
THE ATTENTION GRABBING
Legends of the Millennium by artist
Paul Ygartua transports us into pivotal moments in history with larger-than-life famous faces painted on a wall at the Beachcomber Hot Tubs factory by a parking lot near a busy street in Surrey, BC.

Most of the people depicted are known worldwide. They have planted themselves into our consciousness with their unforgettable stories as though they were family or good friends. Many had an impact on society or became icons of cultural shifts.

Since the vehicles obstructing the mural could not be hung out of the way like the ones I saw at a mall recently, I suggest visiting Lynette at
Imagination Lane to enjoy her photographs of the art minus the cars. Meanwhile, the wheels blocking my view made me wonder ... what drives fame.

I noticed a Canadian hero from BC on a corner of the wall.
Terry Fox lost his leg and eventually his life to cancer in 1981 at the age of 22. His
Marathon Of Hope raises funds for research to this day. Terry's unfinished journey across country with an artificial leg, his bravery, charisma and willingness to share frustrations captured our imagination. He wished for health, not fame, but gained respect and recognition due to his reaction to a tragic situation.

Some people blow us away with their seemingly god-given gifts, incredible talents or extreme acts of selflessness and ability to inspire.

Others travel beyond ordinary dreams and touch the stars or create life-changing gateways for mankind. Explorers, innovators and inventors of memorable commentary or captivating art earn our appreciation through dedication and hard work. Some (like Walt Disney in the cowboy hat) seem to play all day and get known for making characters like Donald Duck famous.

Donald seems completely unruffled by the fact that millions of children on the planet know his name. Undoubtedly some individuals get more than fifteen minutes of fame simply because they are cute or squawk a lot.

From athletes and artists to humanitarians and politicians, some achieve long lasting celebrity because they touched the human heart or showed vulnerabilities amid the sway of their powerful personalities.

We are moved and encouraged by people who refuse to be ignored or put down and fight relentlessly through obstacles to meet challenges. While some gain fame through fate others desperately seek and (on rare occasions) find it.

We can't help but marvel at those who rise from a sea of anonymity as we go about our daily humdrum lives. The fellow with a cap (pictured above) is also portrayed on the building. He appears to be carving a totem. I was told his name is Simon Charles, a respected artist that passed away in 2005 and was a friend to Keith Scott, the founder of Beachcomber Hot Tubs who commissioned the mural in 2000. I am reminded that few faces gain fame without less recognizable folk bringing the people they admire to the top.
To view more sights from around the globe visit
Our World.
Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms