What would Halloween be without the carving of the pumpkin? I take my time to imagine the best way to confront my jack-o-lantern… kind of like the block of marble with the sculpture locked inside it somewhere, then I let loose with the butcher’s knife (risking fingers and worse) slicing off the access cap.

Pulling out the innards, seeds and squashy flesh ( I save the seeds for salting and roasting ) – it’s a very intimate time (YOU and your Inner Pumpkin are ONE) …

Then I start on the mouth – it usually is a slit, that turns into a healthy scowl… eyes are next, and the trend (at least with me) is to leave out the nose completely… it’s more terrifying…

Happy Halloween to you all… If you visit my home, I’ll be the one handing out the good stuff.