Another Halloween is upon us, and I thought this might be a good opportunity to reminisce about Halloween from my childhood – essentially the 1970s. Why? Because there’s a lot of kids who don’t really get the Trick-or-Treat experience that I did as a kid, and it seems like it would be a good idea to at least familiarize them with the holiday in a bygone era.
Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be one of those “Your Halloween is awful, it was great back in my day” rants. In many ways, it sucked compared to today. But we’re talking about a ‘holiday’ wherein as a child you get free candy from neighbors. That’s not ever going to suck too bad. But things were a little different back then.
Also, geography may play a role in my experiences and those of others. I’m sure the treats (and tricks) of those in the Northeast are going to vary quite a bit from mine in the Midwest. My childhood is from a smallish farmer town in Southern Illinois, so your mileage may vary.
(picture worth it just for the car. Is that a Chevy Vega? Jeeze, I think it is!)
First – The Treats
Compared to today’s offerings, I seem to recall we had a lot less variety back then. But I do clearly recall that one of the very BEST treats you could get was the Caramel Popcorn Ball. If you got one of these wrapped, even better! But I’m quite sure that they were sometimes dropped ‘naked’ into my bag (usually a pillowcase and we didn’t mind a bit).
The worst, (and this is definitely subjective but…) was the Bit O’ Honey. Now maybe there’s some real Bit O’ Honey aficionados out there, but as subjective as this is, it at least covers all of my siblings. By the week after Halloween, this was about all that was left in any of our bags.
Well, there is one thing worse, but our neighbors knew better than to includ this monstrosity. Black licorice is the worst. The ultimate worst that can still be called candy at all. It is known.
Oddly enough, apples were NOT the worst thing ever. Caramel apples were actually pretty good, even if we just ate the caramel. I seem to recall giving out a lot of apples (not caramel) at Halloween too as a kid. I feel kinda bad because I’m fairly sure that by the end of the night the ones with the nasty bruises and worm holes were all that were left. I never said WE gave out the good stuff.
In the middle were the standard chocolate Hersheys, the hard-as-a-rock Sweet Tarts (Smartees were just a gleam in some candy executives eyes), and maybe Pixie Straws. If it sounds like I’m complaining about Sweet Tarts, believe me, I’m NOT. Possibly the best candy ever was those huge giant Sweet Tarts that were hard as a rock but you’d eventually suck them down to reasonable size. I think all Sweet Tarts have now been softened to the point that they don’t break your teeth, but alas there’s something missing when there’s no dental threat in them any more. Spree was an alternative, and they were okay, but Sweet Tarts ruled the roost. Sorry youngsters, but these are not it. I couldn’t even find an image for the Real Thing.
In between there was the Tootsie Rolls of course, or the more maddening Tootsie Pops that you’d have to work your way down to the Tootsie Roll in the center, that was the only real reason you’d put one of them in your mouth anyway. M&Ms were ubiquitous, but I don’t think they made Peanut M&Ms for years yet when I was a kid.
SECOND – The Tricks
Really, unless you were a really evil child, there were only 2 tricks ever played. And even then it had absolutely nothing to do with what you got at the door. Either you threw toilet paper over trees or the really brave would soap the windows.
If you REALLY REALLY didn’t like someone you would use paraffin (because its harder to get off the windows). ‘Egging’ someone’s car really wasn’t a traditional Trick or Treat thing. That was just malicious and could happen anytime. There were tales of the Dog Shit in a Bag trick, but I think that was more an urban myth than reality. It goes something like this. First, put a lot of dog poop in a brown paper bag. Next, set it on a neighbor’s porch and light it on fire. Third, ring the doorbell. Fourth, run like hell.
In theory, said homeowner will come out, see the small fire, and stomp on it to put it out, getting liberally coated in dog poo in the meantime.
Again, that’s a little mean for the kids in our neighborhood though. It sounds fun, but in reality I don’t know that it ever happened.
THIRD – The Costumes
I would say on the order of 50% of all costumes were home-made. And usually with dad’s throwaways. Being a ‘bum’ was very very common. The really well-to-do might have some ‘vampire blood’ and fangs they could put on and in their mouths. If you had an actual store-bought costume it was just a mask. A mask over your face. Fastened with an elastic band not much more than a rubberband. Hard plastic. An over-the-head mask would be the height of extravagance. More likely if you have full over-the-head mask, you made it yourself with papier-mache, it was hot as hell and weighed a ton, not to mention losing the eyeholes all the time. Odds were you took it off after the first two houses.
