Tonight is Halloween

 

 

"Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen,

Voices whisper in the trees,

'Tonight is Halloween!'"

                     --Dexter Kozen

 

 

 

 

"On Halloween the thing you must do

Is pretend that nothing can frighten you.

If something scares you and you want to run

Just let on like it's Halloween fun."

                                        --Unknown

 

 

A Pumpkin Patch

 

For as far as the eye can see, orange objects the size of bowling balls litter the landscape -- wouldn't that make for a great aerial shot!  Anyway, couldn't resist a few scenes from a pumpkin patch and another line from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

 

 Linus:  Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere.  He's gotta pick this one.  He's got to.  I don't see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one.  You can look around and there's not a sign of hypocrisy.  Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see.

Around Town: More Scarecrows

As promised, here are two more of the carefully crafted scarecrows found at local businesses throughout town.  The first sits in front of a shop that sells yarn and all types of supplies for the textile/needle arts -- notice the ball of yarn and extra large knitting needles in its lap.  Below is a character created by owners of a hair salon and the clever saying makes it adorable.  Hope you have seen a few of these seasonal creations in your neighborhood.

Got Pumpkins?

With Halloween in just a few days, this week I plan to post images of pumpkins, scarecrows, zombie décor and more!  Of course, because I am fond of pumpkins, I am starting the week with a few shots of these wonderful members of the gourd family. Enjoy the photos along with some quotes from the movie It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Linus:  This is the time of the year to write the Great Pumpkin.  On Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin rises out of his pumpkin patch and flies through the air with his bag of toys for all children.

Charlie Brown:  You must be crazy.  When are you going to stop believing in something that isn't true.

 

 

Patty:  (as Linus is writing to the Great Pumpkin)  You're wasting your time; the Great Pumpkin is a fake!

 

Linus: (writing)  Everyone tells me you are a fake, but I believe in you.  P.S.:  If you really are a fake, don't tell me.  I don't want to know.

 



Signs of Fall in Iowa

Well, I considered a "Top Ten List" regarding proof that the seasons have changed in Iowa; however, I think these images are convincing in themselves.  First, my tennis matches will resume in May as the courts are full of leaves and early morning temperatures have dipped below freezing.  Second, at nearby Backbone State Park, only Canada Geese occupy the beach and designated swimming area.  Third, instead of hay, this wagon is full of gorgeous pumpkins ready to be purchased for outdoor décor, carving and even making pies.  Of course, we all know it's late October and this is what we expect in Iowa...but maybe not that bit of snow that fell a few days ago!

Backbone State Park

 

Part of a Giant

"You can't look at abstract art without thinking."

                                                          --Patricia Cole-Ferullo

 

So, right now are you wondering what this is or have you already identified it as a portion of a windmill?  If so, you are correct.  And, yes, I do enjoy photographing things with strong lines that make bold statements and then have fun enhancing the original image.  Enjoy.

Around Town: Scarecrows

 

A local organization sponsored a scarecrow contest in which various merchants participated, and these photos feature a couple of the entries.  Since I am especially fond of pumpkins, these faces caught my eye.  In upcoming posts look for a few more images of these festive fall figures, including one clever creation made by owners of a salon.

 

And, remember this verse that is fun to recite with youngsters:

 

"Scarecrow, scarecrow,

How scary can you be?

You scared (insert name)

But you didn't scare me!"