My 5 Good Fortunes Per My Daughter

My Daughter's Advice Will Be Heeded

Whether the fortune cookie is an American or Chinese tradition is of no consequence because we can all write our own fortunes. However, it is especially nice when someone special writes one for you. In my case, my daughter (at age 12) wrote five fortunes to inspire me.

Even though another fortune says: Advice, when most needed, is least heeded; I'm going to listen to the wisdom of mouth of this babe. It is solid and sound. 

Bey-Berk Gold-toned Fortune Cookie

1)  You have great confidence in what you're doing.

2)  You can do great things with your energy.

3)  The voice within you is appealing to many.

4)  You are not afraid of what the future has in store for you. Go forth.

5)  Sharing and being fair to others is just part of who you are. Don't ever change.

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Halloween is not traditionally linked with the Chinese fortune cookie. But in case you hadn’t noticed, traditions are made by humankind and we make them up as we go along, and change them when it’s convenient and sometimes just for fun!  Also, it's my daughter's favorite holiday.  :)

Halloween Fortune Cookies - Set of 12

Witches vs Secret Societies: Threat or Real Threat?

In Judaism, during Bible times, the practice of witchcraft was forbidden. Not just witches, but sorcerers, soothsayers, fortune-tellers (psychics), etc. Those who engaged in such activities were counted as nothing more than deceivers with evil intent. The practitioners claimed that they had supernatural powers and some sort of direct connection to the gods or God, which they did not have. Because they dared to say that they could communicate as a medium or intercessor and could convey messages to and from the Divine, knowing full well that they had no such powers or capabilities, how could their intentions have been pure and honest? There was no doubt that their aim or purpose was to defraud another person or do even worse than that. For this reason, the punishment for practicing witchcraft was severe. (That's my understanding.) 

During the first century, converts to Christianity, openly and publicly renounced the practices of witchcraft, sorcery, etc. - referred to as "curious arts" - and professed that their faith was the only power needed to overcome evil and to commune with the Creator.

Persecution of witches (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• Witchcraft: Past and Present

  
  Science? Philosophy? Religion? Exploring your religious options? Some say witchcraft is a religion. Let's explore.
  

That was then.  Today we need to focus our attention on real threats like ...

SECRET SOCEITIES. 

Related articles

• What is folk religion?(altruistico.wordpress.com)

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• Hunting for witches in the UK(skeptical-science.com)

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Decided on What to Wear for Halloween? Use Your B-Day to Decide.

Having trouble deciding on a costume to celebrate Halloween? Here's a fun exercise! Found the B-day chart below shared via Facebook by 95.7 KJR, radio station that plays Seattle's Greatest Hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s and home of Bob Rivers!  (Or the former home of Mr. Rivers.  He retired about a month ago.)  This is so fun!!  It turns out I'm a Screaming Cheerleader, which is not that far from the real me! :)

It seems that I am married a Gruesome Vampire. (Nothing could be further from the truth.)

As for my sons and daughters? Apparently, I've given birth to a:

• Gruesome Superhero, Werewolf, and Cavewoman;
• Screaming Cheerleader (yes! I have a child born on my birthday);
• Screaming Barbie;
• Chilling Prom Queen and Ghost;
• Dead Pirate and Dead Ghost (???);
• Spooky Geek; and
• Terrifying Clown.  (Halloween2016.  Clowns not allowed.)

Actually?  Out of all of these, the Spooky Geek is spot on!

* * * Need some costume ideas?

• Be a Witch! It's Tradition!
• Dress Like a Pirate
• Be an Egyptian Belly Dancer
• PopOut Dressed Like the Genie in the Bottle
• Wear this Halloween / Christmas / Masquerade Party Mask (and nothing else!) - For your husband, of course! :)

Dress up like a queen for Halloween? ~ My personal pick is this Marie Antoinette-style gown. But there are many others to choose from.

Happy Halloween! If You Could Create A Monster (Reblog)

This cool post is a reblog from my fellow blogger and friend who is participating in a writing challenge.  It's perfect for the Halloween holiday!

If You Could Create A Monster
- Rusty2rusty's Chatter

Here are my responses to the questions, if I were going to create a monster.

