Oh, The Worthless Things I Spend my Time Thinking About

Spent the day eating left over Easter candy, hoping for some last minute miracle with Persimmon, and the usual agenda. Not an exciting day, just the norm.

I haven't done the Breyerfest Planning yet which should make tomorrow... interesting. But I have put some more thought into what the Breyerfest Special Runs could be.

What if there was a draft? Oh, but where would he fit into it? I'm not sure. I don't think it's likely. But if it was, what about the Belgium? I love the Belgium mold, in all its chubby cuteness.

If there was a draft something like the Othello or Cleveland Bay would be the choice, though.

I like the Cleveland Bay, but it was recently a Special Run and shouldn't merit another this recently. That SR was Turnbridge Wells, that red roan thing with the roached mane. I'm not really into the Wells as much as I used to be. I'd like a Limerick, (another rather recent BF SR on the mold) but I don't like the Roached Mane on something that splashy. It worked really well on the regular run Trooper, in that deep seal-bay color, the only other release with the roached mane. I own Trooper and have to say he's rather lovely.

Hmm, but what about the Surprise Model? What will the mold choice be, I wonder? Something Exotic (the Marwari)? Something new and popular (The Idocus or the Weather Girl)? A Mare and Foal (unlikely, but the Gisselle and Gilen would be splendiferous)? Something Performance Friendly (Smarty Jones, Strapless, Show Jumping Warmblood)? Something paradey (the ASB or the Moody Andalusion)? I really have no clue. I'd love if it was a Hess, (Justin Morgan any one?) I'll grow up and stop wondering, but first I'll narrow down the options.

-Marwari
-Idocus
-Weather Girl
-Gisselle and Gilen
-Smarty Jones
-Strapless
-Show Jumping Warmblood
-American Saddlebred
-Moody Andalusion
-Justin Morgan

Smarty Jones and the SJW have bases which makes them a 'risky' choice. A Mare and Foal set overall feels extremely unlikely (and would cause pandemonium and a higher price tag for the Surprise Model). The Marwari is too far out there, I think. And Justin Morgan is a Chris Hess.


-Marwari
-Idocus
-Weather Girl
-Gisselle and Gilen
-Smarty Jones
-Strapless
-Show Jumping Warmblood
-American Saddlebred
-Moody Andalusion
-Justin Morgan

And then there was five. Strapless or Idocus feel like the most likely. There's already an Arabion mare in the line up. And I don't see the Moody Andalusion 'happening'. We'll see, it could be the ASB. He's a rather popular boy, and hasn't come in a wide aray of paints/pintos as of yet. A lilac roan pinto, two Chestnut pintos, and a black pinto. There's always room. 

Whatever it is, it will be pretty. But what? What will it be??? Gah, I really don't have tiem to be pulling my hair out about this.

I personally am in denial over the fact that there isn't a Hess Trakhener (with the new tail) in the line up yet. Poo. 

Not Perfect

I thought the contents of the 'Kids Easter Grab Bags' were rather inappropriate and... un-wowing.

Mine had:

Autism Benefit model
Pet Sitter set
Show Jumping Accessory kit
Stablemates Warmblood Family Painting kit
Wind Dancer (the red roan)
Horse Crazy Stablemate (green saddlebred)


Anybody buying this for a younger kid (that can read) had to introduce their kid to the very devastating disease that is Autism yesterday when the kid read the back of the box.

I like the model a lot. He's adorable, loveble, so darn cute. His name is undecided upon as of yet, but I'm thinking about it. My favorite thing about him is the Puzzle Piece star on his forehead (her forehead?). But when your promised a Traditional in each Grab Bag you end up kind of wishing it wasn't a smaller one. Whatever, though, moving on. 

I'd wanted the Autism model since he came out, but I don't think Kids Grab Bags was the place for Breyer to drop the after stock. I kind of knew he would turn up- he and Jubilation had been on sale for a long while- but was hoping that they'd drop these models else where. Maybe in the Collector Club Grab Bags that will come up for sale eventually.

I was kind of thinking that the left over Frankels that recently went on sale would be in these grab bags. I guess they will be in the Halloween ones...? I'll have to avoid getting a Frankel, just in case. I quite like that release, actually, so he'll be welcome whenever he turns up. Hopefully in the next Grab Bag. 



So the Easter Grab Bag wasn't aimed at adults... wasn't aimed at kids...

I get that it's a grab bag, but Reeves over all decides what to put in them.



I love the benefit model, but I would have out-right bought him the next time Reeves had a sale. I'm guessing part of the profit from the grab bags didn't go to Autism Benefit Charities and that bugs me.

Ok, that was awfully complainy. Anyway, the Pet Groomer paint foal is adorable. The masking could be a little crisper, but other wise.... He's merited a place on the desk,  on top of those old Walter Farley books I won at the Live Show, and next to my Custom Scheich. (The Schiech is just gorgeous: a black splash pinto with lots of pinking and blue eyes. He's painted on the rearing Stallion mold.)

