#vargas museum

[siphoklansan]

HEYHEY SIPPY!!! For the ask game, I hope you don't mind me asking for... kind of a lot because I'm really curious jskdkfs but you can cut some out if want to, dw!

🌹♥️♠️⚗️📚🏆 for Siphok and 🌟🤖 for Pin-cha?

RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS ᝰ.ᐟ

sippy and riddle are friends! both of them have one thing in common: a stickler for rules. the only difference is that sippy doesn’t follow crazy rules (ex. heartslabyul’s strange traditions!)

fun fact: they both hated each other before the end of book 1 because:

⤷ sippy likes to voice out her opinions, so she gets into a yelling match from time to time with riddle when she disagrees with his behavior. ( “IT’S JUST A TART, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!” 💀 /j but yeah something like that-)

⤷ riddle hates how she doesn’t give two shits about his rule. ( “Nuh-uh.” “What do you mean “Nuh-Uh” ?!?”) and she also defends adeuce when they break the rules, much to their surprise.

at the end of book 1 they both had a truce and became some sort of buddies to each other! they both share an interest in small critters <3

ACE TRAPPOLA & DEUCE SPADE ᝰ.ᐟ

besties for life (adeuce will not admit it) they always go everywhere with each other and grim!

sippy is #1 deuce defender because she kins him😭 so ace rarely wins and argument when she’s around. sippy tutors deuce for history class (more on this later!) and deuce returns the favor by helping her fix things around ramshackle <3

like deuce, sippy bickers a lot with ace but it’s all fun and games. she’s like a tired mom with him (begrudgingly watches his basketball matches because ace insists on it so much, secretly doesn’t mind and enjoys it lmao-). I lowkey see ace as a therapist friend for some reason since he’s usually the voice of reason so she goes to him for advice sometimes! Only for certain occasions though cuz we know how ace is💀 /hj

DIVUS CREWEL ᝰ.ᐟ

#1 dad for sippy. they both go on shopping sprees together (crewel insists on it, because sippy wears the same outfit everyday and it irks him 💀). sippy isn’t the best at potions class so he tutors her privately at times!

crewel designs outfits for sippy sometimes! in the ghost bride event, her suit was tailored to her by crewel.

a short angst scenario for them would be sippy feels bad to see him as a dad because she doesn’t know if crewel sees her as a daughter but he actually feels the same😔.

other than that, sippy got a little more strict because she picked up some habits from crewel (much to adeuce’s dismay😭).

MOZUS TREIN (doesn’t look like him, i know) ᝰ.ᐟ

that one proud grand-uncle (?) TM /j

sippy is likes history classes, so it’s like a breath of fresh air for him in class (“Finally, someone who does not snore every 2 minutes.” /j)

not much to comment on them, but one thing trein dislikes about sippy is that she covers for students who are slacking off in class ( ex. covering grim’s sleeping form with a book) and he’s just like -_- but trein counters that by deducting both her and the other student (who’s mostly grim) participation points💀

ASHTON VARGAS ᝰ.ᐟ

that one crazy and upbeat uncle at family gatherings TM 💀 /j

while sippy is good in athletics, she doesn’t do very well in flying due to a small fear of heights.

⤷ “THE BROOM IS TOO THIN IT CAN’T CARRY MY FATASS!” “LANGUAGE! But no, it *can* hold your weight.”

sippy dreads vargas’s class because he pushes her more than anyone else.

⤷ “lift some more weights! your arms are like noodles!” vargas says, as he dumps some more shit into her arms-

KALIM AL ASIM ᝰ.ᐟ

pin-cha and kalim is like the worst nightmare for jamil, who’s already acting like a single mom who works two jobs who loves her kids and never stops-

yes, they go on carpet rides together🥺💓 pin-cha reminds kalim of one of his siblings back at home so they hit it off pretty well!

jamil is a little weirded out how well pin-cha is good at household chores but is also secretly relieved (and concerned) how pin-cha is babysitting kalim and not the other way around /hj

CHEKA KINGSCHOLAR ᝰ.ᐟ (NOT A SHIP ART!!)

