Fanciful and fun,  Halloween is celebrated in a myriad of means, tastefully capturing the essence and spirit. From glistening blackened pumpkins to feathery sprays of color, Halloween magic comes alive all around our home.

There is nothing that gives more assurance than a mask.  ~Colette

When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,
May luck be yours on Halloween.
~Author Unknown

Eat, drink and be scary...

What do you get when you combine 4,000 pumpkins, an 18th-century riverside landscape and Halloween? Welcome to Blaze, an awe inspiring walk-through display of hand carved illuminated jack o' lanterns designed to enchant and delight visitors of all ages. Tens of thousands of visitors can certainly attest to the magic here...

We take a trip to Van Cortlandt Manor every year to meander the grounds, spying old favorites like the undersea aquarium and giant spider web, and get acquainted with the new 'King Kong' huge jack o' lantern exhibit. There is so much to see! This Halloween spectacle is often sold out in many of the time slots, but this year, an additional weekend was added so the spooky happening could be enjoyed even after Halloween has passed. Truly an original experience, the ambiance is enhanced with atmospheric music, sounds and special effects lighting. Here's a sampling...

With the recent passing of Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, we are reminded to live a meaningful and spirited life. He was a practical visionary and gifted man who encountered everyday as an opportunity to learn and create. One of his most memorable quotes really resounded with me, as I'm sure with many of you:

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."

Everyday presents obstacles and ease, both facilitating so many lessons to be learned. We move forward at our own pace, sometimes cautiously, sometimes full speed ahead. But the key is to move. Trust that the direction is correct, keeping faith in ourselves and what draws our attention. Don't worry if something doesn't get done right away... Maybe there is a reason why it was delayed, a reason that is concealed now but will make sense down the road. Just keep "connecting the dots" and eventually when you step back to see the big picture, there it will be, like magic. Everything falls into place and I firmly believe we are all exactly where we are supposed to be. Timing is so important. Sometimes that concept is hard to accept, but be still and listen to your inner voice, ready to embrace the lesson each day offers. Because when we cease to learn, we cease to live.  

Remember to create, love and learn... everyday... xoxo -Sonya