An Adult Child of Santa Claus-ism

Michael Ellison with his muse.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you used the word "delightful" without feeling ridiculous? I'm about to use it. Here goes: Last night I had a delightful time at Michael W. Ellison's opening reception for his photography exhibit "Santa Takes the Road."

Michael was delightful.

But then, why wouldn't he be?  What would you do if you saw a 43-inch Santa Claus, complete with dog Mistletoe, face down in the ditch -- while you were driving down the Interstate, no less? Would you drive several more miles out of your way so you could exit and circle back to retrieve it?

Probably not, right?

So, here's a retired guy who still has the child-like wonder about him to do just that. If we could have watched him, we may have seen the cartoon lightbulb pop up above his head. When Michael saw the ditched Santa, he got a great idea for a photo-journey that has -- so far -- taken him to several states, by land and in the sea, to shoot photographs of his muse.

I'm pretty sure Michael had a brighter twinkle in his eye last night than St. Nick ever did! The fun didn't end with the exhibit of "the jolly one's" adventures; Michael and gallery owner Bryan Stovall took photos of guests with Santa and Mistletoe. And the all-adult crowd didn't even need to be plied with alcohol to pose!

It was a delightful evening.

Yours-
Miss T. J.

The exhibit runs through January 5, 2009 at Bryan Stovall Gallery, 10 Whitaker St. 238-1877.