October 21, 2022

From: Hearth Side Cabins, August 30, 2018

The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for their ghost stories! From Cherokee legends to tall tales from Cades Cove, the Smokies are brimming with supernatural yarns that have been passed down for generations. If you’re looking for a good fright, check out three of our favorite Smoky Mountain ghost stories.

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From: History.com, By: History.com Editors, October 3, 2022

Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2022 will occur on Monday, October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.

From: Good Housekeeping, By: Mariah Thomas and Marisa Lascala, October 5, 2022

Halloween isn't just about trick-or-treating. There's pumpkin carving, Halloween crafts and fun Halloween parties to attend as well! So while Halloween candy may be the main event, kids, tweens and teens can also get excited about all the family-friendly activities the holiday brings — and that includes these exciting Halloween games that will keep the month rolling with laughter and tons of spooky prizes.

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From: History.com, By: Sarah Pruitt, October 29, 2021

The evil green-skinned witch flying on her magic broomstick may be a Halloween icon—and a well-worn stereotype. But the actual history behind how witches came to be associated with such an everyday household object is anything but dull.

A girl is accused during the Salem Witch Trials Bettmann / CORBIS

From: Smithsonian Magazine, By: Jess Blumberg, October 23, 2007

The Salem witch trials occurred in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft—the Devil's magic—and 20 were executed. Eventually, the colony admitted the trials were a mistake and compensated the families of those convicted. Since then, the story of the trials has become synonymous with paranoia and injustice, and it continues to beguile the popular imagination more than 300 years later.

We decorate our front door with pumpkins every Halloween, and if they survive the neighborhood Javelinas, we often don't know what to do with them after the holiday. They're actually quite nutritious and delicious. Here are some tips for before and after the holiday.

From: Mayo Clinic, October 1, 2015

It’s that time of year again — pumpkin season. If you’ve gone to the store lately, you must’ve noticed that pumpkin-flavored food items are everywhere. Pumpkin-flavored cereal, yogurt, coffee, lattes, ravioli, pie, cookies, candies and even pumpkin-flavored chips cover the shelves. And the list goes on and on.

Although pumpkin-flavored items may launch our taste buds into the fall season, many of these pumpkin products are not necessarily the most nutritious choices. Many are high in sugar, fat and refined carbohydrates. But real pumpkin is extremely nutritious.

From: Good Housekeeping, By: Amanda Garrity and Monique Valeris, October 5, 2022

When it comes to spooky DIY Halloween decor, nothing beats the fun that comes along with carving a pumpkin. It's a creative and engaging family activity that will get people of all ages in the Halloween spirit. To get your creative juices flowing, we've rounded up some of the silliest, ghostliest and wickedest pumpkin carving ideas for this holiday and season.

From: Country Living, By: Charlyne Mattox, October 10, 2022

It's no secret that we love Halloween, and a super-creative pumpkin is the king of fall porch decorations. So brush up on some pumpkin carving tips—as well as techniques using a linoleum carving tool—and be ready to pull out the drill and craft bin too. From cute to funny to scary, these easy pumpkin carving ideas will show the neighbors that when it comes to Halloween, you know what's up.

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From: Wide Open Country, By: November 1, 2021

It's hard to buy too many pumpkins before Halloween. They're so affordable and bright. But come November they suddenly clutter up porches, hallways and kitchens. Don't just make these orange beauties yard waste. They hide a whole world of hidden benefits inside. Make full use of them instead of tossing them curbside for trash collection day.

It's October and the leave are changing, and the colors are sweet, it's also Emotional Wellness Month. We all need friends to support us and to lean on from time to time. Keep that in mind this month and have the courage to just be there for your family, friends, and co-workers.

From: Vantage Fit, August 16, 2022

Did you know your emotional well-being has powerful effects on your overall health? Mental and emotional stress can translate into adverse physical reactions, a weakened immune system, and poor health.

Emotional health is just as important as physical health-although it's more challenging to achieve. However, emotional wellness often gets pushed aside, particularly in the workplace. How important is emotional health to employee wellness anymore?

