LAST *#@% DAY!

Almost there, just today and I have a good feeling. I cannot say it hasn't been tough but it has been rewarding. Thanks for everyone that participated.







The reward is going to be coming in the next month, hopefully, I have to get through buying presents for 4 other family member's Birthdays and then two in April, so I may have to wait because of the budget, but it will be coming! Will I go on a spending spree? I seriously doubt it, but I do have my eye on some Stormtroopers, so maybe a little spending spree, within reason of course... or maybe I will drag it out a few more days and go for a 31 Day Challenge, I'm on a roll!

Doodle in the Margins

I used to doodle on post-it notes, but when I decided to try and cut back on using paper when conceptualizing stuff I will sometimes doodle or sketch off to the side of the art board in whatever file I am working on. Sometimes just quick little scribbles that get noodled around some more later, nothing that takes anytime (as you can see). Also not the greatest of sketches, but it fills the time when I am stumped on a drawing or the phone rings. I'll try and post more and possibly scan some of my post-its and other sketches.

Candid Toy Pic - 02.25.2011

"Don't worry buddy, maybe you'll be in the next droid hunt...

There's still time...

I have gotten some really cool pictures of R2-D2s, Droids and other Robots! This is going to be really fun and cool, I can't wait till the big reveal on March 4th. Still, there is time to send in your pics, below are the "requirements".

This would be a really cool ongoing thing, or something like it...

... by the way I decided to go all R2 on mine, but other bots and droids are welcome!



1) Submit one JPG image to me by Monday, February 28, 2011 of your R2 or Droid Collection, only have one that is cool, don't have any and want to send a picture of another Robot, that's fine too.

2) Include your first name and if you have a collection shot, pick one and identify why he is your favorite of the bunch.

3) Send your picture and info (see above) to eclectorama [at] studiohowell [dot] com, with "Show me the Droids!" in the subject.

4) I will post all the photos on Friday, March 4, 2011, so be back here then to see what people sent in.

This isn't a contest and I don't want too much trouble put into your picture, line them up, snap a pic and send it in! Also I am not collecting email to spam you, I don't have that much time, Just for fun!

7 Days Left!

To be honest I didn't think I would last more than say five days, but I have been holding strong and now that there are only seven days left in the month, I think it's safe to say I can make it the entire 28 days without buying myself a toy.

I have seen several of you out there trying the same thing with the same success, and some have been waiting for me to pass some sort of judgement or a pass on stuff they have bought, when at the end of the day it's up to each individual to decide how they have coped with not buying toys. I never started this to force anyone to try it, just thought it would be easier for myself personally if I had friends come along for the ride and offer support. I'm sorry if some thought I was a villain or a task master for even starting this, apparently more issues are at play.

I can honestly say that for myself it really wasn't as hard as I thought even if I hadn't received some toys from friends, family and the few e Bay purchases that shipped from January. Several times I found myself in toy aisles at Target or the Grocery Store or trying to drop hints to family members that toys always make nice "just because gifts" but I think it really wasn't an issue not walking out of a store with a toy in hand. I also noticed that my overall pop culture spending dropped all together, no books, DVDs, etc. Matter of fact the only thing I had picked up for myself this month was some parts for my bike and a Star Wars T-shirt, it's been sort of refreshing.

So here's some stuff that arrived unsolicited, barring my January eBay purchase, let's take a look...


First up is a vintage Cloud Car (which my wife has taken to calling a "Clown Car") along with this R2 Unit I was expecting these to arrive in February having purchased them in January from eBay, I'll try to get to better pictures of it in another post.


Here we have a package I received form a buddy of mine, name withheld unless he wants to reveal himself, who was sending me an extra piece that he had to a vintage Millennium Falcon, he also decided to send a few other things... A Snowtrooper for my reward AT-AT in March (fingers crossed), a comic I hadn't seen since I was little The Marvel Empire Strikes Back adaptation, one of those AWESOME little Kenner catalogs that used to come with the vintage toys. Oh and Batman number 110 for the Batman self! Thanks again, this was totally unexpected.


Last up, but not least. My wife decided that Valentine's Day needed some extra goodies, so when I returned home from work that night she had this waiting for me, Another Admiral Ackbar and a new Lego set. She told me she wasn't sure what I had or didn't have and she couldn't pass up Ackbar (figuring I more than likely already had him) because and I quote "It's a Trap!"

That's really it, still true to the challenge and counting down the days until March and know that I think about it I think this may have been a good exercise to help with keeping in my focus areas... one other note, I have been checking out eBay and it never fails all the stuff you are looking for is at ridiculously low prices but the auction all ended in February... I just watched a Mint Vintage 12" Stormtrooper, with original packaging in decent shape sell for about the same as the cruddy ones go for without packaging, that hurt, I will not lie. Just watched it go and I didn't even place a bid because I didn't want to risk messing up my own challenge. So let me know how you guys are doing or let me know what you have missed out on by taking the challenge in the comments and thanks for sticking it out with me.

