To all the young people out there...Stay In School
      Jerry Aragon   humordoctormd                    email; humordoctor@aol.com
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If At First You Don't Succeed...

Nobody starts out as a professional in any endeavor!

At the time, I have no idea what prompted me to do this, but I took one of the wood pieces, that I had carved a couple of years previously, and started to see if I could make it better in appearance.  It was a small piece, and after a few minutes, it started to look better than before.  So, I finished carving it...stained or painted it and it looked pretty good.  Much better than before, so I was pleased.

Having such success with this, I took another figure out of the box, and I tried to see if I could improve on this piece as well.  The detail on the piece became better; the cuts and tapering was much better than before.  I finished this piece and it looked much better than before.  Now, what have I gotten myself into, right.

I had already stopped participating in arts and crafts shows, so I had over 100 pieces scattered about in storage boxes.  So, what was I going to do with all this?  The first thing that came to mind was a book.  I wanted to have a book published about my work.  I had no idea what shape it would take, but after re-shaping a couple of old figures, I knew that many of the leftover pieces were going to have to be cleaned up...re-shaped and made better, if I were to have my work published.  Some of these pieces had been stored in a box for years and had been neglected.

So, I went to work!  Week after week...month after month...figure after figure...I took each one out of the box and began to clean it up, re-shape it, and tried to make it better.  All in all, I cleaned up over 100 figures and it took me over 15 months to do it! 

But, I can't tell you how pleased I was!  Some of these figures turned out amazing...I couldn't believe how good some of these figures turned out, after they were re-shaped and re-finished...a complete make-over!

After I completed about a dozen of them, I photographed them again, and I let my wife take a look at the "before" photo (how they look before I cleaned them up) and the "after" photo, and she was amazed!  Believe me, I even amazed myself, with how some of these pieces turned out.  I was very pleased.
I should be after 15 months, right?

That's what this Section and display is, in part, about...the "before" and the "after"  All displayed items will be 5"x7" photos of the scenes.  On the left, you'll see the "before" photo; and on the right...the "after" photo.  The finished photo on the right, will be dressed up on a standard page (8x11) with all the clip-art and color for your viewing.  And, you'll see what a difference a face-lift makes.

This, like the orange barrels, has never been before the publc, so I am anxious to see the reaction.  There are a few figures that are so improved, that I don't even recognize them myself!  It was a lot of work over a long period of time, but I was quite pleased with the results.

Before and After

The pieces that will be shown are as follows:

*  Fisherman                 * Football Widow                    * Shopper
*  Alien                           * Domestic Engineer              * Boogie Dancers
* Procrastinator            * Man in doghouse                  * Starving Artist

There will be an photo album on display, which will show many other wood scenes, etc.

Boy, you talk about the School of Hard Knocks.  For just about a year, I tried to figure out how to photograph a wooden octopus, and the idea and putting the scene together did not come easy. 

Over 100 of us were participating in an outdoor arts and crafts show in Old Town in Albuquerque, New Mexico...when the sprinklers came on ...(School of
Hard Knocks)
The mama and baby polar bears were difficult to photograph with an all white scene, filled with iceburgs.  (School of Hard Knocks)


You can read about how all this came about by going to the orange (traffic) barrel page, and then returning here. 

One of the main purposes of the show is to entertain,  and I certainly hope these orange barrel clip-art compositions bring a smile to many faces.

Composed on standard (8x11) bright orange paper, there will be 25 items shown on this dislay.  All are framed.  Some will by laying on the table, and others will be hung on the pegboard area.

Another purpose of this show is about ideas.  This display shows the public that ideas can come from almost anywhere, even out in the streets, or at construction sites, etc.  That's another reason why I encourage people to pay attention to the things around them...be observant!
The display for the Wood N' Things display is covered with a dark brown cloth, and the wod display is a tan color.  Pine cones; leaves; small pieces of dead wood; and pine needles are spread around the table top.

Aside from the desplayed items, I will have an album on display, which will show dozens more photos of these scenes.

The pieces which will be displayed are described below;

1)  Manger Set (12 pieces)  I was going to display the actual piece, but
     decided not to.  Photo of the scene (81/2x 11) plus description.

  2) Fawn:  This will be the actual wood piece shown on a piece of
      polished wood plus the photo for it.  (81/2 x 11) color with clip art.

  3)  Blanket Over The Desert:  (8 x 10 ) Photo; One of my photos taken
      in 1981, when 14" of snow fell in Albuquerque, N.M.

  4) Compulsive Shopper: This scene shows a woman coming into a
      store bringing a little red wagon (miniature) to do some serious
      shopping.  ((81/2 x 11 photo and clip art composition)
    
  5)  Apple For The Teacher: This photo shows a bowl full of fruit;
      (orange; banana; pear, etc.  An apple sits on top.  I carved a little worm
      out of wood, wearing a cowboy hat, and the worm is saying: "You're my
      favorite teacher, because you have a lot of 'class.'

