Eat, Pray, Love

Italy

India


Indonesia

Book Review

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia
By Elizabeth Gilbert


I really enjoyed this book. This book was recommended to me by my friend Michelle. The story is very telling, and honest. It is a non-fictional story about a woman who goes through a bad divorce, a sad break-up, and a horrible depression. Needless to say, I could relate to this woman, I myself have been through a sad break-up, and a couple of times of horrible depression in my life. This book said what I myself have always thought. To count on yourself. To tell yourself that you will be ok, to tell yourself that you love YOU. Yes, to have someone else tell you everything will be ok, and to have someone else tell you that they love you is wonderful, and as human beings we do need that, but sometimes we don't have what it is that we need. And all we have are ourselves, and we all need our own self. I think a lot of times, we lose that. More times than not, I know to count on myself.

The main difference between me and this woman-well their are a couple of things. She makes friends super easy. I do not have that gift. I can't go and strike up a conversation with someone, and create a friendship. I wish I had that characteristic, but I don't. I also didn't have the pleasure of traveling to different parts of the world going through the deep depressions in my life.


The first time I went through a depression was in HS. I was always an average student, and nothing I felt was ever good enough for my Dad. I love my Dad and I always have, but in HS I didn't like my Dad. We didn't talk, I had a huge fear of him, and I never heard "good job" or "I'm proud of you" from him. This was horrible for me. My Mom gave me all of the love in the world and all of the "I'm proud of you"'s in the world, but I didn't get that from my Dad, and that is where I really wanted it from. In HS, we all went to separate counseling and basically I was told that I have to live my life without that acceptance from my Dad. That yes, he loves me, but if I want to make myself happy I have to do that myself. I suppose that is where I began becoming so dependent on myself. Later in life (in November 2002, 4months after I moved to Denver) my Dad wrote me letter, tell me he is proud of me, and how he wouldn't have been able to do what I did-move to a place where I know no one, and move by myself. Every since my Dad and I have a much better relationship.


The second go round was with my break up with Aaron. I was all alone. It was horrible. Aaron and I were very touchy feely couple, and when we broke up I had no physical touch for months at a time. I started seeing a counselor and was put on Lexapro. This helped a lot, and like Elizabeth(in the book), even though I didn't want to go on any medication, in the end it helped, and it helped me get out of my depression. With Aaron out of my life, I felt all of my options were endless. I had the feeling that I could do anything, go anywhere in the world. That feeling, although freeing is also very very scary. What did I do? I bought a house. Elizabeth, she got to travel.


I loved reading the stories of her travels in this book. I love to travel, go to different places. This woman literally went to 3 different corners of the earth. How cool is that? On top of that she had 3 completely different experiences.


I would highly recommend this book!


While writing this I decided to google Italy, India, and Indonesia, and wanted to share these pictures from each place! Who wants to plan a trip?!

Thanksgiving Past

Thanksgiving is near, and I find myself thinking of what I enjoy about this holiday. I am truly thankful for so many things. One of which is my family. I am an only child, but have a very large extended family that I try to stay in touch with. My mother is one of eight kids(although sadly only 7 are living). I have 7 cousin's that I try to keep in touch with. For some reason I'm much better at keeping up my relationships with my girl cousins, than the guys. Sorry Greg, Brad, and Kyle! One of my closest friends is Kari, who is my cousin. Along with being a great friend, I also have a great relationship with her 2 kids,Riley and Aidan. Right now I have 3 2nd cousins, and one on the way! Growing up in Albuquerque I was very lucky because all but 2 of the aunt's and uncle's live in Albuquerque. One family is in Rhode Island, and the other is Seattle. We would always have a huge Thanksgiving dinner, with everyone over. For my younger years we always alternated houses. I loved this. I always wanted everyone over at my house, but it was seldom at my parents. Later on Thanksgiving seems to always be at my Aunt Kathleen's, followed by Christmas at Aunt Patti's. For awhile we had New Year's Eve at my parents. Right now all of us cousin's are growing up and creating our own little families. Kari moved away to Seattle shortly after she got married, but is now back in NM. Charlene is in Rhode Island, I am the God-Mother of her daughter Katherine who will be 2 in January, and is expecting a little brother or sister in April 2009. Greg went to school in Las Cruces, Texas, and is now in Tucson, AZ. I moved to Denver in 2002. Nikki lives with her husband in College Station, TX. Brad is in Albuquerque, but would like to move to San Diego. Cheryl, is going to school is Las Cruces. And lastly Kyle is living in the dorms at UNM in Albuquerque. So we are all over the place. Now were all separated. I honestly can't remember the last time all of us were together for Thanksgiving. Just for myself out of the past 7 Thanksgiving's(this one included) I've only been home for 2. Last year I went home for Thanksgiving, but everyone was doing their own thing. So even though I shared it with some family, I wasn't with all of my family. For the most part a lot of families like to do their own thing. And I suppose if I did have my own family(husband and kids) I might want do my own thing too. But I don't think so. I truly think that if I had my own family that I would want my kids to be around everyone that I grew up around. I personally stay in touch with my family because I want them in my life. I want that relationship. I hope that when the day comes(a very very long time from now) that when all is left are us cousin's, that we will stay close and have family dinners around the holiday's like how we used to. I really want that for my future, even if I don't have kids. Specifically if I don't have kids. That is the one thing that really sucks about being an only child, you are alone. I am thankful for my relationship with my girl cousin's, they are amazing, and in my own way my very own sister's. I hope all of you have a lovely and blessed Thanksgiving!

