Dress Me Up: Pumpkin Carving

Sunday marked the home stretch week for the Halloween season and the Costume Shop. I'm opening each day at noon this week and staying open until 9 p.m. I may or may not attempt to sew costumes for my faithful friends. We've had a tough time finding the pattern style we wanted. But I'll make one more attempt today. We have tons of fantastic costumes still available and about 10 premium pumpkins left for sale.

Last night after we closed the Costume Shop for the evening we had a grand old party. Both of our sons invited their female friends over to carve pumpkins.

We love carving pumpkins. It's a time honored tradition that helps more chronologically mature folks recall their childhood. It presents challenges of strength and coordination for all. We are well beyond the years of asking the children to draw on their pumpkins so that mommy and daddy can carve for them. Last night the six of us swapped sharp objects, including every size and shape of finely honed knife that resides in my kitchen. (Yes, Luke, we used the new Cutco knives - they performed admirably, as did my trusty old Chicago Cutlery.)

I purchased some gimmicky pumpkin carving power tools at the grocery store. We used them but quickly determined that there really is no substitute for an honest to goodness sharp knife. Only one injury was recorded for the evening. Dale, the oldest amongst us, and perhaps the strongest, (although I bet Arthur can give him a run for his money these days) managed to slice his finger. It was the sort of cut that demanded a Band aid but didn't require pressure or stitches.

Dale always creates very unconventional pumpkins. This year his specimen includes applique of carefully carved pumpkin guts to affect a single-nostril, nose bulge and a tongue sticking out. He completed his work of art by piercing it with an arrow.

Joscey carved a delightfully traditional and cheerful Jack-O-Lantern. The toothy smile makes you grin with the sheer pleasure of it. She took the most time, carefully executing her masterpiece with thoughtful precision and care.

Arthur carved what initially look like an alien pumpkin. It turned our to be a Frankensteinian creation complete with skin scars and protruding electrodes. He even left the bottom covered with mud for effect.

Joren and Kristin shared a pumpkin. Joren had already been carving in the afternoon with the youth group and opted for collaboration with his girlfriend. They came up with a mischievous face that appears to be cheerfully winking and suspiciously sneering all at the same time.

I attempted a sort of gremlin face; angular and asymetric, with dimples and a cleft in the chin. I like the results. Gazing upon all five of them last night caused me to smile with glee. The wind caused their candles to gutter, making their eerie glow even more other-worldly.

I love the mystery of All Hallow's Eve and the Christian assurance that follows in our November 1 celebration of All Saint's Day. I hope you carve a pumpkin this year. I also hope you'll commemorate those who have gone before us and celebrate the abundance in your life.