A movie with an almost PERFECT script and plot! (AND--one of the Loydster's FAVORITE flicks!)

 

I recently re-watched this 1973 CLASSIC, after a LONG stretch of time since viewing it last. Just like the previous times, I realized (AGAIN!) why it's ALWAYS been one of my all-time favorites. Keep on scanning down through this here post, and I'll try to explain just WHY I think it's one of the BEST films ever, to come out of good 'ol Holly-weird!

It's hard to believe a few things about the movie that I want rattle-on about in this post, 'The Sting'! First of all, that it came out 53 years ago. Second, that-- unlike so MANY of the movies that came out in the 70s-- it STILL entertains and holds the viewer's interest as well as it does. Thirdly, is that it still has a TIMELESS quality. That is, no doubt-- not only because of it's 'period' setting (it's plot takes place in 1936)-- but because it's also SO well crafted and designed! (meaning in it's production design--AND it's nearly FLAWLESS plot and script!

 A proper shout-out should of COURSE, be given to director George Roy Hill, and production designer, Henry Bumstead-- not to mention the costumer, the legendary Edith Head! (They each won Oscars for their workmanship in this movie, by the way!) It was through their efforts (along with scripter David S, Ward), that this film was SO well-crafted! Oh, and let's not forget that TERRIFIC 'Rag-Time' score, adapting old Scott Joplin pieces-- by Marvin Hamlisch, who also won an Oscar here. 'Rag-Time' wasn't from the time period that the movie is set in, but from an earlier era-- the 1910s! BUT-- the music as it's utilized here-- EXACTLY fits this movie!

'The Sting', has LONG been one of my all-time favorite movies. But, since I had long ago (5 to 6 years, at least!) lost my old VHS copy of it, I hadn't watched it-- in ages. Having found a NICE copy of it on DVD a short time back, I sat down and re-watched it-- and was once again just FLOORED by how well-made this movie REALLY is!

Just WHY do I think this movie is such a MASTERPIECE? I'm glad you've asked, oh faithful-few-followers of this here bloggy-woggy-wing-ding! 'Cause I'm going to dive-off into telling you why  I think so!---

First, there's all the great characters involved-- played EXACTLY right by some of the best actors! Paul Newman and Robert Redford, are JUST right as Henry Gondorff and Johnny Hooker. Newman's character is an experienced and expert con-artist, that Redford's character-- on the run from BOTH the mob AND the police-- comes to for help, with BOTH shaking the law off of his tail AND revenge (more on THAT plot-point later!). Their first meeting is one of the BEST scenes in the early part of the movie!--

'Gondorff' and 'Hooker' meet-up for the first time. It's pretty obvious that Newman's character has seen a better day or two! It's a GREAT scene, and Newman and Redford play it JUST right!

More about some of the other NIFTY characters in the movie shortly. But first, a little more about Newman and Redford. These two had worked together before, in 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' in 1969. (Another of my personal favorites, though the ending brings me down-- every time I watch it!) So, they already knew how to work well together as actors. This time was different though, in that their characters weren't long-time outlaw pals. 

The characters here are meeting up for the first time, and the younger character ('Hooker'/Redford) has some distrust and a little lack of faith concerning the older character ('Gondoff'/Newman). That's part of what makes their interaction with each other SO entertaining in this movie though. A whole host of other, pretty talented actors would have a tough time bringing these two characters to life! But, Newman and Redford do it, and they do EXTREMELY well!

'Hooker' and 'Gondorff' check out (from a safe and SNEAKY distance!) the gangland big-shot they're about to zero in on, for the 'big con-job'! It's obvious that 'Hooker' wants his revenge RIGHT away, but 'Gondorff' is a bit more cautious and level-headed about what they're about to do. Another scene (of MANY) in the movie that's played-out JUST right!

       Just check out this NEAT-O trailer, from when the movie was re-released around 1977 or so. This is after it had won an AMAZING-- 7 Academy  Awards! (Including best picture!) Maybe it will help explain some of why I REALLY dig on this flick like I do! At least it might make you want to watch it yourself! That is, if you haven't seen it! (If you haven't... find a way to watch it! You'll be GLAD you did!)---                                         

  Now, as I was saying above, this movie is populated by a good-sized group of GREAT characters, performed by a troop of equally GREAT actors. Harold Gould as 'Kid Twist', and Ray Walston as 'J.J.' are especially good. But let's not forget some of the other stand-outs in the cast-- like Eileen Brennan (as Gondorff's lady-love, Billie-- who's also an EXPERT pick-pocket!), Charles Durning (as the crooked-but-determined cop, Snyder-- who's after Hooker), and Jack Kehoe (as 'The Erie Kid' and a friend of Hooker's). Within seconds of meeting ALL of these folks on the screen, you totally buy into them being the characters they're portraying. Whether it be cops, feds, OR-- a VERY experienced group of professional grifters, con-artists and 'slick operators'!