RRAAAGHSGSHHSHGSHSG FINALLY SOMEONE MENTIONS CHEKAAAAA!! THEY’RE BESTFRIENDS, YOUR HONOR����✨

cue leona thanking the gods for giving cheka someone to play with so he can finally nap in peace LMAO

cheka drags pin-cha away from his cleaning duties in rsa! the headmage of rsa adores them both (happy grandpa noises) <3

cheka enjoys when pin-cha shows his unique magic, summoning little spirits around to play with them. it’s like having extra friends to play!

yes, they both call leona “unca”💀 leona had to call sippy over to help him babysit them both (an excuse to be with her I MEAN WHAAATTT⁉️ I DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING-)

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ASK, TARU!!💖💖 SO SORRY FOR THE LATE AND VERY LONG REPLY😭🙏 I had a lot of fun with this ask though I can’t find the link to the OG post anymore :((

I swear this whole post looks like some character who is liked by everybody but I promise you it’s not the case😭 she just has a good impression on the professors AHUSHSUGSYSI BUT ANYWAY I’ll list some characters who doesn’t like sippy (but i’ll leave the reasoning out for now👀)

⤷ ruggie

⤷ sebek

⤷ idia

⤷ jamil (kinda like a hate-neutral relationship?)

With that said, thank you again for the ask!!🥺💖🫶🫶

[recreationalfanfics]

The Camp Vargas Event, do you think Daley!Y/N is just chilling because their job as the Notetaker on who’s doing their job or not is just like what they normally do?

And we have Jeb and Oct, wearing miniature training outfits (Gifted to them by Vargas) and yelling at the students who aren’t using their muscles to ‘Get Moving’

Jeb, Oct and Vargas should NOT be left alone for to long, as they’ll make an even harder training regime, including Roman Weapons training to strength muscles and Jeb introducing Horseback Fighting (Cue everyone glaring at Daley!Y/N because it’s their fault for bringing those two with them on the trip)

SORRY, I WANTED TO FINISH THE EVENT BEFORE I WROTE SOMETHING FOR THIS BUT YES, THESE ARE ALL SO ACCURATE

*Spoilers for the Pt.2 Camp Vargas Event*

- Considering Vargas made the costume for Crewel, HE DEF WOULD MAKE THEM MINI TRACK SUITS and he also hired Jed and Octavius to also do a little investigating and infiltrate various camps with their tiny size to see whose complaining and whose taking advantage of this AMAZING opportunity to get swolen!

- Meanwhile the Daley! Reader is taking notes with Grim per usual but then Azul is all: "CAN YOU PLEASE SHUT YOUR TINY PEOPLE UP!? They keep talking about how things were done back in their time and it's giving Vargas IDEAS."

- But, I do see them kinda helping a bit. Like when they're setting up tents, Jed is yelling at them what to do and he's all: "YA'LL HAVE IT EASY, back in my day, tents didn't have all those fancy sticks n' joints!"

- The clubs complaining because the Daley! Reader got to bring their flashlight and that's technically technology and they're all: "UM, YOU ALL HAVE MAGIC? THIS IS LITERALLY MY ONLY SUREFIRE WAY OF SELF DEFENSE."

- ALSO, YOU KNOW HOW OCTAVIUS TAMED A SQUIRREL IN THE SECOND MOVIE!? HE DOES IT AGAIN, like when the fairies attack, he's fighting them on squirrel back and Jedediah is right behind him as you're trying to make sure Grim isn't caught in the crossfire between students and fairies.

[taf-art]

Greenhouse (2022). Ramón Vargas.

[allthedesiredusernamesaretaken]

... stained glass ...

Stained glass window and ceiling at the famous Art Nouveau Museum in Salamanca, Spain

Architect : Joaquín Vargas, 1905

[rabbitcruiser]

The Puebloans captured Santa Fe from the Spanish during the Pueblo Revolt on August 21, 1680.

[libbyrequiresescapism]

He barely talked in this cutscene, cuz his body did the talking.

[kakaji]

[cristinabcn]

Jerez: Fiesta de la Bulería 2023

Jerez: Bulería Festival 2023 TERESA FERNANDEZ HERRERA. Directora Gral. de Cultura Flamenca. Prensa Especializada Tres noches, tres días más que se añaden a los muchos pasados en Jerez, una de mis ciudades favoritas, me han servido para penetrar una vez más, el significado del llamémoslo espíritu flamenco, diferente, único, que ha creado su peculiar carácter y que los diferencia incluso del…

[kalakian]

In celebration of national arts month this February, the UP Vargas Museum offers a week of free guided tours around its four current exhibitions: You Betrayed the Party Just When You Should Have Helped It; the Vargas Museum Permanent Collection; The PCGG Artworks Collection: Objects of Study; and Jorge B. Vargas: A Collecting Life.

