Open Up Those Pearly Gates: A Huell Howser Memorial Extravaganza

In my mind and and in my heart, there are three men in the entertainment industry that have helped mold my character, spark my imagination, and develop my sense of humor, fun, beauty, and adventure - Walt Disney, Pee-Wee Herman, and Huell Howser.  What might seem like a disparate group of idols at first, begins to make a lot more sense when one realizes that the unifying characteristic of these men was their ability retain the optimism and wonder of child.

Uncle Walt                                                        Pee-Wee

(Source)                                                            (Source)

Huell Howser
(Source)

Last week we learned about the death of that legendary broadcaster, Huell Howser; he may not have been world-renowned, but it is hard to find a man more beloved by the Golden State.  He truly embodied the California dream for which so many hope when they come to our state.

Bereft at his passing, we here at wacky tacky headquarters decided to mobilize and create an opportunity for friends and fans of Huell Howser to come together and celebrate his achievements in broadcasting, but even more to celebrate his decency, kindness, and inspiration.  

Huell's shows were about seeking out the odd, interesting, historical, and often overlooked people and landmarks that make California such a wonderful place to live and explore.  With episodes numbering in the hundreds, our choices for a memorial destination were many.  It became clear that the best location for our ceremony would be Philippe's, a historic restaurant in downtown Los Angeles that Huell frequented both on and off camera.

Philippe the Original

With less than a week to prepare, we spread the word about our HH Memorial and switched into high gear to make our plans a reality.

Commemorative buttons were made.

T-shirts were printed

And portraits were lovingly enhanced with colorful pastels.

Normally, when I am in charge of an event, I tend to be a bit of a stress case; Huell's memorial, I decided, needed to be not only stress free, but joyous.  When folks wondered if I had warned Philippe's of our tribute, I decided that the adage of "It's better to ask forgiveness than permission" definitely applied (no stress).  When we pulled into the parking lot and found that the restaurant was packed, I determined we would stake out a spot and just expand our claim as more participants arrived (no stress).  When the large communal tables were populated by strangers, I handed them a button and invited them to join in on the fun (joyous).  I think the spirit of Huell presided over the event and everyone was thrilled to find a place to express their common affection for him.

Erika created our Huell Howser shrine/centerpiece using a vintage California souvenir tablecloth,
Huell's portrait, and fresh flowers.  I'll bet that we are some of the only people in
 Philippe's 104+ year history that set the table using flowers and a real tablecloth!

When our guests arrived, they were offered a "wacky tacky Remembers Huell Howser" button and asked to find a seat among the crowd.  The best part was that people from every facet of my life were represented (coworkers, friends, family, artists, musicians, bloggers, etc.) and the communal tables encouraged everyone to sit with people that they did not necessarily know. 

Tanna, Cary, Cher, Scott, and Marty (Mary's back there too)

Jodi, Teresa, Suzy, and Swimmy

Caitlin, Skip, and Mary

Because it was a fairly-impromptu event, we weren't sure how many people would be able to come.  By the end of it, we had filled eight large tables!  As everyone ate, we proceeded with our program that included extemporaneous remarks, trivia, toasts, and, in true wacky tacky fashion, a singalong.  I wanted to keep it informal so we opened the floor for anyone and everyone to talk about his/her favorite episode, share a Huell-related memory, and give his/her best Huell Howser impression (he had a charming, and heavy, Tennessee accent).

We played some Huell trivia and each winner, including
Steve, received a T-shirt and became "An Official Member
 of the Unofficial Huell Howser Fan Club."

Charles led the toast to Huell's memory.

We toasted using milk from Broguiere's  Dairy;
Huell's image graced many of their bottles.

My favorite part of the day was our singalong.  As I mentioned in our previous post about Huell, every episode of "California's Gold" ended with a version of "California, Here I Come."  You must consider the source here, but it didn't feel the least bit weird to hand out lyric sheets and lead a restaurant full of people in song as Mary accompanied us on ukulele; it felt perfectly natural.

"California, Here I Come"

It might be hard to get from the video, but the room

was filled with love and I could see a couple people 

getting choked up - good thing I was behind the camera.

Riding high on the tide of music and goodwill, Ben and Erika graciously invited everyone over to their house for an after party.

