What is a Rascal?

My daughter went to Japan during the first part of summer and brought me back this lure called a "Rascal."

I have to say that this is a most unusual lure. Who would have thought of a Raccoon with a piece of bread in its mouth as a lure. I wonder what type of fish will be interested in this lure. On my next fishing trip, I will find out. I'm sure my first cast will be straight up in a tree, too far to fetch and another lost plug.  Yep, that's what will happen. 

Actually, this lure is modeled after a cartoon character in Japan, "Rascal the Raccoon." It's kind of like having a Disney character like "Goofy" and making a "Goofy" lure. Pretty dumb if you ask me. Of course it would be funny if someone asked.... What kind of bait did you catch the lake record on and you answer, It was a Goofy bait!  

I'm a purest when it comes to fishing. I think artificial bait should be bait that fish would actually pursue in real life. It's just not right using a fat little artificial raccoon with a piece of bread in its mouth as bait. Okay, yes you can catch fish on non-traditional bait such as those little beer can baits etc... However, this thing would look better on a key chain. But.....................we shall see on my next fishing trip. I will likely catch a lake record called an Oak!

Ever wish you had a beautiful decor map of your favorite river, lake and bay maps? Now you can. Check-out my vintage maps at LeoLakes.com. We have over 200 ready to purchase, or we do custom and personalized maps, too. They make a unique gift for the lake lover, lake house owner, or fisherman and Christmas will be here before you know it.   

"As I look over this lake, The most amazing scenes appears in its wake,

The sun arises just above the shore, Giving grace and beauty to this place that I adore." LKO

  

Tybee Island Adventure

Amazing! You will be really surprised by what followed us back to our beach chairs on Tybee Island. Well first, lets begin at the start. 

A few weeks ago, my wife and I spent a few days at Tybee Island South Carolina. Tybee Island is near Hilton Head and is a nice change because it's not as large and well known. However, the island is a great place to spend a few days, great food from mom and pop restaurants, and there are very few chain restaurants, which is a plus. The island has a nice beach that's a sure relaxation highlight. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do any fishing, but I did hear that the fishing is really good. 

I always like to go adventuring while on vacation to discover what needs to be discovered. We stumbled upon this boat dock which made a beautiful picture. 

Interesting, the beaches are very wide at low tide and almost completely disappear at high tide, much more than other beaches that I've been on.  

Shark Attack! 

Dang it, wife was eaten by a shark. I hate that!

We visited the lighthouse on the island, but for some reason they were filming a Viagra commercial. I'm not sure why they would be filming a Viagra commercial here?

I saw more critters on the beach than any other beach that I've been on. Critters such as crabs, stingrays, dolphins, jelly fish, etc...  In fact, while walking on the beach we met a new friend. His name is Herbie. No, he's not the white Volkswagen Beetle in the Disney movie. He's Herbie a Horseshoe Crab. 

Believe it or not Herbie followed us back to our beach hangout. Now, the wife wants to keep Herbie. I told her "okay we can keep him, but you have to take care of him". My wife is a teacher and her plan is to show him to her class. The only problem is how do we take him home?

Just to get this story straight and not get folks to excited, I must mention a few things. First, Herbie is only a shell and there's no living animal inside. Second, I don't believe a Viagra commercial was being filmed at the lighthouse. Third, I often try to be funny while blogging, hope you enjoyed. Lastly, checkout the vintage style maps that I paint. 

I do custom and personalized lake, river, island or bay decor maps. They make a great gift for the lake lover. If you would like to see if we have your body of water, go to LeoMaps.com. 
 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift. To see more of my work click here www.LeoLakes.com. 

Remember: Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream.

Blow dry fish, Camo Discrimination, & Bob suddenly realized

New cartoons, Enjoy!

I paint river, lake, and bay decor maps and hide things in the waters. I hide  a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. I call my maps treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. These maps make great gifts for the lake house owner, lake lover, or fisherman. I have over two hundred on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalizes lake, river or bay maps, too. If you would like to see more and read about my treasured maps go to LeoMaps.com. 

