ART IN THE PARK--WATERCOLOR, FLORIDA

 To my dismay, I only get to do a show at the beautifully appointed WATERCOLOR Community once a year.

 The third Saturday in March is always circled far in advance of this event. Although not really "Florida Weather" just yet, it is a far cry from the chilly conditions in the Metro Atlanta region.

 The ladies of MONARK EVENTS  have everything planned out and in place when we show up. At this show I do not even have to worry with a tent, table, or chair! They have all that already in place with plenty of extra room in the bargain.

 As I have gotten older, I have cut back on the number of out of town trips that I make for show. But, if I could do a show at Watercolor once a month, I would be there, and probably the first one in line! It is just that good.

 The customers that I have met there are unlike most other shows. These people know that they can afford my pieces and do not play games like those who just wished they could.

 It is either buy or not buy, and either way, they are very complimentary and I have been thanked often for coming to them and giving them a chance to buy unusual items without them having to travel to look.

It takes a little getting used to; having people thanking you for taking their money, but I have managed to take care of it. Google: WATERCOLOR, FL. for a truly relaxing vacation spot. It may be a little pricy, but you will get what you pay for--you can thank me later.

SEASIDE COMMUNITY YARD SALE!

SEASIDE is a coastal community along County Road 30-A in Walton County, Florida. It is probably midway between Destin and PCB.

Twice a year they hold what is referred to as a "yard sale", but let me tell you, it is like no other you have ever seen.

The SALE only last from 8am until 1pm. That's right, just 5 hours to do your business. And what a business I do.

The pictures of the crowds that you see here are constant from before the 8am start until I have to ASK customers to stop buying. If you don't stop at the cut off time, you will not be allowed back to the next sale.

If you like making money, then going to some really good restaurants as a reward for your hard work, this is the place.

Send me a message sometimes if you would like to know about this exciting place in the sun, sand, and surf!
larrycook351@yahoo.com

CUSTOM BUILT WOODEN ICE CHEST!

Pool Season is just around the corner! Don't let your guests get their drinks out of a ho-hum plastic cooler. Contact me!

larrycook351@yahoo.com

TAILGATE SEATS ARE BIG FOR US!

These are some of the pieces that Janet painted in last year, with more to come this year.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA!

I am headed to Tallahassee for the annual MARKET DAYS at the Fairgrounds. Since the show is only 3 blocks from FSU, you get a lot of customers looking for college related items.

So why not put something on the jeans I will be wearing to catch the attention of the passers-by.

LAWN CHAIRS AND MILK CANS!

LSU was paid the tribute that they earned this year, by Janet painting the resemblance on a vintage lawn chair and an antique dairy milk can(which when an antique tractor seat-in yellow- is added makes a great tailgate seat). 
When the rest of the chair is assembled, it is truly unique. Then metal frame is yellow in contrast to the purple.
Although these photos do not show the true colors, you can bet that they are.

T-REX DINOSAUR-YARD ART

As many of loyal followers know (those that are on parole and have access to a computer), I deal in yard art. Nothing is too big or too small, too incorrect, jaw-dropping, or just down right fun
.
Well this T-Rex is just such an example. He(or she) is 9 ft, high and 9 ft. long, just the right size to catch the attention of passing motorists and that piss-ant president of the home-owners association. Depending on where you live, I am sure that "T" violates at least half a dozen zoning codes and probably some state laws as well, all the things that make him(her) a must have for your home.

I have used this THUNDER LIZARD to draw crowds at the festivals that I do from all over the South. I can not count the number of times that I have turned down fair offers for him; I was having too much fun to part with him.

Alas, we have come to the end of an era. I have moved to a new home and there is just no place for him. It is not because of the neighbors or anything like that, the property just is not suited for him to sit level and be the menacing creature that he should be.

I would love to find a good home for the dinosaur. That does not mean I want to give him away, but rather, I have decided to sell the fella for what I gave for him. If you would like to own something that would draw attention to your business, be a great tax deduction, a local landmark, most assuredly increase your traffic flow, then give me a call.

I you know anything about me at all it is DON'T WASTE MY TIME! If you are just curious as to how much it cost, save your phone call, I will only give information to serious inquiries.

larrycook351@yahoo.com
706-302-8902

FESTIVAL ON PONCE!

