The 2009 Story Chapter 2 - monkeySHINE

monkeySHINE

“Did you know the Archduke Maximillian of Austria presented Mary of Burgandy.......”
“Who? What? You’re gabbling Monkey......!” said Keeper.
“Let me finish!” (Monkeys can get quite indignant). Proceeds to drop voice. Becomes almost humanoid......
“The Archduke Maximillian.....” Pauses for effect. Remains silent for further effect....then continues with a teacher’s expression.
“Presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond and had it made into the most splendid of rings to proclaim his eternal love for her in 1477...”
“Yeah? So?”
“Well....” Sighs like a teacher does in front of an exasperating class....
“...creating with this deed a trend for lovers that indeed in itself would last an eternity....”
Keeper looks, says nothing. Shakes head and quizzically lifts shoulders.
“Well that’s why the Diamond has become a Stone of Eternity.” Still Keeper is silent.
“Well that’s why it’s the most revered and romantic of all the sparkling gems......and SHINES a light into the Lovers hearts......oh........
“.......and that’s why I want to introduce you to Laura......”
Monkey drags Laura in front of Keeper.
“Hi, there Keeper – what Monkey is trying to tell you is that I am a highly experienced Diamond consultant and to celebrate Valentine’s Day I am presenting a beautiful exhibition and sale of loose diamond stones at 6pm Tuesday 10th February . It will be here at Behind the Monkey, featuring the SHINE of Origin Australia (TM) Diamonds – all at industry prices.”
“Fantastic!” Keeper was delighted. “We’ll offer a glass of champagne.....it’s a given to go with diamonds!” Finally she understood the MonkeySpeak.
“Well, they’ll be beautiful Whites, Champagne, Cognac and Yellows guaranteed from the Argyle Mine – and some sourced from world suppliers specialising in loose diamonds.....”
“It will be a special and sparkle arkly evening!” cried Monkey interrupting.....
“Baker&Schundlar are dressing The Cracked Gallery with their beautiful silver dusted baroque furniture, Pollen Nation are supplying a white orchid flower art vase.....clients can do a meander and a wander around the gallery and store and soak up a bit of romance! I might even get MARRIED!”
“No Way! Monkey – I can’t have two of you...”

“Who said I would marry a Monkey......?” Monkey looked sideways at Laura.

“Hmmmmmmmm.....” said Laura – “I’ve got to go – but tell everyone I’m available by appointment for private viewings the week of the 6/2 -13/2 too if they like – I can offer advice on buying, choosing, replacing and setting stones as well as recommending specialists regarding design and custom settings......and I’ll see you, little Monkey on the 10th February!”
“Oh goody,” said Monkey – “a whole WEEK OF DIAMONDS!”

*Monkey bursts into song*

“Hush my lover, don’t say a word
The shop down the road has a mocking bird
And if that mocking bird don’t moan
The Monkey’s gonna show you a diamond stone
And you’ll see how that diamond stone will SHINE
And then the monkey will make you mine...........................
...............for eternity”


“Monkey, she’s gone.....she’s not listening......get back to work you old romantic!”

The 2009 Story Chapter 1

The 2009 Story
Chapter One - Yey Yey, it's New Year!


“Yey Yey its New Year! 2009 will be full of Splendid Happenings and bursting with Special Moments!”

“Keeper wake up! Did you hear? Bountiful Wonderfuls are coming hurling through the Universe!”

“Monkey calm down – it does after all happen once a year – a week after every Christmas…..”

Sarcasm filled the air. Didn’t make a bit of difference however to the Monkey.

“This ones different!”

“How so?”

“This one ends in a 9”.

“?”

Questions ignored. Enthusiasm continues. Keeper thinks about the number 9.

“Lotta things happening you know?” Keeper groans at Monkey’s pun as our lovely designer Lotta walks in the door

“How’s my reinvented watch jewellery selling Monkey?”

“Selling lotta of it”……giggles, jumps around the shop. Lotta groans. Monkey ignores. Continues on babbling wildly as Lotta asks what else is happening…………

“Super Super …………..Sampler.”

“?”

“In The Cracked Gallery – Super Super Sampler. Yolanda Stapleton from Onetrickpony has assembled a group of local lomographers who have millions (slight exaggeration but it’s over 250) of images shot with the supersampler camera.”

“Good – then I’ll come for opening drinks on Wednesday Jan 14th from 7pm” (see invite below) Keeper seemed pleased about that.

Gotta go!” screamed Monkey

“Hey, before you do, let’s throw a big thank you out to everyone for their support this Christmas and over the whole of 2008. To all our friends, clients, suppliers and designers it’s been an absolute pleasure and we wish you well……………….”

