most of my family has an affinity for monsters and some even collect monster stuff, so i often forget how some people may interpret my collection as weird. i recently bought a book shelf and reorganized my collection, i got a great response from my family and was feeling very happy about my collection that is to say until i showed my collection to my new neighbor. I gave her a tour of my apartment and she gave a few compliments of my decorating skills, until she reached the bedroom. She took one look at my wolfman collection and asked what was wrong with me? she asked what is with me and monsters and why would i ever spend money on this stuff? she then proceeded to further belittle my collection by asking why i chose to take my wolfmen out of their original packaging because i destroyed any value they may have had. needless to say i was a tad offended and haven't really spoken to her sense except for the obligatory "hi" while in passing.
so this awful encounter brought me to wondering if anyone has had any funny or horrible experiences while showing their collection to others?
How have people responded to your collection?
also feel free to share any memorable quotes that people have said in response to your collections.
here are some pretty funny things people have said in response to my collection:
"Who dusts all this stuff"
"does sleeping next to all those monsters gives you nightmares"
"why"
i try to take the negative responses with a grain of salt because i truly enjoy my collection.
Oh werewolfwoman, I am sorry to hear about the encounter with your sour neighbor :( My monster room happens to be my bedroom and I have heard the "how can you sleep in here?" line, from my daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and other various family members and visitors galore! I can't imagine sleeping soundly without my monsters guarding me at night- hahaha! And I'm in my 40s. My husband has put up with my decorating taste for 31 years, and he thinks everything is whimsical and fun! I don't know what sort of "style" I would decorate my house in if I didn't have a haunted mansion dining room, or a monster bedroom/bath. I guess I would just have white walls and a furniture because I have no artistic skills to call my own. I also rip every toy out of the box and enjoy it whether it's a new monster or an older toy. I also have let my grandson have monster battles with me and use my 12" Sideshow monsters as participants. I threw the boxes out a long time ago because I guess I never thought of my stuff as "collectibles', they are just my toys. Weird! Anyways, I have a presentable living room ( it's also decorated with Disney Haunted Mansion stuff) that people can sit around in without the monster stuff, but I usually keep my bedroom door shut if I don't know someone very well and by the time they get to know me- they aren't surprised by the room. :) The pictures I have seen of your werewolf/Wolfman collection are super impressive!! I swear you have more stuff than I even knew existed! Is there any werewolf you don't have? (besides the really old stuff) Your subject matter is awesome and I love the way you displayed everything last time you posted a photo! I probably haven't helped too much, but I'm sure you'll get other advice from more UMAers!
What a bunch of obnoxious things to say. I realize that non-collectors don't get the idea of collecting and are usually the type that hold onto very little. As a collector, I enjoy looking at any collection whether or not I have an interest in the subject matter. A collection, in my mind, should say something about the collector. There is a type of passion with collecting.
It's disappointing when someone looks at your collection and is generally unresponsive. On the other hand, when someone sees my collection for the first time and goes, "WoW!" -- that's a great feeling.
Don't worry about the neighbor. WE appreciate your collection.
Rob
Keep your head up...like Rob said, I love seeing pics of all colections.
My monster and comics collection gets the weirdest looks, mostly "Why?"...my tools, books, records and wargames gather more respect. Whatever you dig.
Everyone who has seen my collection in person has commented on my rooms looking like a museum. Ive even inspired some to collect themselves. I collect comics and monsters. They understand the comics. But most give me a curiously cocked eyebrow when they see the monsters. I suppose they are in the group that thinks such things are bad and only collected by occult minded people who are teterring on the brink of madness. No imagination. 8)
How unappreciated we of the collector sect can be. My own family has no idea what any thing I collect is. No idea and no interest. For years I tried to explain to the wife and daughter that the $100 they spend on jeans depreciated as the jeans wore out.........but the $100 in collectible toys I brought home from the flea market would only appreciate with age. Logic got no where. The collection has......so far.....allowed me to retire early, pay off the house, end all debt, buy the wife a new car, and set aside funds for a 4 year college degree for the kid. I still see no recognition that my collectibles or collector savvy are acknowledged for any of that . Sometimes ya just gotta find the joy and satisfaction within, cause if you look to others to affirm the validity and worth of your collecting it may not happen. And let's not bring up the Mother-in-law...a big time Souther Baptist. Any unsavory depiction, be it toy or illustration is of the devil, period. Sometimes it gets lonely in the toy dungeon, in the basement, in the Cornfield........ And then........ I pick up my Herman Munster hand puppet and we dance! In the dark...............Love, Buddy
Quote from: charp13 on March 24, 2011, 08:36:56 PM
Oh werewolfwoman, I am sorry to hear about the encounter with your sour neighbor :( My monster room happens to be my bedroom and I have heard the "how can you sleep in here?" line, from my daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and other various family members and visitors galore! I can't imagine sleeping soundly without my monsters guarding me at night- hahaha! And I'm in my 40s. My husband has put up with my decorating taste for 31 years, and he thinks everything is whimsical and fun! I don't know what sort of "style" I would decorate my house in if I didn't have a haunted mansion dining room, or a monster bedroom/bath. I guess I would just have white walls and a furniture because I have no artistic skills to call my own. I also rip every toy out of the box and enjoy it whether it's a new monster or an older toy. I also have let my grandson have monster battles with me and use my 12" Sideshow monsters as participants. I threw the boxes out a long time ago because I guess I never thought of my stuff as "collectibles', they are just my toys. Weird! Anyways, I have a presentable living room ( it's also decorated with Disney Haunted Mansion stuff) that people can sit around in without the monster stuff, but I usually keep my bedroom door shut if I don't know someone very well and by the time they get to know me- they aren't surprised by the room. :) The pictures I have seen of your werewolf/Wolfman collection are super impressive!! I swear you have more stuff than I even knew existed! Is there any werewolf you don't have? (besides the really old stuff) Your subject matter is awesome and I love the way you displayed everything last time you posted a photo! I probably haven't helped too much, but I'm sure you'll get other advice from more UMAers!
thanks so much you really did help i talked to my fiance about this thread and we agree that we couldn't sleep without the wolfman wall either, hee hee great minds think alike, our bedroom also was inspired by the haunted mansion and i think its so cool that your dinning room is hm themed ;D. i will take some pictures of my new and improved wolfman wall tonight and post them tomorrow. thanks again your awesome!!!
thanks you guys for the encouragement and i think i am able to joke about the offensive comments because of this wonderful group. you all are so supportive and i can't thank you guys enough for all your kind words :)
thank you my monster loving comrades
Your neighbor is a graceless clod.
