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My Gingivectomy Recovery Experience

I'm drooling, lying on the couch, eating a liquidy black bean soup, watching CSI: Miami on Netflix while the left side of my mouth is completely & utterly numb. How did it get here? Why is saliva falling out of my mouth? What's going on? Well, let me fill you in. Wondering about the gingivectomy recovery experience? How bad is the gingivectomy pain? Keep reading. 

DAMN YOU WISDOM TEETH! There I said it. Some of you may have experienced a wisdom teeth extraction. It's a pretty standard procedure to get them taken out since many of us don't have enough room in our mouths to keep them. If you do, you're lucky! The wisdom teeth are technically your third & final set of molars; they usually pop up in your teens & 20s. 

I got my wisdom teeth removed in 2013. I had three of them. My recovery was relatively easy. Of course, there was a bit of discomfort & some aching. I slurped on some soft foods & liquids, relaxed & let it all heal. There were no issues. Now fast forward three years. I'm not a doctor, so don't take this as medical advice. It's just my own gingivectomy recovery experience.

What is a gingivectomy? 

The gum tissue where my wisdom teeth were & my current molars are decided to heal up stupidly, causing infections & other issues. My dentist recommended getting the extra gum tissue or deep pockets removed. So I did. The surgery is called a gingivectomy, where excess gum tissue is removed to reduce diseased tissue & pockets that trap bacteria in the deep pockets. It is a surgical gum disease treatment. I split the gingivectomy procedure into two procedures because it was more most cost-effective through insurance. I already did my right side a couple months ago. Now for my left side.

Depending on the severity, your gingivectomy procedure may include major gum removal or reshaping the gum line. It may take several visits to the oral surgeon / dentist office. Your dentist may use local anesthesia to numb the area. 

Gingivectomy Procedure Survival Kit

You'll need:
- Neosporin
- Q-Tips
- Face Ice Pack
- Soup
- Advil &/or Tylenol
- Reading pillow
- Aura Cacia Chill Pill essential oil blend

gingivectomy

What can I expect after a Gingivectomy?

Day 1: Gum Tissue Removal

The procedure took about an hour to remove gum tissue. They applied a topical numbing cream & then injected me with something to ensure my gums were totally senseless. No pain. All I felt was a slight pinch. I was awake during the procedure & kept my eyes closed most of the time. That's the beauty of local anesthesia. It's pretty freaky to open your eyes & watch people with a scalpel hack away in your mouth's gum tissue. I could feel the slight discomfort & tension of the scalpel on my teeth as they removed excess gums. Mine used a scalpel, but your surgical procedure might use a laser to remove loose gum tissue. 

Now I'm lying in bed eating soup & avoiding chewing anything on my left side. My mouth is still numb but the feeling will go away in a couple hours. Today is all about icing my mouth & just resting & recuperating. The healing time for the gingivectomy procedure took a couple weeks. Soft foods for the next few days. For a surgical gum disease treatment, it didn't take too long.

Day 2

For the first 24 hours after the operation, I'm supposed to ice my left cheek with an ice pack for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. I didn't strictly follow this. Every four to six hours, I took two Advil & a Tylenol as ordered. I followed the pain-relieving guidelines after my numbness subsided & the aching came through. Some facial swelling. At night, instead of taking the Advil/Tylenol combination, I took two Tylenol PMs. Always read the label!

Oh my lord. My jaw is sore. I can open barely my mouth to a third of its capacity. So much discomfort it feels like someone sucker punched me in the face a few times. Rinse with a solution of warm salt water every 6 hours, or follow doctor's orders.

FYI: During my first procedure I received a cut right at the corner of my mouth/lips during the stitching part. Apparently, this is called angular cheilitis; thanks for the info Google. Any movement seemed to open the wound & keep it cracked. My advice to you is to specifically request for them to lubricate your mouth & lips to avoid this error in the future. I asked for Vaseline twice during my second procedure & this absolutely helped.

