posted May 29, 2009 12:45 PM
Many months ago I challenged Jay to some kind of contest in Pontiac. He accepted with much bravado and all the usual noise. These 'battles' are best 'fought' that way it seems.
He put on his thinking cap - determined to get the best of me this time around and I did the same here in Yarrow. Its been fun since, plotting all kinds of things for the event - besides just painting some fine looking murals.
In the last short while the plot has thickened considerably... with many more people now involved it seems. And the types of things being planned are getting wilder, more imaginative and more fun all the time. My phone has started to ring as folks who are going want to join the winning team. Of course the details are in short supply at this stage of the game... for we wouldn't want to spill the beans before we get there... If you want to help out in the 'epic battle' against Jay we have a job for you.
It's time to choose sides in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted May 30, 2009 02:42 AM
My phone also started ringing this week - people wanting to help on my mural, but only if it's within water balloon range of your mural.........
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted May 30, 2009 11:27 AM
Sonny, knowing Dan, he'd pick up a new blending technique with, well, water balloons. Would you YouTube that moment if I send you some of said balloons? I don't want to encourage you or anything...
posted May 30, 2009 04:19 PM
So who's side are you on Sonny??? Just so I know in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted May 31, 2009 12:57 PM
Seeing as our murals are kitty corner to each other I suspect you will be able to toss a water balloon our way and then turn and paint away as if nothing happened... and that's OK too... but I'll be sure to swing by to recruit you (with reward of course) whenever we are on our way over to heckle Mr. Jay.
Practicing water balloon tossing in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted June 01, 2009 10:58 AM
I think water balloons are a good idea for after the meet because many murals are to be done with water based paint. One well placed balloon could wipe out a whole week ends work. If it is a very hot day, a cool splash on a Letterhead would feel good, but to see a beautiful mural ruined by a water balloon is not a good idea. An old man's opinion, go ahead and call me a wet blanket. Bill
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted June 01, 2009 12:58 PM
I'm starting to think there are two types of adults in this world. The ones that are all grown up and perhaps even to forget to giggle now and then and are aware that the sun indeed does cause cancer 24/7, and then there are the ones that create exciting fun environments around them with their energy.
I attempt the latter for myself. Spontaneous, but very much the adult professional society expects of me when the time is right.
Jeff, are you going to this event? I think it's high time you meet some of these 'troublemakers' so you can gather a better perspective of who they really are and how big they enjoy talking.
I've yet to go to a Letterhead event where the adults DON'T morph into kids of sorts! And I've yet to see it cross the line. You ARE dealing with adults here. Just excited happy ones that are revving up the process for the onlookers is all.
It's showtime here! Having responsible fun at a professional event. Nothing more.
posted June 01, 2009 02:22 PM
I have met both Jay and Dan...in Lodi, when I flew my oldest grandaughter with me, and worked with several interesting people.
I just don't think this whole meet was born to be a squirtgun contest, nor for that matter a loud music fest.
I know...I'm old fashioned, sometimes.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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posted June 01, 2009 02:52 PM
Jeff, I have to step in here and say that I don't think it IS going to be a squirt gun fest or a loud rock concert. I DO think there will be LOTS of teasing and fun going on though. And the music WILL probably be loud in areas, depending on where you work. There WILL be boom boxes during the day and there WILL be bands at night. I think of what I know of these project leaders, everyone will try their best to accept and include everyone into their projects. BUT and this is a BIG BUT, there will probably be things going on such as sounds or antics, that will "annoy" some. If that is the case, my suggestion would be to pack up your stuff from that mural and move to another. There will 17 to choose from! Some are feet from the bands and stage and brew-ha-ha and some are 2 blocks away. We can't please everyone, but we are honestly trying to do the best we can! And although I really do appreciate your concern about our reputation in town, the town has been WARNED! We/they know that these are a bunch of characters coming from all over the globe and there WILL be some antics. Heck, if you know our family, we will probably be in the thick of it! We appreciate everyone coming to see our town and meet our neighbors and friends. I'm not really worried that we will be embarrassed or anything like that. Pontiac knows walldogs are all a fun loving group and they also appreciate what we will be here doing, which is something GREAT for the town. They are welcoming the Walldogs with open arms! Don't worry about it Jeff, Just come and have a good time!!