The Huell shrine was part of our traveling show and was only enhanced
by the mid-century ceramics filled with the donut holes provided by Charles.

Cary, Richard, Isaiah, Darla, Lupe, Emily, Mary, and Charles

Uplifted, and still not wanting the good times to end, we had and after-after party by moving our progressive memorial service to a local Thai restaurant.

Jesse, Charles, Emily, Ben, Erika, and Mary.

It is hard to express here, but I was truly moved by the love of everyone who attended.  There are few times in life when we have the chance to be so publicly vulnerable and allow the goodness of humanity to connect us.  I hate to get too sentimental, but I was honored to have the opportunity to host our event and I am extremely grateful for the good friends (and strangers) in attendance.  Even though the circumstances that brought about the occasion were sad, it was a magical day for me and I know we did our best to honor Huell.



Philippe the Original
1001 N Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA
(213)628-3781

www.philippes.com

Having heard of the tremendous response we got from our Huell Howser Memorial, the City of Los Angeles caught on and decided to have their own tribute, as planned by Councilman Tom LaBonge  (okay, okay, so maybe great minds think alike).  The service, held on the steps of the Griffith Observatory, continued the feeling of goodwill that was born just a couple of days prior.  Arriving early to find a place among the thousands of projected attendees, we started to meet other fans and discuss our favorite episodes and compare notes on all of the places we have checked off our Huell-went-there-so-I-went-there-too lists.  I'm glad I remembered to take the rest of our Huell buttons because they were the hit of the day and the gateway into great conversations with new friends.

Our new pal Sharon and Mary showing off
their Huell T-Shirts.

Huell made it quite clear that he did not want any kind of public memorial service.  Obviously, his written wishes weren't enough to stop his legions of friends and loyal fans.

When we arrived, we were two of maybe ten people.
By the time the program began, the whole forecourt of the observatory was packed.

Huell celebrated our entire state, but it was ideal celebrating him with
the Hollywood sign in the distance.

Cynthia gets in the spirit. 

Among the politicians and local leaders,
Anne Marie Johnson was a speaker.  Many will
remember her from In the Heat of the Night.
We're not ashamed to say that we recognized
 her from That's So Raven too!

Charles was one of the keynote speakers.
His address was pitch-perfect in every way, but his best line was when he
explained that the etymology of Huell's name was a hybrid of his parents'
names - Harold and Jewell.  "That's like if Lucy and Ricky named their
baby Little Licky."

A particularly-cool moment was the helicopter fly-over performed by the LAPD.

The service culminated in a singalong of what else, but "California, Here I Come."

As a final farewell, we watched the sun set in the Pacific.
Say what you will about smog, it makes for some beautiful sunsets!
California's gold!!!

It was another lovely tribute to a man who touched the lives of and inspired the adventurer in so many.  Not wanting to say goodbye, we stuck around for a little meetin' and greetin'.  The result was a photo-op with Councilman LaBonge and an interview of Mr. Tiny by a local radio station.

Nick & Mr. Tiny even made The Los Angeles Times!!!
(Source)

Theresa, Mr. Tiny, Councilman LaBonge, Mary, Jesse, and Emily
Even though he appears to have been coerced, this photo was Mr. LaBonge's idea.

Jesse, Emily, Mr. Tiny, Charles, Theresa, and Mary
The answer is yes, we all pretty much wear the same outfits everyday...

Using our new mantra, WWHD - "What Would Huell Do?" - we headed to Hollywood for yet another after party.  We ended up at Miceli's, the famous restaurant at which Lucille Ball is purported to have learned how to throw pizza dough for an episode of "I Love Lucy" (just for the record, nobody in our party is buying that story).

The gang dining at Hollywood's oldest Italian restaurant, Miceli's (est. 1949).

Our dinner was accompanied by a very talented pianist who played a range of American standards and Broadway hits.  It was my hunch that someone who played at his skill level would most certainly know

a little, corn-fed ditty like "California, Here I Come."  I went over to him to explain all the events that had transpired and our desire to honor Huell's memory.  Having met Huell several times in the restaurant, he graciously accepted my musical request.  What else could we do but sing along?