Since I woke up with an incredibly sore mouth, I did the Advil/Tylenol combination & iced my cheek. I felt better after a couple of hours. Today I'm supposed to do a warm saltwater rinse instead of the 15-minute icing intervals. I did a rinse in the morning & in the afternoon.

gingivectomy

Day 3

I didn't take any pain medication today. I'm a little sore but nothing I can't survive. I'm sticking to mashed foods, soft foods, liquids, & soups because I can't chew on my left side. The foods & liquids are not delicious but what can you do when you're in pain?

Day 4

My gums are doing well. I did a saltwater rinse. Even though I'm not actively trying, I can feel the stitches in my mouth. As ordered, I've been using the Peridex solution every day & night on the gums rather than brushing them. Other than that I brush my teeth as usual, simply avoiding the affected area. Same foods & liquids. Can't wait to eat real food.

Day 5

My mouth & gums barely hurt at all, no pain! Yay! I can somewhat chew & eat.

Day 6

My stitches are coming out. My jaw feels funky though. I think it's a bit sore from being open during the procedure & having to exclusively eat with my right side.

Days 7 - 10

Everything is almost back to normal. Healing well. There's only a mild sensation of awkwardness in my jaw & gums.

Day 14

I feel back to normal. I visited the periodontist today & he said everything looks great. There's a bit of swelling & healing left, so he wants me to come back in two weeks. My tip to those who are getting a gingivectomy surgery: if you're healing well, schedule your checkup 3 - 4 weeks from your initial procedure to allow time to heal, so you don't have to keep come in multiple for a 5 minute check up. 


gingivectomy


Day 21

I came in again & my periodontist said everything looks great & my gums are healing appropriately. He wants me to visit for a final check-up in six weeks. 

Day 32

I went to the dentist today & the dental hygienist could tell which side was most recently done. I obviously can't see that far into my mouth. It's interesting that although I don't feel any particular discomfort, it's evident that the tissues inside my mouth take time to recuperate 100%.

Final Thoughts: Gingivectomy for Gum Disease

Oral hygiene can help prevent gum disease, bleeding gums, tooth decay, etc. I hope this helps anyone who's considering a gingivectomy surgery. At the time, everything felt sore & achy & I couldn't wait for that feeling to go away. Now I can feel a big difference in my mouth & know it's going to help my gums & teeth in the long run. The gingivectomy recovery was tough but not horrible. If you have any problems,  immediately call your doctor. Make sure to follow-up with your dentist during the recovery. The gingivectomy pain level wasn't too horrendous and got better.

Follow your pre & post-operative instructions. At the time of this surgical procedure, it was covered by insurance but it can range by age. Ask your doctor/oral surgeon if you have any questions or experience any issues.

Have you had your wisdom teeth removed? :]


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Get the Look: Cher's Black & White Outfit from Clueless

Clueless is a 1990s cult classic. If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to watch it as soon as you can. It's one of my top favorite movies ever; I've mentioned it a couple times: Halloween Costume Idea. There are so many wonderful & memorable outfits from the film, & they'll leave you lusting for your own version. I want to highlight Cher's black & white look from the beginning of the film because it's simple, approachable, & easy to recreate. 

The best part is you may have most of these items in your wardrobe. They're wearable & versatile garments you can utilize over & over. The first thing you'll need is a sheer black button-up shirt with a white cropped tank top underneath. It's easy, breezy, beautiful. Cher's sheer shirt has ruffled cuffs so you can keep that in mind if you want to be authentic. But you go could for a white tank with a black/sheer shirt.

cher horowitz outfit

The next thing you'll need is a pair of black trousers. Most of us probably already have these for formal days, job interviews, work, whatever. They are sleek & the perfect way to wear pants. Cher's trousers are slightly baggier, but I prefer something more fitted. It's the ideal way to modernize a 90s inspired outfit.

Oxford shoes are having a huge come back. They're all over the place & they are pretty easy to find. You may want to go for a pair of shiny, chunky oxford shoes. They are nearly identical to the ones that you could see Cher wearing in Clueless. 

In the film, Cher wears a choker necklace, a beaded cross necklace, & a simple ring. Keep the look clean & elegant with a darling beaded necklace. A beaded necklace can be used in a myriad of ways so you won't be left owning something that you never use.

