International Opening of Two Hermanator Exhibitions

JINGLE JANDLE MOURNING is a rather random collection of some of my favourite art done by the Hermanator Youngers. More primitive than Bill Hammond's Jingle Jangle Morning exhibition by a feather and not quite as vast, Jingle Jandle Mourning is still a frank and intense expression of self-discovery, loss of innocence, coupled with a smattering of whimsy. There are no bird men here but there is a magnificent steed with a golden mane.

Jingle Jandle Mourning Exhibition by the Hermanator Youngers

WATER ART has been hailed by Robert Studley Forrest Hughes as a milestone in visual communication packing a visceral and imaginative clout calibrated on the Awe and Wonder scale. When asked to comment on the collection, Mr Mikey unassumingly said: "My brush is pure sunshine and my canvas a few fathoms of water."

If you think I'm making up the Studley bit then you're in for a nasty shock. As with the best of contemporary researchers, I verify all facts on Wikipedia before committing them to cold type.

Water Art By Mr Mikey

You were WHAT??

Although little people accept as fact most of what they're presented in the media–abs are easy, ordinary sedans travel at 220km/h on public roads, Coke is the real thing–they are often cruelly disbelieving of their parents.

I was never young, it appears. Or thin. I never had much hair and the little I can lay claim to was, naturally, always white. I can't sing, don't have rhythm, and can't jump. Thanks kids, I love you too.

Now I'll concede that Sony never approached me despite my unerringly accurate interpretations of Dylan and that hitting the dance floor took on a whole new meaning when I was around, but I get spooked as much as the next person and I once fitted into the wee pastel yellow matinee jacket now worn by one of the few soft toys left intact by Wilby Dog.

I'm yet to convince them that photos of me from the '80s and '90s have not been Photoshopped, alternatively cunningly downloaded off some immensely cool young person's site after running a Google image search.

This photo was taken by Wendy in 1987 in a field in England. I once thought it was me, but now I'm not so sure its the real thing.

PS: If you lift the shirt you might see some abs.

PPS: If you don't have that version of Firefox then just ask Wendy.

The Origins of the 'Fro Bro Title

Looking at him now (see group photo posted earlier this week) Dan's nickname might appear hyperbolic. This is entirely appropriate as he is the current junior world champion of hyperbole.

As anyone familiar with our family is probably aware, Dan was trained by a master–Shirley being the longest uninterrupted holder of the junior and adult titles, and competing now very strongly in the seniors category.

This photo was taken at the Sign of the Kiwi in February 2007, during mom's most recent visit.

'Fro Bro was trying not to be amused by my attempts to get them to smile while Lily Fairy was cracking up inside but was earnestly practising her poker face in preparation for the local Under-6 Texas Hold 'em finals. Obviously she thinks her dad is a hoot. Really. HANNAH!!!!

Reflection

Lily Fairy took this charming photo of me, in which I appear to be auditioning for the job of reflective screen at Weta Studios.

Initially, I found the reflective expanse of my forehead rather alarming but I do believe I can gather a good mound of coin by renting myself out to photographers and film studios.

I have also been approached by Nato, which is considering deploying me in remote areas as a Low Karbon Imission and solar energy powered signalling system aka LOKI (apologies to the fearsome giants Fárbauti and Laufey–the parents of the original Loki–and the editors of the Oxford English Dictionary for this contrivance).

More on this matter as things develop later in the week.

Victoria by Lily Fairy

Once upon a time there was a little girl called Victoria. She was 13 and going to High School. Victoria had friends who went to the same school. She was going to turn 14 next year and was going to have a circus for her birthday. And she was popular at school. The End

Small Girl and Big Cat

Big colourful cat and smallish girl are stuck in a room of colourful boxes - Red, Yellow, Green and Blue.The boxes are a bit skew but that doesn't matter!!!The girl has a purple top, brown skirt, green stockings, and pink shoes. The cat has brown ears, green head, red body, purple tail, and black feet and legs.

The Houndlet of the Port Hills

Is it a baboon? Is it a hedgehog? No, its Wilby Dog the Border Terrier. I think they called them Borders 'cos they're right at the outer edge of the shallow side of the canine gene pool.

Small in size (he weighs in at around 8kg after a big meal), Wilby Dog has a big appetite for small furry creatures like cats and hedgehogs, and Lily Fairy's soft toys. He is also rather partial to plastic containers, wood (he really likes a local variety called rimu), and seat belts.

He enjoys a vigorous game of fetch as long as you do the tossing and the fetching. Sleep ranks high on his list of past times and although he insists its untrue, he is a loud snorer.

Wilby Dog believes in reincarnation and charity.

Waiting for Carmie B and Daryl

The foreign visitors anticipation index is heading far north at Foster Terrace, with 'Fro Bro, Bexadillo, and Lily Fairy even willing - nay, eager - to pose together.

True to South Island male role modeling, 'Fro Bro is acting staunch and aloof; Bexadillo is using Lily Fairy as a shield to hide the inevitable food stains on her shirt; and Lily Fairy is taking a brief break from her part-time job manufacturing sunshine for the universe.