  6)  The Other Woman: This is a Halloween scene.  A witch was cut out
       of a piece of black paper.  With a piece of thread, was hung out on a
       real tree branch, and photographed in sillouette at sunset.
 
  7) Parents Running Away From Home:  (Photo; sillouette; with clip-art
     caption, 8 x 11, etc.  Shows parents loading suit cases into vehicle
     before the kids wake up!

  8)  Writer:  A trash can full of wadded up paper, because of so many
      mistakes.  Color photo; (8 x 11) caption
 
  9)  Homeless cat:  This is one of the silliest scenes I've ever made.  A
      black and white cat, standing on hind legs, in fron of cardboard box
      A little windo and door were cut out of the "cat house."

10)  Dog in doghouse:  Dog sitting, relaxing with legs crossed.  Pictures
       of six dogs on the wall are all my own wood carvings (Photo; 8x 11)

11)  Gray Screech Owl:  Photographed in the forest for realism.  (8 x 11
       with clip art.


12)  Sprinkler Art; In early March, and the weather still cold, the sprilklers
      were turned on high at a local business.  The swirling wind blew the
      water all over the branches of trees, to form beautiful icicles.

13) Silly Lion  The face on this lion, is probably the silliest face I have ever
      put on a wood figure. 

14)  Flu Bug Sick In Bed With The Flu:  This is another of the sillies!
       In the flu bug den, the flu bug is sick in bed, which is a miniature bed;
       skeleton wall paper cover the walls; the chalk board shows the numbe
       of victims, etc.

15)  Don't Golf My Way, Please: This photo was taken out on the golf
       course.  The gopher in this scene, was bonked by a golf ball on the
       head and is wearing a bandage on the head, etc.

16)  Basket Case;  Some cookies came in  small straw basket, which I
       used for this scene.  The figure, (about 5" long), was carved and
       placed in the basket.

17) Cow:  A simple carving photographed outdoors.

18)  Allegator wearing allegator shoes

19)  Skunk; Help Stop Pollution

20) Salesperson:  Of over 200 pieces, this is the only piece I carved that
       has two figures, male and female, but was carved with one piece of
       wood.

21)  Cook in Kitchen:  This actual scens will be on display, to show the
       miniatures and how they are used in the kitchen

22)  Mouse; Say Cheese;  The photo was taken of the mouse, which is
      standing on the floor near the refrigerator

23)  Communications Professor:  The professor is in the classroom,
       pointing to a "finger/gesture" drawn on the chalkboard, to show the
       class the various types of communications.

24)  Panda:  Photographed outdoors around some grass to add realism.




My 15 Minutes of Fame!
(Show N' Tell...in Color!)

Tick...tick...tick...how time flies!  One day, you're 22 years old and feeling your oats, and the next day, you're 62 years old and making plans to enter The Old Folks Home!

(You can read this article, and then return here if you wish to do so)

Get inspired...get motivated...get going!

Show N' Tell...in Color!
Nearly 100 woodcarved scenes; photographs; writings;
clip-art compositions on display!

Inspiration; motivation; ideas; humor; and entertainment for
people of all ages, and in all walks of life!

The Show can be excellnt for the following:Business/workplace; charitable organizations; schools; conventions; conferences; organizations;
hospitals; arts and crafts shows; general public, etc.

Displays

*  Four tables measure 6 feet long, by two feet wide

The displays that sit on top of each table were made of pegboard, and trimmed with l" by 6" pine lumber, which was all nailed and glued together.  The wood displays can stand alone,  but are attached to the table with C-clamps on either end of the tables to remain secure on the table.

These wooden displays divide the tables lengthwise.  Items are shown on both sides of the displays, as traffic can go around the table displays with ease.

. 
  Displays; 
Top view
The show must go on...
(My 15 Minutes of Fame)
Each table is covered with cloth. (Different colors as shown)
The wood displays sit on
top of the table, dividing
the table in half. (lengthwise)
See below
The School of Hard Knocks
Along The Bumpy Road of Life
Wood N' Things
Taking Care of Business
(work place/employees)

The display for the Wood N' Things display is covered with a dark brown cloth, and the wod display is a tan color.  Pine cones; leaves; small pieces of dead wood; and pine needles are spread around the table top.

Aside from the desplayed items, I will have an album on display, which will show dozens more photos of these scenes.

The pieces which will be displayed are described below;

1)  Manger Set (12 pieces)  I was going to display the actual piece, but
     decided not to.  Photo of the scene (81/2x 11) plus description.