‘It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown’ is pretty accurate as to the number of kids in sheets with eye-holes cut out too. (though only 1 pair typically). Actually that show is pretty accurate in a lot of ways, though I never got a rock. I’m sure Halloween parties actually HAPPENED, but I never went to one as I recall. But that’s okay – there’s more free candy to be had, who wants to waste their time bobbing for apples?
TIME TO GO HOME – On Halloween?!
I don’t remember how late I stayed out on Halloween. But pretty damn late. Going home before EVERY SINGLE HOUSE was tried was practically mandatory in my particular subdivision. There were a few that didn’t give out candy, but very very few. I don’t recall having any animosity towards them though. There were so many more houses to go to, I think we appreciated that they left their house dark so we wouldn’t waste time with them. But I’m quite certain we often didn’t get back home till after midnight – and I think I was no more than 11 or 12 even then. Parent’s didn’t mind – since everyone else was out too, it wasn’t that big of a deal. (But we DID have to go back to school the next day.)
Even then though, there were the rumors of Razors in the Apples. Never saw or heard credible evidence of any tampering with any candy, but then we weren’t Internet Connected so it was all just rumor. Didn’t matter to me – I just peeled the caramel off the apples and threw the rest away anyway. 🙂
That’s it. Happy Halloween! Have a fun time. And good luck if you get some…
I made that blog specifically for Slutcat because I have other things to post in bdnsfw.tumblr.com. I know, I confused everyone as I first pointed them to bdnsfw, now I’m pointing to slutcatandsworddog. I promise I won’t move it again!
I do LOTS of Skyrim screenshots there besides straight text, and yes, it’s lewd. Not porn but… it’s a naked Khajiit basically. What would you expect? This image is actually a relatively safe one, but you might as well know what you’re getting into if you go there:
I just wanted to clarify for anyone looking for it that http://slutcatandsworddog.tumblr.com is where I’m continuing it at. Here’s the archive link so you can kinda follow it in-order properly and easily.
Well, screw the survey, I’ve already decided where to go. But I’m not at ALL sure this will stay SFW enough to post here. In fact, I’m not sure even the first chapter is SFW enough to post here. So I put it THERE:
All based on FurNut’s terribly-cute image. I’m in the process of installing Skyrim Special Edition for this, and I’ll probably be posting screenshots from it as illustrations. This will DEFINITELY be a long one. It might even end up being a complete playthrough of Skyrim as Slutcat. But if you liked this first one, expect more of the same! If not, expect more of the same.
It’ll be fun to see if I can figure out a way to put swords on a dog in Skyrim like this. But if not, I’ll ignore it.
As for Slutcat, well, she IS named Slutcat after all. I’ll not ever call her Katia since that would be kinda impossible anyway and she’s not got the same personality anyway. I’ll just call her Slutcat.
After the fanfic readings Friday night from Kaz, I’m dying to write more. Maybe I’ll even improve my grammar and spelling. But what to write, what to write? Well, I’ve got an idea for that. Since I have SO many followers (50% of which are actually likely not porn-bots), ask the readers! So, have a survey!
If I set it up right, it should be completely anonymous. Using Google Forms because those other ones kinda suck visually and I always like putting images in things.
So… what do you want to see more of on the fanfic side? Don’t worry, there’s ideas for totally new stuff there too as well as a write-in area.
(just a silly thing I wrote. All images shamelessly stolen from Kazerad except one from Furnut, credited.)
7:00am – Wake up. This is not a trivial endeavor. Depending on prior evening’s alcoholic consumption, this task alone may require up to an hour to complete successfully. Yet it is a necessary and vital task, so do not skimp. Continuing on to other steps without proper completion of this will result in less-than-optimal experiences. Toothpicks on the eyelids are not a substitute.
8:00am – Get up. Note that this is a separate task than that mentioned previously. More than likely you will find yourself in an embarrassing and muscle-aching position after hours of comatose inactivity. Stretch your muscles, crack any joints that need cracking and scratch your ass. Slither your way into the bathroom. Remember, your ancestors were reptilian. There is no need to feel embarrassed. Perambulation on only two limbs is overrated. You were given four and a tail by Nature. It is no disparagement to use them all in this time of crisis. Upon arrival in your bathroom, complete all natural and necessary functions. Then get yourself into a bath at the earliest possible opportunity. You stink. Also, recall that oral hygiene is of high importance. Brush your teeth. It is also suggested to brush your tongue. Given the size of that particular body part on you, it is perfectly acceptable to use a scrub brush rather than a tooth brush.
