Robert Johnson tears it up on the Mushroom Stage.

Posted on by Thor

0n November 29th, Terry and I went to Kim Bucheit‘s 24 hour “Old Sport” or “Black Friday Boycott” party. When it got dark, Robert Johnson set up his equipment on the Mushroom Stage. Blue Christmas lights were strung out on the stage and larger warm bulbs were hung around the periphery of the tent. Solar bulbs illuminated each of the 4 corner supports. About 15 feet from the tent a large bonfire snapped and glowed. For several songs Robert was joined by drummers who set the primal beat.

Robert has two original songs that I absolutely love. One is about an artist painting his masterpiece and the other is an ode to Orlando. Robert draws most of his influence from the road. He is a poet, writer,
producer, and visual artist. For the past 3 years, he has spent his
time recording demos for upcoming projects, and touring through America
and parts of Europe. His solo sound is that of a gypsy-pop folk singer
heavily influenced by American music of the 50’s; soul singers; and Euro
gypsy music. Between sets, Robert offered me some of the good stuff to help me loosen up my line work. When the music died, everyone gathered around the fire to tell stories.

Some partiers had their tents. Terry and I had our sleeping bags and Kim was kind enough to find us some floor space.  The younger crowd stayed up all night keeping the fire burning. In the morning the fire kept us warm as we enjoyed mimosas and muffins By next year this stage will have been taken over by bulldozers to make way for a new parkway. Old Sport and Old Florida are slowly becoming things of the past.

A 24 Hour “Old Sport Party” in Sorrento FL.

Posted on by Thor

The Old Sport party was also known as the Black Friday Boycott Party. The Wekiva Parkway is due to come through Kim Bucheit‘s property by this time next year, so friends went to enjoy Wise Acre Farm while they were able. It was time to make plans to chill out and share fun at Wise Acre Farm Thanksgiving weekend!
Many of you “card carrying” party goers know the drill.
If you have been meaning to come out to the farm, this is an ideal opportunity to enjoy it while it lasts (before the Wekiva Parkway goes through).
It’s a 24 hour extravaganza with something for everyone. Friends dropped in whenever it suited them, while others started early and went the distance.

In my sketch, friends were just beginning to gather on the porch. A propane heater and a bunch of solar lights had been purchased for the party. The solar lamps leaned toward the sun to catch the rays. There was a corn hole tournament and after the sun set, a bonfire was built for everyone to gather around. The open garage was where the bar was set up.

Black Friday Vendor Sale at Fashion Square Mall.

Posted on by Thor

On November 28th, 2014 there was a Black Friday Artist Vendor Sale at Fashion Square Mall hosted by The Culture Xchange Gallery And Marketplace 3201 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, Florida. The sale was open to all Local Vendors of Arts and Crafts, Local Fashion Brands and Local Bands and Musicians.

I searched the Mall hoping to get a sketch of this vibrant local marked. What I found was a small assortment of artists at maybe 10 tables. Some canvases were simply leaning against a wall. None of the art interested me. I decided to leave but from the second level I found this great view of this bungee trampoline. The kids lined up to use it. The assistant would buckle all the harnesses and then she would press a button which would slowly tighten the bungee chords using a truck winch which would launch the child higher. As parents waited nervously, he would scream for more until fear overtook joy and then she would ease up, bringing the child back down to earth with progressively smaller jumps.

The art market vendors can be seen in the background of the sketch so I can say that I found what I was looking for. I found the Art Market a bit depressing, but Orlando will always find ways to trill and excite as long as you keep looking.

How the Mall Stole Christmas

Posted on by Thor

Twas two days past Black Friday and all through the Mall

The shoppers came rushing, around Santa’s fake hall,

I began sketching children put on Santa’s knee,

giving plenty of time for my wife’s shopping spree.

My vantage point was the only one that cost no money,

others gathered here considering the scene quite funny.

The activity was earnest as all waited for a sight,

for this Santa had a real beard to parents delight.

Parents they waited, and fingered their phones,

ignoring their children who screamed and moaned.

From my vantage point I could see the grim scene,

as children were forced to sit, and then screamed.

A photographer’s assistant tried to distract them a moment,

using squeeze toys and baubles for the children’s enjoyment.

A hot flash blinded, then appeared, a red nose and white beard.

Kids screamed till their lungs burned from all that they feared.

A mom saw Saint Nick sip from his flask,

“I hope that it’s water” she told her kids with a gasp.

 The old man put up with photos galore.

Parents and children crowded in for ever more.

Then behind me I heard a mall guard and I swallowed..

Your sketch looks fine, but rules must be followed.

Sketching isn’t allowed in this Mall without asking.

Managers are all gone, so you must stop your sketching.

But people shoot pictures all day without stopping.

Only photos of faces should be captured while shopping.

 I texted my wife to let her know I’d been spotted,

I continued to sketch after the mall guard departed.

I left the sketch unfinished and my anger abated,

This season our money would go somewhere art isn’t hated.

If you shop in a mall this holiday season,

avoid Mall at Millenia where I’ll not shop, for good reason.

Hundreds of dollars of money unspent,

as my wife packed her wallet and back home we went.

Perhaps this year something local I’ll buy ,

supporting craftsmen whose talents I’ll try.

Black Friday

Posted on by Thor

The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is supposed to have some of the best shopping deals of the holiday season. Actually the night of Thanksgiving, stores like Wall mart are supposed to kick off the holiday shopping binge. Carol served us Mike’s Hard Lemonade which I developed a taste for. She cut up vegetables and lettuce for a salad to accompany our left over feast. Carol’s boyfriend’s dog eyed her progress waiting for scraps. Her own dog, a dachshund named Reese’s was blind but he still roamed the room by scent searching for any abandoned morsel. It was like having one of those robot vacuums underfoot constantly roaming the room.

There was definitely no shortage of food and we worked hard devouring the leftovers.  It began to snow. It was only flurries, but it was thrilling for people who are used to the Sunshine State. We took some less than traditional Family portraits at the dining room table. I’m sure the Thorspecken’s back in Germany will be impressed by our refinement and culture. Nini Thorspecken Skyped her parents in Weisbaden every evening. Cornelia and her husband did their best to speak in English. Technology is indeed making the world a smaller place, although we kept loosing the Internet connection.