THE CAVENDER DIARY

Over the past couple decades I’ve been able to acquire all the things I either couldn’t find, or couldn’t afford, in my teens and 20’s.

• Indian Jones doll,             CHECK.
• Cowboy Sweater,             CHECK.
• Fringed Leather Jacket,   CHECK
• Longhorn Mount,              CHECK
• Bauer Oil Jar,                   CHECK
• Steiff Teddy Bears,           CHECK, CHECK, CHECK  (I have THREE)

I don’t need anything. Seriously.

But there are a few “Holy Grail” like items that I’d love to find one day. Preferably at a Goodwill thrift store, or better yet, in a heap of trash on the side of the road. (fingers crossed)

Like a Coca Cola metal “button” sign.

These 24″ babies were standard issue advertising for Coca-Cola in diners and soda fountains. So much so that they are far from rare… I’ll bet there are about 50 listed on eBay right now. What they are is a tad bit above my spending comfort level.

Speaking of “spending comfort level”…

I’ve been pining for one of these guys ever since I first saw him on Instagram.

It’s a freaking sprinkler from the 1940’s. The lasso twirls around as the water sprays out of it. Sometimes he has a yellow shirt, or red, or even cornflower blue.

I’ve seen him in a couple different styles. I’ve just never seen him for less than a grand.

Sheeesh,

Maybe a little more attainable is a vintage metal military globe.

About two feet tall and made by the Denoyer Geppert company in the 1950’s, they aren’t too expensive. I’ve actually been close to owning one more than a couple times, it just hasn’t happened yet……but it will.

This creepy Michelin Man statue has also eluded me for decades.

They used to stand outside gas stations as advertisements for Michelin Tyres.

Honestly, I’d settle for a reproduction, and there are plenty available online. But being just under two feet tall, and made of cast iron, it’s not a “cheap ship” kinda item.

How groovy are these black owl andirons?

Cast iron with yellow glass marbles for eyes, so they glow in a fire. Spooky, I know.

There are very old ones…and pretty new ones, I’d be happy with either.

I’ve been collecting glass ornaments since the Reagan administration, so I have quite a few, and there aren’t many new designs that really make my toes curl, until I discovered Eric Cortina.

His glass ornaments are just so whimsical, like this tattooed man,

and this fire hoop jumping tiger,

and this dog playing with a stripped ball.

Charming, right.

I know that these seem like an easy purchase. Certainly in my price range, and I’ve already found a couple of his ornaments at Nicholson Hardie here in Dallas, Ebay, and even Amazon……..but nothing like these three.

His website isn’t much help. There are several links to retailers…. but none who sell any of Eric’s creations online. At the risk of being a little bit of a stalker, I’ve emailed the company a couple of times, with no response.

At the risk of being labeled a full-fledged stalker, I’ve tried contacting Eric on Facebook,

and Instagram.

Still nothing.

Not even a “Cease and Desist”.

Just makes me want them more.

So if anyone knows of an online store that carries these ornaments please reach out to me.

And if any of you gentle readers have any of those other items you’d like removed from your attic, or garage, or backyard shed……..also let me know.

I’ll be there the next day….