A maximum of 15 pax will be accommodated per four daily tour time slots. Regular museum admission rates apply. After 18 February, regular guided tour rates of P200 per group of 10 or fewer will resume.

Sign up now to join the free guided tour: bit.ly/UPVMFreeTour.

Ang larawan at impormasyon ay kuha sa kanilang Facebook post.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

of course

***Spoilers for the Stitch summer event below the cut!***

Of coooourse Azul and Floyd jump on the opportunity to extort their classmates while they’re stranded on a deserted island 😭 Such an Ursula moment when Azul asks the group what they’re willing to do to be rescued… 😭 Not Floyd suggesting they all be Octa’s errand boys until the end of time 😭 AnD NOT hIM CALLiNG AzUL NICE FOR LOWERInG iT TO “just” A WEEk???? 😭 Why are fish like this—

This is even funnier when you look back at Birthday Union/Jacket vignettes, where some characters are asked “If you could bring one person with you on a deserted island, who would you choose?”. Of the 6 characters featured in Lost in the Book with Stitch, Jack is the only one who was asked this question. He at first says he can survive on his own, and though he eventually provides Epel as his answer. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT??? Jack also states in the interview that he would not want to be stuck with anyone in Octavinelle because “they seem like the types to ask for compensation whenever they have to do something” 🤡 Which. Isn’t far from the reality they’re now experiencing…

Addendum: In Jack’s Labwear vignettes, Floyd asks Azul if they can “keep him”, as though Jack were a stray dog. Again, Floyd’s affinity for dogs reappears in the Stitch event, where he doesn’t want to hand Stitch over to Gantu.

Other related points from Union Birthday/Birthday Jacket vignettes (the other 5 were asked “if you could pick any student from NRC to be your sibling, who would you choose?”): Ace would pick Azul to essentially get free stuff I bet he’s regretting his decision right about now, eh, Floyd would pick Ace so Ace can take the fall for him in sticky situations why do I suddenly have a bad feeling for what’s to come, and Lilia would pick… FLOYD 😂 because Floyd is mischievous, challenges people, and keeps surprising him with unexpected things… Oh, don’t worry, I’m sure plenty of “unexpected things” are going to happen, whether the boys like it or not 💦

On a more serious note, I do find it interesting that we get formal confirmation that merpeople in human forms need to remove their clothes before returning to their true forms. (This was always assumed before, but was never explicitly brought up in scenes where they actually had to revert back, such as book 4, Vargas Camp, and the first Halloween event.) However, Azul and Floyd say that the Beachwear clothes must be magic because they can’t be removed. I’m assuming either it’s unsafe to revert while still wearing clothes or the magical clothes just prevent them from bursting out of it a la Vanessa to Ursula in The Little Mermaid:

It’s also implied that their human forms are not suited for swimming long distances (or at least they are not used to swimming long distances in human forms yet)?? Which makes me think their anatomy and physiology must become entirely human when they drink their usual transformation potion??? Like, I’m assuming there aren’t gills on their human forms (because they’d serve zero purpose) which could hinder swimming as a human. (For that one scene in book 3 where Azul joins the group at the Atlantica Museum, I always assumed he just drank one of those “breathing underwater” potions he gave out earlier in the book!)

Side note: thanks to this event for gatekeeping us from potentially getting a peak at Azul’s non-OB octomer form/j 🙄

[yuurei20]

Jade and Floyd Info Compilation part 10: Azul (pt1)

Floyd says that while he, Jade and Azul have been classmates since elementary school he wouldn’t describe them as childhood friends because he barely knew Azul existed until just before they started middle school.

The drama of Book 3 revolves around Azul trying to get a photo from an elementary school field trip removed from a Coral Sea museum, but Floyd says he likes the old Azul because “he’d make a better meal than the one we’ve got now.”

