From Mischief to Mindfulness: Halloween 1985 vs. 2025

 🎃 From Mischief to Mindfulness: Halloween 1985 vs. 2025 🕯️ By April James Holdridge, Kind Voice Communications    

As the veil thins and the pumpkins glow, Halloween arrives once more—this time with a twist of nostalgia and a dash of digital flair. Let’s take a walk through memory’s haunted halls and compare Halloween in 1985 to the way we celebrate it in 2025. What have we gained, what have we lost, and what still lingers like a ghost in the autumn air?

👻 Costumes: From Cardboard to Curated Aesthetics

• 1985: Costumes were often homemade, crafted from cardboard, plastic masks, and whatever was in the junk drawer. Pop culture icons like Freddy Krueger and Ghostbusters ruled the night.

• 2025: Today’s costumes are thrifted, aesthetic, and algorithm-approved. TikTok trends like “Pinkoween,” K-Pop Demon Hunters, and vintage glam dominate feeds. Many opt for DIY looks from their own closets, blending creativity with sustainability.

🍬 Trick-or-Treating: Then and Now

• 1985: Kids roamed neighborhoods unsupervised, pillowcases in hand, collecting homemade popcorn balls and caramel apples. Mischief—like soaping windows or TP-ing trees—was part of the fun.

• 2025: Safety is paramount. Trunk-or-treats, curated candy bags, and reflective gear are the norm. Parents often accompany kids, and homemade treats have been replaced by individually wrapped, store-bought candy.

🕯️ Décor: From Jack-o’-Lanterns to Haunted Home Sets

• 1985: Decorations were simple—carved pumpkins, cotton cobwebs, and construction paper ghosts. The vibe was spooky but sweet.

• 2025: Halloween is now a month-long immersive experience. Homes are transformed inside and out with gothic romanticism, witchcore, and neon nostalgia. DIY décor is booming, and every room—from kitchen to bathroom—is part of the set.

📺 Pop Culture & Media Influence

• 1985: Horror movies like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th shaped costume choices and party themes.

• 2025: Pop culture still reigns, but now it’s interactive and viral. Social media drives trends, from “Wicked witchcore” to plush-themed décor. Halloween is as much about sharing the moment online as it is about living it.

🧡 The Spirit of the Season

Despite the changes, one thing remains: Halloween is a celebration of imagination, community, and transformation. Whether you’re lighting a candle in a carved gourd or staging a spooky charcuterie board for Instagram, you’re participating in a ritual that bridges generations.

So this year, as you don your costume—be it a thrifted ghost or a glam ghoul—remember: Halloween isn’t just about what you wear. It’s about who you become for one magical night.

Discipline, Please Tell Me!

 What are your thoughts about discipline in our schools today? I would really like to hear what your thoughts. Some issues lately has brought the issue to my attention. I had four children go through and a grandchild I raised. I defiantly have my own thoughts but I will stay bias in this blog.  I want to share with you some things I have learned while doing my research. I hope to here your thoughts and ideas for a solution that agrees with parent, teacher and state. 

Upon researching I found this information on State Discipline Law Compilation: The Alabama Compilation of School Discipline Laws and Regulations offers a categorized overview of legal frameworks governing school discipline statewide. It includes:

• Corporal punishment policies

• Suspension and expulsion procedures

• Due process rights

• Reporting requirements

Statewide Discipline Data: According to a 2023 analysis by AL.com, Alabama schools report discipline and safety incidents to the state, including:

• In-school and out-of-school suspensions

• Expulsions

• Fights, threats, and weapons-related incidents

• Bullying and harassment reports

District Website Resources: The Tallapoosa County Board of Education provides a general Code of Conduct and policies on its . While it outlines behavioral expectations and consequences, it does not publish detailed annual statistics directly on the homepage.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Parental involvement is paramount to the success of students in school. Therefore, it is important that

parents have the opportunity to know what is happening with their children on a regular basis. Parents

can stay informed about their child’s progress through regular progress reports and report cards, weekly

folders at the elementary level and daily agendas at the high school level.