Clueless has so many awesome outfits it's hard to ignore. Try to pull together this look with items you have in your closet. See how close you can get to the original & then you can integrate a couple pieces from your own wardrobe.

What do you think of this Clueless outfit? Would you wear this? Have you seen the movie? :]

On the hunt for Halloween costume ideas? 

 Laney Boggs Prom Dress from She's All That - view here. 

Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls - view here.

The Plastics from Mean Girls - view here.

Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family - view here.

Cher's White Dress in Clueless- view here.

Halloween Costume Idea Cher Horowitz Clueless Yellow Plaid Outfit - view here.

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Things To Do in Gouda, Holland (The Netherlands)

Gouda is one of my favorite types of cheeses. What is gouda? The cheese tastes creamy & rich; the soft texture that makes almost melt in your mouth, making nearly irresistible to munch on. It's similar to Havarti cheese in that way.

That's why I was so excited when Gouda, a city in the Netherlands, made its way onto my family's radar during our Europe trip. I made sure we put it on the itinerary because I just had to see where the famous cheese hailed from. There are a few things to do if you're visiting Gouda, Holland.

Things To Do in Gouda, Holland (The Netherlands)

The city of Gouda is a Dutch cheese town. While Gouda is world-famous for its cheese, it's also recognized for smoking pipes & stroopwafels — a waffle sandwich made from two extremely thin layers of baked batter with a caramel syrup filling in the middle aka a gift from the heavens. Stroopwafels were invented in Gouda! How cool is that?! Side note: I ate soooo0oo many stroopwafels on my trip; they're incredible. If you have access to an international market, keep your eyes out for them. Or you can buy stroopwafels online.

Related reading: Amsterdam, the Netherlands in Black & White

Things To Do in Gouda, Holland (The Netherlands)

The Gouda market square has a gorgeous gothic city hall that's hard to miss & beautiful to photograph. You can explore the town, the Gouda market, the shops, & everything in between in a day. Gouda is a relatively small place but there's still plenty of things to do in town. You can appreciate it for a few hours or stay overnight.

Related reading: Veggie Meal Alert! Thrill Grill in Haarlem, Netherlands

Things To Do in Gouda, Holland (The Netherlands)

Munching on local delicacies is one of my favorite things to do in Europe. The Netherlands is particularly known for their apple tarts so I recommend eating them as often as possible. While I was there, the indulgence was real. The apple tart in Gouda had giant chunks of apple. Soft on the outside with a slightly crispy interior. An absolute delight.

Things To Do in Gouda, Holland (The Netherlands)

What is Gouda?

Since Gouda cheese hails from Gouda, Netherlands (duh), you have the opportunity to sample product like you're the queen (or king) of the world. Coconut gouda, pesto gouda, paprika gouda, fenugreek gouda. All the gouda cheese flavors of the rainbow. It's something I still dream about. I tell you what: there's no gouda like the gouda from Gouda. Say that fast 10 times!

Related reading: How to Save $$$ on Flights Using Google Flights

Things To Do in Gouda, Holland (The Netherlands)

If you make it out to the Dutch cheese town of Gouda, be sure to take the time to eat any of the local food.  I drooled at every bakery & cafe & restaurant I walked by. One of the best parts of traveling is tasting various types of cuisine. Eating out can get expensive so it's important to understand how to eat on a budget while traveling abroad. How cute are these fruit-inspired gummy candies?!?

Things To Do in Gouda, Holland (The Netherlands)

Looking for a hotel in Gouda, Netherlands? Here are some options - just put in your check-in & check-out dates to see what's available:


Booking.com

The canals of Holland are magnificent. Each one has its own personality & ranges in every city. Back in the day, the canals were used for water management, transportation, & defense purposes. As the times changed, the canals are normally utilized for recreational activities like canal tours. Gouda continues to use the tradition of canals with some unique cheese-inspired decorations.

My experience in Gouda, Netherlands was delicious but brief. Take a look at the town center or the local shops, & make sure you stop to enjoy a pastry & some cheese. Walk around the Gouda market square. Grab a wheel of gouda cheese to go as your own edible souvenir. Gouda is an old town with a lot of character. It remains fondly in my heart.