ANY collection can seem odd to a non-collector.
I knew someone who collected ceramic cats. Had dozens if not hundreds of them. I think that is far creepier than anything any of us here have. I know people who collect plates, old tools, toy cars, racing memorabilia (he has an actual used tire in his living room in a glass case), radios, salt & peper shakers, and many other things, and I doubt if anyone ever acts as rudely as your neighbor did.
As for my own experience, I've had a few people get freaked out. I had one cable guy actually scream. I had another cable guy refuse to come back in the apartment (he had a cultural religious objection I later learned), and I had a date turn around and leave without his shoes (he later e-mailed me about my "serial killer tendencies" and urged me to get help).
But I've had far more people ask if they could take pictures, or come back with a relative. I had one maintenance man ask if he could return the next day with his daughter. He did and she went from surly tween to amazed fangirl in moments. It was very cool.
I've also had a few people I stopped seeing run into me at some point and say things like "I miss your apartment so much, it was so cool" (odd how more of them say that instead of "I miss you so much").
In the end I've learned I just have to make myself comfortable and happy, and if other people don't like it, screw them. I'm not bothering anybody. I'm not a hoarder with rotting garbage or 200 cats. I'm just a collector with a neatly organized collection of things that some may think are unusual but really are not.
I have had mostly positive reviews to the Monster Cafe. Only the padre at the church across the street won't come in. HAHA!
At least now you know which neighbor to eat in the event of an emergency, werewolfwoman ;)
George
Unutterably RUDE and unbelievably graceless, especially as a guest in the home of a virtual stranger. Not to mention her shocking lack of TASTE. Seriously,no love for the WOLFMAN?? Personally, every time I see him I get the warm-fuzzies remembering how he thrilled and chilled me during my (supposedly) misspent youth (and still does today).
To be honest, I pity your neighbor. Frankly, I pity ALL those who have so "grown up" that they cannot revel in monsters and toys and the simple joys of collecting we share among ourselves..........and particularly for those so devoid of class and social grace that they become reflexively obnoxious rather than at LEAST curious (not to mention POLITE) when confronted by something they consider unusual.
From my experience, God so hates ignorance that He has caused it to contain its own punishment within itself. Ignorance does more harm to the ignorant themselves than to anyone around them. What a perfectly awful way to go through life.
Quote from: ramsey37 on March 25, 2011, 02:27:36 AM
At least now you know which neighbor to eat in the event of an emergency, werewolfwoman ;)
George
George, you have a wonderful economy with words. You expressed my sentiments better in one sentence than I could in several paragraphs. :D
Werewolfwoman, I've been a monster kid for almost 50 years and your neighbor's reaction and comments are sadly familiar. Too bad that she has no imagination or love for the creative imagination of others. That's her loss. As has been said already, there's plenty of others who do love and cherish the monsters we hold dear.
Also, let me say that I've been a Southern Baptist minister for 33 years and I have encountered many, many ignorant, narrow minded, idiots who think there's something evil about monsters, scifi, Halloween, comics...well just about anything that they weren't interested in. I just write them off as dummies and ignore them. It's funny, they put a lot of emphasis on all of these things and ignore things like anger, hatred, a lack of forgiveness, etc.!
Bud, sorry about your mother-in-law, not all Southern Baptists are like that.
Bane, sorry about the padre. I would love to be a regular at your Monster Cafe.
Well that's my sermon, and hey! it's not even Sunday! :)
I've had a grand total of 8 people, including family, who have actually seen my colection in person. Let's see, my 20 year old daughter thinks it's "super-rad" - she really does "get it" and loves the fact that her ol' man is a MonsterKid. My wife had no idea that I had all "that stuff" tucked away in plastic bins - I think she kind of gets a kick out of it - but every so often, she's has to make me feel just a little - well, you know, basically making fun of me. Other times, she's all for it and acts like it's kinda cool. Most have been indifferent to it. One very good friend was truly impressed with my collection, just because he knows I dig monsters and am indulging in my passion. Then he spotted a Fox Mulder (from the X-Files) loose figure, and thought that was AWESOME, because he's a big X-Files fan! I'm definitely an "out-of-boxer" - I keep the fancier packaging in tubs, minus the figures. Monsters need to breathe - unless of course, they're dead, undead or from outer space.
Quote from: monsterphile on March 24, 2011, 08:44:28 PM
I realize that non-collectors don't get the idea of collecting and are usually the type that hold onto very little. As a collector, I enjoy looking at any collection whether or not I have an interest in the subject matter. A collection, in my mind, should say something about the collector. There is a type of passion with collecting.
I agree. My thinking too.
Quote from: Gillfan on March 24, 2011, 11:00:49 PM
...I just have to make myself comfortable and happy, and if other people don't like it, screw them. I'm not bothering anybody....
That's really the bottom line. My collection is for me. It's not for everyone else. What others may think is simply irrelevant. All that matters is that my collection gives
me both comfort and delight.
8)
Quote from: Hepcat on March 25, 2011, 04:09:01 PM
I agree. My thinking too.