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From: pocket, By: Megan Murray

Did you know your emotional well-being has powerful effects on your overall health? Mental and emotional stress can translate into adverse physical reactions, a weakened immune system, and poor health.

Emotional health is just as important as physical health-although it's more challenging to achieve. However, emotional wellness often gets pushed aside, particularly in the workplace. How important is emotional health to employee wellness anymore?

From: American Addiction Centers, By: Staff, July 18, 2022

Just as there are 12-Step programs available to individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addictions, eating disorders, and other challenges, there is a program designed to help individuals living with emotional challenges. The Emotions Anonymous 12-step recovery program is for people experiencing anxiety, grief, depression, anger, low self-esteem and other emotional difficulties. There is a 12-Step program for depression and a 12-Step program for anxiety, along with several others. Anyone who is interested in obtaining emotional wellness can join. Followers of this program adhere to a set of spiritual principles that are outlined in the Big Book of AA.

I welcome all of the flock to make contributions. Here we have a literary one from my friend Dino, who's a literary wonder. I'd like to present our first flocker literary contribution, and a literary masterpiece it is, by Dino DeConcini.

By: Dino DeConcini

I know no better way to start a trip than with a wedding, especially one like that of Antoinette Carline and Nicolas de Wolff of Los Angeles. Nicholas is the son of Harold and Julie de Wolff, very good, very old friends, in Harold's case for 50 years, starting with being roommates at Georgetown for three years.

It was a story-book event (the wedding, not living with Harold), spread over three days at delightful places in and around Cascais, on the Atlantic coast west of Lisbon. The logistics were formidable, with dozens of guests arriving on three different days from six different continents, to grace three main events: a welcoming dinner, the ceremony itself followed by a reception, luncheon and party, and then a farewell brunch. But the de Wolffs are master planners, and whatever the reality, all seemed smooth, serene and seamless to the guests.

The ceremony was held in Lisbon's Chapel of St. Sebastian, an intimate, tile­ roofed architectural gem. Its porch was strewn with rosemary, lavender and hydrangea blossoms for the occasion, its interior walls were adorned with blue and white antique Portuguese tiles depicting the death of the saint and other less grisly events, and from the choir loft, some of the Lisbon symphony's principal musicians held forth gloriously.

You know some of the Lisbonites say Halloween started there. Some people think it’s a pagan holiday, some say its demonic, I think it’s just good fun.

From: Portugalist.com, June 2022

Once upon a time, Halloween (or dia das bruxas) wasn’t something that was really celebrated in Portugal. These days, however, you’ll see posters across Lisbon, Porto, and other major cities advertising Halloween Parties and special events. Depending on where you live in Portugal, you may even get a few tick-or-treaters knocking on your door as well.

Obviously, this is all America’s doing. Children in Portugal are simply copying what they see on television and in films, and adopting those customs into Portuguese culture.

Or, maybe they’re not. While it may feel like Halloween is becoming more and more of a big deal in Portugal, the reality is Halloween has actually always existed here in some form or another. You might have to scratch the surface to find these traditions and customs, but they’re definitely there.

Just a reminder that the Young Concert Artists final auditions are coming up on November 13. Put it on your calendar and don't forget that you can stream it live!

Say a prayer for the people of Haiti. Haiti is currently going through a political and humanitarian crisis with shortages of food, fuel, and water fueling a cholera outbreak amongst its citizens.

If you're in Tucson, please remember that people are training for the el Tour de Tucson and keep an eye out for cyclists. Even if you're not in Tucson, keep an eye out and give them a little extra space when passing. Momma bird doesn't want to lose anyone.

You know I was recently asked how the Flock became the Flock Newsletter. I created the Flock to keep in touch and share the things that interest me with my friends old and new, from home and abroad. It’s my way of paying back the friendships and love I’ve received.

Ghosts and goblins come to play

on October's final day!

Holualoa Ed Fit Wellness & Culture 2

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