A Halloween Memory

 I was talking to a co-worker today about Halloween. We were reminiscing about what we used to do when we were kids, and this one popped into my head. I haven't thought about it in so many years! But here we go:

My best friend Emily and I were freshmen in Junior High. One day in school we got the bright idea to actually go out for Halloween. The plan was for her mother to drop her off at my house and then pick her up later, as it was a school night. Oh, what mischief we were going to make!

She got to my house, and we snuck two eggs out of the carton. We carefully put them in our jacket pockets and told my mother we were going to a friend's house and would be back by nine. Then we skedaddled out of the house for a night of mayhem!

Surprisingly, it was very quiet that night in my neighborhood. We walked around and only saw a very few kids trick or treating. What were we going to do with the eggs that were burning a hole in our pockets? No clue. 

So after walking around aimlessly, we decided that we were hungry and would go knock on a random door to see if we could get any candy. We approached a nice house, knocked, said, "Trick or treat!" and then I realized we were at Bobby K's house! (remember, my elementary school crush???) And of course, he was the one to open the door and laughed. "Nice costumes!" he joked. I was mortified! Emily said, "Are you going to give us a treat?" and being the nice guy he was, he gave us each a big candy bar. "Have a nice night girls!" he said as he closed the door, chuckling. Ugh! Emily giggled at my mortification. "I hope he doesn't mention this at school tomorrow!"

We finished our treats and then headed for the junior high. "This night is a bust!" I complained. "And now Bobby thinks we're lame!" "So what?" Emily replied. "It's not like he's still on your list. You like Tom, and I like Bill." This was so true. "How about we throw the eggs at the school and then head back to your house. It's getting cold!" Sounded good to me.

So we speed walked the rest of the way to the school and there was no one around. We started walking up the long, wide driveway when Emily stopped, fishing around in her pockets. "What are you doing?" I asked. "Look what I have in my pocket!" She pulled out a box of sidewalk chalk. "Okay..." I said. "Let's write something on the driveway!" "Like what?" I asked. "How about 'we love Tom and Bill'?" "Are you kidding? People will know!" "No one knows. Come on: it will be a great prank!" "Well," I began, "I guess the condensation overnight and the dew will get rid of the letters. Let's do it!" And we did. When we were done, to us the letters looked as large as the Nazca Lines of Peru. But I wasn't worried: that pink and purple chalk would be gone by the time we got to school the next day. Before we left, we lamely threw our eggs into the road and went back to my house.

The next day at school she and I were upstairs talking to a couple of friends before first bell when someone came running up to us. "Have you seen what's in the school bus driveway?" "No, what?" "Come look out the window!" We did, and low and behold: the condensation and dew had NOT erased what Em and I had written! Big giant letters spelled out "we love Tom and Bill!!" in bright purple and pink chalk. Emily's face turned beet red and thankfully no one could tell that I was scandalized too! Our friend Robbin said, "Who do you think did it?" Emily babbled something non-sensical while I kept my mouth shut. "Hey Em, don't you like Bill?" She giggled. "Um...but how would I have gotten here to do that?" "Huh, you're right!" Robbin said. "Wonder how long before it washes away?" I said, "Maybe the janitors will get rid of it today!"

Those words stayed on that pavement for at least a good week. And every day we were reminded of how lame we were. I think I'm going to text Emily later today to see if she remembers! Happy Halloween! 💀👻

You Had to be There

 When I first started this blog, I made mention of my friend Skye but then never followed up. I'm still not ready to tell the whole story. However, when Brie and I were driving to work one day this week she brought up an incident that had us laughing out loud. So here it is:

One day at work Skye approached me. "Hey, I'm having a birthday party this Saturday. You want to come?" I was shocked at the invitation but there was no way I was turning this down. "Sure, I'd love to come!" "Great! You can meet my new girlfriend." Me to myself UGH! But I'd already accepted and figured I could rope Brie into going with me. "Great!" He gave me directions and told me what time, said it was outside and at night there would be a big bonfire. Great...

So Saturday rolled around and I got a reluctant Brie to come. "I'm only going because it's a barbecue and I want a hot dog," she groused. "Yeah, yeah," I said. I wanted to meet his family and friends and hopefully show up the girlfriend.

It took longer than expected to get there because he lived in a relatively rural area that I wasn't familiar with. "Are you sure we're in the right area? This looks like klan country. " I laughed. "Stop it. Skye wouldn't have us out here in klan country! Just think about the grilled hot dogs!"

Presently we reached the correct address. I went to turn into the driveway. "OH snap!" Brie said. "It looks like a klan meeting!"

I parked, left the car running, and looked around as Brie locked the doors. The attendees, all white, sat in a circle on the lawn, staring at us. I did not see the birthday boy...

