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October 30, 2014

Thriller - The Man & The Moves

dailymail.co.uk


In 1983, Michael Jackson's Thriller video made a lasting wow-factor impact around the globe.
MTV was only 2 years old at the time and most music videos cost around $100,000.
Thriller's cost was $500,000. Unprecedented.
Plus, it was 14 minutes long. Unprecedented.

The Thriller zombie dance is as popular today as it ever was.
OK. I'll admit. I'd love to learn how to do it.
In fact, I'll even admit that it's on my bucket list.


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Piece of cake, right? Ha!
There are lots of tutorials on YouTube.
(No doubt I'll need to watch them all.)


Speaking of YouTube, have you seen the Making of Thriller videos?
Worth checking out to appreciate the rehearsals, the make-up, the costumes, the special effects
-all that fabulous behind-the-scenes action we love-
plus lots of other great stuff for MJ fans.


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Without further ado, here's the video.
Even if, like me, you've seen it dozens of times,
I know you'll want to watch it again,
"...for no mere mortal can resist
the evil of the thriller!"
(Cue ghoulish laugh from Vincent Price.)





October 27, 2014

Calendars for 2015



As we're nearing the end of the year, I'm rounding up some choice calendar selections.
I think they make ideal gifts to reflect the personal tastes of those on your list.
Choose one for yourself that will bring a smile to each of your days in 2015!

Above: I'm lovin' this vintage typewriter mini calendar by Blackbird Letterpress.




With Downton Abbey beginning its 5th season,
this calendar reminds fans why the show is so popular.
(My favorite is the photo of Bates & Anna stealing a kiss!)


Oh, the quality of letterpress!
The gilded & textured patterns are so classy.
And how about the wood stump holder?
(Next year you can just order a refill.)





Amazon.com


Calling all movie buffs!
Each month brings you a vintage movie poster!





Drenculture


Garden of Birds.
Fabulous bold graphics!





Christianbook.com


Scripture verses are featured with
lovely paintings by LANG's Susan Winget.





Slick Turtle Design

This vivid year-at-a-glance poster calendar is available in 3 sizes.
Eye-catching and bold.



How fun is this? Quirky for sure.
A hula girl on the dashboard and a knitted teapot cozy.







October 22, 2014

Touring B. F. Clyde’s Cider Mill – Old Mystic, CT

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One of those "off the beaten path" must-experience places,
B. F. Clyde's Cider Mill is set apart from the most popular tourist sites.
Located at 129 North Stonington Road in Old Mystic,
it was one of our favorite stops while we were in Connecticut.

This is the home of the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States!
Just a quaint wood building tucked away amid the trees.
Nothing innovative or industrial looking about it.

B. F. Clyde's is open from September through late December.
It's a national historic mechanical engineering landmark!



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We really enjoyed watching how the press operates.
Ground apples pour out into fabric-lined frames.

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The apples are spread evenly using a state-of-the-art tool called a "garden hoe."

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The fabric is folded over...

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...then topped with another frame.
The process repeats several more times.

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Now it's time for the press to do its work.

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The apple juice runs out and is collected below.

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With my thanks to Lee C., I share this YouTube video
so that you can see the Cider Mill come to life!





A collection of old cider jugs hangs from the rafters.

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It warms my heart that they're still family owned and operated! 
Six generations of Clydes have been making cider since 1881!

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After our tour of the mill, we popped over to their little shop,
filled with good things like sweet apple cider, 
apple pies, local honey, fudge and maple syrup.

This was the most delectable melt-in-my-mouth apple cider donut
I have ever had the pleasure of tasting!

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Here's B. F. Clyde's 
website and Facebook page.


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Did I mention the donuts?


If you'd like to read more posts from our
Mystic, Connecticut vacation,
you can find a list of links HERE!


October 20, 2014

The Bright & Bold Sculptures of Zim & Zou



Lucie & Thibault are French artists who create
outrageously detailed sculptures just bursting with color!

Although they often use paper,
several of the pieces shown here have been made from
the rich textures of leather.

Take a peek into the exotic world of Zim & Zou!





























See more Zim & Zou on their
website and Facebook page.



Images used with direct permission from the artists.

October 18, 2014

Retro Planet ~ Let’s Go Shopping!




The next post in my "Let's Go Shopping" series leads us to Retro Planet!
It features super cool retro gifts, plus furniture and home decor as well.

Above: Crosley's replica of a 50's payphone is a real touch tone phone!
How fun would that be to use? A real conversation piece. $99

Below: These beverage glasses, replicas of the Franciscan "Starburst" 
pattern, would lend a futuristic flair to your kitchen! $30





A desk lamp like this one would be a stylish addition to any desk. $120
By Draper. Also available as a floor lamp.




How about this incredibly cute owl cookie jar? $35




A steel outdoor chair by Griffith, also in green, white or red. $77




Oh, it's Gumby & Pokey! 2 1/2 " set of 2. $7




A 26" metal sign for a classic diner look! $50




The ever-popular American icon, the Kit Kat Clock!
Yep. Its pendulum tail and eyes move back and forth. $50



Let's go shopping at Retro Planet!
Here's the link to their website.

October 17, 2014

Amy Hamilton Illustration



I am totally intrigued by the illustrations of Amy Hamilton.
Natural and rustic.
She captures her subjects amid drips, smudges and splatters.
And the results are captivating.



































Amy's out of Ontario, Canada.
You can see more of her work on
her website, on Facebook
and on Society6.





Images used with direct permission from Amy Hamilton.