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This edition should be titled “Larry & Susie” because what these people stand for is far more significant and inspiring than a little piece of artwork with an ampersand in it. But since Larry’s treasure to me inspired this work, I did make it as special as I could (and learned a couple new Photoshop effects in the process).
Before I proceed with their stories, here’s an invitation to attend Susie’s “Use Me & Abuse Me” party between Wednesday, October 24, 2014 and until all the guests have left or are passed out, which is several days later, where she invites you to shamelessly plug your own website or blog. Go there right now and join in the fun, but don’t forget to come back here. If you miss this party, subscribe to her blog and you’ll get an invitation to the next one.
Mention your own blog or website at Susie’s
“Use Me & Abuse Me” party:
susielindau.com
Like I said, this edition is about two very special people, both of whom I admire greatly for their courage, faith, and inspiration; both of whom I met online somehow; and both of whom I’ve never met in person…but I feel like they’re my next door neighbors.
LARRY
I’ll start with Larry, because he’s the inspiration for this AmperArt piece. A few years ago my brother Andy gave me very designer-style Mickey Mouse coffee mug, which I love and use every single day (unless I need just a tiny jolt, then I grab my smaller coffee mug from The Original Pantry, oldest restaurant in Los Angeles – just so you know, I purchased the mug; had to, as I examined a case of 60 to find the perfect printing). I thought it would be cool to have a Mickey Mouse coffee spoon, not thinking I’d actually find one. Well, I did, on ebay, from this guy named Larry who I knew was going to send me a spectactular piece after a couple conversations with him. He really wanted me to be happy! And when it arrived – happy I was! For a moment my kitchen was the happiest place on earth! Not only is it the classic “old” Mickey, the spoon is a real teaspoon size, perfect for a cup o’ joe, it’s in excellent conditon, and states the copyright is owned by that revered name of old, “Walt Disney Productions.”
So Larry really made me very, very happy with that spectacular, collectible masterpiece that I stir my coffee with every single day, no matter which mug I use.
Larry also subscribed to AmperArt, and always leaves a nice comment.
We began communicating, and what an inspiration this man is.
What a battle Larry has gone through, having contracted an entire body worth’s of cancer from serving our country for over 20 years – in the proximity of Agent Orange. He’s told me horror stories that are out of a sci-fi movie, but unfortunately he really lived them. He’s been in and out of the hospital dozens of times for cancer treatment, each time pulling something else out or treating this or radiating that. I was shocked to find out that this poor guy was only the same age as me, when the description of his health has him sounding 80 years old.
But don’t let him hear you or me call him “poor guy,” because just like Susie, Larry lives life to the fullest. He’s a fighter, a believer, and says he wouldn’t trade his life in for anything. He says he’s been in some awesome places, thanks to the service, that people only dream about. And if you enjoy my AmperArt, you can thank Larry: he says each one brings him so much joy, there’s no way I can stop doing them. That sure makes me feel good, too.
Larry is in and out of the hospital almost constantly. And although today he said things are looking positive and he’s feeling better (he says he hopes it’s not a dream), I urge you to please pray for this gentleman. He has been an inspiration to me, and I’m sure to everyone who knows him. I’m sure he’d love to hear from you: Ljvsfc@aol.com
SUSIE
Susie Lindau is a self-professed wild child, and she has her readers in stitches with each and every story on her highly entertaining blog.
Then last year she endured a double mastectomy, and without missing a beat she laughed and joked throughout the entire ordeal, educating, enlightening and inspiring others with unbelievable spirit. That overwith, Susie continues to write about all her incredible adventures that are daring, amazing, and even silly. But always fun. And wild. There’s even a photo of her double implants on her website. Check that out.
If you haven’t already, join the party at susielindau.com. Oh, and about the midnight curfew…not so, Susie’s guests party into the wee hours and even for days afterwards.
