Who Doesn't Love a Pumpkin?

Today, National Pumpkin Day, everyone loves a pumpkin 

 

I was surprised to discover that this is the first post celebrating one of my all-time favorites, the pumpkin. I was also surprised that I've taken very few pumpkin photographs this year. Usually I'm awash in pumpkin pictures by late October, but since that isn't the case I'm returning to a favorite version of the pumpkin, created by the Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama.  This pumpkin depiction was part of an exhibition at the NY Botanical Garden and I posted about it last month. 

I've never seen a better explanation for a  love of pumpkins, and I doubt I ever will. Thank you, Yayoi Kusama, for capturing the perfect words for a tribute to pumpkins. 

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin patch, jack o'lantern, or memories of Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin: what's your choice for a favorite memory of pumpkins? I usually can choose a favorite, but all of the choices bring back great memories, and now I've added the pumpkins by Kusama and a new favorite, pumpkin soap that I bought in Vermont. 

   

As ever, thanks for visiting and happy Pumpkin Day!

Pink Saturday Salutes Pumpkins and Polka Dots

It's time for pumpkins, Yayoi Kusama style. 

This Pink Saturday, the first weekend of autumn 2021, we're saluting pumpkins, especially the fabulous pumpkins created by Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama. I had the privilege of visiting the extraordinary show celebrating her work at the New York Botanical Gardens earlier this month. She brings an amazing vision to the most mundane elements and in the way of a great artist, made me rethink the way I saw them, starting with pumpkins. 

I've long had a deep affection for pumpkins and some of my favorite memories of autumn include time wandering in pumpkin patches, but I've never been able to quite capture what it was about the pumpkin that was so endearing. Kusama, in the quote below,  did it for me. 

Are you a pumpkin fan, too?

Polka dots are another favorite motif, whether combined with pumpkins or simply as polka dots. I especially enjoyed them featured on the wrapped trees at the garden. 

Polka dots and flowers and so much fun!

The beautiful water lilies and more flowers from Kusama

The week ahead is a busy one, almost like other autumns past. I've got tickets to a great exhibition at the NY Public Library tomorrow. I'm hoping that photography is permitted and I can share it here. Fingers crossed that the weather is good and I'll be able to do some roaming around New York City, too. What are your plans?

As ever, thanks for visiting and take care.