 Parents are encouraged to

review this policy booklet with their children regularly. It is the responsibility of the school to make

parents aware of situations affecting their child pertaining to discipline and provide support for

correcting the problematic behavior. Additional notices will be sent home with students when they are

referred to the principal or assistant principal for violation of the handbook guidelines. The Code of

Alabama, 1975 revised, 16-28-12, places responsibility on the parents/guardian for the attendance

and conduct of their students.

At any time, a parent may request a conference with the principal, assistant principal or teacher, to

discuss issues related to discipline and the handbook. This Tallapoosa County Handbook outlines

expectations for each of these parties. When parents, teachers, administrators and students work

together our students can become fully prepared for life beyond school. 

In order to facilitate proper school to parent communication, it is necessary for the school to be notified if and when any telephone numbers change, there is an address change, or anything that might have an effect on communication between the school and parent. Conferences should be scheduled through the school principal or assistant principal.

“The curriculum of the home is twice as predictive of academic learning as family socio-

economic status. This curriculum involves informed parent-child conversations about everyday

events, encouragement, and discussion of leisure reading, monitoring and joint analysis of

television viewing and peer activities, deferral of immediate gratifications to accomplish long-

term goals, expressions of affections, interest in the child’s academic and other progress as a

person, and parental influence is no less important in high school years.”

I feel from the start the parent takes the fall no matter what. Where is the school accountability. Doors always swing both ways. If you can have a unruly child, a parentless parent; you can have a broken system, or teaching staff. Let us look through the eyes of all parties equally. 

Is Raw Honey the Sweet Fix for Your Dog’s Allergies?

 

🐾 Is Raw Honey the Sweet Fix for Your Dog’s Allergies?

🍯 The Buzz Behind the Remedy

Raw honey has long been praised for its natural healing properties—but lately, it’s gaining traction as a potential allergy aid for dogs. Why now? Social media. Pet influencers and everyday dog parents are sharing their success stories, turning raw honey into a trending remedy. But is it safe? Is it effective? Let’s break it down.

✅ Pros of Raw Honey for Dogs

• Natural antihistamine: Contains quercetin, which may help reduce allergy symptoms like itching and inflammation.

• Local pollen exposure: Small amounts of pollen in local honey may help desensitize your dog’s immune system over time.

• Gut health support: Honey’s prebiotic properties can aid digestion, which is closely tied to immune function.

• Topical healing: Can soothe minor wounds, hot spots, and insect bites when applied externally.

⚠️ Cons and Risks

• Sugar overload: Too much honey can lead to weight gain or worsen diabetes.

• Allergic reactions: Some dogs may be allergic to honey or the pollen it contains—watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation.

• Not a cure-all: Honey may help with mild seasonal allergies, but it’s not a substitute for vet care.

📲 Why It’s Trending Now

Social media has amplified the buzz. Viral videos show dramatic “before and after” results, and hashtags like #rawhoneyfordogs make it easy to find anecdotal advice. But not every trending tip is backed by science. What works for one dog may not work for another—and not every “natural” remedy is automatically safe.

🧪 Is It Worth the Risk?

If your dog has mild seasonal allergies and no known sensitivity to bee products, a small daily dose (¼ to 1 tsp, depending on size) of raw, local honey might be worth trying. But if your pup has a history of food allergies or bee sting reactions, the risk may outweigh the reward.

🐶 Final Thoughts

Raw honey can be a gentle, holistic tool—but it’s not magic. Think of it as a complement to vet care, not a replacement. Always consult your vet before introducing new remedies.

How About Two Personal New Years!

 On an unusually cool September day in Alabama, while in a drab mood, I was on my way back from walking my dogs when I looked across my yard, thinking about how the plants and atmosphere had changed. Just then, a crisp breeze signaled the arrival of fall. In that quiet moment, I pondered autumn routines without realizing I was sensing the equinox. Thinking to myself, I love the feel of fall. But then I think, 'Nah, this has to be Alabama’s false fall.' Oh well, I still love it and wish every day felt that way.