These are two very special people, and I could write a lot more about each of them. But I have a party to crash…
Just chanced upon your site. Have glimpsed through a few of the write ups. Have to say your designs are brilliant. Esp liked the Fork/Knife/Spoon. And the pithy sayings too. Shall look forward to reading some more.
Sudha, thanks for visiting, subscribing (you did subscribe, didn’t you?) and for saying such nice things. The next one will be about homeless animals, a cause close to my heart. Glad you enjoy my artwork and writing.
I love these pages. I love this poster almost as much as I love the covers (yes, plural!) you did for me, Chaz. And I love the Disney memorabilia cropped into a circle. Just brilliant – but you always are.
I love your art. So clever and accessible. It’s fun to meet another person who finds friend among the many bloggers out there. Larry sounds great and, of course, we all know that Susie’s got it going on.
[Susie sent me, btw. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting.]
Chaz! You know I love your stuff. What an awesome shout out to Susie, too! She sure has an amazing spirit, no?
Hi Chaz! Thanks for the visit, it really made my day. The story about Phil and Suzi is very inspirational. Also love the art you created and I have been to the Original Pantry once, before I moved away from LA I lived for 18 years in Korea Town just a few miles from downtown. I hope to see you again sometimes.
Namaste
Sindy
That’s one off the bucket list. Everyone should eat at the Pantry just once. It’s a turnback in time. Best coleslaw in the universe; hope you had either that or the ham steak that covers the whole plate.
Hi Chaz,
Well my friend. Thank You for the kind words. I guess I could say it’s been fun just hasn’t always been real fun. My monthly fix of Amperart was such a big surprize this time with a memory to last forever. I’m with Susie I’m going to frame it and put it on the wall. Thank You Again Chaz.
God Bless Larry
Larry, it thrills me that my little project brings you so much joy. I was very happy to mention both of you in the same blog today. You both are amazing inspirations. That was a nice thing you told Susie about how I can sense the right ones to send. Wish I was so sensible about other things in my life. I do hope you have or will visit Susie’s site. It’s really a lot of fun – and you’ll get to see her double implants.
Dropping by from Susie’s party. Susie is an inspiration. I’m also a Disney fan so I can relate, and your AmperArt is vert creative.
Ampersand cutlery! Fab. I have spoons and forks like that in my drawer actually, my kids used to bend them, I’ve got them out of the habit of doing that now thankfully though.
I was actually going to bend some cutlery and photograph it. Then I discovered the most amazing Photoshop tool. Sorry to put your kids out of business..
Hi Chaz! Susie sent me but you know I’m already a fan of your AmperArt. Love the knife, fork, spoon piece! How creative.
And thanks for sharing Larry’s story. So inspirational. I will definitely add him to my prayers.
Enjoyed this latest one and the info about 2 special people in your life.
Thanks, Cuz. Always nice to know I can count on a relative or two to read my blog.
CHAZ!!! you made my whole week! That was a really nice bio! I think I’ll print it out and frame it. Thank you so much! I’ll add this post to my Bosom buddy blogroll.
Thanks so much for the linkage and shout out! There are some new faces in the crowd.
I’ll say a prayer for Larry.
Susie, choose your favorite poster here https://amperart.com/gallery/ and I’ll send you a signed print. (I’ll need your address; email it to chaz@desimonedesign.com) You truly are an inspiration, and I hope one of my pieces of art is an inspiration to you. I’ll also send a print of Ampermations, inspired by my friend Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul – https://amperart.com/ampermations/ Do you like purple or black?
Also, this may not be design or colors you want to hang on your wall, but I want you to read the story and the words on the poster: https://amperart.com/challenge-spirit-15/
Hi Susie,
If I may say one thing. Let Chaz pick the one for you. He will hit a home run right out the park the one’s He picked for me and sent. So I had something to look forward to during my last stay in the hospital. He was right on the spot. He knows me quite well which just blows me away. And now I look at them all the time and think to my self what a lucky person I am to call Chaz my friend.
Best Regards Larry