Siamese Twins

REACHING FOR A STAR

I was giddy as my wife and I drove to the Forest Lawn Museum at the top of the hill in Glendale, CA. I didn't realize how much of a fan I was until that moment as we approached the chapel where they were honoring my favorite living artist -- Drew Struzan, the movie poster illustrator of Star Wars, Raider's, Harry Potter and more. I've been following his career for years. Reading his books, downloading his posters, scrutinizing every stroke and watching his videos. Drew was the typical back room artist who perfected his style in silence. People took advantage of him in his early years. He and his wife (his high school sweetheart) definitely lived below the poverty line. He said they only had enough money to eat a few days in the week. And if the choice was between food and paint, paint was the obvious choice. I never dreamed I would stand an arm's length away from this humble man. I was about to shake his hand but one of his handlers put a chasm between me and the man. A giant in pop art stature, yet he stood a mere 5' 6". We were so disappointed when we didn't win 2 posters he raffled out. The lines for his autograph snaked past the hallway. To come so far and to be honored by millions is such an inspiration to me. I've drawn maybe a thousand faces in my lifetime ... drawn for Motorola, drawn for San Antonio Winery, fairs, church events ... I know people keep my artwork. One of these days will my work be worth something? Most of my original drawings are stashed away in the garage and I told my wife she can sell them when I become rich and famous if she ever needs the money. Ahh, the dreams of an artist. Many artists will never amount to much but a few, like Drew, who worked hard at their craft, God will bless with stardom.

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." --- 1 Corinthians 12:4

Wisdom from Don of Kelowna, B.C.
Words of Wisdom

I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.

Thanks to this week's winners:
Tom of Pasadena, Don of Kelowna, Mike, Adurey and Charlie of New York, Debbie of Moreno Valley, Naomi of N Hollywood and Jody of Silver Lake.

You can view this email
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feedback online at
TRAVELINGBOY.com/tgifjoke

Siamese Twins' Annual Visit to England
Contributed by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Siamese twins walk into a bar in Canada and park themselves on a bar stool. One of them says to the bartender, "Don't mind us; we're joined at the hip. I'm John, he's Jim. Two draft beers please."

The bartender, feeling slightly awkward, tries to make polite conversation while pouring the beers. "Been on holiday yet, lads?"

"Off to England next month," says John. "We go to England every year, rent a car and drive for miles. Don't we, Jim?" Jim agrees.

"Ah, England !" says the bartender. "Wonderful country ... the history, the beer, the culture."

"Nah, we don't like that British garbage," says John. "Hamburgers and Budweisers, that's us, eh Jim? And we can't stand the English --- they're so arrogant and rude."

"So why keep going to England ?" asks the bartender.

"It's the only chance Jim gets to drive."


Videos of the week: (click on the picture)

Four Talented Ladies
Contributed by Debbie of Moreno Valley. CA

4 Talented Ladies

Combining talent and comedy, these 4 ladies deliver music with class. I want to see more of what they do.

Homeless Man Gets a Home
Contributed by Debbie of Moreno Valley. CA

Homeless Man Gets a Home

Actually, I found this video when I looked around that link that Debbie sent (see above) so technically, the credit still belongs to Debbie. It's a touching video about kindness from a "man who could" for a "man who couldn't." This is what makes America great.

3 Year Old Mateo the Future Lawyer
Contributed by Audrey of New York

3 year old Mateo

Hard to believe this kid's vocabulary. Someone must be a real "talker" in the family (I suspect it's his Mom) for him to speak like this. Sharp kid.

He was invited to Ellen's show.

Lost in the 50s
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena, CA

Lost in the 50s

This video will definitely date some of you. If you remember even half of these pictures, then you know you are a baby boomer. For the "kids" out there, this is what your parents grew up with. Life was so innocent then.

Darcy Oake's Jaw Dropping Bird Magic
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena, CA and Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Bird Magic

Doves appear out of thin air. There has to be a camera trick somewhere but no. It's a live performance.