That's really the bottom line. My collection is for me. It's not for everyone else. What other may think is simply irrelevant. All that matterws is that my collection gives me comfort.
8)
Totally agree. I recently acquired an autograph I had been looking for for quite some time. I told a friend about it. Her response: "So what are you going to do with it?" She just doesn't get it.
A lot of my collection has migrated to the garage (and a lot of it is now packed away in boxes and closets), but there is a lot of weird stuff sitting around in the garage with the washer, dryer, water heater and other important stuff that has a tendency to break down occasionally.
Everytime a repairman comes over to fix one of those items I get a range of responses. You can see the shock in their eyes when they first open the door. Some of them say nothing, some of them get nervous, like I'm some kind of weirdo killer that might have a body in the refrigerator. Others get really excited and want to ask me all about my stuff. I've actually made a few guys' day by showing them something they loved as a kid, but that's not always the case. I've had a few rude comments myself like, "You must have a lot of time on your hands" to "I'm guessing you're not married or all this would be gone" to "I guess you never had to grow up, huh?".
Quote from: Anton Phibes on March 24, 2011, 08:56:48 PMThey understand the comics. But most give me a curiously cocked eyebrow when they see the monsters.
I disagree. I don't think they "understand" the comics either. They're "understanding" is based on the knowledge that comics may be "worth" something. I'm willing to bet that the first question you get from non-collectors is "How much do these comics go for?"
>:(
I've learned the hard way that most people don't understand. Even some people who are "friends" don't get it. Most of the times I've attempted to share, I just get blank stares or simply no comment. So, yea, it's for me. And my friends in the UMA!
Quote from: Radioactive Rod Whitenack on March 25, 2011, 05:47:46 PM
I've had a few rude comments myself like, "You must have a lot of time on your hands" to "I'm guessing you're not married or all this would be gone" to "I guess you never had to grow up, huh?".
My answers:
"You must have a lot of time on your hands."
And how much time do
you waste watching TV every night?
"I'm guessing you're not married or all this would be gone."
Married or not I wear the pants in my household.
"I guess you never had to grow up, huh?"
You're right. I've never seen the point to growing up and taking up adult activities such as drinking, smoking, doing drugs and growing a beer belly.
This whole thread has actually highlighted precisely how wrapped up I am in my own interests and how many years it's been since I even considered what others might think of my collections. The neighbours never see my stuff. What I do is none of their business.
I'm also reminded of one of my old buddy's comments some eighteen years ago "What are you going to do with all your stuff when you die?" Actually, I won't be doing anything after I die, will I?
::)
Proof positive that felines are all knowing, these answers are classic. I'm bookmatking these by the way, to memorize them.
Quote from: charp13 on March 24, 2011, 08:36:56 PM
Oh werewolfwoman, I am sorry to hear about the encounter with your sour neighbor :( My monster room happens to be my bedroom and I have heard the "how can you sleep in here?" line, from my daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and other various family members and visitors galore! I can't imagine sleeping soundly without my monsters guarding me at night- hahaha! And I'm in my 40s. My husband has put up with my decorating taste for 31 years, and he thinks everything is whimsical and fun! I don't know what sort of "style" I would decorate my house in if I didn't have a haunted mansion dining room, or a monster bedroom/bath. I guess I would just have white walls and a furniture because I have no artistic skills to call my own. I also rip every toy out of the box and enjoy it whether it's a new monster or an older toy. I also have let my grandson have monster battles with me and use my 12" Sideshow monsters as participants. I threw the boxes out a long time ago because I guess I never thought of my stuff as "collectibles', they are just my toys. Weird! Anyways, I have a presentable living room ( it's also decorated with Disney Haunted Mansion stuff) that people can sit around in without the monster stuff, but I usually keep my bedroom door shut if I don't know someone very well and by the time they get to know me- they aren't surprised by the room. :) The pictures I have seen of your werewolf/Wolfman collection are super impressive!! I swear you have more stuff than I even knew existed! Is there any werewolf you don't have? (besides the really old stuff) Your subject matter is awesome and I love the way you displayed everything last time you posted a photo! I probably haven't helped too much, but I'm sure you'll get other advice from more UMAers!
I wanna see your Haunted Mansion dining room!
Bonomo- I just keep my HM collectibles in my dining room because we never really dine in there. :) There are some major HM collectors lurking around here, with super-sized displays. I will take a couple pics tomorrow and post them and hopefully werewolfwoman will put some of her collection on here as well. I just have a curio cabinet with some stuff hanging on the walls, but at night- the timers come on and the bride and the tombstones light up for a couple of hours and delight me :)
Quote from: Gillfan on March 24, 2011, 11:00:49 PM
(odd how more of them say that instead of "I miss you so much").
I'd be astonished to hear that myself.
;)
This lack of neighbor and family respect has got me thinkin' of packing all this stuff up and shipping it off to Scatt............no.......let me consider that alittle longer......Buddy
here are some pics of my new and improved wolfman wall, i also included some pics of room that are inspired by the haunted mansion but unfortunately i have some postcards of the haunted mansion by the artist shag that i have yet to display because i have not framed them and i have an HM plaque on its way in the mail so I'll post have to post pics of the rest of the room once all the HM spooky goodness is here.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5559802201_2bafbf47ae.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5559802201/)
wolfman full wall 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5559802201/#) by jencookseysdsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/55826160(*at*)N04/), on Flickr
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5559802211_e7e2e0438c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5559802211/)
wolfman wall 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5559802211/#) by jencookseysdsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/55826160(*at*)N04/), on Flickr
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5559802169_bd40f680f8.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5559802169/)
wolfman full wall2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5559802169/#) by jencookseysdsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/55826160(*at*)N04/), on Flickr
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5560379828_3c3c9024b5.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5560379828/)
wolfman close up (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5560379828/#) by jencookseysdsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/55826160(*at*)N04/), on Flickr
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5559802245_fc0bc26fd3.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5559802245/)
wolfman wall 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5559802245/#) by jencookseysdsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/55826160(*at*)N04/), on Flickr
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5559802277_0458e70096.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5559802277/)
wolfman wall 3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5559802277/#) by jencookseysdsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/55826160(*at*)N04/), on Flickr
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5560379792_213b18f4d3.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5560379792/)
hm themed room (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55826160(*at*)N04/5560379792/#) by jencookseysdsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/55826160(*at*)N04/), on Flickr
so i will post pics of the full room once i get all the haunted mansion stuff framed and set, we aren't going for an overt theme of the HM we just kinda of wanted to hint of the theme. hope you guys dig the new set up of the wolfman wall i had posted pics of my room in the monster room thread if you want to compare and contrast. ;)
and yes the orange box on the nightstand is a box of earplugs because according to my fiance i snore like a freight train and our little dog snores too so he has to resort to industrial strength ear plugs to drown out the sound :-[
Cool! Do you have an original Aurora Wolfman kit or a Wolfman/Creature monster wallet anywhere?