"California, Here I Come"

Miceli's

1646 N Las Palmas Ave

Los Angeles, CA

(323)466-3438

www.micelisrestaurant.com

After all of that I think we feel confident that our respects have been paid to Huell Howser.  It is our duty now to carry on his tradition of discovery, adventure, and respect for our history.  It is Huell's duty to pave the way for all the adventures that are to come in the next life; so we say "Open up those pearly gates, Heaven, here Huell comes!"

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Doris Day Pops!

In spite of the dubious protestations in the title of his tumblr (see "I Am Not an Artist"), my brother is indeed a bona fide artist.  His work has been bought and sold and he is regularly shown in galleries and at special events.  While his work maintains a "low-brow" sensibility, he is a master of composition and he is constantly working on refining his skills and employing innovative techniques.  My favorite part of having an "artist" for a brother is the benefit of custom artwork.  

Our most recent Christmas celebrations found us drawing names for gifts; too many people and too few dollars made it a budget and time-friendly necessity.  Lucky for me, my brother drew my name and I got one of the coolest presents of my life -a matched set of pop art-inspired, Doris Day portraits.

Aren't these cool?!!
Hand painted and screened with Doris Day's visage, what isn't
visible in the photograph is the micro-glitter that
shimmers over the entire piece.  wacky tacky and glitter
are inexorably bound together!

I love this picture of Doris Day and the way he mirrored the slight tilt of her
 head; in my mind it makes it more of a set and looks more dynamic when hung.

The scale is great too; these 2x2', lime green and bright orange
 wall hangings make quite a statement.

After seeing the thrill I expressed upon removing the brown-paper wrapping from these beauties, do you think my fifteen-year-old cousin made fun of me by telling me not to cry?  Yep.  Did I cry?  I was close (we are huge crybabies in our family).  As I have mentioned before, I LOOOOOVE handmade gifts!!!  There is something so miraculous about the beautiful synergy of an honest "It's the thought that counts" sentimentality and the exhibition of time, talent, and love.  Unlike many of the gifts that are exchanged over the holiday season, most of which will quickly fall out of favor or fashion, these pieces will stay with me forever.  Interesting art and the thoughtfulness of a talented sibling - now that is good gift giving!  He might have a hard time recognizing and accepting his talent - but I don't!  MY BROTHER IS AN ARTIST!!!

"Any Way the Wind Blows" - Doris Day

Just because I made "the artist" and his girlfriend

 watch this scene from Please Don't Eat the Daisies

the other day as I sang along...

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Waffle Fest: A New Year's Tradition

We have a new New Year's Day Tradition - WAFFLE FEST!!!  It was another instance of us attending, but not technically being "invited" - if your understanding of the word is its most literal definition - to a party.  Invited or not, for the last two years on New Year's Day, we have found ourselves at a private event held at the wackiest tackiest (if ever there was one) lighting store.

This saxophone lamp sets the tone for the whole store.
Kona Lighting is an amazing resource for vintage fittings, antique
shades, and in-house creations of the most fascinating variety.

A sputnik-style lamp with Christmas bulbs

Waffle Fest is the annual celebration held by the family at Kona Lighting in Stanton, CA.  Kona Lighting is the perfect place for interesting, antique/vintage, hard-to-find, or custom lighting fixtures any day of the year; New Year's Day, however, it is a wonderland of waffles.  Waffles are the order of the day and there is absolutely no questioning that fact with just a brief glimpse through the store.

An intergalactic, waffle starburst!

We've only been in attendance for two years and already it appears that there is an effort by the WF masterminds to outdo themselves with every new year - especially when it comes to the unbelievable waffle-themed party favors (last year we were treated to WF gliders with rubber band launchers).

This year, the party favor was a waffle bolo tie
with hand-whittled sausage finials.
Each piece is hand made and painted!

Cast resin Waffle Fest nightlights pay homage to the Von Dutch flying eyeball.
I am prone to hyperbole, but this is absolute GENIUS!!!

Besides the waffles and custom omelette bar and lighting and party favors, there is more - a band!!! The Riff Raff Swing Band is the WF house band and plays the finest in gypsy jazz and swing.

