Halloween at the Scotts

Yesterday, my sister texted a photo of my mom in her hospital bed (currently in their dining room), wearing a short, curly, neon-pink wig. She’s laughing like she used to: her face all scrunched up, eyes furrowed, a big, toothy smile, looking as though she could just as likely be crying. She’s always loved Halloween, getting dressed up, making costumes, giving out candy, carving pumpkins with us, and later, with her students. When she was pregnant with me and just about to burst, she made herself into a tipi. Once she and my father became a Chinese dragon. Can’t remember if she was the head or tail, but I remember thinking they were beautiful. Our house (the one she and my dad still live in) was the house with dozens of lit-up pumpkins perched on the porch. Ours was the house where all the kids in the neighborhood were sure to trick or treat; still do. She’s getting ready.

Outside my window on the 2^nd floor of our house in Corvallis, the ash trees are wine-colored. There are hints of rust and gold. They’re getting ready too.

After I took this shot, I realized the moose was a gift from my mom. He’s a Christmas ornament whose legs fell off. I like that he looks out the window too.

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May these pumpkins inspire you to light-up a few. Send pics if you do!

the first of the pumpkins a few years ago

Five of my sister Mary’s recent pumpkins. I wish I had a picture of my sister Caroline’s alligator. She picked a long green gourd then gave him an up-turned smile with very sharp teeth.

Mom on the porch in 2014. My guess is that these are post-Halloween pumpkins. They look a little rough. Mom, on the other hand, is in her element.

Happy Halloween, everybody. Have fun out there.