Halloween and Hurricanes.

I feel as though I would be remiss if I didn't mention Halloween or Hurricane Sandy, because it seems taboo if I don't. So, firstly, Happy Halloween! I miss the old days of Halloween when I was a kid and it seemed as though it would never come. Halloween was the greatest anticipated day right behind Christmas and my birthday. And now, I just barley remember when it is indeed Halloween, and wish I wasn't too old to go trick or treating. Luckily, I have a younger sister. So the candy situation is set. No need to worry. So instead, I am going to relax and watch American Horror Story: Asylum (which, by the way, it totally amazing) and wish I had been able to trick or treat.
By the way, the history behind Halloween is something that I had never known, so I finally looked it up today. Here's the link if you are curious too: http://www.halloweenhistory.org/

And in other news, Hurricane Sandy swept by us here Rhode Island Monday, and it was an interesting ride. The wind was whipping around, blowing down large tree limbs, and leaves. Goodbye fall colors. Hello skyline of gray, bare, spindly trees. My mom and I went for a walk to the cliffs (along with every other person that lives on the island apparently) to check out the storm action. It was incredible. Every time I witness a storm of some kind, I am reminded of the sheer power of mother nature. It is so awe-inspiring and intimidating at the same time. The waves were pounding the rocks and the wind was sending sheets of salt water over shoreline into the adjacent cove. As we walked down the road along the coast, we got completely soaked with saltwater even though we were a hundred feet away and had a barrier of bushes separating the water and land. I was exhilarated; the filming opportunities were bountiful. I was like one of those storm chasers who drive right into the center of a tornado. THAT would be an exciting job. Anyway, we walked around witnessed the extreme, tumultuous power of nature and then enjoyed a night of no electricity. I really could get used to the whole no power thing. In fact, I would say I thrive when it's just me and nothing else. There is no Internet to distract me from reading or writing. Having the option of the computer, or ipod, or TV is like this like a mental itch. I always know it's there and available. But I really prefer to just do something else. I don't need it.
Although I must admit it is kind of gross when having no electricity means no showers or running water or the luxury of indoor plumbing because your house has a well... But I survived. I thrived. I took a shower under the rain water from the gutter. I made coffee with cold water, coffee grounds, and a strainer. I read several chapter of Gone with the Wind. And I made food over an open camp fire.
I realize most people will think I'm crazy when I say this: but I think I liked it better with no power. That being said, it's only enjoyable if you are truly prepared.

Here are some wonderful storm pictures:

View from cliffs.

A picture from the local boat yard.

Me, thoroughly enjoying "storm chasing".

Self explanatory. More crazy waves.

Lesson learned during the storm:

• Taking a full shower with rainwater = totally possible.
• Making cold coffee with a strainer = also possible.
• Cold water-stainer made coffee is gross. 
• The Internet is a HUGE distraction. 
• Gone with the Wind is a very good book.
• NEVER underestimate the power of nature.
• Watch as much Man vs. Wild as you can so you know what to do with out modern conveniences.
• Indoor plumbing is the best invention since sliced bread (is that the saying? I don't know...").

 Storms like these are mother natures hint to us that we need to back off and change our ways. Not to sound too much like the tree hugging hippie I seem to be but, we need to respect her. Climate change is real, and it is our job to change our ways. Sandy is just another reminder of this. While I hope that everyone that was truly effected by the storm will be okay, I also hope people can take this as a lesson.

Thank you for reading! Apologies for the very wide range of topics.  Off to watch American Horror Story (with all the lights off...)