A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart. “Pumpkins on My Mind” by Linda Martin Andersen
I’ve been noticing lots of pumpkin products for sale this fall…
When I went to mail a letter, a sign on the glass door advertised homemade pumpkin ice cream. It’s served up by Andy, our local postmaster. You can read your mail as you enjoy a cone. Almost like being in Mayberry. I like that about this place.
Recently, my niece ordered pumpkin pancakes at Cracker Barrel and raved about how good they were. And she’s a finicky eater. Another favorite I’ve seen on menus is pumpkin roll and of course pumpkin bread.
Most all of us are checking out the pumpkins in the grocery store or produce markets for carving, or just for decoration. If you make homemade pumpkin pies, you’ve probably purchased pumpkin pie spices.
When I think of pumpkins, I am reminded of pumpkin patches and The Peanuts televised special, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” If you love Charles M. Schulz specials and great sized pumpkins, you’ll probably enjoy these links:
http://thefw.com/things-you-didnt-know-about-great-pumpkin/
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-great-pumpkin-74423844/?no-ist
https://www.giantpumpkin.com/world_records.php
In fall, hayrides always come to my mind, especially those hosted by our family for the past ten years. Until this year, that is. The grandsons believe they’ve outgrown them. Truth be told, most adults don’t seem to think they have. The last few weeks, I gave away almost all our hayride decorations. Thinking back on the one pictured below always brings a smile. Although the photo doesn’t show this perfectly, the inflated pumpkin’s face is printed upside down. No matter how we tried to hide it, the children always discovered the upside down face and turned it to the front. It must have brought a smile to them too. Not quite a perfect pumpkin, which most likely made it all the more fun.
Hayride 2012. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen
Writing Prompts:
- What brings a smile to your face this pumpkin season?
- Tell about a hayride or other special fall event that you have experienced. What made it special?
- What are your favorite Halloween specials? Or horror movies?
- Have you ever stuffed a scarecrow? Tell about a time you decorated for Halloween or fall.
- Have you ever created your own costume? Do you remember Charlie Brown’s costume?
An aside–my thoughts and prayers go out to all who were effected by Hurricane Matthew. I hope you’ll find a way to celebrate fall, even during this difficult time.
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A Writer's Playground 