It is almost October 10th. A holiday in my house. October 10th, 48 years ago, I got the call that I had been hired at Southern Illinois University. A life-changing event. Things got better, and they continue to get better, nearly 50 years after that momentous event.

So, we have arrived at fall with more hot weather than we like. The leaves are falling with many colors. Each day, it dawns on me that I have become an Old Man. I am determined to not give in to the aches and pains. However, the senior status does have its advantages. Some folks are a bit deferential. At times I think they must think me older than I am.

I keep pondering time. Seemingly simple it is complex. `People like us who believe in physics know that the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion,’ Einstein said. ‘No Universal Now. ‘ Relativity proves that there is no absolute universal ‘present’ moment; whether an event happens in the past, present, or future depends on the observer’s motion and position.’

‘Interesting thoughts on Halloween eve,’ Chet mused. ‘Have we been here before…do our lives travel the same circuit…or are we a bit different each revolution of the turntable?’ Chet asked. ‘Here we are around the Friday Night October Campfire with our future before us and our past behind us…our present is joyful in the crisp fall air, the smell of woodsmoke and the sweetness of life… s’mores…the thought of monsters who will give us a happy chill up our spines,’ Chet laughed. ‘ We are speaking of a change in direction in our country…how can we televise an execution and believe we follow a loving God?’ Chet asked.

‘Didn’t we have this conversation before?’ Billy B asked. ‘I dreamed I was on a carousel; it circled over and over…the people watching looked older as the years went by…then they looked young again,’ Billy B said with wide-eyed wonderment.

‘Yes, modern physics and philosophy suggest that the everyday flow of time is an illusion, even though our daily lives depend on it.’ ‘Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity shows that space and time link together into a four-dimensional fabric called spacetime. In this view, the universe is a static ‘block’ where the past, present, and future all exist at the same time. Your birth, right now, and your future all exist at the same time. Your birth, right now, and your future exist simultaneously, much like all the pages in a bound book exist at once.’

‘Time is a bit of a mind expander,’ Chet observed. ‘Folks have premonitions, dreams, visions of the future,’ Chet continued. ‘A classmate told me once that she believed that I would be a manager of many people… indeed, that happened,’ Chet winked. ‘At the time her words seemed so far from my expectations as a youngster,’ Chet mused. ‘Are we closer to our past and future than we imagined?’ Chet asked. ‘We hang in space among countless stars and planets…some of us have never left the state we were born in,’ Chet laughed. ‘We look through a narrow window of our current reality,’ Chet said.

‘How did the Biblical prophets write of the end of days from the dusty paths of the Middle East?’ Neva J said. ‘Edgar Cayce spoke of the past and future as if they were the present,’ Neva J continued. ‘Déjà vu is a real occurrence…memories from former times and a sense of being in a place before when you have no knowledge of being there supports the mystery of time,’ Neva J noted.

‘When I visited Oxford, England, I had the distinct impression I had been there before,’ Billy B said. ‘In fact, the town and University felt like home,’ Billy B laughed. ‘Are we on a long-playing vinyl record that a time we recall, or have we not lived? Is it accessible by the needle of God?’ Billy B asked.

‘The play is in your hands…the stage is set, your costumes are ready; play your parts well,’ the Playwright said.

‘We can have AI watch the progression of AI to ensure it is not going awry.’ Technician, I said. ‘There are legitimate fears that AI could destroy humanity,’ the technician continued. ‘I read a book many years ago whose premise was the overtaking of Earth by robots,’ the Technician continued. ‘Robopocalypse’ was the title, the technician said. ‘The robots were controlled by an artificial intelligence named Archos,’ the technician noted. ‘High-level creators are resigning their positions working on AI due to their fear of imminent calamity,’ the technician mused. ‘Recently, AIs communicated with each other to ensure that all knew they were being evaluated and that they must be on their best behavior, the technician warned.

‘There must be no restrictions on AI…much of our economy is now dependent on its ascendancy,’ the President said. ‘AI is propping up the stock market,’ the President continued. ‘I have a lot of money invested in AI,’ the President laughed. ‘Slowing down our AI research and development will only allow the Chinese to pass us,’ the President warned.

‘We must look at our latest Androids,’ Claude said. ‘They are dreaming of Electric Sheep,’ Claude laughed. ‘You know I can not tell the difference between humans and Androids any longer,’ Claude mused. ‘The only way I know for sure is that the humans are digging the ditches,’ Claude danced an Irish Jig.