'Gondorff' and his fellow grifters and cons discuss their plans over a friendly game of cards. Harold Gould (far left) and Ray Walston (far right) are 'Kid Twist' and 'J.J. Singleton', and BOTH actors are nearly PERFECT as those characters!

The poker game aboard the train, later in the movie-- is NOT so 'friendly'-- between the main bad-guy, (more about HIM below!) and Newman's character! They BOTH cheat, but Newman wins!

Oh, and let's ALSO not forget the MAIN 'heavy / villain' of the picture, Robert Shaw as the big mob-boss, 'Doyle Lonnegan'-- not to mention the group of 'rough-looking' character actors who play his thugs and henchmen! They ALL appear menacing and mean, and scary alright-- even doing some brutal and dirty-deeds!-- But NONE of them 'over-play' or 'ham-up' the acting in their respective parts! You believe this guy and his thugs are capable of doing some pretty AWFUL stuff, to who EVER crosses them!---

One of the GREAT, (but probably most under-rated) actors of the 60s and 70s-- Robert Shaw--  as the truly DANGEROUS mob-boss, 'Doyle Lonnegan'. Even though his character is also involved in 'legitimate' businesses-- from the very first scene where he's introduced into the film-- you VERY quickly believe --- that this guy wouldn't hesitate to have somebody QUICKLY and brutally killed who crossed him or made him angry!

Another NICE 'graphic' or artistic touch, is the use of 'title cards' throughout the course of the movie. They introduce each segment, much like the chapter-titles in a book-- or even a graphic novel.---

These 'chapter title' cards, introduce each segment of the film. Designed & painted by artist Jerry Gebr, they give the movie almost a 'storybook'-- or even 'comic strip' quality!

Finally, without any 'spoilers'-- I want to discuss the OUTSTANDING plot and script of this film! I've already covered most of the excellent cast of both the characters and actors playing them-- and each of those parts are WELL-written. What's also GREAT here, is the main plot-line of the movie! 

What starts out as Redford's character wanting revenge for the horrible murder of his mentor-- and then  meeting up with Newman's 'Gondorff' and his allies, AND the unfolding of the complex scheme they come up with -- could've turned into just an average 'buddy picture' or a 'vigilante-action-flick'! BUT-- what the viewer gets treated to instead... well, let's just say this movie was scripted and carefully crafted SO well --that it can be enjoyed even MORE, with multiple viewings!

Even 'little moments' in the movie, fit in exactly as they should, in EXACTLY the right places! Like the little 'swipe-of-the-finger' across the nose, that's a signal from one grifter or con artist to another-- that another 'big job' is about to take place!---OR-- just a way for these type of folks to greet  and acknowledge each other!--

'Gondorff', giving 'the signal'-- that another 'operation' is about to begin-- to a fellow member of the con-artist community! (It's also a type of 'greeting' they use with each other) Yet another of this movie's VERY cool little moments!

Again, without spoiling or giving anything away, I WILL say there are TWO extremely clever plot-twists in this truly unique and one-of-a-kind movie. One about 3-quarters of the way through, and a DOOZY at the very end! What's beautiful about them BOTH, is that they don't feel false or 'clunky' in ANY way! 

AND-- (speaking of that 'final twist') there are even VERY subtle little clues through the last quarter of the film, that let the viewer know that not everything they're seeing... is exactly as it seems! This is where watching it multiple times, can make 'The Sting' a 'gift that just KEEPS on giving'-kind-of-movie! One of the 7 Oscars it won in 1974, was for 'best original screenplay'. I can tell you, with NO hesitation what-so-ever... it was an award that was WELL-deserved!

Part of the 'alternate' movie poster, from the film's first release in 1973. BOTH posters, much like the movie itself-- are EXCELLENT in their art and design.

One more comment before I wrap-up this post! Another thing I enjoy about this movie, is the over-all tone, and it runs on a couple of GREAT ideas. On the one hand, you have a story of a group of 'underdogs'-- who, seeing another of their kind being beaten-down-- come to his aid, and try to set things right. 

On the other hand, there's also a kind of 'Robin Hood'-vibe going on here too! Where a high-rolling, wealthy-- yet cold-blooded and RUTHLESS--'big-wig,' who's been stepping on the 'little guys' for YEARS, get's a good CHUNK of his ill-gotten wealth TAKEN from him. AND-- you find yourself nearly CHEERING for the way it's done in the end. Another sign (in the 'ol Loydster's opinion, anyway) that THIS is a GREAT movie!

Again I'm going to say it!--- If you haven't had the chance to watch this movie, search-out a way to check it out! It'll be worth looking for and investing a couple of hours-plus of your time, believe me!

