The Nile and Lined Eyes

This time of the year is always exciting because there are a lot of changes going on. In just a few days, there will be the daylight savings time which will make Fall feel more like Winter, unfortunately. The end of October brings a different tune as it's the last lead up before the onslaught and busyness of holiday rush and cheer. I feel that I am wallowing in this time of the year, in the Fall season before the end of the year comes fast approaching.

Yesterday was Halloween, and although I wouldn't say I am in love with all that this holiday entails- I still enjoy dressing up when I'm in the mood. Last year I was in the mood and this year I was too! Considering that I did the same thing as I did this year- dress up and with other Catholic young adults ask for canned goods and have a potluck at someone's house. I probably wouldn't have dressed up if I wasn't going out, and would have been the homebody I am and delve into my introverted cave.

I was unsure what to be this year, and ideas were coming left and right but didn't seem to fit fully with my personality. I was  also unsure how to pull off Gertrude Bell, especially since no one would know who I was or dressing up as a singer from ABBA and find an outfit that would look authentic yet modest at the same time.




On a beautiful and crisp Fall day in Fremont while spending much enjoyed quality time with my dear sister and brother-in-law, they treated me to a cute and quaint cafe called The Nile. They went there a few weeks prior and immediately thought of me, knowing I would enjoy the artistic wall paintings of ancient Egyptians and other eclectic and interesting art deco. I was immediately inspired and glad that a unique place like this existed not too far away from my sister's and her husband's place. My sister mentioned that I should be an Egyptian for Halloween. And from then on, I considered it as an option.

As I was getting ready to turn into an Egyptian, I suddenly recalled that a cabin I was in while at a girl's camp over 10 years ago was the Egyptian cabin. Each year this girl's camp had a theme, and that year it was civilizations. I was among other girls my age in this Egyptian cabin, and had cool counselors, one of them being my same dear sister! I loved the spirit of that cabin, as well as the energy and vibe. Us lively campers loved posing with our hands and arms positioned in front of us  like an ancient Egyptian would. We also had fun dancing and singing to the song 'Walk like an Egyptian'.

A few days before this camp started my dear sister braided all my hair, and I was in excited anticipation to really look like an Egyptian. I had fun wearing my corn rose and swishing it this way and that...It was also an excuse to not wash my hair for a few days.

To recreate this costume, it was fairly easy- really just the eye makeup, hair and costume jewelry…and I was happy to find all of this in my closet. I think those costumes are the best when you already own what you need and can recreate it in your own way. I felt that the Egyptain costume spoke with my energy and eclectic and statement jewelry style. I didn’t mind wearing some braids again as they add a fun look and after taking them out, you’re not so sure if you’re hair will turn out more wavy or poufy.  :)

Halloween has never been my favorite holiday, but I can say that I like the festivities and this time of Fall. I also find it enjoyable to get into dressing up every now and then when my mood, inspiration and energy allow me to get out of character and become another one. Perhaps being an Egyptian for Halloween will come back again next year and I’ll walk like one too.