I already had the Horse Crazy Stablemate but after removing the new one from the backer board it became quite apparent that she's much different than my original. The plastic is much lighter, so that the details in her face aren't so obliterated. She's a very soft green, while the former is a bit richer green. Yep, neither are going anywhere. The new girl takes up very little space on the shelf, anyway.

I already had the Wind Dancer, too, so her fate is undetermined. If I'm feeling edgy I might clip her of her wings and tail, and make her a realistic horse figure. The wings could be used elsewhere... The mohair gets old after a while... yeah, why not sculpt her a new tail and stuff? Could be interesting, next time I'm... feeling twisted...

Oh, and an update on Persimmon. It's gonna almost for sure be a no. Still super duper bummered out about that.

Also, has anybody else seen that Blue Roan Appaloosa Flash on ebay? He is sweet. I hope he'll be an actual production run, not just a sample that escaped the factory. It's not a cull, but it's dinged up pretty good. It might be the second Collector Club Special Offer (like Abdul) or the next release in the Special Run series. Crossing my fingers it's the former, which would make him easy to get and easy on the wallet.

Sweet and Sour

It looks like I might not be getting Persimmon at all. It may be good for someone on the wait list, but unfortunate for me. Something could change by Tuesday, I won't discount it. But it's looking grim.

Something less rainy-parade now.

The riding lesson yesterday was GREAT. My trainer is teaching me how to rope (on the ground), which is pretty cool.

something that's been resonating with me lately

And in the model horse world, Patriot has been revealed as an Independence Day Anniversary limited addition of 3000. I like him. Still not a priority though.

A (slightly) better picture of Patriot from the Breyer Facebook Page

I have to plan for Breyerfest now. It should be fun, but it seems more ARGH than 'Yay!'. It's so sweet and sour. I'll say a few more pointless things, first though.

I also have to begin my Model Horse Documentation for 2015, which is filing in the new models I got, including pictures of them, bios, and general information, such as mold, model, brand, and how I acquired it. Time consuming, but I'm trying hard to commit to it.

I've also (also) been thinking about what might be in the pit this year at Breyerfest. I don't have a clue how one survives the pit. I suppose I will soon learn, come July. But I wonder if they'll toss in the leftover glossy AQHA horses. If there's a full set of glossies... I may melt.

That is all for now. I have planning to do.

Happy Easter every one! 

journeys

Had my second riding lesson today. A little rough, I think, but fun. Worked on half passing, posting, trotting figure eights, technicalities.

Tonight was an 'eat a big dinner' night, I'll say.

There doesn't seem to be anything new and/or exciting going on. Sorry to bug you on this bustling Thursday night.

To compensate for 2 (2!) posts in one day, have some pictures of Journey Girl, that pretty Palouse I mentioned in passing earlier.

That lovely Flick Tail

 The reason for her name? Well she came in a box about as nightmare worthy as you could imagine. Crushed, sunk in, holes, bent, the whole thing. (Thanks so much postal service.) She went on a journey all right. Journey Girl seemed fitting, as she went across the country wrapped in just a crumple of packing paper in a box on it's last limb. Yeah girlfriend, a journey you went on. 

With Mourning Sunset

peace out.

Breyerfest

I realize that it's time I really start planning my Breyerfest Vacation. The past few months (and last year) have not been good, and I'm really looking forward to BF. I like the Special Runs so far and the Store Specials, too. But I can't focus on the finance piece right now. Just the, this is a dream of mine and it's coming true and I will have the time of my life, part.

I'll be doing the Diorama Contest and Live Showing. I'm going to try and go to the Live Auction, (not to bid! Just to watch!) and one of the horse performances. My family also wants to do all the museums. It'll be a fun trip.

I really am excited (really really excited) but there's a lot I have to do pre-fest. Save up some money, make my diorama, select Show Horses, figure out accommodations, ect. But right now... right now I can't do all that. Right now I need to focus on the hype and be happy about it. (Except the accommodations bit. Workin on that right now.) I'll stress myself out in May. April? April will just be YAY LOOK AT THAT PRETTY NEW SR. and, OOH WHAT WILL THE SURPRISE BE??? month.

Oh and I was tinkering with Furano's stock image. Enjoy.

(image copyright Reeves Int./Breyer Animal Creations.

 Reeves is not responsible for the Editing, and it was not

 pre-approved by Reeves. Edited via PicMonkey. All rights

 go to Reeves Int. Edits are free for use with photography 

credits given to Reeves Int.)

fooey

Fooey, looks like the finances aren't going to get in order as fast as I thought. Alas I will be waiting till the end of the week to order Persimmon. Not that it matters to me how fast he gets here. The shelves are plenty well stocked (I only have 2 right now) and his absence soon won't be. I have enough to keep me content for the probable 14 days till he arrives.

