Hey, Tufa Girl here, guest blogging for Life's Highway while she is on a much needed getaway. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share a yard that I regularly like to stalk.
This is the original posting called Mixed Media back in October last year:
One red heart at the front door - Valentine's Day must not be a favored holiday:
My sweetie and I drove by before July 4th to view the yard in full red white and blue glory. Alas, did not get the photo since the owners were sitting on the porch drinking their coffee. I did, however, score with a yard down the street - if you remember "Busted"?
One thing I have learned in stalking the perfect yard art specimen is to pick a time when it is too hot for folks to be walking around outside.
So, during the steamy heat of the day, today:
I was envisioning the yard with no holiday splendor (although this is much less than July 4th), I guess the flags are appropriate until Labor Day.
Speaking of stalking... watch the tilt to this kitten's face. Spooky!
Lauren is just going to do my work for me today. Enjoy everyone:
I had a 3 week online class this summer, and our class met face-to-face two days in lovely Sheldon, Iowa. The first time I drove through town, earlier this month, I totally do not remember seeing this glorious smorgasbord, this plethora of krazy kitsch, this yard art utopia mecca extravaganza.
Famous Brand
Come on Down! Yard Art N More!
Where you too can have all varieties of mama pig... bright red, black and white polka dot, black with white stripe, and plain white. Assorted wishing wells. Bikes n signs! Chairs n grills! A very shy deer, ssshhhh, don't scare 'em. We got all sorts of smoochy Dutch couples, in six different varieties. We got birdbath toppers, with tall and short bottoms available in silver, rock, and whitewash. Boys of various hair colors peeking over mysterious somethings, maybe even at scantily dressed bathing ladies? Voyeuristic little fishing boys sans poles. Sleeping kitties and hubcaps! The proverbial Doggie in the Window. Whatever your yard style, we got what'cha' need. Come on Down, and pick yer pleasure! We offer delectably speedy delivery on our trusty trike & wagon.
That very same day I found this little Cats and Birds vignette by a house when I took a wrong turn going through some construction.
The kitty thought she could lure the neighbor birds into the Kitty Condo. They weren't having any of that!
Lauren is pretty good at this. Maybe I do want one of those smoochy Dutch couples.
It's vacation time at Along Life's Highway. I leave today for 4 days of camping with hubby, friends and horses. The Yard Art Game will be running on autopilot. The entries are scheduled to published in the morning. Don't be hurt if I do not respond to your witty responses because I do not know if I have cell coverage at South Mountain. If not, I'll will catch back up on the action on Sunday evening.
To kick off my first day of freedom: a gift for the eyes and spirit submitted by eventer79
"That's right, FOUR tiers, fully painted and with, uh, lucky magic orb? at the tippy top!"
squee! A 4-decker Carolina blue striped seahorse birdbath in mint condition
Score
Seahorse birdbath of rarefied beauty and culture: 3 points
Completely unnecessary garden globe topper: 1 point
Subtotal: 4 points
Creativity Bonus
For the lovely gift whose paint job is stunning with the seahorses looking quite fetching with their little black noses (not that I am biased or anything): 3 points
Total: 7 points
I know you will miss my creative typos and cringe inducing misspellings. Scores will be added on Sunday.
I continue to be amused at the ardor and the devotion of a Texan for their state symbol. I live in North Carolina and you don't see a black tarry foot printed on every possible surface. I think South Carolina is fairly excited about the Palmetto tree but I don't, as of yet, see in their yard art. Perhaps it has to do with what your state symbol is. I can only get so excited about a foot.
Tufa Girl submits:
by golly, they managed to get a Texas star on a windmill
Score
Non-functioning Texan windmill: 1 point
Birdhouse (functional but very cute): 0 points
Birdbath with bathing brown duck: 2 points
Subtotal: 3 points
Creativity Bonus
Other than the star on the tail of the windmill, nothing is particularly exciting. Perhaps I should slap some feet on random things around my house: 0 points
Total: 3 points
Rubber Duckie having his bath (I love this song and so do you)
We have a special occasion today. Today we have documented proof of a lighthouse that lights!
Winnie comments and submits:
"we were driving back-roads today
A LIGHTED huge lighthouse with a Madonna worshiping? two pink flamingos. Some sort of fountain is beside the deck."
