I’m Shy
Shell Game
Some days you just want to pull the covers up over your head and go back to sleep.
With the days slowly getting shorter (at least in my part of the world) and the cooler weather setting in, it’s even more tempting.
I’m taking cues from this adorable little fellow, another wonderful creation from Japanese Karakuri Creation Group artist Yoh Kakuda.
I'm Shy by Yoh Kakuda
“I’m Shy”, Kakuda’s introductory piece for the group, features a charming little turtle with a wobbly grin.
Kakuda modeled him after a real life red-eared turtle kept at school, and relates a tale of the tiny turtle who is now grown up, and doesn’t look quite so shy anymore.
But try to touch him, and he still retracts back into his shell, as turtles are wont to do.
Nice and slow there little fellow
Kakuda has recreated this reticence in brilliant fashion here, with an almost automaton like movement which occurs if you try to socialize with Mr. Shy.
These subtle, automated movements find their way into many of Kakuda’s later works as well, and remain a favorite theme.
The turtle, with his beautiful rio-grande wood shell, sits atop a lovely chest which only opens with the right touch.
I think I’ll be reaching out to Mr. Shy more often as the weather chills down for more pointers on huddling up and keeping cozy.
Modest Means by Ryan Welliver
For this modest little fellow I found a suitable libation full of warm spice and the flavors of fall.
The “Modest Means” comes from Ryan Welliver, bar manager of the Cocktail Club in Charleston, South Carolina, a swanky “upscale lounge dedicated to the art of the craft cocktail”.
The drink features an aged rum and a high proof bourbon, which merge so nicely in the glass.
Add some cool weather citrus and top it off with a delicious vanilla cinnamon syrup, which can make just about anything taste like autumn, and you have a fall favorite you won’t want to be shy about.
Rum, bourbon, citrus and spice - time to slow down and enjoy this one
Next time you feel like hiding, shake up one of these, grab a good book, a down comforter, and a Do Not Disturb sign.
Here’s to timid turtles, reticent reptiles, bashful birds and modest mammals everywhere.
Cheers!
Don't be shy, give this pair a try!
Modest Means by Ryan Welliver
3/4 oz El Dorado 8-year rum
3/4 oz Old Forrester Signature 100 proof bourbon
1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz cinnamon-vanilla syrup
3 dashes pimento dram, such as Hamilton or St. Elizabeth
Shake with ice and strain into a favorite glass.
Garnish with a grapefruit twist, or lime wheel turtle.
For more from Yoh Kakuda: