It was a fortuitous moment for yours truly when the idea for Art On Wheels popped into my head in 2017, as this series, now comprising 11 stories, has brought me plenty of pleasure. An admirer of good-looking objects, I have become semi-addicted to tracking down attractively decorated trucks, vans and other wheeled vehicles, snapping their portraits and writing about the adventures.
This is especially true for parts eight through eleven of Art On Wheels, which are the four most recent episodes, because I initiated them by roaming the streets of Philadelphia on foot in search of prey. Prior to that, my main modus operandi had been to drive all over the frigging place in the Philadelphia suburbs (I live in those burbs), where I located vehicles in strip malls, loading docks and other non-descript places. I doubt if I’ll ever return to that method. I’d rather walk than drive, for one thing, and Philadelphia, unlike the burbs, is made for walking. What’s more, Philly is fascinating and full of energy. My suburban area doesn’t come close to fitting that description.
There I was, then, on a recent Friday morn, boarding a train in my sleepy town. Forty-five minutes later I bade the train farewell within Jefferson Station in central Philadelphia and headed outside to begin my mission. Past experience had shown me that lovingly adorned vehicles, some in motion, some parked along curbs, are not uncommon on Philadelphia’s streets. But would I encounter enough of them on my wanderings this day to illustrate a story? Was a dud of a day in store?
It wasn’t! Man, within three minutes of exiting the train station I saw, and photographed, several vehicles that passed muster: a delivery truck, a delivery van and a tour bus. I’m worried that the truck and bus might sue me or physically confront me, as I’ve decided that only the van, belonging to the Mini Melts ice cream company, is worthy of immortalization on my site. I tell you, being a beauty contest judge is cool, but there’s a darkish side to the gig.
Long walks and I agree with one another. And it was a long, zigzagging walk I took through a multitude of neighborhoods in Philadelphia, the city I know better than any other. After six and a half miles of pavement-pounding I decided to call it a day. I likely would have continued the expedition for another hour or so, but at around the six-mile mark, from out of the blue, my calf muscles cramped up outrageously. Shit, those f*ckers hurt like hell! I could barely move and had to lean against a building to prevent myself from sinking to the sidewalk. Amazingly, the pain soon mostly went away, but I wasn’t about to push my luck. So, I made my way to Jefferson Station and returned home. I’ve never had leg cramps like those before. If they ever decide to pay a return visit, I’m going to be royally pissed.
I’ve poured over the pix of the vehicles that posed for me during the trek. I’m avoiding overkill by presenting but six of the nearly 20 photos I snapped. They are the portraits I like best. My top two votes go to the trucks belonging to Allspec Construction and to Vision Furniture. They took my breath away when I crossed paths with them the other day, and their pictures continue to do so. The airiness and lightness of their designs make me say “ooh la la!”
Still, I have a clear favorite. Vision Furniture, in my book you are numero uno! Your chairs are the embodiment of happiness, barely restrained by gravity’s pull and delighted to be with one another. And your power goes beyond that: When I look at you, I hear piano music — melodies as carefree as kids at play — accompanying the flying chairs.
Well, maybe I’m getting carried away a bit. But hell, I can’t help myself. It’s the way I roll. Been doing it for decades. One thing I know for sure, in any event, is this: If Vision Furniture had been the only stellar vehicle I saw during my urban safari, I’d have deemed the day a success.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
I agree with your number one choice! (Although I like the College HUNKS too.) Leg cramps can be caused by dehydration, or lack of potassium. Water and a banana might be helpful.
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How goes it, Audrey? I thought I was pretty-well-hydrated, but next time I’ll drink even more water when I go on a long walk.
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I actually have to make myself drink water! I prefer it in the form of coffee or tea, which isn’t considered optimal, so I start the day with a big glass of water and hope that does the trick. On a hike or long walk, though, it’s good to have extra water.
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Great pix, and well worth the leg cramps. Love those light-hearted chairs!
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Howdy. Those chairs are as charming as they can be.
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The Vision Furniture truck is great! Sorry to hear about the cramps.
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Vision Furniture is irresistible!
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Wonderful catches
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Howdy, Sheree. I had a lot of fun that day.
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😎
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‘Red Bull’ was certainly unique, but I do agree your choice was very ‘arty’ and pleasing. Sympathize re cramps – water and bananas certainly do help. Too much walking can be as bad as not enough, it seems! Take care. Cheers.
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Hi Joy. You’re not kidding about that Red Bull vehicle. You don’t see something like that every day.
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Oh, Neil, there must be some dog DNA somewhere in your system – all this chasing after trucks! At least, you are choosy and only chase those that look colourful and interesting. Another good set today! As you will know, I chase flowers for my photographs and I must tell you they are far easier on the calf muscles!
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Woof, woof!
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As a Nebraskan, I simply love the Nebraskaland truck trailer. It was quite a surprise to see it here. Then for sheer cleverness, the College H.U.N.K.S. have it.
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I saw that truck only a bit before the cramps set in. If the cramps had happened moments earlier, I wouldn’t have gotten that photo.
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Good timing!