It seems both twins have been to the restaurant run by Azul’s family, but Floyd says that the only thing he remembers is that Azul hated it.

In Book 3 we learn that the twins have signed an NDA covering Azul’s past, which is possibly why Jade refuses to tell Vil how it is that they and Azul met. When asked, he says, “I haven’t the foggiest idea. It’s completely slipped my mind.” Vil is incredulous.

Jade and Floyd both encourage Azul to change into his mer-form at the end of Book 3, with Jade saying that “No one would see the cute chubby little merman in the picture and connect that it’s you,” and Floyd asking why he limits himself to two legs when he can have eight.

In Harveston Jade tries a spiced stew and reflects on how Azul could probably identify all its ingredients if he were there.

Jade says that Azul is “as hardworking as it gets” and will do anything to achieve his goals. “It’s an easily misunderstood temperament, you see.”

Jade encourages Grim to have faith in Azul in Book 4.

Jade and Azul work well together, ganging up on Jamil on the subject of introducing a new dish to Mostro Lounge (despite Jamil’s protests) and managing to convince Idia to keep the Ignihyde Halloween display running (because they have produced a pamphlet that the are selling to visitors, which features Ignihyde’s projection mapping set up).

They also come together to tease Riddle during Spectral Soiree about a surprisingly impassioned speech concerning Azul, and Jade steps in to distract Cater, who threatens to interrupt Azul’s efforts to influence Kalim during Vargas Camp 2.

During the drama of the camp, Jade recommends that he and Azul escape the Vargas Monster by hiding in the lake, offering no solution for Vil and Trey.

When Azul tries to leverage his supply of magestones to help Vil and Trey fight the monster, Jade assures them that Azul is aware that it is an emergency. “I’m sure the terms will be more than favorable. Isn’t that right, Azul?”

When Vil insists on working at Mostro Lounge for only two days rather than the five days that Azul is asking, Jade interjects with the idea that, if they are to compromise to suit Vil’s schedule, they will require exclusive sales rights to his homemade smoothies.

Both Azul and Vil agree with Jade’s compromise.

Sometimes Jade will keep Azul from derailing conversations, such as when they first hear about Kalim’s “absurdly marketable” unique magic and when Azul tries to turn a conversation about the Coral Sea into a tourism opportunity.

Floyd tells Ortho about a time that he hydro-dipped Azul’s hat.

Azul was less than pleased and returned his hat to its usual appearance without ever trying it on, but Floyd is undeterred and says that the next time he comes up with an interesting idea, he will be testing it out on Azul.

We see him attempt just that in the Port Fest event when, after enjoying the form of performance taught to them by Jack, Floyd immediately invites Azul to join them the next time. (Azul is reluctant but Jade follows with, “We’re in,” to Azul’s displeasure.)

Floyd says he finds it hilarious how Azul will go around “like some kinda shark in guppy’s clothing” when important visitors are on campus for ceremonies.

Floyd also has a voice line about giving a stone that he made in alchemy class to Azul that he assumes was worth “a ton of thaumarks,” because Azul was seriously happy to receive it.

[recreationalfanfics]

Twisted Night At The Museum HCs/Thoughts/Concepts:

These are brain farts but ya'll are making me feel like I have the biggest brain so-

- If the Daley! Reader had a Unique Magic it'd be: "Alive for the Night" where basically any statues on display and stuff can come to life. Including the ones of the Great Seven but they can only do it at night. (Idk if you guys want them to have it or not, ya'll can fight about it in the notes)

- The Daley! Reader was also adopted by Larry after Nicky moved out and became a DJ, Larry is still a super protective father whose very anxious and is looking through various museum archives to figure out if something can be done about his child whose stuck in Twisted Wonderland. He requires you to check the mirror and talk to him at least 4 times a day to know you're alright and if you miss a time, YOU BETTER HAVE A GOOD EXCUSE-

- No but parent teacher conferences and you have to hold the mirror so that your teachers can talk to Larry through it.

