Showing posts with label yodeler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yodeler. Show all posts

Friday, January 18, 2013

Happy 2nd Blog-O-Versary!!

As someone who writes quite frequently, I firmly believe that a notebook on the nightstand is imperative for capturing genius should the muse happen to come calling in the middle of the night.  In all sincerity, it is quite common that I wake up in the wee hours to scribble down the brilliant thoughts whose powers are strong enough to wrestle me from deepest slumber.  Why then, when I am fully awake do these ideas, that to a sleep-addled brain seem like all the wisdom of the ages combined, read like utter and unqualified nonsense?  It has happened before, even when I convince myself that I'll remember every detail of my active subconscious brainstorm, that I force myself to roll over and jot down a few notes only to wake anxious to find something poetic and instead find something woefully pathetic.

Happy Blog-O-Versary Darlin'!
(Source)

Today we celebrate two full years of bringing you our best in wacky tacky.  I didn't really have a clear direction when I began to compose this post last night so I decided the best thing to do was sleep on it.   I went to bed confident that in the morning the refreshment of a good night's sleep would break my writer's block.  A night of sleep, however fitful, did not disappoint in the brilliant ideas department and I was glad to know that if I didn't have a solid eight hours, I at least had a notebook full of inspiration.

Imagine my disappointment when I got up this morning to see two barely legible words scratched onto the page - "floaty pens."  FLOATY PENS?!?!?!  It all came rushing back to me; I had a semi-wakeful dream about those souvenir pens that have moving sailboats, animals, rockets, baseball players, race cars, and in the case of a secret one my grandpa hid in a drawer, a disappearing bikini.

(Source)

Instead of focusing solely on the never-ending charms of floaty pens, I thought I'd take a look at traditional anniversary gifts for a second anniversary.  According to several websites, a second anniversary warrants gifts of cotton.  Since, for all practical purposes, I am married to my blog, it only seemed fair that I pick out a few gifts that I'd like to receive for wacky tacky's two-year Blog-O-Versary!

This chenille, Hopalong Cassidy bedspread
(Source)

This vintage yardage for sale on Etsy
(Source)

More vintage yardage for sale on Etsy
(Source)

This hot dog & hamburger tablecloth from The Vintage Table.
(Source)
This old cotton candy sign...that counts right?
(Source)

The Yodeling Blonde Bombshell, Carolina Cotton
(Source)

"I Love to Yodel" - Carolina Cotton
...as long as we're on the subject...

Well, that's about it.  I just thought that I should acknowledge two years of blogging and express my appreciation that you've "cottoned on" to the world of wacky tacky; thank you for your support.  We are closing in on 200 followers and when we do, we'll have yet another big giveaway.  Until then, I remain respectfully yours.


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Monday, January 2, 2012

What Were You Doing New Year's Eve Eve? Yodel! Yodel! Yodel!

What in the heck is this?

Is it a Vistavision spectacular from Paramount Studios come to life? Nah.

A treacherous, snow-capped, mountain peak that would intimidate
even the most accomplished climber?  Getting warmer.
(Source)

If you guessed "Matterhorn Cake Pop," you'd be right.  Cake pops are so very au courant, and usually I am anything but, but when our friends Kevin and Jody hosted a Matterhorn-themed fete for their New Year's celebration, I knew I needed a wacky tacky treat that teamed with the theme.

The Abominable Snowman is a little camera shy
but he held the cake pops so I could take a quick photo.

Charles Phoenix and Kevin Kidney show off their Matterhorn cake pops - an honor to say the least.
Apparently, Mary disapproves of cake on a stick.

The real story here is not about cake pops, however; the parties held in the home of Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily are truly magical.  Kevin and Jody are extraordinary hosts and the wonderful variety of people that surround them are creative, gracious, brilliant, and generous.  Moreover, the earnest desires of the wacky tacky heart are fulfilled around every corner.  Two words - "player piano."

The fun always begins with a sing-along around the player piano.
Rolls included "Edelweiss" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and a Christmas medley.
The best part came when we got to play Swiss bell ringers with a children's handbell set.


Other alpinists took a turn tickling the ivories.

One of our amazing hosts, Kevin calling everyone's attention with a handbell.
He is wearing traditional lederhosen and holding one of the
 three, 16mm reels to Walt Disney's Third Man on the Mountain
starring James MacArthur and Janet Munro - the evening's featured entertainment

Third Man on the Mountain (1959)
(Source)
To learn more about the history of this movie, please
check out this article from the Walt Disney Family Museum Blog.

The backyard movie theater.
 The film was projected against the wall of their barn/studio.  Guests huddled (and cuddled)
around glowing fire pits and sipped warm cider, mulled wine, and hot cocoa, while snacking on
popcorn, pretzels and other Swiss taste sensations - Yodels & Swiss Cake Rolls not included.

The most spectacular part of the evening was getting to meet Fred Burri, the original Matterhorn Yodeler at Disneyland.  At 85 years old, he still has major yodeling chops and everyone at the party was enraptured by his performance.

Fred Burri on the Matterhorn in 1963
(photo from davelandweb.com)



First Man on the Mountain
Another image of Fred on the Matterhorn
(photo provided by Dave at davelandweb.com)

We were only able to capture a tiny bit of one song (sorry for the poor video quality).
Rest assured, it was amazing!

Mary with the evening's guest of honor, Fred Burri.
His voice is still heard everyday in ride's the recorded music.

He still wears the exact same outfit from over 50 years ago!

An auditory E-Ticket for sure!

This was without a doubt one of the best parties of 2011!  It began what is one of the best weekends, and certainly the best New Year's celebrations, I have ever enjoyed!  Thanks Kevin and Jody and thanks to Mr. Burri!


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

p.s. Mr Tiny's New Year's resolution is to get a better camera and become a better photographer so the pictures and videos brought to you in this blog will be worthy of your readership.  Any tips on a good camera are welcomed and much appreciated.  Thanks!