While one might think that the Indianapolis area might have little to offer the Oddaseers, you would be wrong. We found some of our pre-determined sites and a few unexpected ones. We are here to hang with Susan's family but during these 4-5 days your visual adventure junkies will not be denied. So, this message covers parts of a couple of noteworthy sites and people. There will be another one devoted solely to a super-visual and history treasure find.
1. "The Museum of Miniature Houses" in nearby Carmel (say it more like the candy than the ever so sheeshy home of ex-Mayor Eastwood in California). Now at first glance this might seem to be nothing more than a "doll house" collection. Well that is partly correct but this was cream of the crop stuff. No mere kits from Hobby Lobby (Susan calls those craft and plastic crap emporiums, Holly Hobbies), these are the work of serious "miniaturists" (the proper terminology). There were the expected mini, Victorian homes, farm houses and appropriate little people but then there were the incredible structures filled with one-of-a-kind hand-made figurines in hand-made period clothing. There's a museum, theater stage, workshops, a street of shops as well as some dioramas focused on specific rooms. While few of the craftswomen/men make everything within one house or vignette, they have specialities. There is a lot of exchanging, buying and commissioning going on. Some of these creations are very valuable -- when asked about value, we were told the one in front of us was recently appraised at over $40,000. That's one pricey doll sitting on a sofa in a two story house of many rooms. The one recurring theme was the astounding and insanely tiny details found on virtually every item in every diminutive environment. The museum itself is very professional and honors their treasures well and they also present numerous changing exhibitions to rival many a fine art venue. Susan remembered her own dollhouse with fondness -- it provided hours and hours of imaginary fun; imagine continuing that childlike joy for a lifetime? The tiny petit point carpets and pieced quilts, the kittens with fur sleeping in a basket, and the tiny, tiny fruit in a woven basket just leave one in awe.
2. "Ernie Taylor" -- this artist's work was recommended by Susan's brother, Wayne. He told us where to find a field of metal creatures on a nearby farm. This site did not appear in any of our research; thusly, our expectations were low and, besides we were expected for dinner soon. So, it was likely to be a drive-by or a quick stop and, at most, a few quick snapshots. Well surprise surprise surprise.... this is a very large field. We parked the truck in a barely acceptable spot along the road (damn tourists!) and walked along the fence to peek and take some photos. What we saw was immediately whimsical and diverse. Our view was not great as the pieces were a bit far from the fence. Then it got better.....
Mr. Taylor came out and with a beaming and infectious smile beckoned Susan and I to, "Come on in and go through the gate." This humble but warm gentleman was more engaging than even his sculpture "garden." Shortly after, Mrs. Taylor appeared and it was like meeting the paradigm of all grandmother ideals; what a sweetheart. They guided us around the interior yard and then to the gate out to the field of sculptures and old farm equipment. We were instructed to take our time and take all the pictures we desired. When finished there, we were invited to see more in the barns.
The welded and painted creatures were very fun and there were even a few mobiles in the mix. His work is naive but with a very creative twist in every piece. Back in the yard and near the barns were some almost Rube Goldberg creations -- Some engineering mixed with a bit of Tim Burton and Dr. Seuss thrown in. The barns actually house a Farm Equipment museum. They have an incredible assortment of old tractors, tools and related curiosities. Check out the John Deere tricycle and lawnmower bike. The buildings are overflowing and we were just lucky enough to get the bonus tour. Wow and again wow!
All the art and farm stuff was great but the real privilege came in meeting these two unassuming, warm and friendly folks. Once again it was about the people not just the stuff. The smiles and genuine hospitality was so extraordinary that it was almost impossible to fully comprehend at the moment it was happening. The instant connection was uncommon but coming from two people most might mistakingly view as not unusual. Ernie's stories and pun-ridden jokes were fantastic. Dot was just as engaging and the pride with which she boasted about his art work was enough to bring tears to our eyes. The far too time spent with them were some of the most moving moments along our very incredible journey. After the group photos and the gift of this very cute chicken clucking toy made from a plastic cup, string and sponge, it was hugs all around. Ernie and Dottie were glad to see us come and sad to see us go; amazing.
I mean really, when was the last time any of you were blessed with meeting strangers that within less than an hour later were sharing hugs with people that seemed had almost become family. Now that, my friends, is gift that cannot be forgotten nor ignored. We are very lucky to have met and smiled with two very real folks..... these kinds of moments will forever alter how we look at the people from afar, acquaintances, loved ones or anyone we meet in the future. And, hopefully, will encourage me to remember to be so giving, genuine, and approachable (from Susan).
Love and baaa-buk-buk-buk... babuk buk (that's a sad phonetic attempt at our chicken gift clucks)
Rodney and Susan
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