July is not a good time to hold an outdoor festival for the obvious reasons---it is as hot as HELL in mid-town Atlanta! Still, when your friends at AFFPS promote a show, if you are smart, you will attend. Given the fact that Atlanta and the surrounding area have some well established events during "festival season", finding an open date can be a challenge I suppose.

July 23rd and 24th were no exception to the "Hot as Hell" rule. I will admit that I tried several times to talk myself out of signing up for THE FESTIVAL ON PONCE. This was one of many times that I was glad that I did not listen to myself whine about the heat, the unload and load out, etc., etc.

Patrick, Randall, and their staff take very good care of the vendors. They are there to help you put up your tent, provide life-giving coffee and donuts in the mornings and all through the day, the girls are bringing water and snacks to the vendors. They also will provide someone to watch your booth when you need a restroom break. Thanks guys!

As always, I was glad that I attended. I met new friends, received leads to new festivals, and most importantly, I made some money.

The above photo is Robin kissing her new 5ft. Rooster that she bought from me, just minutes before we closed Sunday evening.

If you would like your own Rooster, or any one of several other critters that I carry, please e-mail or phone me.

Remember: Just throw your head back and CROW!

Larry-the glider guy
706-302-8902
larrycook351@yahoo.com

PETALS FROM THE PAST-AS FUN AND QUAINT AS IT SOUNDS!

The name of the nursery and the festival are the same-PETALS FROM THE PAST. Located along I-65, just south of Birmingham, Al., this place has a large following and is well received in a broad area. I was just a little surprised at the large crowd that the event drew, but it is an annual event in these parts, so it was expected by the repeat vendors.
I had a steady flow of customers on both days and with the good weather we had, it turned out to a fun event for me.
Granted, dollar-wise, it was not the best of shows, but there are things more important than money. I had not had a chance to see "ALABAMA"(Terry Gilpin) since Janice had past away,and he is a very good friend and wanted to share some memories of her with me.
"BOTTLE TREE BOB", "COWBOY", and several other vendors that do the circuit were in attendance to share stories and have a few good laughs.
Making money pays the bills, but having good friends and good times is the true measure of the quality of life. With that as my gauge, then I am truly wealthy!

EUFAULA ALABAMA IN THE SPRING!!! MAN-O-MAN THE PLACE TO BE!

WITH SARGENT SANDERS (THERE IS ONLY ONE COLONEL SANDERS) PROUDLY STANDING GUARD DUTY, THE DAY BEGAN AT THE 2010 GARDEN TREASURES SECTION OF THE EUFAULA PILGRIMAGE. THE WEATHER WAS BEAUTIFUL, THE CROWDS WERE LARGE AND THE ATMOSPHERE WAS AS IT ALWAYS IS IN THIS VERY SOUTHERN CITY; IT WAS DRIPPING WITH SOUTHERN CHARM AND HOSPITALITY.
THE RECEPTION THAT YOU RECEIVE IN THIS ANTEBELLUM COMMUNITY IS NOT JUST FOR SHOW, YOU WILL GET A HEAPING DOSE EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU VISIT THE CITY OF BEAUTIFUL (FOR THE LACK ON MY PART OF MORE DESCRIPTIVE WORDS) SOUTHERN HOMES AND MANSIONS. THESE PEOPLE ARE EAGER FOR YOU TO TOUR, ASK QUESTIONS, AND TO JUST SIT A SPELL ON THE FRONT PORCH.
IT IS ALWAYS GREAT TO HAVE FRIENDS ALONG WHEN YOU DO A SHOW. DON AND SUSANNE AND I FOUND A GREAT PLACE FOR A SEAFOOD BUFFET, JUST ACROSS THE LAKE IN GEORGETOWN. IF INTERESTED, CALL OR E-MAIL.
TRUE TO THE GARDEN THEME, WE HAD TONS OF SPRING PLANTS AND FLOWERS. THIS IS PROBABLY THE ONLY TIME THIS POOR GUY HAD A CHANCE TO SIT DOWN. HE HAD TO GO BACK HOME ON SATURDAY NIGHT TO GET MORE AND STILL SOLD OUT ON SUNDAY!
PAUL, ON THE LEFT, AND VAN, ON THE RIGHT, BETTER KNOWN AS MEN OF IRON, MAKE ALL THE IRON WORK SEEN IN THE PHOTO. THEY ARE GREAT GUYS, TALENTED ARTISTS, AND I AM PROUD TO CALL THEM MY FRIENDS.

larrycook351@gmail.com
706-302-8902

THE HORSERADISH GRILL!--KEEP IT OUR LITTLE SECRET!