9:00am – You are now refreshed and ready to take on the day. However, keep in mind that you are also now naked. You may have been so before, but at that time modesty was of little importance. Now would be a good time to quietly peer about your bedroom to verify it is free of other occupants. Should you encounter any unexpected sentient beings in your room, wrapping a towel around yourself is suggested. If this does prove necessary, keep in mind that your tail will prevent proper and complete coverage. Keep that tail down. Then oust the offending interloper from your room in whatever way seems fit and find clothes. Do not wear the same clothes you wore the previous day. The reasons for this rule are many and need not be discussed here. Hopefully you can find an acceptably clean outfit.
9:30am – Breakfast time! Once again, verify your solitude first. Open a window and feel the fresh breezes of Anvil. The scents from the nearby ocean should remind you of just how close you are to the sea. Now close the window and regret the inhalation of the stench of rotting fish. But do NOT succumb to your instinct and seek to break your fast with more alcoholic beverages. Remember, fruit and nuts are available and cheap. You may even find some dairy and sweet bread. Pork products are the traditional meat breakfast for the Urban Argonian. Do try not to rip and shred your breakfast with your sharp pointy teeth. Try to chew it like the cud-eating flat-toothers do. When you have sufficiently frustrated yourself, go ahead and tear in.
10:00am – Clean up the mess you made. Now it is time to get to work. For one last time, double check your solitude, ready your work space, double check the lock on your door and the shutters on your window. If privacy is assured you may now dress for work properly. It is not necessary to remove ALL clothing. Remember, your goal here is to remove all possible distractions, not to awaken new ones. Make yourself comfortable. Now, review all notes and your previous day’s work, if any.
11:00am – Continue staring at blank piece of paper.
12:00am – LUNCH TIME! Dress yourself properly again (do not forget this step) and head out to whatever comestibles establishment you desire. Do NOT go to the bar again. Save that for later. You’ll need it. If you decide to eat at the establishment, try to conform as well as possible to the norms of human society as befits a well-traveled Argonian. Be courteous and polite. However, do not attempt to smile at other humans. The expression tends to frighten them as they know you are hungry at this time of day. Should you encounter any acquaintances, do not let them know you have seen them and try to escape. If not possible, go ahead and dine with them. They are your fellow citizens after all. Do NOT offer to pick up the tab, especially before food is ordered however. Experience shows that making such a heinous mistake inevitably leads to the ordering of multiple Filet Mignons. Decline the offers of another drink after the meal is done. You have work to do!
1:00pm – Return home. Re-lock the doors, recheck for stray Khajiits, and resume your standard working attire. By this time, the blank page may have become annoying. Failing renewed inspiration, try starting by writing this:
“It was a dark and stormy night.”
Cliche, sure, but it’s better than staring at a blank page. Search your imagination. Surely you can come up with SOMETHING to write about! If the clock continues to click and the last word you wrote continues to be “night”, you can now consider removing the rest of your apparel. SOME distraction may, in fact, be necessary.
2:00pm – Stare in horror at the pornography you have just written. Scan the smut for anything even remotely imaginative, then destroy all evidence. If fire codes allow, ignite the paper in a fire-proof area and watch it burn. If not, ingestion is a viable alternative. Resume your working position and for god’s sake put your clothes back on! Look at clock. It should now be at least 2:30pm and you have done absolutely nothing of worth. You need inspiration. Go find something to inspire you. Do not refer to the magazine you keep under your mattress. That is not the kind of inspiration you need now. If all else fails, go for a walk.
3:00pm – As you amble about the beautiful city of Anvil, take in the sights around you. Eavesdrop on some citizen’s conversation, for inspiration OR for later blackmail fodder. All information is valuable. Stop wondering if small animals can breathe underwater. They cannot and societal norms will be transgressed if you endeavor to find out. Should you encounter a fellow Argonian in your rambling, be sure and switch to Jel before making snide and hurtful comments about the humans. Avoid any Khajiit’s you may come across. One is quite enough.
4:00pm – Back to work again. Follow aforementioned procedures to secure your privacy and resume your place at your work space. If you are STILL lacking inspiration, write about what you saw in your walk. No need to be too creative here, just describe what you saw so that you are writing something. Describe the crumbling building you avoided, or perhaps the stinky Nord that you walked too close to. What was he wearing? What kind of weapon did he have? What were the stains in his beard from? Surely there’s something you can write about. Keep in mind that ALL writing is helpful to your craft, even that thing you burnt in the sink earlier.