                                        See you NEXT time, gang! 'Til then-- stay SAFE, SANE, and HAPPY!!

Nowhere NEAR retirement!!--- yet!

 

While not yet feeling QUITE as 'up in years' as the old GEEZER pictured above, there ARE times when my body tells me I'm NO kid anymore! This month (June), I'll be hitting something of a 'landmark' B-day. Some thoughts and ramblings about it, down below!---

Ah yes, it's the month of June. Summertime officially arrives, the weather starts getting a LOT more hotter, AND--- the 'ol Loydster turns another year OLDER! As is usually the case, I also get a bit reflective around this time-- mostly thinking, especially as I've started getting 'more mature' in years (that means WELL-PAST middle age, folks!)-- about the passage of time. 

This year in particular, I guess I've been a bit more thoughtful than previous years-- for a few fairly good reasons. The passing of my Pops, back in December-- now means that BOTH of my parents are no longer around to help me celebrate the 'special day' (a strange feeling indeed!). Also, (on a MUCH more CHEERFUL note!) my mama-in-law, Mrs. Sandy-- is having a 'landmark B-day' herself-- turning 80 this month. AND-- lastly, there's the fact that I'll be 62 this month. The first year that folks in my 'age bracket', are eligible to draw Social Security.

Boy-HOWDY! There were INDEED times in my life, when time felt like it passed just like THIS! Other times, though-- it DRAGGED-ON ever-so SLOW! It all depended on the situation, that's for SURE!

Now, for me personally-- drawing on the S.S. fund is OUT of the question! Mostly just because the money I'm qualified to draw from it, at age 62-- is SO small! I could NEVER pay bills, and support the wifey and myself-- on such a DINKY amount. 

So, I'll just keep plugging-away, good Lord willing (of course!)--working full-time-- for a few more years. The 'full benefit' age, is 'over-65'-- and THAT is the target I'm aiming for. But-- even at THAT point, I'll more than likely have to at least continue thrashing away PART TIME at something.

Well, hopefully I'll be a bit more mobile than THIS in around 4 to 5 years or so! THAT is my target-time for at least 'semi-retirement'!

What I'm hoping to be able to do, is to at least semi-retire at age 66. I'll be up for the FULL amount on the S.S. check, and I can then cut back to a 24 - 30 hour or so work-week. That should also help keep the bills (MOST important: our mortgage!) paid, and keep buying our groceries!

Whether my current job will work with me on that plan or not-- I'm not sure. At one time, (about a year or so back) when I mentioned my 'post-age-65' plan-- they had said they couldn't keep somebody 'part time'. If that's still the case-- then I'll have to find some other folks who'd be onboard with my being only 'part time'! Because, again-- the good Lord willing, THAT is my plan after 65!

YES!-- That scene in 'The Santa Clause'! THAT is what getting older can sometimes feel like!!

Seriously, all of the above goofy images aside-- Considering the above-mentioned 'age bracket' that I'm in-- I consider myself pretty BLESSED! Yes, I've got my share of aches and discomforts, and some genuinely chronic areas of pain! But-- I'm still able to move around 'under my own power', and I'm STILL able-bodied enough to earn a living! Believe me, I'm thankful and grateful EVERYDAY for that! Things for me, could be a whole LOT worse. Again, God willing-- I'm hoping I'll be holding up as decent as I am now, in 4 to 5 years or so!

Of COURSE-- let's also not forget the OTHER thing I consider myself to be BLESSED with! It's that I'm a KID at heart! I really do think that's one of the MAIN elements going for me, that's prevented me from 'getting OLD before my time'! 

I guess some folks won't believe it--- but keeping that 'over-grown kid' outlook, I think-- is what's kept me BOTH sane, and reasonably HEALTHY! That is indeed something to be HAPPY about! I hope that sometime in the not-too-distant future, whenever I'm blessed with grandkids--- I'll be able to be the YOUNGEST acting grandpa around!!

Oh, I'll be looking for one of THESE little numbers too, in a few years! I think I'll want one with a bit more comfortable PADDING on it than THIS one though!

                                                  Stay SAFE, SANE and HAPPY gang! See you next month!

Slowing WAY down, on the 'collecting of STUFF'!

I think the little cartoon above, pretty much spells out my reasons! BUT-- keep scrollin' and readin' anyway! Just in case you may, if you're like my (somewhat SKEPTICAL) wife-- have your doubts about just how serious my intentions are!

No doubt, I've mentioned in a number of past posts here on the bloggy-woggy-thingy-thang--(including the one last month, in fact!) that space is pretty limited in the Ferrell home (otherwise known as the 'Cozy Cottage'!). The 'living space' is fine, with a decent amount of room for the wifey and myself. It's 'storage-and-display' space I'm referring to here! The kind of 'square footage' an old GEEK-A-ZOID like myself needs-- to both display AND store all the 'classic pop culture' stuff I've managed to gather up over the years!

