8 Halloween costume ideas, Friday the 13^th and Birthdays past…

It’s finally October and time for Halloween, or so says the Pumpkin King. (Shamelessly referencing The Nightmare Before Christmas)

To some, Friday the 13^th may be an ‘unlucky’ day. To me, Friday the 13^th of 1968, was a very auspicious day and anything other than ‘unlucky’. A very special person was born on that day…

Mommy, it was your birthday last month… and I was too caught up in emotions to write this at the time. We’re living on opposite sides of the world, and leaving you or watching you leave me, is hard for us all. I don’t want to be sad and cry all the time. So I pretend it’s not happening and I hide away. I know that you cry and you miss us. We miss you too but you will be visiting again soon and we are all looking forward to seeing you again.

Thank you for the Skype call today. It made me realise how many times you have been a room away when I needed a cuddle or a reality check. You were always that person for me. Leaving the nest has not been easy, especially when that nest was guarded so securely for the majority of my life.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME NUMBER 1: Monkey

Monkeys are adorable and would make for a wild change compared to the ordinary cat-costume.

My mother was born in the Chinese Year of the Monkey, and it just so happens to be the year for Monkeys in 2016. She is an Earth Monkey, which means that she are well-read, creative, generous and so much more. I can honestly say that she has taught me so much throughout my life, and I am thankful for all of our little moments. I aspire to be like her in various aspects of my life and I know many others who feel the same.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME NUMBER 2: Flower child

Now this one is open to some interpretation, but the peace and love movement have some appealing vintage-esque vibes going on. 

This came to mind because my mother is a Virgo and she was there to witness parts of the flower power movement. It  reminds me of her Bell Bottoms that I borrowed/inherited (they helped to envision some time-travel-voyages). Talking about horoscopes and personalities hints at our shared love for psychology and the human mind. This also makes me think about all of the music that we love to listen to and sing along with in the car. The Singstar ABBA matches must continue.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME NUMBER 3: Momma Bear

Another beautiful animal (sometimes misunderstood) but nevertheless a Halloween idea that I have yet to see in person, but would love to try.

I remember when my mom and I watched Brave together. Merida shot right into first place on my Favourite Disney Princesses List and her mother and siblings made excellent additions. The story of a Princess not finding a Prince in her Happily Ever After certainly left an impression, and it echoes with my mother’s words and lessons from my childhood. She always made sure that my sister and I grow up to be self-sufficient and not letting the words wife and mother be the only words to define us.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME NUMBER 4: Glinda the Good

This pink witch from The Wizard of Oz has been one of my fascinations for the longest time. She also makes the cliche Wicked Witch jealous of her beautiful dresses and bubbly magic. My obsession with witches in general makes this a fun costume concept.

Glinda tells Dorothy to follow the Yellow Brick Road, and my mother is always there to guide me when I feel lost. She has shown me how to make good choices and now it is my time to learn and make better decisions. All girls have to venture out into the world and find their Oz one day. Luckily, my mom is only a Skype-bubble away if I really need her advice or just to catch up on the daily-happenings when we’re both worlds apart.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME NUMBER 5: Lemur

Okay I have to admit that my obsession with animals (particularly cute and fluffy ones) is slightly excessive. Either way, a Lemur would be an out-of-the-box critter to try on for size.

Ah, this small and fuzzy one brings back so many memories of family holidays and trips. One of the most memorable moments was when a lemur licked my mom’s foot. I believe we were in Monkey Land at the time, looking at a Tortoise with three legs and making her acquaintance. The giggles that followed and the greenery will not be forgotten for a very long time. I cherish our family-getaways and they always end up being the parts of lives that we remember for years to come. My mom used this trips to make me particularly observant and conscious about cleanliness and learning how to cope away from the safety-net of home.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME NUMBER 6: Queen of Tarts

A lovely play on the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. One of the latest Tim Burton movies, Through the Looking Glass, should definitely inspire a few creative outfits for the midnight (and midday) feasts on the 31st this year.

There is one thing about the women in my family. Most of them can cook, and those that can are spectacular at it. Their food is top notch and the baked goods are out of this world. I hope it’s a gene that will kick in sometime in the near future on my part, but until then I will daydream about my mother’s cooking. This includes some more nostalgia as our major family gatherings have always been enhanced with delicious food and excellent company. I do hope that the holiday season (particularly Christmas) will be another tradition that evolves with us. It has been difficult with so many of us abroad at different times, but we will eventually settle somewhere and find a way to make the puzzle fit again.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME NUMBER 7: Baby Girl Garcia

This girl is one smart, quirky, and lovable member of the FBI on the series Criminal Minds. Her interesting outfits and smart mouth are sure to make heads turn at any party.

Garcia is one of my absolute favourite characters and she happens to be on one of the shows that my mom and I love to watch, together or apart. Garcia’s knack for solving crimes reminds me of a few secret missions that mom and I have gone on together. I’d tell you but then… you know how the saying goes *wink*.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME NUMBER 8: Minnie Mouse

Cute, classic, enough said. Disneybounding could assist in making this half of the iconic duo look chic and fashionable in a jiffy.  

Our most recent adventures included a visit to Disney World in Orlando, so naturally one of the characters had to make the list. I chose Minnie because she has been a constant in the movie world for decades, and she has appeared in quite a few places unexpectedly. Similarly, my mom has been there for my whole life and I continue to find things that lead me to her, often in the most unexpected places. Minnie is also a reminder of the very beginning of my journey. Minnie (the real mouse) was one of my first pets, and also one of my first soft toys. All the variations of Minnie in my life will be loved never forgotten.

I hope you have had a good time in South Africa and I’m looking forward to your visit next week Mommy xoxo

Lots of Love

Binx

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