For instance, I unboxed my Rhapsody in Black two days ago, and am still pretty excited about her. I picked her up on Saturday, but some terrible conditions left me in no position to open something so gleeful. Besides, I wanted to grow to appreciate her before I unboxed her. I stared at her in her box for 36 hours. I got to know her and became even fonder of her. I definitely appreciated her more now. I unboxed her slowly, carefully. It probably took me 20 minutes, and I paused between opening the outer box and untying her from the back-board. Once she was free I admired her. I think I got one of the finer examples. The masking on her sock is cleaner than the other ones at the Toy Store and her only flaws are some (almost impossible to see) lines/shiny bits on her legs from the ties. Her teeny-tiny snip was a happy surprise, as I hadn't noticed it previously or in the online photos. She doesn't stand well (typical of the mold) so she's napping on my puppy-print fleece blanket quite comfortably as of now. Her eyes are very expressive and I'm choosing between some names for her.

''Mourning Sunset''

''Mourn of Resemblance''

I can't decide. Mourning Sunset was my my choice before I came up with the other one. ...See? I'm perfectly busy in the hobby world right now.

And finally, Breyer announced another Carnival Special Run. And she's a 'swooner' too..

I think she's my favorite so far. I like the S Justadream version of the mold and am glad that their using it again. The subtle barring, dapples, gloss, and shading in the mane and tail are details that make me adore her. She reminds me of the kind of model that is an Auction Model who sells for $3,500.  She's very pretty.

And *sigh* she is the 'Asia' model. Which makes sense, she was a good choice, but it makes me question some things.

1. Which model will be the Decorator?
2. Will there be an 'Antartica'?
3. Where will Weather Girl turn up, if there's already an Arab Mare in the line up?

Gah, why so many questions?!?!!!? Maybe some answer, next time..

Prewritten 2- Keeping in Check

(the 2nd and Final Pre-Prepared Post)

I was smart. For 2016 I had 2 Resolutions:

1- Finish what I start

2- Keep Focused when it comes to Breyer buying
(Breyerfest being the exception because duh.)

 ( And of course, read more, ride more, blah blah blah. )

I actually have kept moderately focused when it comes to Breyers. I made lists of OF run-of-the-mill and rarer models that I could allow myself to buy. And I've stuck to it. I bought Valegro, Cortez, Rhapsody, and the donkey. 4 of the (9?)  I put on my run-of-the-mill list.

The problem? I put no limitations on Customs and Peter Stones. That has been my downfall.

Not that I'm doing terribly, it's just that I went over board, buying 10 customs (nine being Stablemates, 4 shared with Mom) and 2 Peter Stones. It's early in the year, which means I better cut back on the spendy, right? nod, yeah, I know.

The 2 Peter Stones are lovely, one being a Previously Owned DAH Perlino Palouse with flick tale and the other being a Limited Saddlebred Chips. Sigh, are they lovely.

The non Stablemate custom is a Bouncer, not a fancy $300 this or that. 4 of the nine Stablemate customs are being shared with Mom, and the other 5 Stablemates weren't elaborately expensive at all. I just need to lean back and take a break, I think, not because I've bought too much but because I need limitations.

That is all for now. I'm sure I sound extremely spoiled, but things will balance out for me later in the year, I can bet. This is just the 'Splurging' phase of the year. There always is one. It will be gone before I know it and go back to normal. Normal being stopping at the toy store once a month to preview the selection. Normal. Nothing wrong with that.

because of course I did!

Of course  I won a Persimmon. Because of course I did! I kind of knew it was gonna happen. When I'm least prepared for these things, they happen. It's always the Web Special, that I like, think is cute, but won't cry about if I don't win one. (Dugan was.. hard.) Alas I will be getting him, because if you don't you regret these things. I'll be waiting a few days to order him, just so I can try and get the finances in order.

I will say that I laughed out loud when I saw the 'You Won!' banner on my club-home page. Yep, knew it was gonna happen. 

Oh and about what I said in paragraph one, I don't mean that I'm ungrateful to have 'won' him or that I don't really like him. I love him. It's just that the universe leaves a sour taste in my mouth when I win these things when there's no money to buy them with. I'll figure it out, though, because these opportunities don't happen everyday and we should take advantage of them, if possible or if it can be made possible.

Onto something else now.

Word of 'Patriot' a Translucent Patriotic themed American Saddlebred has been circulating. The number one complaint- the red nose:

I apologize for the tiny photo. You can see better pictures at https://www.backinthesaddle.com/itemdy00.aspx?T1=BB6163

I agree that the red nose is... weird. A white nose might have been a better choice. The production pieces might vary from the photography piece, as well.  So we will see.

