Creepy Jesus Painting, North Riverside, IL


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, Livingston, IL

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.

The Statue of Liberation Through Christ, Memphis, TN


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.

The statue is rife with amusingly heavy-handed symbolism, including my personal favorite: The Lord’s Lady Liberty is shedding a tear. “THE TEAR represents Lady Liberation’s despair over America’s rapid decline from its Judeo-Christian values. She weeps for our nation’s self-destruction as the protective hand of God is removed. Yet, she realizes that there is still hope for America if we return to God through Jesus Christ.”


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!

Guitar FUN Inc., Oak Park, IL

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.

Alcala’s, Chicago, IL

A country & western superstore in the city! Alcala’s features an incredible selection but, for my money, nothing beats the big horses on the signs! So lifelike! So pretty!

Free parking across the street from the store. Sadly, it was daytime and the neon bordering the horse was not lit up!

There’s a big horse head on the front of the sign!

A big beat-up horse greets you at street level!

And a penny pony for the kids awaits you!

Ah, what wonders are inside? You’ll have to find out for yourself, kids.

Mini-Van Nutter, Jacksonville, FL

At a gas station in Jacksonville, FL-March 2007

Do you not know that the
wicked will not see Heaven
Do not be deceived! Drunkards
Homosexuals, slanders, Thieves, Idolers,
greedy, prositutes, swinders, adulters.
You need Jesus to save you! [sic]

When the bomb go’s off
Where are you going?
Heaven or Hell?

Jesus said, all these things would happen right before he returns Math. 24, 25

Get right with JESUS while you have time! Don’t miss the Rapture

There will be a peace treaty with Israel for 7 years that is signed by the anti-Christ!
that will begin the 7 year tribulation! Give your lives to Jesus! Don’t go through–(God’s Wrath!)

Choose today who you will serve! Jesus or Satan


[sadly illegible]
JESUS SAVES
Jesus is coming soon! Hurry! ASk how Him to save you
Don’t get Left Behind [my favorite]

Jesus said if you love me you will obey me! If yo don’t I will spit you out!

Jesus Loves us! Live with Him not Satan!

Jesus forgives us of our sins but we have to turn from our sins that’s why he died for us!
You must be reborn in Jesus, the old you must die to sin and have a clean mind and renewed spirit!

Jesus saves!

God so Loves the worl that he gave his only son that whoever believe’s on him will not die but live.

Jesus came to save

Freaky toys in the car.

Graceland, Memphis, TN


Sadly, most of my Graceland photos still need to be scanned. But Graceland is iconic and available as both a pop-up book and view-master reels, so I’m not sure what I can add to the iconography!

That said, I love the TCB logo and the Elvis musuems across the street from the mansion! “Takin’ Care of Business IN A FLASH!”

It’s my favorite thing about Elvis and Graceland!

Abandoned Church, Upper Peninsula, MI

While taking a drive in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, we stumbled upon this abandoned church. It was quite a find but I didn’t have a good camera at the time. Oh, well! At any rate, it was an overcast day and the church was located down a side road, overgrown with trees.
A slightly brighter and better shot. This was a really fun find.
Love the Rust Belt!