This year the band saw us dancing and singing along and ended up having us sing a few tunes.  I guess they didn't realize that once they gave up the microphone, they would never get it back (waffles with a large side order of HAM)!  We sang and sang (even when the words weren't exactly right) and sang some more and eventually got the whole crowd to join in on Gershwin's "Summertime."

Mary and Paul (who rectified our crimes against harmony) showing off their
 waffle bolo ties.
Mary is also wearing the mini-waffle earrings she picked up at last year's WF.
Everybody was astonished to see them because they were made out of
real, edible, mini waffles but somehow her pair managed to survive!

At one point during the waffle making merriment, our friend Kevin (our access point into WF) was heard saying, "I'm saving room for a pancake."  A PANCAKE?!?!?!!!  As you can imagine, the music screeched to a halt and several women fainted dead away right where they stood.  Instead of being escorted off of the premises by Waffle Fest security, Kevin was whisked away for a brief waffle indoctrination session and set on the straight-and-narrow path to waffle glory.

I don't know if it is possible for me to love this tabletop tableau any more than I already do - miniatures, a poodle with a waffle beret, Bob's Big Boy.  Love is Waffle Fest!

Our new year's wish is that the jig will most definitely not be up (stay down?) any time soon; if we can stave off the knowledge that we are Waffle Fest infidels* who somehow managed to horn our way in on the fun, we will definitely have a "Happy New Year" for many years to come.



Kona Lighting
8372 Katella Ave
Stanton, CA
(714)828-0910

*I'm including Kona Lighting's information for your lighting/decorating interests.  Please keep in mind that Waffle Fest is, as far as I know, not really open to the general public.  If I could invite you all, I would.

However, you ARE INVITED to our unofficial, wacky tacky Huell Howser memorial to be held on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 2:00pm at Philippe's in downtown Los Angeles.  We'll meet there for food, fun, prizes, and sharing our best memories of our pal, Huell.  This is an informal gathering of wacky tacky and Huell Howser fans and is a totally unsponsored event.

Philippe the Original
1001 Alameda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

wacky tacky Icons: Huell Howser

Outside of California (and maybe some parts of Tennessee), the name Huell Howser probably doesn't mean very much.  Within our borders, however, it is a venerated name that invariably elicits a smile and/or a goofy impression.  Just about everyone in California does a Huell Howser impression (to varying degrees of accuracy/success), with everyone thinking their impression is the best.  A native son of Tennessee (with the accent to prove it), he moved to California in 1981 as a television news reporter and quickly became the unofficial, one-man Chamber of Commerce for our entire state.

Huell Howser
(October 18, 1945 - January 6, 2013)

Best known for his PBS series, "California's Gold," Huell had a folksy charm and guileless innocence that gave him entree into countless businesses, museums, homes, landmarks, monuments, parks, restaurants, and the hearts of history lovers and wacky tacky-ites all over the state. It was with great sadness that we learned he passed away last night at the age of sixty seven.

(Source)

To be honest (and it might be obvious by now), Huell is a huge hero of mine.  Whenever anybody asked me what my dream job would be, I always said, "Huell Howser's;" he showed us everything in our state that makes it so uniquely fun and fascinating.

His sunny disposition and optimism made him watchable.
His restored, mid-century volcano house made him wacky tacky!
(Source)

If you needed further proof...
Dolly, Huell & Loretta
(Source)

It is funny that it took a Southerner to remind us of the vitality and excitement of our western landscape; I guess that sometimes it takes a keen and objective eye and the wonder of a child to show you the beauty of your own hometown/state.

Huell at The Apple Pan

Huell Howser as himself with Tracey Ullman

in "Tracey Takes On Hollywood"

Huell's Videolog - "The Elephant Man"

Growing up in Southern California, Huell has been a fixture of our regular family viewing since my earliest days.  Indeed, in the war for the remote control, "Visiting," "Videolog," and "California's Gold" were always the unspoken, entertainment peace treaty.  Huell's show and his unbridled enthusiasm are the unquestionable inspiration for our desire to explore, create, report, and celebrate the joy that surrounds us.  As my mom said, "It felt like he did nothing but go around and bring out the good in people and places...he will be missed.  We need more people like him on the earth...take the bad ones away and leave the Huell Howsers of the world."  Even though his place of birth was Gallatin, TN he was truly a part of California's gold.

