A tale of a beloved Plastic Flamingo. Watch this slide sh

15 years ago

My father who I definitely got the junk gene from loves to go through people's trash and share the wealth.

Many times it is worthless junk but he is so disappointed if I reject it that I found it nicer to thank him , put it in my car and toss it later.

One day I visited him and he shuffled over to his stash beaming wildly."LOOK what I found for you!"

I faked a grin, It was a faded, legless plastic flamingo.

I tossed it in the car and set on the garagefloor when I got home ,to be dealt with on trash day.

The next day my grandson came to visit and spotted the flamingo.

He held it as though it were the dearest thing on the planet and named him MINGO. Mingo became his best friend. Now that he is 5 Mingo was left in a plant pot but was recently discovered by his younger brother who is now three and just as infatuated with Mingo.

Feeling bad about not being able to by kids toys this Christmas? Don't!

PLEASE,,,,Watch this slide show.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mingo Mania

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Comments (16)

toomuchglass
15 years ago
That had me smiling from ear to ear ! Who needs a hundred dollar toy when something so precious can be found for free !!!
daisydal
15 years ago
That is the cutest thing ever!!!! That would certainly make a great childrens book story. It was so touching that it was something from your dad, too. I guess its true what they say about skipping a generation, huh!! Loved it so much, thx for sharing!
blessings-sherri
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use2bcapecodr
15 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing your slide show!! It is so sweet and heartwarming!

Some of the simplest things are the best loved. When my 15 yr. old granddaughter was very small, I bought two wooden pull toys from GW. Not painted or anything. A duck and a bunny. In spite of all the new and involved toys, they became the favorite toys here for all of our grandkids. Go figure!!

What darling grandchildren you have. Mingo's pretty cute too! chuckle

And I agree with Sherri...this would be great for a children's story book.

~Sandy~
jeannespines
15 years ago
Wow, a great story, goldenpond! Loved how Mingo, a piece of GJ, became so special...and even more special, that your Dad, who you found, gave him to you...turned into a real piece of GJ JOY! Thanks for sharing! Jeanne S.
susiewantsroses
15 years ago
My heart is just FULL!!! What a precious, precious child. That slide show was delightful. As it turns out Mingo may be more than junk though.

If GrandBabyGoldenPond ever decides he is through with Mingo there is a market for them on EBAY. A local Historical District close to here has some day/days each year when the homeowners/businesses display old flamingos. That must happen in other states too (maybe yours!) because I looked them up on Ebay last year and was shocked that they are collectables. I have gotten 3 in the past year (two in misc. box at auction and one from freecycle) and have donated them to a friend there.

But I can see for now Mingo is family!!! :)
justlinda
15 years ago
That is so precious and special. Thanks very much for sharing the pics and story with us.
concretenprimroses
15 years ago
I enjoyed the show! Reminded me that I need to look on etsy for some simple toys for the few little ones on my list thisyear. The simple things are often the best!
kathy
goldenpond
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks all.
I have lots of stories for kids books but not sure where to go from there.
Think Pink!
katishooked
15 years ago
I enjoyed this very much and many times so so true. My son was thrilled with his stash on Christmas day and then tossed all aside for the boxes to make forts etc. I think Mingo has proven to be a very good a loyal friend with unconditional love and companionship. Thanks for sharing.

Kathy
Marlene Kindred
15 years ago
What a wonderful slideshow and a precious grandson! Love his Mingo! Thanks for sharing with us!
luna_llena_feliz
15 years ago
How sweet! I love it! It is funny but when kids have a great imagination, anything can be fun. Geez, I remember pretending to be a horse and jumping over obstacles made from boxes, wastebaskets, anything I could get my hands on in the yard. I would set up the obstacles like the jumps at a horse show. Other times I was a barrel racer.

Or we played stay away from the sharks. The living room floor was the ocean and the dogs were the sharks. I had to jump from one piece of furniture to the next to stay away from the dogs or *gulp* swim across the floor (run) before the sharks got me.

And we used to play basketball with a Nerf ball and the lampshades were the hoops. Or we'd take blown up balloons and try our best to keep them in the air (I broke a window with my head once when I got a little too exuberant).

Sometimes the simple stuff is the best! Love the sweet story of your grandson and Mingo. Thanks so much for sharing it!
sunnyca_gw
15 years ago
I loved it!!! I think 1 reason he took to it is that it is so easy to carry by the neck. Offering his treat to it means he thinks of it as his friend, probably his "best" friend. I wonder if it had legs would it be so appealing?? I think not. This way he can sit almost anywhere & is so manageable! If making a book almost every pic you've shown would be perfect. You could use all those scenes! Even the dog likes him. I think it would really appeal to kids, can you draw? Mingo taking a tour of the garden would be great fun for kids who live in the city! Thanks for the treat!! Grandkids are so cute!! Jan
Purplemoon
15 years ago
That slideshow was delightful. Its obvious to see Mingo has a lot of personality, given to him by one small boy with a big imagination (and a grandmother with a camera) LOL. My favorite photo was them sharing the treat. Just precious!

hugs, Karen
cait1
15 years ago
Darling! Loved the slideshow. You have gorgeous grandkiddies!
FlowerLady6
15 years ago
What a wonderful story Goldenpond. Sweet as can be, from brother, to brother the love for Mingo passes on.

FlowerLady
lacombe
15 years ago
I really liked the slide show. Looks like Mingo has some busy days.

A tale of a beloved Plastic Flamingo. Watch this slide sh

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