This is my first Halloween in Southern California, and I have to admit that it was kind of strange to carve our pumpkin in 80-degree weather this weekend. Andrew handed the design and execution over to me (he did all the scraping out) and instead of a spooky face, I thought — I love so many things about Los Angeles, why not celebrate a couple of those?

So I carved my pumpkin to spotlight my favorite place here, the Observatory up in Griffith Park, and the trail that we take to hike up there from our house. And of course I had to add the Hollywood sign for good measure.

I wish I had a picture of my all-time favorite pumpkin, from 2001 or 2002 — my friend Camela and I carved Mt. Hood and the Willamette River. I loved that one! Maybe next year I’ll try to re-create it.

Thanks to Jessica and Jeff for growing such a beautiful pumpkin right here in Los Feliz, and having us over to carve it in their garden, too…