Huell & The Del Rubio Triplets
(Source)

Many celebrities pass every year; some deaths are a surprise, some are tragic, and some come sweetly at the end of a long life well-lived.  Few have left me feeling more sad than good old Huell's.  In general, I'm not one to experience disproportionate emotion over things not directly related to my family.  In fact, in a world rocked by mass killings and war, it feels strange (and self-indulgent) to be so sad over the death of someone I have never met, but this one has hit me hard.  I keep thinking of the illustration of Mickey Mouse (his head the globe) crying over the death of Walt Disney.  In my mind, I can see a similar image of California mourning the loss of our patron saint, Huell Howser.  Huell stood for something good in this world; his was an example of positivity and light that helped me not be swallowed by the hate and ugliness that can exist.  As has been said, "All the darkness in the world can not extinguish the light of a single candle."  He gave hope to those of us who want to preserve a sense of our past.  He legitimized the old buildings, landmarks, watering holes, and traditions of California's rich heritage.  He gave credence to the notion that exploring your own backyard for a living was not just acceptable but of great import.  As was the tradition on his show, we close this post with the song "California, Here I Come," this time as performed by Huell himself.

R.I.P. Huell Howser

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

p.s. For local readers, I would love to find a time and place to get together and remember Huell and celebrate his legacy.  In my mind, Clifton's is the most obvious choice but it is still under renovation.  Pink's, Philippe's, Palm Springs...I'm open to suggestions.

UPDATE:  You are invited to our unofficial, wacky tacky Huell Howser memorial to be held on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 2:00pm at Philippe's in downtown Los Angeles.  We'll meet there for food, fun, prizes, and sharing our best memories of our pal, Huell.  This is an informal gathering of wacky tacky and Huell Howser fans and is a totally unsponsored event.

Philippe the Original
1001 Alameda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

Please let us know if you are interested in raising a glass of
Broguiere's to our wacky tacky friend and icon too.
(Source)

NYE Under the Sea

I will be the first to admit it; after all of that holiday merry making, I have lost a bit of steam.  So many parties, so many treats, so many lights and presents and music and fireworks - I'M POOPED!  In actual fact, it is a great state to find oneself; the pure exhaustion that comes from an abundance of good friends and happy times reminds me just how fortunate I am.

For the majority of my years on this planet, I have spent New Year's Eve snuggled deep under the covers of my bed, either watching a classic movie or, more likely, fast asleep.  Counting sheep rather than counting down always seemed a satisfactory way to ring in the new year and invariably I awoke refreshed and ready to watch that spectacle of floral fantasy, The Rose Parade.  The last few years have broken me of my hibernation habit; instead of sleeping, I have, like the rest of the world, actually participated in parties.  As it turns out, I have so thoroughly enjoyed greeting the dawn of a new year with friends, that now I can't imagine doing it any other way.

Our most recent December 31 celebration found us at the charming home of our friends, Damien and Allison, for their annual New Year's Eve festivities.  This year the merriment had an official theme, "King Neptune's Under the Sea Ball."  Most people know better than to give me a theme because once I'm committed, I'm like a dog with a bone.

A lobster Jell-O mold.
It was brought to my attention that it could be interpreted as something
other than a lobster but I assure you, a lobster it most certainly is.
As much as I LOVE Jell-O, I had never made an actual Jell-O mold;
There is plenty of room for improvement, but I was thrilled
 that it actually worked!

Release the Kraken!
I also made a dip that incorporated an idea I had seen online - a bell
pepper (capsicum for you non-Yankee types) octopus.

The evening's entertainment included the musical stylings of that siren of song, and one of our most favorite people, the inimitable Janet Klein.

If you've never had the opportunity to hear Janet sing, do yourself a favor
and look her up, tout suite!  She was accompanied on piano by the amazing
 musician, and regular Parlor Boy, the uber-talented Randy Woltz.

As if Janet wasn't enough, we even got to hear from another of our favorite songstresses, Amber Foxx!   And just because we are the biggest hams who won't let an opportunity to sing go unsung, Mary and I joined the music making with a few tunes as well.  There was a gift exchange where an original Little Orphan Annie decoder pin, a 1920's Niagara Falls scrapbook, and 1930's beauty products were among the coveted, and oft-stolen, items.  There was even a best-dressed contest and while Mary won, I will happily take full credit for her ensemble.

