My mission has always been to listen to my inner voice for direction and creativity. In that regard, I was blessed to create pieces that inspired others. When I carved my horse mailbox, I did it for fun. Since my days were spent carving horses, why not make a mailbox? I had no idea he would have such an impact on others. I hired a mason to create the concrete footing and assist in mounting him properly for the mail delivery. He was covered with a tarp for two days. When I finally removed the tarp, I stroked his cheek and went back into the house. When I came back to take his picture, the neighbors had added leis around his neck (what a lovely Hawaiian greeting). With that photo, I entered a contest for the Smithsonian Postal Museum’s best rural mailbox. He was a winner. With his picture exhibited at the museum, he was becoming a star for all the right reasons. The Smithsonian sent out a news blast to the newspapers in the Hawaii and his popularity began. Everyday, people drove to my house to meet “Let’s Dance” and take pictures of their children on this horse with real horse hair for a tail and mane.
He has many admirers in the neighborhood, who add my street to their daily walk. On one occasion I noticed a gentleman, who was recovering from stroke, slowly approach. He gently tapped the horse’s forehead two times. “Everyday,” he said, “I try to make it here to say hello. He makes me feel better.”
I suppose “Let’s Dance” is the embodiment of my aspirations. He was just a wild idea I had 24 years ago. Now he is a silent patron for the arts. Good boy!