Patriotic Halloween

Although it's Halloween, I have been feeling especially patriotic today. I had to register to vote in a new state (although I voted in Minnesota in the 2008 and 2012 elections) because I am now making this new state my home. I am grateful that I was able to take care of voter registration today.

In addition, I was able to catch Hamilton's America, a documentary about the process of creating and showing Hamilton the Musical, on pbs.org. My respect and gratitude for the early history of America and the people who were involved continues to be nourished.

Finally, I dressed as Nearly Headless Nick, a ghost from the Harry Potter stories, for Halloween today. In addition to my ghost make-up, I created a cheap campaigning button which read, "Nick for Headless Hunt, Sign the Petition!" I debated between that and "Granger/Lovegood 2016."

In any case, I am grateful for the most unintentionally patriotic Halloween of my life. :)

The Shot (Twang) Heard Round the World

This evening, I played a game in which I and nine other people reenacted the Battle of Lexington and Concord. This is the battle best known for "the shot heard round the world" that began the American Revolutionary War. We were assuming an alternate reality, so whatever happened, would be the "new history" in the game. One player was chosen at random, and it was determined that she was the one who fired the historic shot. The funny thing is, she was playing the part of a Native, equipped with a bow and arrow. Therefore, she instigated "the twang heard round the world." It was hilarious, and we all had great fun!

This experience gives me a newfound appreciation for the beginnings of America. Of course, Hamilton helped with that too. But, it's a new experience to live this intriguing and exciting part of history. I am grateful for "the shot heard round the world."

Prayer Will Change the Night to Day

Today, I felt really depressed, and I wasn't quite sure why. I was spending time with my family. I should be happier. As I thought about it, I determined I was weighed down by many personal concerns. I talked with my parents about it. Then, tonight, I felt the need to pray to my Heavenly Father. Like many times before, I felt spiritually strengthened and uplifted. I felt happier! I felt that everything would be okay.

Amazing what sincere prayer can do. I am grateful that, once again, a prayer to God turned by day around. 

Not a Word Game Expert

I like to think of myself as an expert in the English language. I am not the expert, just someone who knows a little more about language.

I also like to think of myself as a lover of games. So, it may surprise some people that I'm not the best at Scrabble, or Boggle, or other similar word games. I even played Balderdash with my family tonight and didn't win (although I was tied for second place with my dad, who is an English teacher). Interestingly, I find such trivial losses a little humbling and enlightening, because I encounter new words or other quirks about the English language. So, I am grateful that I'm not the best at word games, because I continue to learn how great and hilarious my language is.

Trunk or Treat

Growing up, my siblings and I looked forward to not just trick-or-treating, but also trunk-or-treating. This event happens when people show up with decorated cars and candy to offer to the other families that come. It is trick-or-treating from car to car on a parking lot. It's always a fun community event!

I hadn't been to one in years, so I was very happy to attend one tonight. I didn't have a car, so it wasn't obvious to most kids that I offered candy like everyone else did. Nevertheless, it was so fun to just watch the people, the kids, the families, having a great time. I am grateful for trunk-or-treating!

A Blessing of Healing, on the Bus

I jogged this morning to catch the bus on time. As I waited at the bus stop, I felt very sick. I wondered if I would throw up, and I didn't know why. I hadn't eaten anything yet (I take breakfast at work), and I felt fine just half an hour before. Not knowing what to do, I got on the bus, light-headed, hopeful that I would get better before I arrived at work.

As is my habit, I took out my phone to read from the Book of Mormon. I decided to say a silent prayer beforehand. As I focused on reading the scriptures, I felt better. It was during that time that the sickening feeling I had slowly went away. I've felt fine ever since.

I thanked God in prayer, because I believe all good things, all happy circumstances, are blessings from God. Today, I don't know how I felt sick or why I felt better soon afterwards, but it was a moment of physical and spiritual healing for me. I am very grateful for a small and simple blessing of healing this morning.

Over the Garden Wall

Today, someone showed me something wonderful, cute, and clever: Cartoon Network's miniseries Under the Garden Wall.

I saw the first three episodes today, and I instantly fell in love with it! This is the perfect time to watch it, too! Two young boys lost in the woods, encountering every trope from every American Gothic legend. I've never gotten into Cartoon Network's shows, except this one! I'm going to watch all ten episodes when I can! Each episode is only ten minutes long so watching them all is basically a short film!

I never try to make my posts sound like advertisements. It's just that I was so struck and infatuated by this clever series. It's funny, meant for kids and adults (like Disney movies are), it's delightful, and it provokes a few thoughts. I am grateful for Cartoon Network's great work with Over the Garden Wall.