Eccentric Ephemera

In a world that takes pride in the value of scientific thought, rational solutions to problems, and state-of-the-art digital devices there isn't much room for idleness and imagination.

Contemplating one's navel, watching grass grow, and counting how many fairies can dance on the head of a pin are not considered worthwhile ways to spend one's time.

It is not surprising that popular pastimes such as daydreaming and allowing fanciful figments of our imagination to come out and play are not encouraged. No wonder folks who don't fit into the box are finding something in common with fairies who are feeling a tad neglected themselves.

Take Wilbur Wonk, (pictured above), he is downright dejected at the thought of spending the rest of his days on planet earth without the prospect of playing mind games on helpless homo sapiens.

Thank goodness one pixelated person took pity on him depositing the loony lad on a shelf together with five freaky fairies sculpted in plaster of Paris and adorned with a classy set of cobwebs.

Image Credit: Funny fairy photo by contrariaN creativE

Image Credit: Frog wall decor - photo by contrariaN creativE

Many a princess-in-waiting has wandered about her hovel cleaning the closets, dusting the door knobs, and removing the grunge from stove to satisfy the likes of her witless and wicked not to mention surly stepsisters who spent most of the time at the Barfly Bistro and Crazy Horse Casino.

The truth of course is that at an early age, she learned how how to button her lip, sing in the shower, and count her blessings.

But, now that she was a buxum beauty and mature maven, she wondered when she might spot the man of her dreams who could sweep her off her feet (without the aid of a broom), and transport her into a well-equipped, state-of-the-art ivory tower where she could finally enjoy a day without cooking, cleaning, and currying favor with a hungry herd of old hags.

Since she had heard that princes often disguise themselves as an amphibious animal, she scratched her head for a moment and postulated that the croaking creature crawling up the outside of her wooden wigwam just might be her Frog Prince.

Let's face it, anyone who would decorate their wall with this colorful but creepy critter clearly has a passion for peculiar works of art.

Image Credit: Shoes in a tree - photo by contrariaN creativE

Some people have a peculiar sense of humor.

This crazy collection of sneakers hanging from a tree was once a tourist attraction found in the outdoor courtyard of the Superior Cafe in James Bay, Victoria, British Columbia.

This nifty neighborhood, located adjacent to the provincial legislative precinct, exemplifies the character of those who choose to live the provincial capital which is home to some of the funniest flakes, nuts, and fruitcakes on the planet.

Several years after this photo was taken, the property owners who put the place up for sale, decided to whack down the tree along with its bewildering baubles. Perhaps they were concerned that potential buyers might not offer them a premium price for this unusual plot.  

There comes a time in the barnyard of life when it's time to appreciate all things great and small.

Let's face it, cows can't jump over the moon but they can chew their cud. So, if you treat them right, they'll give you oodles of milk, cheese, and butter, and for dessert, plenty of yogurt or ice-cream.

However, some strange folk are looking for something more from these beautiful bovines. Yes, believe it not, there are wise men out there who collect and consult cowpies to tell them when to buy their next installment of profitable commodity futures options. 

Image Credit: Cowabunga - photo by contrariaN creativE

Some snooty souls can't wait to impress their dinner guests with the finest selection of fermented fruit from their private wine cellar.

There are also the Joe Blows of the world who drink nothing but mugs of malt but have a curious collection of corkscrews which they haul out to impress their bozo buddies at Friday night poker.

And then there are talented tipplers like W.C. Fields who know what really makes the world go round... "Some weasel took the cork out of my lunch", (from the 1939 film, "You Can't Cheat an Honest Man").

Image Credit: Corkscrew Character - photo by contrariaN creativE

Image Credit: Rooster Windmill - photo by contrariaN creativE

Never let it be said that there aren't a few funny farm folks who live in my neighborhood.

Now here's one ripsnorting rooster who's bound to turn some heads or put some smiles on the faces of kids and grown-ups alike.

What do you mean there's a bylaw against having wooden whatchamacallits wailing away at the crack of dawn?

Nothing says weird and wacky more than a few dazzling dolls hanging haphazardly in a tree.

It would appear that the collector of these Ken and Barbie dolls is obviously a curiously creative sort of person who is keen on making his/her hobby part of a peculiar public art display.

Frankly, a casual stroller in this Fairfield neighborhood (of Victoria, British Columbia), might even miss this surprising spectacle of more than twenty oddly clad classic dolls hidden unobtrusively beneath the lush green leaves of trees and vines found in this overgrown English country garden.

What makes this a scary spectacle is walking by the front yard in autumn or winter and finding all manner of Kens and Barbies on strings suspended in mid-air, bobbing up and down between the bare branches.

Image Credit: Dolls suspended from a tree - photo by contrariaN creativE

There say that there are plenty of fish in the sea, which is probably why some piscatorial personalities can't help chin-wagging, jaw-boning, or chewing the fat.

The amazing thing is gill sort of guys and gals have a good deal in common with folks who can't help flapping their gums in the hopes of swallowing some tasty morsels of gossip floating around.

Image Credit: Fish in a tank at Floyd's Diner in downtown Victoria, British Columbia - contrariaN creativE

Photo Credit: Pumpkin in a bird bath - photo by contrariaN creativE

Every years millions of big and little people, and some in-between folks from around the world, sit and wait patiently for the arrival of something totally awesome on October 31st.

No it's not a bird, a plane or Superman! Get a grip ... it's the Great Pumpkin.

And this year, he preferred a soft landing in a bird bath where no one was looking except maybe the field mice, the bats, and the ravens in this neighborhood.

Image Credit: Merry Mouse in the Window - photo by contrariaN creativE

Mountain casual attire is the norm at many ski resorts as this merry mouse well knows.

If you receive an invitation to attend a Snow Bunny Party, remember it's best to put on your best bib and tucker -- spandex jeans, crazy corduroys, and plaid pants, plus a tight-fitting sparkly sweater or a muscle-man t-shirt, is fine.

Oh, and don't forget to slip on some humdinger hosery to finish off your unforgettable look for this entertaining evening. Lets face it you'll never be out of place with all the other wacky winter wunderkins who may show up for this boisterous bit of fun and frolic.