Last Day of 2019, New Zebra

I am rapidly approaching a year of (nearly) daily posts, and thinking about goals
for the coming year as I reflect on the past one.  Lots can happen, and much does!

I wanted to share this new little one as I find it a sweet representation of an OF Zebra.  “Zulu” seems appropriate, and I don’t have too many zebras.

Have a Happy And Safe New Year’s Eve!

Weekly Win: Pregnant Mare

This is Charfena, a lovely bay Arabian mare, heavily in foal 

This mini Ziryab resin is painted by the talented Mindy Berg, and stands as a unique piece in my mini collection.  Models have been remade in unusual poses, varying conditions, even mating or giving birth!  I enjoy unique sculpts that capture the reality of their living, breathing counterparts, and this Tumlinson work depicts exactly that.

Plenty of show ring Arabs display snorty presence and fiery animation, and there are a few nice pieces that portray nice performance Arabians as well, but her graceful, alert frame is every bit as conformationally correct and attractive in my book!

Old Friends

In childhood, many of our enduring friendships come of school, activities, and even fictional worlds.
Even into adulthood I find comfort in books, movies, tv shows, and music of that genre.  Even without kids, we can still enjoy the characters we have always depended on for entertainment as well as life lessons.  Disney and fantasy aside, many of those childhood heroes remain steadfast and timeless...  I was thrilled to see Sesame Street icons old & new celebrated in current postage stamps:

What characters do you best recall and look to as inspiration or for comfort as an “old friend”?

Gearing Up

Model Performance and scale modeling have really improved over the years, and upgrading quality of props, tack, dolls, and accessories evolves.  We have many talented artisans in the hobby, and I am always hoping to acquire pieces by certain well-known artists while I also support newer, up-and-coming artists.

I am keen on Gracie/Yvonne/Quinn dolls and accurate, detailed tack hardware.  Realism is key!

I happily managed to curate this beautiful Susan Taylor saddle:

If I dip my toe back into performance, it will most likely be a few specialty classes.  Gone are my days of all-around psychotic frenzy, showing standing models in every single class to garner points and ribbons towards championship.  That was how I burned out!

No, now I think the plan is to choose a couple specialty models and classes and do them WELL.

That being said, I am working on putting together better tack and dolls and doing research and planning to create good setups.  I show various scales, but should probably focus on 1:9 for now.  I’m debating on how to go about the show calendar, and also just want to enjoy some photography and “playing” with my collection.  Baby steps.

What are your show plans for 2020?

Horse stories by Patsey Gray

I recently acquired a kids’ horse book from the 60’s while out thrifting.  Now I am hooked on trying to collect others by this author, paperback or ex-library copies...

Her stories are compelling and well-written, with heartfelt characters and realistic horses as you’d expect.  The plots and problems are fairly typical for young adult fiction, and draw on a wealth of equine knowledge.  All of the elements I enjoyed for that category, but some are expensive and/or elusive!  This could take some time...

As a kid, I pretty much read anything dog or horse I or my mother could get hands on, and the appeal hasn’t stopped in adulthood.  How did I never see these?!?

I have set budget limit for them but am enjoying the slow search.  They are nice bite-size reads to enjoy.  I wonder if there are other similar series I have been unaware of.  Fun literary hunt is on!

Giving and Receiving

I love to give gifts!  Sure, I enjoy receiving them as well, but picking out goodies for other people is something I really enjoy.  My Secret Santa recipient posted her thank you after opening her presents yesterday, and I felt great that she enjoyed everything.  Chocolate and horses are major themes in our swaps...

(Photos by her - and I love seeing the collections and lives in background!)

I was especially happy she liked the little portrait of her dog Dakota and doodads for her art hobby.

Speaking of chocolate, horses, friends, and gratitude, I had fun with Sara and Carol as well as their pets!  I received a lovely dog mug, Mighty Muscle model, more mini whinnies (Finally, Shermie!), and lots of yummy chocolate!  Food and fun are always included, and very thankful pets!

I enjoyed gifting art, animal-themed goodies, plastic/resin goodness, book/media joy, and pet presents.  They really liked treats and supplies.

What a Regal Cougar Renji is!

One very happy old cat enjoying his new warm mat despite my selfie imposition...

Thank You Sara!  Awesome as usual!

I am almost back to myself, taking it easy on the digestive system and doing what I can handle...hope the week continues on with family festivities.  My back and stomach are making me take it easier than I’d like, but that’s okay.  I want 2019 to wind down as it needs to.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From Shannon and the crew at Shamrock Farms Inc.

Secret Santa!

I’m super excited to see if my hobby secret Santa enjoys her presents come Christmas!  She has more willpower than I.  My secret Santa spoiled me with hobby goodness galore!

My thank you and review:

 Cyra was my amazing Secret Santa this year and did she ever spoil me!!!

First off, check out the adorable wrapping paper with animals - I admit I didn’t rip much because I want to cut some of those cute critters out!  Card was reserved for last as it noted that it contained spoilers.