This was the kick-off of the CHASTAIN GREEN MARKET in the parking lot of the HORSERADISH GRILL and was it ever good! My good friend, Don(Dog Bowl)Puckett, seen here had to split his inventory and be at the wonderful midtown market at Virginia/Highlands Market as well as the CHASTAIN GREEN MARKET--not an easy feat to be sure.
I, on the other hand, brought the whole freak show with me. Patrick and Randall said to "WOW" the visitors, so I gave it my best shot. I must say that we all were well received by the neighborhood. Randall said many times that they wanted us here and was he ever "on the money". They came out early and in large numbers. They were friendly and excited to know that we would be back every Saturday with new and different things. With the large pool of vendors in the area, it is sure to be a unique mix each time.
Our host, THE HORSERADISH GRILL, in addition to giving the neighborhood a different kind of shopping experience, wanted a strong influence of a GREEN market. He wants to be able to walk into the parking lot and purchase fresh, local produce and serve it to his customers that evening. WOW! The folks in that area are lucky to have a chef/owner with that vision and desire to please his customers. AS the growing season comes into its own, look for this parking lot to be almost overflowing with some of the finest examples of "home grown" to be found anywhere. I will be doing my part to spread the word to my gardening friends that there is a ready market in the Chastain Park area. If any of my readers garden or know someone who does, then contact Patrick or Randall at "info@affps.com" and they will give you all the news.
And last but not least, this is also to help raise funds for the new DOG PARK at Chastain Park, so let's all do our part to help out. You can never have too many good dogs! I don't live in the Buckhead area, but I always want to help a good neighborhood maintain its quality of life. "WHAT GOES AROUND-COMES AROUND"!

706-302-8902
larrycook351@gmail.com

WATERCOLOR, FL.--A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN ON EARTH1

An the angel in charge of Watercolor Heaven is Hillary(Fosdyck), co-owner of MONARK EVENTS. If you are in need of a FIRST class, over the top event of any description, just Google the company name and you are on your way. I did not include a photo of your hostess because mama says you can't have dessert first. Now-back to me! The Butterfly chairs above were a big hit this year at Art in the Park. I always try to bring Hillary something new and funky for the spring kick-off show on 30-A.
Sorry for not taking enough photos to show the full scope of artists and vendors. I was pre-occupied with the newest member of my sales team--see following photos. The park however was full to overflowing with some of the finest artists to exhibit along 30-A. Many commented that it took a few hours to see everything that MONARK EVENTS had provided.
This bad boy is a new cast aluminum gargoyle that I treated to look like aged bronze with a beautiful green patina. This was my first try at the process and I am proud of it. It won't hurt my feelings at all if LEON does not sell; he can sit on the eve of my house anytime.
Well, this herd of turtles didn't last long at the show. Most were sold and sacked by noon. I knew I should have taken more; my Minnesota customers are wild for turtles and buy all that I bring. The kids naturally know to step on each and every one of them, usually counting as they go. I have fun with adults telling them to step and count while trying not to laugh. I haven't had a "grown-up" yet that could keep a straight face.

Saving the best for last--the youngest son of the youngest son of the youngest son. Confusing I know, but this is my blog so deal with it. The heart breaking three year old is Alex, soon to be the 3rd generation of Glider Guy dynasty. He is shielding his face because as you all know ladies, too much eye candy at one time can be bad for you.

706-302-8902
larrycook351@gmail.com

THE FOUR SEASONS PRESENTED TO YOU IN CAST IRON--WOW!

These four ladies, representing the 4 seasons of the year are taken from the original Greek statutes. They are beautiful and cast in my favorite metal--cast iron. Although each one stands just under 5feet tall, they still weigh in at over 400 lbs. each.

The beauty of the condition that they are in now is that there are so many options. Of course you can leave them in their natural state, which in my mind, rust is natural beauty that can not be duplicated.