What Does The Monster Look Like?

My monster would have to be green. It's a throwback from that old movie “The Exorcist” where the possessed girl puked up green vomit. That scene got stuck in my brain and ever since then, that puke color green is associated with monsters. Even though it was the devil. In my mind, devil and monster are the same thing!  But SHE would also be attractive or alluring.  That way people would at first want to approach her.

How Big Is The Monster?

Really huge! Way bigger than an ordinary person because it would give the monster a sense of believing SHE is too big to be overcome. Like the American banks.  (Sorry.  Bad joke.)  That way when the humans take her down, it will be a surprise! “Yeah! That's right! Take that! Bet you didn't even see us coming!!”   :)

What Is Unique About The Monster?

The monster would have a combination of traits borrowed from the X-Men mutants (because I'm not very original).  Not sure what combination, but it would be definitely be able to morph or shape-shift.  Although because it's so big, even though it can change its shape, it still wouldn't be so easy to go run and hide.

What Does The Monster Eat?

Humans! 

Monsters who eat fruits and veggies don't scare nobody! 

Where Does It Sleep?

The monster would have to sleep some place that is either extremely cold or extremely hot, because that would make it more of a challenge for the humans to try to get rid of it while it's resting up for the next day of ravaging the human race.

What would the monsters be called?

My monsters would be called Cannibellas. Well because they're flesh-eating monsters that are also female, and they're not really that ugly or crude to look at. Sort of like the sirens in Greek mythology. They could lure people, especially men.  But because they are so huge, most men would probably run from them!! :)

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Image credits:  Disguise Men's The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Mask, One Size and Men's Deluxe Jack Skellington Costume

glitter-graphics.com

13 Halloween sitcom episodes that will have you screaming with laughter https://t.co/Zi1hHwgrmn via @mashable #HappyHalloween #holidays #entertainment #TVseries #Halloweenmarathon

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) October 11, 2019

Halloween is right around the corner, which means it's time to start planning your costume. Don't make these mistakes. "Worst celebrity Halloween costumes" - Business Insider https://t.co/tas935Bhuq #HappyHalloween #holidays #Celebrities pic.twitter.com/HL2gY2OQZn

— Treathyl Fox (@cmoneyspinner) October 11, 2019

Celebrating #Halloween? Have fun! Stay safe!
Halloween Party ~ Horror Movie Marathon https://t.co/ZqAq5TMFd2 via @virilycom #HappyHalloween #entertainment #movies #horrormovies pic.twitter.com/mgKCsLpGwV

— Treathyl Fox (@cmoneyspinner) October 11, 2019

#HappyHalloween! "If You Could Create A Monster" https://t.co/kppbnj3Zq5 (Img credits: Disguise Men's The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Mask, One Size https://t.co/Lzf5F4RC20 ; Men's Deluxe Jack Skellington Costume https://t.co/JVylwXBPvO ) #Halloweencostumes pic.twitter.com/ZxKN6tqQwd

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) October 12, 2019

A Fun Look at the History and Traditions of Halloween

It’s October and it’s time for Halloween. For this article I wanted to present a quick discussion highlighting some interesting and fun facts about the Halloween holiday; mainly, its history and the superstitious beliefs associated with it.

The History (and My History) of Halloween

I attended Catholic school and can remember that one of my teachers was very adamant about NOT celebrating the Halloween holiday. She insisted that it supported pagan practices and traditions and it was a work of the devil. I did not want to disrespectful so I did what most well-mannered and well-behaved children did when their teachers said things they did not believe or agree with. I ignored her. Hey! I just wanted a pumpkin full of candy! LOL.

But as an adult, I was a little curious about the history of Halloween. It turns out my teacher was right. It was derived from pagan customs. More specifically, it is a modification of activities associated with an ancient Celtic ritual of Samhain, which was a festival that celebrated the changing of the seasons from summer to winter. Uumm? That doesn’t exactly sound devilish.

