Is May going way faster than any month so far this year, or is it just time warping for me right now?

If it’s just me, I think it has something to do with these two cursed mannequins I stumbled across at one of my favorite truck stops off of I-29.

Things have just felt off ever since I encountered these two (three?).

There is so much to love about this picture. Truly, just sit with it for a while. New details begin to unfold, like any good painting as your eyes wander and you settle into the experience, so good!

The mannequins live at a truck stop called Sapp Bros - not a name-brand that everyone knows, unless “you’re from around these parts.” But those who know, know. They have bidets in their bathroom. It’s a little slice of paradise in the corn fields.

Unfortunately on my last trip to Kansas (the second one in May!) I somehow chose stalls where the bidet was not functioning. How this happened the first time - ok, somewhat understandable, but a second time on the return trip home? The bidet is WHY I stop at this truck stop. Not to get too “in the weeds” but I really could have used the various rinse and dry cycles of a fancy toilet. Alas.

I have made the error twice and now know to look for the glowing light power on indicator before I choose my stall for the next visit. I suppose the economic reality is hitting everyone hard. Maybe they can’t fix the fancy bidets? I have never before experienced such bidet disappointment at this Sapp Bros. Learn from my experiences. Look for the light!

All was clearly not lost though, I still was provided some awe and wonder as I observed the Sapp Bros were peddling A LOT of their own merch.

You know what I say about merch! If there’s merch, it’s a cult!

I love that gas stations have merch. Buccee’s probably really kicked this off, but my Kum & Go Trucker hat is one of my prized possessions. Especially now that Kum & Go is no more!

And on my first Kansas road trip of May, I procured a Love’s branded lighter! That makes three gas station/travel center cults I’ve joined by wearing and using their merch!

Back to the Sapp Bros merch. Have you noticed this trend where everyone now has a mini 5gal bucket that you can collect? I’m not sure what you could do with them, because they don’t hold 5gal worth of materials, but it’s a thing. Fleet Farm had them in their signature orange - that yes, dear reader, is different from Homo Depot orange. I guess this late stage capitalism moment (which we seem to be in foreeeeever) is about creating useless miniatures of useful tools? LOL maybe I just cracked the code on what capitalism is hahahahaha.

Ok, now I’m just rambling. But the fact that you can get a three pack of these on Etsy in a resell situation of various hardware stores, helps make my point. The sky is falling and it’s raining tiny buckets!

This is all to say - SAPP BROS HAD A mini BUCKET!

Sapp Bros actually has a fun logo - I think it’s supposed to be giving an old school metal coffee maker on legs like it’s also a watering hole - nay, tower.

Who came up with this idea I wonder? Hats off to them because not only is this their logo but it’s also in GIANT material form as a beacon to travelers on the highway.

Was this on the bucket?

No.

Only the text part of their logo. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT.

Why? Not that I would’ve bought it anyways because what am I to do with a tiny bucket that I don’t have a use for, and because I do find myself in need of actual 5gal buckets for the homostead to feed the creatures we tend. So much so, that I threaten to pull over and rescue the 5gallon buckets in the ditch on the interstate. Have you ever noticed how many are just laying about when you really open up yourself to the thrill of a bucket hunt?

Just me?

Anyways, this is turning into a very rural, very backroads kind of newsletter and I’m really supposed to find a way to transition these anecdotes into some kind of update from Studio Utopia.

So…here goes.

Let’s talk disappointments!

Not only did the small bucket (which I didn’t buy) not have the cool version of the Sapp Bros logo, therefore making it more collectible IMO, I recently had a painting deal fall through!

I was all set to sell a painting to an organizational partner, who I am not naming because I have not been wronged by them and want to continue the partnership. But after invoicing them and doing a little happy dance for some good money coming my way I did what every budgeting best practice tells you not to do - especially my beloved YNAB - and spent the money before it hit my account!

I was like, ooooh! This is a sign from the universe that I sold a painting and so now I can go on this cool artist yoga/meditation retreat that will be so good for my burnout recovery! I had been eyeing the application and not sure if I could swing it, but then all of a sudden I “sold” a painting! One of the big ones to the tune of more than a few thousand dollars. Yippee! I can afford the retreat and the travel now. Let’s book it!

This is great!

And then, about a month goes by and unfortunately due to constriction, budget realities, policies… internal processes beyond my control, they rescinded the purchase.

Meh.

Sad.

Are you on an emotional rollercoaster? Welcome!

So, here we are. Back to peddling and providing some updates about life as a full time artist in these times.

Anyone need a painting?

It’ll cost more than a tiny collectable bucket, but it will bring you more joy for a lot longer time than a miniature version of an actual useful tool.

Trust me, I passed up a cool semi-truck shaped usb charging cord port to keep making payments on a big painting I’m bringing into the ChicFinn Collection and I 100% am not disappointed with that tradeoff.

xoxo,

KCF

PS: Other ways to support - share my newsletter with someone you think will enjoy the chaotic vibes. Or, join my special BTS Art of KCF Kafecitxs crew for actual pictures of the commission I’m spending so much time living in right now, and other first look opportunities at the new works.

PPS: My Uncle took me on a shopping spree at Harbor Freight and we got a free 5 gallon bucket with our purchase. The universe does favor me! And I hope, if you made it all the way to this part of the newsletter this news brings you a smile.