You can paint an antique white, which from the curb will give the appearance of marble. If displayed from a "drive-by" setting, this could be quite interesting.

The most intense and time consuming is to base coat with, say, flat black. Then an over coat of gold or bronze with a verdigris sponged on will give the look of 4 of the most beautiful bronzes you are likely to see this side of Europe.

They are offered as seen in the photo. Deliver can be arranged. $5500 for the set of 4 is a bargain that I don't often present, but I must admit that I bought them on a whim. I turned around and saw them and just had to buy them. I have not doubt that others will love them as much or more than I. The only possible question would be weight and delivery, a problem that can be solved.

And on the question of mass and logistics, that is part of what makes these beautiful and enchanting ladies so desirable. If anybody could drive down and haul them away in the family SUV, even at the price, well, there would be at least 3 sets in every up-scale neighborhood.

Put them in your secluded garden for tranquil contemplation, or display to be seen from the street to become a local landmark, either way, you know you want them. Remember--I only have the one set!

706-302-8902
larrycook351@gmail.com

GULF PLACE--SANTA ROSA, BEACH, FL. OUR FIRST YARDSALE THERE!

MAN! Does it ever get cold in paradise! This past week-end I headed down to GULF PLACE at Santa Rosa Beach, Fl. Well I'm here to tell you that the phrase, "SUNNY FLORIDA", just wasn't hittin' it that day. It was cold, rainy, and very windy. Everybody including myself had their hands as far down in their pockets to keep warm. I didn't even take any pictures, as I did not want to risk frostbite. "If they don't touch it, they won't buy it", is the standard mantra in this industry.

O.K.--O.K., I'M OVER IT!

Now that I have gotten all that p...... and moaning out of my system, let me give you the good news. First, Gulf Place is a beautiful venue to hold any type event in Santa
Rosa Beach. The developers took great care to give the locals an outlet for anything that can be conceived.
Second, I have done two other shows in the exact same space that I was in Saturday, and I made lots of money.
Third, Santa Rosa Beach, like every other development on 30-A, spares no expense in finding good people to run their shows.

The only uncontrollable variable was, of course, the weather, and anybody in the "business" knows that you have to take it like it comes.

With all the positive things going for it, another event at Gulf Place is sure to be profitable for me. I am waiting to hear what the next thing will be and if I can fit it into my already busy schedule this season.

Stay tuned for an update!

706-302-8902
larrycook351@gmail.com

RUN FOR YOUR LIVES--LARRY THE LIZARD IS ON THE LOOSE!

If you thought that ARNOLD-THE PIG was big, wait until you see LARRY-THE LIZARD at the upcoming festivals! Towering NINE feet over the landscape, this monster commands and demands attention. Check out my festival schedule in the left hand column "WHERE THE HECK IS WALDO" to find out where I will be in your neighborhood or call or e-mail if you don't see anything near-by. This is the first of many "over-the-top" items that will be available this season for my customers. Come by to browse, shop, buy, or just chat. If it's weird or off-beat, who knows, maybe I can find it for you.
706-302-8902
larrycook351@gmail.com

AND SOMETIMES YOU HIT A SOUR NOTE........

I had no sooner bragged on how good Clay was at this festival business when it all went to hell in a handbasket. I will say though, he was in an uphill battle with that crowd in LIVE OAK, FLORIDA. Why that bunch would have had Arnold for dinner if they could have figured out how to build a fire.

Any time the people in your booth are wearing "camo" head-to-toe, huntin' boots, a REDMAN CHEWING TOBACCO hat, and juice running out both corners of their mouth--AND THIS IS JUST THE WOMEN--then folks, you are in redneck territory, and I mean deeeeep! The above "Queen" of the festival is exhibit "A". I rest my case.

The poor boy almost froze to death and it was wet too! Still he came home and asked when the next show was and could he do it for me. Just like a TIMEX, "he takes a licking and keeps on ticking". If the weather will co-operate, I will send him to one of my favorite spots, Virginia/Highlands, this coming Saturday to see if his luck changes. At least he won't be 350 miles away from home if he strikes out.

On another note, Arnold keeps having nightmares about this ordeal and I am afraid that I am going to have to send him to counseling. I have been checking around. The hold up is not that he can not get an appointment, seems no one has a couch in his size!