Larry Daley + His Relationship with the Staff:

- Crowley: No, he's been in this game long enough to know that Crowley isn't trustworthy and while you KNOW he isn't trust worthy, he is the reason that Larry wants you to check in 4 times a day. Crowley tries to paint it like everything is fine and Larry pretends to believe him. Crowley is just a bit off put by Larry because you're already such an odd and resourceful individual, that he can't imagine what your father (the man who raised you) must be like and while he laughs whenever Larry promises to bring you home, Crowley slowly starts to believe him. Like, bro, he deals with a magic tablet and brought a family of old Egyptian pharaohs together, Larry Daley is getting his child back.

- Crewel is the only man in this school that Larry trusts, along with Trein, but Larry does notice that Crewel seems a lot more concerned with your safety and has a soft spot for you. Crewel will also give Larry due respect and while he's not sure about his bland outfit choices, he's very much aware that your father loves and is worried for you and so, Crewel will make sure you are well behaved and taken care off until you're able to reunite. It's bittersweet for him because he does grow to get attatched to you but soon realizes that he's never gonna be your father back home. (SPLIT CUSTODY IS ALL I'M GONNA SAY).

- Vargas: Larry hates him so much. Like in the movies, he's always snarky and closed off from people he dislikes so their conversations are always so passive aggressive. Like, Vargas is all: "Ha, no wonder you look so wimpy! Look at your dad!" and Larry is all: "First of all, they're adopted (but still my kid) so neither of us can really say anything but second of all, I went face to face with a triceratops, so, yeah. Not sure if they have those in your world, but thats pretty impressive." and Vargas just brushes him off and he HATES IT.

- Next is Trein, who is like a strict grandpa to you and one of the other teachers who get along with Larry. As a father himself, he admires Larry trying to protect you as best as he can while he's in a different world, and he couldn't imagine what it would be like if his own children where stranded in a place he couldn't protect them in. So yeah, while your dad is awkward, Trein tries to help him out and ease both his and your anxieties. I also can totally see Dexter the Cappuchin Monkey and Lucius fighting across the mirror.

- Sam is one that Larry doesn't see to often aside from Larry trying to find old spells in old archives that require magical ingredients that he doesn't know about so he'll ask Sam about them or see if he can find any suitable substitutes and Sam will do it of course, for a fee. He really admires your dad's dedication but he also admires the relationship and bond you two have. Yeah, you might come into his shop to rant about how protective he is and some other flaws but you love him dearly. Sometimes he'll throw in a few freebies because at the end of the day, you two just want to be with each other again.

NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT SOME STUDENTS AND HOW I FEEL LIKE INTERACTIONS WITH THEM WOULD GO.

Now back to some general headcanons:

- Okay so have you guys seen the Stuart Little movies? Where he has a bunch of ladders and stuff around the room because he's small and can't get to places faster, thats kinda what you have to do for Jedediah and Octavius. They sleep on your nightstand after Deuce and Jack either made tiny beds for them or you made them in a wood work class or something.

- I can also totally see that after the first winter break, your first year friends bring back some old childhood toys that maybe Jedediah and Octavius can use to help or to help them travel faster around the campus.

- Deuce brought back an old remote controlled Magic Wheel (the motorcycle thing he likes) and gave it to them so not only can they ride around in style but they also have a tendency to drive recklessly and trip over poor unsuspecting students who are just trying to walk to their class. They'll do it especially if they mess with you.

- Ace brings them back like, tiny weapons from his old toy soldiers and stuff and while they might not do much, he just thinks its so funny how serious Octavius is when he's all: "Thank you, Child of Trappola, for I now have an arsenal to defend Fort Ramshackle!" and Jedediah rolling his eyes.

- You try to keep them on higher ground, especially due to the rats but I love the idea that when you're away on classes and you trust them not to do anything stupid, they're riding around on Grim and throwing toy spears at any rats running around and defending their home. Like to them, it's an intense battle where they could possibly die but to the ghosts, it looks like they're just annoying the rats that they eventually just give up and leave because they're so annoying and rambunctious.

- Out of all of your friends, they like to use Jack as a mode of transportation. After all, he's HUGE and when they sit on his shoulders, they're absolutely amazed by how much they can see. Jack tries his best to remember they're on his shoulders but if a class is really boring and he forgets, he'll lean on one shoulder which causes them to lose balance and almost fall but hed got quick reflexes and apologizes to them.

