Sometimes I really wonder about myself. And my sense of style, whether I have good taste or not. The sensibilities I posses often seem to be more appropriate for say, a six year old, than the grown up I thought I saw the last time I looked in the mirror.
I spied a coconut monkey bank at the thrift store Friday, and, defying any rational explanation, the attraction was instantaneous. I bet they sell these monkey banks in Hawaii, and I could have gotten one there. Still. This little guy was only .99 cents and I didn’t have to worry about packing him in my carry-on bag. (Can a coconut monkey bank be used as a weapon? These days, you just never know.)
I showed my prize to my daughter Amy. What’s that thing sticking out of his neck? She was puzzled. And frankly, so was I. I ventured several guesses. The tassel to the monkey’s hat, perhaps? An earring-missing its mate? (Do monkeys wear earrings? And for that matter, do monkeys wear hats and little round glasses?)
The truth is, I didn’t know. My rule of thumb is that when the price tag on something you love is a penny shy of a buck, you don’t ask a lot of questions.
As I often do when I find a treasure like this, I go to the internet for more information. And so I decided to search online for some coconut monkey bank enlightenment. I learned that the mysterious object in question is a pipe. And despite the surgeon general’s warning that smoking is a bad habit that might harm my coconut monkey, I am ecstatic. That pipe dates this fellow to the 60’s, and that means my coconut monkey bank is now, instead of merely a second-hand tacky tourist souvenir, a cool iconic piece of vintage Hawaiian kitsch.
For ninety-nine cents!
Happy Monday, and here’s wishing all of you a lucky week!
...a find like this would elevate one to a six-year-old, too! I'll just have to contend with being my normal four-year-old self till I find something this cool!!! :-D
ReplyDeleteDawn-thanks for that! I'm glad I'm not the only one out there with a juvenile way of looking at the world:) It's a fun perspective though, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteAnd his pipe has been right there since the 60s! I bet the monkey was glad you finally gave him his smoke back. Fun find, Valerie!
ReplyDeleteLisa-I was surprised his pipe hadn't gotten lost over the years. The 60's monkey I saw online had the pipe stuck like that too-it must be how they were displayed and people knew to put the pipe in the monkey's mouth. So much for what I know:)My monkey was overjoyed to have his smoke back after so long! I guess I'll let him keep that pipe:)
ReplyDeleteHahaha! You crack me up! This little guy is cute, though. And for that price, he's quite a bargain!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Cool!!! That is what make you such a wonderful lady .. you not only are talented you have a terrific sense of humor & great sense of life! Always loved what Woody Harrelson said ... a grownup is a child with layers on. ..... so true!!!
ReplyDeleteWho wouldn't fall for "a cool iconic piece of vintage Hawaiian kitsch"? I love that line! And as other readers have commented, you certainly aren't alone in your love of kids' stuff. I too gravitate toward the kind of knickknacks that seem like they've dropped right out of a cartoon! I think life would be pretty boring without such whimsy :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa!! :) When I find something like the monkey a little voice always whispers that old adage about "one man's junk is another man's treasure." So true:)
ReplyDeleteLisa-thank you so much-and I love that Woody Harrelson quote!
Tracy-pretty boring is so true!! I'm glad you have the same sensibilities that I have! :)
Oh Valerie, You are too funny. Thank you for my morning chuckle!
ReplyDeleteI think your coconut monkey bank is super cute, so I guess I have the same kitsch-lovin taste. lol
Kimberly :)
Thanks Kimberly! And I'm awfully glad to be in such good company:)
ReplyDeleteLove it and you know what, I love that it's hand carved. It's original and so you!
ReplyDelete