Blog
Posted on December 21, 2025 10:00 AM by Admin
Categories:
"Big Boy" IP Project
Meet Pokey, our latest standpipe and a small structure with a big personality. Pokey may not soar to the heights of Big Boy, but it has quickly earned its place in the neighborhood spotlight. Once a purely practical piece of infrastructure, Pokey has had a cheerful glow-up and now invites passersby to slow down, look closely, and enjoy a touch of unexpected fun.
What really brings Pokey to life are the nine hummingbirds woven into the design. Inspired by the real hummingbirds that flock to the bright Pride of Barbados flowers, these tiny painted visitors are intentionally subtle. Just like their real-life counterparts, they don’t sit still or shout for attention—you have to use your imagination and a careful eye to spot them.
The Pride of Barbados shrubs are scattered throughout our community, lighting up the landscape with fiery color and nonstop activity. Anyone who’s paused near them knows the thrill of catching a hummingbird in mid-hover, wings a blur. Pokey celebrates this everyday magic by echoing what we see around us, blending art and nature into a playful visual conversation.
In the end, Pokey is a reminder that art doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it invites curiosity, rewards patience, and turns into a game of “did you see that?” So the next time you pass by, take a moment and see how many hummingbirds you can find—there are nine in total, if you’re up for the challenge. Pokey may be small, but it’s full of life, movement, and a little bit of wonder.
Posted on March 28, 2025 8:34 AM by Admin
Categories:
"Big Boy" IP Project
The Big Boy project is final complete. The MuralGard has been painted on, sealing and protecting BB from the elements and graffiti.
Nearly everyday we painted, except when the weather didn't cooperate. In total, we are guessing collectively we put in 300 hours into the project, with learning curves along the way.
Special thanks to Gary McClure, Jerry Brazil, Silver Pulleyblank (BPV) and Patty Stone. Patty's shoulder didn't help, but she was there to help with errands and enthusiasm.
Enjoy a YouTube link showing the final standpipe, and our favorite the monarch caterpillar.
Thank you all for the support and encouragement -- we needed every ounce along the way!
We are also offering for purchase coffee mugs. A colorful 15oz, microwavable mug. Take them on your summer trips, they will definitely be a conversation topic with family and friends. Each mug is $20 and proceeds will go to the next standpipe!
A purchase link is on the main menu under merchandise.
What's next? We have approval for another standpipe .... stay tuned, next fall we will start up on the next one!
Posted on February 2, 2025 5:00 PM by Admin
Categories:
"Big Boy" IP Project
Sketching and drawing has begun.
Background outlining has started
Paint it black! Yes, The Rolling Stones "Paint it Black" was played while painting.!
We are moving right along!
Thank you, Gary McClure, you reached new heights today!
My sister Patty always jumps hoops to lend a hand - thank you!
We still are accepting donations for the Big Boy Project. Donations may be made on the website, Left Menu/Contributions/Donate to the Big Boy Project or by selection this link >>> Donate to the Big Boy Project
Gone is the yellow doodle
Sketching and drawings have been outlined and we begin the background BLACK!
Gary McClure is nibble on a ladder!
Posted on January 27, 2025 3:30 PM by Admin
Categories:
"Big Boy" IP Project
Exciting news!
Last week, we received approval for the design work for Big Boy. Now, it’s time to bring this vision to life with lots of paint!
The design will feature a striking black background adorned with watermarks of local palm trees and butterfly wings. Adding vibrancy and character, the mural will include colorful butterflies, birds, and an abundance of floral elements. And yes, the entire Big Boy—both the cylindrical top and rectangular base—will be transformed with this lively, dynamic artwork.
Before we begin, Big Boy will get a quick wash to remove any bird debris. The next step is to sketch the design onto the pipe. If you love to draw and enjoy working on a BIG canvas, we’d love to have you join us in this creative phase.
One has to use their imagination on our rendering, as the design is based on all four sides and includes the cylinder. We also had to take into consideration the view while driving north or south along Bentsen Palm Drive, and also the view from the bike path. Will Big Boy looking exactly like the rendering, probably not, but this gives us the direction to how to proceed.