As for 'what is he'? A 2016 Limited Edition. Don't tell me no one else thought it weird when, on February 1st or whatever there were no Limited Editions included in the 2016 releases. The Limited Edition Patriot clearly wasn't ready for releasing when the rest of the models were. I don't doubt that there's another Limited Edition in the pipe line. Last year we had 3 and the AQHA Treasure Hunt thing.

Another thing. The American Saddlebred has become THE MOLD for decorator limited things, evidently. Remember Mu Wen Ma is 2014? And Diamond Jubilee in 2010? I have no problems with the mold. It looks pretty on the shelf, if not a little dramatic. But it is a little over used in the Decorator Limited Edition context. Or is it? I mean, Mu Wen Ma, Diamond Jubilee, and Patriot would make a pretty trio. Just sayin'.

Actually, The ASB would make a logical choice for the North America Breyerfest Special Run. He has come in a lot of colors though and has seen a lot of attention in the past, so maybe not.

I like Patriot but he's not on my Priority List right now. First Persimmon, then that thing I've been watching on Ebay, and then Store-Purchasable models. I'm sure one will end up on my shelf eventually. Just not this month or next month or the next month. Maybe in July. He'd make for a cute 4th of July photo shoot.

Prewritten 1

I'm going to tell you about my Huckleberry Bey model.

 I bought him off ebay for a cheap price, considering he's LSQ proven. I didn't know he was proven when I bought him. He was cheap. I liked Huck. At first I regretted buying him; I'd heard the mold was tippy, and when the auction came up I really hadn't been planning on bidding. I'm glad I did. When he arrived in the mail any doubt faded to nothing. A few weeks later a parcel came in the mail. Shocked, it had his ribbons in it. A bunch of them, even a NAN Top Ten Rosette. As the story goes, the ebay seller I purchased him from had emailed my Mom that she had found 'his' (Huck's) ribbons and asked if Mom would like her to send them. Mom said yes, and surprised me with them.  It was quite a nice surprise. His legacy goes farther though, and this is the sweet part. The girl who had shown and own him previously was closely related to the seller, and had passed away. It was really hard for the seller to sell the collection, and mentioned in each listing how special they were. I am so pleased and heart warmed to have one of those very special horses. I don't know the wherebouts of the other horses from the collection, but I hope they found nice deserving homes as well. And while I don't know Huck's old show name (I still have his old leg tag though! It just said Bay Arabian Stallion on it though) I've renamed him Once in a Life Time, and he remains one of my favorites.

reruns

I have some pre-written posts to publish today since I didn't blog over the weekend. But before I publish those, let's talk Breyerfest and how dang slow they are about revealing stuff. There's a lot left to unveil, so get moving Breyer. I mean seriously, this is just an idea of what might be left to reveal:

- Live Show Grand Prize
-Live Show Reserve Prize
-Diorama Contest Prize
-Connoisseur Store Special
-Other Store Special
-North America, Austraila, and China Special Runs (Antarctica seems unlikely. We'll see.)
-The name of the Surprise Model Run
-All of the Auction Pieces
-The One Day Stablemates
-The Souvenir Shop special runs

I could go on. I won't. We all know the Auction Pieces will be released one a day starting in late June, but everything else? What's the hold up, Breyer? I'm so bored with the blog right now. There's 12 weeks till July. (sorta) You could post a little something for us. One a week would be more than acceptable.

Now on to my ideas for what all the models might be.

I think the Special Run representing China is the obvious choice for this years decorator. A Blue Cai Lun pattern on something like the Ethereal? Just sayin' it would be cool. I'd be good with just about any other mold in that color/pattern. I was rather fond of the Belgian Auction Model's glowy blue eyes and ultimate epicness. hmm hmm.

Either a Morgan or a Quarter horse seem like a good choice for North America. Zippo anybody? Maybe even Bobby Jo? Or Wyatt? Or maybe they'd make us swoon with a Native American Indian Pony, representing America on the adorable Foundation Stallion mold? We still don't have an 'Adequate' Morgan stallion, though one might be in the pipe line. (I love The Count but he seems like a weird choice for this years theme) I adore Zippo. I can't think of a color he wouldn't look good in. Just plain, crisp, lovely Sorrel would be exquisite. Either Flaxen Chestnut or just Sorrel, I'm good with either Just add some details like Ermine spots, maybe some dapples. I think he'd sell fine. I'd buy the leftovers if they didn't and save them for the future generations. just sayin.

As for Australia, gah, there's some fun to have there. A plain light Dun (like Music City) Latigo would be nice. A Brumby on the Wyatt mold might just 'be'. I'd be good with either. (Do Brumbys come in Leopard Appaloosa? Just cause Wyatt would be soooo yummy)

And if they do make an 'Antarctica' special run, the Iclalandic horse might be a good choice. It has to be Hairy for sure. No horses inhabit Antarctica, so selecting a hairy horse from a cold country makes moderate sense for the job of representing Antarctica.

I really have no idea what the Connoisseur Store Special will look like, not even a guess, and the same goes for the name of the Surprise SR and the Contest Prizes.