Amanda Pagan wrote a post titled “A Brief History of Halloween”, which was published in the official blog for the New York Public Library. Her explanation of the holiday’s history is very colorful. As it is a library blog, she also provided a list of a dozen books as recommended reading if you want to know more. Halloween may have had religious import or application in the beginning but as of today, for most people (including me), the day no religious significance at all. It’s just a day set aside for apple-bobbing, eating tricks and treats, visiting haunted houses that simultaneously frighten you and make you laugh, dressing up in funny costumes, and maybe binge-watching some scary movies. Nothing more.

Halloween Superstitions

Black cats, witches, and pumpkins? Oh my! Where do all of these superstitions come from? Obviously, since the holiday is derived from a Celtic ritual, the superstitions that are prevalent to this day have Celtic roots. I personally don’t believe these superstitions, especially not the one about black cats being bad luck. Some believed black cats were witches in disguise or witches reborn or they were just witch-helpers. If you do the research you will find a lot of information pertaining to all of the folklore about black cats. You’ll find everything except the name of the person who started it!

There are numerous superstitions linked to this holiday. If you are interested in an explanation of the various beliefs about everything from bats and black cats to ghosts and spirits to spiders and trick or treat, check out this “Guide to Halloween Superstitions”.

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Fun Links of Interest:

Halloween History – How Halloween Has Traveled the Globe | SAPIENS

The History of Halloween: A timeline through the centuries | Make It Grateful

Samhain Folklore, Superstitions and Legends | Learn Religions

12 (Mostly) Spooky Halloween Superstitions | Mental Floss

Original Source

Imagine Yourself an Exotic Belly Dancer (For Halloween or Whenever!)

Suggested for "intimate" Halloween celebrations. Imagine Yourself as an Egyptian belly dancer.

Just for Halloween?  Or … maybe all year long. Why not??

Shopping for a belly dancer outfit? 

More designs and colors available, but these are my personal preferences.

Egyptian Bellydancer Set A complete set comprising of an egyptian bra & matching harem pants. Both the top & pants are decorated with coins,beads & crocheted threads.The pants have a typical bellydancer side slit with a triangular coin design in center.   Oooh-la-la!

Turkish Chiffon 3 Parallel Row Hip Scarf Beautiful chiffon hip scarf with 3 lines of coins.With crocheted thread & beadwork adding to the beauty, the scarf would go well with any bellydancer outfit.

♥ ♥ ♥

Related product:

• 
  Belly Dance For Beginners

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Best of Halloween Costume Ideas - Queen for a Day and More!

Saw a picture of Beyoncé dressed up looking like a queen holding a scepter (below) and got inspired for a Halloween costume idea.  Be a queen!

This is a Marie Antoinette-style gown. Eh!  We know her history.  Try not to think about the fact that she lost her head.  Just think of all the pretty gowns she wore.

glitter-graphics.com

* * * Other costume ideas?

• Arabian costumes.  Why not be a genie?  Remember the old comedy TV show "I Dream of Jeanie".

• Mother and Daughter Matching Witches from the Wizard of Oz.

• Mommie can be the Wicked Witch of the West.  

• Daughter can be Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

• What about an Exotic Belly Dancer?
• Stay Puft Marshmallow Man ~ Choose between the traditional Ghostbuster Marshmallow Man or a Cute and Sexy version!

Find Free Music for Halloween to Enjoy the Holiday

Looking for something you can use as background music (in addition to Michael Jackson's Thriller) that will create the spooky scary horror-full mood of the Halloween holiday? 

Royalty Free Horror Soundtracks for Download

DJ playing music at a Halloween party
© Photographer: Texelart | Agency: Dreamstime.com

glitter-graphics.com

Celebrate National Black Cat Day AND Halloween!

A Halloween celebration would be incomplete without a black cat.  

Do you think black cats are bad luck or good luck?  

Did you know that in a certain part of the world "giving a bride the gift of a black cat is thought to bring her good luck"?  

