The Distracted Wanderer

I know, I know! Yes it's been four months since Halloween but in spite of that it's never too late to take a look back at the good time that was had by all at the best Halloween party in all of New England. Nor is it too early to plan ahead for the 2014 Hawthorne Hotel Halloween gala - especially if you'd like to take a shot at some of the great prizes up for grabs because trust me, the competition is tough!   Really tough! Don't believe me?  Read on then - rather like this gentleman below! The 2013 Hawthorne Hotel Halloween Party was held on Saturday, October 26th and I had the ultimate privilege of being asked to judge once again.  It's definitely an honor but let me say that it's also a lot of work as there are some truly phenomenal costumes that walk through the doors of Salem, Massachusetts' awesome historic hotel - and if you think I'm kidding wait until you look at some of the folks that presented themselves before the bench in the new ...

It wasn't a dark and stormy night and the weather outside wasn't frightful even though Super Storm Sandy was making her way up the coast and due to arrive soon on the night of Saturday, October 27th when the Hawthorne Hotel hosted it's annual Halloween Ball.  For almost an entire year I had been looking forward to once again getting the chance to be a judge at what is undoubtedly the best Halloween party on the North Shore and the big night had finally arrived! One of my fellow judges and friend from England, Claire aka The Doodologist , had flown all the way in from Great Britain to lend her best Simon Cowell impressions to the judging and it was with great anticipation that we arrived at the hotel shortly before the doors opened at 7:30. The first order of the evening was attending the pre-party pep rally for the staff which is held in the Grand Ballroom of the hotel and where everyone gets their marching orders for the evening. As you can see from the pho...