The Stanley Hotel

Mom and I

The Stanley Hotel at night (at the top is where the bell tower is)

The "Red Rum" hall way on the 4th floor

Mrs. Wilson's Room

The corridor of Mrs. Wilson's Room

My mother was in town this past weekend. She was here for the Celine Dion concert, which sadly got postponed to the end of February. My mom was really disappointed, but as she put it, she "got over it." She decided to get a refund for the tickets, that my dad bought us last December. My mother and I have seen Celine in concert twice before, so I myself wasn't overly disappointed. Even though there was no concert, her visit was lots of fun and very relaxing. We had some great dinners, and conversations. Plus some shopping and a couple of trips to the gym. My gym is absolutely amazing. I love it. My Mom loves it, and this week my Dad will check it out too. The main event of our trip came on Thursday when we drove up to Estes Park, CO. It is about an hour drive northwest of where I live. We had beautiful fog driving into Estes as well as frost on the tree's that added a nice Holiday touch. We did a Ghost Tour of the Stanley Hotel. This hotel was the inspiration of Stephen King's "The Shining". Their are many many stories about this Haunted hotel. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley came to Colorado in the late 1890's, and Mr. Stanley built the hotel so his wife would make friends, and be able to entertain. The hotel opened in the Summer of 1909. This coming summer the hotel is celebrating 100 years. A lot of what is in the hotel is the original. The tour was amazing and the pieces of history are priceless. Room 217 is the most famous, and we were lucky enough to go into the room. Mrs. Nelson, which was a room keeper for Mr. Stanley had an accident in room 217, and the room basically exploded. Mrs. Nelson survived the accident but later did pass away, and she is known to stay in room 217. The 4th floor is the floor with the most ghostly activity. Back in the day, the 4th floor was where all the kids and nannies stayed, while the adults would be socializing. Atop the 4th floor is a bell tower that doesn't work. As my mom put it, "it doesn't have a dong." (that sounds so horrible, it is funny!) After the tour my mom and I stayed around awhile and hung out at the hotel. After awhile we did leave, upon leaving we heard the bell tower go off. It was beautiful. ...many many guests say they hear the bell tower, even though there is no way for the bell tower to make any noise. It was very cool.

Weekend a la Crystal

The chocolate "mask"

This past weekend an old friend was in town. My friend Crystal from High School. We had a lovely time, and thankfully have a lot in common. We are both very open and honest, and can having racy conversations all while laughing and having a good time. The main event was Friday night, for the New Kids on the Block concert. For a lot of girls my age, NKOTB was the first concert they went to. I remember when NKOTB performed at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, it was a huge deal. I vaguely remember wanting to go, but I didn't go. Crystal was kind enough to send me their newest CD's. So I was able to get caught up on the band, and their music. I have to say I enjoyed the new music. And I really enjoyed this concert. I really love going to concerts. I haven't danced so much at a concert in a very long time. The concert openers was Lady Gaga and Natasha Bedingfield. I enjoyed Natasha Bedingfield.