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted June 01, 2009 03:39 PM
I can't imagine ANYONE throwing a water balloon at someone's work - this is simply a jest fest, y'all. I'm just funnin' with Dan and creating a little competitive excitement. I'm going to be WAY too busy for shenanigans.
In addition, my little repartee with Dale is also in jest - I plan on having lots of tunes, but I don't like it so loud that I can't talk with the people I'm working with, and none of it is rap or headbanger stuff.
If you're still worried, my wife Peggy will be there with her "evil eye" look - trust me, I'll be walking the straight and narrow........
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted June 01, 2009 04:29 PM
Sonny, my family calls the the "German Look" after my stern old Grandpa who could stop ANYTHING going on that in his words, "he didn't recommend continuing!" My uncle (his son) did it with a whistle...when he did that certain whistle, his kids hit the ground and behaved RIGHT NOW! OR ELSE!
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted June 01, 2009 05:45 PM
lol, Jane - I think most wives develop a "look" that stops us in our tracks.
If I may be serious for a moment, let me just say that when Bill asked me to be a project leader, I was extremely honored but also wondered if I deserved to be in a stellar group of artists whom I've admired and emulated for many years. Peggy will tell you that I am very focused on this event and I realize that I am representing Letterheads, Walldogs, the Diaz family, and myself to the city of Pontiac. I would never do anything to jeopardize the magic and synergy that I know will be in abundance there. My only aim is to prove to Jane and Bill, the other attendees, the artists who help on my mural, my wife, and MOSTLY MYSELF that I belong in this group........
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted June 01, 2009 07:16 PM
In any contest or fun I am involved in there are a few common sense rules to be adhered to.
I try my best to never do something that I wouldn't want Janis or my kids or my momma hearing about and later regret. And they always seem to know exactly what I am up to no matter how far away I do it. Harming people or property in any fashion is a BIG no-no. That would include people's feelings too.
I only tease people I love and who are willing to play. And I fully expect to get back what I dish out.
Pontiac is all about painting the very best murals possible, but it will also be about having as much fun as possible along the way.
Best of all its only 3 1/2 weeks and counting til the painting AND fun start for real...
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted June 01, 2009 10:55 PM
Got my tickets and rental booked. Dan had a convertible in Lodi. Just in case of splatteral damage, I'm renting a hard top.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted June 02, 2009 12:52 AM
Sonny, you took my feelings on this subject and put them into words perfectly.
I too feel VERY honored and humbled to be asked to be one of the project leaders for the Pontiac Walldog Meet. I have worked along side BIll and Jane and the boys at other events and wouldn't want to do anything to negatively affect our friendship. Painting murals is my passion in life and I try to give 110% at every one of these meets. I also feel that there is a fellowship shared at these events that is unlike anything else I have ever participated in! Unless you have been to one you cannot begin to understand it fully!
I mean, you take someone who has been sticking vinyl on panels for the last year or so and hand them a cup of paint and a brush and they can't help but get all giddy! But I've never seen any one do anything stupid at one of these events...oh wait, I was in Lodi too! I consider both Grampa Dan and Jay Allen friends and enjoy the fun they have with their little competitions. And I have been joking back and forth with Sonny about having our little "battle of the bands", but he is a total class act and we both know how to show respect to the people who have worked so hard to organize this event!
I do like music and always have it playing while I work, but I don't play it as loud I've been joking about....well, maybe when a really good song comes on....but that's only natural right? I did just install new batteries in my stereo's remote control so I can easily turn it down if your ears start to hurt! So, come on by and help sling some paint and be prepared to dance a bit, if you so chose!