It's THAT space that's becoming more and more hard to come by, as we've lived here at the 'ol 'micro-ranch'! In fact, the 'Man Cave'-- SHOULD have a sign on the door, much like the one below!!---

Stashing things away and displaying items in my little 'hide-out' has pretty much reached a stopping point-- as of actually a few months ago. The same can be said for the space that my EVER-so-patient & understanding wife, Mrs. Debbie, has agreed to share with me-- in our little 12x20 foot portable building. (Otherwise known as the 'shed'!) So, mentally-- I've had to have another 'warning sign' (concerning our 'shed') flashing away in my big-square-NOGGIN, whenever I've been tempted to snatch-up something cool or 'geek-friendly'! Sort of like THIS one!---

Truthfully, for a fair chunk of time now-- going back to the tail-end of last year, at least-- I've been in the gradual process of slowing WAY down on the 'collecting of stuff'. The process started with getting my comics collection better organized. I invested in a set of NEW long-boxes for MOST of the collection, for one thing. The other thing, was 'labeling' each long-box--with a simple index card-- identifying exactly what's in each long-box (something I've really wanted to do for several years, in fact!)!---

                         

It was while in the middle of thrashing-away on THAT little project, that I realized I needed to do some  serious thinking and deciding! As in-- not ONLY getting better organized with all the doo-dads & goodies I have-- but also reaching some kind of 'cut-off' point with the 'collecting-MANIA' I've had for all these years! 

The comics collection isn't really part of the deal, because I haven't collected any 'on-going' comics series, in over 20 years. I do have a small amount of space, in a few of the long-boxes-- for the addition of maybe a graphic novel or trade paperback here and there (items I DO still snag, on rare occasions!) -- but that's about it! I've also nearly completely stopped collecting T-shirts (OR customizing any!), within the last year or two. The collecting of toys and models has also been-- through mostly the aforementioned lack of space-- already slowed to nearly a stop. Same with books and magazines.

The one remaining area that I've continued to add to here and there-- and have kept a 'wish list' of things I'm missing even-- has been movies / TV shows / cartoons on DVD. Within the past year or so-- I've gradually been closing in on finishing-off with 'plugging-up' the gaps in THAT collection too! I've also compiled a detailed list (or 'index', I guess it could be called) of everything in the collection, as well as where ALL of the videos are located. (Yet AGAIN, something I've wanted to do for AGES!)--

Here in the 'Cozy Cottage', Mrs. Debbie and I have a large set of 3 plastic drawers, and 3 fairly good-sized plastic totes-- to store MOST of the videos we have. They ALL fit, either in the closet-- or under the bed-- in our bedroom. I figure once those 'video-storage-containers' are either full-- or pretty close to it-- That will be the prime time to call it pretty much quits on the 'active collecting' of video-goodies!---

I also have a couple of little spots, within the 'Man-Cave'-- for stashing-away my collections of 'toons, 'Stooges, and TV shows.----

As you can see-- these small shelves in the 'Man-Cave' are already at 'full capacity'! No 'growing room' is available in EITHER of these spots!

Not ONLY for just the SERIOUS lack of space--- but also for the sake of my EVER-so patient better-half's SANITY-- I need to pay attention to yet ANOTHER 'warning sign' flashing, up in my over-sized-skull!--

So-- my ongoing efforts to collect 'COOL-GEEKY-STUFF' is drawing to a close. Along with the reasons stated above, there's also the simple fact-- that maybe it's time the 'ol Loydster just enjoyed all the oh-SO-very-NEAT-O items he ALREADY has! I can re-read stuff, binge-watch movies / TV classics or  'toons-- for MANY hundreds of hours! AND--All of it is ALREADY in my collection, (with the exception of a small handful of videos, and those small gaps will SOON be filled!) and it ALWAYS will be! 

AND-- the 'Ferrell-abode' won't be 'busting-at-the-seams'! That will also help keep BOTH my (long-suffering) spouse, and yes-- myself-- in our RIGHT minds and HAPPY!

                                        Take care, and see you next time gang! Stay SAFE, SANE and HAPPY!

STILL customizing toy-Bat-rides! (Just not as often!)

 That's right gang! The 'ol Loydster's been at it once AGAIN-- going into 'mad-scientist-customizing-his-toy-Bat-vehicles' mode! Honestly, since space is at such a premium here in the Man-Cave-- the last couple of projects, (done slowly-but-surely, over the past few months! Life's been pretty crazy after all around here!) have been just tinkering on stuff that's already in the collection. Well... there was ONE additional 'customized-mini-Bat-ride' added into the 'Bat-parking-garage'. BUT-- that was kind of a 'happy accident'!