???
Quote from: Hepcat on March 25, 2011, 11:40:07 PM
Cool! Do you have an original Aurora Wolfman kit or a Wolfman/Creature monster wallet anywhere?
???
unfortunately no, i really like the aurora models and the wolfman wallet i just started collecting items from the 60's. so far i have a few things and i know that the wallets are super pricey so it might be a while before i am able to get my hands on one of those. i really like models and i just started to turn my attention to them. i only have the reissue of the wolfman's wagon model. basically i am just looking for one at the right price. next i would like to get the aurora glow model of the wolfman. my ultimate vintage dream item would be the hasbro wolfman mystery game, i know they are not super rare and relatively affordable compared to some of the vintage items but i love the box art and i think it so cool.
thank you guys again for all of your encouragement and clever digs at my awful neighbor, sharing our stories and coming together for support and encouragement just proves that monster kids can always appreciate each other and our collections even people around us cannot.
Werewolfwoman, LOVE the way you've displayed your collection. Even though there is only one subject, the many different formats give it a cool eclectic feel. Nice job!
Werewolfwoman:
I see a "Famous Monsters of Filmland" cover featuring Wolfman framed on the wall. Do you have the other issues of "Famous Monsters of Filmland" with werewolf covers? Do you have these two issues of "Creepy" featuring stunning werewolf covers by Frank Frazetta?
(http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/creepy/4-1.jpg)
(http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/creepy/7-1.jpg)
You might also want to check out the two issue "Gothic Nights" limited series with Tim Vigil artwork. The boyfriend of the countess is a werewolf and they're both absolutely exquisite specimens:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/GothicNights.jpg)
Tim Vigil is a master of both Gothic artwork and anatomy. He's capable of incredibly moody renderings with spectacular detail. Unfortunately his subject matter is often far too blood drenched for my taste. I prefer mood to graphic gore. "Gothic Nights" though delivers the mood I like without the gore I don't.
8)
Finally, have you seen the "Red Riding Hood" movie playing in theatres currently? The werewolf is gorgeous!
;)
I've received some pretty positive responses with my stuff and those who I feel doesn't quite get it, I will refrain from showing it to. This is what these forums are about, sharing collections with people who understand and appreciate it. Nice Collection WerewolfWoman! Love the Theme.
Sal
I'm 62yrs old and been collecting since I was around 6yrs old.My Brother got me in to monster by having me stay up with him on Saturday nights watching horror movies.
I remember from like 1st grade on I was called a weird oh,freak,nut and many other names any time I mentioned liking monsters!
As I got older it became even worst,I would invite class mates over to see my collection and they would shake their head and say that I was sick to like having that type of stuff!
They would tell others to stay clear of me or I might do something horriable to them and they'd end up in my collection!
As I grew in to adulthood I was more careful as to who I told about my love of monsters and about my collection. ;D
Beautiful collection, perfectly displayed! Can't get enough Wolf Man goodness in my book...you should see if you can find a nice head-shot photo of your neighbor, blow it up, make a dartboard out of it and then invite her over for another tour and a friendly game of darts.
Werewolfwoman , I'd love to be your neighbor. I really don't care what people think about me or my stuff. I wake up everyday and the first things I see are evil clowns , killer dolls ,werewolves etc. I'm 50 going on 14. I used to be known as Monster Man. I had a lot of my stuff delivered to my work to make sure it wasn't stolen off my doorstep. Imagine walking from my warehouse thru the office to show this off to a select couple who "understood" and the responses of those who didn't. >:D
(http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp47/WickedLester666/peggy2.jpg?t=1301172783)
Quote from: RICKH on March 25, 2011, 12:31:12 PMWerewolfwoman, I've been a monster kid for almost 50 years and your neighbor's reaction and comments are sadly familiar. Too bad that she has no imagination or love for the creative imagination of others. That's her loss. As has been said already, there's plenty of others who do love and cherish the monsters we hold dear.
Also, let me say that I've been a Southern Baptist minister for 33 years and I have encountered many, many ignorant, narrow minded, idiots who think there's something evil about monsters, scifi, Halloween, comics...well just about anything that they weren't interested in. I just write them off as dummies and ignore them. It's funny, they put a lot of emphasis on all of these things and ignore things like anger, hatred, a lack of forgiveness, etc.!
Bud, sorry about your mother-in-law, not all Southern Baptists are like that.
Bane, sorry about the padre. I would love to be a regular at your Monster Cafe.
Well that's my sermon, and hey! it's not even Sunday!
Great insight Pastor! Have you (or anyone else) read Paul Leggett's book on the great Terence Fischer? See: http://www.amazon.com/Terence-Fisher-Horror-Myth-Religion/dp/0786411678/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1301181484&sr=8-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Terence-Fisher-Horror-Myth-Religion/dp/0786411678/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1301181484&sr=8-2) . Leggett is a Presbyterian Pastor and has some wonderful insights into the horror genre as viewed in Fischer's films with a Christian perspective. A must read.