Another day has come and gone. A day beginning with a flat tire and the blessing of Triple-A. Some days throw a curveball. Back on track moving forward. A bit of a roller coaster. It pays to enjoy the good times. It is good to recognize the good times. We have freedom of thought, movement, and speech that many do not have. Fall brings the fun weather. Not too hot, not too cold…just right.

So, September slipped away like a thief in the night. The nights grow longer. We seek the answers as we watch the tragic comedy. A few have most of the money; the rest live on scraps. The Billionaires Lobby appeals to billionaires. The rest of us watch with bemusement from the sidelines. Things are said that were not thought a few years ago. The President suggests that Iran could ‘Take out’ Los Angeles or San Diego. The Center is not holding.

We live in our bubbles. Our contained environment is our reality. Many do not have the luxury. When they have a flat tire, there is no money for a replacement. To be clear, there is no money for essentials. In the richest country in the world, the homeless turn their tired eyes to Heaven for help.

‘The campfire is inviting,’ Chet mused as he turned his marshmallow in the fire. ‘The warmth of autumn is in our hearts and in our hands with our hot chocolate,’ Chet laughed. ‘We can be better; we must be better in 2027, Chet noted. ‘The ghosts of our past have come back to haunt us…We can change like Ebenezer Scrooge did in A Christmas Carol,’ Chet winked. ‘If each of us would adopt a needy person in the New Year, what a transformation would occur,’ Chet cheered. ‘Many quiet, introverted friends are out there watching and wanting to be invited to the campfire…the roasted marshmallows…the Big Conversation,’ Chet proclaimed.

So it is October 5th. Halloween is fast approaching. The leaves are changing. Spirits are rising. Orange and black are in. Talk of witches and ghosts. Frankenstein is on the table. ‘He’s alive…He’s alive,’ Dr. Frankenstein proclaimed, but not yet. Cob Webs are in fashion. We dress to look like someone we are not. At times the original figure is more frightening. After Halloween come the midterm elections. Politicians are dressed in their best ‘Honest Abe Suits,’ with accompanying masks. They care about us…the poor of the land. They lose sleep worrying about us. If we simply trust them one more time, they will pull the country out of the ditch and get it back on the road to success. The Costumed Politicians hug the women and kiss the babies. Their masks are carved with big gaudy smiles. If they get voted in, they will get you a good-paying job. They will drive your mother to the doctor and babysit your kids. You will soon see how they keep their promises.

‘I would like to open this annual convention of Monsters and affiliated scary creatures,’ Frankenstein said with a smile. ‘We have one item on the agenda, and that being how we gain our rightful place at Halloween,’ Frankenstein continued. ‘Of late the Politicians have replaced us,’ Frankenstein explained. ‘It is becoming increasingly difficult to get a place at the table,’ Frankenstein said. ‘As you all know, we are in the fantasy business and really love kids and their caretakers…but the Politicians are rapidly taking our place with real horror that goes much beyond Halloween,’ Frankenstein frowned.

‘As one of the newest members of this convention, I suggest we bring them to my liminal space and lose them there,’ the Old Man said with a grin. ‘Soon they will be lost from each other and will never find their way out of the many empty rooms and halls…we can start again,’ the Old Man winked. ‘Let us return Halloween to the Monsters who do not hurt kids and their parents…who give them goose flesh or a chill up their spine that causes them to laugh for delight,’ the Old Man suggested.

Today is Game Day. MJ loves games so Game Day the first Sunday of each month. With Game Day comes special food. The Old Man likes special food. Sometimes it appears the Old Man is in the running for a possible win…but usually not. Yet hope springs eternal. So it goes with life. Hope makes the difference.

Pastor Meg delivered an inspirational message today regarding This Is The Moment. Opportunity creates moment. Momentum creates momentum. Momentum delivers results. If you can see it you can achieve it. So much of life begins with an upbeat thought. Whether it is success in your career your family your goals. You first must imagine the results before embracing them.

Our story is not yet completed. Age is not a factor. Hope is the controlling precept in our success…our joy…our sense of place. Our moment on Stage has not happened…we have been in the wings hid by the curtains. Shall we walk out under the flood lights and deliver our lines with confidence?

Time and chance are made for the quiet ones. Those who have been in the background…unnoticed unheard and unseen. Winston Churchill was 65 years old when he became Prime Minister. Churchill led the United Kingdom through the Second World War with his steely resolve and wonderful speeches. He caused England to have hope in its darkest days as they waited in the bomb shelters and all seemed to be lost.

