I’m a day late putting up my Halloween outdoor decorations.

Usually, they’re up by now.

So today I put on my Adidas basketball shorts, a hole ridden softball T-shirt and set off to hang, sort, and decorate for a holiday that will fall exactly 29 days from now. Phoebe was there, helping me dig through the boxes, admiring the spooky decor, and pondering the wonder we would create.

Phoebe (4) : Mommy! Remember last year, how I had that Cat IN. MY. ROOM? Wasn’t that cool??? *these Beast eyes*

Me: Yup. We should put those in your room again this year.

Phoebe: No. I don’t think so.

Me: Why not?

Phoebe: They were a little too mean. This year I want puppy dog eyes. That would be a great idea.

Me: Yes, that would be a great idea.  . . . . . if they sold them. Which they don’t. Plus, puppy dog eyes aren’t spooky. They’re cute. And we don’t want cute. Yuk.

Phoebe: Yeah. I guess your right. But I still want puppy dog eyes.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Uh. Oh.

I don’t know what to do.

She has to have those Beast Eyes in Her Room.

They’re the one thing that ties ALL the decor together.

All my witch accoutrements.

Cobwebs.

Giant Witch Hats. Giant Spider. Giant Centipede.

GIANT BEAST EYES.

Not small baby puppy eyes. Witches do NOT have puppies for pets! They EAT puppies. Who? Has been educating this child?

– – – – – – – – – — – – – – – – – – – –

I better get to teaching this kid the in’s and out’s of Halloween.

 I ‘m not even sure if I’ve told her that witches almost always have wreaths on their doors.

Oval ones.

Not circular. Not square. Oval!

And generally, the wreaths that adorn their homes are quite nice.

They may have a wayward snake nestled inside, or a moth building a nest, but generally they are NOT Tacky.

AND THAT’S BECAUSE

witches take their cues from nature. . . . .

The kid has a lot to learn, especially since she wants to be a witch for Halloween.

SPANISH MOSS HALLOWEEN WREATH

What You Need:

Spanish Moss ( pick your own or buy it bagged at your local craft store)

Grapevine Wreath (inexepensive- about $4)

Fake Spiders, optional

1. Gather supplies.

2. Using the moss, begin to cover the grapevine with it, by tucking it in and around the branches until the entire wreath is covered.

3.If using, hot glue spiders onto the wreath. Hang!