Tucker McBride

Return to a time when a boy could be a boy; when life was more clear from the top branch of a tree; when a kid could trade anger and disappointment for action and adventure; when the whole neighborhood was his playground; and the sloppy kiss from a dog could make everything right.


Sunday, October 31, 2021

The Haunted House

                           In Tucker's Perfect Day, Tucker and his friends enjoy Beggars' Night in various spooky ways. Many people have told me about the haunted house they went through one Halloween.

As a child, I never went into such a menagerie of scary rooms. My father didn't permit my sister and me to experience events intended to deliberately frighten us. I didn't see a horror film until I was in college. In the community I grew up in, Beggars' Night was the 30th of September. Halloween was on the 31st. "Good" children didn't venture out on Halloween. That was when pranksters played tricks and destroyed property.

However, the day after Halloween, my friends at school would tell me about the haunted house they inched through. I found their stories fascinating. As readers reminded me of those rooms full of spiderwebs, dripping imitation blood, headless figures, eerie music, and ghosts that jumped out of closets, I wondered if any of you have ever gone through a haunted house. 

If you have a special, unique experience of Halloween, let me know. I'll share it on the blog.

For me, Halloween is a time to enjoy family and community. It's a time to laugh, let your heart pound a little faster, and grab someone's hand for safety. It's clear crisp air, caramel-covered apples, and little Snickers candy bars. 

Join Tucker as he enjoys late October 1947 by reading Tucker's Perfect Day.

Doris Gaines Rapp


Thursday, October 28, 2021

How We Spend Halloween

👻   Tucker McBride had an exciting evening on Halloween 1947 in my book, Tucker's Perfect Day. His hours were full from the time school got out, until those stinking, slimy boys finally slunk home.

I asked readers to tell me about their Halloween evening. I have permission to add these here. If you have autumn activities you have enjoyed and are willing to share, email me or respond to my Facebook post.

I received word from two people from the United States on how they spent Halloween. Both said they love the crisp air of fall and talking to other ghosts and goblins in costumes.

One of those who shared their Halloween excitement told me about autumn fun even before Beggars' Night. Some churches and other organizations in their town have events called Trick-or-Trunk. Members of the church or club line their cars up in the parking lot with their trunks open. Parents bring their costumed children so they can select their favorite candy in a safe place. 

Another woman explained that their church did not celebrate Halloween. In its place, the congregation opens the fellowship hall for a Harvest Party. Everyone plays games and participates in line dancing. They have hotdogs, chips, cupcakes and take home a small treat bag full of candy. Their harvest was plentiful.

On our street, homeowners gather on their front porch, driveway, or front yard and talk to all the wonderful kids dressed in whatever Halloween costumes their parents helped them put together. The evening air is so clear, you can hear conversations several houses down. A wave and "Hello" to those across the street, knit the community together.

Halloween can be celebrated in many ways. If you have another good evening to share, let me know and I'll post your idea. Enjoy the evening.

Doris Gaines Rapp

Monday, October 25, 2021

Halloween Activities in 2021

 

     Tucker McBride had a wonderful Beggars' Night on Halloween 1947. Tucker and his friends participated in an apple-bobbing contest in the church parking lot, went through a corn maze, and experienced a few pranks. Read Tucker's Perfect Day to get the full enjoyment of the season.

What would your perfect Halloween day be like? If you can think of something Tucker didn't do, email me at dorisgainesrapp@gmail.com and I'll share it on this blog. Or respond to this post on Facebook and share your ideas with others. I would love to post them here. If you post your ideas on my FB page between now and Halloween, I will copy and paste them here. What fun!

Enjoy your Halloween 2021 and stay safe. 

Doris Gaines Rapp

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Halloween in 1947

          In book three, Tucker's Perfect Day, it's Halloween time. Oh, the stuff Tucker got into. You'll just have to read the book to find out the fun he had on Beggars' Night. You can get Tucker's Perfect Day on Amazon, Barnes&Noble.com, and other online booksellers.

Gramma saw autumn differently. It was harvest season, a time to prepare for winter and the upcoming holidays. She also filtered each day through the lens of her Bible and the teachings of Jesus. I thought you might like to add some words to the treats you and our family pass out on Halloween.

You can use computer templates for business cards, or simple paper you trim to size. Create a nice greeting and type it into the computer for your cards. Perhaps you will want to use one that I created.

            Example 1:    You don't have to trick me.

                                    God's love and my treat are free.

            Example 2:    God blesses the harvest

                                    and the plantings we start.

                                    For what we create

                                    Reflects Christ in our hearts.

You can decorate the cards with fall stickers and pass them out along with the sweet treats. You might come up with something more to your liking. You have time to get it done. Have fun with it.

Doris




Friday, October 8, 2021

An Additional Blog

 As I post on this blog about things that were part of Tucker's life, I often mention Gramma. Tucker's grandmother was a little woman, only 4 ft 10 1/2 inches tall. But her love was huge and her wisdom large. As a psychologist turned author, people ask me questions about parenting, grandparenting, and other issues. Today, I created the blog, Talk is Good for What Bothers You. This is your opportunity to Follow the blog, send your question by email, and if your question is chosen, I'll answer by posting on the blog. Josie Davis Gaines will help with these answers and postings.

Go to https://www.talkisgoodforwhatbothersyou.com, click follow and ask a question.

Let's talk.

Doris

 

Tucker McBride and the Christmas Present

  It's December 1, and the stores are draped in red and green. It is the Holidays, the Christmas Holidays. The Christ Child came to brin...