- THE WAY EPEL AND THEM WOULD GET ALONG. Like, Epel will walk in all roughed up because he got into a fight and walk past you to rant to Jedediah and Octavius and talk about how some kids were picking on him for being cute and little and Jed and Oct are all: "YA BETTER HAVE SHOWN 'EM THAT WHAT FOR!" and Epel is all: "COURSE I DID!" and you just sigh because you know that Vil is gonna ask to keep Epel away from your "little raggedy friends".

- BELIEVE IT OR NOT, SEBEK ACTUALLY RESPECTS YOUR LITTLE CREW. Especially after he finds out you want to be a Night Gaurd and mistakes your words and believes that you come from a family of noble gaurdians who keep the ancient relics of your world safe (which is kinda true but its not that dramatic) and when he sees you defend yourself with a mere flashlight, you become his idol.

- IN NIGHT OF THE MUSEUM TWO, THERE'S THIS SCENE THAT FITS PERFECTLY WITH YOU AND SEBEK FIRST MEETING, HERE'S THE LINK BUT GO TO 1:57 BUT THAT'S HOW I IMAGINE YOUR FIRST MEETING WITH SEBEK GOES.

You, whispering as your faces are squished together: "Listen, fae boy, you do not know who you're dealing with. I've seen things in my world, stuff you can't even imagine."

Sebek, whispering back: "Like what kind of stuff?"

You: "I'm not gonna tell you, but you're gonna drop your sword-"

Sebek: "The way you said it just made it sound like you were gonna say something really cool-"

You: "Yeah, you don't get to hear it, drop the sword-"

- OKAY BUT YOU BEING DEEMED THE NIGHT GAURD OF NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE. Like idk, maybe you don't need as much sleep as everyone or during weekends, you just hibernate and then survive on naps and energy drinks throughout the week (it's such an unhealthy habit, all of the Dorm Leaders are concerned and Vil might trick you into drinking a sleeping potion if your eyebags get too prominent) but I love the idea that the bullying rates go down. Hell, even the Savanahclaw dorm kids don't try to start with as many fights with you around because they know you'll finish them with your flashlight. Like they're all cornering you and you blind one of them temporarily before you do some cool fighting moves. Your quick wit and training as a night gaurd is the only thing you've got to give you an edge in this world and by God are you gonna use it.

-And even if that fails you, you've got friends who've got your back. Like you get cornered by some bullies and then they feel something stab their feet and Jed and Octavius are bravely stabbing their shoes and the students are hopping around in pain.

- But yeah, the Night Gaurd in you just makes you walks around Night Raven College and look at all the various statues and history and you read and do your research on Twisted Wonderland.

- Like in the first movie, the thing Larry did after his first wild night at the museum was do research and by God, do you dedicate yourself to doing research on Twisted Wonderland and the study of magic.

- ALSO MALLEUS JOINING YOU DURING YOUR LATE NIGHT PATROLS OF YOUR SCHOOL GROUNDS and telling you everything there is to know about the magic here. You know how Ahkmenrah calls Larry "Gaurdian of Brooklyn"? I feel like instead of Child of Man, Malleus would call you "Gaurdian of the Night" because you tell him that's your dad's job and you want to fill in his shoes.

- MALLEUS AND SEBEK TRYING TO GET YOU TO JOIN HIS GAURDS BUT YOUR DUTY IS TO EVERYONE BUT HE'S ALL: "You know, just in case you might have to stay for longer, there will always be a spot in my court for you. As either my gaurd or my spouse-"

- "What was that last part?"

- "What?"

Feel Free to Send in any Thoughts/Asks/or Questions about this AU!

[taf-art]

Cocoon (2021). Ramón Vargas.

[usafphantom2]

MAAM P-61 Nose Art – Introducing “Moonbeam Dream”

Moreno Aguiari

After 79 years, the P-61 now has it’s own unique identity. Photo by Nick Chismar

Aircorps Art Dec 2019

By Nick Chismar

Just over a month ago, in June 2024, the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum (MAAM) unveiled a brand-new paint job on their Northrop P-61B Black Widow, USAAF #42-39445. The massive fighter sat proudly, fully covered in gloss black paint, as visitors from around the country stopped to take photos during the museum’s 33rd Annual World War II Weekend. Just recently, during the museum’s members’ day picnic on July 20th, there was another unveiling to do. After 79 years, their P-61 has its own identity and nose art; Moonbeam Deam.

