Friday Visual Journal

A few of the results from this week's ramblings. Biggest surprise: roses in bloom in November - in Connecticut!

Sunday visual journal

Television is trying to convince us it's almost Christmas, but I'm continuing my ramblings through a New England autumn.

One week ago

Last Sunday we went to my sister's for a belated birthday celebration for the October girls -- me and Mom. The weather was gorgeous and one of my favorite photographer buddies and I set out to record the beautiful things in his neighborhood.

Then we came upon his neighbor's house. This wasn't any neighbor but a professional puppeteer who had worked on Sesame Street. His jack o' lanterns were a bit -- different.

Really different. These are only two vignettes. There were a half dozen more.

Back home, Joseph's little brother had art that continued the theme. Love this crow!

Soon it was time for dinner. What else could you expect from a family of artists but colorful food?

And a surprise guest. Notice the blue painter's tape. Obviously he had been making art, too.

Then it was time for the beautiful, homemade pumpkin cake. Please note the soccer ball being held by the young lady in the background.

No sooner were the candles extinguished than the soccer ball accidentally landed right on the top of the cake. Easiest method of extracting candles, ever.

She was embarrassed but you know what? That cake was scrumptious and we all had seconds. Can't beat a birthday celebration like that!

Saturday Visual Journal

More autumn ramblings.

Friday Visual Journal

The poet said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are 5,000 words on fall.

Thinking abstractly

After two weeks of the 15-day cough, I finally felt well enough to celebrate my birthday. Friends took me to New Haven, where we had a fabulous dinner at a Malaysian restaurant. Naturally, I had my camera with me and couldn't resist a few (dozen!) photos.

A wonderful birthday in good company. What more could a girl want?

And there it was

Last Friday on my way home from teaching my Memoir Writing class, I stopped to take a few photos. As I turned to go back to my car I saw this house. It was as if it had been dropped in by a Hollywood set designer. Why hadn't I seen it before?

It immediately reminded me of our friend Michelle Ward and her love of things Gothic and interesting.

I was amazed as I drew closer -- ravens on the railing?

And the lanterns -- part Poe, part Addams family.


And in the ornamentation around the front door there are bits of mirror. Imagine how they must sparkle and glitter in the lamp light as dusk descends.

And the black wrought iron fence. The perfect Halloween house.

I've been by a thousand times and never saw it before. Do you think it will still be there when All Saints Day rolls around?

Or will it vanish with a gasp of moonglow in the night?

Happy Halloween!