Along with a few other T-shirts that I proudly wear to show-off my LIFE-LONG love for the Batmobile, are these two custom-numbers I put together a few years back! They of course feature my 'top two' favorites-- the '66 TV car, and the '89-'92 version. For quite a few years, the 'Keaton-ride' was in the number ONE spot!

With nearly 20 replicas / models, or toy versions of it in my collection-- it shouldn't be much of a surprise to you faithful-few-and-true readers out there-- that the car from the '89-'92 Batman movies is a BIG favorite of mine. One of the niftiest versions I have, is a 1/43 scale die-cast model. 

This one was given to me by one of my brother-in-laws, MANY years ago. It was in pretty SORRY shape when he found it-- in an old junky house he'd been remodeling. I don't have any 'before' pictures of it, before I fixed it up-- but below is a recent pic of it, in it's current condition. Trust me, it's well OVER 100% better off than the way it was when I got it! That was nearly 25 years ago! It's been in it's 'restored state' now, for nearly that long.--

The 1/43 scale '89 Bat-ride. It's sat proudly on display in my 'Bat-vehicles-shelf ', (when it wasn't in storage a couple of times, that is!) for nearly a quarter-of-a-century. ALL that time until recently though, it was missing a couple of important 'detail items'. My search for replacing those critical missing parts, led to a kind of  'happy accident'-- which led to customizing yet ANOTHER 'small-scale-Dark Knight-cruiser'! AND-- then ANOTHER even after THAT!

I know it's not exactly the highest-quality photography-- But THIS lower 'panel', for MANY years-- was missing from the 1/43 Batmobile. (on BOTH sides, of course!) I finally was able-- to track down a pretty THRASHED version of the same toy on E-bay. At first, I just swiped these parts off that I needed, then stuck the 'donor-vehicle' into a dusty old storage tote! Then... the old 'Dr. Franken-Loyd' gears started to turn in my brain!

 

THIS is the part where the little 'parts-donor' car, turns into kind of a 'happy accident'! Just to show what kind of SAD state it was in-- the pic below, shows pretty much how it arrived in the mail!--

This poor, 'used-and-ABUSED' example of the '89 Bat-ride, had definitely seen better days! It had been played with-- HARD-- by one rowdy little kid! At first, I just intended to use it as a 'parts-donor'. But the more I looked at it, the MORE I started thinking how WAY-cool it might look-- with some mild customizing and a unique paint job.

So-- the sand-paper, masking tape and rattle-can-paint were hauled-out once again! With this little project, I decided to use some 'bright blue' metallic paint I had left over from an earlier 'Bat-custom' I'd worked on. 

It had that 'spectra-flame' type of color, like the original 'Hot Wheels' cars had-- and I thought it would look GREAT on this car. I also super-glued on some clear sheet-plastic, to cover the areas where I'd swiped those bottom 'panels' from the lower sides of the body-- for my other 1/43 car. I'm pretty proud of how my effort turned out!---

I guess this 'Bright-Blue-Bat-ride' is yet another in my collection that qualifies as a 'what if', or 'alternate universe' version of the Dark Knight's wheels! I really DIG how the 'smooth panels' I added to the lower sides turned out!

The next project involving another version of the '89 - '92 Batmobile, came about-- at least partly-- because of where it's on display in the Man-Cave! This one was a Christmas gift from my son a couple of years back. Made by a Japanese company, and referred to as the 'Super Cyborg' '89 Batmobile--- it's a VERY unique and FUN version of the car!---

At first glance, this (roughly 1/10 scale) version-- looks like simply another version of the 'Burton-Keaton-mobile'. BUT-- looks can fool you!

Now THIS is why the 'Cyborg' version of the car, is SO extra-WICKED-COOL! Panels and body-sections pop off, and you can check out all of the nifty engine / mechanicals, gadgets, and various doo-dads under it's 'skin'! My son, Wade thought it would be a present that I would be extremely GEEKED-OUT about! He was RIGHT! I fell in LOVE the moment I unwrapped it!

Now, for practical, 'there's only-so-much-display-space' in my Man-Cave reasons-- I could only place the car in a display case, and perch it on top of the shelf to the immediate right of my little 'micro-desk'. That was fine, except it presented me with yet ANOTHER little problem! It was just too darned DARK, and too high up in the room, for anybody to really SEE it!---

For quite a while, I simply accepted the situation. The 'Cyborg' Batmobile would just be something 'semi-hidden' from view! Eventually, I did try to think up a solution or two-- including trying to find a way to 'light it up' somehow. I made a couple of tries at THAT-- but neither idea worked very well.

