Sunday, May 20, 2012

Whirlygigs and Stone Mountain Park

Saturday morning was my weekly woodworkers meeting/demo.  The title of this demo was Whirlygigs.  What the heck is that?  I had no clue, but I knew there was some animation involved.  Boy was I surprised when I got there.  The guy who makes them started about 5 years ago.  He is currently in his mid 70s.  From what I gathered most of what he has done has just been a creative thought that he continues to expand on.  All of the items you see in his displays are carved out of wood.  

This is the first one he did and it's called "Boring Sermon".  It is powered by wind.  When the propeller moves, the preacher's arm goes up and down.

Here is a close up of the sleeping church goers.

This one is also wind powered and the painter's arm goes up and down as though he is painting the church.

This is Santa taking a bath before his big trip.  Again everything is carved from wood.  The little round rug was created using  sawdust and glue.  Then he just painted it with acrylics.  Any time he wants texture, he uses leftover sawdust.  Love it!  Did you see Santa's 'mom' tattoo?

This one has a small power supply.  Santa scrubs his back, soaps his beard, and the duck and ball both move when turned on.

This is a four piece band.  He carved the figures and all the instruments.  Powered with a power supply, all four of the band members move as though they are playing their instruments.  It's pretty amazing to watch when he turns on the music.

A close up of one of the figures.  The blurriness in his arm let's you know that he is in motion right now.

This is  a choir that sings "Joy to the World".  The pianist's arm moves up and down on the piano.  The conductor's arm moves up and down.  the guitarist strums his guitar.

This is a shot of the mechanics underneath that makes the movement possible.  It was a great demonstration.  The creator had no formal training in any of this.  As he puts it, he isn't an engineer or anything, he just thought it all through.  When he gets stuck on how to make something work, he just sleeps on it and waits for the answer.  

 After leaving woodworking, I stopped by the post office then decided to go to Stone Mountain Park.  This park is 5 minutes from my house and other than going there last weekend, when my brother visited, I hadn't been there in over 6 years.  PITIFUL!  I hate when I take for granted the beauty that is right in my backyard.  I vowed to go there at least once every couple of weeks.  Yesterday I was only there for about 30 mins or so, but it was so rejuvenating.

This park is huge.  I won't go into all that is here.  Yesterday I just wanted to be near some water.


The water is pretty clear.

I drove to another section to see more water.


These are pictures from last weekend.  This is the actual mountain.  I've walked up before.  It's a little over a mile to get to the top.  It's a 5 mile hike around the base of the mountain.  There are lots of people walking, biking, and running every day.  It's hard to go there without feeling the need to exercise.

My sister-in-law is taking a picture of the cable cars that will take you to the top.  On a clear day you can see about 45 miles away once you get to the top.

I'm looking a little beat up here.  Too lazy to do much to my hair.  I am trying to take pictures of me while I still look healthy.

Are there places nearby that you keep forgetting to visit?  There is another blog post going up in a little while with a doll photostory.  Don't forget to check back.



22 comments:

  1. WOW, his work is amazing - and so much detail too!
    The park looks lovely. I love being outdoors, and I enjoy taking my dolls and photographing them out in nature. It really is rejuvenating! :)

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    1. In A Dolly's World - I was impressed listening to how he did everything. He said he carves with a dremel. You're outdoor shots are always beautiful and inspiring. I plan to take some pictures of the dolls at the park in the near future.

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  2. This looks like a fun class! All the project looks so cool. I love the detail of the work. That is a great shot of the mountain. You could use that as a backdrop! Your blessing are chasing you, while you are chasing GOD, you look great!

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    1. Brini - My problem with the woodworking is I want to do everything I see. Not enough time with everything else. Everyone is always willing to do one-on-one instruction with you. I plan to take dolls to the park and take pictures of them there. I think Halle and Diego will be the first couple to go. I have to say God continues to bless me every day. He has brought me a long way.

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  3. Such great works. Looks like it would be very relaxing.

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    1. Muff - When he said he carves with a dremel, you of course came to mind.

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  4. Hi Vanessa, I haven't been to the mountain in years. I climbed it only once years ago and boy was I glad when I reached the top! Lol! It is great exercise.

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    1. Georgia Girl - I wasn't expecting all those rocks and boulders when I climbed up. I don't know why. It is a mountain. It was beautiful up top. I hope to walk it again real soon. You are welcome to join me.

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  5. You're in my neck of the woods. I grew up close to Stone Mountain. When I was a teen, you could hear the Klan rallies on the mountain. Hard to believe it wasn't so long ago. It was a beautiful day when I saw a Klan family move out and a black family move into the house!

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    1. Vita Plastica - I enjoy living here now, but I am glad I grew up in the North.

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  6. OMG, that man's work is simply amazing! And your pics are wonderful, but I think I'm starting to go nuts, I can see a kind of face carved on the mountain...

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    1. Rossetti - LOL! You are not going nuts. There are faces carved into the mountain. They are Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis. Ironically enough, in Virginia I went to Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis elementary schools.

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  7. Hello from Spain: congratulations for this great work. You have great talent. I also really like your photos with both sun and mountains so beautiful. Vines in a beautiful place. Keep in touch.

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    1. Marta - This is actually the work of one of the guys in the woodworking group I belong to. He was sharing it with the group. I really am trying to enjoy the outdoors more.

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  8. The whirlywigs are amazing! I'd love to see them in motion.

    Stone Mountain is beautiful.

    dbg

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    1. DBG - The whirlygigs were so impressive to see. I had to keep telling myself "no, you can't take on any more projects".

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  9. hi its amelia here btw love your storys and i believe you look great aqnd very healthy i may add

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    1. Hello Amelia. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Glad you are enjoying the stories.

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  10. Hi Vanessa. I love the whirlygigs and your photos of stone mtn. I drive past it every day and had forgotten how beautiful the park is. Thanks for the reminder. It's amazing how getting into a daily routine can make you blind to the simple things that can bring you so much peace. I've been thinking about places I could go for an inexpensive weekend trip, and there's stone mtn waiting to be enjoyed in my own backyard.....smh. :)

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    1. veda - I was surprised at how much time had passed since I was there. I keep telling myself that I am going to take a vacation here in Atlanta and surrounding areas. There is a lot I haven't seen here. The CNN center has been on my list for ages and I STILL haven't gone to do the tour. I've never been on the inside of the High Museum or the zoo. I have gone to the Aguarium a couple of times, but I hear they now have whales or sharks. Something. I know I need to go back. We miss out on so much by sticking to our daily routines.

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  11. Wonderful photos! I had the pleasure to visit Stone Mountain two years ago and it's beautiful! My cousin lives in the area, and when I retire, This is gonna be my spot! You look great.. May God continue to bless you.. Hugs

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  12. Chynadoll - So wonderful that you got to visit Stone Mountain. It's a wonderful place just to relax. Next time you are in the area, let me know. God continues to bless me every day!

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