Madonna is sighted at local tourist attraction... film at eleven
Score
Lighthouse all aglow in the presence of Mary: 1 point
Madonna on a beach vacation: 0 points
Flamingos who are known to appear at random Madonna sightings: 2 points
Blurry fountain: 1 point
Subtotal: 4 points
Creativity Bonus
For a Madonna and her pink gang sight-seeing at the local lighthouse and the comfort of knowing there will be no tiny ship wrecks upon the shore of the neighborhood tonight: 3 points
Yard Art field reporters are an eclectic group. We have photographers, horticulturists, uber-crafters, college professors (yeah, I know!), biologists, office workers and police officers (to name a few). Now we have a FreakSmack who has been quietly following along with a random comment or two. I don't know what he does, he is more of a mystery guy who I thought was too cool for us. But hey, when the yard art calls... you have to answer.
FreakSmack comments and submits:
"Although there were many things the majority were frogs. These people also use the toys as yard art, the bed on the Tonka truck hasn't been lowered in 5 years that I know of. They have no children under the age of 22. So they are not there to be played with."
Winnie the Pooh has finally stopped by for a visit. He seems to be the master of this frog kingdom.
I suspect our new field reporter lives in Florida. Another first, our first pool yard. Enjoy another his heart-felt presentation:
Score
Couple in swing by the pool: 1 point
Frog who lost his ball: 1 point
Dog ignoring the Tiger: 1 point
Tiger who has a lot of say to the dog: 1 point
Cat caught in the middle: 1 point
race car (kind of cool): 1 point
2 Frogs: 2 points
Winnie the Pooh birdbath (our first Winnie!): 1 point
2 more frogs: 2 points
Mr Toad mellowing out with his buddy Winnie: 1 point
Frog welcome sign (well that explains the frogs): 1 point
Cute turtle: 1 point
Another frog: 1 point
Plate boy: 1 point
Oddly shaped watering can (decorative): 1 point
Stag (indigent by all the frogs): 1 point
Plump frog (as opposed to all the other frogs): 1 point
People under a umbrella: 1 point
Egret: 1 point
2 frogs on the edge: 2 points
Tonka Truck who needs an oil can: 1 point
7 additional frogs: 7 points
Decorative rock in tree? (not sure what the decoration is): 1 point
Winnie the Pooh (squee, sorry FreakSmack): 1 point
2 large Scary frogs in an alcove playing what looks to be a grill: 1 point
Subtotal: 33 points
Creativity Bonus
For highly decorated patio of frogs and because the yard artist is a Pooh fan: 3 points.
omyword of Oh My Word Did I Say That describes herself as "independently un-wealthy and living for a little while in Paris". I will not be jealous. Just because I live in the great state of North Carolina and the only culture I see is the occasional seahorse birdbath is no reason to be bitter.
omyword comments and submits:
"Thought I'd send you two picks from the front yard of a terrible restaurant called l'etape de la valle (http://www.etapedelavallee.com/) in Pacy sur Eure in France. When I saw these maidens, I sensed, at a deep level, that our lunch would be crap. But we ate there anyway and...our lunch was crap."
Ah man, she lives in Paris, seems really cool and she is psychic!
I have found that establishments featuring naked women rarely have great food, but then I do live in the South.
"It will be OK Diane, No one notices that YOU are naked. Someone has to be the ugly friend"
"I seriously hate you guys"
No points for public art but I look forward to what she may find in the French countryside.
A pastoral day at the park. The grass is green, the bench is inviting the rose is more or less growing. Then you notice them...have you ever noticed that there is always one couple at the park who cannot grasp the concept of taking their youth lust indoors?
Diane comments and submits:
"this is a pretty lame pic but the kids to the right are disturbing!"
"Don't look at them Mr. Rabbit... let's just keeping reading this story"
Score
Alice reading her book to the White Rabbit: 2 points
Pineapple birdbath: 1 point
Cardinal ignoring the lustful couple: 1 point
Disturbing kids and/or cherubs which is wrong on some many levels: 1 point
Bench on mini patio: 0 points
Subtotal: 5 points
Creativity Bonus
The couple creeps me out but the miniature bench patio is entertaining: 1 point
In my journey to find the greatest and most awe inspiring works of yard art I have discovered a fatal flaw. I have always had this flaw but I did not think it would spill over into the game.