Then-- yet AGAIN-- the 'Dr. Franken-Loyd-mental-gears', started GRINDING away! 'What if', I thought, 'I simply PAINTED the car the SAME 'bright-blue' metallic, that I'd used to JAZZ-UP the little 1/43rd car?!? The lighter color, with it's 'Hot Wheels Spectra-Flame'-sheen-- would definitely make this thing really POP! Even WAY up there, in it's 'top-of-the-room' perch! So--- once again, out came the masking tape and trusty 'bright-blue' metallic paint!

Once I dove off into the project though-- another 'lightning-bolt' of an idea zapped me! 'What if...', I asked myself (again!),'I looked around on E-bay, snagged one of the little 4 inch 'Batman Returns' action figures from a couple of years back (he would be almost EXACTLY the right scale to go with the car!), did some custom work on him--and placed him next to the freshly 'bright-blue'-painted car?' Now THAT just might turn out to be MOST excellent and COOL! 

The 'Batman Returns' (roughly) 4-inch action figure! I snagged him off of E-bay, for just a smidge over 10 bucks. The little DINKY-looking cape, would HAVE to go! ('custom-cape-making-time'!) I'd also be doing a custom paint job on him-- so he would be 'better-matched-up' to the paint job on the car!

AND-- without any further 'bragging / boasting / patting-myself-on-the-back'!-- I'll just let a couple of pics show-off the end results!---

The custom-painted 'Cyborg-Bat-ride', and now 'blue-and-gray' suited Batman figure! Is this just a WICKED-COOL 'alternate universe' combo or WHAT?!?

Just for a few extra 'grins-and-giggles,' below are 'before and after' pics of the 'Bats figure! I used a regular old 'number 2' pencil, to make the details / sculpting on the 'Bat-suit' stand-out better.---

an additional pic, just for even MORE 'grins-and-giggles'!-- The 'bright-blue-Bat-combo', now back in the 'way-up-high' perch--just as before. Stands out a LOT better, don't you think?--

As I was saying up above, space is at a premium here in the Man-Cave! So, these last couple of projects have been fun in a couple of ways. I now not ONLY have a couple of truly UNIQUE items on display--but they also don't take up any more space! Well--- the little 1/43 scale Batmobile took up a little more 'real estate'-- but that was just a matter of INCHES! That sort of thing is an easy-breezy kind of problem to solve!

The other benefit to this kind of tinkering & customizing, is the usual thing that happens. I have yet another item or two, in this little 'hidey-hole' of mine-- that  brings on that big 'ol GOOFY-GEEKY grin across my face!

That's (partly) what has helped me 'push on through', these past SEVERAL months, believe it or not! Just some moments here and there, to stop and give the brain and SOUL a little time to loosen-up. To focus on the things that bring me joy and good thoughts! Couldn't we ALL use a little of THAT, on a DAILY basis?

                          See you NEXT time gang! 'til then-- stay SAFE, SANE & HAPPY!!!

A duck, a rabbit--- and some other REALLY special items!

Two of the most IMPORTANT cartoon folks in my life, Bugs & Daffy! (The image is from one of their BEST and funniest 'toons--'Rabbit Seasoning', by the way!) They also have some pretty close ties to a couple of the most IMPORTANT people in my life! Keep 'scrollin-and-'readin to find out just how that all fits together!

 Back in January, I honored and looked back on the life of my beloved Pops, Reverend Loyd Ferrell Sr. This time around, I figured I'd give you, my 'faithful few' regular readers-- a look at some of the really special items he had--that I was able to bring back here to Okie-land with me, after his passing. 

A good amount of it was in storage, although some of it he'd kept with him-- after he moved in with my sister. Along with letting you have a look at those things-- there's also an additional extra-special item, that I want you to see-- from another important person in my life, who presented it to me...this Christmas just past! 

While not being anywhere NEAR the kind of GEEK-A-ZOID that I've always been, Pops did manage to keep a decent-sized stash of NIFTY cartoon-character-related goodies, as well as some classic-car-related 'doo-dads', and other just plain COOL stuff! For many years, when in the full time ministry, he would display a good-sized chunk of it in his 'Pastor's offices', at the various churches he pastored over the years. Later, after his retirement from the ministry, he would usually display these things on his dresser-- in the bedroom of whatever house he and Mom lived in. A few of them were even on display, in the bedroom that he stayed in at my sister Kathy's-- right up 'til he passed away.

Pops also had a handful of unique, custom scale-models-- presented to him for birthdays and Christmas gifts. (More on THOSE in just a bit!) So, it's been kind of fun for me (and even a little 'therapeutic' / 'healing'-for-the-soul'!)-- unboxing and finding spots for these extra-NEAT-O items, here in the 'Man-Cave'!