One more week to Show Me the Droids!

There's another week left to get pictures of your R2's, Droids or other robots in, SHOW ME THE DROIDS!

1) Submit one JPG image to me by Monday, February 28, 2011 of your R2 or Droid Collection, only have one that is cool, don't have any and want to send a picture of another Robot, that's fine too.

2) Include your first name and if you have a collection shot, pick one and identify why he is your favorite of the bunch.

3) Send your picture and info (see above) to eclectorama [at] studiohowell [dot] com, with "Show me the Droids!" in the subject.

4) I will post all the photos on Friday, March 4, 2011, so be back here then to see what people sent in.

This isn't a contest and I don't want too much trouble put into your picture, line them up, snap a pic and send it in! Also I am not collecting email to spam you, I don't have that much time, Just for fun!

Spock Stop 19: Duluth, GA

It's time for another Spock Stop in 2011's Spockcation. Hard to believe this has been going on for so long, seems most of the time Spock is traveling. This week Spock spent some time with Shawn over at Branded in the 80's. You need to check out his site, my favorites from his past post are the Ghostbuster's Halloween ones, I had forgotten a lot of those ghosts were out there.

Shawn was also the winner of the Dr. McCoy House Call Contest Giveaway back in 2009, I think his first Mego type figure.

Shawn looks like he had a blast with Spock and I am a little jealous that Spock even went down to Athens, GA for part of his visit, hope he was shouting out "BUTTERBEANS!"

Let's take a look at the fun they had, take it away Shawn...

"Spock runs into Bones. There's no time for work Dr. McCoy!"

"Spock at The Varsity Gwinnett 3 1-30-2011. Whatya Have, Whataya have? For hot dogs in Atlanta, it's pretty much the Varsity or nothing. Slathered with chili or coleslaw, these are some serious hot dogs. Walk up to the counter and you'll be greeted by the counter call," Whataya have, Whataya have!" Better know you're order or they'll push you aside for another customer..."

"Looks like Spock tried a dog..."

"Spock at Bizarro Wuxtry in Athens GA 2-5-11. A visit to Athens isn't complete without a stop at one of the coolest Comic Book, Toy, and Ephemera stores ever..."

"Spock at Junkmans Daughter in Little 5 Atlanta 1 1-30-2011. Junkman's Daughter is a crazy eclectic store full of weird clothes, crazy toys, and a million interesting odds and ends. You can get everything from a tiny little monkey figure wearing a fez to giant plush figures. One of Little 5's more recognizable landmarks..."

"Spock runs from the Buford Highway Goatman 1-30-2011. The Buford Highway goatman is one of the weirdest landmarks I've encountered in my 20+ years living in Georgia. The thing towers over the side of the road and has been creeping me out for a long time. Spock took one look and started running away. You can find out more about this goatman here:

arglebarglin.blogspot.com/2006/07/goat-man-with-wrench.html"

"Spock at The Vortex in Little 5 Atlanta 2 1-30-2011. The only eatery I know of that's shaped like a giant skull. They serve some of the best fried pickles I've ever tasted too!"

"Shhh, don't tell Spock that there's no liquor in that drink..."

"Fooling around with the vintage V Vistor alien mask. Spock woke up and decided to pretend he was in a David Lynch inspired nightmare. Am I a Beach Boy with an enormous head or a science officer?!? Don't worry Spock, it's all a dream..."

"Spock at the 40 Watt club in Athens GA 2-5-11. Legendary club that was home to none other than R.E.M. back in the day. Spock's thinking about direction and wonders why he hasn't before..."

"Spock is making that guitar sing!"

"Spock Meets a Bunch of Robots from the 80s including Robo Force, the Starriors, Transformers, and the Go Bots...

Spock brings the message of exploration, peace and the tenets of the Prime Directive where ever he goes, even while on vacation..."

This is stop one of three in Georgia, Spock has some fans there, and if this is any indication of the creativity there we should see some more great stuff in the coming weeks. Matter of fact Spock had so many pictures from this stop it was hard to choose just a few, so check out Shawn's Flickr Spockcation set for the out takes.

Till next time remember to Live Long and Prosper.

Old School Action!

A friend of mine sent me an email showing off his new "old school" Star Wars shirt and what do you know I was sporting my "old school" Star Wars shirt as well, as giddy as an Ewok stomping on a Stormtrooper I shot this rebuttal AND taking it a step further by including some "old school" reading material I happened to have handy in my bag.