Suddenly, someone yanked on my locked door handle! We both screamed, but it was Skye and he was laughing. "Get out of the car!" "No!" Brie replied. I, on the other hand, was probably staring open-mouthed at a shirtless Skye. All abs and rib tattoos and JACKED. None of this had been displayed at work! So you know i unlocked my door for him to open it. Snap!

"Come On Brie," he said. "Let's get you ladies something to eat and you can meet my family." Sounded good to me! Right up until I saw the food display. Unwittingly, I had assumed it was a BBQ because it was outside. Nope! The covered hot tub was holding pizza, salad, veggies, chips: and he reverently showed us the blue bowl of watermelon. Now I'm sure he believed he was being respectful by including the "food of my people" but I didn't dare look at Brie. I don't even remember what we grabbed but as he was leading us to the circle Brie hissed, "Someone owes me a hotdog!"

Long story short: we were introduced to everyone Brie decided that his older sister was the grand wizard. There was a LOT of drinking that went on (not us!) The girlfriend was a wispy insecure thing, and it wasn't helped by Skye spending a lot of time kneeling by my chair talking to me. His mother loved me, which I appreciated but then again I am rather charming, ha ha. 

Then at sunset it was time for the big bonfire! We were a bit worried as pretty much everyone was drunk (not us!). But he and his nephew Joe (Brie's eye candy) did it up proper. It was a little disconcerting when they started dancing around it, but at least there wasn't any chanting or hoods! However, since it was dark and we figured it might be a 'sundown town' we decided to leave. Especially since there was no birthday cake!

We thanked them all for having us and bid them a good night. Skye walked us to the car and said, "It wasn't so bad, right?" I agreed and gave him a hug. Brie gave him a look and got in the car. He waved as we drove off and then Brie burst out laughing. "That bowl of watermelon!" she gasped. "Well Im sure he thought it was a nice gesture." "And the grand wizard sitting there in a wife beater and shorts! A bra would have been appreciated!" "Well Brie: it was family so thats what they're used to." "And the dancing: it was like something out of "The Lord of the Flies!" I couldn't help laughing at that one."Okay mom but promise me one thing: if you're ever invited to another of his parties I get to stay home!" "Okay." "And tomorrow you grill up some hot dogs. You owe me!"

Miss you Skye. And the food of my people! 😆

A Bad Trifecta

 Today is August 22, 2025. When I got to work yesterday, I was told that a good friend of mine had died the day before. His name was Bob, and he was a good man. We became friends when I started working at my second position at the school. He was down to earth, funny, had a good heart and a lovely family. After we became friends, I would always get him a lovely tin of Swiss Colony Milk Chocolate Covered Butter Toffee for Christmas. I knew that was his favorite candy. Every time I would give it to him he would say, "You didn't have to do this!" Nope: but I wanted to. He said that I was nice to the support staff that are generally overlooked. I told him no one gets overlooked on my watch! What hurts the most about his death is that he only just retired in April; and didn't have time to do all the things he wanted to do. I just hope he got a couple of things done before he got sick and went into the hospital. Rest in Paradise Bob: I will miss our chats.

Also yesterday, right after I heard about Bob, Brie IM'd me to say that her good friend Patty Mayonnaise (not her real last name) had died that morning! Patty had fought the good fight for 10 years but cancer finally got the upper hand. The amazing news was she felt well enough to go to the Goo Goo Dolls concert on July 30th. Sadly, afterwards she had in-home hospice and went peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was an amazing spitfire of a Colombian woman and she and Brie had bonded as soon as they met in a training class at our prior job. I knew she was "family" when we allowed her to join us on one of our Super Secret Saturdays in Albany. It was a great day and she didn't reveal to a soul all of what we do on those days. Rest in Paradise Patty: you will truly be missed.

Today, I was talking to my coworker Shane about candy. He mentioned how he likes Whoppers, and I told him that I love the dark chocolate malted milk balls from Joann's Candy store in Saratoga. I then went back to my desk and a few minutes later: Kitty texted me and said that Gene the owner died! He owned the candy store with his wife, and we had become friends over the years. We would talk about soul music and disco and clubs...and candy! He knew just what i liked. He was sad with me when he found out my sister died; and one day i went there when I was feeling lonely and his daughter talked with me for half an hour about Robin, as it was a slow day. What a kindness! She of course remembered her from our numerous visits; and she had wondered why she hadn't seen us in so long. Gene has a lovely family and I will go down to see them soon to extend my condolences: hopefully on a day his wife is there. Rest in Paradise Gene. You will be missed by this Disco diva.

So there you have it: a really crappy trifecta. My thoughts are with their respective families and loved ones. I am thankful that I have wonderful memories of the three of them.