Here is it: I am easily amused by shiny sparkling things. Think on this: why the manatee because she is golden! Why the disco balls of bravery because they are shiny and reflect light. It is only fitting that to launch my new address: www.theyardartgame.com, I share my love of the sparkly with you.
I received my shipment of the Solar Glo Stix:
As you can see there are two of them. The bubbles don't bubble :( They are set in the plastic but other than that they live up to their advertised awesomeness. There are two and you can have the other. Sorry I had to keep one. All you have to do it comment during this week. I will draw from the names of all who commented on Monday, August 2. It is that easy, you have a week to get around and say something. Good luck.
Don't believe the wonderful-ness? Watch my inspiring video... better get a hanky...
Some yard artist arrange their collections in a circular grouping, others like the cluster effect and of course there are those few who like to line their prizes up like little soldiers.
Westexherps submits:
"Alright troops let's keep that line straight... Hen face forward and Rabbit, stop slouching"
Score
Awesome block fort: 0 points
Rooster with authority on his cinder block of power: 1 point
Disgruntled Hen and chicks (sympathetic to the poor bunny): 3 points
Beaten down and cowering rabbit: 1 point
Short and stubby... on display with the rest of the troops (birdbath base): 2 points
Destroyed table: 0 points (should have stayed on the wall)
Subtotal: 7 points
Creativity Bonus
For the rooster crowing and shouting orders on his seat of power: 2 points
Total: 9 points
Oh ... I'm beginning to see what is bugging the rooster
One day I want to be bold enough, to have so much courage and don't-give-a-damness to place a giant Statue of Liberty in my front yard. One day I may aspire to have my neighbors hate me. I think I would make a great crazy lady.
eventer79 comments and submits:
"Why not welcome the huddled masses in your own front yard? If they are drunk, they will even think the statue is straight."
Enjoy the show:
Score (list provided by eventer79, my comments are in red)
Lion guarding white orb (not really garden globes just white balls): 2 points
Pony mourning his wrecked cart (and wrecked tail): 2 points
Rusty windmill: 1 point
Metal rooster: 1 point
Eagle on white globe (more white balls) 2 points
White landscaping timber basket sitting in birdbath - I guess they didn't really want birds in there: guess not: 2 points
White concrete orb: (beginning to see a pattern): 1 point
4 Concrete flower baskets: 4 points
White orb on porch: 1 point
Clay cardinal on mailbox pole (cute): 1 point
2 birds on ground at base: 2 points
Chinese pagoda (leaning tower of China): 1 point
2 swans: 2 points
Menorahs in windows (inside... dang it!): 0 points
Pagoda #2 (more leaning): 1 point
Xmas lights thrown on tree (a giant white spider web, like all the lights were on the house and then dumped on the tree and they never actually finished putting them away): 1 + 7 points
Cherub in the bushes: 1 point
Duck in the weeds: 1 point
2 giant gnomes on address bench (I knew you would go for that but those are not gnomes): 2 points
Leaning statue of liberty (awesome): 1 point
Owl: 1 point
Leaning goose in planter (everyone's a bit tipsy here): 1 point
Fat guy with a red hat: 1 point
Another cherub: 1 point
2 black swans: 2 points
4 tier fountain with decorative duck (they ran out of gold paint, tsk... that is just lazy. Love the duck though): 2 points
2nd lion with another orb and pointless fence: (randomly placed fence): 2 points
3 geese: 3 points
2 deer: 2 points
Subtotal: 51 points
Creativity Bonus
For the great visionary artist who not only displays a statue of liberty but also a gigantic almost gold fountain yet never manages to put away the Christmas lights: 4 points
The time had come. The batte lines were drawn. Sir Bronze Knight challenged Farmer "Fancy Tractor" to a dual of honor. Farmer Bob had made one too many cracks about Sir Knight's tiny Flail. One does not kid a man about the size of his flail.
Farmer Bob moves away 50 paces (or the length of the shrubbery bed, which every is shorter)
Tension fills the air...
Sir Bronze Knight gets his shield and tiny flail at ready
"Heey!"
