Going Zany

Going zany – Who hasn’t gone zany or at least wished they had and hopefully in either case more than once? But for you who are despairing because you have not yet gone zany, or at least believe you have not gone zany, although you have hoped to go zany, don’t worry – worrying always interferes with zaniness, so stop worrying and instead keep looking at stuff like the Mona Museum and don’t judge, stop judging stuff. Let it be that which it is or isn’t and don’t try to change it. If it’s zany it will always be zany as zany doesn’t change. If it’s zany, it’s zany simple and true. Always and forever. So just be, enjoy and zany will come and pay a visit. Welcome it, enjoy it and invite it back. And now that introduction having been made here are some things MONA considers zany. Enjoy….

Peace Sisters and Brothers. For those of us still alive, who will ever forget the late sixties, early seventies no matter how much we might like to? So many ugly colors; so many self important statements.

Suppose they gave a war and nobody came. Don’t we wish. Idealism embodied on a neon orange bumper sticker for at least a brief moment in time. With this inspirational message we enter the age of protest.

Orange chunk wax candle. This candle represents an unprecedented and completely unique moment in craft history. Check out this never been used candle. We have no idea how it was made and are pretty sure we’re happy not having a clue. Trust us we won’t torch the wick.

Crocheted Orange and White Pillow. A decorative must and much needed respite in the turbulent times of this era. A perfect head rest for the exhausted protester, but whatever you do, do not eat grapes or lettuce while reclining.

Peace Goblet/Beer Glass. Drink in peace and peace be with you. Certain to make any beverage taste better, we snapped this up, put it in the freezer and fought over who got to drink out of it. Beware, sipping from this glass, an orange festooned extravaganza, may result in visions of the Country Joe and the Fish and the Grateful Dead.

Love frame. Aquamarine plastic script rendition of love. The “O” is a frame, currently featuring an Hawaiian scene. We’d prefer a picture of John.

Drink, Chill and Season. Protesting is very hunger producing, as of course were other activities in which many protesters indulged. Put some ice from the Mushroom Ice Bucket into the Have a Happy Day Glass and pour in whatever cools you off both literally and figuratively.

Grooving:

Frog Soap Dish. Having enjoyed a hearty meal, wash up and prepare for your journey to wherever it is you’re going.

Orange VW Bug Van. Perfect for any number of friends new and old, in fact ones you haven’t even met yet. So hop in, relax, and take a ride to this and that and the other thing. Wow! How utterly cool!

8 Track Tapes and 66 – Tape Player and Holder. Pile into your VW van all ten of you, yes, you’ll all fit somehow, and turn on your eight track tape player, start up the car and go forth but don’t speed or waver, maybe have someone, not maybe, definitely have someone who has not indulged in whatever be the driver. Enjoy your cruise as you plan your next protest.

As you go on to the next part of this exhibit use judgment and restraint. Warning, don’t go without reading the caution first.

Exotic Imports.

Double secret exhibit: Caution – not for the faint of heart or anyone with a modicum of sensitivity. Remember you were warned. Enter this part of the exhibit at your own risk.

Utterly tasteless, very politically incorrect and possibly at one time even illegally imported although we bought them legally and we have the receipts to prove it. Displayed in our private collection, we present our exotic imports normally available only to immediate family members and close personal friends. If our museum hasn’t offended you yet, this should do it, so please be prepared to gasp in horror at what you are about to see or simply skip this exhibit and save yourself the aggravation.

See Ya Later Alligator. This genuine alligator purse from Cuba is undated but we’re guessing it’s pre-Castro due to its decadence. Meticulous whip stitching around the edges frames a perfectly preserved baby (yuk) alligator lounging on top of what may be his mother’s own skin. Fortunately we’ll never know for sure. The amber glass eyes are wide open and dare even the most cunning thief to think twice before attempting to pilfer this purse. We haven’t carried it yet but know it will be perfect for that long overdue outing with the children to the zoo or museum of natural history. One of a kind. Adjustable shoulder strap. Roomy inside for all your stuff. An absolute bargain at only twelve dollars!

Are They Playing Our Song? Recuerdo de Mexico. Lead harpist with the Tijuana Philharmonic Orchestra, this frog with serape and sombrero is an accomplished classical musician. Unfortunately chamber music isn’t much of a draw in his home town and so he moonlights at local restaurants as a wandering minstrel. Should you encounter him while dining, before you order the sauteed frog legs in sals be sure to request his masterpiece, “Vaya Con Dios, My Darling, Vaya Con Dios, Vaya Con Dios My Love” (not sure what this means — do we need a song that someone sings right before they die or in this case become sautéed frog legs in salsa. Any ideas?)

Wolf Gloves. My Hands Are Freezing. No more. Just slip on these wolf gloves from Alaska. Yes, they’re made from the skin of a wolf head. We’re sickened too, what you goin’ to do when you’re so, so cold in Alaska or anywhere else for that matter? Furry and warm, they come to the rescue in even the coldest weather. A must for forest rangers, Canadian Mounted Police and New York equestrian patrolmen. Wouldn’t these make a wonderful statement gift for a Humane Society volunteer? Scratch that idea, we’re not about to give these up even though it’s hard to imagine ever needing them in Southern California. Before you throw up, please note the attention to detail. We were struck by the hand sewn blue beaded eyes in particular.