Monkey interrupts………

“Yep, may all the Splendid, Bountiful, Abundant Happenings swing your Wonderful Way!!!!”

“P.S…. that’s times 9 of course!”

The 2008 Story Chapter 10 - a lotta going on.....

(as always click on the pictures for a closer look!)

There’s such a “lotta” goin’ on Behind the Monkey…………

She’s got a “lotta time” (aka watch, get it??? te he he…)

on her hands………….

LOTTA
Combining repurposed, vintage and new supplies to create one of a kind rings, cufflinks, neck or wrist pieces. Old watch movements, some complete with 17 jewels. …..merge with the likes of antique keys, bright pink rose buds (No! silly not real roses…don’t be a monkey) brass stampings or maybe amusement coin tokens to become the “perfect piece”.

Thanks be to our friends at the Sunday Times who recognized how fabulous Lotta’s cufflinks were and displayed them in their glory in last week’s gift guide, we’ve been busy taking orders on them…..ring us soon if you’d like a pair for Christmas or pop into store to see Lotta’s full range.
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The KISS principle. Keep It Simply Sophisticated.

PAMELA KENWARD
Simply stunning hand formed sterling silver domed pendants dressed with a little corrugation or a textured hand hammered surface – or ancient chainmaille techniques in necklaces peppered with Swarkovski crystals or contemporized with rubber and silver. She deserves a kiss.


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PINCH & SPOON…..(we do so love that name)…..deconstructs, molds, folds, stitches, pleats, tears, frays, designs the divine – her collars are have to haves, her neckpieces in muslins, silks and cottons will just about pinch your spoon!!!!!!!
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Get yourself a “Fred Pet”…………FRED SUICIDE

One of the Monkey’s favourite artists - New art toys in store now – little miniature light bulb men on computer mother boards – oh and a rabbit head on a lovely ladies legs (??!!) – oh and eyeball dinasours………………….and brand brand new from Fred Suicide are the wonderful vintage pastel knitting needle rings – in mens sizes too! Fred! Oh Fred! where have you been?


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Dancing on the page…………..(not us – hum…we dance elsewhere) STUART REID…….that’s what he’s been doing with archival ink pens in a unique abstract style often inspired by music. Stuart plays with the mind’s need to impose patterns and interpret meaning. Beautiful, exuberant and different!


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Cinder’s rocking this Christmas…don’t expect to be home by 12 when you’re wearing CINDEROCKER
Balls of silver – and oh so charming! Have them dancing on your wrists and watch the magic happen……….


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We’re also giving you the finger – and the thumb……(someone has to – you deserve it).
WALL HOOKS
A hand to a wall fixing – a contemporary practical hook for your bits and bobs. Give someone the thumbs up! ……or give them a finger for Christmas!!!!




Like we says…..there’s a whole lotta goin’ on at Behind the Monkey.

THE 2008 STORY: CHRISTMAS JUNGLE

“It should be a jungle.”
“Nah…doesn’t matter….trees is trees….jungle, forest, what’s the difference?”
“The difference dear sweet Keeper…is that jungles have monkeys, forests have woodland fairies, bambis and the like….it should be a jungle!”
“Yeah, but Christmas doesn’t really happen in a jungle”.
“How do you know?”
“I know these things – that’s why I’m the Keeper. And besides I say it’s a forest. A Christmas forest, so that’s how it is.”

Sulks in the air. Sits on keester. Sulks some more.

“Aww come on Monkey” speaking gently now, cajoling almost cooing…. “It looks so beautiful – everything isn’t always about you. Christmas should be about all things….come have a look.”

Takes Monkey’s hand and pulls gently. Persuasively. Monkey reluctantly from underneath brow looks at the window with breath held tight.

“I guess it looks ok”.

Monkey 2 – the creative spark and Monkey 3 – the sparkly Gem smiled. “It’s magic” they whispered to each other.

Monkey explored. There are tiny reindeers on a twig blossomed rainbow dancing in miniature. A golden plum puddin’ tree (yes they really do exist). Travel your eyes across the gold brick wall with precious pebbles on dried lotus and rose pourri embracing gold dusted gems, jewellery and ornaments to Adorn Thyself! A baby bambi with white spots and a magic tree necklace protected by a massive Prancer (Oh Deer!) cross dressed underneath huge masculine antlers with brass chandelier earrings….(well it can happen at Christmas time!)…and the woodland faerie…twigs and blossoms and some sort of Christmas shine with tulle covered wings……

All ready to transport you dear shopper into a wonderland of Christmas!

Come See.
Come See.
Come See.