5:00pm – You made it! QUITTING TIME! You may now put away your writing materials. Spare a few minutes to celebrate (if you actually wrote anything of value) or to sulk (if not). Both can be accomplished by laying on your couch with a book covering your eyes. Make sure it’s a worthy book though. Osmosis has not been conclusively proven to NOT happen this way. Banging on the book’s cover to try and force some of it’s author’s brilliance into your head may be helpful. Remember that in nearly all medical research, some benefits are always attributable to the placebo effect.
6:00pm – Stop moping (or, on rare occasions, celebrating). Time to write to Casta. If you have followed these instructions properly, you will NOT be drunk and you will NOT write her a drunken emotional-wreck letter this time. Being both your mentor and your only significant other, it is important to maintain a loving relationship with her. It is fine to tell her how beautiful her eyes are. It is not appropriate to go into detail about other body parts, as you have been known to do when inebriated. If you have not followed these instructions, do not attempt to write to her. If you do write a letter in that state in spite of these well-intentioned instructions, be sure at least to post it via flame-and-smoke mail into the sink. Of course, the fact that it’s the best writing you’ve done all day may be yet another reason for your 8:00pm visit to the tavern.
7:00pm – Read a book. It is important for all writers to read as well. If you feel inspired, write a critique of what you read. Try not to simply make a list of all grammatical and spelling errors, but also note both the good and bad aspects of the work you read. Find some. What did the author do that could be worth imitation or that you should be sure to steer clear of? If a work of fiction, pay attention to how he introduced new characters or situations. Did he come up with a name that fit? How did he deal with transitions and relationships? Be sure and keep tissues handy, even if it’s not a tearjerker. When you realize how much better the writer is than you, you will need it.
8:00pm – Now it’s officially booze-o-clock. Time to visit your second home. Try to strike up a conversation with others, if they don’t know you already. For those who do, see if they might let you talk with them again anyway. Remember, it’s always better to engage with absolutely anyone but the bartender. He knows you too well already. Also he has the power to cut you off. It’s usually best to talk with non-attractive people too. They don’t have anything better to do. Remember, you need to listen as well as talk. Yes, you’ll have to listen to their sob story about some husband or daughter or son being mauled by a bear or something. But if you want them to listen to you go on at length about the woes of being a writer, you have to put up with some of their whining.
9:00pm – Probably time to switch to another target by now. Also, order some food. Once again, you are surrounded by herbivore flat-teeth types. Try and keep your awesomely sharp teeth from frightening them too much. It might be best to sit at the bar for your dining. Be careful not to use your Gaydar at the bar. The bartender knows that trick.
10:00pm – Verify that at least the most essential clothing is still attached. The bartender will likely be making noises about having had ‘enough’. (As if he has a clue how much is ‘enough’ for an Argonian!) If circumstances allow, you may now begin to sing your favorite three-decades-old renditions of Black Marsh anthems. Ask others to join in for the chorus. Disregard any protests as clear evidence of the crowd’s interest and heighten your volume.
11:00pm – Look up at the stars circling overhead and marvel at their beauty. Disregard the pain in your rump where the bartender kicked you. Life is a pain in the rump, so roll with it. But do not try to roll home. Experience shows that it just gets you dizzy and makes people laugh at you. Besides, it’s difficult to tell what direction you are heading when rolling down the street singing Black Marsh anthems. Clockwise and Counter-Clockwise are not directions. If someone offers to help you home, be appreciative and try not to vomit on them.
12:00am – Verify surroundings are indeed, YOUR home. Also verify no new Khajiits have wandered in. If any Khajiit is found in your bedroom, do not inquire further. Leave the house and return in the morning, even if it means sleeping on the ground beside your house.
-UPDATE: Do NOT sleep underneath your bedroom window in these circumstances!
If house is Khajiit-free, slither up the stairs. Your creator gave you all those extra appendages for a reason. USE them. Use the bathroom before retiring to your bed also. It’s there for a reason. You may now safely remove clothing for your bedtime. Do one final check that no one is in it first before getting in.
1:00am – If you are still awake, cry yourself to sleep and remember that you can do better tomorrow. You may take this time to compose pitiable laments to your lover. No matter how heartfelt and significant they may seem to you at this time, there is no harm in them, and no need to burn them either. Do not worry, they will be completely illegible in the morning and thus can be safely ignored. In the morning, if you are running low on toilet paper, these make an excellent substitute.
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