The Lounge's Autumn Escape

[thestruggle]

Etches a goofy face on a nicely shaped pumpkin and studies the effect. She then adds on a large mustache with curled ends. Perfect! Now, probably not one of those dinky carving kits... The sharps are always crappy. She catches the humming and smiles widely at Duchess, before she focuses her attention on cutting open the pumpkin top to scrape out the seeds. Probably should've drawn the face on afterward. Whoops.

Well, I think I know what I'd like to be. But I'm still hemming and hawing. Last year I was Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Everyone mixes it up. I usually try to toe the line between scary and adorable. We'll see if I can pull it off this year. Maybe another doll-ish theme. You'll be all set to do the costume stuff - Tipton will be good practice! Putting on a whole different personality, so much fun. Well, the same as other writing, I guess.

She neatly spoons the seeds into a bowl that she's set nearby and idly picks at some strands of pumpkin innards.

Now, the fun part about this is to take the seeds and clean them. Then we can toss them with spices, salt, whatever, and toast them. Some people eat them plain, but I guess I can't leave well enough alone. Do you like pumpkin seeds? Now you've got me wanting curry, too. A lot of people around here seem to forget that food can have more than one-dimensional flavors.

 

[DesEsseintes]

Autumn leaves are beautiful, aren't they?

It is lovely to see people being happy and pleasant with each other. You two seem pretty adept with the old pumpkin carving, so I shall merely sit and perhaps get the fire going, if that's alright?

 

[Britwitch]

eyes her own carving, a heavily scripted letter H - one of many she'll carve if she can manage it, to have lighted pumpkins welcome her guests with the words 'Happy Halloween!' - while delving into her shoulder bag to pull out a scarf and wrap it a couple of times around her neck

I'm not sure about my costume for the Hallowe'en party yet either. I had an idea...then a certain heroine was mentioned...so not entirely sure. Will see what comes to mind closer to the date.

grins and looks at the other pumpkins

And these are going to look awesome! Seriously!

 

[StarryEyed665]

Ooooh, lookee at all these pumpkins! I've never carved one myself before, so fearing I would ruin all your lovely work . . . I'll just sit too. Perhaps get out my ukelele, to accompany Scuttle's guitar. Let's have a sing-along by the fire!

 

[DesEsseintes]

Let's have a sing-along by the fire!

<Sings.>

We've even got the lyrics. It's like a rustic karaoke.

 

[prettyserpentine]

wanders out from walking in the forest

Oh a singalong! I love it...

Can we sing this one next?

 

[DesEsseintes]

<Waves and smiles at everyone before wandering slowly to the simple log cabin, where a flask of whisky waits on the bedside table. As he undresses for bed the sweet sounds of singing lull him to sleep.>

 

[StarryEyed665]

Oooh that's pretty, haven't heard it! And I love Joshua Radin!

Right, got an early haircut appointment tomorrow and MUCH packing, I shall make my way to my own cabin now.

Steals the leftover pie and giving goodnight hugs and kisses to everyone before doing so.

 

[TinyDuchess]

Oooh with music like that on I feel like dancing.

 

[DesEsseintes]

Well, what an exciting storm last night. Quite blew the cobwebs away, and now the air feels fresh and rich with possibility; the universe whispers its infinite destiny in my ear; Life itself stretches out its hand and unrolls the limitless future; and I think I might go for a nice swim.

Evening all.

 

[StarryEyed665]

Evening, Des! I'm almost tempted to join you except... well... I have a cold and I'd rather drink hot chocolate by the fire.

Also, I made brownies so you and anyone else is welcome to try some! They have Baileys in!

 

[DesEsseintes]

<Comes back from the shore almost indecently fast.>

Baileys Brownies, you say? They sound amazing. Sorry about your cold. I was about to make myself a hot toddy - would you like one?

I have home made lemon verbena ice-cream and home-made meringues, with some of the last summer raspberries from the garden. Midnight feast?

 

[StarryEyed665]

Even though I should be having an early night... that sounds far too good to pass up. And I will accept the hot toddy, if you are offering

Wraps fleece throw around her, getting comfy for what promises to be a decadent midnight feast

 

[DesEsseintes]

Two hot toddies coming up. Sorry for the delay: I was insulted by a barely-literate creature and couldn't resist responding.

