Spectacular Spectacular (No Words in the Vernacular)

My husband and I took this photograph last October. If you can believe it, the Asheville Area Autumn Spectacular Spectacular (AAASS) is even more beautiful this year than last. It's a shame I'm too lazy to go snap a new picture to prove it! I love living in the mountains. Last week, my breath caught while driving up the interstate — all of those yellows and reds and golds and oranges.

I'm looking forward to these three autumn Ts:

(1) Traditions — Reading "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and following it up with my favorite fall films: Ernest Scared Stupid (a guilty pleasure, MIAK!), The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sleepy Hollow, Scream, and Halloween (even though I try to avoid it, I can never turn the channel away from those early scenes where Michael Myers hides in the bushes and drives around in that beige station wagon — some of the scariest scenes ever filmed in broad daylight).

(2) Trick-or-Treaters — My neighborhood is prime Halloween ground. We get over 300 children. Last year Spider-man was the big costume, and I was surprised to discover that the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers were still kicking it. Who will dominate the market this year? Captain Jack? Bob the Builder?

(3) Thanksgiving — I'm hoping to visit some family this year, and my birthday follows right after. I've always loved the idea behind this holiday. Not the Pilgrims-giving-the-American-Indians-smallpox thing, but the being-thankful-for-what-you-have thing. It's nice to be reminded how wonderful life really is.

Three Highlights of the Last 42 Days

(1) Visited the Elvis Peanut. There are over sixty-five peanuts masquerading as newsboys, Uncle Sam, and Hooters girls in Dothan, Alabama. I love a town with a theme.

(2) Viva Pedro. I could hardly believe that Asheville was lucky enough to be a part of this film series! My top three viewings (I made it to six of the eight, and rented a seventh): Bad Education, Talk to Her, All About My Mother. I can't wait for this winter's Volver; the trailer looks fantastic, and it got a great reception at Cannes. Plus, Carmen Maura, one of Almodovar's favorites, is back!

(3) Stephenie Meyer's New Moon. I didn't think it could live up to the sheer gloriousness that was Twilight, but by Gobstoppers, she did it again. Meyer is the kind of novelist who is making YA lit so much more exciting than adult lit right now. My fingers and toes tingle when I think about what is still to come for Edward and Bella.