As a kid I was convinced there was a boogie man that came out at night and would walk up the hill footpath into our neighborhood in Ireland. He would have a big sack or trash bin he would put you in, from this there was no escape. He would look for children who were not in bed yet. If you were still outside playing you were sure to be caught by him, and never to be seen again. I would lay in bed and wonder if he was outside right now? I knew I was safe, I was already in bed, but what of the other kids? I could hear them outside playing still! Maybe it was only kids under a certain age who could see him, and be taken? I would peak out my window and look down the street, only to see shadows in the distance. He was out there waiting for me. To this day I have the clearest memory of that wonder and fear, and a clear picture of what I thought the boogie man would look like. Big, bald, and ready to grab me! Thanks Mom and Dad for scaring the ever loving snot out of me forever.

Happy Halloween Everyone!