zoo. They were having their "Spooky Zoo" celebration, and we wore our costumes (cowboy gear). The water in the Moon Bear exhibit was rather peaceful. Joshua always likes to stand here and look "under the sea."

We got to take a look at some of the pumpkins from the zoo's Pumpkin Spectacular. They're much cooler when lit up, but it was also nice to get to enjoy them up close, and without a big crowd.

My little cowboy could have fit inside that huge pumpkin.

Halloween decorations were everywhere.

The animals all had pumpkins in their exhibits. The anteater seemed to appreciate it the most.

This morning, before the zoo, we went to a local farm for a hayride and corn maze (and delicious food that I should not have eaten). It was a cool, breezy, dry and sunny day, and so peaceful to walk among the corn stalks. The hayride was really nice and peaceful, as well. It was a busy day, but just perfect for enjoying the cooler Autumn weather.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to watch the rest of the Red Sox game. That is not peaceful at all. :)

[209/365] Depth of Field

There's a lot of beauty on the ground during this time of year.

[208/365] Welcome

I certainly felt welcome in the city of San Francisco.

But it was nice to be welcomed back into New England this morning. Even despite the frigid temperatures (in the 30s when we landed).

[207/365] Dark

After training today, I took a quick walk across the street to the piers before it got dark (see what I did there with the theme?). It seemed that everyone was there to either fish, run, or take photos. Of course, I was in the last group.

Did you know the Great Pumpkin is from San Francisco? Josh is going to be excited when I show him this.

Also: This pub! We ate here. Unfortunately, we could not celebrate a Red Sox win, and had to listen to some St. Louis fans cheering. Boo. At least they have good taste, and played "Sweet Caroline." And the food was excellent.

[206/365] Your Mood Today

A little foggy, especially this morning before tea,

but peaceful,

cheerful,

and happy (maybe a little festive?).

I'm enjoying my trip so far. I'm learning a lot in training, and tonight I got to hang out with three of my cousins who live in this area, two of whom I have not seen in 24 years. And there's no better way to celebrate hanging out with your Ortiz cousins than in a Mexican restaurant with an excellent burrito and delicious glass of sangria, while watching Big Papi hit a home run and the Red Sox win Game 1 of the World Series. Well, for me, at least. I'm also getting some much-needed quiet time and rest, without a little guy attached to my hip. I love him dearly and miss him, but a little break and change of scenery was just what I needed.

Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra on this (Not So) Wordless Wednesday.

[205/365] Change

Location change! My flight chased the sunset from coast to coast yesterday evening.

[204/365] Then + Now

Then: Sunset, taken July 5, 2013

Now: Sunset, taken October 21, 2013

I somehow managed to get these lined up pretty close. It's interesting to see how far down the horizon the sun is setting now, and of course the colors are much more vivid. Maybe I'll have to stop by in the Winter, as well.

[203/365] Open

Open pumpkins (two, for Jack-O-Lanterns).

Open can of pumpkin (for making a delicious pie).

Open flowers (for the bees to eat and rest).

Open land (so we can enjoy its beauty).

[202/365] A Good Day

A soccer game, a birthday party, and a fire pit, complete with s'mores! Someone had a good day.