Make a Wish and The Odd Thing About Toys Past

Once there was a wind-up toy, a wooden spaceman and yoyo............

The first time these toys were ever seen was at an estate sale in 1929. They had belonged to a really old widow. They say she had lived to be 135 years old and longer than any one had ever been known to live! She had led a very lonesome life. All her family and friends were long gone.

Then in 1946 William Dennison was surprised to find the toys on the stoop of his shop one morning. They were in a box with a note that said, “Make a Wish.”

William laughed and took them in his store and looked around. He thought if he had one wish it would be that his store would be wildly successful and that he would be a very wealthy man.

And so it was. But William spent so much time at his successful business that his wife left him and so did his children. In fact, so did all of his friends! He just didn’t have time for anyone. They said that one day, William just walked away from his fortune and went off to the hills. He was never seen again.

In 1952 Mrs. Shirley Taylor had just sent her kids off to school. She dreaded going back into her home. All she did was pick-up and care for her ungrateful family. Those children never did anything for her. Her husband worked day and night to support them and was too tired to even talk to her when he got home. Everyday she would swim in this pool of misery and tears.

It was on this very day that the mailman handed her a box. Inside was the toy trio with a card that said, “Make a Wish.”

Shirley looked at the toys and thought if she had one wish - all she wanted was just to be happy.

And so it was. They found Shirley in the corner of the kitchen laughing hysterically. They said she had lost touch with the world. The had to take to her to ‘funny farm‘. As far as we know, Shirley’s still there and laughing.

Today is June 10, 2009. I found this toy trio in a basket at my front door with a card that said ‘Make a Wish.’ I closed the door and left them outside. You see, I have everything I need.

Vikki

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Remember that old saying "Be careful what you wish for. Your wishes many come true." Ever had that experience? Tell me about it.

Oh yes. I’m back in creep-out mode. This little trio of toys were actually given to me in large gift basket from one of my customers. They have their rightful place in a bookcase.

I’ve had a few people ask me how I put together my ideas. This is a photo of my setup- cardboard box with holes for a light source- toys positioned inside. (I know-not very to impressive when you see this).

And note that I changed the photographer’s mouth. I preferred a simple smile on him. He's was a little creepy on his own.

The stories just come to me. They’re the easy part and just for fun.

My painting is called ‘Toys Past’. It’s Acrylic, 12”x16” and will be priced at $225 (including S&H-USA only). Prints will be available on request.

Please visit my gallery for purchase information. And check out The Artist Challenge to view an array of works by some of the best artist online.
http://www.theredchairgallery.com/
http://www.theartistchallenge.com/

All images and stories in this blog are Copyright 2009 Vikki North. Unauthorized use or duplication -in any form-is absolutely restricted by Law.