{Photo by Angie Ledbetter}
Last night was All Hallow's Eve, and I celebrated in a nontraditional, but wonderful way. My sister-in-law, a good friend and I cooked and served supper at a men's shelter where I'm on a rotating shift to help out.
What I like best about volunteering there is the kindness and genuine appreciation the men exude. I think most people must just drop the food off when it is their turn, but the best part to me is leisurely sharing the meal and conversation after everyone is served.
I'm really glad I didn't have to do the trick-or-treat thing this year. My kids are at an age where they are off at teenage parties and such, so no worries about putting together costumes, buying candy to hand out to kids (many of whom are way too old to be begging for treats), or any of that other commercial stuff. Instead, I enjoyed a nice quiet evening of interesting talk and a feeling of warmth that will last long after pumpkins have gone to mush. Tomorrow I will put aside time to remember ancestors and loved ones, and all they contributed to my family and others.
Another thing I'm grateful for today is the availability of good quotes like this:
"Have Infinite Gratitude for all things past, Infinite Service for all things present, Infinite Responsibility for all things future." ~ Huston Smith
What I like best about volunteering there is the kindness and genuine appreciation the men exude. I think most people must just drop the food off when it is their turn, but the best part to me is leisurely sharing the meal and conversation after everyone is served.
I'm really glad I didn't have to do the trick-or-treat thing this year. My kids are at an age where they are off at teenage parties and such, so no worries about putting together costumes, buying candy to hand out to kids (many of whom are way too old to be begging for treats), or any of that other commercial stuff. Instead, I enjoyed a nice quiet evening of interesting talk and a feeling of warmth that will last long after pumpkins have gone to mush. Tomorrow I will put aside time to remember ancestors and loved ones, and all they contributed to my family and others.
Another thing I'm grateful for today is the availability of good quotes like this:
"Have Infinite Gratitude for all things past, Infinite Service for all things present, Infinite Responsibility for all things future." ~ Huston Smith
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9 comments:
MA's lovely face -how nice to see it, but where are YOU in the photo????
LOL, I was the jester in costume taking the picture!
Great way to spend your Halloween.
Loved the pic!
Of course Angie's not in the picture. She's the one marshaling us together for a quick snapshot before hauling giant pots of home-cooked beef stew from the neck-braced friend (great costume, I thought, until I saw who it was and remembered her surgery. OhWell. Great time to have that neck surgery.) Angie baked dozens of corn muffins and decorated platters of costumed cup cakes--butterscotch icing with candy corn, chocolate icing with candy eyeballs, pastel icing with mysterious letters (Happy Birthday) donated by her older son.
The thinly sliced Granny Smith apples in my salad turned sickeningly red from the raspberry balsamic vinaigrette dressing I'd grabbed, but somehow that seemed appropriate. A nice time was had by all.
It truly was, Barb!
Mary Ann, it was a blast, wasn't it? Can't wait till next time to do it again. :)
such a great alternative to the usual trick or treat routine. very cool!
Twas cool, P!
Hey, give me a call and information so that I can sign up with you to volunteer at the shelter. I would love to go with you and help out.
Will do, Trudy! The more the merrier. I'm Fifth Fridays and fill-in when needed. :)
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