"Oh sorry... Sir Bronze Knight stands poised with his massive mighty weapon"
Winnie submits:
Score
Bronzed Knight with his chain mail all up in a twist: 1 point
Farmer Bob on a fancy whirligig tractor (over compensate much?): 1 point
Subtotal: 2 points
Creativity Bonus
For two fragile male egos and a total awesome and yet totally unrelated pairing of yard art: 4 points
Total: 6 points
Winnie, you have been inducted into the Royal Order of the Golden Manatee
Am I going to have to build a slush fund to post bail? Because if I do, let me know now. Selling a few measly t-shirts is not going to go very far.
Kristi comments and submits:
"No one seemed to be at home,so I went for it.
Lions in mirror are closer than they appear.
I think he has the dry heaves."
um Kristi, you appear to be in the driveway:
Priceless explanation follows (my comments are in red):
I had my alibi all planned. Z was curled into the fetal position behind the wheel slowly rocking back and forth muttering "we're gonna die "can't say that I blame the man
I figured if anyone was home and saw us, they went to the kitchen to put another couple of cups of water in the soup. somehow this makes sense...
My official spiel is as follows: " I am a Field Reporter for a national internet site pertaining to unusual lawn decorations" Very flattering good thing you were going to leave out the actual size of the national internet site
If necessary, I follow that with " Please don't shoot my ass " In these cases, begging may help
Score:
One Lion fountain with the dry heaves (aren't those the worst): 1 point
Subtotal: 1 point
Creativity Bonus
The poor lion's head barely fits through the portal, perhaps he is gagging. Someone give that lion some water: 1 point
Total: 2 points
Kristi, you earned it...
All kidding aside, stay on the streets and sidewalks folks.
Sometimes, I am stumped, completely bewildered at the message the yard artist is trying to tell me. Why do they love yellow ribbons and bunnies? Perhaps the Rabbits are having a wedding.
Beth submits:
Score (list provide by Beth, my comments are in red)
birdbath with flower basket topper, planted with grassy stuff (I think that is decorative cauliflower but I could be wrong): 2 points
2 bunnies dressed in yellow bows to match front door frou-frou ribbon: 2 point rabbits + 2 points dressed
little girl sitting on fence (banished, banished without a bow...): 1 point
bunny with bow: 2 points
2 stacked birdbaths with couple under umbrella (or is this a fountain that isn’t working): 2 points
child with bow (bridal party): 2 points
bowless bunny (must be a toddler refusing to wear the matching bow for the family photos)(probably an out of favor cousin): 1 point
front door frou-frou ribbon(look's like it was torn off a brides maid dress I had to wear for a sister in law. Yes it was yellow, yes it had tiers of ribbons): 1 point
mildly attractive wreath(ah ha ha): 1 point
Subtotal: 16 points
Creativity Bonus
For a rabbit wedding or Tony Orlando fan: 2 points
My poor family...(yeah yeah, you turned your brother in or more accurately your sister-in-law)
UNC Gnome !
2 frogs on a bench - and the rock behind them - they PAID to have it put there! Orbs, gazing balls - do the decorative holders count any? ducks & turtles (yes they do count)
dog windmill / weather vane
do "dead" (fallen over) objects count any more? (interesting concept but accurately they are more entertaining) "rocks" with words (yeah we count those)
decorative stepping stones (um, I don't count those)
(trying this new format for yard where a lot of pics are submitted... comments?)
Score
UNC gnome (you can sent them to school but they you can't take the wild out of them): 4 points
Courting frogs on bench: 3 points
Bunny: 1 point
2 mine gazing globes one is in the tree's belly button: 2 points
Duck: 1 point
5 other random blue things: 5 points (note to self, I don't like verdigris things, too hard to identify)
Friend stepping stone (looks like it glows in the dark): 0 points
Dragonfly stepping stone: 0 points
2 moons on a stick (one glows in the dark!): 2 points
Subtotal: 21 points
Creativity Bonus
A lot of verdigris whatnots that manage to look somewhat tasteful... what is the fun with that. Well except that you sold out your family... that is pretty awesome: 2 points
If I had a golden fence. One with spiked finials and swirls and ornate do-dads what would I keep behind such a glorious barrier? Probably not rocks.