🌏This realization prompted deeper reflection. Although I had often heard of the fall equinox, I had never fully understood it. When I read about the equinox on the 22nd this year, my curiosity was sparked—I wanted to learn what it is, how it shapes the seasons, and how it might affect us. I began researching on my laptop, using Microsoft and Google, taking notes as I went. I was surprised to read the suggestion that we treat the equinox like a personal New Year. Keeping things simple, write down goals, affirmations, or habits you want to apply to your life. If you think about it, that allows you to reset twice a year.

🔎Through my research, I learned that an equinox is a cosmic reset for Earth’s seasons, occurring twice a year when day and night are equal—around March 20 and September 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. ("Autumnal Equinox", 2025) It marks the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. ("Autumnal Equinox | Definition, Dates, & Facts", 2025) During an equinox, the sun sits over the equator, balancing day and night. (Clark, 2024) Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt, like a tilted lamp, causes this shift. ("The Effect of the Earth's Tilt on the Occurrence of Equinoxes", n.d.)

📆This led me to another interesting point: when the equinox actually begins depends on whom you ask. I learned that equinox timing varies: meteorologists mark it on March 20, while astronomers note it on March 21 at 2:19 Eastern Standard Time. ("Embracing the Equinox", 2025) This illustrates the various ways the autumn equinox is defined, depending on the purpose—whether for forecasting or celestial tracking.

🪞Reflecting on all of this, I realized that equinoxes can provide a mental and emotional reset. As daylight and darkness balance, it’s an ideal time to embrace change. Journaling through this period—writing what to release and welcome until Spring—can help you find balance. Ritual suggestions include lighting candles and incense, as well as reciting a mantra to help you relax and unwind. Reconnecting socially can be achieved by going for a walk in the park and greeting others as you pass.

 Additionally, clearing your space through spring or fall cleaning, such as organizing your seasonal attire, can also be beneficial. Decluttering your space declutters your mind. Begin with something simple, such as updating your makeup collection for the new season or decluttering it. 

AWH 9/10/2025

© All Rights Reserved

* Resources:

Autumnal Equinox. (2025). Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/autumnal-equinox

Autumnal Equinox | Definition, Dates, & Facts. (2025). www.britannica.com/science/autumnal-equinox. https://www.britannica.com/science/autumnal-equinox

Clark, Stuart (2024). Starwatch: Night and day reach the same length after the autumnal equinox. Unknown Journal.

The Effect of the Earth's Tilt on the Occurrence of Equinoxes. (n.d.). equinoxworld.org. https://equinoxworld.org/the-effect-of-the-earths-tilt-on-the-occurrence-of-equinoxes/

Embracing the Equinox. (2025). NASA Science. https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/night-sky-network/embracing-the-equinox/

Show Your Stripes

 

KIND VOICES COMMUNICATIONS

🐯 Show Your Stripes: Let’s Paint Dadeville Gold & Black for the Tigers!

As the school year kicks off, it’s time for our town to roar with pride! The Dadeville Tigers are gearing up for another exciting season, and what better way to show our support than by decorating our homes, storefronts, and streets in bold gold and black?

🎉 Why It Matters

School spirit isn’t just for students—it’s a community celebration! When Dadeville comes together to support our Tigers, we create an atmosphere of pride, unity, and encouragement that lifts everyone up. Whether it’s football, cheer, band, or academics, our students thrive when they feel the love from their hometown.

🏡 How You Can Join In

Citizens:

• Hang gold and black ribbons on your mailbox or porch.
• Display a yard sign or flag with the Tigers logo.
• Decorate your car windows with washable paint or decals.

Businesses:

• Add gold and black balloons or streamers to your storefront.
• Create a themed window display featuring Tiger gear.
• Offer a “Tiger Spirit” discount or promotion to customers wearing school colors.

📸 Share the Spirit!

We want to see your creativity! Snap a photo of your decorations and tag us using #DadevilleTigersPride or #DadevilleExperience. Let’s flood social media with Tiger love and show our students that their town is behind them 100%.

“It Was Just a Joke…” — Hidden Forms of Bullying on Social Media

 

💬 “It Was Just a Joke…” — Hidden Forms of Bullying on Social Media

We often picture bullying as loud, obvious, and cruel. But some of the most harmful behaviors hide behind humor, “helpfulness,” or social norms — especially online. These subtle forms of bullying can leave lasting emotional bruises, even when the intent wasn’t malicious. Let’s name them, challenge them, and offer kinder alternatives.

