Epic Journeys

Humans love to travel and explore. It’s been that way since mankind began.

 

Whether looking for a better place to live, commerce, territory expansion or a dozen other reasons humans are on the move looking for new adventures, room to grow and experiences.

In Epic Journeys, by Sam G.C. and Raquel Martin and Little Gestalten, young readers are invited to read about incredible tales of amazing traits.

The oversize hardbound book contains full-color paintings of various travel routes from all over the world. Painting details are kept simple so young minds can appreciate the scale of the various landscapes, flora, fauna, architectures and people that populate the globe.

Short, simple and informative snippets of information explain each route. Kids will enjoy the paintings and learn from the text. It’s the perfect combination.

Encourage children to explore and discover the various routes and trails pioneered by human beings over the centuries.

God has created a big and beautiful world out there.  Isn't it time to explore it?

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The Rocky River Grist Mill

What plays music, has lots of colorful lights and running water with boats and aquatic life?

If you guessed Lemax’s The Rocky River Grist Mill then you’d be right. What a miniature set-up! So realistic!

I’d like to do something a little bit different this time around in writing my review about the Grist Mill than I have done on previous Lemax products.

I’m not going to concentrate on describing each and every piece of the set but more of the overall look, nostalgia and memories.

Like all of Lemax’s products the The Rocky River Grist Mill shipped in a heavy-duty cardboard box sealed with tape. The inner product box with its wraparound photos of the Grist Mill has a flip lid with tabs. The Grist Mill itself is packed in a form-fitted cardboard sheath and secured with a Velcro strap.

Additional small pieces and the power cord are wrapped in tissue paper.

My wife’s family is from Tennessee. When we go to visit her relatives in Tennessee and the Carolinas it’s not uncommon to see similar buildings such as Lemax’s Grist Mill. Many of the things I’ll mention about the mill I’ve seen in person and close-up.

There is something quiet, peaceful and down-homey about the Grist Mill. It’s exudes a feeling of coming home to a simpler time when life was at a slower pace and holiday and family traditions meant something. None of the hustle and bustle of today’s society.

People actually took time to appreciate what they had, their surroundings and most of all the holiday season.

Lemax’s Rocky River Grist Mill display is cradled in a semi-circular stones white enclosure with a few of the stones showing through their true natural color.

Set about two inches up the Grist Mill cluster of buildings surround a sunken area that can be filled with water and once the display is turned on the water circulates through a small hose and pump to a water trough that cascades down to a red and brown water wheel that turns with the flow..

A small dock extends out into the small pond. On the dock is a boy with his fishing tackle and pole hoping to catch some fish. A dog sits at the end of the dock close to packing crates. 

Boy does that bring back memories to when I was a small boy and often fished off a similar dock, floppy hat, overalls and all.

Just to right of the boy is a fully-decorated Christmas tree sitting on a board walk that has a small cottage on it.

The single door building has two windows and several signs both on its front and roof. All advertise the Grist Mill and supplies. It is beautifully painted with its green high-pitch roof, creamy side slats, chimney and eave lights and large spotlights. Inside lights also shine.

The building butts up against the water slew that has a large wooden crate on it. Behind it is a mountain peak which is snow-capped.

Back to the pond. Encircling the pond is a small bridge and railed walkway with two people on it. Ducks and raccoons line the shore. Several white ducks on wires that keep them stationery and on top of the water and two small rowboats, one is empty and one with a fisherman. They float on the water and are held stationary by the clever use of strings held in place by magnets magnetized to metal at the bottom of the pond.

Starting on the left of pond a large lit Christmas tree that cradles up against a high, vertical Grist Mill building with a pitched roof, eave lights, a window casing, a capped chimney, a small side room with a window, a sign and a Christmas wreath. 

The slim building is attached to the large main building by a red roof, multi-color walkway which is also decorated with a Christmas wreath.

Man, I can almost smell the pine and feel the chill in the air.

The main building is capped by a small wraparound porch with eaves and porch lights, a tall chimney, a Christmas wreath and a snow covered roof. The water flew and water wheel attached to the building.

All over the display are various rock and wood walls, stairs, decks, signs, lights and plenty of snow. It is a very quaint and peaceful setting and if you turn up the volume a very special Christmas song plays!