But the next Store Special is possibly Enzo the Miracle Blind Horse, who'm is pretty cool. How a model would be executed I'm not sure, bit it would be exceedingly neat.

And the Souvinir Shop better include a classic in feathery costume. It better.

That's all for now. Those pre-written posts will be here soon.

Almost Realistic

I recently acquired a Pony Gals Emily. I actually quite like her! She feels like a beefed up, more realistic, My Lil Pony. I can dig it. She is so close to being  realistic, it's strange.

Realistic mold? check (it has FROGS)
Realistic Paint Job? check (Blue Roan!)
Realistic Mane/Tail? nope
Realistic Eyes? check (glossed!)

It is so close, like if it had a sculpted mane and tail it would be epic. Still, she's ADORABLE and I have a soft spot for roans, so she's a win win. I really prefer more realistic models, but the right unrealistic model can make me swoon. 'Emily' kind of makes me melt, with her little opened mouth, frogs, sweet glossed eyes, well done star, and extra speckly paint job. If you don't mind a little mo-hair on your shelf, I say she's a win.

Kind of like my 1 (and only) Wind Dancer, Bella(?). She's a red roan, but she has wings and mo-hair. I'm kind of loving that Breyer's standing on the line between realistic and Fantasy. (A realistic roan paint job... on a model that is also fantasy? And it has mohair! *grabby hands*) I'll add that mo-hair/flockies are totally in right now. (Kid: I want that cool $600 model on Ebay with the hair! Parent: Hands Pony Gal- good compromise! but not for long, because they start multiplying....) Anyway, I like Emily. She's cute. I might get an Audrey some day if I find one cheapo or if I acquire it via 'Grab Bag', like Emily. Moving on.

As the sang goes, Not everyday can be perfect and it won't be. So, on an end note, please pray for my Jack Russel Maggie. <3 

The Real Deal

Happy St. Patricks Day ya'll. Yes, I'm wearing green. 'Case you were wonderin.

My American Pharaoh resin arrived in immaculate condition, packed beautifully and carefully. And Even sported tri colored eyes! YES! He's now residing in his box, in my closet, waiting for my shelves to go up so he has a safe hold. Sigh. He is a beauty.

Ok then.

I promised some Persimmon talk no? Isn't he beautiful? I love the loose mane version of the mold and the strawberry roan coloring and paints/pintos and the Newsworthy mold in general and sigh. I saw a Golden Boy at the Live Show I went to and was pretty much wowed. I wouldn't mind having a Persimmon, no not at all. But why so soon Breyer? Within a month I had to order Prim Rose, Order my American Pharaoh Resin, pre-order Abdul, enter for Dugan, buy my BF tickets (most likely very soon I will so I'm counting it) and now another Web-Special??? The funds are low right now Breyer, understand? I feel like their mulling us over with a truck. I love a new banner on the Collector Club home page as much as the next guy, but I like being able to expect it. I am so fine with going a month without having to enter for something or save up for something I most likely won't get to buy. I wasn't exactly begging for another Web Special or expecting it. That was a rant.

But the Dugan drawing was only on the 7th right? The wait list on the 11th or something?

Anyway, I kind of like Persimmon and I would really like one. But I'm not financially prepared for him and am feeling a little ponied-out right now. Yes, I'll be entering, No I won't be giving him cute lil barn names in my mind. Happier skies now maybe...

Now something I would love is if a Bouncer and Misty pair was the Big Cat Special, painted like Ocelots. swoon. I would melt.

But it won't be a pony, or pair of ponies, I don't think. Bobby Jo will be the Silver Filigree Christmas Web Special. So there are really only 2 more web specials to figure out.

And if Bouncer isn't, (most likely not) the big cat special, he will be a Web Special. I wouldn't be shocked if the Hackney showed up, either, though he isn't as favored as Bouncer is. The Cantering Welsh may come up too, or even the POA with that nice new tail. The Fell Pony or the Fjord don't seem like too strong of candidates, and neither is the Hess Highland Pony or Galiceno or the Shetland Pony. Flash, on the other hand, won't be because he was the Christmas Decorator last year. (Wow, Breyer has upped their Pony Game in the last 10 years!) Misty and Marabella probably won't be part of the Berries-Ponies series either. Now a little puzzler for you (and me):

Why is a Strawberry Roan called Persimmon?

Seems like an obvi loop hole to me. (Berry Series + Color called Strawberry Roan = THE NEWEST ADDITION IN THE BERRIES AND PONIES SERIES, STRAWBERRY, SPORTING A FITTING STRAWBERRY ROAN COAT!)

let it unfold

My life is finally unfolding. I feel amazing. I have this awesome balance all of a sudden between internet-model-horse-real-horse and it is epic! I had my first official riding lesson on Levi today and it was the best thing ever. I am so excited. It was the basics, but it was so much fun and something I definitely needed. We walked, jogged, backed up, spun (slow), bridled up, stopped and backed up, and some other things, too. The spinning was really fun. Later I walked through the cow pen (on foot) and turned cows by positioning them. They are totally predictable! I hosed off Levi, brushed his mane and tail, tied him up in his stall and blanketed him (later, when he was dry).