🧠 1. The Spelling Police

Correcting someone’s spelling or grammar in public comments — especially when unsolicited — can feel like a slap to their intelligence or dignity. It’s often framed as “helping,” but it can shame people with dyslexia, ADHD, language differences, or simply those typing quickly on a phone.

Why it hurts:

• Undermines the message by focusing on form over meaning

• Reinforces elitist ideas about intelligence

• Publicly embarrasses someone for a minor mistake

Try instead: Celebrate the courage it takes to share. If correction is truly needed (e.g., in a professional collaboration), offer it privately and gently.

😬 2. Backhanded Compliments

“You’re pretty for a bigger girl.” “You’re so articulate — I didn’t expect that!” “You’re brave to post that photo.”

These comments may sound positive, but they carry hidden judgments about body size, race, ability, or social norms.

Why it hurts:

• Implies the person is an exception to a negative stereotype

• Makes people feel “othered” or tokenized

• Can trigger self-doubt or shame

Try instead: Give compliments that honor the whole person — not just how they defy expectations.

😂 3. Jokes About Physical Appearance

Memes, filters, and “funny” captions often poke fun at features like noses, skin tone, weight, or hair texture. Even when not directed at someone specific, they reinforce harmful beauty standards.

Why it hurts:

• Normalizes body shaming

• Targets people who already feel insecure

• Makes social spaces feel unsafe for self-expression

Try instead: Share humor that uplifts, not punches down. Celebrate diverse beauty and authenticity.

📱 4. Tagging Without Consent

Tagging someone in an unflattering photo or meme — especially one that mocks their appearance, beliefs, or interests — can feel like a digital ambush.

Why it hurts:

• Removes their control over how they’re represented

• Invites unwanted attention or ridicule

• Can trigger anxiety or shame

Try instead: Ask before tagging. Respect boundaries and honor people’s digital dignity.

🕵️‍♀️ 5. Subtweeting and Vaguebooking

Posting cryptic complaints or sarcasm clearly aimed at someone — without naming them — is a form of passive-aggressive bullying. It invites gossip and isolates the target.

Why it hurts:

• Creates anxiety and confusion

• Encourages public judgment without accountability

• Damages trust and community

Try instead: If you’re hurt, speak directly and kindly. If you need to vent, do it privately or creatively (hello, poetry!).

🧩 6. Exclusion by Design

Leaving someone out of group chats, photo tags, or event posts — especially when it’s intentional — can be a quiet form of bullying.

Why it hurts:

• Signals “you don’t belong here”

• Reinforces social hierarchies

• Can trigger deep feelings of rejection

Try instead: Be inclusive in your digital spaces. If someone’s not invited, don’t flaunt it.

🌱 Final Thoughts: Kindness Is a Practice

Bullying isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a whisper, a joke, a tag, or a comment that cuts deeper than we realize. But we can choose a different way — one rooted in dignity, empathy, and belonging.

Let’s make social media a place where every voice is honored, every body is welcome, and every post is a chance to build connection, not tear it down.

💭💭💭

#SpellingIsNotIntelligence

#SideHandedCompliments

#BullyingAwareness

#EndBullying

#BullyingPrevention

#CyberBullyingHelp

#NoToBullying

#WordsMatter

#KindnessMatters

#CreateSafeSpaces

#DigitalDignity

#TaggingWithoutConsent

#BodyShamingHurts

#SubtweetingIsBullying

#CompassionateCommunication

#SocialMediaKindness

#EmotionalSafetyOnline

“Spelling Isn’t a Measure of Intelligence”

 

✍️ “Spelling Isn’t a Measure of Intelligence”

Why We Need to Retire the Red Pen and Embrace Real Communication

✏✏✏

KIND VOICES COMMUNICATIONS

🧠 The Myth of Spelling = Intelligence

• Many people equate perfect spelling with intelligence, professionalism, or even moral worth.

• However, spelling is a narrow skill—often tied to memory, visual processing, and access to early education—not a reflection of creativity, empathy, or problem-solving.