  2) Fawn:  This will be the actual wood piece shown on a piece of
      polished wood plus the photo for it.  (81/2 x 11) color with clip art.

  3)  Blanket Over The Desert:  (8 x 10 ) Photo; One of my photos taken
      in 1981, when 14" of snow fell in Albuquerque, N.M.

  4) Compulsive Shopper: This scene shows a woman coming into a
      store bringing a little red wagon (miniature) to do some serious
      shopping.  ((81/2 x 11 photo and clip art composition)
    
  5)  Apple For The Teacher: This photo shows a bowl full of fruit;
      (orange; banana; pear, etc.  An apple sits on top.  I carved a little worm
      out of wood, wearing a cowboy hat, and the worm is saying: "You're my
      favorite teacher, because you have a lot of 'class.'

  6)  The Other Woman: This is a Halloween scene.  A witch was cut out
       of a piece of black paper.  With a piece of thread, was hung out on a
       real tree branch, and photographed in sillouette at sunset.
 
  7) Parents Running Away From Home:  (Photo; sillouette; with clip-art
     caption, 8 x 11, etc.  Shows parents loading suit cases into vehicle
     before the kids wake up!

  8)  Writer:  A trash can full of wadded up paper, because of so many
      mistakes.  Color photo; (8 x 11) caption
 
  9)  Homeless cat:  This is one of the silliest scenes I've ever made.  A
      black and white cat, standing on hind legs, in fron of cardboard box
      A little windo and door were cut out of the "cat house."

10)  Dog in doghouse:  Dog sitting, relaxing with legs crossed.  Pictures
       of six dogs on the wall are all my own wood carvings (Photo; 8x 11)

11)  Gray Screech Owl:  Photographed in the forest for realism.  (8 x 11
       with clip art.


12)  Sprinkler Art; In early March, and the weather still cold, the sprilklers
      were turned on high at a local business.  The swirling wind blew the
      water all over the branches of trees, to form beautiful icicles.

13) Silly Lion  The face on this lion, is probably the silliest face I have ever
      put on a wood figure. 

14)  Flu Bug Sick In Bed With The Flu:  This is another of the sillies!
       In the flu bug den, the flu bug is sick in bed, which is a miniature bed;
       skeleton wall paper cover the walls; the chalk board shows the numbe
       of victims, etc.

15)  Don't Golf My Way, Please: This photo was taken out on the golf
       course.  The gopher in this scene, was bonked by a golf ball on the
       head and is wearing a bandage on the head, etc.

16)  Basket Case;  Some cookies came in  small straw basket, which I
       used for this scene.  The figure, (about 5" long), was carved and
       placed in the basket.

17) Cow:  A simple carving photographed outdoors.

18)  Allegator wearing allegator shoes

19)  Skunk; Help Stop Pollution

20) Salesperson:  Of over 200 pieces, this is the only piece I carved that
       has two figures, male and female, but was carved with one piece of
       wood.

21)  Cook in Kitchen:  This actual scens will be on display, to show the
       miniatures and how they are used in the kitchen

22)  Mouse; Say Cheese;  The photo was taken of the mouse, which is
      standing on the floor near the refrigerator

23)  Communications Professor:  The professor is in the classroom,
       pointing to a "finger/gesture" drawn on the chalkboard, to show the
       class the various types of communications.

24)  Panda:  Photographed outdoors around some grass to add realism.



* The show will be FREE to hospitals; schools; charitable organizations;
  non-profit organizations such as Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts,etc.

* Business:  A fee will be charged to businesses for their employees.
  
*  Arts and crafts shows; conferences; conventions; shopping centers, etc.
  There would be no fee either way.  Should promoters of events want my
  show as part of theirs, I would be delighted to show for the exposure and
  publicity, etc.  (bartering)

*  There will be NO sales.  Items displayed will be for SHOW only!

Front view; display
Traffic flow:
Should be easily done
in an around displays
The Bumpy Road of Life (Display)
This colorful display has the traffic colors.  A bright orange cloth covers the table.
The wooden fixture that sits on top of the table is painted yellow on the inside, trimmed with black around the edges.

You can read about how all this came about by going to the orange (traffic) barrel page, and then returning here. 

One of the main purposes of the show is to entertain,  and I certainly hope these orange barrel clip-art compositions bring a smile to many faces.

Composed on standard (8x11) bright orange paper, there will be 25 items shown on this dislay.  All are framed.  Some will by laying on the table, and others will be hung on the pegboard area.

Another purpose of this show is about ideas.  This display shows the public that ideas can come from almost anywhere, even out in the streets, or at construction sites, etc.  That's another reason why I encourage people to pay attention to the things around them...be observant!
The following will be on display:.