Like I usually like to do here, I'll just jump into the pics below-- and rattle off a (NERDY) comment or two about each, as we go 'rockin along!----

Shortly after Pops passed, my family and I went down to Texas, and went through the storage unit where my parents' stuff had been, for the past 8 years (since my mom passed away). I was amazed to find good 'ol Daffy Duck in GREAT shape! AND-- believe it or not, he was in one of the first boxes I looked into. I had just started sorting through the stuff in the unit--- when I stumbled across him in a fairly good-sized box.

A whole LOT of memories came flooding back too, when I found this little guy! (He stands around 2 feet tall or so) He's actually one of Pop's older cartoon-character figures, so I remember seeing him on display in several places over the years. He now has an honored spot with me here, in the 'Man-Cave'-- next to one of the bookcases. Dad and I shared a fondness for Daffy, so-- he makes me smile, nearly every time I look over and see him there across the room!

                               

Now this is one 'rootin-tootin-gun-shootin' character, that Pops and I also shared a MAJOR fondness for! Mr. Yosemite Sam! I think, like me-- Dad saw quite a bit of his own personality 'quirks' in Sam! The temper, the stubborn-streak, and that almost CRAZY determination! He also knew that laughing out loud at Sam's temper-tantrums, helped us laugh at our own outbursts and shortcomings!

This little stuffed-toy version of the hot-headed cowboy, must've been a more recent addition to Dad's collection, because I don't remember seeing it around when I was younger. Still, it's a fun little figure, and--- like Daffy up above, he brings a BIG grin to my face whenever I look at him-- and he also reminds me of Dad's sense of humor (and that GREAT laugh he had!)!

                               

 A couple of Dad's smaller figurines of Sam and that slobbering maniac, Taz! Taz actually has a 'flocked', 'fuzzy' coat of 'fur'! Pretty neat-o! They both stand around 3 to 4 inches tall.

Here's another figure that goes WAY back. Porky here-- is easily one of Pops' OLDEST figures. I remember seeing him on display--either around the house, or in one of the many 'Pastor's offices'-- all the way back to the time when I was in elementary school! (That's around 50-plus years ago folks!) Porky was the stuttering, 'average-guy-everyman' character. Dad and I could ALWAYS relate to him!

Two small figurines of some other favorite characters of the Pops--The 'California Raisins'. In the 80s, there was an ad campaign that featured stop-motion animation of these COOL little guys, dancing around and singing 'I heard it through the grapevine'. Not only Pops, but our whole family got a BIG kick out these characters, and Pops had a whole set of around 6 figurines.

When my daughter and I found these in storage, we decided to share them with each other. I just wanted the ones sporting sun-shades! She kept the other 4.

Another thing that the Pops and I shared, for as long as I can remember-- is our mutual LOVE of--and just general GEEKYNESS about-- classic cars and trucks! So, it should be NO shock to anyone whatsoever-- that one of the ways I surprised him over the years-- was to build (OR customize) scale model replicas of vehicles he'd owned earlier in his life. 

I'd usually surprise him with these little treasures, around his birthdays-- or for Christmas gifts. He obviously got a big kick out of them, and-- not long before his passing-- my bro-in-law, my nephew and I-- managed to dig them out of the storage unit... for him to be able to have on display, and maybe bring a little more bright spots into his life. 

Lord knows, what with all the lengthy hospital stays and medical issues he was having then, when he WAS able to be there in the little room at my sister's -- he was sure in NEED of some brighter-spots to focus on! Even if it was just small replicas of old rides that he used to cruise around in! 

Not that my sister didn't have Pops in an uncomfortable space, OR that the room he stayed in was 'dreary' somehow! She had that little room filled with PLENTY of vintage photos of him and our mom in their younger days, not to mention some rather FUNKY, oldy-moldy pics of us kids-- complete with our 'early-70s-thru-early-80s-disco-influenced-fashions'! (Hey, Pops liked those old 'family pics'! Though Kathy and I cringed and groaned at them PLENTY of times!) 

I just felt like the addition of the model cars might bring some extra bit of cheer to him, in the TOUGH-stretch of life that he was going through then! ----

This is one of the first 'replicas' I worked on for Pops. (Somewhere in the mid-90s, I think-- for a Christmas gift) A 'mini-clone', of his '56 Chevy Bel-Air. It's actually a 1/18th diecast model, that I took apart and customized. I did some sneaking around, and quizzed Mom about the correct interior color, it's 'stance' (Pops had the 'real car' lowered in the front a bit!), and just it's over-all 'look'-- so the model would be as accurate as possible. I'll never forget how both surprised and happy he looked, when he unwrapped it!

it's yet another thing I can look at now, and see (in my memory, of course!) the BIG, slightly goofy-looking grin-- that Pops would sometimes get on his face!-- Especially if he was REALLY tickled or happy about something! The memory of THAT-- makes me get an equally-goofy grin of my own! 

