I saw this at the North Riverside mall in Illinois while waiting for an oil change at the Sears Service Center (incredible service, by the way, I highly recommend that location–the one in Naperville is ass).

Anyway, I’m wandering through the mall and this makes me stop and pull out my camera (if not my wallet) and take a quick snapshot. I seriously just stared at this for a long time, awestruck by it’s hideousness. It’s just so wrong on so many levels. First, it’s an optical illusion (kinda) and then it’s got all kinds of creepy elements (like the tortured soul in Jesus’ armpit) including a bunch of random eyeballs. Wow. Just wow.

Pink Elephant Antiques in Livingston, Illinois, is a heck of a fun stop, even if it the actual store is closed (as it was on the day I happened by).

The building appears to be a funky art deco school building–or perhaps just the Gymnasium building of an old school campus? I’m not sure. But I loved it.

There is a funky elephant coming out of the front of the building near the entrance. It’s keen.

A shot of my husband standing in front of the building. And look at that spectacular Muffler Man-esque beach dude. I wonder if he used to stand in front of a beach stand with a hot dog or a coke in his hand.

He sure is big!

I love him.

Around the side (you can see Mr. Beach’s elbow in the picture) there is another elephant and another huge ANTIQUES sign. It’s pretty sweet. I hear there is a real Muffler Man inside–sure wish they’d been open!

Just imagine the treasures inside! *sniff*

This is the Pink Elephant!

Like any good roadside attraction, it’s right there next to the expressway.

I was in Memphis last weekend and saw one of the best roadside attractions I’ve stumbled upon in years! This takes the cake, people! This is the Statue of Liberation through Christ aka The Lord’s Lady Liberty. For a complete FAQ click here.

I can’t tell you how excited I was when we spotted her, standing on the corner of Kirby Parkway. She beckoned to us and we had no choice but to submit.

So enchanted were we, we had to circle her to get a better look. To what did our wondering eyes appear?

Better than reindeer. This liberated lady features a tiny chapel/altar under base/skirt. There is a spot to kneel and pray (for forgiveness?), a “tomb” made of sprayed plastic foam that features the slogan “HE IS RISEN” above an alcove that I’m guessing is supposed to be where Jesus chilled out before he woke from the dead. I like the white sheet that provides a shroud of Turin flavor. Crappy soothing relgious music is pumped in below the altar.

There were scads of flags about the property and we were quite confused by what looked a lot like a rebel flag. I’m still not sure what it was. We caught this photo of the US flag and (I think?) the state flag? Anyway, this baby is WELL worth the trip. She’s a beauty!

I love this sign. It’s not too far from where I live and it makes me smile every time I see it. I love that clock sticking out helping providing the time. I love the yellow rectangles against the red brick wall. I love the guitar graphic. But I love the last rectangle the most. FUN INC.

Indeed.