MAAM P 61 Nose Art – Introducing Moonbeam Dream82539 copy scaled

Work was well underway just two weeks before the member’s day event. Tucked inside the main hangar, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania artist Jennifer “Hot Rod Jen” Thomas was steadying her hand against the side of the P-61. Jen’s interest in warbirds began with family ties as both her uncle and grandfather had flown Stearmans and worked alongside her father on the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s C-54 Spirit of Freedom. While Jen is well known for her automotive pinstriping, the P-61 is not her first piece of aviation nose art.

MAAM P 61 Nose Art – Introducing Moonbeam Dream80147 copy scaled

Recently, Jen painted the nose art on the Wings of War’s Cessna T-50 Bobcat, known as Bamboo Betty, which made its this year’s WWII Weekend. Not long after completing the gT-50’s nose art, a photographer suggested she contact MAAM President Russ Strine. It wouldn’t be until this year’s WWII Weekend that she could pass a card along, but it wasn’t long after that she was in contact with Russ, and things kicked off from there.

As Jen would tell me, there are some times when clients may not know exactly what they want, but not in this case. Having nose art on the P-61 has long been something Russ wanted to do. Since the aircraft had crashed only four days into its career, the crew never had the opportunity to properly name their aircraft. So, Russ set out to find something that he felt fit the project. Selecting from a book of Vargas pin-up girls, Russ looked for one that wasn’t too risqué or similar to that on their B-25 Briefing Time. The moon and stars were selected to symbolize how the P-61 fought in the night sky. He then chose the name Moonbeam Baby and added a full-size cutout to the aircraft which many visitors may recall seeing over past years. This name, however, was only intended to be a placeholder for inspiration.

The name Moonbeam Baby never really sat well with Russ, and after some time he decided to change the name to Moonbeam Dream. As he would tell me, “I was never really comfortable with the name ‘baby’, and I thought about it. I thought that the P-61 was a dream of ours, not only in acquiring it but restoring it to flying condition.” With the nose art already selected by Russ, Jen went to work.

MAAM P 61 Nose Art – Introducing Moonbeam Dream82547 copy scaled

With the full-size cut-out at home, Jen began by making tracings of the artwork and letters. Patterns and an electro pounce were made of the letters while the surface was thoroughly cleaned to begin painting. The image of the girl was first hung and then transferred using Saral paper for the outline and to be blocked in white to make it easier for skin tones to be painted. Using urethane and sign painting enamel paints Jen began the process of painting the nose art. Jen would use the Axalta urethane paint for the lettering and to block in the white and yellow on the pinup as well as for the moon. As a more aggressive paint, it bites into the black paint of the fuselage offering a sturdy base. For the rest, Jen would use 1-Shot lettering enamel to complete the nose art on the aircraft. Working from roughly 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and with an immense amount of skill and a steady hand, the nose art would slowly go on over the course of three days.

When member’s day came around and the first visitors rounded the tail of the museum’s replica D3A “Val” there was a sense of awe as they spotted the nose art. Comments could be heard about the level of detail and simply how impressive it was. As visitors continued and made their way to the other side of the P-61 they immediately took note of the emblem of the 550th Night Fighter Squadron, painted completely by freehand on the aircraft. Painted to the emblem’s left however were three names. Beneath the cockpit could be seen the name “Annie” in honor of Russ’ late mother, painted in bright red. Below that and in a more subtle blue was the image of the iconic “Kilroy” with the words “Pappy was here. Brenda too.” A tribute to Russ’ late father Eugene and Brenda Saylor, both of whom had spent countless hours to make their shared dream, a reality.

After 79 years, the P-61 now has its own unique identity. For Jen, this would be a special moment. After moving to Allentown years ago, friends soon told her about World War II Weekend. Jen said, “2006 was the first year I came here and I was hooked ever since. …coming here for years and the amount of work that is going into this aircraft is amazing. I’ve seen it when it was just barely anything and I loved the story, and I’m just blown away to be a part of it…it feels like a dream.” As Russ would tell me, “We needed to give the airplane our own identity, and this nose art, I think, accomplishes that.” With the names of the pilot Logan Southfield and radio operator Ben Goldstein who had been onboard during the fateful crash, the nose art is the final piece of the aircraft’s identity.

