My BreyerFest History: 1995

First Post of the Day

BreyerFest 1995

It is difficult to know where to begin in recording the events of BreyerFest 1995. So much was happening that year! It was again held at the end of the month on July 28 - 30. 

First, my dear friend, Kathy, came with me, and that upped the fun right then and there. There is still no one I'd rather go model horsing with than Kat! She's one of those friends where your voice gets hoarse when you are together because you are talking so much.

Then, NAMHSA held the very first North American Nationals (NAN) there in the ballroom of the Holiday Inn North. That will be covered in another post coming soon (and probably tomorrow.)

Mego on the Adios mold was the dinner/celebration model and 3,000 were produced. (Notice how that number is ramping up as the event grows.) The real Mego was a trick horse who also appeared in the television show, Walker, Texas Ranger, where he was ridden by actor Chuck Norris. Current value of the model is $40 - $50.

There were no special runs offered, not even keychains again, but there were 71 auction lots. 

If I could change one thing from my days at the early BreyerFests, it would be that I would have stayed in the Holiday Inn/CHIN at least once. But I could always find cheaper motels elsewhere and so I did. Hindsight!

Years later, I tried and tried to get a room at the CHIN but I never did. Staying there during BreyerFest is on my bucket list, but I doubt I will ever do another BreyerFest in person again so most likely it's just a dream. Ah, well.

Next up? The inaugural NAN, and that topic spans two posts.

Stay 'tooned!

AI - The Genie is Loose

Second Post of the Day

Most people know that I do NOT like AI. In fact, I detest AI and do not use it. 

Can I be fooled and miss something that is AI? Of course - AI can be quite sophisticated.  But I can usually recognize its use when I am doing research or writing, be it for a blog entry, sewing project, or something else.

So, with such a distaste for AI, can you imagine my dismay when I got this email?

My reaction was instantaneous and I said aloud, "Oh, no you don't!"

Academia.edu is a reputable site for educational researchers. We use it for publishing and storing papers that we have written or for finding papers to use as we do research for papers that we are writing. It's a respected site, though not quite not as big or essential to the educational community as Research Gate.

Regardless of how reputable the site is, using AI on one of my papers was a serious issue to me. I opened the email to see more about what Academia.edu was doing. My dismay grew when I read the email.

An AI had created a podcast with one of my papers? No, no, no, no, NO! 

As I looked closer and saw the length of the podcast, I could only wonder what was included in that podcast. The podcast was just 4:45 long; that paper could not be read completely in that amount of time.

I was curious but I was absolutely not going to click on the link to hear it. And, while I am glad that this so-called podcast is private to me, I am NOT happy that it has been created.

This particular paper generated a lot of interest when it was first published in Research in Science Education in 2002 and it has been heavily used by other researchers for years. My guess is that Academia.edu selected it for that reason, perhaps hoping to make it more usable by researchers who want the information and prefer the podcast approach.

Whatever their reasons, though, I am not happy about discovering AI being used with my work. AI is creeping into everything, everywhere. 

We truly have let the AI genie, for good or for bad, out of the bottle.

My BreyerFest History: 1990 - 1994

First Post of the Day

This series has taken me weeks to research and write. I sorted through boxes in closets, I spoke with my dear friend Kathy who went to several BreyerFests with me, I googled, I asked questions on social media...

It is as accurate as my memory and research can make it and is the story of my personal participation in BreyerFest over the years. 

Chock full of fond memories, the series was a beast to write (I wrote NINE entries for the blog yesterday.) However, I am glad that I finally have my BreyerFest memories documented and recorded. 

I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed researching and writing them.

BreyerFest 1990 (Did not attend)

The very first BreyerFest was held July 28 - 29, 1990 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Dr. Peaches, the first Breyer Dinner/Celebration horse.

Only 1,026 were made and I got mine from Karen Beeson, a friend who was attending the University of Illinois at the time and had an extra. Currently he is valued at $100 - $200.

Karen Beeson, Kathy Bateman, Julie Propes, Kay Biberstein, and Chris Wallbruch were all in Champaign-Urbana at the time and it was so fun getting together with them back then! And those friendships have endured and continued despite the passage of 35 years. 

At the time, Karen was a Breyer dealer, and when she got in a new shipment, she'd invite us to come over and see what new Breyer merchandise she had in. We'd gather in her apartment, look, buy, and gab. Very happy memories.

I did not go to the very first BreyerFest for a variety of reasons - I had a passle of kids at home (Cole, the youngest, was just 2) and we only had one income. The drive to Lexington and back, the hotel costs, the tickets to the event... I did not feel good spending our money that way.