I say, these brownies are decadent, aren't they? Did you soak them overnight in the whole bottle?

 

[TinyDuchess]

Brownies?! Hot chocolate?! Ice-cream and meringues?! And berries too?!!!

I'm in!!!

*Fluffs a pillow and eases it behind Starry's sweet head to make her more comfy*

I'm sorry you don't feel well.

 

[StarryEyed665]

I say, these brownies are decadent, aren't they? Did you soak them overnight in the whole bottle?

Why, that's the only way to enjoy them, of course!

And thank you, Ms Duchess, for the pillow and the sympathy I do actually feel a bit better now, but I'm quite susceptible to colds so this won't be the last time you hear me complaining! Right, should really sleep soon. I spent my last night at home watching Silence of the Lambs.

 

[DesEsseintes]

Good luck with the university move, Starry - one of the most exciting days of one's life. Enjoy fresher's week - and try not to forget completely about the old codgers who remain behind in your old life...

 

[Britwitch]

appears with a smile and a determined twinkle in her eyes

I am going to write today. I am.

she nods and settles close to the fire, after adding a couple of fresh logs to bring it back to life

I've been cycling through some gorgeous autumnal scenery all day so I feel like my muse should have benefited from the fresh air.

Guess we'll have to wait and see...

 

[TinyDuchess]

*Singing happily* "Tip tip tip, tip tip, Ti-Tipton!"

Settling down to finally focus on carving my pumpkin ... trying to remember exactly what Tess did.

"Ahh! Now I remember ... I've got to cut the top off!"

 

[Britwitch]

waves over at the pretty face who's just arrived

Hi there! What's your pumpkin going to be?

grins and continues to carve the next letter in her driveway signage

 

[TinyDuchess]

*Smiles happily and waves back at the lovely Brit*

I'm actually not sure, I've only just figured out how to get the top off.

I was thinking of something like this, but I'm pretty sure I'll end up with this.

 

[Britwitch]

giggles softly

Well, you'll never know unless you give it a try, you may well surprise yourself.
If you carve as well as you write, you'll create something great, I have no doubt!

nods and winks

And I hear you're going to come to my Halloween party! It's always fun and another chance to people to get to know one another and enjoy themselves at the same time.

 

[TinyDuchess]

*grins*

I think there's going to be a definite ache in my cheeks with all the smiles your compliments are inducing. Considering how phenomenal your own writing is, I truly am flattered.

*smiles*

As for my carving skills, I suppose I'll be happy whatever the result, so long as I don't hack the poor thing to pieces.

And yes I am! *Bouncing excitedly* I'm looking forward to it! My first ever Halloween party, mind you. Still have no clue who or what I should come as.

 

[Britwitch]

Aww, thanks.

she blushes a little, smiling back

I just try to keep up with everyone else.

she puts down the knife she's using to shape the letter E in the front of her pumpkin for a moment to see if she thinks it's ready

And I never know what I'm going to be, not really, not for sure until maybe a day or two before. I do have a habit of changing my mind rather frequently.
Luckily the party lasts for a whole weekend so if you can't choose, you can always have a couple of costumes and change as the party goes on. That can be fun too!

 

[TinyDuchess]

Wait a minute, wait a minute!

*Throwing my hands up in the air, rocking back in my seat.*

The party lasts for a whole weekend??? *blinks incredulous*

AWESOMESAUCE!!!

Just as I thought I was getting an inkling of an idea ... now I can do that, and other thing that comes to mind!

I'll tell you a secret *leaning over to whisper* I have habit of being somewhat indecisive and changing my mind a lot too.

But with two whole days I won't have to worry! Well, not as much anyway. *giggles*

*Frowns for a moment, tilting my head to the side while noting the well scripted letter on Brit's pumpkin. Feeling my OCD senses begin to nag.*

Are you carving your letters in the sequence of the words? Or just as they come to you? Cause the last time I saw you carve it was the letter H, now you're on E.

I swear I'm not against creativity or anything, I just need to know so that my brain doesn't explode.