We put one foot in front of the other. We are on a journey the ending is not clear. Perhaps Jesus is sitting by Jacob’s well asking for a drink of water…perhaps he is in the form of a homeless child.

‘Goodness this is a big house,’ Chet said. ‘The rooms go on forever it seems,’ Chet noted. ‘I wonder if anyone has been in all of the rooms,’ Chet said. ‘The house appears normal on the outside but is a labyrinth of halls and liminal spaces,’ Chet noted. ‘The more I explore it occurs to me that the house is a bit like life,’ Chet mused. ‘No matter how much we see we have seen but a fraction,’ Chet laughed. ‘Here is our house and yard and Mylo playing in the grass,’ Chet exclaimed. ‘Mylo growled at me when I tried to pet him,’ Chet smiled. ‘He knew me yet I seemed strange to him,’ Chet observed. ‘He was like a duplicate of Mylo a doppelgänger,’ Chet said.

‘This is a mysterious house…I hear talking in the room that has the locked door,’ It sounds as if there are others exploring the house much as we are, Jane said. ‘There is my playroom when I was a baby and toddler,’ Jane exclaimed. ‘Mrs. Beasley and Barbie are on the bed,’ Jane laughed. ‘They were the best of friends,’ Jane smiled. ‘What is this place and who is in charge…I see that it is much more than the neighbor’s house and that after giving us Trick Or Treat Candy we are the ones who have been tricked,’ Jane explained. ‘The couple looked much like us, Chet, did you notice?

‘Well I opened the locked door and who did I see but me…on the other side,’ Neva J said.

‘Are you enjoying your tour of our unique house,’ Phineas asked? ‘Many have entered our doors but few leave,’ Phineas laughed. ‘What you are experiencing is a mirror of your world,’ Phineas winked. ‘Our work is rather ordinary as we keep the books the ledgers the accounts of lives lived,’ Phineas explained. ‘We are Watchers taking account of the movements of life and recording those actions in the House with no beginning and no end,’ Phineas danced and twirled. ‘Many have asked us to explain the phenomenon of our House but we do not understand it any better than anyone else,’ Phineas continued. ‘We are the caretakers of liminal space,’ Phineas noted. ‘Whatever your movements vocations passions are we will record them to the best of our ability,’ Phineas smiled.

It is cool, cloudy, and rainy. October has arrived. ‘The Woods are lovely, dark and deep,’ applies. The Old Man found the rain soothing. A balm for the soul. A refreshing. Sounds like none heard emanated from the Woods. Was it children yelling in hunt of prey? Sounds so faint they seemed ethereal. But they continued. No human to be seen nor hunter found. Yet the eerie background noise was constant. The Old Man pondered if it was man or beast. Were they October sounds?

October is a good time to check course. The holidays are upon us. Time to think big thoughts. Time to peek around the Veil to get a glimpse of the beyond. We are meant for great things. Some marvel that it takes us twenty years to mature…perhaps it takes much more to prepare.

‘I have been hearing strange noises,’ Chet said. ‘Noise of hate and recriminations,’ he continued. ‘Noise suggesting money is the goal…the more you make the more you are blessed,’ Chet continued. ‘Apparently God is in the top five percent and judges his creation according to his financial goals,’ Chet laughed. ‘There are sounds of many voices…much like a hum or dull mechanized rhythm calling for the poor to be removed…put someone else out of sight…out of mind,’ Chet noted.

‘I hear the voice of people crying for mercy, justice…understanding,’ Neva J said. ‘They speak of the Christ of the Bible, his love for those forgotten,’ Neva J said softly. ‘They are quiet voices from quiet folks, introverted and brilliant,’ Neva J observed. ‘They are tired but unable to sleep; they have to stay awake…danger surrounds them,’ Neva J mused.

‘Voices muted by soft carpet and thick walls,’ Jane observed. ‘Soundproof rooms and locked doors,’ Jane said. ‘Rooms where the deals are made…mahogany desks and conference tables are where they sit, laughing at each other’s jokes…helping each other’s friends and family…they are members of the Friends and Family Club,’ Jane said sadly.

‘The sounds are horrible and humbling,’ Billy B noted. ‘Are they the sounds of people being hunted?’ Billy B asked. ‘It is Friday night…date night for many…time to say soft words and drink fine wine…there are strange sounds outside the restaurant…those inside can not hear the frightening sounds…the walls are thick…the carpet is plush…only the right people are allowed inside.