"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 KJV

That Was Quick!

Time has just flown by where this blog is concerned. Life got in the way, so I've been remiss in updating you on my progress. I had to go back to some notes and a former Facebook post to get the info, but here it is!

On December 2, 2024, my little blog hit 50,000 lifetime reads. I was so thrilled! Then, shockingly, on May 9, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. I hit 60,000 lifetime reads! For me, that's HUGE in just five months.  

But then, on June 30, 2025 I hit 71,259 reads! Can you imagine my excitement? But hold on to your hats: on July 28, 2025 (drumroll please) I reached 80,444 lifetime reads! Poor Brie probably heard me shrieking all the way in the other work building. Not bad for my Little Blog That Could.

I keep you updated on this not because I'm a bragger: but because it lets you know what you can accomplish with the little seed of a dream. I've wanted to be an author (or writer, if you will) since I was in the 3rd grade. I may not be famous, but I'm sure with some people I'm infamous, haha. None of this happened overnight but as the tortoise said, "Slow and steady wins the race." And I'm only racing against myself. 

I am so happy and humbled by my dedicated friends and readers because without you: this upward trajectory wouldn't be possible. I am also grateful to my public readers who just happen to stumble upon my blog. And for my international unknown friends, thank you for finding me! I have a few new ones: people in Paraguay, Uruguay, South Africa, Bangladesh, Ecuador, Egypt, Tunisia, Nepal, Morocco, Iran, Albania and Kenya. I am most grateful for you all.

Here is something I've been thinking about: publishing a little book of the best of Welcome to My World. I'll keep you posted on if this comes to fruition. If it does: it will probably happen sooner than my Saratoga Springs book! 

Again, thank you for your faithfulness to my little blog post. Feel free to share it: I would love to have even more people read (and hopefully!) enjoy the things that go on in my life.

God bless you and have a wonderful day. Remember: READ!

Much love,

Rita

Hearts of Space

On Sunday nights I listen to a radio program called "Music From the Hearts of Space". I've been listening to this since the mid-eighties, when I first stumbled upon it by accident. However, I was hooked from the beginning! It comes on twice: different stations back to back from 10p - 12a. There is a website where you can listen: and also become a paid subscriber for the full benefits of the website. I haven't done that yet. 

Anyhoo, Hearts of Space is ambient music, or as Clancy calls it 'underwater fish music'. "Ambient music is a genre of music that emphasizes tone and atmosphere over traditional musical structure or rhythm." I believe it was created by Brian Eno (feel free to google him). It's very peaceful and soothing, although sometimes it can be too spacy and a little frightening (or maybe it's just me!). Regardless, I really enjoy it.

The advantage of it being on twice was so if I really liked the episode I could record it (that's right: on my boom box's cassette recorder!) so I could hear it over and over. The two episodes that I enjoyed the most back then were "Space Guitar" and "When Rock Meets Space".

Normally you wouldn't consider rock music as ambient, but the song that stands out the most is "Roads" by Portishead. They are a group that was an offshoot of the band Radiohead. Neither of  these bands were ever on my radar until I heard this song on Hearts of Space. And it fit the criteria: spacy, ethereal and otherworldly. Loved it!

As for the "Space Guitar" episode: it encompassed guitar players that you wouldn't imagine in this genre, such as Hoyt Axton. I was amazed when I heard this; and was heartbroken when I lost the cassette tape during a move. Well: if I pay for a subscription I can listen to it all I want in their archives! Side note: one year the only thing I asked for, for my birthday, was a subscription for Hearts of Space. I didn't get it 😕

I have been introduced to musicians and artists that I never would have come across. And with the Shazam app I can find out who the artists are in order to  purchase their music or a particular song. That is how I discovered Max Richter. His jam is contemporary classical and he plays the piano, organ and synthesizer. His music is mostly used in movies, but he is also a recording artist who has sold over a million albums and has surpassed one billion streams. Kudos to you Mr. Richter!

The song that had me riveted one recent night is called "Mercy" and is just piano and violin. It is ethereal and absolutely beautiful: so haunting and sad, yet also evoking a yearning for something that you don't even recognize. Yeah...it hits you where you live; and leaves you a little bit breathless.

That's what is on my mind today: that indescribable something that is just out of reach. But someday...I know it will be within my grasp. And when I reach it, I will hold on with both hands for as long as God allows me.

Thank you for reading.  👫

It Can't Just Be Me

Like most women, I get a lot of emails from my favorite retailers. I'm not a shopaholic by any means, but I do enjoy looking! Sometimes I even put stuff in my "cart" to wait for later, when there's a good sale going on. Sure this is like Russian roulette because stuff could sell out before the sale, but it's the chance you take.

