Happy Halloween

After dark

Halloween

Can't believe

Things I've seen

Scary faced goblins

Gremlins galore

Wolf men
Vampires

Knock at our door

Pirates
Princesses

Come into view

Best costumed one

Tomorrow night's stew

(photo: BWP)

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Lusus Naturae IX

Only one more day!

Several people have asked me what kind of container the doll heads were stored in.

Well here ya go...

enlarge please

Next year, a new theme...

Lusus Naturae VII

How Do You Compete With That?

Many of you are aware of the annual July 4th "water war" on our street. It should come as no surprise that Halloween is a pretty big event here also.  It's not that there are a ton of decorated houses, but everybody is in their driveways or in their garages, giving out candy and having small parties.

We get between 150 and 200 kids each Halloween. A couple of years ago, we had well over 200. Every year there is at least one kid, or parent who reminds us that "the lady who used to live in your house gave us hot donuts instead of candy!"

That's right! She cooked and gave out fresh hot glazed donuts as treats! How in the heck is a person supposed to compete with that? We don't even try, I just give them their single m&m and tell them to move along...bah!

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Lusus Naturae V

5 days 'til halloween

A Mad Dog Chases Himself

A cold wind blows

A lone wolf howls

Somewhere in the woods

A mad dog chases himself

Snapping at his own bloody haunches

You approach through the fog

Alone and lost

Trying to find the trail again

Before full dark falls upon you

Aware only of the sound of your boots

Crunching through the snow

Your frantic breath hangs in the air

Like a frozen scream


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Weekend Reflections - Golden Pavillion

This photo is a little out of place during my pre-Halloween posts. I like to participate in a little photography show and tell called "Weekend Reflections" hosted by James at Newtown Area Photo.

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The Golden Pavillion (Kinkaku) was originally built about 800 years ago. It is a Zen temple in Northern Kyoto, and has been designated as a UNESCO "World Heritage Site."

Shroud Black Canvas

9 more days...



From shroud black canvas

An image numbs your mind

Empty tortured eyes
Dripping pus yellow

You stand paralyzed

 A thousand gravities

Threatening to bury you
Where you stand

Children of the Corny 2

11 days 'til halloween

I thought I'd post something a little less spooky today.

Don't stare at the eyes for too long...

Lusus Naturae IV

11 days 'til halloween...

CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh

My friend and fellow blogger Alex Cavanaugh's latest book is being officially released to the public today.  I've already bought and read an early release. I'm a big fan of science fiction and I loved it! It's got a great pace and plenty of action.  Please check it out! The book trailer as well as information for purchase, is below.

To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…

Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.


Much to Byron’s chagrin, the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.

As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?

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“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sc-fi, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal
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CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh
October 19, 2010 Science fiction/adventure/space opera
ISBN 9780981621067 Dancing Lemur Press LLC
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Links to purchase:AMAZON  - BARNES & NOBLE - BAM
Also available in eBook format for Kindle, iPad, Nook, and others

Bio:
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He’s experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Currently he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

If you buy the book, or decide not to, Alex also has a great blog. Check him out at:
Alex J. Cavanaugh http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Lusus Naturae III

13 days 'til halloween

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enlarge at your own peril

Dead Stop Heart

 

Snowy laden, frosty weight

Heavy hinges, iron gate

Steamy breathing, icy tears

Crystal clarity, hidden fears

Acid bile, stark pure dread

Deep blue fear, living dead

Tilted gray markers, hammered names

Deep dark thoughts, wormed remains

Coal black raven, lifeless eyes

Oil fired lantern, shroud demise

Flutter movement, scurry scratch

Shudder whine, rusty latch

Bone sinew fingers, skyward reaching

Dead stop heart, vomitus leeching

Dank breath exhale, silent scream

Loose bowel pinch, nightmare dream

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the first of several original poems to celebrate the season

 

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Magic Gumbo Graphics

I recently got a new blog header.  Of course you've already noticed it and many of you have commented about it.  Micael Chadwick at Magic Gumbo Graphics designed it for me. In addition to the special offer outlined below, he also does full graphic blog design. I liked the one he did for me so much, that I thought I'd pass his info along to all my blogging friends. 

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Click here to visit Magic Gumbo™ Graphics or here to contact Micael Chadwick for more information.

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Lusus Naturae II

18 days until Halloween

enlarge for best viewing

miners

chile

Children of the Corny

19 days 'til Halloween

Lusus Naturae I

Halloween is coming up soon, so let's get this show on the road

Northern Arizona Road Trip - My Favorites 2 - Sedona

This is my second group of favorites from our road trip. Believe it or not, all of these photos were taken within the city limits of Sedona.  I've been to a lot of countries and seen a lot of beautiful places. I now think Sedona is the most beautiful of them all. Part of the reason I feel that way is because it's all so easy to get to.  The last photo in this post is a reflection of some of the red rocks in a shop window.

see more reflections at Newton Area Photo

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Northern Arizona Road Trip - My Favorites 1 - Sedona

I selected all of my favorite photos from our recent trip to Norther Arizona and divided them in half. First half today and second half posted tomorrow. None of these were previously posted.  All of these except one, was taken around Sedona.  Please feel free to enlarge them for greatly enhanced viewing.  thanks...

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