I went to the local annual toy show today in my area (bout an hour drive away). Ran into an old acquaintance that had set up as a dealer. I stood there talking collectibles with him for about an hour. As it became obvious I was going to leave, his wife thanked me and asked that I contact her husband again soon as he needed someone to talk to about all his stuff. I can understand that. Since joining up here at the UMA I've had a great time bouncing fun and exchanging collectible photos with all of you. I've been a lonely island of collectibles out here in the Cornfield and didn't know what I was missing until I was a part of this great group.
If an AMT Munster Coach Toy, in it's box, falls off the top shelf in the cornfield will it make a sound? Yes, the UMA will hear it!.........and cry with me....... Love, Buddy
I don't have much monster stuff up in the current house. The previous house, there were 3 or 4 glass shelves of various non-monster toys from the 60s in the front entranceway (including a Fascination game mounted on the wall, though I never found an easy way to make the lights work). The family room had two shelves of munster toys (and some wall art). (When I told my wife that I had to put up a supplemental monster shelf, she said, "You know, many of our friends don't even have a primary monster shelf.")
In the new place, I get more reaction, mainly poisitive, to the fact that pretty much everything in the living room and dining room is from the 50s-60s (house was built in '59--just like me). Also, when we had the screened-in porch made into a full-year room, I fixed it up like a diner/ drive-in snack bar.
This summer, I'm hoping to "retro-renovate" the kitchen. Also, if my son indeed officially moves out, I want to take over his room as a studio/office. Most of the collection will end up there.
Quote from: bigbud on March 26, 2011, 11:49:45 PM
Since joining up here at the UMA I've had a great time bouncing fun and exchanging collectible photos with all of you. I've been a lonely island of collectibles out here in the Cornfield and didn't know what I was missing until I was a part of this great group.
And you have such great stuff to add to this forum!
cl:)
Quote from: MDG on March 27, 2011, 08:00:21 AMAlso, when we had the screened-in porch made into a full-year room, I fixed it up like a diner/ drive-in snack bar.
This summer, I'm hoping to "retro-renovate" the kitchen.
Oh man, too cool! I want to see pictures of your porch!
8)
And that's a fabulous idea for your kitchen too. But where are you going to find a bi-level range with the rotisserie oven on top?
???
Quote from: bigbud on March 26, 2011, 11:49:45 PM
I went to the local annual toy show today in my area (bout an hour drive away). Ran into an old acquaintance that had set up as a dealer. I stood there talking collectibles with him for about an hour. As it became obvious I was going to leave, his wife thanked me and asked that I contact her husband again soon as he needed someone to talk to about all his stuff. I can understand that. Since joining up here at the UMA I've had a great time bouncing fun and exchanging collectible photos with all of you. I've been a lonely island of collectibles out here in the Cornfield and didn't know what I was missing until I was a part of this great group.
If an AMT Munster Coach Toy, in it's box, falls off the top shelf in the cornfield will it make a sound? Yes, the UMA will hear it!.........and cry with me....... Love, Buddy
I know I speak for everyone here when I say what a great addition you've been to the UMA Bud. An unbelievable collection, a wealth of knowledge, and a helluva lot of fun to talk to. Cheers my friend!
Quote from: MDG on March 27, 2011, 08:00:21 AM
I don't have much monster stuff up in the current house. The previous house, there were 3 or 4 glass shelves of various non-monster toys from the 60s in the front entranceway (including a Fascination game mounted on the wall, though I never found an easy way to make the lights work). The family room had two shelves of munster toys (and some wall art). (When I told my wife that I had to put up a supplemental monster shelf, she said, "You know, many of our friends don't even have a primary monster shelf.")
In the new place, I get more reaction, mainly poisitive, to the fact that pretty much everything in the living room and dining room is from the 50s-60s (house was built in '59--just like me). Also, when we had the screened-in porch made into a full-year room, I fixed it up like a diner/ drive-in snack bar.
This summer, I'm hoping to "retro-renovate" the kitchen. Also, if my son indeed officially moves out, I want to take over his room as a studio/office. Most of the collection will end up there.
Ummmmmmmm..............PICS PICS PICS!!! I need ideas brother. I have a small living room with a mirrored wall (pretty retro right there) that we want to do in a 60s motif.
Quote from: MDG on March 27, 2011, 08:00:21 AM
... (When I told my wife that I had to put up a supplemental monster shelf, she said, "You know, many of our friends don't even have a primary monster shelf.")...
You made me laugh soda out of my nose. My honey said almost the exact same thing when I said 'I only have 2 showcases of Frankenstein stuff" he replied, "Most people don't even have one".
Quote from: Hepcat on March 26, 2011, 10:20:31 AM
Werewolfwoman:
I see a "Famous Monsters of Filmland" cover featuring Wolfman framed on the wall. Do you have the other issues of "Famous Monsters of Filmland" with werewolf covers? Do you have these two issues of "Creepy" featuring stunning werewolf covers by Frank Frazetta?
(http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/creepy/4-1.jpg)
(http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/creepy/7-1.jpg)
You might also want to check out the two issue "Gothic Nights" limited series with Tim Vigil artwork. The boyfriend of the countess is a werewolf and they're both absolutely exquisite specimens:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/GothicNights.jpg)
Tim Vigil is a master of both Gothic artwork and anatomy. He's capable of incredibly moody renderings with spectacular detail. Unfortunately his subject matter is often far too blood drenched for my taste. I prefer mood to graphic gore. "Gothic Nights" though delivers the mood I like without the gore I don't.
8)
Finally, have you seen the "Red Riding Hood" movie playing in theatres currently? The werewolf is gorgeous!
