My Halloween Experience This Year.

What is your favorite part of Halloween? Is it possibly the trick-or-treating, or the costumes, or the pumpkin carving, or even all of the above? The one thing about Halloween that I always look forward to most each year is most definitely the roasting of fresh pumpkin seeds. There is something about biting into a freshly harvested seed—coated in olive oil and sea salt—that is just so nostalgic and delicious for me. It hits the spot every time. I am, of course, fully aware that whole pumpkin seeds are readily available at most grocery stores; however, I always treasure the process of collecting them myself, and the taste of freshly cooked pumpkin seeds is simply unparalleled.

 This year, I decided to dress up as one of my very favorite fictional characters: Harry Potter. This was perfect, as I am currently re-reading all seven Harry Potter books on my new Kindle. They read even better now that I am processing them as an adult. I feel like I am now able to fully understand the hidden meanings that lie behind J.K. Rowling’s carefully crafted sentences, paragraphs, and chapters. I am currently so absorbed in the books that it is almost an addiction.

 Last night, I met my close friend Anthony at Paddy’s Bar in downtown Ventura, for what turned out to be an epic Halloween party. He showed up early at around eight, dressed as a demonic and possessed clown. His masquerade was so complete that I almost did not recognize him. He was not alone—that night I ended up introducing myself to Lord Voldemort, some characters from the Barbie movie, and even a U.S. Founding Father. The Halloween decorations at Paddy’s were so over the top that it almost reminded me of the “Haunted Mansion” ride at Disneyland. After a little while, our friend Mo showed up, and we spent the evening gyrating to the peppy beats of Lady Gaga, blaring through the bar’s carefully placed speakers.

 Earlier in October, Anthony, his mom, and I had driven down to Knott’s Scary Farm, as is our yearly tradition. We traipsed through ten haunted mazes, and even attended a haunted buffet dinner at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. I look forward to these special indulgences every year, and I found myself appreciating Knott’s even more this time, because I originally thought I might not be able to go due to a minor foot injury.

 I would like to leave you with a few thoughts about Halloween that I have been considering these past few days. Firstly, after my experiences at Paddy’s, I could not help but conclude that Halloween is just as much for adults as it is for kids. Of course, this does not mean that I do not look forward to trick-or-treating with my future children someday. I also re-discovered that dressing up can be incredibly rewarding, especially when people recognize your costume and complement you for your thoroughness and attention to detail in creating it. Finally, I truly feel that Halloween is isn’t necessarily only about the candy; it is also about the meaningful and loving interactions with others—even total strangers—that are bound to occur on the evening of every October 31st.

Me and my friend Anthony at Paddy’s Bar in Ventura on Halloween.