PJ's Studio: October 2024

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Halloween in the hood – 2024: p2

The Upper East Side of Manhattan has outdone itself with Halloween decorations this year.

The set of photos I posted previously featured homes between 61^st Street and 72^nd Street.

These photos were taken between 73^rd Street and 84^th Street.

You need to zig and zag across the side streets to see everything, so by the time I got to 84^th Street three hours had passed.

At that point, I decided to go home instead of venturing further north.

Since I took the photos on a Sunday (October 20^th) I was joined by many locals and their offspring/out-of-town guests.

The houses did not disappoint.

Now some have decided to extend their efforts into the trees in front of their homes as well.

And just like any New Yorker would the spectators wondered out loud - “How do they get into their house?”

As for me, I wondered what it must be like to put up such an elaborate show just to be outdone by the neighbors.

Here are my previous blogs from Halloween this year…

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2024/10/halloween-in-hood-2024.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2024/10/halloween-at-jills.html

Enjoy!

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Halloween in the Hood – 2024

Someone on Instagram pointed out that this Halloween the Upper East Side clearly understood the assignment.

It’s true that the decorations in the hood are rising to new heights.

I’m sure that social media is part of the reason why.

People post their favorite finds so others can check them out too.

I remembered some of the key places from last year but it didn’t hurt to have some reminders.

The best part is that those who decorate are so into it that they generally do something different every year for repeat visitors.

Since certain blocks are particularly noteworthy, I suspect that complicity is involved.

The folks on 92^nd Street even host a yearly block party.

But there’s also a competitive aspect as people try to outdo their neighbors.

As I was photographing this place a child walked by with his mom. I overheard him saying: “Can you imagine what it would be like if you had never visited NYC before and you came and saw this?”

Too true.

Here are some previous NYC Halloween blogs…

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2023/10/halloween-gone-wild-part-1.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2023/11/halloween-gone-wild-part-2.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2020/11/halloween-in-hood-4.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2016/10/halloween-3.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2015/11/halloween-2.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2014/11/halloween-in-hood.html

Enjoy!

Sunday, October 13, 2024

The Great Elephant Migration

A herd of elephants is visiting NYC. You can find them in the Meatpacking District.

They arrived on September 6^th and depart on October 20^th, so there’s still time to go check them out.

Before arriving in NYC, they began their journey in the UK and then went to India.

Their first stop in the U.S. was Newport, RI.

Their next stop after NYC will be Miami.

The goal of the public installation is to raise awareness of the plight of elephants and raise funds for conservation.

To that end the elephants are available for purchase at prices ranging from $8,000 for a 5’ baby which weighs 220 pounds, to $22,000 for a 15’ adult weighing 770 pounds.

I don’t see either fitting into a typical NYC apartment.

Funds raised will be donated to 22 conservation organizations including our local selection – The Wild Bird Fund.

Very cool.

Here are some blogs from previous outdoor art displays…

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2014/06/park-avenue-paper-chase.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2015/06/seward-johnson-sculptures-part-1.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2022/06/welcome-to-zoo.html

https://pj-studio.blogspot.com/2023/08/carole-feuerman-on-park-avenue-south.html

Cheers!

Sunday, October 6, 2024

I read a story recently about a woman who was hoping to increase her popularity at Halloween this year by investing in a 12-foot-tall Home Depot skeleton. So, when we arrived at Jill’s place my first thought was – I’ll bet she gets lots of Trick or Treaters – because nothing says we have good candy in the house like a skeleton with this year’s latest accessory – a dog.