Remember: Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream!

Treasured Maps

I talk with a lot folks who have fallen in love with the body of water they live on, grew up on, visit or have family history with. My wife came up with this poem, which puts in words, how folks feel about there special lake, river, or bay.

"As I look over this waterscape, The most amazing scenes appears in its wake, The sun arises just above the shore, Giving grace and beauty to this place that I adore." LKO

I started out creating a map of a beloved river that I adore. This small beginning has developed into a fun business. I understand how folks feel about there lake, river, or bay and am lucky to create treasured maps for folks that have treasured memories of there special places. Below I wanted to share a few emails that I receive from these water lovers when they receive one of my treasured maps. 

Customer Email 8/1/14: Larry, I am practically speechless.........when my husband opened the carton and that amazingly beautiful map lay inside we were both overcome.  He could not believe that he had received such an amazing gift and I was just beside myself as this had far exceeded my expectations.  I was so very worried that this would be a product that looks really good on line but when you get it, the product is a disappointment.  What we found was an amazing piece that is truly a "treasured map". Thanks again for all your help, but most of all thank you for sharing your talent! 

Customer Email 7/23/14:Hi Larry, Another satisfied customer! The map arrived today (stuck in Nashville for 2 days; go figure). She LOVES it! Opened it while I listened. You included such a wonderful note! That makes it even more special and I appreciate it all the more. We have websites here for the island and for the Lakes Region. I'm planning to tell everyone about my map and give them directions to the website, so be ready! Thanks again for a truly unique product. PS.... Don't be surprised if you hear from my other daughter and son-in-law. They will be green with envy when they see this map! 

Customer Email 7/15/14: Thank you Larry!  Fantastic.....The map is beautiful and I can't wait to hang it in how lake cabin. I will be ordering more for some of my lake friends.

Customer Email 6/13/14: Larry, our map arrived yesterday and we love it!  It is beautiful and we can't wait to frame it and hang it on our wall so all our friends and family can see it.  I would highly recommend you to anyone wanting a lake map for their home too, it is really beautiful and I consider it a piece of artwork too. Thank you so much! 

I hide a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. I call my maps treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. These maps make great gifts for the lake house owner, lake lover, or fisherman. I have over two hundred on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalizes lake, river or bay maps, too. If you would like to see more and read about my treasured maps go to LeoMaps.com. 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift. To see more of my work click here www.LeoLakes.com. 

Remember: Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream.

Lake Cartoons

Here's a few more of my cartoons, oldies but goodies. 

Check-out my maps. I can do custom and personalized lake, river or bay decor maps. They make a great gift for the lake lover. If you would like to see if we have your body of water, go to LeoMaps.com. 
 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift. To see more of my work click here www.LeoLakes.com. 

Remember: Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream.

A Stress Free Environment

What is a "Stress Free Environment?" Well, a stress free environment means different things to different folks. To some, a stress free environment may mean the beach, mountains, a round of golf or maybe a spa treatment. Is it a place or a state of mind? Well, a few weeks ago I found a 'Stress Free Environment." I spent a few days on a beautiful lake in Tennessee called Center Hill Lake.  We stayed at Pates Ford Marina which is located on the tail end of the lake and a great place to eat, rent a boat or stay for a night. The waters of Center Hill are some of the clearest lake waters in the state, however a rain the day before causes them to be slightly murky. Actually, this turned out to be a good thing because the water falls were flowing.    

We rented a pontoon boat to cruise the lake looking for any adventure. We had hopes of spotting an Eagle, which have become common around the lake. Also, this lake has many water falls back in the hollows that I would like to take a few pictures of.     

Heading out on a beautiful day, we pass houseboat row. This brings back memories, because several years ago, I had a boat that we used on most weekends. 

