Blinking Lemon

I don’t see a lot of things that surprise me. That doesn’t mean I don’t find a lot of delightful surprises - quite the contrary. Still, if you’re 43, grew up in a big city, and mis-spent your youth as thoroughly as I did, it’s just coy to act like the highs and lows of human behavior are unexpected.

I found some reprinted Victorian erotica today. That did not surprise me. I found 2 video games simulating how to kill people from helicopters. That did not surprise me. I found a book of stories selected by known literary giant, Shirley Temple. Still, not surprised.

The sweaty men who should have been bathing instead of shopping for books; the bag lady lying in the middle of the sidewalk sipping a cup of coffee in the most relaxed manner imaginable; the fact that I did not get any good books at the bag sale? Noteworthy, but well within the norm.

The patterns for needlepointing on FLYSWATTERS, though. That stopped me in my tracks.

Yes, needlepointing ON the flyswatters. Stitching through the mesh of the flyswatter. On purpose. Creating patterns of kitties and chickens and geese. Making flyswatters into objects of delight in your home.

And then killing flies with them.

I still can’t believe it. This is almost my best find ever.

The mental image I have of an unsung army of women, earnestly plying their needles, unaware of the artistic significance of MAKING NEEDLEPOINT OUT OF FLYSWATTERS - well, now that takes my breath away.

Shine on you crazy diamonds. Shine on.

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 9th, 2007 at 8:32 pm and is filed under Book Scrounging.