So many lovely presents!!!

First up were the pooches - Cola and Phaser say thank you for their Milk Bones!  They gobbled some right away and I will try to get a pic of them later.

Beasties appeased, I moved on to a wonderful treat bag that had a Santa Cookie and Chocolate from her area, which I adore, and the truffles - official chocolate of Blab!  Cocoa and tea will warm my heart and soul over the holiday.

Next up were the two Surprise Foal SM families I wanted!  I’m especially smitten with the buckskin Andalusian and the bay Drafter.  Great Stablemates!

I literally squealed (and I’m not a big squealer!) when I opened the small box to find a Native Dancer ornament who has been a recent grail for me and eluded me for quite some time.  THANK YOU!  I am working on a project with certain molds of the racehorse ornaments and am now down to just one needed.  LOVE that little gray.

A lidded box contained a sweet little assortment of yummy lotions (immediately applied as It has been DRY) and the cutest longear Medallion ornament - I love it!  Not sure who the artist was but the shimmery blue sculpt is very pretty.  These were cutely wrapped and stamped in tissue.

The suspiciously Traditional Breyer-sized box contained a beautiful specimen of my beloved Lady Phase model as the Paint Truly Unsurpassed - her markings are so crisp and I love her shading!  The adorable reindeer card explained all these goodies.  Cyra, thank you for touching on all my loves this Christmas!  Your Secret Santa thoughtfulness brings me much holiday cheer.  What special surprises!

Weekly Win TWH Mare (NO Big Lick)

In the 90’s, DaBar resins was producing a small line of affordable SM resins for the hobby and budding interest grew.  Lesli Kathman sculpted Southern Belle, this sweet little TWH mare which was dubbed for her accent.  Another long time artist Chris Nandell (now Flint) gave her a buttery smooth palomino coat, and she reminded me of a dancer with her rhythmic motion, and so she became my successful little Miss Merengue, a consistent success in live showing.  Nearly “vintage” as far as artist resins go, this merry little gal still comes out once in awhile and can hold her own, but I look forward to her career once that becomes a regular category in vintage showing.

(I can see her pretty head nodding!)

Merengue like the dance, Meringue like the lemon pie...even when she came up misspelled in show results, it fit this sassy gal rather well.  She is my homage to the lovely TWH breed.

I don’t show tons of gaited models, and Indy/Mindy arrived later.  Awareness of Big Lick in the Tennessee Walking Horse and gaited show horse industry has (happily) prevailed and found its way into modeldom.  We’d be hard-pressed to find running walk resins in today’s market!

Racking Saddlebreds continue, and I may have sold my TWH Midnight Sun models

long ago, but this piece remains.  Model hobbyists have long been discussing the differences in humane practices with respect to flat shod Walkers not utilizing action devices, shoeing and pads, soring and artificial methods that achieve everything from tailset to extreme front reach.

Just as there are sweet Pitbull dogs and German Shepherds that aren’t overangulated, it is important to remember the idea of “punish the deed, not the breed” - celebrate wonderful animals and all they have to offer.  I have met some beautiful natural Tennessee Walkers and known them to be phenomenal horses.  All this said, my little gal has no shoes on and hasn’t been in performance, alas, our hobby should do its level best to serve in public education as well as celebration of all equines!

Ah, this is Nuts

Being ill is no fun, and especially around holidays.  When I’m up to Partying again, will be sure to celebrate with this lovely food gift!

Happy

Sunday!

Hobby Christmas Cheer!

I not only got spoiled by my Secret Santa this week, but in the midst of feeling awful received a lovely Breyer card and ATC/Bookmark from Elise aka fastapp!  LOVE this art - Are they both by Sheila?  Such a nice PIF - (Play/Pay It Forward).  Really cheered me up while at my lowest!

Buckshot and Marabella make great pasture buddies!

Here’s to a Better Weekend!

Sick

Not a good day.  Unfortunately, plenty of flu bugs and maladies abound this time of year.  Despite best practices of handwashing, rest, and eating right, we still succumb once in awhile.

Hoping for better days ahead.

Christmas Cheer

Getting away from the hustle and bustle and retail craziness has me enjoying Christmas Music this year.  I’ve been rotating collections of classic and contemporary Christmas tunes along with some instrumental and mainstream-that-became-Christmas-music.

Cheers!  What’s Your favorite Christmas Song?

Another Beautiful Food Gift!

In recent years I have been especially pleased with giving and receiving “consumables” - gifts that will be used.  Edible gifts, things like fancy toiletries, even experiences like a special time or event are memorable and enjoyable.  I do love “stuff” (what collector doesn’t?!?), but the gifts that can be used up are awesome too.  Lovely lotion, a movie or meal, and snackage it treats to enjoy are meaningful.  Check out this amazing cheese and sausage (and caramels)!  There’s *5* bricks of cheese and curds in there!  Such a beautiful gift!