BreyerFest 1991 

My first BreyerFest and the second BreyerFest ever held. In an effort to alleviate complaints about travel distances and make the event more accessible to collectors, BreyerFest 1991 was held in four different locations:  June 8-9 in Redmond/Bend, Oregon, July 13 in York, Pennsylvania, August 10-11 in Lexington, Kentucky, and August 17-18 in Pomona, California. 

I attended the one in Lexington, Kentucky, only a four hour drive from where I was living in Illinois.

I went alone. This mom of six (all of whom were still living at home) was happy to have a little silence and the freedom to not have to work around anyone else's plans. The internet and email were in their infancy and I did not yet know too many people back then, anyway. (Those I did know had plans to be there for longer than I wanted to be away from my family.)

The Dinner Model was Mustang Lady (2,500 made), and dinner was served in a large tent on the grounds of Kentucky Horse Park. 

I was thrilled to get her - the Indian Pony is one of my favorite molds of all. She's valued at $250 - $300 currently.

I don't remember a whole lot about the 1991 BreyerFest. It was hot and crowded out at the park. I remember wandering around, shopping at the booths on the concourse, and feeling a bit bewildered at it all. I took a break and sat in the grass under a tree to cool off, and then later pulled a tick off my leg - ick! (I never, ever sat in the grass at the horse park again.)

The dinner tent was crowded and I didn't know anyone, so I sat by myself and just listened to folks talk model horses. But I wasn't lonely - I was in my element!

It's interesting to note that there were no other models to buy aside from 4 raffle models and some live auction models (which varied depended on which BreyerFest 1991 you attended.)

I came home refreshed and hoping that I could go to BreyerFest again in the future.

BreyerFest 1992

To my great joy, the 1992 Dinner Model was on my MOST favorite mold, the Semi-Rearing Mustang! (1,000 made.)

Named "Turbo, the Wonder Horse," he was modeled after a real horse who belonged to a man in the musical group that sang for us Saturday night on the stage in the covered arena. "Riders in the Sky" was their name and they were good. 

My Turbo is mellowing into a lovely cream color on his mane and tail. (Value $150 - $175)

The date was August 1, 1992 and a dinner was held outdoors in a tent again. I don't remember it being quite as hot as it had been the previous year and again, there were no models to buy aside from another raffle that was held.

While I did make it to the Holiday Inn North to shop, that year I spent a lot of time in my hotel - sleeping, reading, and best of all, one very long, luxurious bubble bath. Heaven!

BreyerFest 1993 (Attended)

Things were starting to change as previous BreyerFests had been successful and the event was getting bigger but it was still held at the end of the month (July 30 to August 1.) The Dinner Model that year was Greyingham Lucky Lad. 1,500 were made, a raffle model was produced, and for the first time, a Volunteer model - the PAM in glossy silver filigree. (She's valued at $5,000 to $8,000 now.)

There was a live auction with a whopping 76 lots!

Once again, the Dinner Model was one that I conga - I have 18 Clydesdale Stallions currently. So I was happy to get him. (Valued at $40 - $60.)

This boy has some odd markings, although they apparently were true to the real horse. His off front leg had black running down the back of it...

... and there was a wishbone-like marking under his belly.

Liz Cory and her mom, Caroline, at the dinner that Breyer used to serve. I didn't know Liz back then; she sent me this photo a few years ago when we were talking about the dinners Breyer had served for several years. (Photo used with permission.)

I wasn't quite such a hermit this time - I went over to the Holiday Inn and shopped, bringing home far more ponies than I'd planned!

BreyerFest 1994 (Attended)

By 1994, I was an experienced live shower, having begun in October, 1991. (Real live shows, not the throw-your horses-in-a-bag-and-pedal-over-to-Bobbie-Sue's-home-on-your-bike kind.)

Mountain Mama Jessica and Teacher Daughter went with me over to Indianapolis (we were living in Illinois at the time) for my first real live show and I found a photo album with this notice in it as I was doing research. 

My herd was a lot smaller back then, but it was competitive for the time.

I am not sure, but I think that 1994 was the year I showed in the BreyerFest live show. 

Back then it was held in the covered arena and we had to slog through the thick footing of the arena. Entrants got dirty, judges got dirty, and even worse, the models we'd brought, our best show pieces, got dirty.

My absolute worst model horse memory happened during that show. A woman claimed her model had been stolen off the show table and began running from table to table, looking for it. She spied my charcoal Semi Rearing Stallion and grabbed it right off my table!

Frosty, still beautiful after over 50 years in my collection.

That piece is my favorite Breyer, one I spent ten hours babysitting to earn when I was twelve years old. It was NOT hers. Needless to say, I protested.

I remember Tom Bainbridge, who had been judging, coming over to sort things out. As he approached, she backed down, set MY model back on my table, and said it wasn't hers. 