Smart Badger
Contributed by Mike of New York

Smart Badger I'm not that familiar with badgers. I was first aware of their existence when I watched the movie "The gods must be crazy" where a badger latched on to a man's foot. Stubborn little rascal. Smart too. This video shows how intelligent they can be.

How to Spot Fake Emails
Contributed by Mike of New York

Spotting Fake Emails

Not a joke. This is a good lesson to spot fake emails. I use some of the tricks myself.

Chased by a Wolf
Contributed by Jody of Silver Lake, CA

CHased by a wolf

A few days ago I went back for a second visit to Drew Struzan's paintings to look at them more closely. On the way up the Forest Lawn grounds, I spotted a lean coyote salvaging for food. This article reminds me of that moment when it was just me and this untamed beast.

TEDx: Photographer Helps You Appreciate Life
Contributed by Charlie of New York

TEDx Stop Go Photography

Being grateful for the gift of "today" is what this video is all about. No need to elaborate.

A fitting end for today's TGIF edition. Looking forward to the weekend. TGIF!

Comments

OMGOSH, this kid is hysterical!!! this kid is going to grow up to be a lawyer.

Can you imagine what this kid will be like when he grows up????

Audrey of New York.

Very, Very Good TGIF. I thought wow 9 videos, how am I going to watch them all? Then started at the bottom and worked my way up.

Thank you, Have a Great Weekend,

Debbie of Moreno Valley

You actually watched all of them?! Wow! You have time in your hands!!!!

Well, I know a few people who do this every Friday. You’re not alone.

-- Raoul

Every once in awhile a joke really tickles me, and this week it is those Siamese twins. I don't know if you have had Siamese twins in TGIF before. A challenge for you. How to dress them? I love it!

Also the '50s--I do remember many of those items and people. I am starting to think, watching old tv and movies : "You people wouldn't be in this trouble if you had a cell phone! Or an iPad.". Like in "Hawaii 5-0", the officers are always looking for a drugstore so they can use a pay phone. Things were sure different back then. Its fun to go back and remember.

So thank you for the nostalgia and for those great twins. Have a good week!

-- Laura of Pasadena, CA

Great group, I know the Curator of the Santa Barbara Museum and into abstract and modern art and I am trying my best to understand it. I enjoyed the museum at Forest Lawn and the beauty of the surroundings. Keep up the good Art and I appreciate your talent immensely.

--- Tom of Pasadena

I’ve never been to the Sta Barbara museum. The next time I go up State, I should drop by. Yes, abstract art is very subjective. And their value is dictated more by critics than actual derived pleasure of the viewer. I believe a piece of artwork is successful if it’s something a person can look at and enjoy every day. Some pieces are after shock value and once the novelty wears off, it just occupies space.

I know someone who collects hundreds of contemporary artwork. His house has run out of walls to hang his paintings. Do I like them? They're OK I guess but not worth buying for real money. Does he like them? Maybe, but he buys them mostly as an investment. That isn’t art. That’s business.

But that’s just me.

TGIF!

Raoul

Enjoyed the 50's trip down memory lane. My friends and I were college graduates of '54.
Thank you Raoul.

--- Dette of Mindanao, Philippines

Hey man,

Being indecisive but now not sure? I used to proud, but now … I’m perfect.

--- Garie of Makati, Philippines

Haaa! Garie, you little rascal!

Good to hear from you!

--- Raoul

Hi Raoul,

You are a blessed artist. If I know of an event to attend or place to go to that exhibits your artistic creations I definitely be there see you masterpieces.

Peace and God bless.
--- Ida of New Jersey

Wow! What a compliment.

You made my heart full.

One day I might just do that. BTW, it was sister who got me to do the artwork for Motorola. It was for a convention in Manila and I had to draw the faces of all the regional heads. Must have been over 30 caricatures and I had to do that in a week’s time. They had a gallery of all the pictures for the delegates and the fun was guessing who they were --- it was a smash hit. Many have placed my caricatures in their desks and offices. But that was years ago.

--- Raoul

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