Crystal and I

Natasha Bedingfield NKOTB

The finished product





The next day was our Chocolate Decadence Pedicure. This was lovely. So relaxing and well deserved. We got hot chocolate served, soft feet, and cute toes! That night we went out dancing with my friend Ginny. It was a great time. We went to this dive bar on my side of town, that I have never heard of. And we walked into the door we immediately got hit on. It was crazy. Ginny's married, Crystal's spoken for with a live in boyfriend, and well I don't really attract guys. At least 3 different guys went up to Ginny just to tell her she was "so beautiful". And Crystal had guys coming up to her too.

The weekend was so much fun. And now I'm getting ready for my Mother, who arrives tomorrow!

Hotel April

One thing in this life I think we all want to feel is wanted and needed. I for one, enjoy feeling wanted and needed. These feelings however are very seldom for me. I don't have kids to nurture or take care of, and I don't have a husband who needs my love. So when I do get this feeling I cherish it and enjoy it. For the next 3 weekends I will have house guests! I love having people over at my house. For a few reasons. I really like my house, so I enjoy other people seeing my house. I enjoy making people feel welcome and at home. I have a pet peeve about not being comfortable when I go into someones home. I've felt that feeling before, and it is just uncomfortable. I try to make my house warm and welcoming, and let my guests know that they can do whatever they would like, as long as they are comfortable. Lastly, I think I am good host. I try my best to make sure my house is clean when they arrive, and appreciate their company.
Yesterday I picked up Crystal. Crystal is a girl I went to high school with, and we reconnected via MySpace. Before last night we hadn't seen each other since HS(over 10 years ago), so for this specific guest I tried to really make her feel welcome. We welcomed each other with a nice warm hug, which I think set the tone for what will be the rest of the weekend. We had dinner last night with her cousin, and then stayed up talking until I had to go to bed. Tonight we are going to the New Kids on the Block. I can't say I'm overly excited about this concert, but I know it will be a good time. Crystal is in radio, and enjoys going to concerts, so for this I'm excited. Then Saturday we are going to get chocolate pedicure! How amazing does that sound!?
Next weekend my Mom will be here for Celine Dion concert. I'm excited to have my Mom here. Her visits are always so relaxed, and she enjoys me planing day trips and outings. I appreciate that!
Then the following weekend both of my parents will be here for Thanksgiving. This will be the first time they are both up here during the Winter. I know my Dad is fearful about coming up here in the winter because of the snow, which I think is kinda funny. We are going out for Thanksgiving dinner. I don't want to cook a whole big feast for 3 people.
So for a few weeks I will have what I will call: Hotel April going on in my house! I plan on enjoying every minute of it!

Lia Sophia

This picture doesn't do the necklace justice. It is beautiful and instantly dresses up any outfit!

I love this ring! Very different.
and the bracelet is reversible!

My friend Emily blogged about Lia Sophia, and I was immediately interested. My friend Tina told me this summer while I was visiting her in Florida said she really likes jewelry because it is an easy way to dress up an outfit. I've always been a jewelry person. But more like an expensive jewelry type of jewelry person. Until I started finding pieces that aren't so expensive, but look nice. And with my new job, adding a piece of jewelry makes me feel more professional. I've always liked different jewelry. Lia Sophia is a type of jewelry line. I was able to go to the website and have the Lia Sophia girl in the Denver area come by my house where I picked out a few pieces. One of the awesome things about this jewelry is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Anything happens to the jewelry you get it replaced. Check it out! And enjoy!

Ginny's Bday!