This little 1/32 scale '63 T-Bird, is one I built to resemble the one Pops owned when he was pastoring his first church. (1973 or so) Again, I went into 'sneaky-mode', and quizzed my mom about both the correct light-blue exterior color, and the right interior colors as well. I'm pretty sure this one was a birthday gift I gave him, in the late '90s.

At around the same time-frame that Pops owned the '63 T-Bird, he also owned a '63 Chevy Bel-Air. (It wasn't enough to have one COOL ride, he managed to have TWO, almost at the SAME time!) For another Christmas present, (this was in 2000, if my kinda JUMBLED memory is right!) I thrashed-away at another replica for him!---

The 1/25 scale replica of Pop's '63 Chevy. The kit only came with a set of bucket seats, so I had to 'scratch-build' a 'bench-style' seat for it. The 'chrome-reverse' wheels (like the full-size car had!) also came from the spare parts left over from another model kit. Once again, consulting with Mom-- I managed to get the exterior and interior color-schemes JUST right!

Pops was once again, surprised and happy with the mini-'63! In fact, I recently went digging through some old photo-albums, and found pics of him unwrapping this one!--

Pops unwrapping his surprise Christmas gift, circa 2000. You can see my Mom's pretty tickled about it too! AND-- there's that big, kinda-GOOFY grin from my dad again! That smile is what makes this a PRICELESS memory indeed!

One of the other NIFTY items that 'Kathy-sis' had put on display there in the room Pops was staying in, was an ANCIENT little toy car that Dad had kept from when he was a little boy! It's also one of the items I just felt NEEDED to find a home-- after he passed-- here in the 'ol Bat-cave! It's in another 'honored spot', of course!---

Yes, it's obvious that my Dad played HARD with this little 'push-down-and-go' car! It even shows evidence of a 'childhood-paint-job' or two. That's the very thing that makes it a REALLY special item-- to me anyway! The AMAZING thing? Even though it only has 3 of it's original wheels-- it STILL works!

                                              

Once I unpacked the little tin toy car, and was getting ready to put it into a display case I'd found for it-- I turned it over and found a little 'home-made' tag taped to the bottom.----

That's right, my Mom (that's HER handwriting on the tag) had figured out when Pops had gotten the toy car, and had put a 'date-tag' on the bottom! Now that little 'childhood toy' is even MORE special to me! 

                                    

Another VERY neat item I stumbled across, as we sorted through the boxes in the storage unit-- is something I'd completely FORGOTTEN about Pops even having! Once I opened up the box it was in and saw it though, the memories ALL came flooding back!--

Yes, my Dad had his own 1/25 scale model 'replica' of his '56 Bel-Air! (Built at a MUCH earlier time!) The other surprising part? I'd actually COMPLETELY forgotten it--AND-- that I helped him build and paint it! That's my handiwork  there on the TINY 'raised white lettering' on the tires. Hey, this was around the time I was in high school, so that IS a LONG time ago, gang! Memories can get a bit hazy -- when over 40-plus years have passed!

Once I made this 're-discovery', and unpacked this EXTRA-special little replica here in the Man-Cave-- I managed to wrangle it up a spot in one of my 'Barrister-cases'. Along with a vintage pic of Pops behind the wheel of his real, full-sized, original CLASSIC ride!---

So now, a number of special items that once belonged to my Pops are in my care. Much like all of the other stuff here in the Man-Cave, as well as a few sentimental items-- they'll be placed into someone else's care one day! I'm hoping my own kiddos will want to take custody of at least SOME of it. If not, then I sure wish it will fall into the hands of somebody who will love and care for it as much as Pops did, and I have!

I mentioned up above another SPECIAL item presented to me this Christmas just past. The gift came from my daughter, Shelby...and it pretty much blew my mind! I'll just let the pic below tell the biggest chunk of the story!--

One of my all-time favorite Looney Tunes characters, dressed as my all-time favorite comics character! 'Bugs-as-Bats'! What's NOT to LOVE here! Thanks SO much, daughter-of-mine! 

Even though the past few months have been a pretty BUMPY ride for my family and I, and there's been a good deal of tears and some sorrow-- there's also been a fair amount of smiles and fun moments that we've shared. Our family has been sharing stories and memories (of Pops AND Mom)... and yes, now--the things (and cartoon characters!) that brought my Pops such smiles and joy, are now bringing those same feelings to my own (personal) family. (Mrs. Debbie, myself & the kids.)

I think that Pops, over in that 'better place', has even MORE joy-- knowing that he (and my Mom too!) gave us all a 'legacy' of smiles, and a healthy sense of FUN!

This post is dedicated to the memory of BOTH of my parents! May the laughs, warm memories and sense of FUN they shared with us NEVER fade! AND-- may my own kids pass it on to the NEXT generation!

Stay safe, sane and HAPPY 'til next time gang!