Now that warm weather is imminent (not this week though!) I've become more cognizant of a real trend with some women retailers where dresses are concerned. I'm sure you've noticed it too. It seems like they are telling their designers to do whatever they can to really emphasize the plus-size shape. Is it because they want to make sure people see them coming? Is it because they don't want the women to feel good about themselves? Or is it because they want them to seem devil-may-care and breezy and loud and proud about themselves?

Here's what I mean: if you are a double-digit size, why are they trying to sell you dresses that have a belt around the waist that is placed right above your stomach and below your boobs? That isn't comfortable, and can give you an expectant mother look. Fit and flare: you have the flare part right but it looks wrong! Or: why are there big splashy flowers, a la Claude Monet, all over your dress so you appear to be the size of a small garden? That isn't subtle. What's with the ruching? You know: where one side is gathered or pleated, creating a textured or folded look that adds more emphasis to your already generous waist and hip area? That isn't attractive. Or like me: why do the pants and shorts have a drawstring waist when I'm not even sure where my waist actually is? That isn't helpful at all. 

We larger ladies want to have attractive clothes too! Plus-size fashion is a big moneymaker and if you put the same attention into our clothes: you can break the bank. However: don't make us have to break our banks by then jacking up the prices because you need to add a little more fabric. Trust me: the volume of nice-looking clothes sold will more than make up for it. Give us the great-looking styles and patterns that our little sisters get! 

Ladies, I will tell you who has realized this: Loft. Their prints are geometric, delicate, and tasteful. They specialize in shift dresses, which fit straight and relaxed. I have a closetful of these and they are very flattering by not hugging anything you don't want emphasized. Monochromatic is a good slenderizing look. Loft runs great sales, and the prices are the same whether tiny or plus!

Old Navy is another dress winner. Accentuating the positive, and with nice prints at some really great prices.  And now that they have an "Occasion" line, you can even get formal / wedding guest dresses at a fair price: small or large! I have a closet full of their dresses too. But stay away from the baby-doll ones: these are a fail in the larger sizes.

Runner-up goes to Maurices which also has a plus section. Just be wary of the elasticized waists which could hit in a wrong spot, or ride up. On the plus side: a lot of their dresses have pockets. Win!

The extra good news for me where these stores are concerned is once you've been to the store to try on, and now know your size, you can confidently order online without fear of a bad fit.  Another win!

So there's your food for thought for today. Hopefully the weather here will warm up again soon so I can wear my dresses!

A Pretzel Memory

 Usually I like to have a nice beverage in the morning as I start my workday. This means I go to either Dunkies or Starbucks. I'm feeling a little under the weather this morning, so I decided to go to Starbucks to see if they had English Breakfast tea, which I really like. And they did! So I ordered a medium and was on my way. I got to work and wow: their English Breakfast tea is terrible. Not like my Twining's, which I have at home and a couple of bags here at work. Ugh.  But I will power through! Thankfully I have some Dot's seasoned pretzels with me. In case you haven't tried them yet: they are AMAZING! No wonder the guy in the commercial orders a truckload!

So as I am drinking the terrible tea with the delicious pretzels, it took me back to when I was a kid in elementary school. As you already know, I was a strange kid but had a lot of compassion. Sometimes when I would go to a friend's house, they would be going to visit elderly relatives so I would go with them. I didn't mind. These were new people to me and I didn't mind listening to their stories and such. And they didn't seem to find it at all strange that a little brown girl was with their family. Oh, the olden days!

My best friend at the time was Susie Nolan, who lived around the corner from me. I would go with her to visit her two aunts, who were maybe 3 blocks away so we could walk or ride our bikes. The ladies had this big blue house filled with antiques and knick knacks. And maybe it smelled a bit like a museum but they let us play with the knick knacks and at the end of the visit they always gave us two quarters to go to Stewart's. We loved that!

Now to the crux of the memory. Susie's parents had a friend who lived a block or two away from them named Mrs. Hazelton. Sometimes we would visit her. She would always make us a cup of hot tea, and give us pretzel rods to go with it. It was the first time I had been introduced to pretzel rods, and I thought they were great! Sometimes in the summer I would go over without Susie, and we still would have a hot cup of tea and pretzel rods. 

I really miss those days of such simple pleasures. I don't eat pretzel rods anymore, but I still enjoy hot tea. When Marie was in rehab and later the nursing home: I would also visit other elderly patients there. Sometimes old habits die hard! And I don't regret a single minute. 

And just for the record: I miss the twenty-five cent ice cream cones from Stewart's too! But not as much as I miss Susie. We caught up on Facebook messenger when her brother Jack died a few years ago. That was heartbreaking, but it was good she is doing well.

Have a good Monday!