My wife is absolutely crazy about it and can hardly wait to put it on display during the Christmas season. I can think of no better compliment.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

National Gallery Of Art Collections

For over 80 years The National Art Gallery has captivated and enthralled visitors with its incredible collection of art from all time ages.

For the first time in 20 years a new visual collection of the gallery’s art (National Gallery Of Art Collections) is here courtesy of Rizzoli Electra and the National Gallery Of Art.

Full-page and double-page spreads in color spotlight over 400 great works of art from early to modern times.

Artists such as Degas, Leonardo da Vinci, Georgia O’Keefe and many others from both the past to the present are represented by their finest work.

Marvel at the complexity, composition, color selection, subject matter, realism, abstraction, impressionism and many other techniques that are sure to dazzle the eye and stimulate the brain.

Essays accompany the art of all types from sculpture, oil, acrylics, etchings, pen and ink, found objects and a variety of techniques and mediums.

As a graphic designer and art teacher I marvel at the collection. I’m amazed at the skill, dedication, insight and talent behind each piece of art.

The oversize, deluxe hardbound book features a dust cover encasing a book filled with dull-coated paper interior pages that make each image pop and come alive.

If you love art and especially if you love art museums this book is a miniature art museum bound in the pages. 

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

"I am in awe when I see the incredible talent God has given to artists of all genres. It truly is a gift."

"I am blessed in that God gave me the talent to create drawings and graphic design that allowed me to make a living and support my family."

Monster Mayhem

Everyone needs a little mayhem and wanton destruction once in a while. Throw in a few monsters and you’re guaranteed a lot of mayhem on a huge scale.

In Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Battles Of Legend Monster Mayhem duelists get their chance to cause some real damage as monsters duke it out in some of the wildest, destructive and rampaging mayhem monsterfest imaginable.

In Monsters Mayhem look for a few surprises.

• 10 cute-as-a-button “chibi” variant arts of popular monsters Cards.
• Emblazoned Ultra Rares: Dragonmaid, P.U.N.K., Orcust-themed Ultra Rare Card. There are 51 emblazoned Cards total.
• Starlight Rares are back.

New Cards for your Decks, and always all Foil: Nekroz, Gem-Knight, Jurrac, Fabled, D/D, and Magistus Decks, plus a lot more.

The Monster Mayhem Set consists of 177 Cards (52 Secret Rares, 51 emblazoned Ultra Rares, and 74 other Ultra Rares). 25 of these Cards are also available as Starlight Rares.

24 Packs come per Box with 5 Cards per Pack that contain:

• 1 Secret Rare
• 1 emblazoned Ultra Rare (always a Dragonmaid, P.U.N.K., or Orcust-themed Card)
• 3 other Ultra Rares

So what are you waiting for? Gather your monsters and get ready for a whole lot of mayhem!

Ecclesiastes 12:7 - Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Venture Onward

Creativity is a like a virus. Some people catch it, others don’t. 

It becomes their servant- a welcome companion that aids them in whatever creative outlet they desire-sometimes more than one.

These individuals live and breath creativity. They are obsessed with it, it becomes their passion. 

I’ve known a few individuals like that and it’s like being in the presence of a whirlwind comprised of ideas, concepts and visions.

Christian Watson is one such person. He and his studio: 1924US produce some of the most unique designs ever seen.

A graphic designer, photographer and illustrator Christian incorporates elements of turn of the last century design and illustration with a slightly modern twist.

While his work echoes much of the designs seen over a century ago he manages to make all of his work: logos, illustrations, photos and his personal store’s interior design fresh and innovative.

In Venture Onward The Design And Curiosities Of 1924US from Gestalten, showcases his studio’s work.

Everything that leaves his studio reeks early 20th Century from clothing, product design, logos and his store that looks like a Cabinet of Curiosities with its many nooks and crannies and odd objects.

Nearly one-inch thick, the book reflects the look and feel of his work from its heavy bound cover, muted interior pages with photographs of his work to its binding and overall feel and appearance.

For a fascinating journey into a truly unique creative mind be sure to pick up a copy of this book today.

Thanks for taking the time to read this review.  May God bless.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Spooky Town Creepy Pumpkin Patch

There’s scary and then there’s REALLY scary! Get ready for chills and shivers with Lemax’s Spooky Town Creepy Pumpkin Patch Michael’s Exclusive.