Have you visited Gouda? Have you eaten the cheese? :]

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35+ Bath & Body Works Wallflower Refill Scents & Descriptions

Just because the holiday season is over doesn't mean you have to give up on the joyful festivities & the holiday aromas. After Christmas, I celebrated my second annual tradition of going to Bath & Body Works to restock on the Wallflower refills. Sales often depend on what is left in stock. If you want to learn more about them, take a look at my Bath & Body Works Wallflower Review; it has all the information you need to determine whether a Wallflower plug and fragrance refill is a good fit for you or not. 

What's a Wallflower Plug In?


Wallflowers are a hassle-free way to have a constant wave of lovely scents waft through the room. It's an air freshener with a range of fragrances. Some fragrance refills are bold, while some scents are uplifting, some are relaxing or comforting. There are literally dozens and dozens of scents and plug-ins to choose from so you can find something that suits your taste. 

Bath and Body Works labels the scents as such: 

  • Fruity & Happy
  • Floral & Uplifting
  • Fresh & Relaxing
  • Warm & Comforting 


*Updated as of September 2021.

18 Bath & Body Works Wallflower Refill Scents & Descriptions
Popular Bath Body Works Wallflowers fragrances
I did some after Christmas shopping & splurged on these Wallflowers. I went all out & purchased 18 different fragrance refill scents! I even rejected a few just to cut down on the price. They were on sale for $3 a pop; their regular retail price is $6.50. Last year I bought them for $2.50 so their sale price went up. 

How long do Bath and Body Works Wallflowers scents last? Each Wallflower fragrance refill acts as an air freshener. In smaller rooms, the fragrance refill lasts about four weeks/one month, so this batch is sure to get me through the whole year & then some -- approximately a year & a half. 

If you have a larger room, the scent may only last a couple of weeks. Certainly, something to consider.

18 Bath & Body Works Wallflower Refill Scents & Descriptions

Bath and Body Works Wallflower Scents and their description

  1. Alpine Cheer - Breathe in crisp mountain balsam, cedar wood bark, & snow white cranberry.
  2. Autumn Woods - Dark Walnut, English Lavender, White Amber.
  3. Blackberries and Basil - Fresh Blackberries, Sparkling Champagne, Basil.
  4. Cheers Mulled Wine - Raise a glass with red fruit & mulled apples layered over rare saffron spice.
  5. Cinnamon Caramel Swirl - Cinnamon enhances silky vanilla caramel in the fragrance of a holiday treat.
  6. Cinnamon & Clove Buds -  A warmly spicy scent -- classic cinnamon, simmering clove buds, & exquisite vanilla.
  7. Cinnamon Stick - Ceylon Cinnamon Stick, Vanilla, Spiced Sugar with Essential Oils.
  8. Dashing Through the Snow - Enjoy the crisp cool air of a sleigh ride with balsam, wintery musk, & sparkling citrus.
  9. Fall Fresh Morning - Citrus Zest, Woodland Sage, Red Delicious Apples with Essential Oils.
  10. Flannel - Fresh Bergamot, Heirloom Mahogany, Soft Musk with Essential Oils.
  11. Fresh Balsam - The invigorating fragrance of snow-dusted balsam, fir, & eucalyptus.
  12. Fresh Sparkling Snow - Icy pear, frozen melon, & frosted musk capture winter's sparkle.
  13. Harvest Cranberry Woods -  The beauty of harvest in fresh cranberries, black currant, & cinnamon.
  14. Holiday Mulled Cider - Enjoy apple cider mulled with holiday spice & creamy birchwood.
  15. Home Pumpkin Cheesecake - Decadent cheesecake in notes of spiced pumpkin, cream, & a golden crust.
  16. In the Stars - Sparkling Bergamot, Apricot Blossom, Fluffed Sandalwood.
  17. Laundry Day - Fresh Air, Crisp Eucalyptus, Soft Lavender.
  18. Lavender Vanilla - Lavender Blossom, Creamy Vanilla, White Woods, Sugared Musk.
  19. Mahogany Teakwood - Rich Mahogany, Black Teakwood, Dark Oak, Frosted Lavender.
  20. Marshmallow Fireside - Toasted Marshmallow, Smoldering Woods, Fire Roasted Vanilla.
  21. Open Sky - Fresh Air, Wild Blackberries, Soft Violet, Comforting Vanilla.
  22. Pumpkin Pecan Waffles - Maple Syrup, Golden Waffles, Pumpkin Spice, Brown Sugar with Essential Oils.
  23. Sparkling Icicles - Let holiday parties sparkle with the fragrance of moss, bergamot, & citrus.
  24. Strawberry Pound Cake - Fresh Strawberries, Golden Shortcake, Whipped Cream.
  25. Sun-Drenched Linen - Cool Cotton, Crisp Apple, Soft Musk.
  26. Sunshine Mimosa - Bright, Bubbly Champagne, Fresh Citrus.
  27. Sweater Weather - Cuddle up with an aromatic blend of eucalyptus, juniper berry, & fresh sage.
  28. Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin - An inviting mixture of harvest pumpkin, sweet vanilla cream, & cinnamon stick.
  29. Thankful Chestnut & Clove - A luxurious blend of rich chestnut, aromatic cedar, & freshly ground cloves.
  30. Twisted Peppermint - Make it very merry with peppermint, vanilla & sugary musk.
  31. Vampire Blood - Blood Red Strawberry, Midnight Blooming Jasmine, Dark Transylvanian Plum with Essential Oils.
  32. Vanilla Patchouli - Made with Vanilla Absolute and Sandalwood and Patchouli Essential Oils.
  33. Welcome Autumn Spiced Wreath - Welcome Thanksgiving with balsam sprigs, cinnamon bark, & ground cloves.
  34. Winter - Pine, icy mandarin, & winter woods embody this sparkling season.
  35. Winter Sun - A blend of citrus, vetiver, & musk inspired by winter sunlight.