Chocolate, cookies, and other sweets have been plentiful as well.  Love them all!
I am also excited to be using some new lotion in this cold, dry weather and look forward to seeing some friends and family soon.  What types of “consumable” gifts do you most enjoy gifting and receiving?

More Little Dogs!

And Cats, and squirrels.  Some work out to be classic scale or even smaller, but my never ending quest for breed specimens I like mean exploring options worldwide.  At first, this brand’s Boxer (sitting or down, can’t recall...) turned me off but thought I’d try this standing fawn and I like her!

A bunch of Japanese sculpts have proven to be very realistic.  I also keep looking at those Mr. Z horses and dogs to accompany my big new resin paint!  I do like the other critters for photos and such.  Anyone have experience with the Mr. Z line???  I saw one big 1/6 scale adult at a show this summer, but again, I need to stick with smaller scales...

Weekly Winner longeared lady!

The Marcimello sculpt is a sweet little donkey gal.  I have had success with this one painted by the talented Jennifer Danza.  Her moniker came from Sondra, and I like it.  She shows well, and I love her detailed funky dapples.

Meet “Polly Esther Pantz”!

Sunday Suncatchers

It may not have been a sunny day, but sunshine with friends is always welcome.  Today included some laughs, mold making, food, messes, and suncatcher Stablemates!

They are in process but added a splash of color to our lives. :)

Muscular Marx?

This threesome (two without tails) were found while antiquing and I think they might be old Marx figures (SM scale).  What impressed me were the details!  Muscling and open-mouth faces!  Not sure if they will remain as is or get cleaned up and Customized...

Pretty detailed and expressive for old OF plastic!

Anyone recognize these?

They remind me of carousel sculptures...

I have a few non-muscled old Marx horses and of course knew the big poseables and 1/6 scale guys.  These are something I had never seen, but I am enjoying looking at them.  Any info welcome.

CHARGE!

What better way to charge into this weekend than to rescue this pair?!?  A Papo Knight with shield and lance and a Schleich Bashkir Curly.  Odd Couple?  Perhaps.

It appears my Secret Santa has received their box, so I am hopeful they enjoy.  Happy 

Two Trees

Life has been so busy I have barely been able to worry about Christmas.  I actually find myself *craving* some of which I used to not enjoy.  My little trees at work and home aren’t photographed, but my night ritual of driving with heat on my back and looking at lights has been fun.  A thrift find was a free homemade CD of good Christmas songs I have been enjoying.

Had a good laugh at the um, interesting light job on one city tree juxtaposed with its neighbor over the river.  I think I tend to prefer nicely done lights and either all white or multicolored.  Just preference.

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?  Any that drive you insane?  Classic or contemporary?  I tend to enjoy a mix and in small doses.

BIG excitement!

I love when I can achieve a grail!  Sometimes it is finding that special OF model, sometimes it’s acquiring a tack piece by a respected artist.  Still other times it can be a particular resin or artist.  This is not *technically* my first big 1:6 scale model as Marx horses and even a few bigger resins dwarf the 1:9 scale Traditionals, but this is a resin I’d never thought I’d find.

Luis Aguilar of Nohuanda Equine Sculpture produced this Old Man resin, and has much talent in sculpting, painting, baiting, and tack making!  The new micro Fusilero juxtaposes nicely with this hunk of a Paint.  I feel lucky to add them to my herd.  I doubt I will get hardcore into bigger scale, but just loved this guy’s expression and balance.

Fruity!

What a beautiful gift - tasty and nutritious too!  Love it!

What kinds of sweets and treats do you love to give/receive over the holidays?

Busy couple weeks ahead, but will try to share some model goodies soon.

Short Quotes

Hoping to spread some cheer and looking forward to holiday break.  I will keep searching for short quotes.  Let’s have a great week!

Anybody else doing “Secret Santa” or elfing your friends and coworkers?

I enjoy it immensely.  Here’s a little card we include with surprises.

Silver Spaniel

Wall Art

Quickly sharing this piece as I don’t think I have before.  Yes, most spaniel

Art is most likely Older style Cockers or Springers.  More on that later...

Woodland Creatures...

My neighborhood has squirrels, but no rabbits.  Birds in town are more scarce so it is a treat to get out into the country and see wildlife.  The upcoming posts will be short and sweet due to phone changeover, but here’s a couple model photos...

Red fox in snow and rabbit in grass...happy weekend!

Amusing Signs

Who amongst us hasn’t wanted to say “Hey Siri, Fold My Laundry!”?  My work bathroom now wishes us to “Gave a Nice Poop”. Whether humorous or sincere, I do appreciate the signage trend.

Weekly Winners - micro Mare & Foal!

I have a soft spot for Maggie micros new and old, and Luvjeordie Studios created this lovely

set which I show as QH Morgan crosses.  Super sweet!

Candy Gal & Lemon Drop!

Maggie’s sculpture has evolved along with her technology, but it is her amazing detail and realism that captures my heart.  This lovely pair also has a little base and has been known to decorate my fairy gardens from time to time.