The Family That Scares Together
October 13, 2026
I walk past the Dallas Visitors Center in Oregon throughout the year, sometimes several days a week. It’s a familiar little corner of my world, one I’ve passed countless times during my daily walks.
But this October, something caught my eye.
Someone had put together a wonderful little Halloween display. A skeleton, a black cat in a funny checkered hat, a few scarecrows, and a whole collection of spooky little characters gathered together.
There was something about them that made me stop and smile. I just had to take a few photographs.
Later, my AI creative partner, Oz, and I started imagining what we could do with that little gathering. We gave them an autumn cottage, glowing lanterns, pumpkins, and a world of their own. With a little more finishing work from Meta AI, our Halloween characters became what looked to me like the funniest family portrait I’d ever seen.
We called it “The Family That Scares Together.”
To whoever took the time to put those decorations together, thank you. You made an ordinary corner of my daily walk something special.
And with a little photography, imagination, and AI, we turned that passing moment into something that can live long after Halloween is over.
Sometimes the smallest things we notice along the way become the moments worth keeping.
Last Call at the Other Side
October 13, 2026
While walking through town, I came across another Halloween display near the courthouse, not far from where I found Uncle Sam.
I don’t know if there was any connection between the two, but they both caught my attention and made me smile. Somebody had taken the time to bring a little humor and Halloween spirit to the heart of town, and I thought that deserved some recognition.
So I took a picture, and Oz and I let our imaginations take over. Before long, our little Halloween character had found himself in a moonlit tavern, keeping company with a friendly ghost and a skeleton enjoying a cold beer.
What started as a simple neighborhood decoration became a whole new world, full of mischief, laughter, and just enough weirdness to make it fun.
To whoever created the original display, thank you. You gave us a wonderful starting point and a lot of enjoyment.
These guys look like a pretty good bunch to go out with.
But I think I’ll wait a little longer before joining them. š»
Created from my original photography, with a little imagination and the help of AI.