The painting process will unfold in multiple layers. We’ll start with the dynamic black background, followed by brilliant base colors for each image, and then add intricate details. Weather permitting, this process should take a couple of weeks to complete.
We’re still accepting donations to cover paint supplies. You can contribute by visiting retamavillagetx.com and clicking on “CONTRIBUTIONS” in the left menu.
Let’s work together to bring Big Boy to life in full color! This vibrant landmark will delight residents and visitors for years to come. let’s make Big Boy a masterpiece together. Thank you for your support!
For more information, contact Bonnie Fogg.
Posted on December 9, 2024 9:44 AM by Admin
Categories:
"Big Boy" IP Project
Graffiti?? Nope, its Scribbling or doodling!
Big Boy is making strides behind the scenes, and soon, all the careful planning will come to life on the sand pipe. Here’s a glimpse into what’s coming next.
One of the key challenges has been accurately transferring the computerized mural design onto the 15-foot-tall stucco sand pipe. While projectors are a common method, their use on such a large and curved surface is tricky—one accidental nudge, and the alignment is lost. Instead, we’ve opted for the Lazy Scribble method, a grid-based
technique with a quirky name but critical importance.
technique with a quirky name but critical importance.
The process begins with drawing random squiggles or doodles all over Big Boy. These marks create a “doodle grid,” which we photograph from each side. Using software, the doodles are overlaid on the design image to serve as a reference for hand-drawing the artwork. It’s a simple yet ingenious way to ensure the proportions and details are just right!
One doodle at a time, Bonnie Fogg
The design is set, and we’ve selected a stunning palette of 15 colors for the mural. We’re using Behr exterior paints, chosen for their durability against the intense South Texas sun and heat. While more expensive than traditional acrylics, our early tests proved Behr to be the superior choice for a mural that will stand the test of time. The estimated cost for paints is $600, add the last layer of graffiti protection $200, our costs are creeping upward.
Here's the Link for contributions! BIG BOY DONATIONS
To help cover these costs, donations are welcome! You can contribute via our website at retamavillagetx.com, or simply hand your
donation to me when you see me around—every dollar helps!
Let’s bring Big Boy to life, and thank you for supporting this vibrant addition to our
community.
community.
Posted on November 14, 2024 7:40 AM by Admin
Categories:
"Big Boy" IP Project
Big Boy has been patiently waiting for Fall to begin, and with cooler temperatures just around the corner, we’re excited to start painting in about a month!
Our next steps are to complete the rendering and get approval from Irrigation District 2. Once that's done, the fun can really begin!
The mural's renderings will include exact artwork and color details, creating a "paint-by-number" layout to guide our painters. We’ll be using durable Behr house paints with a 20-year guarantee, and the mural will come to life through three layers:
- Background Colors – Painting the base layer in the chosen background colors.
- Outline Shapes – Outlining butterflies, birds, flowers, and more to provide the guide for volunteers.
- Detail and Dark Colors – Adding detail and depth for the final look.
Paint by Number!
Our fundraising efforts continue, with a donation can at the clubhouse and soon an option to donate online (Thanks to Dan Rook!). Our goal is to raise $700 to cover the remaining supplies.
Warm regards,
Bonnie Fogg
Bonnie Fogg
Posted on April 23, 2024 9:55 PM by Admin
Categories:
"Big Boy" IP Project
Big Boy prep work is now done!
In less than a month we completed the power washing, the concrete mesh skim coat, sealing, waterproofing, primer and finally the paint.
Now comes the hard part, the actual mural design and art work.
Design is all about exploration, collecting ideas and letting the creative juices flow. Allowing the imagination to creep into uncharted territory. Later all these ideas are pooled together and the decision making begins. Fortunately Michael, Patty and I have all summer to explore and create, the ideas will be flowing and in the Fall the mural painting begins.
Right now as one drives down Bentsen Palm Drive the Big Boy stands tall and regal. The bright blue column can be seen 1/4 mile away. Exactly as planned …. It’s perfect!