Me & Ginny

Carlos, Rina, Frank, Liz, Ginny, and Gina

Hardly ever do I drink anymore. Hardly ever to I really drink, anymore. I seriously can't remember the last time I drank as much as I did Friday night. It was my friend Ginny's birthday, and she went all out. Last year for her birthday she was pregnant, so obviously couldn't really do much in the way of partying and drinking. So she made up for it this year! We went to Club Beta, which used to be Club Rise. She got a VIP area with bottle service, and even a limo! She was contemplating not doing the limo because of the price, when I told her-you don't have to pay for everything. Have people who ride in the limo help pay for it. Which is what she did, and so well worth it! It was very exciting to me, this was only the 3rd time I had ever been in a limo. The limo driver had 2 rules for us: 1-If we are going to get sick, get sick in the glasses. 2-Don't open the doors. Let the driver get out and open the doors. Before we headed downtown we stopped at a liquor store and bought some champagne to drink on the way down. I was already on a very empty stomach, but didn't really care because I was looking forward to this night for a while, and not having to worry about anyone driving home. ....that is my usual worry on a night like Friday night. I usually end up being the DD. Which is fine, but I was much more relaxed since I didn't have to think about it. Friday night was one of those nights, that just flew by. We got to the club right at 10pm, and it was empty. We go upstairs to our special VIP area, I immediately have 2 shots, and a few drinks after that! I we went down to the dance floor a couple of times, and had a great time dancing. At one point in the evening I spoke to Carlos-my crush. I tell him "I'm going to tell you this because I'm drunk, and I can act like I have forgotten I told you this, but I won't forget. I have a crush on you..." He didn't really respond the way I wanted. And nothing is going to happen. I can tell you that much. We talked a lot that night, which was really nice. Carlos is a great guy, and if know me, you know it is a big deal for me to have a crush on someone. He told me to be patient. I don't really know what that means, but whatever. Before I knew it Ginny was going around saying we were going to be heading back to the limo. In my head I was thinking-Really? We just got here. But sure enough it was 1am. We head back to Ginny's house. The hood on Frank's car got egged, so I helped him clean that up. I changed into more comfortable clothes, and Carlos, Ginny, and I stayed up talking until about 3:30am. I slept on Ginny's living room floor. Got up at 7am, and drove home to sleep in my own bed. I slept until about 11am Saturday morning, and almost all day Saturday I didn't feel to good. I was telling myself over and over "I'm never going to drink again." Of course I was lying, because I know I will drink again. But I swear I was probably 22 the last time I told myself that. Then I was thinking to myself that I used to do this 2 or 3 nights in a row! How crazy is that! The good news is that even though I didn't feel good, I still went to the gym! Speaking of....tonight will be the last night I work out a Bally's! Lifetime Fitness opens on Tuesday! I can't wait!

My Golden Rule

First I have to say I love coming into work Monday mornings with new blogs to read! I'm usually blogless on the weekends, and it's great catching up on my friends first thing during the week. It was like I shared part of the weekend with you! Thanks!

I have a few things to write about, specifically things that happened this weekend. But that will come a little later. First I have to write about riding on the bus. The bus I ride to/from work is a big bus, not too sure how many people can fit on the bus with a seat(I've thought about counting before, but never have) but I know it is a lot. And of course when you are sitting so close to someone it is tight, specifically now that colder weather is coming, and people are wearing their big winter coats.

In general I have a rule I like to follow within my life: Treat others how you want to be treated. In my opinion it is simple, but a lot of people make it very complicated. Which is just really frustrating to me. Although sometimes I think this rule can make me insensitive. I don't offer things unless I truly am ready to give. I have a ton of examples of this, but I'm trying to think of how to say what I want to say. I'm going to keep it simple. For example, you are invited to a party, you RSVP that you'll go. Then you don't go. Now, I understand last minute things come up, specifically if you have kids etc... For me, if I wasn't going, or wasn't planning on going, I just would RSVP no, I can't go. It just frustrates me when people say they will do something, and then don't do it. The way I think this makes me insensitive is because I don't offer things, just to offer them. Like helping someone set up for a party, helping someone move etc.... Now, keep in mind I DO offer when I plan on someone taking me up on my offer. I just don't offer for the sake of offering. Does that make sense? More times than not I notice that is what people do. They just offer, just to offer. And then when you ask them for their help they don't help. Then why did you offer in the first place?!

Moving on. This morning as I got onto a already packed bus their was a seat next to this man. I sat next to him just to find he was pretty much hogging both seats. He had his legs spread open like all his manliness couldn't just take his right leg and bring it closer to his left leg, so that I could possibly have a little bit more room. But noooooooooo. I'm pretty sure this is the second time I've sat next to this man. And it is just so frustrating. I'm seating their with pretty much half of my body out of the seat, with people walking by me going towards the back of the bus hitting me with all of their stuff. How rude of this man, to take up 3/4 of this small space and to literally keep me hanging. I couldn't help but think, would this man want to sit down next to someone who was taking up majority of the seat, when they don't have to be, sit down and make the person next to you uncomfortable for the 40 minute bus ride downtown? No, he wouldn't want that, so why he is putting me through that. My Golden Rule: Treat others as you want to be treated. It wasn't until we got downtown that he decided to move his leg a little big closer to his other let. And really by that time, what's the point. I'm getting off of the bus in 5 minutes. Really? I just found it frustrating.