 Best. Day. So. much. epic. fun.


  #Road2Reining #JustTheBeginning #IAlwaysBeleived #HeIsMyHero #ThisIsReal #Levi #MyBestfriend

<3 Love you <3
~Levi

unprofeshionalism

I'll be talking a little bit about San Domingo, the Traditional mold, today.  Nothing particularly historical or enriching, just a little chat-chat about it.

The mold is on the drabber, 1970's walking horse level, like the Stock Horse Mare and 'Black Stallion' molds, not that that's a bad thing. He's just a little plain and typical. But I can get into it. A little dressing up is definitely something the mold benefits from. One of my favorites on the mold is Bright Zip:

Mmm, he's handsome with that dapply tan muzzle and Y brand. He's another model that I am terribly fond of, but that hasn't graced my collection yet. I'd also like his brother the Peter Stone Bright Zip, but we're talking Breyers, so moving on.

And now for a model that is so gorgeously glossy and delicious, Banner.

 gah, ah, *swoon* must. have. He is on the more desirable side, and grants a bit higher price tag than your average San Domingo. I'll take my time with him, is all, so maybe at Breyerfest....

There is actually a nice sized arm-full of pretty paint jobs on the San Domingo. I've only began to describe. He's not my favorite mold, but I'm not anti-Domingo, either, y'know?

Actually, one of my favorite models is Sport from Bonanza on this mold. Another nicey that resides here at my barn is the ELCR liver chestnut. I love them both dearly.

That was kind of pointless! But I am tired and felt like showing you some of my favorite San Domingos. (Fun fact: Ever since I was little I called it San Domigo) I'll talk about my actual life tomorrow. Stay tuned!


And now, just because, a fun fact.

Kathleen Moody has sculpted 25 Traditional molds.

Good bye!~

Blue Horse Day

Today was a Blue Horse day. Quite literally:

Relax, the Peter Stone's and that gorgey custom Smarty Jones are my Mom's. I'm not that crazy. We're sharing all the blue horses, too. Do I seem like one of those wackos who has to have a cheapish pony fix every now and then? Well, I am. But anyway. The Bouncer's hooves are a little bit too coral, (you can't tell in this photo) and he 's rather obviously an etchie. Still, I adore him quite a bit too much. (don't ask. None of my models will EVER be for sale) And as for the stablemates... *swoon*. A Wedgewood pinto, a blue-grey marbled, a metallic navy cloud horse, and a powdered blue Parade horse??? Yessss, they are gorgey. And yes they all came from the same ebay seller. It's the best when you get a big ole' postal box of blue horses, know what I'm talkin about? I reorganized the armoire a bit so that Valegro and the Live Show material would fit, so now everyone's lookin just right, too, and I'm happy about it.

 And now for your pleasure, a little idea of how small those micro-micro horses are. So small, my camera won't focus on them. They are smaller than the mini whinnies, if not by just a little bit.

My camera flash wasn't working for a moment, either. But sometimes a mistake kind of photo can be really interesting. Take a really close look at the black photo above. See them?

And also, a picture of a puppy, my favorite poodle, Darby, shaking after a roll in the grass.

Everything is well. As for Persimmon... next time, friends, next time..

That Kind of Day

Even the best of days can be ruined after the fact. That is what I'll say of yesterday, the day of my first live show.

I went to bed late the night before, after finishing packing my kit and finishing up my documentation. I got up early, (5:00 AM) and got to the show right on time, 7:20. It was about how I'd imagined it. I had a table in the back and I unpacked quickly, then talked to one of the other shower's who was incredibly nice. Next I wandered around the Show Hall, admiring others' things. I watched a Performance Class Enterer do all the buckles on her beautiful miniature harness, and looked dreamily at the Peter Stone OOAKs. Then I watched the classes, and even picked some of the winners. (I wasn't a judge, I just looked at the class and picked who I thought would/should win) My classes came and went. All three of my models placed, but I'll get to that later. I talked to another one of the other showers who was also nice, as was everyone, I thought. There was a Raffle and I won two old Walter Farley books, which was awesome. And the Show Host gave me 2 micro-micro horses (half the size as mini whinnies, body quality) which made me so happy you have no idea. Everyone at the show was so warm and happy, if not tediously and hopelessly passionate about model horses. The Performance Entries we're fun to look at (they were amazing!) and all the Stone Weanlings we're so to die for. My only regrets are that I didn't say good bye to the shower next to my table, and that I didn't look at the for sale stuff.