18 Bath & Body Works Wallflower Refill Scents & Descriptions

Some of these are very clearly Thanksgiving/autumn related aromas whereas others are Christmas/winter related. Given that each Wallflower is three bucks & will last me about 30 days, that adds up to about $.10 a day. That's not a bad figure at all. My boyfriend randomly chose one & we currently have Holiday Mulled Cider keeping the bedroom smelling fresh. Within about an hour I noticed the smell emitting from the Wallflower. It's noticeable but not overwhelming for your nose.

18 Bath & Body Works Wallflower Refill Scents & Descriptions

I would not purchase Bath Body Works Wallflowers fragrance refills at regular prices that's why I stock up once a year after Christmas. But sometimes you have to pay full price if you truly love something! Just plug it in and leave it be, it'll do its own thing as a room fragrance. You can buy the Wallflower fragrance refill online or pick up in store.

Do you have a Wallflower fragrance refill? 

Which of these Wallflowers fragrance plug scents sounds the best to you? How do you fragrance your home? I'd love to learn what you do to make your house, bathroom, bedroom, etc. smell delectable. Bath and Body works has many fragrance refill options and scent profiles, no matter what your preference, you'll find something! :]

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Get the Look: Bianca's Prom Dress from 10 Things I Hate About You

90s style is all the rage. I recently got a blast from the past by watching 10 Things I Hate About You with Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Larisa Oleynik. It was marvelous. 

* This article may contain affiliate links. It comes at no additional cost to you.

In the film, Bianca's pretty in pink prom dress -- or prom crop top with a hot pink tulle skirt, as it should be called -- is way too chic to ignore. The separate pieces give it a relaxed feel, but the satin & tulle show some glamour. I simply couldn't resist recreating the iconic look. We all love Kat, but this post is about Bianca. Get the look with Bianca's prom dress from 10 Things I Hate About You!

There are two vital items to start off your iconic look. The first thing you need is a shiny, bright pink crop top or a metallic cropped tank top. It doesn't have to be too cropped, just enough to show a sliver of skin. The next thing is a somewhat long pink tulle skirt! You can even go for a floor-length pink tulle skirt. You will look like a lovely pink ballerina. These two make a whimsical, vintage-inspired pair. Once you find these key items the rest is up to you. You can even wear a slip dress under if you can't find the right shirt. There are many dresses that you can go with!