Special thanks to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum and Jennifer Thomas for allowing me to photograph the process of painting the nose art. Thank you to Russ Strine and Jennifer for taking the time to talk about their process in this latest part of the restoration.

MAAM P 61 Nose Art – Introducing Moonbeam Dream82554 copy scaled It has been a few years since we last reported on restoration progress with the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum‘s Northrop P-61B Black Widow #42-39445. As most of you will remember, a team from the museum recovered the aircraft from the side of Mount Cyclops in Hollandia, New Guinea during the late 1980s. They have made great strides in their effort to rebuild the WWII night fighter to airworthy condition, and we thought you would like to hear (and see) some of the work that has been going on with the Widow of late. Below are our two latest report.

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Moreno-Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

@Warbirdnews via X

[rabbitcruiser]

The Puebloans captured Santa Fe from the Spanish during the Pueblo Revolt on August 21, 1680.

[lunarw0rks]

Gift Giving | Task Force 141 Headcanons

Summary: How I headcanon they give their S/O gifts 𓆩♡𓆪

Warning(s): established relationship, mild-suggestive content w/ Soap's, domestic!fluff | Word Count: 553

꒦꒷ MAIN MASTERLIST ꒷꒦ TF 141 MASTERLIST ⋆ ⚘ 🕊 ˚✧ ₊˚ʚ have a request?

Simon Riley

ੈ✩‧₊˚ He’s awful about giving physical gifts, so don’t expect a box with a pretty bow around it. When he does buy you something, it’s the little things. He sees no point in grandeur and never has. Often the physical gifts are placed somewhere you’ll find them long after he’s left for work, like on the kitchen counter or on your nightstand.

He gifts you things that can be kept within the walls of your house—a shirt you pointed at weeks before when you were window shopping or tickets to an event you’ve wanted to go to. God help you if you try to get him to come with you though, he’d rather stay in the car and wait for you.

When you bring up the gift or show your excitement about it, he’ll dismiss it at first, but behind the mask, he’s pleased with himself. ⋆·˚ ༘ *

Soap MacTavish

ੈ✩‧₊˚ A vast difference between him and Simon. He won’t make things over the top, but he’s not afraid to be in public. He loves when the two of you can go out to dinner somewhere decent, although he’s not opposed to a bar.

He loves small gifts that aren’t explicitly romantic—a bracelet or piece of clothing he’d want you to wear when he’s away. But, if you’re into it, possibly some lingerie or perfume he wants you to wear next time you two are alone. ⋆·˚ ༘ *

John Price

ੈ✩‧₊˚ He struggles with what to get you, especially if there’s a bit of an age gap.

Most likely he’d keep it old-fashioned with a piece of jewelry, or maybe set you up for a spa day or something. If he’s truly stumped, he’d probably hand you his card and let you buy something for yourself.

“Your card? Really, John?”

“It was either that or a box of cigars…” ⋆·˚ ༘ *

Kyle/Gaz

ੈ✩‧₊˚ Being on the younger side of the others, he’s better at shopping for his S/O. Hoodies, jewelry, dinner at a new hotspot. When he’s away for long, he’d make sure to Facetime/call as often as he could, planning what you two want to do together when he’s back.

If he was really serious about pampering you, he’d rent an Airbnb for the week and enjoy being away from it all with you. ⋆·˚ ༘ *

Alejandro Vargas

ੈ✩‧₊˚ His most common gift to you would be a night of relaxation. Not a foot set in the kitchen while he cooks, nor will you help him clean up after either. He doesn’t have a lot of time to go out with you, so if he can give you a special night at home, he’s satisfied with that.

You’ll probably be eating the best food you’ve ever tasted, and then watching a movie/show on the couch until you both slip into a food coma.

If it’s ever a physical item, he’d get something custom-made—like an engraved watch or necklace personalized for you. ⋆·˚ ༘ *

Kate Laswell

ੈ✩‧₊˚ A true romantic at heart—quite formal with her gifting.

Wine tasting, visiting an art museum, or if you’d rather be outdoors, going sailing with you during her time away from work. Aside from destinations, she would definitely get you some sort of jewelry you could match with her, that way a piece of you is always with her when she’s away. ⋆·˚ ༘ *