Way to Go! And, not so much . . . .

A great big shout-out to MJC Copy and Stationery (in wonderful Coupeville, Washington) for featuring Bean Up The Nose Art products in their display last weekend at Whidbey Island's business fair.  Along with fabulous Copy Connection (in Emeryville, California), MJC re-prints our collage pieces into all the products.  (Which you can buy on-line.  Hint.  Hint.)

And we're delighted at the opening of Ebey Bowl (also in wonderful Coupeville, Washington):

which is kind of a "Little Bowling Alley on the Prairie":

Why, you ask, the delight in this establishment?  Because brother and sister owners Matt and Mimi exemplify our favorite  "why-don't-I-stick-a-bean-up-my-nose?!?!?" spirit . . . that terrific blend of curiosity, energy, and crazy bravery that says, "Let's do it and see what happens!!!!"

Would experts say that anyone should open a six-lane bowling alley on an island in the middle of a recession?  You know the answer.  Did Matt and Mimi listen?  NOPE.  Instead, they charged right ahead and opened -- at 10:oo a.m., on 10/10/10 -- their gem of an establishment:

complete with pool table, retro video and pinball games, a full and delicious restaurant menu, and even this little dude:

Congratulations, Matt and Mimi!  You've gone some (bowling) balls of steel.  And we wish you all the best.

And now, in the  "not so much" department . . . . we are sad to report this . . . but, to close a circle that was opened here a few weeks ago . . . we're passing along the following unfortunate information.  Ready?  Okay.  

A certain public radio station (which will here remain nameless . . . but if you scroll down a few entries, you'll be able to connect the dots) did not air the pledge challenge last Sunday at noon during "The Vinyl Cafe" that Bean Up The Nose Art committed to.  In their response to our polite e-mail asking why, the unlucky public radio station employee caught in the middle said all she knew was that it was pulled at the last minute.  And no one else from the certain-public-radio-station has yet posted or called saying why for sure (or, "Sorry we shined on your $1,000 potential gift").  Seemed to those listening that we were yanked because a better "thank you for pledging" gift was offered, instead.  Bummer.  

That kind of thing is quite disappointing.  And just the reason we find cheer -- and in turn cheer for -- exuberant, risk-taking, can-do little places like Ebey's Bowl.    Go, Ebey's Bowl!!!!