Tag Archives: Vintage

by

Mirth and Musings Part 7

The weather here on the west coast is definitely Fall-like at last, chill temperatures and brisk gusts of wind remind me of why I prefer this time of year.  Time to break out the scarves and mittens, flannels and fuzzy slippers.  Just to make cozying up that much more enjoyable.  The approaching Thanksgiving holiday makes me pause and reflect, as I still see pumpkins decorating porches and sills and tabletops.  We always save one or two from October to enjoy through November – a bright orange reminder – it’s interesting how the pumpkin, the idea of it, transitions from the herald of giving treats to the herald of giving thanks.  Many of us will close the holiday with that slice of spicy sweetness.  It’s a fitting way to bookend Autumn. Enjoy this New Yorker cover from 1973, a house simply celebrating the season.

New Yorker Magazine, Stevenson, 1973

whitehaunthouseNYC

by

Mirth and Musings Part 6

13 days past Halloween and I’ve decided it all went way too fast.  The outside decor has been removed and the interiors are nearly back to pre-Halloween state.  Though not entirely as there are some aspects of the interiors that I liked too much to take down.  I maintain the house never looks so well than it does in October.  In any case the neighborhoods have begun to transition towards the next holiday season and soon Thanksgiving will be here. The color palette is still where I like it to be, greens and oranges well represented and Fall weather steady even for the West Coast. Everywhere I look I still keep an eye out for those hidden Halloween touches still peeking out from behind other decor, always so exciting when spotted. Holdovers and clearance tables. Or just avid conspirators like myself determined to keep it going as long as possible. I often look to collections around the house to inspire me – like my New Yorker Magazine covers. I’ll highlight others in coming weeks, but here is the first I framed and its still my favorite. She is obviously getting ready for a big night out.  It keeps me smiling and looking forward.

Artist Abe Birnbaum, 1967
147892

by

Professor Auds & Doctor Enns Malevolent Mercantile

Just a few pictures from this years haunt…finally.  More pics and vids coming very soon.  Check back.

IMG_2779

Exterior walk up to front of “shoppe”

IMG_2803

Interior shot, a bit grainy in the low light

IMG_2804

A close-up of the shoppe counter

IMG_2786

A bit of Malevolent Math being worked out by the good Professor…

 

by

Rogers Gardens 2013

In a world where the retail side of Halloween seems to be ever shrinking – Rogers Gardens in Corona Del Mar, California maintains a definite annual presence.  The team takes the time and effort to construct theme and ambiance to offer its loyal customers a thoughtful and creatively spooky “Mecca-like” destination for a unique Halloween pilgrimage.  Here are some pics from this years offering – but check out the website for a more complete viewing of their display for 2013 and past years.

IMG_3233

IMG_3239

IMG_3249

IMG_3225

IMG_3252

IMG_3253

IMG_3414

by

Collections

I have amassed what constitutes a considerable collection of items I refer to as “good pieces of Halloween”.  This group of items has overrun bookcases, rooms,closet and garage space as well as garage space in friends garages. These items represent over thirty years of collecting and I will be showcasing some of my favorites here.