ChrisJ comments and submits:
"There really is very little yard art in our neighborhood, so this stands out - the French Canadian voyageur guarding his wooden deer in the rock fountain, behind the palace fence."
OK OK, I ADMIT IT.... I had to Google "French Canadian Voyageur". I had no idea what one would look like.
But obviously they are very important and keep deer as pets
Score
Explorer living behind the palace walls: 1 point
Deer who has obviously eaten all the shrubbery: 1 point
Rock fountain(rugged, I wonder if it is lit at night): 0 points
String of lights on the golden fence (because gilding is not quite festive enough): 0 points
"Here is my first submission. I was at my friend's house and garden and she had these lined up and I couldn't resist taking a photo. Will add more danger next time! Got to start somewhere!"
Did you ever notice that when you wait for rain it never comes?
"It's going to take forever to drown him at this rate"
"Yeah, let's try something else"
Score (list provided by LVL, my comments are in red)
Frog rain gauge (water torture tube): 1 point
Angel with head on knees (I'm calling bored cherubs): 1 point
Angel reclining with head in hands (even more bored): 1 point
Angel with crossed legs (supremely bored): 1 point
Shell on stand (I think and I was there and I don't remember!) (no points for shells, sorry): 0 points
Subtotal: 4 points
Creativity Bonus
For three cherubs up to no good and the poor frog who is their source of entertainment: 2 points
I don't know what it is about July, but Christmas decorations always have a way of revealing themselves in the summer. I surmise by Fall, the homeowners are dragging out their scarecrows and such and get motivated to put the stuff away. But during the hot days of summer, holiday bonuses are ripe for the pickin'.
Tufa Girl submits:
I'm feeling dizzy... must not have a seizure...
There you are, poor little reindeer behind all that zig zagging
ahhhh, relief for the eyes and soul
Score (List provided by Tufa Girl, my comments are in red)
10+ wind chimes (that could drive you crazy) (no, I am pretty sure the fencing would drive me crazy): 10 points
2 pink flamingos (one toppled over in the heat, I'm guessing): 2 points
Windmill (just in case you can't hear the wind chimes)(or the fence screaming at you): 1 point
Texas shaped ornament in front of terracotta pot (of course): 1 point
Birdhouse? (in front of blue thingy): 0 points
White wire reindeer and sleigh (holiday points!!) 2 + 14 points
Snowflake hangy thingy by doorway: 1 + 7 points (I cannot count it but should mention the snowflake stickers on the door)
SusanH is a redhead. I knew redheads were magical for the most part. What I didn't know is that they have balls of gold.
SusanH comments and submits:
"Once again, just down the road from where I grew up and I've never noticed this until recently.
I'm not going to say how many times I drove by and stopped for pictures, but I think the guy who lives there was counting."
I’m having a blast! …I really need a better telephoto lens. For safety reasons."
yard art crime tape:
at this point I would be concerned....
A lot of windows facing the road...someone is looking out
Big ol' picture windows ... someone is moving toward the door
Spotted... and OMG, she took another picture
Score (list provided by SusanH, my comments are in red and really not needed)
Windmill (non-functional): 1 point
Gnome guarding the door: 4 points
Boy pushing girl in wagon: 1 point
Bunny on milk can: 2 point
Boy fishing with dog: 1 point
Frog on broken bird bath stand: 3 points
2 Gnomes: 8 points
Pagoda: 1 point
Tree limb statue with swing holding a girl and headless boy(oh sorry, I am too engrossed by the drama unfolding in the window... you were saying): 1 point
Stump statue with bird, gnome, and something unidentifiable: 6 points
Gnome beside stump statue (I have real stumps, other people buy them... go figure): 5 points
Blue lantern: 1 point
Man exiting house (is citizen’s arrest a real thing???) (not sure, but I would not turn off my car when I am taking pictures): 0 points
Subtotal: 34 points
Creativity Bonus
Nice collection of gnomes and various... oh never mind... blow up the pictures and watch the inhabitants: 3 points
One red heart at the front door - Valentine's Day must not be a favored holiday:
I was envisioning the yard with no holiday splendor (although this is much less than July 4th), I guess the flags are appropriate until Labor Day.