;)
my brother and fiance and i are big into comics i am really dig horror comics i asked my brother about the tim Vigil comics and he says he will check and see if our local shop has them in stock. thanks for the tip i love horror comics and i grab what ever i can find with a wolfman on it.
i haven't seen red riding hood yet but i hopefully see it when i am on spring break. i'll let you know what i think of it. have you seen yet?
Yes. Here's my thread:
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=13097.msg211050#msg211050 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=13097.msg211050#msg211050)
;)
Quote from: Hepcat on March 26, 2011, 10:20:31 AM
Werewolfwoman:
I see a "Famous Monsters of Filmland" cover featuring Wolfman framed on the wall. Do you have the other issues of "Famous Monsters of Filmland" with werewolf covers? Do you have these two issues of "Creepy" featuring stunning werewolf covers by Frank Frazetta?
(http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/creepy/4-1.jpg)
(http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/creepy/7-1.jpg)
You might also want to check out the two issue "Gothic Nights" limited series with Tim Vigil artwork. The boyfriend of the countess is a werewolf and they're both absolutely exquisite specimens:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/GothicNights.jpg)
Tim Vigil is a master of both Gothic artwork and anatomy. He's capable of incredibly moody renderings with spectacular detail. Unfortunately his subject matter is often far too blood drenched for my taste. I prefer mood to graphic gore. "Gothic Nights" though delivers the mood I like without the gore I don't.
8)
Finally, have you seen the "Red Riding Hood" movie playing in theatres currently? The werewolf is gorgeous!
;)
I have those issues of Creepy! I absolutely LOVE that picture of the WW about to attack the guy, always have. Wonder where they are?.....
i also love the comic art and so much of famous monsters and creepy's cover art is more appealing on my wall than some god awful reproduction i purchased at target or wal-mart.
being an art major i get a lot of flak from professors for being a low brow artist, what ever i wear the title with pride and consider myself in good company ;). i have grown a thicker skin when it comes to taking criticisms about my taste in art but insult my collection and i get all bent outta shape, but thanks too you guys i not only get a sense of pride about collecting but also community ;D
Quote from: werewolfwoman on March 28, 2011, 06:43:51 PM
i also love the comic art and so much of famous monsters and creepy's cover art is more appealing on my wall than some god awful reproduction i purchased at target or wal-mart.
being an art major i get a lot of flak from professors for being a low brow artist, what ever i wear the title with pride and consider myself in good company ;). i have grown a thicker skin when it comes to taking criticisms about my taste in art but insult my collection and i get all bent outta shape, but thanks too you guys i not only get a sense of pride about collecting but also community ;D
Werewolfwoman, I was in college in the late 70's and I dealt with the same bs. One art teacher would continually put down Frazetta as an "illustrator" versus an "artist", as if illustration was somehow second class to fine art. I asked him the difference. He said fine art sells itself, illustration a product. I told him Frazetta's poster sell millions of copies, therefore they met his criteria of fine art. He never had a response to that.
These elitist snobs have biases like everyone else. But to denigrate an artist of Frazetta's caliber is just beyond me. He single-handedly defined an entire genre of art. That honestly says it all.
Hold your head high!!! And post some of your artwork. I would really like to see some!!
Mike
Quote from: Scatter on March 27, 2011, 09:58:13 AM
Ummmmmmmm..............PICS PICS PICS!!! I need ideas brother. I have a small living room with a mirrored wall (pretty retro right there) that we want to do in a 60s motif.
I'll try to take some this week--more likely weekend. Have to clean the place first.
my nickname in high school was 60's chick, i drive a 65 mustang and my make-up and clothing are all retro, most of my apartment is mid century modern. i love retro stuff and really enjoy looking at pics of the retro style of many of your homes.
Quote from: MDG on March 28, 2011, 07:34:56 PM
I'll try to take some this week--more likely weekend. Have to clean the place first.
Thanks!! Looking forward to it!!
Quote from: Illoman on March 28, 2011, 06:51:59 PMHe said fine art sells itself....
He's wrong. Usually "fine' art doesn't sell at all. That's how it earns the title of fine art. The artists have to love it so much they're willing to starve for their "art".
;)
For some reason my post didn't post last time, anyway.....
My brother and I were both aspiring comic artists at points in our lives. The art teacher in our high school once told my brother that he should stop drawing "stupid little cartoons". My brother is now an animator whose work on Sesame Street just won an Emmy.
Quote from: Bonomo on March 29, 2011, 09:31:23 AM
My brother and I were both aspiring comic artists at points in our lives. The art teacher in our high school once told my brother that he should stop drawing "stupid little cartoons". My brother is now an animator whose work on Sesame Street just won an Emmy.
You should point that detail out to his art teacher.
>:(
If not for these comments, I never would have known anyone thought so negatively of our beloved monsters. The few people that know of my love for old horror seemed at least mildly curious. I certaintly never suffered any sort of harrassment because of it.
Quote from: Hepcat on March 29, 2011, 09:38:20 AM
You should point that detail out to his art teacher.
>:(
That was over 20 years ago lol
Quote from: nospillblood on March 29, 2011, 10:39:32 AM
If not for these comments, I never would have known anyone thought so negatively of our beloved monsters. The few people that know of my love for old horror seemed at least mildly curious. I certaintly never suffered any sort of harrassment because of it.
Hi NoSpill!! Welcome to our tomb!! Tell us a little about yourself in the "New Members" thread, and please feel free to post pics of your collection. Whatever you have will be appreciated........even non-horror stuff.
Thanks Scatter. I posted in the "New Members" thread a while ago, but I usually don't post (a bad habit, I know). And if you're not sure what to call me, "Blood" will do, though I'm not fussy about my name.
And by the way werewolfwoman, that small wolfman plush on the upper shelf is just awesome. Where did you find it?