* Who is the ediot photographing                       * Hot air balloow
* Orange traffic barrels?                                      * Boris: Scary
* In the beginning...how it all came about.          * The Silent Majority
* Orange Barrel Humor (Color)                           * Orange Barrel Follies
* Paint by the Numbers                                        * Art is in the eye of the
* Out in the Streets; Scary                                      Beholder
* Welcome to New Mexico                                  * The Orange Planet
* Fortune Teller                                                     * Not So Fast
* Ghost of the orange barrels                              * Misery Index
* The Slow Lane                                                   * Wanted Poster
* Scary movie                                                       * Stay in School (Poster)
* Orange Barrel Award                                        * Stay off Drugs (Poster)


School of Hard Knocks
(Display)
Welcome to the School of Hard Knocks...where nothing comes easy
for YOU or for ME either!

A gold cloth covers the table;  The wood display is painted a solf yellow;
trimmed with a sandy color for the trim around the display.

Displays can be moved around depending on space available
If At First You Don't Succeed...

Nobody starts out as a professional in any endeavor!

At the time, I have no idea what prompted me to do this, but I took one of the wood pieces, that I had carved a couple of years previously, and started to see if I could make it better in appearance.  It was a small piece, and after a few minutes, it started to look better than before.  So, I finished carving it...stained or painted it and it looked pretty good.  Much better than before, so I was pleased.

Having such success with this, I took another figure out of the box, and I tried to see if I could improve on this piece as well.  The detail on the piece became better; the cuts and tapering was much better than before.  I finished this piece and it looked much better than before.  Now, what have I gotten myself into, right.

I had already stopped participating in arts and crafts shows, so I had over 100 pieces scattered about in storage boxes.  So, what was I going to do with all this?  The first thing that came to mind was a book.  I wanted to have a book published about my work.  I had no idea what shape it would take, but after re-shaping a couple of old figures, I knew that many of the leftover pieces were going to have to be cleaned up...re-shaped and made better, if I were to have my work published.  Some of these pieces had been stored in a box for years and had been neglected.

So, I went to work!  Week after week...month after month...figure after figure...I took each one out of the box and began to clean it up, re-shape it, and tried to make it better.  All in all, I cleaned up over 100 figures and it took me over 15 months to do it! 

But, I can't tell you how pleased I was!  Some of these figures turned out amazing...I couldn't believe how good some of these figures turned out, after they were re-shaped and re-finished...a complete make-over!

After I completed about a dozen of them, I photographed them again, and I let my wife take a look at the "before" photo (how they look before I cleaned them up) and the "after" photo, and she was amazed!  Believe me, I even amazed myself, with how some of these pieces turned out.  I was very pleased.
I should be after 15 months, right?

That's what this Section and display is, in part, about...the "before" and the "after"  All displayed items will be 5"x7" photos of the scenes.  On the left, you'll see the "before" photo; and on the right...the "after" photo.  The finished photo on the right, will be dressed up on a standard page (8x11) with all the clip-art and color for your viewing.  And, you'll see what a difference a face-lift makes.

This, like the orange barrels, has never been before the publc, so I am anxious to see the reaction.  There are a few figures that are so improved, that I don't even recognize them myself!  It was a lot of work over a long period of time, but I was quite pleased with the results.

Before and After

The pieces that will be shown are as follows:

*  Fisherman                 * Football Widow                    * Shopper
*  Alien                           * Domestic Engineer              * Boogie Dancers
* Procrastinator            * Man in doghouse                  * Starving Artist

There will be an photo album on display, which will show many other wood scenes, etc.

Boy, you talk about the School of Hard Knocks.  For just about a year, I tried to figure out how to photograph a wooden octopus, and the idea and putting the scene together did not come easy. 

Over 100 of us were participating in an outdoor arts and crafts show in Old Town in Albuquerque, New Mexico...when the sprinklers came on ...(School of
Hard Knocks)
The mama and baby polar bears were difficult to photograph with an all white scene, filled with iceburgs.  (School of Hard Knocks)

Taking Care of Business
(Show for company employees)

The table on this display is covered with a white cloth, and the wood display is white and trimmed with aqua, the  color that medical people wear.  (The aqua color is splashed throughout this display

This show  (A Look At Life's Wacky Ups and Downs) will be part of my consulting practice, and will be primarily showing to businesses and their employees.  There will be a fee charged to businesses for this service.  At this time, I have no idea how much, and the fee that will be charged to small companies versus large companies, etc.

As mentioned earlier, this show is about inspiration; motivation; ideas; humor and entertainment.  Hopefully, this show will inspire and motivate employees to get those elusive ideas, and put them to work around the work place.
To all the young people out there...Stay In School
      Jerry Aragon   humordoctormd                    email; humordoctor@aol.com
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