Halloween Recap

Oh, the single problem with Halloween falling on the last day of October - it feels like a Halloween post on November 4th is just so late. We should be talking about Thanksgiving and Turkey now.

Ahem, NOT that Christmas stuff....

I couldn't believe my eyes as I went to the WalMart to buy Halloween candy on October 30 (yes, I wait until the last minute) and the normal Halloween Candy aisle had been transformed into red and green "winter wonderland". Seriously? And one of the neighbors put up their icicle lights this past weekend!

So I'm going back in time to post some Halloween photos instead.

As usual, my friend, Jill, and her family out did themselves. Due to heavy rains, they didn't transform their front yard into a full cemetery, but made up for that with a Creepy Circus theme.

Here is their house from several years ago:


This year, the house was lit up similarly, the addition of some scary characters.


Then this guy emerged from the house:


The nine foot tall scary clown who terrorized adults and children alike:


Even good friends, M and L were scared to come to the front door.



The creepy clown walked up and down the street, eliciting screams from young and old. I think it was an effective costume and it will be hard to top next year, but I am sure they will come up with something equally entertaining.

Like maybe a cat dressed up as a bunny....

OK, maybe not....

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Broom Collection

The Lake House where I stayed last weekend was impeccably decorated. My friend's mother in law is the one responsible for creating the relaxed and casual, yet elegant feel of the house. But among the beachy throw pillows, comfy couches and rustic touches I found a curious element present in each of the rooms - a broom.



See, their family was in the broom business, and the brooms serve as a reminder of their family's heritage and history. Can you say cool?

I didn't realize there could be so many variation on something as simple and basic as a broom.
Yes, I took pictures of them all. I'm weird like that!

Linked to This and That Thursdays.

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The Gurgle Fish

One of the most kitschy finds from this weekend - the Gurgle Fish.


It's a pitcher with a twist - after you pour some contents from the Gurgle Fish, it makes a gurgling sound. Kellie and Anne thought it was so funny! Apparently, they played with the store model for a long time. Apparently, this weekend retreat was what these moms really needed.

They demonstrated the gurgling just for the rest of us:


On Saturday, we went back to the store to check out the other colors of the Gurgle Fish.


While I'm not particularly drawn to the gurgling feature, the shape of the fish reminds me of Asian fish sculptures. I think my parents have some on display in their home. Of course, this means when I go visit, I'll need to seek them out and take a picture. Just for Kellie and Anne....

If you want your own Gurgling Fish and can't get to Holland, Michigan, you can order one over the internet at The Gurgle Pot.

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The Front Porch

My neighbor's porch. They deck it out for each holiday, all year round, so it's not a surprise they have the flags out.



Processed using PW's Soft and Faded action with a texture.

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POTD - Abandoned

I drive by this abandoned farmhouse each Tuesday on my way to violin lessons. I decided to stop today, as the sun was setting. I wasn't very comfortable photographing the place - the house is clearly crumbling and possesses an eerie quality.



Processed with a texture from Jerry Jones, over at Shadowhouse Creations. aka SkeletalMess, he creates the most gorgeous textures and brushes.

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