When Witches Go Riding

With only three days to go until my oldest daughter's "Halloween Extravaganza" at school, it happened. She had a change of heart about her costume. Rather a meltdown at bedtime. Grace, my lover of horses, had a beautiful dressage costume planned. I must admit, she looked every inch equestrian in her tall, leather boots and neat, navy blazer. Right out of a Ralph Lauren ad. That was at a party on Sunday, and now, it is Wednesday.


Most of us have been in that bed, in the dark of night, confessing our doubts and fears to our mothers. It seems my Grace is afraid her peers won't know what a "dressage" rider is. (I will admit, I wasn't sure how to spell it) She pointed out that when she was a falconer last year, friends commented, "Weird." (my heart broke into a million pieces) I wanted to shout at her, "Don't let them change you for one minute! Don't let them win ~ be a dressage rider!" But, I didn't shout. Instead, as I hugged her, I realized some things in life never change.


Deep inside most of us is a strong desire to be similar to those we surround ourselves with. We want to fit into whatever group, club or team we are part of. As I look around, I notice I am no different than my friends. We wear similar necklaces with our children's names, ballet flats with skinny jeans, and LuLu Lemon workout gear. Even our husbands, children, cars, and homes have common threads. Admittedly, it all feels right somehow. It fits.


I can't change what is deep inside my daughter, for it resides deep inside me too. My head can tell me otherwise ~ Dare to be different! March to your own beat! ~ but, my heart wins most of the time. So as I cruised the aisles of Target this morning, I assembled the perfect witch costume for my Grace. I hope it fits. I pray it feels right.

Keeping in the spirit of Halloween, I present you with the quote on my chalkboard this week. I wonder if you will use it on your chalkboard too.


"When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs, and whispers 'tis near Halloween." - author unknown


Tricia