So as my buddy put it "I guess it's Star Wars shirt day!" Yes... STAR WARS!

A Long Time Ago...

Homemade Valentines!

Are the best, and I have to say my wife is the best. This is why I love her! We spent a better part of our Sunday preparing little Valentine surprises for our family, friends and co-workers. Can you pick out my touches?



Also I got a sneak peek at my Valentine's Day gift... Mmmmm Valentine Stormtroopers...



Happy V-Day 2011 everyone!

Reminder, Show me the Droids!

I already have a couple photos of some great R2-D2 collections sitting in my in box, so come on and snap some pics of R2, other Droids... or any robot you have laying around. Show me the Droids! Here's what you do:

1) Submit one JPG image to me by Monday, February 28, 2011 of your R2 or Droid Collection, only have one that is cool, don't have any and want to send a picture of another Robot, that's fine too.

2) Include your first name and if you have a collection shot, pick one and identify why he is your favorite of the bunch.

3) Send your picture and info (see above) to eclectorama [at] studiohowell [dot] com, with "Show me the Droids!" in the subject.

4) I will post all the photos on Friday, March 4, 2011, so be back here then to see what people sent in.

This isn't a contest and I don't want too much trouble put into your picture, line them up, snap a pic and send it in! Also I am not collecting email to spam you, I don't have that much time, Just for fun!

Spock Stop 18: Springdale, OHIO

It's that time of the week, another Spockcation update and do we have a doozy for you! Spock had a stop at none other than the headquarters of one of my favorite Star Trek blogs A Piece of the Action. You know those blogs where you think to yourself "why didn't I think of that?" Well that is just the type of blog my buddy James runs over there. I knew Spock was in for a Star Trek treat, plus I couldn't wait to see James' collection, and boy was I right. Pretty much like his blog, AWESOME!

James and I have been swapping Star Trek emails back and forth ever since I saw he had a few of the Star Trek plush on one of his blog posts and I think it is safe to say we are friends now. So please go check out his blog after you check out his entry for Spockcation. Now on with the show!

Spock arrived hungry after his perilous journey. What better way to fill your belly than with a bowl of Cincinnati's famous chili. (Spock's was vegetarian style of course)

Spock quickly made his way down to our Trek room... where he encountered a familiar face...

A trip down here must include a stop at the vintage Mego case.

Back upstairs, Spock encounters an alien life form- Our pet cat, Cringer! The Vulcan mind meld reveals that the feline is friendly.

Continuous snow fall kept us all in the house for awhile. Spock began to go stir crazy, so he enlisted the Fonz to help him build a snowman out back. Fonz graciously offered Spock his jacket, as Spock is from a warmer climate and the Fonz is just too cool for coats.


Warmer days got us back outside! Here Spock stands outside Union Terminal, the real life inspiration for the Super Friends' Hall of Justice! Sadly, only Aquaman was on watch duty- Not really worth Spock's time to get a picture with.
Edit: Uh, actually Spock is heading to the Aquaman Shrine soon, where he will no doubt have plenty of photo ops with Aquaman : )

As evidenced by his shirt, Spock is a huge Jimmy Buffet fan. I thought that he might enjoy a trip to Cheeseburger in Paradise! I figured this would be a perfect place to unwind for the Vulcan parrot-head.

Spock got a little too comfy here, stealing sips of my wife's mojito.

Our Vulcan friend stuck around just long enough to help us celebrate my youngest son Keaton's 4th birthday. Blowing out candles and making wishes seemed illogical at first, but Spock quickly got into the groove.

As his days with us winded down, Spock got some much needed shut-eye- Curled up next to Keaton, dreaming of his next stop...

Wow that was fun, thanks again to James, his wife and his sons for showing Spock a good time. Spock is already off to his next stop in Georgia, there he will actually have three stops filled with 80's Nostalgia, Puppets and more Star Trek! Till then remember Live Long and Prosper.

QUICK DROID UPDATE

Okay looks like I have a couple people already interested, I know a few more will join in so here's what I came up with. See the post below if you have no clue what I am talking about.

1) Submit one JPG image to me by Monday, February 28, 2011 of your R2 or Droid Collection, only have one that is cool, don't have any and want to send a picture of another Robot, that's fine too.

2) Include your first name and if you have a collection shot, pick one and identify why he is your favorite of the bunch.

3) Send your picture and info (see above) to eclectorama [at] studiohowell [dot] com, with "Show me the Droids!" in the subject.

4) I will post all the photos on Friday, March 4, 2011, so be back here then to see what people sent in.

This isn't a contest and I don't want too much trouble put into your picture, line them up, snap a pic and send it in! Also I am not collecting email to spam you, I don't have that much time, Just for fun!