In my world, I believe a cat is just a cat, no matter what color the feline may be.  But during the Halloween season, it could be fun to dress up as a black cat!  Buy the cat mask and the rest of the outfit is left up to your imagination!  This is my way of celebrating the black cat.  😉

Venetian Masquerade Mask Luxury Sexy Black Cat Lace Mask For Fancy Dress Halloween Costume Party Girls/Women

Guide to Halloween Superstitions

Black Cats are not just for Halloween!
But black cats are perfect for Halloween! 
Agree? :)

glitter-graphics.com

Related articles

• Spate of black cat disappearances in Yorkshire village prompts fears of Halloween thefts(telegraph.co.uk)

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• Witchcraft fears in North Yorkshire village as black cats go missing(express.co.uk)

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3 Famous Ghost Ships and Their Interesting Stories

The most famous ghost ship is the Flying Dutchman, which I knew nothing about other than the fact there was a vessel by that name and there was a movie made about it, set sail in 1680 and the first time it was spotted was about 200 years later and various more sightings ever since. Sounds believable!

HUBPages Contributor Teresa Coppens tells the stories behind The Flying Dutchman and three other ships: the Mary Celeste, the Octavius, and the Caleuche.

Famous Ghost Ships

- According to legend, the Mary Celeste was found abandoned, the crew disappeared and the only trace they left behind was their last meal. An unexplained mystery to this very day. But there is no shortage of theories.

- The Octavius left London in 1761 with the goal of transporting cargo to China. The intended destination was reached but on the return voyage, the ship got stuck in the Arctic ice because the captain thought he could take a shortcut to get back to England. Discovered thirteen years later. Guess where the vessel AND the entire crew were found?

- The story of the Caleuche is a legend in Chilota mythology. There are water spirits (with cute names: Sirena Chilota, Pincoya and Picoy), a ship with a mind of its own, lost shipwrecked souls brought back to life to party with music and laughter, kidnapped fishermen who have to serve the happy people, warlocks, and sorcerers allowed to come on board but not permitted to mess with the partying passengers. The people of southern Chile may truly believe it, but unbelievers like me would say the tales are loaded with the stuff of Halloween.

• Read the interesting details.

Famous Ghost Ships

Ghost ships bring to mind vessels materializing from a fog shrouded ocean. These ships represent a number of mysterious possibilites: manifestation of a tragedy that befell the crew of a long ago vessel; vessels found floating without crew, all hands on board missing and a mysterious tale begging to explain the tragedy.

I am also a HUBPages Contributor using the pen name "cmoneyspinner1tf". My HUB tells the stories of lost ships.  Not ghost ships.  These vessels were lost but then found.

True Stories of Ships Lost at Sea

True Stories of Ships Lost at Sea

In the Walt Disney film "Shipwrecked" (1990), a young boy whose sailor-father is injured and can no longer work as a seaman. The 14-year old boy must take his father's place and work to earn money for his family. On his first voyage, the ship sinks because of a hurricane and he ends up on a jungle island.

Witchcraft and Witch Hunting : Past and Present

There was a dark period in the history of mankind when witch-hunting was the order of the day. It began with official approval from Pope Innocent VII in 1484 and continued until around the 17th century when it reached its climax in England, Scotland, and America.  That was the past.

This is the present.  It’s the 21st century. We’re all much more civilized and intelligent than those people were back then. Aren’t we? (O.o)  Nobody is going to whip us up into frenzied mania and have us pointing a finger of accusation at someone, torturing a confession out of them, and still putting them to death for being a witch!

The past is in the past. Fortunately, my only exposure to witches and witchcraft was and is wearing a costume on Halloween or watching the Wizard of Oz. These days, most people like me limit themselves to adding collectibles like the reproductions pictured below of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North to their wish list; or sitting at home and watching The Wizard of Oz on DVD or Amazon Instant Video. Can you believe it has been 75 years? The movie was released in 1939. Listening to Judy Garland sing “Over the Rainbow” never gets old. Might be a good idea to plan an afternoon or evening watching the original movie classic; the Walt Disney prequel, Oz The Great and Powerful; and The Wiz, starring Diana Ross and the late Michael Jackson.

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies!
A Triple Feature! Starts at Noon. 

BYOP! (Bring Your Own Popcorn!)

The Wizard of Oz:75th Anniversary Edition

Oz The Great and Powerful(Mila Kunis; Rachel Weisz)

The Wiz:30th Anniversary

Amazon Best Sellers in Witch & Wizard Mysteries

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