At Halloween, the time is keen to turn shadow into light:
The graveyard speaks, the attic creaks, as twilight leans on night:
The twisted fence wards off suspense as though it could contain:
The threats within, above the din, beneath the quaint refrain:
The gravestones gray hide such decay that demons flee in fright:
As witches cry beyond the sky, their work to hasten blight:
Beware the trees they yearn to seize your breath until it's gone:
For in this space, this dangerous place you will not last 'til dawn:
Post Script: I first created this Halloween scene in my kitchen window after I'd quit teaching, 9 years ago. Mark was out-of-town and I apparently needed a serious bulletin board fix. Armed with an Xacto knife, some black poster board, construction paper, tissue paper, and a glue stick, I worked into the wee hours of many mornings to create a tradition that has become one of our favorite ways to celebrate Halloween, year after year. There is more, however. Stay tuned for a local favorite.
Get out!!! I was about to ask where on earth did you find such cool decorations!! That is the most fabulous window make-over I have ever seen! My kids would LOVE that.
Posted by: Rachel Greig | October 24, 2008 at 01:05 AM
Amazing Cath! Woweee....I am so impressed with your Exacto abilities----how fun!
Melis
Posted by: Melissa | October 24, 2008 at 01:21 AM
LOVE these Cath! Absolutely amazing!!
Posted by: rae | October 24, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Your window decorations are awesome, as always. I remember seeing them in person at your house once -- I don't remember how many years ago. Wish you were here, so you could decorate my house for me! Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Cathy | October 24, 2008 at 09:14 AM
I have to say that BY FAR this is the BEST decorating that I have EVER seen! It beats anything I've seen Martha Stewart make! You are the diva! I bow to your greatness!!!!!!!
Posted by: sandee | October 24, 2008 at 09:46 AM
wow, wow, wow - that is amazing! You are so talented!!! :o)
Posted by: wendy sue | October 24, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Hi Cath,
I don't know you but I would love it if I did. You are a whirlwind (in absolutely the best way!) I am just new to your blog and you read all of MY books, decorate like a total pro and just seem like you are the coolest! Thanks for sharing.
Kelly
Posted by: kellyv | October 24, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Those are AMAZING. But, how do you look out and see the beautiful fall leaves? ;)
Posted by: Andree' | October 24, 2008 at 02:03 PM
What a fun kitchen! At first I thought they were pictures from a book and I immediately wanted the book. You have created great atmosphere.
Posted by: travelinoma | October 25, 2008 at 12:53 AM
This looks SO cool Cath, I'm amazed at what you've done!! It looks like something straight out of a magazine. ;)
Posted by: Sherry Wright | October 26, 2008 at 11:41 AM
ooooooooooooooh - I love! My kids would be SO impressed. I'm not sure if my exacto skills are a match tho. hm. must try.
Posted by: Sharyn | October 26, 2008 at 11:57 AM
You are incredible. I don't even usually LIKE Halloween, but I LOVE this!
Posted by: Dorothy | October 26, 2008 at 06:05 PM
I just LOVE this! WOW! I'm totally impressed!
Posted by: Carol (ScrapMomOf2) | October 27, 2008 at 11:09 AM
that is the coolest. does it look just as 'creepy' from outside the house?? we have two big picture windows in the front of our place, and that might be worth a go!!
Posted by: kelz | October 27, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Thanks to everyone for your kind words regarding my haunted windows! To answer your question, kelz, You can see all this really well from the outside. I just photographed it from the inside because the lighting is so much better for the photo. But, it only looks like this from the inside during the day. The windows get all dark at night and you can see everything, but not with the cool "backlit" effect. My friend, Sharyn, decided to give this a try herself, and she photographed her window from the outside at night. To get an idea of what the effect is like from the outside, go to her blog: http://sharyntormanen.typepad.com/be_good_/2008/10/im-such-a-cath-wannabe.html
Posted by: Cath | October 27, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Wowza! This window display is amazing! :D
Posted by: Ann | October 27, 2008 at 08:42 PM
That is amazing! Your eyes are also amazing! I am cracking up, becasuew e have the same thing, but witches and skeletons. The girls LOVE them! Seriously though...what a beautiful job! Quitely!
Posted by: Becky | October 28, 2008 at 03:46 PM
I just stopped over from Sharyn's blog. I love this idea! It looks awesome, you did a great job. I'm going to have to give it a shot some year!
~ Jennifer
Posted by: ~ Junkyard Jennifer | October 30, 2008 at 04:02 PM