Pumpkin Spice and Mental Health Day by Lynn Lovegreen

 Thanks to Starbucks and other enterprising people, fall is pumpkin spice time. It started with pumpkin spice drinks, and now you can get almost everything in pumpkin spice flavor or scent. Personally, I don’t mind a taste (or whiff) of pumpkin spice, but I prefer it in pies. Lattes just aren’t my thing. But no judgement—we all have our passions.

 

It’s also Mental Health Day. Why am I bringing it up? Because for some, the two are connected.

 

We often give ourselves treats or rewards we do for ourselves. Nowadays, we call that self-care. It’s good to do something nice now and then, to remind us of our worth and give ourselves a break when needed. In my case, it’s usually chocolate. If drinking a pumpkin spice drink does that for you, go for it! You’re worth it!

 

Happy pumpkin spice season. And happy Mental Health Day! Do something good for yourself today.

 

P. S. It’s okay to get professional help with your mental health, just like going to a doctor when you have a physical illness. Don’t be afraid to reach out. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Or try the National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787. In other countries, check out your local resources. You’re not alone. We’re all in this together.

Lynn Lovegreen has lived in Alaska for most of her life. After twenty years in the classroom, she retired to make more time for writing. She enjoys her friends and family, reading, and volunteering for her local library. Her young adult historical romance is set in Alaska, a great place for drama, romance, and independent characters. See her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com. 

Pumpkin Spam Folder

By Robin Weaver

I’m such a geek.  When I first read this month’s theme – Pumpkin Spam, What Will They Think of Next – I actually thought the theme was “email spam” about pumpkins.  So embarrassing... Anyway, as I was pondering the topic and came up what I thought was an original idea – Pumpkin Ham– the lightbulb dawned. “Ahhhhh…that stuff in a can.”

 But let’s be real. They came up with Spam—some kind of mystery meat in a can. Does it really get any stranger? I guess it does. People buy Spam.

But the theme inspired me to do what I do best. Google. Here are the most bizarre pumpkin spice items this Google Queen discovered.  

Pumpkin Spice Cat Litter. No. Just No.

Pumpkin Spice Dog Cologne. Seriously, People. Give that dog a bath.

Pumpkin Spice Hummus.  I’m not sure this is a real product.  Look how they spelled Hommus. This might actually be spam. 

And while there are few things more organic than chick peas and pumpkin, cow manure and earthworms are also fit the au-naturel category. 

Pumpkin Spice Chewing Gum.  I’ll stick to my Big Red, thank you very much.

Pumpkin Flavored Toothpicks. I think Listerine invented this. Because you’ll need mouthwash after use.

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Pumpkin Spice Pringles.  Is this real? Please tell me no. Everyone knows what a French fry addict I am. Potato chips are the next best thing, so adding pumpkin spice to perfection is sacrilege!

What’s really sad? Just before writing this blog, I’d considered ordering some Pumpkin Spice Poo-pourri. Hey, it was a Prime Deal on Amazon. And Poo-pourri is not a misspelling. I don’t do bathroom humor, so if you don’t know what this product is, Google. I learned about Poo-pourri from my daughter. Apparently, the spray is a friendship saver when five girls share a hotel room. (P.S. I ordered the vanilla).

In conclusion, enjoy that pumpkin spice latte. Gobble up that B&J Pumpkin cheesecake. Then tell Wall Street, “Enough with the Pumpkin Spice Already.” This thanksgiving, I might just skip the Pumpkin Pie.

Happy Fall Everyone.

R