Today, 13 years ago, I had just put my (then tiny) daughter down for a nap and with the rest of the family out, I was that dangerous combination of bored and lonely.
So, I decided to start a blog that I had been planning for months. Not that I had a plan, it was basically me scanning my collection of old wishbooks and adding some humour. It was crude and I didn't know if anybody would care, also I told nobody.
It changed my life.
Since that time, I've produced toys, found employment writing about the 70s, gone back to school to make this site better, thrown myself out of my comfort zone with podcasting and Youtube, written a book and made many close friends.
I never intended to keep it going this long, five years was my original plan but I just never wanted to stop.
Through the years, I've lost family, jobs, friends and even my house for a brief time but one thing I looked forward to doing each day was this, it's been a rock to me, a true comfort.
I sincerely love and appreciate the feedback I get here, it brings me joy to read your comments, your captions (always better than mine) and your memories. Thank you for making this one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
I am very grateful.
Brian
PS-It's especially fitting I write this just before I drop off that same daughter at an all-night laser tag party.
I for one am glad you do this. Thank you for all that you do!
ReplyDeleteHope your daughter enjoys her laser tag party! ^_^
Well done sir - you do good work
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Brain!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate all you do here (and the podcasts with Jason).
Keep it up!
I'm a daily visitor - thanks for all of your posts!
ReplyDeleteKeep on keepin' on!
I'm very happy I found this place, and equally happy you're still doing it. So many blogs just die.
ReplyDeleteI recently really discovered the site (i'd probably visited periodically over the years through links or searches). I spent some time going through all the past posts and now eagerly check each morning to see if there is anything new, or even new comments on recent posts. Love the podcast as well and am starting the videos. I think we're about the same age, but i seem to have been a few years behind in toys so i am discovering as many things as i am remembering - both enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic site, I stop by it often! I have your Rack Toys book, too and love it. Thanks for making net surfing more enjoyable and meaningful. Happy Birthday, Plaid Stallions! --Peace, David Schumacker
ReplyDeleteCongratulations from one blogging Brian to another! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this blog - I check it every single day.
ReplyDeleteI remember one day looking for Crazy Foam, like any kid from the 70's would do, and I came across this Oasis. I love this blog and site! It takes me back to such great memories during my childhood, Brian, you sir are the best, and I wish you a hearty congrats!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic blog! Very fun to see all these toys, fashions, etc. that I vaguely recall from old catalogs.
ReplyDeleteWould be cool to read interviews with some of the creators of these kitschy treasures.
Congratulations! I love your dedication to your sideline and its great to see if continue to grow and evolve. Cheers to another 13 years!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Plaid Stallions! This Blog is one of my daily stops, and Pod Stallions is the ONLY podcast I listen to regularly. Each new Pod Stallions is like getting a much anticipated treasure in the mail! You and Jason play off each other so well, the two of you feel like old friends of mine. As someone with a debilitating lack of motivation, I cannot fathom how you find the time to be a father, husband, work a job, write books, have a hobby AND turn out regular posts for 13 years. For me such a feat seems super human! Thanks Brian, here's to another 13 years (and more)!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! I've only been reading for a year or two but I love looking back at the older posts! Here's to another thirteen years from me as well!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Always enjoy the trips down memory lane with yours.
ReplyDeleteHi Brian, it's been a short 13 years! I've been following you (ok, I've been following your blog) since nearly the beginning. I was even lucky enough to win your caption contest and get a Tony Manero costume from Saturday night fever. I need to send you a picture of that. Quite fun strutting down the street blasting "Staying Alive" with my daughters on Halloween! My daughters are now 12 and 9 so I know what you mean about time going fast. Take care ya Canuck and keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteJohn H.
P.S. You lost your house??
As a kid who grew up in the 70's this site has jarred so many good memories, I also have had some rough times and the fact that this site has made me laugh and remember such great times, it's been pure fun and I thank you!
ReplyDeleteAs both a child of the 70s and a sentimental old fool, who as a kid loved action figures above all else, I think this site is golden. Like many others who have posted here, I also visit this site daily, except on those rare displays of self-discipline where I intentionally avoid this site so that I can have the pleasure of bingeing on several posts at the end of the week. Keep up the good work, Brian.
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