Not a skirt person? Try it with a pink pair of pants or trousers. You can even add pants with the tulle. 

Possible items you can use to recreate Bianca's 10 Things I Hate About You prom dress:

  • Hot pink tulle skirt - Find it on Amazon
  • Floor-length pink skirt - Find it on Amazon
  • Women's Ruffle Short Sleeve Tie Up Off Shoulder Blouse - Find it on Amazon
  • Sleeveless pink metallic cropped tank - Find it on Amazon
  • Rhinestone Butterfly Choker Necklaces Glitter Pink - Find it on Amazon
  • Chunky silver pumps - Find them on Amazon

Get the Look: Bianca 10 Things I Hate About You Prom Dress




Bianca and Kat are sisters. Each one dresses differently with their unique style. During the prom scene in 10 Things I Hate About You with Julia Stiles & Heath Ledger, Bianca holds a unique satin pink bag. It's hard to find something quite like it so I did my best to search for an alternative. All you need is a bold pink coin purse that's small enough to hold your essentials but not large enough to hide the world.

Accessorize your prom look with a dainty & sweet necklace of your choice. You might as well go with a retro '90s-looking choker necklace. If you have a genuine necklace from the 1990s, that's even better, but not all of us are so lucky as to have those lying around. The stretchy chokers are very cheap & easy to find these days.

The last thing you'll need to complete Bianca's iconic prom dress look is a pair of cute strappy heels. You'll only need a darling pair to last long enough to capture for the photos. By the time you start dancing, you'll probably take them off after a couple of songs. That's how it normally goes at dances. I can vouch for that because dancing in high heels is no easy feat. This 10 Things I Hate About You prom dress could even be used as a Halloween costume or worn to your next event.

Why the Dress Still Resonates with People of All Ages

If you’ve seen 10 Things I Hate About You even once, you probably remember Bianca Stratford’s prom dress. It’s impossible not to. The two-piece outfit—a shiny pink crop top paired with a full, frothy tulle skirt—was the perfect mix of playful, flirty, and totally late-’90s. Costume designer Kim Tillman nailed Bianca’s whole vibe in one look: girly without being stuffy, trendy without being over the top. 

It also set her apart from her sister Kat, whose minimalist slip dress reflected a moodier, more rebellious personality. That contrast was intentional—it told you everything about these sisters before they even opened their mouths. The dress didn’t just fit Bianca’s style; it was her style, translated into prom form. 

Looking back now, Bianca’s outfit feels like a time capsule of 1999 fashion in the best way possible. The combination of a crop top, tutu-style skirt, and teeny-tiny shoulder bag was peak teen-movie glam. It wasn’t about being “practical”—it was about looking adorable, twirling around the dance floor, and making an entrance you’d remember for years. And honestly? It worked. 

Decades later, Bianca’s prom look is still ranked alongside Pretty in Pink’s pink pouf and Mean Girls’ bedazzled crown moment as one of the most iconic movie prom outfits ever. Fans still gush about it online and call it the movie dress of all time—and with the ‘90s and Y2K trends back in rotation, you could totally rock a modern version today without it feeling like a costume. 

If you want to channel Bianca for your own big night (or even just a fun party), you don’t need an exact replica. Start with a bright, satin or metallic crop top—bonus points if it’s bubblegum pink or fuchsia. Then add a tulle skirt with as much volume as your heart desires, from mini to floor-length. 

Keep accessories sweet and simple: a dainty clutch, ballet flats or strappy heels, and maybe a pearl necklace for that extra touch of prom-night charm. The magic of Bianca’s look is that it’s youthful, confident, and a little bit unexpected—perfect for making your own unforgettable entrance.

What do you think of this 10 Things I Hate About You outfit inspired by Bianca's prom dress? Which is your favorite piece? Have you seen the film? Who is your favorite character? :]

Want a few more Get the Look Halloween costumes? 

 Laney Boggs Prom Dress from She's All That - view here. 

Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls - view here.