Quote from: nospillblood on March 31, 2011, 11:24:34 AM
Thanks Scatter. I posted in the "New Members" thread a while ago, but I usually don't post (a bad habit, I know). And if you're not sure what to call me, "Blood" will do, though I'm not fussy about my name.
And by the way werewolfwoman, that small wolfman plush on the upper shelf is just awesome. Where did you find it?
there is actually a funny story behind this little guy he is a new plushie wolfman from funko and i actually have three of them. for Christmas my fiance, big brother, and big sister all got me one. i told them i don't mind have multiples they can be a wolf pack :D
Well he's adorable, and would go perfectly with my Frodo plush.
As promised, some pics of the living room and dining room. Hopefully snack bar tomorrow.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5587242344_75443fede6.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5586647505_1d1e2dc391.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5587240252_d4221f564e.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5587239052_f6cf6e00c7.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5586644695_939f14c39c.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5586643887_f42d53d2f4.jpg)
MDG! Where in the world did you find all these treasures? I don't even know where to begin....WOWEE! I love EVERYTHING in your home! The dining room table and bar are soooo beautiful! And the wall art and tiki bar made me stop breathing! Did you collect for a long time before you decorated your home or was this a gradual process? That beautiful orange ceramic piece on the mantle is exquisite, orange is the best ! I can't even form sentences right now. I'm going back to magnify the screen and look again. You must be so proud of your interior design ability. Bravo!
What kind of wood is your dining table made of? It is so exotic looking :) I love the shape too!
Glad you like it Charp! We've been buying stuff for 20 years or more, mainly garage sales and flea markets, and a lot of stuff came from my parents (either stuff they had or got at flea markets) and gifts (typical remark: "This was real ugly so we thought you'd like it.") The Chinese checker boards started when my sister sent us a couple, then we started picking them up (usually $6 or less.) I think the orange ceramic on the mantle came in a box of stuff at an auction.
The bar and stools was $20 at an estate auction. I built the shelf behind it with the tiki torches and the light up cabinet in the dining room. The wall art is a period project I got from eBay (and still have to finish). Some more views:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5587661806_38f1687d8b.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5587660956_5fbe8e33af.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5587660258_58b231104b.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5587659586_9aa9a55b88.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5587064805_530127d960.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/3071153454_b53d428959.jpg)
Oh, the dining room table is some kind of laminate. There's a leaf for it, but the dining room is small, so usually we use it as a buffet rather than sit-downs ehen we have folks over.
Marty, digging the 64-65 Worlds Fair stuff. I have some stuff, but I'm not sure why I've accuymulated it. I was only there in utero, so it's not like I got to actually experience it.
Rob
MDG all i can say is wow, i love the retro and tiki motif, i have a tiki collection as well and really love the way you display your collections, just fantastic :)
Hey MDG...Well, it sure looks like the party will be at YOUR place! Love all the Tiki stuff...i used to have that same molded plastic chair [next to the bar] in blue in my bedroom as a kid and i know i have that set of World's Fair glasses up in my attic somewhere. Great place , beautifully decorated! Thanks for sharing...
Quote from: werewolfwoman on April 03, 2011, 10:50:35 PM
MDG all i can say is wow, i love the retro....
Retro?! Looks cutting edge modern to me. But I really like the Chinese checker game collection!
8)
I didn't clean up as much as I wanted, but pix of the snack bar:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5596274739_81a68e6bce.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5596862176_65ac8fbda5.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5596278309_5b79b9cf15.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5596277545_419f907934.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5596858578_8f18742ef0.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5596275433_a8c7c62fa2.jpg)
MDG- You brightened my evening!!! I have NEVER seen such an inspiring collection as yours! I just watched a show about drive-ins on PBS over the weekend, so I'm feeling super nostalgic about snack bars right now, and yours takes the cake!! So many memories in that room, your family must smile every day when they walk into that room. :) You are an amazing decorator, and if you live any where near me, PLEASE let me house sit when you go on vacation! I live near the Ga./Al. line! If you have a chance sometime, will you tell us where you got some of your drive-in memorabalia , like the signs- thanks!
MDG, WOW, WOW,WOW....... you are my hero ;) we have a local drive-in and i wish our snack bar was that cool.
Quote from: MDG on April 06, 2011, 08:26:12 PM
Wow! Cool! Given that it was previously a screened-in front porch, is it still visible to people walking by on the sidewalk?
???
Well, thanks, guys.
Charp, most of the drive-in stuff came off of eBay--nothing horribly expensive. I lucked out on the Coke sign in that my parents bought it around '75 for something like $30. I was looking for a booth but they were $$$$--then I found out about a guy who had a 50s theme party and had five sets made up (two benches and a table each) and was selling them on eBay, so I was able to get one fairly cheap. Built the padded corner piece myself, and it stores halloween decorations in the off season. Genesee's a local brand, so there's always stuff at garage sales and flea markets.
I just this weekend hooked up the TV to play through the two wooden speakers (allegedly from a drive in snack bar) on either side of the Schaefer sign.
Hepcat, the porch is on the side of the house, but can be seen from the sidewalk--the Schaefer sign shows pretty well if it's on.
MDG, that is an OUTRAGEOUSLY cool home!! I love retro, am planning on doing that to my home when time permits, so I've enjoyed the virtual tour more than you can know brother!!
Quote from: MDG on April 06, 2011, 08:26:12 PM
I didn't clean up as much as I wanted, but pix of the snack bar:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5596274739_81a68e6bce.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5596862176_65ac8fbda5.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5596278309_5b79b9cf15.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5596277545_419f907934.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5596858578_8f18742ef0.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5596275433_a8c7c62fa2.jpg)
Whatcha got in the jukebox?
MDG
GREAT stuff. LOVE IT LOVE IT. Now.. where is the gang? Shakes and fries on you of course. ;)
Happy Days Season 4 Intro (HQ) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM_jld_Hv2I#)
Quote from: Bonomo on April 08, 2011, 08:18:49 PM
Whatcha got in the jukebox?