Eventually she did find her own model, but in the meantime I was near tears, hands shaking, and very upset at having been publicly accused of taking someone else's model. And, to have someone come over and grab my horse like that...

I never learned who that woman was, and while I understand her distress at losing a model, running over to someone else's table and grabbing a model off it is never appropriate. 

Bright Zip, the 1994 Dinner/Celebration model, is not a mold I actively collect, but his beautiful Appaloosa coloring remains a favorite of mine. 2,244 pieces were made and his current value is $75 - $100.

Things had continued to change as BreyerFest grew, although it was still being held at the end of July (29 - 31.) This was the year that Breyer introduced BreyerFest Special Runs and they were keychains! There were four different ones, made out of Stablemates, 259 made of each. The auction consisted of  65 pieces.

That wraps up the first five years of BreyerFest. The next year, 1995, changed everything as the very first NAN was held.

Stay 'tooned!

A Surprise in the Mail

Since I did not have permission at the time to share my friend's name when I was writing this post, I only used her first initial. I have it now and I am happy to share that it was Diana Dubbeld who was the gracious giver. 

As Diana said in her message back to me, "Aw, yes, you can use my name. Random acts of clinky kindness need to happen more often."

I agree, Diana, and I hope that maybe, just maybe, you have started a trend. Thanks again!

Huzzah! The first five years of BreyerFest are researched and written! I just need to proof read and tweak and then the plan is  to begin publishing this weekend. Five BreyerFests down, twenty more to go. Easy peasy, right? (Hah!)

I recently got a surprise box in the mail from a friend. Puzzled, I opened it and gasped when I saw what was inside.

A head down Hagen Renaker Circus Pony with a light blue harness!

It is so pretty and I am thrilled to have it. But why did she send it? I messaged her on Facebook, thanked her, and then asked.

Diana explained that it was a thank you gift for something. Wow, I'd call that a very generous thank you gift.

Thanks so much, Diana. I love the Hagen Renaker Circus Ponies and this will be a wonderful addition to my collection. I'm putting a little tag on its belly so I will know that it had once been yours.

That tag will forever serve as a reminder of a kind and generous friend.

Thanks again. I love it.

An Unexpected Find

Remember when I said that Craig was related to P.T. Barnum and that Craig's cousin, Joe, had actually been a clown in the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Show for years? 

Joe, who was in my high school class, recently posted this meme:

Our class reunion is quickly approaching, but I doubt Joe will be there throwing pies at anyone. Having said that, I hope he does do some fun tricks!

Anyway! Speaking of the circus, look at this set I found on eBay.

I had never seen it before and it came up when I was doing a search for something unrelated to circus horses.

The sides and back of the box had good information for me about the set.

Without having to remove the pieces, I know they are metal and have been hand painted.

I also know the year they were manufactured.

An information card about the real woman, Mary Chipperfield, and her involvement with liberty horses was included.

Along with a way to register your new set. (I wonder if the company is still in business? I'll have to check.)

A certificate of authenticity, the set's number, and the number produced.

For the moment I am leaving the set in its box. If this plastic that the pieces are packed in and covered over with is like Breyer's old plastic boxes (i.e. Kipper) then it has gotten fragile with time. I don't want to break it.

What a great find for someone who was not even looking for it!

Tomorrow I will show you another "find" that was also unexpected.

Stay 'tooned!

"What Do You DO All Day??"

When I was a stay at home mom, people would often ask me, "What do you DO all day??" as though they thought I just sat around painting my nails, taking bubble baths, and watching soap operas all day. 

And most who asked that question would then add, "I would go crazy if I had nothing to do." 

Nothing to do?? Really? I never could understand that question and response, especially when it was asked while my six kids were standing around me.

Sometimes I really had to bite my tongue when I responded. 

Now that I am retired, I get those kinds of questions again, and they are still coupled with something along the lines of, "I think I'd die of boredom." 

My answer has not changed because I am just as busy now as I was when I was a stay at home mama or during my teaching career.

Current things that keep me busy:

~ Dogs, including watching the pack several times a week while Lisa is at work.

Honestly, this is Pepper's favorite sleeping position.

~ Sewing clothing for the upcoming Feast of the Hunter's Moon.

A just completed trade shirt

with sleeve buttons.

~ Preparing to make a regency gown for Vanessa to wear to a Jane Austen event. (Pics of that project to come another time.)

~ Making haversacks, to sell and to donate.

The circled ones just sold, but if you need any Stablemate, Curio/Venti, or Classic sized haversacks, these are available.

~ Piecing together the BreyerFest history series.

This outline has been completely blown out of the water now that I've gotten so much research done!

~ Having Ian, Mila, and Lukie over to help do yard work and clean the garage, etc. 