                                                                              My table

 While I was packing up my models, the show host introduced us to a worker at Breyer, who was very interesting. He designed a lot of models, including Twilight Terror. The epic thing is that his personal Twilight Terror was in his closet looking for a good home. So he's mailing it to me. How cool is that????? I feel very lucky, overall, and had a very good time. A tack maker at the show gave me a show halter, and one of the other showers gave me the classic she won in the raffle because she doesn't collect classic. I know, I know, I am so super and extremely lucky it's weird.

My models did well over all. They all placed, like I said. My Le Fire custom had a mix up in the classes, so he got last in his class, which was 5th so he still got a paper ribbon. I feel bad for him, though at least I wont make the same mistake next time. My Lady Phase custom got 5th out of a class of nine, so I'm proud of her. I am also really very proud of my Stablemate Valegro, who got 4th in a class of 17, and was the only mini in the class. I didn't get into the call backs, so we left after my classes were over, even though I might have liked to stay. The day proceeded boringly, though at Tractor Supply I got a Scheich Zebra Filly on clearance. ($2? Sold!) I talked about the show a lot afterwards, which I regret slightly. But I am looking forward to the next show, which will be at my favorite toy store, except that it isn't for, ahem, 6 months. All the showers at my show were kind, welcoming, and happy to have me, which I really appreciated. They talked to me, congratulated me, I even spotted some admiring my little Valegro! (Yes I know I promised I wouldn't show my Valegro. Sorry......!) I was going to bring two other models, my Peter Stone Pebbles and my Breyer Wallstreet, but I decided to take it slow.

Valley in his big Warmblood Class!

Yes I had one of the best times of my life, with the crowd that I really do fit in with. Alas, the raining of the parade happened this morning, and it's something I'd rather not elaborate on, except that I've been cold towards the show since. It's not that I didn't have an amazing time, but that I don't always think my family wants me to fit into that crowd. Moving on, now...

All will be well

'Night before the Live Show. I've been thinking about it for a long time, it's tough to believe it's here. I'm getting up at 5:30, to tie up the loose ends. I'm excited, jittery, thrilled, and nervous. (WHAT IF THEY DON'T LET ME IN?!?!?!!?!?) All my ref. photos and index cards turned out nice, and I'm only taking 3 models: not the one's I was planning on either. They're all snug in a blanket, inside a box, ready to go. I don't know how things will go tomorrow, except that all will be well at the end of it. (except if they don't let me and my family in. which would be BAD!) Things won't go perfect tomorrow because this is my first time. I've never viewed one before, and I don't completely know what to expect. I have my extra index cards, my camera, my class lists and show information, my dust cloth, and some photos in my purse, ready to go. I'm excited, truly I am, just really unsure at the same time. This is the dress rehearsal for the next few years to follow. Fingers crossed that all truly is well at the end of it. ~Levi

Warm Up

Hello worst night ever. Why'd you show up, huh?

Oh c'mon, what's one more scar? Seriously, words are like rocks. Always being thrown at me. Maybe you can throw chocolate at me next time, Universe, k? Thanks Taylor Swift, for this lyrical token:

Ok then. Any way, the Forever Saige Breyerfest Special has been revealed, and it's a seal bay:

She's definitely more appealing than the original Forever Saige, but gah, she is such a weird mold. The conformation and everything is just weird. Depending on how she looks in person, I may or may not get one. The paint job is very pretty, and it could just be the strange angles that make her look so weird. I'll see. All I'll say is that the mold is not my favorite yet: but I'll try and warm up to it in the future. 

The Difference Between Reality and being Realistic

Yep, gonna talk about P. Stones today. That is, of course, Peter Stones.

If model horses were Kleenex, Peter Stones would be scented. And in a pretty box.

Not everybody likes scented Kleenex. They don't like having something that fancy and expensive to worry about owning and taking care of. It seems like an unnecessary bonus, and that non-scented Kleenex is just fine.

But some times the pretty package (a synonym for paint job in this strange scenario)  is such a nice luxury that you indulge into the extra cost of the scented kleenex.

Not to say that the non-scented Kleenex have ugly packaging. But it's a little plain and simple, just blue or pink. They don't have geometric patterns and flowers on them.

Breyer's aren't- usually- scented. Peter Stones (the ones bought straight from their website, at least) always are. (to some extent) 

A pretty horsey from the internet to keep you entertained whilst I ramble on

Being purely realistic, I can't have every Peter Stone that catches my eye and makes me drool a little- because there's 7 billion of em. But the reality is that, like everyone else, I want to have all of them. For instance, this week I drooled over DAH ideas mingling with each other in my brain. However, I had the hope of Dugan, so I reserved my moolah for him. Alas, the Dugan email never came. So now I have permission to drool some more over Peter Stones, because Dugan won't be drooling on my shelves. Ha.

No it's not a good thing to be so obsessed with such expensive possessions. But it's the reality. Being realistic, it's not a good idea to invest so much emotionally into ebay auctions and the likes. But it's the reality of this hobby. The heart wants what the heart wants, after all. And if it's scented, we deal with it.