You read right. The only place you can get Lemax’s Spooky Town Creepy Pumpkin Patch is at Michael’s. When it comes out you better be one of the first in line or (poof!) they’re gone!

You’ll need three AA batteries (not included) or a power cord (sold separately) to light up this monstrosity. Pumpkins have never looked more frightening!

The Creepy Pumpkin Patch comes in a unique full-view, clear-plastic, front box panel so buyers can see the entire set-up. Photos of the Pumpkin Patch are on both sides of the box. It also features full-color logos, text, etc.

Shipped in a sealed, heavy cardboard box the Pumpkin Patch display box also is protected by a three-sided, corrugated cardboard container with special seal strips that must be cut in order to remove the Pumpkin Patch.

As I mentioned earlier the Pumpkin Patch has lots of lights. Here’s what they are: five extended pole lights (four white, one purple), nine interior lights behind windows, through missing roof shingles and a roof spotlight. They vary in color from green, purple and white. They look awesome in the dark!

The Creepy Pumpkin Patch building sits on a dirt and grass platform.

Several figures are included. They are three skeleton dogs, a skeleton sitting on the stairs, a skeleton looking out a window, rats in an upper window and on the steps, two spiders on the steps with one on a wall, a zombie dressed in a tan jacket, white shirt, red ties, blue pants, and brown shoes holding a pumpkin over his head, a large pumpkin head scarecrow, a zombie holding a pumpkin, a zombie holding a small pumpkin and a skeleton dog on a leash, a pumpkin headed person leaning out an upper window, two skulls in an upper window, a pumpkin head skeleton leaning out the upper most window, 21 pumpkins alone or in groups scattered over the house and a crow on the roof.

Starting on the left side of the mansion there are three small brown wooden barrels and one large wooden barrel with a silver steel pipe coming out of its top entering a two-pane widows with a brown wooden casing.

The left side of high-pitched roof building with painted vertical wooden slats with a brown horizontal divider between the upper and lower floors. A rickety windmill tower of brown wood with a nine-blade, metal weather van tops the steep roof with broken brown wooden shingles.

The back of building is plain with a large black panel where the light controls are hidden and the battery compartment is housed. The power switch is on the right side of the building.

The front of mansion left to right includes gabled, high-pitch rood with a large and small hole in the roof where an eerie green light shows through. A small, four-side, brick peak with a metal roof has cascading pumpkins sitting upon it. A small craggy tree sits behind the peak.

Next to it on the crest of the roof is a small room attachment with two, black-trim, four windows and a partial cast iron fence. attached to the main crest of the roof. On the other side is another roof attachment with a cast iron fence. Next to it is another small craggy tree and the round point roof with a small awing and opening that a ladder than extends all the way to the base of building.

On the lower left is another small pitch roof attachment with a small window and wood trim. Sitting on the window sill are four bottles and a sign below them that reads CIDER. A striated patch of light brown hay extends out from the small building attachment. 

In the middle of building is a large, gaping mouth pumpkin with jagged teeth and green glowing eyes. Inside the pumpkin’s mouth is a set of stairs leading up the main entrance with hay on both sides a stepped in porch with pumpkin decorations and four sets of lite up eyes. Above the alcove is a CREEPY PUMPKIN PATCH sign, a open hay loaf door with hay on each side and a peaked roof horn.

To the right of the front is a small PUMPKIN PATCH THIS WAY sign with a black arrow. Standing next to it is the aforementioned scarecrow and a stacked hay bail. inset area with an open wooden door with the IF YOU DARE sign. A large bat spans the area above the door way to the alcove. 

Above the bat is a HAUNTED BARN sign in orange and above the sign is an open hay loaf with two doors of wood with a wood casing and above that is another opening. The roof to the barn opening is patchy with several holes where light emits from.

The far right tower sits partially inside the side of the house and green foliage creeping up its side.

It a very complicated and well executed miniature set of interconnected rooms and buildings. Color application is first rate with no rough edges or uneven lines. The sculpt is amazing with various textures, lots of detail and extremely well executed. All the elements fit perfectly together into a very creepy assembly.

The whole set up looks especially spooky when the lights are out. Trick or Treaters are sure to get a kick out of it when seen through my front window on Halloween night.