The Plastics from Mean Girls - view here.

Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family - view here.

Cher's White Dress in Clueless- view here.

Halloween Costume Idea Cher Horowitz Clueless Yellow Plaid Outfit - view here.

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Tonight is Halloween || A poem

She exhaled listlessly
& her spirit escaped.
Her body called it quits
& thus, her soul reshaped.
She began a new life
in the pale, grey moonlight.
This was a special time,
it was Halloween night.
She opened her blue eyes
Do you know what she saw?
She looked at her still self;
it was her last hurrah.
Her name was Athena,
like the goddess of war.
She dusted herself off
& arose from the floor.
Her body just lay there,
but her soul was alive.
That's when she decided
it was her time to thrive.
So she floated away
& explored somewhere new.
That's not really something
she would normally do.
Quiet & heartbroken,
cheerless, sad, & somber,
Timid & powerless,
too frightened to wander.
Fearful of everything,
she was not at all brave.
However, that all changed
when she sprung from the grave.
You're probably asking:
"Why on earth should I care?"
The reason is plain but
it may give you a scare.
She would like you to know
that life is not easy.
There are troubles to have;
it won't all be breezy.
Life is quite difficult
until the day you die.
Then you take your last breath
& mutter a goodbye.
Your body soon decays
& you become a ghost.
You'll meet with the others
& you'll all raise a toast:
Cheers to life & to death,
to the haunting we'll do,
to spooking the children,
& always yelling "BOO!" 
To tricking & treating,
to pumpkins & to pranks, 
to stealing some candy
with no need to say thanks.
To goblins & spiders,
& to the webs they weave.
Because of all of this
our souls shall never leave.
That's why it's so spooky.
No one will hear you scream.
After all, don't you know?
Tonight is Halloween.

Tonight is Halloween
A poem by Carmen Varner
++++++
halloween pumpkins

Wishing you a happy Halloween. Have fun & stay safe!

Did you enjoy this poem? Feel free to share it! What are your plans today? :]
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The Beauty of the Notre Dame in Paris

Oh, Paris. You are a beautiful city filled with fashion, art, culture, & gastronomy. Paris is a sight for sore eyes. It always a rush to visit the remarkable city. If you happen to find yourself in the lovely capital of France, you must take a look at the Notre Dame.

The Notre Dame under construction - September 2019


Related reading: 12 Drool-Worthy Food Photos from Paris, France




Tourist Information:

The Notre Dame Cathedral also referred to as Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris or Notre-Dame de Paris, is open every day of the year. Did you know that it translates into "Our Lady of Paris?" Its hours are from 8 am to 6:45 pm; on Saturdays & Sundays it's open until 7:15 pm. Access to the cathedral is free of charge during the open hours. However, you may have to wait in line. The line goes by pretty quickly but it also ranges by the day or even hour.



Related reading: How I Decided to Quit My Corporate Job While Traveling in Paris



History:

The Notre Dame is a historic Catholic cathedral with French Gothic architecture. It's about 800 years old! In 1163, construction began for the Notre Dame Cathedral; the original cathedral that stood there was demolished. Construction took quite a long time & was eventually completed over 100 years later in 1272. Since it was built, the Notre Dame has remained one of Paris's & France's most recognized symbols.

Related reading: How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights 




I love viewing the grandeur that is the Notre Dame. It's a wonderful place to visit regardless of how many times you've seen it. I am obsessed with churches & religious art. I always have been; I remember it started in my ninth grade world history class. Last time I featured the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.



Once you get inside it's up to you what you want to see. There's no right or wrong way to do things. Walk around. People watch. Look at the stained glass. You can buy a candle, light it, & say a little prayer. Take a moment to soak in the glory of the Notre Dame. If you're in Paris, France this is a must-see experience. It's just one of those things you have to do!

Related reading: Reminiscing About Paris, Planning Future Trips, & Gin Punch



The Notre Dame is a world wonder. It has so much character after being developed over hundreds of years. When you visit Paris make sure to set some time aside to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. After all they made a whole Disney movie about it, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. That has to mean something, right?

Have you ever visited Paris or the Notre Dame?  :]

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