Eyyyyy.

**Hobgob** · 06-07-2011,09:47 PM

Or, for those of you not fluent in Fonzie: Hiya.

Shall we go about this a bit like an A.A. meeting then?

My name is Hobbe, and I'm addicted to Halloween. Always have been, and always will be. As a wee one, I gravitated more towards the horror isle at the video store, as opposed to the children's section. I grew up with Mr. Voorhees, Mr. Krueger, and Mr. Myers as childhood friends. The clown doll from Poltergeist, the Garbage Pail Kids and the puppets from Puppet Master were my toys. And I suppose Gremlins, Ghoulies and those things from The Gate were my... toys?

Okay, okay. My metaphor has fallen apart, but you get the idea. I was a weird kid, and spooky things have always been sort of a weakness of mine. Which automatically makes Halloween THE BEST DAY OF THE YEAR for me.

When I was younger, the costumes were always the focus for me. Sure, I decorated. Put out tombstones made out of wood and spray painted to look like real stone. Stitched together the occasional dummy to hang from a noose. Et cetera. But overall, I put a lot more effort into my costumes than I did to my yard.

Of course, then came puberty. And with that, some major growth spurts. And then the words all trick or treaters dread: "Aren't you a little old for this"?

And so I lost heart in Halloween for a while. I was at a bit of a loss for what to do. I'd still put together costumes to my best ability, but on Halloween night, I would just sort of flounder. I found myself watching horror movies and giving out candy. Which.... is okay, but it just wasn't the same.

It's not my fault I reached six foot three when I was about thirteen

Anyway. Years went by, and I find myself putting more effort into my decorations. Last year, I put together a life-size zombie with glowing eyes, dug a three foot deep grave, crafted an imitation wrought-iron cemetery fence, and mixed together three concrete tombstones.

Considering I now find myself living in the South, all my neighbours obviously thought I was insane.

Which is another issue I have, speaking of my location. I originally grew up near enough to Salem, Massachusetts to see some genuinely enthusiastic Halloweenies. There was always something to do on Halloween night. So, finding myself in a little tourist town, where you're lucky if the local dive bar has a costume contest, is a little daunting.

But! I cannot see a world without Halloween, so I strive forward. No matter where I live, I will carve my jack-o-lanterns with pride.

Anywho. Nice to meet all of you. Forgive me my long-winded-ness, and expect to see a few new threads started by yours truly quite soon. I've got some ideas, and it would be nice to hear your suggestions on the best way to execute them...

Gotta get crackin'! The big day is only a few months away!