It was a gift--the listings are mostly craPPy 80s stuff.
Quote from: werewolfwoman on March 24, 2011, 08:09:59 PM
She took one look at my wolfman collection and asked what was wrong with me? she asked what is with me and monsters and why would i ever spend money on this stuff? she then proceeded to further belittle my collection by asking why i chose to take my wolfmen out of their original packaging because i destroyed any value they may have had.
If, for some indefensible reason you opt NOT to take a dump on her front lawn during the next full moon and everyone thereafter... I don't want to know you. ;)
werewolfwoman,
I am really truely sorry. I can believe that people are extremely judgemental
when it come to others and ones choices. I wonder if your neighbor collects
anything or is into collecting? If she does, would her collection be more
acceptable? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, I wonder?!?
A long time ago............ I went on a date, and after time we began hang-out
more frequently. Eventually I felt more comfortable with her and invited her
back to my home. She took one look at my entire collection, throughout
the house and became silent. After that experience, I only heard from her once.
Quote from: marsattacks666 on April 25, 2011, 11:45:46 AM
After that experience, I only heard from her once.
Unfortunately, that was at your parole hearing.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that there are people out there that don't like the Wolf Man. How can you not like the Wolf Man?
I've long since stopped caring about what people think of me and my oddities. Either they can accept me for who I am or they have no place in my life. I don't have a huge display of anything though.
The only thing I collect is robotic dogs and I only have about twenty of those. I've only been collecting for a few months. I haven't gotten any comments on them one way or another as most who come here are well aware of my quirks. I really enjoy the pics of collections I see here and I can't fathom how anyone wouldn't find them awesome. What a dull life they must lead.
"What a creep" would be most of the people I knows responce :D The minority would say "awesome"
Quote from: MDG on April 03, 2011, 07:21:54 PM
As promised, some pics of the living room and dining room. Hopefully snack bar tomorrow.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5587240252_d4221f564e.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5587239052_f6cf6e00c7.jpg)
Neat! How long have you been collecting Chinese checkers games? How many do you have?
???
Man am I late to this post. Honestly if somebody doesnt like you for who you are as a person and they dont agree with what you like, then F*%K EM !!!!! Life is too short to waste time on aholes. Everyone is different.
Quote from: Hepcat on February 10, 2012, 09:19:52 AM
Neat! How long have you been collecting Chinese checkers games? How many do you have?
Didn't plan on collecting them--about 15 years ago, my sister saw a couple in a store in San Diego or someplace and sent them to me so I stuck 'em on the wall. So the next time my parents came over, my mom brought the one we had as kids and I stuck that on the wall. Since then, if I see one for less than 8 or 10 bucks, I'll pick it up and stick it on the wall. Probably have about 20.
I would have said "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out". What a jerk. I heard of people that collect bottlecaps, even matchbook covers, and I would NEVER make fun of their collection. Personally I like to see what stuff people collect. My wife is indifferent to my monster collection, but never says anything negative about it. My son on the other hand loves it, so he has a MONSTER-ous future in front of him. hahaha! To not like monsters is a mortal sin in my book.
JP
[quoteI heard of people that collect bottlecaps][/quote]
We've got an older gentleman in my town that collects bottle openers. Has them displayed in his very nicely done garage. They are in glass displays, both upright and counter displays. His enthusiasm when showing his collection doesn't allow for you to minimizer what he has collected. He is literally busting with pride over what he has collected. After afew minutes with him, anyone would want to start searching out bottle openers! (but I better not)...........Buddy
Quote from: Wolfman on February 10, 2012, 12:02:53 PMI heard of people that collect bottlecaps, even matchbook covers, and I would NEVER make fun of their collection.
Of course not. Both those things are very cool collectibles.
What annoys me personally is when the first, and often only, question people have when awestruck by a great collection is "How much is all this stuff worth?"
"Go to hell. It's not all about money" is generally my response.
>:(
How much is it worth is a common response for me as well. Even some other collectors will brag about a new piece and the only thing they say is how much is it worth. Thankfully, most of the collectors I know and have met talk more about the love they have for the hobby -- no matter what they collect. That is the pure joy. An old high school buddy and me are going to a toy show tomorrow. He collects Matchbox and I collect Universal. Yet we enjoy the hunt together. I remember introducing an old friend as "We went to different high schools together." That kinda fits supporting differences as well.
QuoteAn old high school buddy and me are going to a toy show tomorrow. He collects Matchbox and I collect Universal. Yet we enjoy the hunt together
Same here! If a good friend that collects Matchbox wants to come along to the toy show with me, that's great too! If he collects monsters, models, comics, pulps, old radios, guitars, basses, G.I.Joe, vintage kites, original art, sleds, battery ops, friction drive toys, or anything vintage, mint and boxed..........I tell him the toy show is next month. Ha! Love, Buddy
I am always fascinated by other peoples' collections.
The dumbest litte items imaginable can look silly all by themselves - but a huge collection of variations on that same item from all over the world and through many decades is a real treat. I revel in seeing all the many permeations possible from the human mind.
It is especially gratifiying to see the beautiful displays collectors make from the darndest things.
I like EVERYBODY'S collections!
(I'd love to have a large order of French fries served in a plastic basket lined with stiff, white tissue paper and a root beer float in that retro diner booth!!!)
Only the most astute and perceptive of us can find an affinity in the Wolfman, ripe with tragic nuances and universal pathos. I am sure if your neighbor were to reflect upon the film itself, and absorb its meaning, she would see her own struggles manifest in Lon Chaney's plight; bound by lunar cycles, mysterious urges, and tumultuous alchemical transformations which make up the fiber of her being. As for the collecting, just tell her its a hobby. Done, and done.