Of the three Halloween sets Lemax sent me this is my favorite.  It really captures the essence of Halloween with its spooky shadows and creatures and haunted house setting.

My daughter stopped over the other day and saw it and said, "I want to set it up at my house for Halloween!'  Of course, how could I say no?

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

A Chronology Of Film

There are a lot of books out there about genres of films. But, very few that actually look at the history of film.

Author Ian Haydn Smith’s A Chronology Of Film, published by Thames & Hudson is one such book.

The deluxe, oversize softback book explores the cultural timeline from the magic lantern to the digital screen.

Discover the genesis of the modern film. See how films reflect the times in which they are made and how societal, political, religious, moral and world events shape films.

Key films, directors, actors and others associated with films are spotlighted along with the links to technology, innovations and artistic interventions.

Easy-to-understand and informative text, aided by photos and in-depth essays also examine genres and styles, technology, behind-the-scenes studio politics and deal-making.

Ephesians 6:4 - And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Music Edition 2 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker

Gone are the days when hooking up a speaker to a record player or any other audio device with numerous speaker wires and a power cord.

I remember getting my first stereo when I was a teenager many years a go and it was headache trying to get the whole shebang set-up. It was frustrating, confusing and cumbersome. Plus I was limited on how I far apart I could set up my speakers. Trying to move the whole unit-forget it-it was a pain.

I’m glad those days are over. With my new Victrola Music Edition 2 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker I can link up to my record player and move the speaker wherever I want. No fuss, no tangled wires and best of all clean, crisp and quality sound.

With the simple touch of a couple buttons, a charged up battery powered Bluetooth speaker and viola! You’re up and running with a full stereo speaker that you can put anywhere in your mancave, she-shack, garage, studio, any room in you house, at an outside event or in your back yard while entertaining guests at a party, barbecue or get together.

Introducing Victrola’s Music Edition 2 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker that delivers with great stereo sound, no wires and an easy set up to wherever your music loving heart desires.

With its durable metal construction and IP67 waterproof and dust-proof rating the modern and slick design Music Edition 2 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker is the perfect speaker for outdoor or indoor use.

Charge the unit for up to 20 hours play (5 hour recharge time) via the USB-C port and with its ability to link two speakers together for stereo output the Music Edition 2 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker is small yet powerful.

The premium metal speaker construction has soft-touch panels and a wireless charging pad. The Music Edition 2 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker delivers high-quality sound, rugged durability, easy set-up and mobility.

Weighing in at a hefty 1.35kg the unit sits on two long non-skid rubber legs for perfect stability.

Measuring in at nine inches long, three and a half inches wide and four and a half inches high the Victrola Music Edition 2 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker packs a lot of features into a small package.

I’ve linked my speaker up with my Victrola Eastwood II portable record player and I love the sound quality and ability to move the speaker wherever I want. What a great combination!

While setting up I did not realize the volume was set on high. When the link kicked in I was just about blown away by the sound-it was that powerful. As loud as it was the sound quality was clear and crisp.

With it’s rich bass, full mids and crisp highs it’s the perfect wireless speaker for your mobile devices. It’s easy to pair up phones, tablets, computers or other Bluetooth compatible electronics.

Hold down the multifunction button for five seconds to switch the speaker into MP3 USB mode. You can plug in and play music straight from a USB-C flash drive.

It has a great wireless range with no worries about losing connection and its built-in wireless charging pad is convenient for charging phones with no wires to mess with.

An Aux-In Jack is on the back of the unit. An Aux-In Cord is not included.

The Music Edition 2 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker came shipped in a heavy cardboard box sealed securely with tape. Inside, the product box arrived wrapped in tissue paper secured with tape.

The speaker box has a slide-on, full-lid decorated with photos of the black speaker.

Inside the box the speaker is wrapped in white plastic with a Victrola circular sticker.

The speaker rests on a inset foam cradle. The upper lid of the box is foam coated. Included with the speaker is a small box (also cradled in foam) that contains a USB cord and wall outlet adapter. No worries about any damage to the unit.

A Register & Save Card is also included. Register your speaker and you’ll receive a promotional coupon for use on your next purchase. Full instructions are also included. Follow the simple instructions and you’ll be up and running in no time.

I love the look of the speaker with its sleek design, solid construction, flush controls and easy-to-understand symbols and functions.  