To give you an idea of Center Hill Lake, here's an over view of the lake as seen from a flying Canadian Goose's point of view. Checkout all of the twists and turns this lake makes and all of the coves. That's because it's located in very hilly terrain.   

You ever heard of the Old Man of the Sea? This is called face on the lake, not. I'm not sure what its called but it sure looks like a face. Checkout those nose hairs. 

One of the many falls that was flowing. I'm guessing that this fall is 40-50 feet high. It seemed that in every cove, there was a fall flowing down from the hills. It was great to move close to the fall and feel the cool mist, and listen to the shower of water against the limestone.

Another water fall that has attracted other boaters. Interestingly, water falls seem to draw folks in close because of their beauty and sound. I think this would be called a "stress free environment".

I paint Lake, River and Bay maps and here's a vintage style map of Center Hill Lake. I call my maps treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. 

Click for larger image

I hide a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. These maps make great gifts for the lake house owner, lake lover, or fisherman. I have over two hundred on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalized lake, river or bay maps, too. If you would like to see more and read about my treasured maps go to LeoMaps.com. 
 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift. To see more of my work click here www.LeoLakes.com. 

Remember: Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream, or at least enjoy one on the wall.

Mr. Fish Head, Fished all day,Get a room, Bait Relations

Here's a few more of my fishing cartoons, enjoy.

Oh yeah, I paint lake, river and bay maps, read what my customers are saying. "I was finally able to give my husband the map I bought for his birthday last night. I want you to know how beautiful it was and how touched he was by it. He loves this Lake. His family has a home there and when we are lucky we get away for a few days, it’s the only place we want to be. He actually had tears in his eyes. Thank you for the beautiful art work."

I don't hide snapping turtles, but I do hide a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. I call my maps treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. These maps make great gifts for the lake house owner, lake lover, or fisherman. I have over two hundred on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalizes lake, river or bay maps, too. If you would like to see more and read about my treasured maps go to LeoMaps.com. 
 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift. To see more of my work click here www.LeoLakes.com. 

Remember: Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream, or at least enjoy one on the wall.

Ahhhhh...What would you do?

What would you do if you had just woke from a night's sleep, rubbed yours eyes and spotted an animal tail around a corner inside your home? 

Well for me, the first thing that entered into my mind was: "Dang kids are playing a trick on me like the time they painted my toe nails purple while I was asleep in the lazy-boy." I didn't figure it out until the next morning when I had taken a shower and was putting on my socks. Imagine the shock of seeing 10 purple toes nails looking back at you and then thinking what the heck was I doing last night.  But this time was different, it's a real creature. I thought, what the heck is that and how did it get in the house? Dang, looks like a Raccoon and we don't have a pet Raccoon. I bet the wife has let it in thinking it was Creamy the cat, which is possible because her night vision is not what it used to be. 

Now what to do, throw shoes at it, call animal control, get the guns? Just call me Davy Crockett because I feel there's a new coonskin cap in the future and then to my surprise....... 

As I turned the corner to get a better look this is what was looking back at me. Kibble our cat. I suppose the reason I was thinking Raccoon, is because before I went to bed, I spotted this outside munching on cat food.

It's a Raccoon stealing cat food outside. Just call me crazy.

Oh yeah, I paint lake, river and bay maps, read what my customers are saying. "I was finally able to give my husband the map I bought for his birthday last night. I want you to know how beautiful it was and how touched he was by it. He loves this Lake. His family has a home there and when we are lucky we get away for a few days, it’s the only place we want to be. He actually had tears in his eyes. Thank you for the beautiful art work."

I don't hide snapping turtles, but I do hide a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. I call my maps treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. These maps make great gifts for the lake house owner, lake lover, or fisherman. I have over two hundred on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalizes lake, river or bay maps, too. If you would like to see more and read about my treasured maps go to LeoMaps.com. 
 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift. To see more of my work click here www.LeoLakes.com. 

Remember: Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream, or at least enjoy one on the wall.