That is my lesson for today.

Life Blogger!

My friend Emily gives me a lot of ideas on what to blog about. I stole this from her. My life itself is pretty much an open book. I will most likely tell you anything if you ask, along with all of the details. ...Or even if you don't. My friend Tressa knows this very well, by just our lunch date we just had! She knows what I mean. ;) I think I like to talk about what's going on in my life because it makes me feel like I have a life. Because by the everyday type of life people have, I really don't have a life. But I do, do make myself look like I have a life. It's a good talent to have!, and I think I'm pretty good at it! I could be guilty in my "over-sharing" but a lot of things I think about over-sharing are X rated, and well I don't think that is appropriate. So I just keep that to myself, and share those stories in person, with the friends I think would like to hear them.
Happy Friday Everyone!

You Are a Life Blogger!

Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary. If it happens, you blog it. And you make it as entertaining as possible. You may be guilty of over-sharing a bit on your blog, but you can't help it. Your life is truly an open book. Or in this case, an open blog!

What Kind of Blogger Are You?

Proposition 8

I'm really sick of all the heavy political talk, but I have to talk about this. Once I have my rant, I promise to not have political talk for awhile.

My main question is: What is the big deal? Who cares if gays can get married? I grew up in a Catholic home. Both of my parents are very religious and are practicing Catholics to this day. Me, not so much. I have my own very special relationship with God. I do go to church, but very rarely. And a couple of years ago when I was going through a horrible depression I went every Sunday to a Catholic church that I found, and liked. I've always been a very open minded person. And I don't understand the ban of gay marriage. Why are we crossing church and state? I know that it says in the bible that marriage is meant for a man and a woman. It also says in the bible to not have sex before marriage. Well I can tell you that, that ain't happening! But do they try to ban that? NO~because it would be something that the law really wouldn't be able to enforce. So why stop 2 people who love each other from getting married? I just think it is very narrow minded. I think once we get past the fact that this is a huge reality in our life, years from now we'll look back on this, like we look back on women not being able to vote. Like, "we tried to stop that from happening? why? what was the point?" We gave women the right to vote, and to have a voice. we let black people go where white people were always allowed to go~sit anywhere on a public bus, share the same bathrooms etc... But we can't get 2 people who love each other, who want to spend the rest of their lives together be married?! It is hard to find love, and I believe when you do find that love you want it to be official, you want it to be legal. I can't help but think that if 20 years ago we asked people "What do you think will happen first? Gay people being able to legally wed? Or a black man becoming president?" I can't help but think the answer would be gay people allowing to get married. Because I think for a long time(and I think this still goes on in some people's heads) our vision of a stereotypical black man, is a man that do no good. Now let me say that I myself have never thought this, and lets be honest, I like me a black man every once in awhile. But our country somehow as gotten this stereotype in a lot of people's head. And now we have a black man running our country?! Who would have thought. We elected a black man to be our voice. But we can't let 2 women, or 2 men that we don't know, that we will probably never know, get married. Because some people think it is wrong. Why should what some people believe stop other people doing something that they believe. Some people(obviously) will never believe in gay marriage, but why should that stop people who don't believe that from being with the person they love. What did they ever do to you? And who are you to take that away from them?! I just don't get it. I really don't. Times are obviously changing, and this is just part of the course. I believe that eventually gay marriage will be legal, I just don't see why it should be later, when it could have been now.