Now onto happier skies.

Here's the pictures of that P. Stone body I got on Ebay. The reality is he needs work. But he was also super cheap. I think it's a more than reasonable compromise.

The low down: He needs a new mane and tail, his horn needs to be reattached to his forehead, and some touch up on the paintjob. One of his back legs is warped inwards, so he doesn't stand very well, but I'm going to try and fix that with a hair dryer when I have time. I kind of adore is current paint job, with the lavender and green highlights and the blue-green base, but there's some touch up to happen on the hooves ect. Yes I am happy to have him, despite his current state of condition.

Maybe I won't ramble so much next time. 'Till then, Adios!

Let it burn while i cry

I was feeling really anxious about the Dugan drawing this afternoon, but I felt like my chances we're pretty good. I felt like I might actually win him, and avoided buying anything else all week (I'm not rich or anything but I have a little bit of in come and a mom who shares my love of breyers). Alas it is well past five in New Jersey and I've received no email. If there were, say, 800 entries, and a 40 piece run, and there are 400 (if there's 800 entries there still might only be 400 enterers) people who entered, then no matter what there are not enough Dugan's to go around. But still, I felt like a co-creater of him. Now I just feel dejected. Whatever. The odds of me actually getting one on the after market are incredibly slim. A few people may have bought him to flip him, but prices will probably inflate to the $500s. *sigh* Just another rock in the cellar...

I was already looking forward to his arrival, by the way.

Whatever.

Water under the bridge.

I'll stop whining now....

                                               ~ ~ ~


The next Breyerfest Special Run is rather obviously Forever Saige.

                           For comparison (and doubters) the Forever Saige.

                          And, even better, the original clay sculpture:

 

See? Mane Ripples! It appears she'll be Jet Black (right along with Breyer's 2016 Regular Run theme!) but possibly a very dark seal bay- we'll see. Breyer dropped the word Wild Horses, which also makes her an obvious choice per the sneak peak. I'm not the most thrilled by her appearance though, because it means we will probably not be getting a Bobby Jo this year at BF. Besides, the mold is rough and strange to me; although the clay sculpture looks considerably better than thee 'Forever Saige', so her roughness could just be a side effect of a strange paint job. The black might show case the mold better, so as for my decision about her? It will wait until I see one in person at Breyerfest. In the mean time, I'll say that the sculptor's sketches are considerably more intense (and/or better, which I think they are, but a lot of people don't) than the sculpture derived from them:

*swoon* I'll give it to Kristina, she's an amazing sketch artist. Can I hang this on my wall, Plz?

Another Afternoon

Just a calm afternoon at home with Mom, doing paperwork and making dinner. Nothing very exciting to talk about really, which seems.... sad. I often wish I was as aged in the hobby, knew as many cool/fascinating things, or had the resources that others do. I don't even have any cool stories to tell. I feel like such a newby. It's unsettling, to an extent, and bothersome. I've been trying to branch out in the hobby, but it's a hard thing. I suppose, if I have nothing else, that I'll still have my photography.

Something more exciting (probably) next time!

The Coolest Plastic Dog in the World

Guh. Just got done having one of those days where everyone just keeps throwin rocks. Whatever....

An exciting coincidence took place this morning, before I got hit with the first stone humanity threw at me. That was Dugan:

Gah, ah, droool. Isn't he the most fantastical piece of plastic ever? The coincidence is that I almost bought a Basset Hand body on Ebay a few days ago to change into almost exactly that. This was my reference photo:

Custom-IdeaJPG

I couldn't decide between gloss or matte. Gloss is yummy, though. The general opinion on the Collector Club Forums is good. Funny how the community goes from saying,

"Breyer just needs to officially retire some of those old molds. Especially the dogs and the pacer, I am SO done with him. Foiled Again is yucky"
 to
"Ooh, Dugan's really cute! Totes entering!"

 Perhaps I exaggerated that a bit, whatever. Anyway, I am disappointed that it's a micro-run lottery, greatly lowering my chances of winning one, which are already super low. But I'll forgive Reeves since Dugan was obviously whipped up from old bodies. Or at least it seems obvious. But I am totally for retro non-Companion Traditional Dog and Kitten regular runs in the future, so I should hope they got the mold cleaned up and ready for production. The $160 price tag is a little steep, too, but you get what you pay for: An awesome, 40 piece glossy Blood Hound. At least the CCC (Collector Club Community)'s positive response to him will let Reeves know that in this new day of flirty stallion molds and decent dapples, we all can still appreciate a little flash from the past. Just freshened up, and a bit awesomener than all you thought Mr. Basset Hound could be. *swoons* He is dreamy, and totally smile worthy. In fact, looking at his picture  has helped fix this rather drear evening. As much as a plastic dog can, anyway~