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Marvel By Design

I am a huge fan of Marvel Comics-especially the earlier Marvel Comics from the Silver and Bronze Ages.

My very first Marvel Comic Book was The Fantastic Four #1. I remember buying it off a newsstand at 10-cents, rolling it up and putting in my back pocket. From then on I was hooked on Marvel Comics-buying almost every title it turned out.

There was something new, exciting and different about Marvel Comics. It was not just the stories and art, there was something more.

As I grew older and decided to become a graphic designer I discovered what it was: Marvel Comics were more than words and pictures-they were newsprint examples of design. From the page layouts to the choice of type fonts Marvel Comics drew me in with their colors, page dynamics, powerful sound effects type and graphic flow.

In Gestalten’s Marvel By Design Graphic Design Strategies Of the World’s Greatest Comics Company deluxe oversize hardbound book fans of Marvel Comics (and comics in general) discover how Marvel Comics has produced some of the most exciting comic books in the world by not only writing and drawing them but designing them for the greatest impact.

Be sure to check out the incredible interior and cover art of classic comic books, spotlights on key characters and groups, special events, annuals and incredible single panels, covers, logo type, sound effects and killer storylines.

This is far more than just a book on design. It is a close-up examination and dissection of the world’s greatest comic books and how they work, inspire and dominate the comic book industry.

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Batman Detective Comics Annual #1

Batman beaten by the Black Mask?

Black Mask is cured, or so his doctor thinks.

Using the mind-controlling influence of the Black Mask, he causes the doctor to think that he is still incarcerated while he has actually been on the loose for weeks.

Batman and Police Commissioner Gordon decide to investigate.

Gordon follows some leads, as does Batman-although his tends to be a little more violent.

Meanwhile the Black Mask hunts down the man who stole his other masks only to come up against someone else who wants the power of the masks-including the black mask.

Things start to get interesting and then Batman shows up.

Things get a little rough and tumble and the Black Mask is once more behind bars-or so his doctor thinks.

I really like this annual.  It goes much more into the power behind the Black Mask, its history, those that were involved in its creation (along with the other masks) and how the mask has manipulated and controlled people-sometimes without them even knowing it.

Is the man behind the mask in control or is the mask in control of the man?

The New 52 Batman Detective Comics Annual #1 from DC Comics features great art, a compelling story and more than its fair share of surprises.

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Disney Gothic

When most people think of Walt Disney films, TV shows and amusement parks they think of cute characters, family-friendly atmospheres and traditional homespun humor and stories.

Not so! Disney is far more than that. In fact, Disney has produced some truly scary characters, movies, TV shows and the like.

In Disney Gothic Dark Shadows In The House Of The Mouse, editors Lorna Piatti-Farnell and Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock, along with publisher Lexington Books, examine the dark shadows in the House of Mouse.

Gothic images and darkness have always been a part of Disney’s films and shows. Films such as Snow White, Pinocchio, Dumbo and dozens of other traditional and computer-generated animated films features some truly scary villains and situations.

Rides like Pirates Of The Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion and other dark rides embrace the macabre, the strange and the spooky.

Even though Gothic is embraced in Disney projects it is done in a very unusual manner. When The Haunted Mansion was first introduced Walt Disney wanted the ride to be scary, but not too, scary,

Blood, killings, ghosts, the supernatural and the like were toned down and homogenized and filtered. That’s true with all of Disney’s products except those created under different labels and studios.

Various contributors examine the Gothic elements incorporated in Disney properties and offer their own analyses. It’s an intriguing read that delves into a part of Disney few people examine or are aware of.

Psalms 4:8 - I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Teddy Bear Factory

Can you believe it?! It’s June already! Before you know it July 4^th, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here!

Time sure does fly past fast when you’re an old coot like myself. But, at least I’m a kid at heart. Especially when it comes to Christmas. Celebrating Christ's birth, a Christmas tree, decorations, gifts and the holiday spirit make it all worth while.

Also, getting to see Lemax’s Christmas display sets let’s me know that Christmas is truly here.

As I mentioned before in my first Lemax review the company was kind enough to add me to their reviewers’ list. Several of Lemax’s products arrived. The Teddy Bear Factory is one of them.