History in the Making

I feel blessed. I feel overwhelmed. I feel overjoyed. We have a different president for the first time in eight years. President Elect Barack Obama. It is amazing. I've been on the verge of tears for the past 2 days now. With craziness going on at work, and this announcement pushed me over the edge. This is what history feels like. I remember feeling like this on 9/11, but of course this is a completely different kind of energy. I almost can't believe it. What an amazing Nation we live in. To see such change in a matter of moments. Let the ride begin. Colorado is a blue state, when the last two elections it was red. I have finally cried, and I know I will cry more when I hear Barack speak at Grant Park in Chicago. I haven't completely let go, and I doubt that I will. I think anyone is crazy for wanting to be president at a time like this, but to be president at a time like this, I think that person needs to be a little bit crazy. I think Barack will ask the right questions, and do what needs to be done to get the right answers accomplished. Seeing this on this night, I wish I had someone to share it with. Someone to celebrate with. I'm getting sick of being alone. It would mean so much to share this, hug someone, watch the TV. See this history in the making. I didn't think it would happen this fast. I seriously didn't think they would be able to announce the president elect tonight. So here is to the 44th President of the United States of America.

Halloween Pics

Me being artsy

Becca's decorations~this was on the fridge.

How cool is that Mummy?!

Becca & I

Heather, me, and Sharon

Ginny & I

Mark, me, Ginny, & Frank

My Halloween weekend was lots of fun. Last night I went to a co-worker/friend's party. She went all out! She had awesome decorations everywhere, had a great drink selection, and even had it catered! The food, atmosphere, and company was all wonderful and appreciated. I got to see a lot of old co-workers which was great. And my costume was a big hit! I was super nervous about my make-up. I really don't like make-up and I really don't know how to put it on. But I did some research(youtube is amazing!) and found how to apply 1920's makeup. ...Basically lots of it, and get a dark color. So that is what I did, and everyone says it looked good. And for Nikki and Emily-no I didn't smoke! I never have nor will I ever smoke.

More pics coming soon to myspace/facebook.

Late Nights & What going to the Gym Should Be

This is two blogs in one.

I am a night person, always have been, and on some level will probably always will be. What is frustrating about being a night person is that people think that you can't wake up early. This is a myth of us late night folk-just thought I would let you know. Back when I was 21-22 I had a many late nights. I was working until 1am, and what seemed like going out every night with my friend Shaun. I was working full time and when I look back at that time of my life I don't remember working. ...how cool is that?! We would stay up late playing Rummy, talking at Village Inn, or at his place, at some random house party, at the casino playing black jack playing until we would win enough to go to the breakfast buffet. I remember getting home anywhere between 3am to 5am many many times. It was so much fun. Well I had a night like that last night. It reminding me of good times, and to be thankful for my growing friendship with Ginny. Friday I went with her to get her hair cut. Ginny has beautiful hair, and she chopped off 15 inches! ...it is still beautiful. Then Friday night we to a Halloween party. It was a party thrown by some of Frank's friends from HS. (Frank is Ginny's husband.) And well their was some drama at this party, and really not a lot of fun. We only stayed for about an hour. Afterwards we drove to my house so I could change into some comfy clothes. We also brought over to Ginny's house some champagne and vodka from my house. Alcohol stays in my house forever. I still have some cider that Michelle bought for my house-warming party in June 2006! This champagne was super good! ...I believe the champagne was a house-warming gift from that same party! After the change we went back to Frank and Ginny's house with the alcohol. Carlos was there. He didn't actually go to the party, he ended up having his son, so he stayed at Frank and Ginny's house to watch their little girl Alycia, and his son. Anyways we all hung out and talked. It was good quality fun, with great friends. I stayed until a little after 3am, and didn't get home and in bed until 3:30am. Good times.

So I went to the gym today(Saturday). I have November off to a good start! After my 45 minutes of cardio I go into the bathroom to wipe my face off of all the gross sweat. Well when I did that today and I was heading back out to do my arms, this woman talks to me and says "You were going really fast on your machine. I was right next to you. You must be really young." Her comment made my day! And made me so thankful I found the motivation to go to the gym. We chatted for a while and she told me a couple of more times how impressed she was about how fast I was going. While I was doing my arms I was thinking about our conversation, and I thought "This is what going to the gym should be." Your neighbors should motivate you. At Ballys majority of the time the person next team seems to be going slow or talking on the cell phone(that happened today) or looking behind themselves. Or just there-not really working out, but being at the gym just to be at the gym. ...who in the world would go to a gym just to be at the gym?! Having the conversation with this woman get me excited for the new gym that is opening soon. Because I picture being motivated all the time, how this woman was motivated by me. Countdown update: 10 days until Lifetime Fitness opens!

Stayed toned: coming soon Halloween pics!