I was just planning on putting up a blog post that highlights some of the best photos and tweets about Halloween from around town (you can find all of that stuff below). I have spent this week writing about Halloween parties and I have spent this afternoon writing about Halloween apps over here. All fun and fluffy stuff. I clicked over the the Pittsburgh Bloggers Facebook group to add my links to the Friday link share post and I stopped to read what some of the other bloggers have shared this week.
While tricks and treats are fun, these bloggers have written some incredibly thoughtful posts about Halloween, giving, kindness and just being good people. I think all of these posts are worth a read. I really like the idea of thinking about Halloween and giving. I sort of think of Halloween as the unofficial end of fall and beginning of the holiday season. I’ve included a small quote from each of these three posts, but I would encourage you to click through and visit each of these blog posts and learn more about these writers and Pittsburghers. In the middle of all of the candy fueled craziness, it is nice to be reminded about some things that really matter.
The Spirit of Giving: Light the Sky by Chelle Stein @Chelle_stein – be sure to check out the video she made of her journal, part of the Journal52 project.
Today is Halloween, and for me, this day is not so much about ghosts and those kinds of spirits as much as it is about the spirit of giving.
It begins a time of year when we are on the brink of our darkest days with no sunshine, yet the spirit of giving lights the way all through now until the end of the year.
Pittsburgh Plays It Forward With Holiday Toy Project by The Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents @PghLesbian24 – a great post offing an in-depth look at Play It Forward Pittsburgh, local nonprofit that I did not know about. I think Sue’s idea to share this on Halloween is brilliant – another great idea at the beginning of the holiday season.
I’m publishing this on Halloween because I know a lot of families set aside costumes as playthings so you might consider doing that this year and sharing those items with neighbors.
A Real Mensch by Rabble Raiser @FunkyDung – this real Pittsburgh dad share a story about how his son has shown friendship to one of his preschool classmates.
That small gesture, that might have meant a lot to that little girl, is just the kind of thing he does. He’ll play with anyone. He can make friends with anyone. He’s not a loud, boisterous personality, though. He’s a quiet, silly, bouncy kid that is as comfortable doing his own thing in class or on the playground as he is cooperating and playing with a big crowd.
On several occasions, Joel has said, “I love everyone in the whole world”. I think I believe him.