Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Merry T-Rex-mas

I don't remember my first Xmas, but I do remember the first Xmas that I remember. I must have been about 3 or 4 and I recall waking very very early and sneaking out to the Xmas tree. Everything was dark except for the blue lights of the tree...this was my mothers kick, blue lights with flocking. All I could see was the silhouette of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton against the tree. Seemed huge then...now I know that it was about 5 feet tall. Quickly I ran into my parents room and said: I think Santa has been here (bear in mind I'm not certain that my grammar was quite this good but you get the picture). My parents get up (by the way my father is pretty much the father in Christmas Story), turn on the lights and low and behold a Styrofoam T-Rex with a little sign with red letters that read: REX. Up until recently, my parents would bring out old Rex and set him up next to the tree, usually with a Santa hat or Xmas bulb eyes. The only reason that Rex no longer comes out on the holiday is that with time his bones eventually deteriorated and packing tape could seem to hold him together anymore. He is still around, but up in a box in my folks attic...they don't want to throw him away...he spent to many holidays with us. It would be rude.


Xmas Toys for Girls and Boys
As promised, I said I would post some of the new toys on display at Tsunami in Missoula. So here they are:
This one is called "Canadian Fire Truck, aka Hoser"

Next is the one is my version of American Chopper.
She is called "Easy Rider"

And of course what's not to love about a pig-boy?
I call him "This Little Piggy Had Bones"


Ho Ho Ho....Ha Ha HaSantaland on the Holidays on Ice audiobook is a must! You must listen to the Santaland Diaries. I was recently recommended this by Debbie Bruggeman Shaner after mentioning listening to David Sedaris in the studio. I have to admit this audiobook is my favorite...thanks Deb. Its about his days working as an elf in Macy's Santaland. You must download it! You must! Of course you could also read it, but there is something about David Sedaris's delivery that makes it all the funnier. Check it out here at Amazon for the CD: Holidays on Ice . Or you can download it at Itunes.

Okay, signing off...Happy Holidays everyone. Stay warm...or if you south of the equator stay cool.

11 comments:

azirca said...

Love the toy creations and the T-Rex story.

Happy Holidays to you, may 2009 bring many fabulous moments and creative vibes your way.

michelle renée bernard said...

Awesome, awesome, awesome! Love them all.

Chris said...

Well, I don't mean to compare anything to anything, because when people do, other people say, yeah, but the other thing--not good? But let me tell you that this is one of the funniest posts you've ever... well, posted.

I love those frightening toys! I have often felt toys were scary anyway, and should look like it to make them even more cuddly.

I wish I could be at Valley Ridge for your workshop. I will be there in October and Kathy said you couldn't move your date because of something like travel plans and prepaids. well, well! So, I will have to see you at Carol Parks, which means I won't have jet lag.

I can't wait to check out David Sedaris's thing! Is it available for iPod?!? I'll go check!

Happy Happy to you and your loved ones! thanks for making life better.

Vickie said...

How cool to have a T-Rex in the attic! The apple didn't fall far from the tree. Wishing you and yours a lovely holiday. Hoping I've been the right combination of naughty and nice so Santa brings me one of those awesomely demented toys. Very creepy in the best of ways. May 2009 be your best year ever!

Jen Crossley said...

These are way cool toys they never had anything like this when I was growing up thats for sure
Jen
Hope you have a happy and creative new year

Laura said...

The T-Rex explains alot. I keep meaning to get to tsunami to check out everything, your toys are very cool.

Anonymous said...

good to see you back to work - hope the finger isnt bothering you too badly....
am really intrigued with the matchbox pieces - not to be stupid but is the title an indication of the size?
went to santa's land in new hampshire in the mid-60s - the addition of a t-rex would of been useful...

Curious Curandera said...

Almost the new year, hope you have a great one

Unknown said...

okay, the t-rex by the xmas tree story definitely explains alot. thank Goodness for wacky parents!

your pilfered play things are freakin' brilliant! You are definitely the Master of Disaster.

Anonymous said...

I know I'm a litdtle late but I hope your holidays were nice.
I loooove your toys! They have a great grey/silver tone.

Unknown said...

Hi! I had one of those T-Rex skeletons too, but mine was thrown away in the 90's when too many of the bones were broken, and the glue didn't hold anymore.

I picked it out when my grandmother took me on my yearly Xmas shopping trip. She would let me pick any one thing from the toystore, and that was my pick that year. I was about 8-9 at the time.

Any idea who was the manufacturer? For years I've been trying to remember. Somehow knowing that would put my mind at ease. Hasbro? Can't recall.

Thanks for the story!

Scott