Parco dei Mostri

Planning a trip to Italy anytime soon? 

Then perhaps you would want to add visiting the Monster Garden in Bamarzo, Italy to your agenda. 

These are a sampling of what can be seen in this unsettling garden. To view more click on this link.  I know I'm going to add it to my list. 

Not surprizingly, it inspired work by Salvador Dali and Jean Cocteau (famous film maker in

France) to name a few. One can easily see where the Dali influence came from.

Oh, it is a scary time here in the U.S.A.

I find this kind of funny. Especially since I am from Michigan, which, of course, makes it all the more personal. Sarah Palin is one scary woman. I've been referring to her at this generations Phylis Schaffley. She most certainly does not speak for me. I find her policies and beliefs almost always contrary to mine and completely inflexible. 

I don't want someone who can't negotiate and work with folks making decisions in the white house. This to me is her greatest flaw. Along with the appearance that she is just a puppet that has been manipulated to the point that she has allowed herself to appear stupid to the public. At some point one needs to decide that answering a question as simple as "What newspapers do you read", is okay and there is no wrong answer unless it is the National Enquirer. 

It baffles the mind. For more unflattering portraits click here.

Dia De Los Muertos

One of my favorite holidays is coming up fast!

November 1st is Day of the Dead, or in Spanish, Dia De Los Muertos. Contrary to the look of the art, which some find unnerving, it is a happy holiday where the life of the person who has passed on is celebrated.

There are parties to celebrate and it is also common to decorate the grave of loved ones.

Sometime in my lifetime I will visit Mexico during this holiday. These pieces are from my personal collection, so they are not public, but it is a holiday that the public participates in. Keep your eyes open. It is becoming more and more common here in the U.S. 

Enjoy!

In honor of Shakey Jake

Last year an Ann Arbor icon passed away. His name was Shakey Jake Woods. He was known around the world. When I was traveling and would tell people I was from Ann Arbor, I would get a response along the lines of, 'Oh! Then you know Jake!" 

In fact I did know Jake, more than knowing of Jake, I helped him with his medications regularly. He was a kind a gentle soul who just wanted to live his life in peace. 

After he died, the funeral home had to accommodate an overflow crowd with live feed to a television in the parking lot. There isn't anything that would have pleased him more. Except perhaps seeing this lovely tribute to him. This is an amazing likeness of a man who made many smile. R.I.P. Jake. You touched many and still are my friend.

All that's missing is his guitar.

Well, I guess it qualifies...

It is that time of year! Halloween is right around the corner, and that means lots and lots of kids of all ages up to mischief. 

Just take a look here. Quite creative and nicely done. It may not have been my preferred design, but it is cleaver.

It just might inspire me.... I've got a couple of weeks to churn the brain. (That seemed an appropriate pun considering the season.)