Textured Tuesday: Bead on a Wire

Most of the time, the yard ornaments I see 

are the usual plaster rabbits, gnomes, and deer 

available at any home supply store between 

Speedway and Hanoi. 

Every once in a while, though, I see 

something that charms me and this little tree

was one of them. Apparently, someone wound 

heavy gauge wire around a broom stick and stretched

it out to create the branches for the tree.

They then threaded various sizes and colors of 

glass beads on lighter gauge wire to attach it to the tree. 

The result is a pretty, simple ornament 

that glints in the sunlight. 

Funny Face

I love this little home-made creature and visit it several

times a year during my walks through the neighborhoods. The other

day, he was wearing a lacy gray collar, analogous to his

own coloration.

Growing up, I was frequently called ugly to my face,

occurrences that did not stop until I was well into my 20s. 

To this day, I have virtually no real sense of my own looks

except to say that none of my men chewed an arm off

to escape. In fact, most tended to stick around --

years at a time in fact. But I think it was more for my

efforts to accept myself  as "interesting," both in

looks and interests. The little gremlin above

started out with shiny paint and bright eyes.

Over the years, the paint has become worn, his eyes

a bit rusty. He's acquired a patina that has its

own beauty, that can only be gotten with

long experience. Like me? Like me.

I Love You, Funny Face

I fell in love with this endearing yard ornament 

when I first saw it several years ago.

Its expression is unique. It can't possibly scare anyone.

This past winter, I didn't find it at its usual post and

finally located its head lying in a pile of leaves

not far from its neck. I put it back together

then walked on. Happily, it so far

remains as sentry beneath the tree, gazing goofily 

at passing time and entertaining me.

Peek-A-Boo!

Behind the ubiquitous lilies I was startled to see this plaster head, looking out from the corner of  a neighbor's front yard. It was another unique touch I found in a neighborhood of similar-looking brick ranch homes.