I don't know about any one else at this event, but I am going to do everything in my power to make it the best Walldog event ever held. Now that I see Mr. Harding is coming, this will be an extreme challenge, but I'll try.
Oh yeah, I keep forgetting about Mr. Clark too! OK, I'll try to behave myself.
posted June 02, 2009 07:41 AM
My wall is literally around the corner (of the same building) from Sonny's - so you all know this will be a SERIOUS WORKING ENVIRONMENT! Loud music, large aromatic cigars, delicious ice-cold beer, and especially laughing are all STRENGER VERBOTEN! NO nonsense, shenanigans, brouhahas, horsefeathers, ballyhooing, ribaldry, silliness, mooning of other artist's murals, cat-calling, grand mopery with intent to gawk, looming, off-color jokes, spontaneous sing-alongs, howling, applause, applesauce, gob-smacking, leering, snogging, burbling, fanciful imagineering, wind-breaking, story-telling, long run-on sentences that go on and on and on and don't seem to have any point, or any other sort of inappropriate goofing around of ay kind will be tolerated! . . . . . . . . . . . . ...riiight!
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted June 02, 2009 09:00 AM
Now what more could you ask for? It will be a pleasure and an honor to work with such upright people. The most fun I have at a Wall Dog event is just working and doing the best I can. Bill
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted June 02, 2009 09:27 AM
I'd like to contribute more to this back and forth . . . but I'm very busy right now with Pontiac being so close and all the college and grad party things for my son that I am working on pre-Pontiac.
I'd really love to jackjaw more . . . but I have mouth's to feed . . .
Right, Grampa Dan???
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted June 02, 2009 09:58 AM
Talk about gettin' some work done pre-event ... we've got people dropping off cans and rags around the clock. Bless their heart! But each person doing so also spends a few moments visiting ... and then a few moments more ... and then some more ... and then it's lunch ... then the next person ... more of the same ... then it's quittin' time. It's a good thing I come in for a few hours before breakfast a few days a week which helps me stay on schedule.
It's bad that the economy's down and my bread and butter semi work is in the toilet, but if it weren't that way I would be in a pickle -- that's for sure -- with all this walldog preparation.
You can't go anywhere in a town of only 12,000 and not have somebody know you (although you don't know everybody) and they want to visit about all things walldogs. This walldog thing is still a huge mystery for most and I think the anticipation of something mysterious has got the rumor mill running on all cylinders and then some.
We might have mentioned that walldogs are characters at one of our meetings, and we did put Conman's photo on the blog (hey, that's the one he sent). So you can imagine in a small town how gossip has transformed the word "characters" into ... well, I can only imagine. So it will be interesting. But I told the staff of this event on a number of occasions that we are out to have fun, otherwise why bother. They get it, because truth be known, I have a history in this town and they know I like my fun.
You might as well enjoy life if you're given the opportunity. Life's too short to spend all your time being down in the mouth. This is going to be a huge good time!!!!!!!! Can't wait!!!!!!
-------------------- Bill Diaz Diaz Sign Art Pontiac IL www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2107 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted June 02, 2009 11:00 AM
Following almost two and a half minutes of fasting and supplication, and consultations with the High And Mighty Exalted Pishposh and Grand Poobah, a decision has been reached to permit a very limited amount of tomfoolery. All other prohibitions mentioned in that previous post are still prohibited under the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act as well as the Sarbanes-Oxley regulations. Or not. I forget. Whatever.
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted June 02, 2009 11:34 AM
I still remember Doc Welty reeling around the corner in Vinton, Iowa with goggles and a huge water-squirter attempting to evade his water balloon attackers on a very hot day...project leaders, every one. It was quite a surprise seeing all of these upstanding, talented, reputable professionals running around like little school children. I almost dropped my cool drink at the spectacle! That was a fun meet. So, Bill, you don't need any more cans then? how are you set for rags? Should I bring my trusty projector? Nancy from City hall called and set me up with the Chief of Police! I guess I'll be joining Sonny on the straight and narrow! Don't worry Sonny, I'll stands behind ya so as I don't bump you off!
