Thursday Sparks - Frankenpups and "scary" monsters

A week ago, I was on etsy looking for something or the other, and this little face popped up on the main page...

Margie, and old fashioned robot dog looked at me. *she looked at me* She then said "Love me, take me home, I won't pee on your floor like other dogs (and some cats)." And so like a moth to a flame, I was sucked into Reclaim2fame's shop. Just like that.

From Reclaim2Fame's bio:
"Will W has been a professional artist since 1972. Starting in visual merchandizing management with a major midwest retail chain, he learned at an early age to turn anything into something else. An interior design degree was next at Harrington Institute in Chicago

1980 was the beginning of a successful mural painting business, creating wonderful walls for prestigious residences and major corporations in cities across the country.

In 1993 he opened a very experimental storefront on Miami Beach where he twisted all manner of found materials into new usable objects and fine art. A couple of years later the concept expanded to The Miami Design District. That larger workshop and gallery showcased over a dozen artist's work in reclamation art. Furnishings of all types, home accessories and fine art were displayed. Everything in the gallery was made of at least 80% recycled materials.

Those two stores are long gone but not the passion for reclamation art. Now living on the Gulf Coast of Florida, he feels like he might just be getting started. Etsy has opened a new world of possibilities for this well seasoned artist.

Mickey G is Will's mother. She is a retired hairstylist and a very active senior. It appears that Mickey can sew anything. A few years ago she started to make teddy bears out of recycled fur coats. These very coveted bears and her other fashion and home accessories will be showcased here whenever they become available. As I said... she is a busy bee, we will beg her for more pieces. "

There's more than just one or 2 tin doggies tho, there are many many more pieces. I'm in love with the concept of recycling these pieces from stuff that probably would be in the landfill. But moreso, I'm in love with the way that Will has captured that perfect face giving each piece a little bit of life. You fully expect one to turn it's head and bark.

I'm wondering when Pixar will be calling.

You also have to meet Nora the Mini Monster by MonstersEtc. An etsy store from Israel. A couple months ago, I was looking for a special Christmas gift and wanting something "different". I happened across this little monster and fell in love with it for myself.

Even shipping is a steal at $3.00 (they must have a tightly run PO over there)

I used to make miniature bears, so I can appreciate the art of the mini. It's difficult to pack personality into a small space (although I do it every day with myself personally. ;)


It takes a special talent to make a face that has life, and speaks to you. I think both above artists have accomplished that task!


PS - I changed the name. "Thursday Inspiration" was not very inspired. I like "Thursday Sparks" much better. A way to spark you up, get your juices flowing to get you through the hump to the weekend!

Megan and Levi - engagement sneak peek

These two are so cute and fun. I have many more to share soon!

More than just a little obsessed with this building lately.... it's a mini "barn" near me that has seen better days. Great small scale to shoot with.

More soon!

Happy... uh... halloween?

Left over pumpkin...

Huge success!

Huge!

My husband wasn't quite as excited there's half a pumpkin on my kitchen counter as the chickens are.

He just doesn't understand us.

This is how homecoming rolls here in flyover country

Because "Anatomy of a Small Town Parade" is, for some odd reason, one of my most popular blog posts, I decided that I must share a few favorite shots with you from Homecoming this year.

We have 2 big parades here in town every year. The first one linked above, is our county fair parade, and this one, is distinctly different - it's the local university's homecoming parade. You won't see a bunch of antique tractors, or the moila guys driving tiny dirt bikes, but you will see a whole lot of fraternities and sororities that take tissue and chicken wire pretty seriously.

My little sister Torrie called me and wanted to meet up to watch the parade together (with my niece Tayen). I didn't figure I'd see her very long, since we had things to do, and Tanner was at the beginning of the parade with the local high school band. Mom and Torries girlfriend came, and try the best I could, I couldn't keep a good spot open for everyone, in the end, we stood almost the whole parade.

I did it in sketcher's shape up shoes.

Torrie did it in pointy toes and high heels.

Holding a 2.5 year old.

Yeah, she's still young. Let's see what she can do in 10 years. Hmmpft.

Bobby Bearcat led the parade... of COURSE. NWMSU's mascot is the bearcat and Bobby is darn near legendary. He gets to ride on the firetruck at the very beginning. Hopefully he had hearing protection since they tend to let the kids run the sirens in such situations.

I had a big belly laugh when I saw that the Mayer of Maryville had his own black clad, earbuds, talking to your wrist secret service detail. I was relieved that our "first lady" wasn't wearing a pink suit with a matching pillbox hat.



Especially driving right under the book depository:

OK, so it's really just the upstairs to the old clothing store.
But still.



Northwest has a.... a..... a what?... you're kidding me...

A FISHING TEAM?
Rock the heck on! How often do you see that? And srsly, how redneck awesome is this? Yeah, defcon awesome #5


Finally, after 37 bands, 46 hours and two bloody stumps called "my feet", Tanner's band shows up:

Of course, as usual, I'm not in the right place to catch the trumpets so I RUN right in front of the band to get a good shot.

I like your feather's Tanner. You look good in boa.

He's now like 9 feet tall and 93 pounds. I keep trying to explain to my husband that it's ok if Tanner eats 13 rice crispy treats before he has a t-bone for dinner. Someday he'll understand. You'd think he'd remember his own youth - like 67 years ago.


Anyway, this is the FIRST TIME I've seen Tanner in his uniform. Everytime I see him, they are wearing something else. I'm gonna tell you the truth. I was pretty proud of him! Man he's grown up so much, and looks like a small version of an adult.
*blink*


I love this kid.

Hi Tanner! Waves back!
I won't tell anyone that you're not supposed to wave at your mom during the parade. I promise.



Oops.


.

It's airforce one!!

OK, that's a fib. It's not. Well, I'm pretty sure it's not anyway. There are a couple jets that fly over my house every single day refueling, I assume it's practice. Today was the first time I got it at the perfect angle to show that the refueling was in process.

I wanna ride in one of those some day.

I need an inside connection.
anyone??
heloooo??