The factory comes as one piece in a colorful flip-lid box decorated with images of the factory. Inside the factory is housed in a form-fitted, cardboard container consisting of three parts, No shifting around or bumping with this container! A power cord that attaches to the back of the factory comes in a separate Styrofoam bag and is secured with a plastic coated wire. Instructions are included.

When the factory arrived at my house it was also sealed in a heavy-duty, cardboard box sealed with tape and filled with popcorn packing. Lemax is very particular, careful and thorough when it comes to protecting their products.

As I mentioned earlier a power cord comes with the Teddy Bear Factory. It attaches to the back of the Factory and once connected to power it’s the push of a red button to light up the factory’s triple gold lights, twin porch lights and the interior of the gazebo. It really look awesome at night.

It’s perfect for displaying with Lemax’s other Christmas scenes on a table, fireplace mantle or in a window for others to see.

Being a Christian I’d love to get some of Lemax’s Nativity and Biblical scenes and figures. They look amazing.

The Teddy Bear Factor scene consists of two small buildings connected by a silver-fluted tunnel between them. A separate gazebo comes with five full-length windows that light from the interior. 

A hazy, muted light is made possible by the light, cotton-like stuffing in the gazebo. The gazebo has a five-side green with tan and red trimming roof, a Teddy Bear Factory sign on its front window and the base that are also five-sided that has a green banister red side and decorated with oversize buttons of a variety of colors.

The left building of the scene has a snow-covered roof with the upper second roof shingles of green showing through. Twin Teddy Bears sit on the peak of the roof, front and back. A circular green chimney with a red strip sits on the back of the roof.

The snow cover opposing roof has a Teddy Bear sitting on its peak to the left.

The upper, face front second floor is trimmed in tan and green with red wood slats. Silver and gold, over-sized, engaged gears are attached to the red slats.

In front of facing wall is a Teddy Bear Factory sign in red letters, twin red hearts and small brown Teddy Bear image, The sign is trimmed in light blue. On the left of the sign is a brown wooden drum decorated in yellow and on the right a drum decorated in red.

The bottom floor facing forward has a large picture window with two Teddy Bears inside against a gear background. It has yellow and blue oversize buttons and yellow roof supports. There are a green floor mat and a two-step, gray cobblestone combination that leads up to the window.

On one side of the steps is a Factory Hours sign and on the other side is a small brown basket filled with red, blue and yellow Christmas tree decorations.

The two interconnected buildings and gazebo sit on a stone base consisting of large gray blocks and brown and gray cobblestones with a light yellow backgrounds. Snow partially covers the stone base.

The left side of the first building has two green, six panel windows, with gray upper stone casings, and red frames. A circular red and stone frame, four panel window is above them.

Four yellow roof support beams, green and brown wooden corner braces and a brown barrel with a pant finish the left side ensemble.

The back of the building also supports two green, multi-pane windows, similar braces and the dark gray roof shingles show through the snow.

The right side of the building is a plain light brown with the fluted silver tunnel in its lower part.

The second Welcome building to the right has a three-step set of stairs capped by two large faux flames.

The door consisted of light and dark brown panels, diamond shaped accents, gold hinges and door knob assembly. The entire door casing is a light brown wood.

On both sides of the door are old-fashioned lamps in black and gold. A Welcome awing of gray is over the front entrance. Three Teddy Bears sit on the top of the awning. Above them is one of the gold lights I mentioned earlier.

The casing below the roof line is painted in tan, green with red accents and decorated with oversize buttons in a variety of colors. On the overlapping roof line a large Teddy Bear sits waving its right hand. 

Above him is another gold light. He rests against the upper floor wall of green and tan and trimmed in red. A small black chimney stack extends from the roof and twin Teddy Bears sit on the front and back roof peak.

Side extended roof gabbles with red, four-panel windows trimmed in brown extend out front each side of the upper roof. The left side of the building consists of red wood slats with the fluted metal tunnel attached to it.

The back of the building consists of red wood horizontal slats, a single six-panel green window trimmed in brown and a detailed upper floor of tan trimmed in red and green wooden planks-very Norwegian. The plug in with on and off button is on the lower left.

The right wall is also of red slats and has a small silver tube attaching it to the gazebo.

The entire Teddy Bear Factory ensemble is adorable with excellent sculpt and assembly, crisp and tight paint application along with a clever use of lights. It really sparkles when lit up. I know my grandkids with be delighted when they see it.

