Hippo Puzzle

My collection started as a Hippo-Figurine-Only-Collection. Slowly but surely other hippo-items made their way to my house. Hippo-mugs, hippo-banks, hippo-socks, hippo-soap-trays, hippo-soft-toys... hippo-anything! At some point I even had a little hippo-mushroom-brush... Some years ago, as space was limited, I decided not to collect any hippo-(soft)-toys anymore. Many toys found their way to orphanages, schools and friends. Except this three-part-wooden-hippo-puzzle.... it survived many "clean ups". Somehow, I grew very attached to it. Therefore, I have convinced (at least) myself that it falls into the category: puzzles, and not in the one of toys... Self deception can feel so good... once in a while ;-). I forgot how I got it, but I am determined to keep it. So when you are visiting me and suddenly feel the urge to solve a hippo-puzzle, I have just the thing for you. No peaking! :-)

Hippo-Opener

A few years ago, my dear friends brought this bottle opener for me from Tanzania, together with  some other hippo-presents. I liked it very much but to be very honest, looking at the two screws, I had my doubt whether it would work. So, for a rather long time I did not use it and kept it in the cabinet, together with the rest of my collection. Of course, that day came... I needed a bottle opener and couldn't find one, so I took out "the hippo". I found out that it works perfectly, is easy to use and on top of that so much more fun than one of those "normal" openers! Dear Mr. Bo and Didi, my apologies for doubting your lovely present. The good thing is: every bottle is now opened with "the hippo", while thinking of you. Sometimes, I can almost hear it say: "you see how easy this is?" I can't wait to see you all soon, it has been way too long.... and yes, you have all the right to tell me "told you so!"

Hipporita Time

The second round prize of the "Hippo Games", I already described in the post: Maryann. Time to show you my first round prize. As you can see, it is a small painting made by a fellow hippo lover and great artist Adelaide Prentice. For those of you paying attention to detail, you've already noticed that the glass is not a "Margarita glass" but a "Martini glass". I choose this glass, because of its light purple shade, perfectly matching the color of the hippo on the painting. Since both drinks are associated with parties... I thought it would be OK. It's Hipporita Time indeed, cheers! Dear Ade, thank you for bringing this lovely prize for the Hippo Games. It has found a good home. I am looking forward to see you again in Branson!

Bloat in Bag

Every photographer has a favorite object, model or field. My favorite objects and models are not hard to guess. You might think my favorite field would be product photography or nature, but I am more specialized in documentary photography and human development. Of course, when a friend asks for help, in this case making photographs of a travel bag for a website, I'll help out. I took a lot of photos of every angle and detail of the bag, so he had a large collection to choose from. The only "problem" with this friend is that he does not understand my affection for hippos. So, I took some extra photos... one with a large hippo (see post: Boris) and one with a whole bunch of them. Just to show him that his bag can also be used to transport or house hippos... but most of all, to show him that his travel bag looks much more fun with a bloat!