From the cutting room floor

[olivermoss]

This is the second time I've gone to shoot the Labyrinth mural and it's had a car parked there:




Business logo presented without comment:



Okay, I cannot figure this out:



Is it... an impressionistic take on a Little Free Library? It looks like one from a distance. That is one of the standard shapes and there are a fair few on the street.

There are three Little Free Dog Libraries with sticks, bones and treats that I know of, but I don't think this is one.

Also, it's far back on the property with no path. You have to walk right up to the front window to get to it.

Anyone have a theory? I can't imagine someone went 'let's make a thing that looks like it has books, but then you get close and nope!'.

Comments

[dolorosa_12]

I'm wondering if that 'library' is intended to be a home for bees or other insects? I've seen a few like that in the UK — they're not used by people who have their own beehives, but meant to encourage insect life and provide a home for insects that might just be passing by. That being said, the ones I've seen don't have quite the same arrangement of sticks/wood as the one in your photo.

[olivermoss]

I've seen wood thingies meant for bees, often on electric poles. It's possible, but this feels too tidy. That's more reasonable than anything I could think of, tho!

♥

[oldtoadwoman]

If you do an image search on "bug hotel" you get lots of things kind of like this (even more elaborate). I'm still a bit mystified as to why I would want to encourage bugs. I grew up being warned to not leave toys and things outside specifically because it would provide homes for bugs to breed.

I love the cupcake unicorn. Now I want cupcakes.

Re: ♥

[olivermoss]

This is Portland, people want to have very nature-friendly yards. Lots of urban beekeeping and bee/bat shelters. I guess it could be a buggy thing, but weird of them to put it right by the house and not out on the parking strip / electrical pole like most people.

[gingicat]

Ooh, the mural being blocked must be so frustrating!

The logo is indeed funny, including the menu placement.

I don't understand the fake library either.

[olivermoss]

Someday I'll get it! I've seen lots of shots of the mural, but haven't had any luck myself.

[falena]

Curse that red car!

I've got nothing in the little house. Huh. Please let us know if you find out.

[peaked]

I would think if it's a bug/bee/wasp hotel that it would need to have little holes in it for the bees to pollinate etc. (Coincidentally, I'm working on projects at work that are about bee and frog hotels and I haven't seen anything like this so far.) Maybe it's there to hold all the chunky sticks people find?

I also didn't even know there were libraries for dog sticks!

[olivermoss]

I see set ups like this a lot: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Y2Hj3RqHL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

But again, usually away from the house and not right next to it.

Oh yeah, there is one near me but I don't have a great picture of it.

The main compartment of this is sticks and balls, and the side thing is treats: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/657837637574328329/939697376233414666/IMG_8770.JPG

It's cute, but I haven't figured out a way to really show what it is in one picture. Another that I have shot actually has a sign that's like 'Lucky Dog Stick Library' or something, which helps!

[peaked]

Yes! That's what I would expect if it was a hotel for bugs. There doesn't seem to be a place where they can nest in the one you have above. (I also agree... I'd imagine the hotel would be away from the house for safety?) I wonder if you'll be able to uncover this really important mystery!

OMG I've never seen this before for dogs! This is incredible! I love that they have biscuits, too—the dogs deserve it, of course. I love how where you live has such a strong sense of community.

[mistressofmuses]

I want to see that mural without a car in front of it, dammit!

Insect hotel was my first thought for the sticks, too, but usually the sticks are laid down, not standing upright.

I guess maybe it's an artistic representation of a little free library? Like... your books are just made of wood anyway? Idk, I've got nothin'.

[olivermoss]

I'm guessing it's weird art or maybe they tried to make a bug house, but didn't understand the assignment?

[mistressofmuses]

Yeah, maybe they just... didn't know what a bug house was supposed to look like? Hmm.

[bluedreaming]

I’m not sure what the little library/wood house is either, but it’s so striking! Makes me think of the Littles. My parent has a bumblebee house, but like other commenters have said, it looks quite different.

I’ve never heard of a Little Free Dog Librart but that sounds intriguing!

[olivermoss]

We have a few Little Dog Libraries around. There is one near me I just don't have a good picture of.