It's really hard to describe just how adorable the Teddy Bear Factory is. I suggest you visit a Michael’s or other store that carries the Lemax’s line of figures and settings and see for yourself. I guarantee once you do so you’re bound to buy a few and then a few more and then even more.

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Miffy And The Artists

For 75 years the cute and adorable rabbit Miffy has been teaching kids about all sorts of things.

In Miffy And The Artists by Dick Bruna and published by Thames & Hudson, Miffy introduces kids to 25 important artists from the past up to the present.

In simple to understand text with illustrations, accompanied by works by each artist, Miffy offers short, concise comments about each artist and their work, with words and sentences kids can easily grasp.

The slim, hardbound book lets kids discover artists and what inspired them to make great art.

What a wonderful way to introduce kids to art: simple, colorful and fun accompanied by Miffy the rabbit.

Psalms 127:3 - Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

The Complete Series The Drew Carey Show

You’ll never witness such a dysfunctional bunch of friends and co-workers than those who populate the world of The Drew Carey Show.

Comedian Drew Carey plays everyday man Drew who must contend with his wacky friends and odd and sometimes vindictive workmates amidst financial and romantic woes.

Stuck in a limbo of unpredictability Drew suffers through his friends faux paus, fellow workers quirks, outrageous schemes and total dorkyness.

Workers use him, romance eludes him, his friends bemuse, abuse and confuse him and life has served him the short end of the stick that he can barely hold onto.

For a montage of hilarious hi-jinxs, office offbeat craziness and personal perils and unpredictability be sure to pick up The Complete Series The Drew Carey Show on DVD (and digital) celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of the TV series.

An extra special feature of Life Inside The Cubicle is also included courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.

All nine seasons are included on two DVD flip-lid cases housed in a colorful case decorated with color photos from the show.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Nightmare On One Sheet

It’s no secret that Horror films are big business. Over the decades literally hundreds of low-budget Horror films have come out-some at theaters, and some to direct market though DVDs and VHS.

Artist and graphic designer Graham Humphreys over the span of his career has created new cover art of said films for VHS and DVD.

His style incorporates many of the same elements and color palette of past horror film artists on films, book and magazine covers and the like.

While his work is chillingly polished and expertly designed and laid out it still has that slightly schlock and kitsch look with its garish colors, shocking images, light and shadows, background montages and in-your-face title text.

In Nightmare On One Sheet The Horror Art of Graham Humphreys, written and designed by Humphreys and published by Korero Press, the artist demonstrates how he comes up with his ideas.

He includes a step-by-step full-color tutorial of the creation of one of his paintings explaining the process as the demonstration moves along.

The book is filled with his color work including production notes, how the paintings came about and the inspiration behind each piece of art.

It’s a fascinating and instructive look inside the mind of a truly creative artist with his own unique and flamboyant style.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Diamond Previews, June 2025

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The Americans

I was born in a little town not far from the Motor City of America: Detroit, Michigan.

Automobiles are in my blood. Nearly my whole family worked for the auto industry. 

I’m no mechanic by a long shot but I still love looking at cars from years gone by and the new releases every year.

Oil, grease, coolant and transmission fluids are in my blood. Cut me and I bleed anti-freeze.

Writer Blake Z. Rong and Gestalten present the beautifully bound., photo-filled deluxe hardbound book The Americans Beautiful Machines: The Most Iconic Cars And Their Era.

Printed on semi-gloss paper and heavily bound with with front and back color photos the book is nearly an inch thick with amazing color photos of some of the most unique, well-known and beautifully photographs of cars imaginable.

Each of the selected cars are deeply delved into with full histories, full-page and double -page photo spreads. New and vintage photos are accompanied by close-up interior photos, concept car photos and designer photos along with dozens of interior shots of the cars in outside settings and in motion.

It is a beautifully crafted, photographed and written book that captures the very essence of the American automobile I am old enough to remember seeing many of the cars spotlighted in the book.

I experienced a wonderful feeling of nostalgia and pride as I looked through each page. Images of such classic cars as the corvette, Thunderbird Mustang and many more show how the designers and engineers of the cars took special pride in their construction, attention to detail and innovations.

It is a remarkable book of not only about the cars themselves but the American culture that spawned such magnificent machines.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.