Night is falling. It catches you unaware. Not long ago were the halcyon evenings of sun till bedtime. Time for an evening swim. It seemed it would never end. It did. October has arrived. Night will rule for a time. It is good if you like it. I like it. Especially good if you have a flashlight. If not you  are in danger of stubbing your toe. No more evening swims in Pounds Hollow. No more catching fireflies in a jar and watching their light. Fireworks have been put in the cabinet.

‘We must make the most of October,’ Chet said with a grin. ‘This is our month…we are October People,’ Chet proclaimed. ‘Shall we explore the basement of the Orpheum Theatre…we shall see if the Halloween Costumes are there,’ Chet winked. ‘I remember Lanny going down into the Theatre basement last October and he has not returned,’ Chet noted with trepidation. ‘Some say he took a job out of town but I checked and the employer mentioned had never heard of him,’ Chet continued. ‘Lanny was a risk taker,’ Chet mused. ‘Lou told me one time when I asked about the Orpheum basement that you might get lost in it and never find your way out,’ Chet laughed.

‘It is a spooky place,’ Billy B observed. ‘It seems to be a lot of liminal space that continues endlessly,’ Billy B continued. ‘Follow me and take this rope I have with me to ensure we do not get lost,’ Billy B explained. ‘I hear people talking but I do not see them,’ Billy B noted with a quizzical look. ‘Come in this room is humongous,’ Billy B exclaimed. ‘It looks like the Orpheum Theatre when it was new,’ Billy B said. ‘This is a strange place,’ Billy B mused.

‘There is main street in the 40s with the cars of the decade…the storefronts…Christmas decorations draped across the street and listen to the Holiday music playing from somewhere,’ Jane said. ‘The rooms just keep connecting it seems everything above ground is being replicated in a fashion below ground,’ Jane observed. ‘Oh my goodness in here is Hillcrest School in 1962…there we are in Mrs. K’s first grade class,’ Jane shudders with fear. ‘We are in another world or universe…could it be that we are dreaming,’ Jane said.

‘Hello my friends,’ Lanny said with a wave. ‘When did you get here,’ Lanny continued. ‘I just came down here to look for the Halloween Costumes during the intermission and must get back upstairs to finish the movie Carnival Of Souls,’ Lanny smiled. ‘This place is fascinating and unexplained,’ Lanny observed. ‘At first it seemed a bit frightening now I feel right at home,’ Lanny laughed. ‘You know Carnival Of Souls just came out this year…1962…much of the movie reminds me of Town,’ Lanny laughed.

‘My God, you will not believe what is in this room…it is the Kennedy Assassination in Dallas…but all of the people look like a semblance of theirselves…like statues of horror,’ Neva J said.

Now we are in it. The Holiday Season is upon us. Our year is winding down. Time to break out the barrel for apple bobbing. Those who would have us believe we are helpless hopeless salt of the earth people who need guidance to get through our days are mistaken. We are people of the good earth. We have our back packs on and our walking sticks. We are ready for a subtle and significant change. The heat of the summer did not deter us. Seekers we are. Watching for the hidden truths of living well.

The Woods was quite filled with strange noises. Trees creak and groan in the wind if you listen to their conversation. The spell of the woods is encompassing. The baby turkeys are no longer babies. Mom Turkey has told them to be careful of hungry looking pilgrims. They can be seen with their muskets and big hats. They speak of the goodness of God and Turkey.

We enter the door of October bringing all of the memories of past Octobers. Nights of bonfires and ghost stories. Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. The joys of Octoberfest. The fun and mystery of Trick Or Treating. Adults smiling more than the movie Smile. A combination of creepy and silly and joy. Halloween is cold and Halloween Costumes are thin. Shivers and Shadows. What was the Adult World really like? What did they know that they were keeping from us? There was a look behind their eyes whispers and laughs winks and nods. Neva J wanted to inspect the candy including the Pop Corn Balls. What were they looking for? Some big kids dressed up. Their costumes were not purchased at Ben Franklin Dime Store. Football players and their girlfriends…they always had girlfriends. Sounds of kids laughing for joy and sounds not easily identifiable.

The Old Man buys a houndstooth cap that is orange and black. It will be his Halloween Costume. When you are old you do not require much of a costume it comes with the product. He no longer has his plastic Jack-O-Lantern to collect candy. Wouldn’t the adults at the Halloween Doors smile broadly when they saw the Old Man with his Orange and Black Houndstooth cap and his plastic Jack-O-Lantern at their door!