Our color blue is Big Chill by Behr. It’s bright and beautiful, reflective of the sky. The planned artwork will be brilliant, contrasting colors and once the mural is painted everything will simmer down. Imagine the colors of orange and yellow against Big Chill Blue …. Everyone will notice Big Boy. As they say, Go bold or Go Home!
To all those who donated, your kind donations have covered all our expenses and we are so grateful for the generosity, thank you!. We have alot more planned and look forward to seeing everyone in the Fall.
Michael, Patty and Bonnie
Posted on April 17, 2024 7:00 AM by Admin
Categories:
"Big Boy" IP Project
50% is our lucky number! Well, at least Michael, Patty and I think it's a good number.
We hit 50% or the half way point in the prep work needed for the Big Boy mural.
Better yet, we also reached 50% of the goal of $2000 to cover the Big Boy costs.
The generosity of the Retama Village residents is what is allowing this project to move forward. Your donations have covered our expenses, so no one is out of pocket. That's a blessing! Thank you for the kind donations, the kind words and funny comments about Big Boy .... or rather, Blue Boy, as it currently stands.
What's next?
Picking the colors for the mural.... we will start with gallons of the primary colors. Then mixing secondary colors from the primary colors as needed. We also estimate there will be a dozen 'special' custom colors, quart size that need to be purchased of exterior house paints.
So, here's the lowdown on the other 50%.
Primary colors will be purchased in gallons @ $90 each,
We are guesstimating 12 custom colors at $25 each ... $625, gulp!
Might we need more than the $2000?, perhaps. We will wait and see.
So, if you are enjoying the Big Boy project we hope you will contribute towards the cause. Bonnie Fogg is accepting cash, checks (payable to her) and PayPal. We will be collecting in the Fall as well.
Again, thank you to all who have contributed. WOW! Your donation helped to make up the 50%, which is awesome!
Michael, Bonnie & Patty
Posted on April 15, 2024 1:54 PM by Admin
Categories:
"Big Boy" IP Project
Last week Gaspers organized the crew that skim coated the bottom square section. While expensive $750, the concrete skim coat will allow the artists and painters to have a smooth surface for the mural. What a messy job skimming concrete is!
Then we had to wait for the coating to cure. Tick-tock! It was similar to watching paint dry.
This morning, a week later, the skimmed areas were primed/sealer and waterproofed.
We are moving ahead, JOY!
Will the color remain blue? Yes!
The next step is actually painting the entire pipe with exterior paints. Big Boy's background color will start off nearly the same color of blue.
Can you see Big Boy when driving down the road?? We hope so~! That's the goal!
The design work continues. We will be painting the murals in contrasting colors which will tone down the blue.
Our goal is to have Big Boy painted before the end of April, then everything will wait for our return in the Fall.
Posted on April 8, 2024 5:37 PM by Admin
Categories:
"Big Boy" IP Project
Big Boy is making good progress so far this week, and its only Monday!! Today was the application of products to ensure the concrete is sealed, waterproofed and primed. Yes, it's blue and was tinted this way ... It's all part of the design plans.
A huge thank you to Gasper Sanchez for his in-kind donation of labor to apply the products.
Michael and I made the decision early on that we didn't want residents 'offering' to climb ladders to get to the top of the pipe. This picture reconfirms we made the right decision.!!
Tomorrow will be another important day! Firstly, we have the Community Meeting, a short presentation on Big Boy. Prior to the meeting there will be a donation container on the bar. Bonnie will be staying after the meeting as well. We wish to thank all those who have made donations and promises to donation.
Tomorrow will also be the application of masonry on the bottom square sections. Gasper arranged for his stucco guys to wrap and prepare our mural surface. Again, he has been generous, however the costs for the masonry are $750.
Yes, all donations will help us through the expensive preparations. The goal is to have the mural last for years to come, and we know, bad prep means poor results. So, we are doing this correctly!
See many of you tomorrow,
Michael and Bonnie
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