Taking a break together while working on the garage.

Weeding and then laying fresh mulch in my stepping stone garden. 

When we've finished, I pay them and we get some fast food for lunch 

and then we play games around the dining room table for a while. I love those days.

~ Volunteering in Indianapolis and here in West Lafayette.

~ Medical appointments, tests, treatments, and more.

As always, there are things going on that need to be addressed.

But I have a great team of doctors who care for me.

~ Planning Happy Trails V, the fun show/pony party I hold.

Of course, there are other things that keep me busy, things that I enjoy doing, that crop up during the day or the week.

The next time someone asks me what I do all day, I'll just refer them to this blog post and continue on doing what I am doing. It's all good! 

(And by the way, suggestions for classes for the Happy Trails V show are welcome! Put them in the comments or email me!)

Another June Mish Mosh (Things are Busy Here!)

There is so much going on around here; I need to write a second mish mosh/what's doin' post this month. (Or is that the third??) Five topics that are not big enough for a solo post, but which work together when brought into one.

Ella Noise!

Most people from Illinois, including my own children who were born there*  pronounce the name of the state with a short e, not an i: "ellinois".

And so, when Ella Masar was playing soccer for the University of Illinois, the crowd would chant, "Ella Noise! Ella Noise!" to cheer her on. She's gone on to play professionally including on the US National Team, and now is coaching the Chicago Stars as well as is an assistant coach for the US Women's National Team. 

The Chicago Stars recently honored her by posting a milestone memory on Facebook. It was one I did not know.

Look closely and you will see that both Curt and Cole took notice of the post, too. 

Ella - Noise indeed!!

*Sarah was born in Michigan but came to Illinois when she was two. Yep, she pronounces it, "ellinois," too! (Craig and I do not.)

The BreyerFest Blog Series

I knew it would take a lot of time and research to write this series, but never did I think it would be this involved! I have so much to share and BreyerFest is rapidly approaching. 

(Whoohoo! I've been waiting for a chance to use this clock again!!)

One post has been started but is so long it needs to be split into several posts. The original outline I'd made for the project is not even relevant anymore and needs to be redone. I was planning to go year by year, but there's simply too much to share. (Not that I am complaining.)

Here is a sneak peek of something I found as I went though boxes.

Early NAN cards! Look how they were typed out and signed by the show holder. That would have been a lot of work to do, and then the show holder would have needed to sort them all and mail them to the entrants.

 These two models were not entered in the 1995 NAN show, and I had put their cards away when they expired. A piece of historical ephemera I am glad I saved.

Happy Trails V Update

The pony party isn't until November, but I am still working on it when I get a moment. A Facebook page is up and people have been invited. 

Swag bags for the entrants to be filled.

Happy Trails has always been simply a fun show/pony party, and the fifth one will continue that tradition. 

The difference is that it is being held in the Dan Messner building (breeder and first owner of Dan Patch) in Oxford, Indiana. (About ten miles from me.) I am so excited about that opportunity and to be there and share the Dan Patch sites with hobby friends!

Tim's Tornado - an Update

It's been confirmed, it was a tornado that took out Tim and Loni's trees.

It passed right alongside their home and luckily was an EF0.

Our vet is also out by the barn, and as I was driving home after Pepper's appointment Friday, I got some photos of the damage. It was sobering.

One side of the road as the tornado approached the Gibbs' home. 

The hole in the tree line is where the tornado plowed through after crossing the road. Tim and Loni's home is just to the right.

If this is what an EF0 can do, I'd hate to be hit by a stronger one. The Gibbs were very lucky. (So were the folks who lived on the other side of the road. Their trees were badly hit, but the house, just out of range of the pictures, did not sustain any damage.)

Hard to Believe but True

Craig looked at me yesterday and said, "This is unbelievable!" He had just gotten home from a funeral in Illinois for a friend, checked his email, and discovered notices of the passing of two more friends.

Truth be told, I had not shared here on the blog that we'd lost three more friends since the passing of Alice, Bob, and Neil.

Tom worked for Craig when we lived in Illinois. He'd been battling cancer for several years.

Ann Taylor, who volunteered with us down in Indy. She also had been battling cancer.

JoAnn Guntrip, a church friend, who died of old age at 94.

The notices Craig received were for people I did not know, but still... I've lost six friends within a month, and Craig has lost eight. 

"I have never lost so many friends in such a short amount of time," Craig continued, still shocked to have returned from one friend's funeral only to get the news that two more friends were gone.

Maybe it's the stage of life we are in; the time when you and your friends are getting older and life is growing short. Regardless, we are saddened by so many losses and are hopeful that the tide of passing friends will slow down.

And on that note, that's the mish mosh happening for now!