The R2 Unit Returns

Back in January, before I threw down the no toy challenge I had made a couple of purchases. One to further my goals for 2011 and one because I just wanted that toy again. The latter is for another date, today is R2-D2's day.

Not sure if you remember me mentioning before that my original R2 Unit turned up missing. For the life of me I could have sworn he was around in 2001, but he was not with my Star Wars stuff and nowhere to be seen in my toy sorts. I am actually pretty thorough in my sorts so there is a 100% chance he did not end up in a garage sale or a donation box. I think he may have been another victim of my son and my nephew's battles when they were young. So with this purchase I have completed my vintage twelve (also with the help of a buddy of mine). I sort of feel like the toy challenge is a little easier knowing this guy was coming in the mail, of course nowhere near the preparedness of my friend at Super Duper Toy Box or the Swap Meets of Bubbashelby.

There is something special about this toy, I know it is a simpler version of R2 as compared to the stuff out today, but still when I was a kid this was a great figure. Full of wonder and adventure. It sums up to me the time and climate that was Star Wars in the 70's.

Having this guy makes me want to do a cross blog event similar to what my pal LEon did with Darth Vader. I think maybe a "Show me you R2's Event" or "Bring on the Droids!" If everyone is down for this, and I know everyone has some sort of Star Wars droid laying around, then I will drum up a logo and we can set a date to reveal the R2's or Droids to the world.


Also a question to all that will read this... Does the world need another Star Wars Blog? According to my friend Brian the answer is without a doubt "YES!" So if you want to do this Droid Event or have some thoughts on Another Star Wars Blog leave a comment, if not I will post a bunch of my droids or R2's down the road and maybe launch another blog about... well you know. May the Force Be With You.

You have disappointed me for the last time commander

Darth Gert has enjoyed the well wishes on her Birthday but is sorely disappointed in your efforts to capture the Rebels.

Another Year! Another Gert Day!

That's right our resident, awesome English Bulldog is now two years old! Gertie or as we call her "Gert" is looking forward to having a day of pampering and fun with presents and cake tonight!



Happy Birthday Gertie!

That's It? Snow Day!

Well we had snow... sort of. If you call less than an inch snow. Still since we live down here in the south the city shut down all the highways till noon (so I have to head off to work in a little bit, bummer), we had a "Blizzard of 2011" graphic on the news, something like 300 accidents called in last night, apparently we borrowed two de-icing trucks from somewhere, because those same two trucks have been driving all over the city, and most if not all schools have been closed. Ah nothing like a little snow and ice to freak us Texans out. Still I was up at the crack of dawn to check it out, because if I've learned one thing living here all my life the weather will change in a blink of the eye, heck I was rocking shorts on Sunday, now I am wearing a Tauntaun to keep warm.

So here's how my morning shaped up...

There was a Wampa Advisory in effect until about 6:00 AM this morning!

The South Texas Snowtrooper Garrison hard at work. The AT-AT driver said it wasn't worth her time firing up the AT-AT, this took the "old timer" Snowtrooper off guard because up until now he thought she was a he...

With Wampa patrol out of the way the "Rookie" decided it was time for Snow Angels!

Back in the AT-AT it was time to finish the patrol of the backyard.

Squee absolutely loved the snow, she was up early and would run in and out of the house only long enough to warm up and go back and play.

Troops were stationed at key landmarks in case more Wampas showed up.

Gonk joined in on the festivities and built a Snowtrooper himself!

The homestead with all the snow we are going to get this year!

Well that's it, I guess I better go get ready for work...yea! to quote one of our news anchors "Ya'll stay warm and be careful out thar, it's cold and slip-r-ee!"

Standing By!

"Gentlemen, our day has arrived! Fire up the AT-AT, feed the Wampas and go find some Tauntaun steaks for the celebration, we are officially on STAND BY!"

That's right, the weatherman is predicting snow in South Central Texas, hell may have just frozen over. I will believe it when I see it, last time we had snow here it was 1985, 26 years ago. and I am talking snow that actually stuck. They say conditions are right, but I have heard that before, either way I will be at home tomorrow either playing in the snow or thawing the outside faucets out, who knew that if you had them wrapped, twice, they would still freeze over! The past few nights it has gotten down to 16º degrees, two nights in a row. I know that is cake for my readers up north, but I would like to see you laugh in July and August when we hit the 30th day in a row of over 100º plus temperatures.

Even though these little guys do not see much action around these parts the Empire saw fit to assign a snow equipped outfit to the South Central Texas Garrison and they are officially on stand by. The rookie with the riffle is particularly excited for a chance to play in the snow. Believe it or not these guys even have an AT-AT at their disposal.

So with fingers crossed and a vacation day all queued up I am with these guys hoping we get some of the white stuff... even if it's only for the day.