Happy Holidays 2017!

Things around here lately have been status quo, so I don't have much to blog about that's of interest.  But, in wanting to talk about something holiday-esque, an old friend came to mind.

Almost 10 years ago now - where does time go, yikes! - I made good friends with a designer who worked at the holiday decor company I used to work at.  It's kind of a long story, but basically we ended up getting to know each other during one of my many extended stay business trips to China (side bar: you know you've been at your hotel too long when the staff greets you by name ... and sends you a complementary bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries at your 5 week mark).

Anyway, since I worked in artificial trees and wreaths, my new designer friend and I didn't really do much together professionally after our trip - my product category didn't require much from a drawing and illustration standpoint.  But, thanks to many wacky jokes and 12 hour time change induced laughing fits throughout our China excursion, we have been personal friends ever since.

A few years after our China introduction, sadly my friend moved to Houston.  Well, sadly for me at least - I doubt she's missing Minnesota right about now with our sub zero temps and daily snows. 

Despite our distance, over the years we've tried to stay in touch.

Me, visiting Galveston and 

learning how to live the TX lifestyle.

Her, visiting us back home and 

remembering what a good old ski trip and fried feast looks like.

Funny visits to see each other aside, the reason of my post is ... all the recent, seasonally appropriate holiday goop circulating Facebook and other media made me think of one of the best ginger bread houses I ever (helped) make. 

So here it is, a feast for the eyes - but not so much for the belly, as we used industrial glue and several other non-eatable components as well.

In process.  Notice the dog in the second photo, lower left, which is licking up 

the mess surrounding a Mister Bill inspired decapitated head.  That may or 

may not have been made via my influence and inspiration.

Close up detail.  Yes, that is a black hawk helicopter that has crashed onto the scene.

The day after, post many beers and a hangover the finished work was offered to the gods (squirrels).  Amazingly, not a single wildlife item hazarded a bite.  Could have been that industrial glue, I suppose.

Wishing you all a happy holiday, and best of luck in 2018!