The Rusted Witch

For those of you who follow this blog, you know how I am always searching for the most unique, interesting and unusual everything and anything. I found it in Salem this year. I have been visiting Salem yearly since I moved to Boston back in the mid 70's. I pretty much know what to expect each year when I arrive. Stores come and go and you can always expect a run-in with a mean Wiccan. Not sure why but October brings out the worst in some of the Salem Wiccans. This year as I was strolling through the pedestrian section of Salem, I came upon this.


At first I walked by. Then I backed up and studied it closer. Hmmmm...In what at first appeared to be a pile of junk I saw a broom, boots, cauldron and a witch hat. Now I was interested. I studied it and studied it and could not figure out what it could be. I continued on my way and went into a nearby store.


When I emerged a few moments later the pile of junk had turned into this vision of awesomeness!!! (click to enlarge all pics for a closer look!)


What could this be, I wondered? I have seen living statues all over the world. They are quite the thing throughout Europe. I have only been mildly interested in this form of busking in the past, mainly because most that I have seen have been really bad. Not this one! I am afraid that my photos do not do this justice. This truly looks like a large rusted metal witch. Until she opens her eyes.


When you drop a tip in the cauldron she lets out the most perfect noise. It is something like an EECK!!! I've been practicing it at home and scaring the bejesus out of Teddy. I scared it out of the Blog tech this morning as well. Thank god it is not the run of the mill cackle. The sound is as creative as the costume.


I'm not sure you can appreciate this without seeing it in person but this girl works with the precision of a professional athlete or dancer. Every move is done with practiced grace.


Occasionally she will turn and wave to a passing tourist trolley.


But most of the time she stands completely motionless.


She surprises people posing next to her to have their picture taken. I could have spent hours just watching her work. She is completely enthralling.


I went into another store and when I returned I saw this. Oh no!!!


Come back beautiful, wonderful witch!!! Come back Cady!!! And she does just that every day in October.

When I grow up I want to be Cady Vishniac.

*Do yourself a favor and visit Cady's website at: www.cadyvishniac.com

You can check her schedule and see if she will be appearing anywhere near you. You can also see all of her other characters.

She has a video so you can see her in action. And you can hear her wonderful EECK!!!

And if you can afford it, drop the kid some coin. She is worth every penny!