-------------------- David C. Petri Flying Peach Custom Paint Green Bay, WI 54302 cell 920-246-7821 Posts: 79 | From: Green Bay, WI | Registered: Jun 2006
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posted June 02, 2009 12:33 PM
Sonny, that was snogging. Snoggling could be an entirely different matter. Be careful there! You wouldn't want to get arrested or anything...
posted June 02, 2009 02:24 PM
3+ weeks till gametime...
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted June 02, 2009 09:54 PM
Geez Cam, that seems like an awful lot of rules to remember for three whole days. Can't we make it like ordering Chinese food and each pick two or three things from the list that we promise not to do?
I was really looking forward to breaking wind whenever I wanted to. Now you go and make it a no-no!
-------------------- Chuck Churchill, It's A Good Sign Inc. 3245 Harvester Rd, U-12 Burlington, Ont. Phone: 905-681-8775 Fax: 905-681-8945 Posts: 633 | From: Burlington, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted June 07, 2009 08:45 PM
Cam that was HILARIOUS! I love it!
I remember you from Pat Neve's meet in Melbourne, and going to Ozzie's Crab House! You were great. Though I am one who is OUT of this loop, I KNOW YOU will behave! I will too, as I wear a halo. Whatever's going on between Dan and Jay? I'm on Cam's side!
and Hi Sonny, Jeff, Dale. Long time no see. I was at Lodi working on Gary's wall.(with Judy G. Hi to you too!) and Mark Oatis'. I didn't notice any shenanigans there, but then I did have my nose to the grindstone. The only thing I noticed was every time I went past Jay's wall, he was complaining about something or other... (He was living a pattern/masking nightmare) Oh and to his credit, Dan I believe, let every passer by lay a line or two on his mural if they desired to do so; a very inclusive fellow I thought.
Anyway, I'll be there, rooming with Billy.(Hey there BP:) Can't wait to see you all and those of you I've never met. I think this thread has finally gotten me kind of EXCITED! I've been so busy I haven't been able to think about it!
I'm a virgin poster, but this has been such a funny read, I finally couldn't resist!
Thx for the laughs Cam and all. See you in Pontiac!
-------------------- Julie Bertrand Bertrand Signs 1780 NE Mango Terr. Jensen Beach, FL Posts: 10 | From: Jensen Beach, FL, USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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posted June 08, 2009 12:55 AM
Cam, while the 21st negates the 18th I can see the need to consider Volstead with the reported attendees. I cannot fathom however how COX regs would apply...or not. Perhaps the Grand Poobah could enlighten.
Wish we could be there and hope you all have a great time as every wall-dog event has been.
-------------------- Kent Smith Smith Sign Studio P.O.Box 2385, Estes Park, CO 80517-2385 kent@smithsignstudio.com Posts: 1025 | From: Estes Park, CO | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted June 08, 2009 05:31 AM
OK I'm just going to let you know in advance that I intend to pertake in . . . horsefeathers, ballyhooing, looming, off-color jokes, spontaneous sing-alongs, applause, gob-smacking, snogging, burbling, fanciful imagineering, wind-breaking, story-telling & long run-on sentences that go on and on and on and don't seem to have any point. So you might want to notify the Sign Police in advance to be prepared and wear their "That's a RIOT GEAR" because I will be guilty. However I will also be carrying my get out of sign jail free, card.
-------------------- Dan E. Kearfott KEARFOTT GRAPHIX 312 W. 8th St. Gibson City, IL 60936
Success comes in "Cans", Failure comes in "Cant's" Posts: 121 | From: Gibson City, Illinois | Registered: Mar 2003
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