The under-the-sea theme allowed Mary a second chance
 to wear the mermaid costume I made for her sideshow freak
 birthday party.  After making many, many outfits that get
but a single use, I have become satisfied when every item
 finds at least a second chance to make its way out of
 the abyss that is her closet.

Music, gifts, and costumes may have been the highlights but, as per usual, pure hijinks filled the bulk of our party time. 

Party in the powder room!

Janell & Emily won the gold medal in the bathtub bobsled.

Amber makes like Tippi Hedren in The Birds.

Emily got in on the act too.
I think this is Amber's homage to Hitchcock's cameo in every film???

Right before we broke out into Cole Porter's "Friendship."

When graced with an invitation, I always do my best to live up to the part of worthy and worthwhile guest - if only to counterbalance my juvenile shenanigans.  For the countdown, I came prepared with a celebratory arsenal (toys, silly string, party poppers, etc.) that included:

Glow-in-the-dark tridents ( I told you I always try to team with the theme)

Horns as beautifully modeled by the
devastatingly-deco Katherine.

and noisemakers.
Benny & Jenn demonstrating the sound
of one hand clapping.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Thanks to our hosts, we learned firsthand that it is indeed quite lovely "bobbing along on the bottom of the beautiful, briny sea."  We hope your New Year's Eve went just as swimmingly as ours!

"The Beautiful Briny Sea" from Disney's Bedknobs & Broomsticks

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Sew What?! A 1950's Starlet Ensemble

Do you ever crash parties?  Do you ever plan to crash a party and then realize the day prior to the event that you were actually invited to the party and now you have to plan something to wear because the pressure increase in the paradigm shift between party crasher and party guest is like that of being thrust from the crest of wave to the very depths of the ocean floor?  Why, when it comes to the same exact party, is it so refreshingly simple to be a party crasher and so stressful being formally included?  For Mr. Tiny, the answer to that question can best be answered by his sponsor at Neurotics Anonymous - for which he has yet to find a regular group due to the problematic design schemes/chair arrangements and snack options at the meetings.

The above situation, as described in question number two, happened during our recent seasonal celebrations and left me scrambling for something to wear that was appropriate for a formal, adult, cocktail party.  It easy easy to see why we would have missed the invitation; we never drink cocktails, we rarely act like adults, and our usual concerns lean most definitely toward the informal.  If you're Mr. Tiny, options are decidedly limited.

Amber & Mr. Tiny
You can see that left with little time and precious few options, Mr. Tiny was forced
 down the Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous route - silk ascot and navy blazer.
Formal? Not really - unless it's for shipboard drinks on Thurston Howell's yacht.

If you're Mary, on the other hand, you will no doubt have an ideal ensemble (handcrafted by Mr. Tiny several years ago that you have NEVER worn before).  I guess it's true; what's old is new again - for the sartorially spoiled!

Mary & Amber
I like to think of this as an All About Eve moment...hahahaha!
It seemed to me that Mary's outfit was fitting of a young starlet
with aspirations.

Mary's party ensemble consists of a pencil skirt with
asymmetrical peplum and matching, lined bolero.
The vintage material for the skirt and bolero was inherited from
our centenarian neighbor; it has an ivory ground with slubs of
metallic threads.  Her blouse was purchased at the 99 Cents
Only Store - no joke!  Her matching brooch and earrings are
heirloom jewelry that belonged to our great-grandmother

While I was a little disappointed that Mary waited years to wear this outfit, I am glad that she remembered to bring it out of moth balls for the occasion (she actually got a chance to wear it again when she played a few songs in an opening set for Wanda Jackson!!!).  To be perfectly honest, even I had forgotten that I had ever made the darned thing.  The party was lovely, the host and hostess were gracious, and the guests were quite clever and extremely talented.  Now that I think about it, I am still not entirely sure that we were invited to a party of that caliber...

Now that we have begun a new year, it might seem regressive to reflect on the festivities of last year.  Nevertheless, we ask, did you crash any awesome parties?  More importantly, does a formal invitation change your attitude of dress?  However you party, we hope you did it in haute wacky tacky style!

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny