HALLOWEEN PARTY SUCCESS

Super-successful Halloween party in our ‘hood tonight, thanks to Darryl and Diane Johnstone for hosting it AND creating a hayride wagon that pulled all the kiddos around to trick-or-treat. We also created a super-scary haunted house which I will give tips on next year… Dr. Death was a huge hit… excuse me, time to go pick up the brains I left at the Johnstons… or maybe with the people who thought that someone in our neighborhood had moved out of their house and donated it for the annual Halloween haunted house.

I HEART EBAY

Ebay titles usually go something like this, “Vintage sculpture, Rare” or “Regency side chairs, Nice.”

Which is why I laughed out loud when I saw this. Thank you, Tulsa!

CHI OMEGA CHRISTMAS

Starts tomorrow. And yes, I realize that I am jumping around a little between holidays. Still, with more than 150 booths and items ranging from antiques and linens to art and fashion, you should be able to cross a few names of your list early. And this kind of shopping just feels good; spend money in the name of the Booker T. Washington School, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, and more. For what time and where, go here. Three cheers for the cardinal and straw. (It’s true, I am a Chi O.)

PUMPKIN CARVING

I bought a pumpkin this year, but a neighborhood cat has been eating it, so it’s unlikely that I’ll follow Loyd’s suggestion to eat it myself. If you, too, didn’t make it around to participating in the seasonal carving tradition, carve your own here. No messy pulp either. Happy halloween.

UNUSUAL SIGHTINGS AT MARTY WALKER GALLERY

There are two exhibits at the Marty Walker Gallery–a video installation by Frances Bagley and a new set of works by Andrew Bennett (shown “Call It Nirvana”). Bennett’s show, “Erased Paisley,” showcases his designs (many soot and epoxy on aluminum), which are based on patterns derived from 17th century Mughal art and Western fashion of the late 1960s counterculture. Quite an unlikely pair of influences but very cool. Now through Nov. 25.

ANASAZI AND MCMANSION CONNECTION

Okay, I got the strangest press release today.

Bryce A. Weigand, FAIA, Park Cities resident and principal at Good Fulton & Farrell Architects, will lead discussion of the Anasazi at the 67th Annual Texas Society of Architects (TSA) Convention in Dallas on Sat Nov 4, at the Dallas Convention Center.

Pretty straight forward, right? So why on earth did the release bring up McMansions?
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DALLAS ART NEEDS YOUR VOTE

Don’t worry, this will only be a brief political detour. Next week (Nov. 7) on your general election ballot, you will also be faced with the 2006 Capital Bond Program. If you value Dallas’ cultural assets, then vote yes. For more reasons why, jump.
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FUSION DECOR

Design Tex, long the staple of contract designers has added a collection of prints and wovens for the residential market. But the coolest thing they introduced at Neocon are fusion arhictectural panels–polyester resin panels fused around standard elements like grass or leaves, or you can choose your own. You know those old roses you’ve been saving from senior prom? Now you can create a wall or vanity top using these panels–ah, sweet memories.

REDNECK RIVIERA OR EMERALD COA$T?

Well, this is interesting:

“I own three properties in Panama City Beach including River Camps by St. Joe. Shop it, it is amazing. The airport will force feed the great northwest of Florida to explode in the next 10 years.

Time cures all pain, especially in real estate.”

RE: NO. 1 REAL ESTATE MARKET

Panama City is the No. 1 real estate market in the country?!? Panama City? CNN Money is ridiculous. There’s no way in hell I’m buying property in the Redneck Riviera. Why? Well, here are some song lyrics about the area by Tom T. Hall:

Gulf Shores up through Apalachicola
They got beaches of the whitest sand
Nobody cares if gramma’s got a tattoo
Or Bubba’s got a hot wing in his hand

J. CALDWELL

I swear my husband plans trips to save himself money–like this week of Partner’s Card when life is meant to be one big huge spending spree. I cannot make it, but you can: Head over to J. Caldwell at Debris Antiques, 1205 Slocum St. where Jo Anne and Mike will fete you as well as treat you to a trunk show by Christina Cottingham Jewelry on Thursday afternoon–to die for! Partner’s Card honored.

Guess this year I won’t get a call from MasterCard wondering why my card is in use 24/7…

NO. 1 REAL ESTATE MARKET IN COUNTRY

Is where I’m going this weekend. Panama City, Florida. That’s where CNN Money claims you can pick up an average home for a hefty 72 percent gain in five years. Actually, we are flying in to Fort Walton Beach, staying at Watercolor to tour St. Joe properties. I keep trying to convince my husband this is a good investment; he thinks Florida is going to wash away. We hope to meet up with friends in Panama City, the hottest real estate market in the country. They moved there for peace and quiet and now say the place is a madhouse!

I’ll keep my eyes peeled and keep you posted.