• Intelligence comes in many forms: linguistic, emotional, spatial, musical, and interpersonal. Spelling taps only a sliver of that spectrum.

                                                                            ✏✏✏

🌟 Brilliant Minds, Bad Spellers

Here are just a few famously intelligent people who struggled with spelling:

Name	Known For	Spelling Struggles
Albert Einstein	Physics, Theory of Relativity	Known for poor grammar and spelling in letters
Agatha Christie	Bestselling mystery novelist	Admitted she was “a hopeless speller”
Winston Churchill	British Prime Minister, Nobel Prize winner	Teachers noted spelling issues in early education
Jane Austen	Literary icon	Original manuscripts show frequent spelling inconsistencies
William Faulkner	Nobel-winning author	Often misspelled words and invented his own syntax
Thomas Edison	Inventor	Had minimal formal education and struggled with written language

These individuals changed the world—not because they spelled perfectly, but because they thought deeply, imagined boldly, and communicated powerfully.

                                                                                     ✏✏✏

🧬 The Science of Spelling

• Neurological diversity: Dyslexia and other learning differences affect spelling ability, even in knowledgeable individuals.

• Working memory: Spelling relies on short-term memory and visual recall, which vary widely.

• Language exposure: Socioeconomic background, multilingual households, and regional dialects shape spelling development.

• Cognitive load: In high-stress or fast-paced environments, spelling errors are more likely, not because of ignorance, but because the brain prioritizes meaning over mechanics.

🚨 The “Spelling Police” Phenomenon

• These are the folks who correct others publicly, often with condescension or superiority.

• Their behavior can shame, silence, or derail meaningful conversations.

• In a world of autocorrect, voice-to-text, and rapid communication, is it beneficial—or kind—to act like unpaid editors?

“Correcting someone’s spelling in a comment thread doesn’t make you smarter. It makes you louder.”

 

📱 Modern Communication Isn’t a Grammar Test

• We text while juggling kids, jobs, grief, and groceries.

• We post from phones with cracked screens and autocorrect quirks.

• We speak into voice apps that mishear “there” as “their.”

• The goal is connection, not perfection.

• 
  

💛 A Call for Compassionate Communication

• Let’s celebrate clarity, creativity, and courage in expression.

• Let’s uplift voices that may not spell every word right, but speak truth.

• Let’s retire the red pen and pick up the listening ear.

                                                                                ✏✏✏

🌟 Brilliance Beyond the Spellcheck: Living Proof

It’s easy to assume that poor spelling is a sign of carelessness or low intelligence. However, this myth falls apart when we examine some of the most creative, successful, and visionary individuals alive today, many of whom have openly shared their struggles with spelling.

Take Richard Branson, the adventurous founder of Virgin Group. He’s dyslexic and has said that spelling was never his strong suit, but that didn’t stop him from building a global empire. Or Keira Knightley, who overcame early spelling challenges to become one of the most respected actresses of her generation.

Whoopi Goldberg and Tom Cruise both faced spelling and reading difficulties due to dyslexia, yet their careers have spanned decades and inspired millions. Even Anderson Cooper, known for his sharp journalism, has admitted he’s a poor speller who leans heavily on spellcheck.

And then there’s Cher, Steven Spielberg, and Barbara Corcoran—each a powerhouse in their field, each with a story of spelling struggles that never defined their worth.

These aren’t cautionary tales. They’re reminders that spelling is just one tiny thread in the tapestry of human intelligence. And sometimes, the most brilliant minds don’t color inside the lines—they rewrite them.

 

• Judge Judith Sheindlin
•  
• Jane Austen
•  
• George Washington
•  
• Winston Churchill
•  
• Agatha Christie
•  
• Andrew Jackson
•  
• Albert Einstein
•  
• Ernest Hemingway
•  
• F. Scott Fitzgerald
•  
• Olivia Clemens (wife of Mark Twain),
•  
• William Butler Yeats
•  
• Dan Quayle

 #DifferentNotDeficient #RedefiningSmart #SpellingIsNotIntelligence #ArtfulIntelligence #YouBelong#KindnessFirst #CelebrateDifference #EveryMindMatters #WarmWisdom #dadevilleexperience #kindvoicescommunications