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I’ll take Nebraskaland for its sheer audacity. That red! Thanks for the inspiration to take the train and do some walking in different neighborhoods. I’m going to start doing that immediately!
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Go!
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I love advertising on vehicles, some are so clever! In Chicago, I always enjoy seeing the Tootsie Roll Truck!
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Hi. Maybe I’ll cross paths with a Tootsie Roll truck one of these days. It’s possible — I’m always surprised by what I find during my Art On Wheels expeditions.
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LOL – what’s nice about the Tootside roll truck is on the BACK it has the Owl, “How many licks for the tootsie pop!” https://www.pinterest.com/pin/if-i-saw-this-truck-id-end-up-in-jail-for-robbing-it-no-joke–380061656025307098/
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Nebraskaland! Takes me back to the wonderful sandhill country. Vision Furniture leaves me up in the air, feeling as abstract as a Paul Klee vision. Good finds!
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Anyone who references Paul Klee is alright by me!
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I have seen all of your Art on Wheels. This is by far my favorite. All of the photos here are fantastic! Keep up the great work! Make sure you have great walking shoes.
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Thanks, Joyce for the thumbs-up. Yeah, my walking shoes are very good. They didn’t cause the cramps.
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Excellent post, thereby proving that art is all around us if we keep our eyes open. I agree with you about Vision Furniture. So striking. But I was also taken with Mini Melts and had to look them up to see what they heck they were. 😉
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Hi Laurie. I’m not very familiar with Mini Melts products, though I guess I’ve seen them in various stores. I don’t recall having seen any of their vehicles before, though i easily could be wrong about that.
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Great idea, chasing unusual subjects to blog. The closes I’ve come to your theme is photographing commercial vehicles with my family name on them. One HVACR company had the owners name in large script across its side panels. What made it really grab my attention is that it was my whole name and I’m an HVACR technician. (retired)
🏆 College Hunks gets my vote.
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Hi Kevin. Thanks for adding your thoughts. I like the College Hunks truck a lot too. It was parked on a quiet, pretty residential block. The truck driver was very lucky to find a big enough space to park in.
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You could have done with one of those chairs from Vision Furniture….
A great selection…though I prefer the Mini Melts.
All I see about Philadelphia in the British press is how dangerous it is…so glad to see that you can stroll about there without a care.
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There’s a lot of gun violence in Philadelphia. It’s been a problem for a long time, and maybe has been worse than ever during the last few years. The USA has its head up its ass when it comes to restricting gun availability.
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I too liked Vision Furniture! The colors are spectacular and it would definitely invite me in to go furniture browsing!
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Hi. It’s a great truck. I saw it on a dead-end street. I was kind of shocked to find it there.
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Six miles–you are a machine! I get 2 in and call it quits. If we’re voting, I go with the Red Bull truck!
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Hey, a two-mile walk is a substantial walk. Most people probably don’t cover two miles when they go out for a walk.
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Thank you! I run into people out there like you, who walk at least a few hours a day. Just amazing.
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Oh, my long walks are only occasional. Once a month at the most.
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I love the colours of Vision Furniture’s truck too. They’re like ice-cream flavours on a hot day! I also like College Hunks Moving just for the name. Whether they actually look like college hunks is another story, but I’m sure it gets the conversation going, especially if sweaty guys with beer bellies show up!
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Your take on College Hunks is a good one. And I bet you’re right about the way the “hunks” look!
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Tremendous idea and great execution. I hope the calf muscles don’t put you back in the car. Make sure you hydrate and snack on a banana for some potassium on those treks.
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Right, I’ll make sure to drink extra water on my next long walk. There’s a good chance the cramps were due to my needing more fluid. And I’ll pack a banana too.
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Yep, Vision Furniture makes furniture seem like fun. Otherwise, chairs just, you know, sit there.
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We all should start tossing our chairs in the air, to shake up our lives!
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Thank you, Neil, for all the fantastic pictures!
Please, do check your legs with your doctor, you might need more than
water and banana…
Joanna
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Afternoon, Joanna. If the problem persists, I’ll see what my doctor has to say about it. Thanks.
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Good!
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Allspec Construction gets my vote. As I perused the closeup I thought it was very clever how they combined the tools of their trade with the urban landscape (both above and below ground). Compass! Protractor! Circular saw!
Mini Melts was my initial choice but only because I’m all about paninis and other sandwiches with melted cheese. Then you let us know it was an ice cream truck. Might be the first time ice cream was considered a disappointment.
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Hi. I agree that Allspec has a great truck. But I had to go with Vision Furniture as my top choice — I love its carefree feel.
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Yeah, I like the Flying Chairs on the furniture truck, from kids playing musical chairs. “Nebraskaland” makes me curious, I’m wondering what they got in that truck, all I can think of is corn & cows, or maybe they unroll a prairie for your yard? unless it’s sacks of money from Warren Buffett.
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I don’t know why Nebraskaland has that name. The company services the Northeast part of the USA, not the mid-west. https://www.nebraskaland.com/
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They should send big trucks to Omaha and Lincoln NE with “Pennsylvanialand” on them, full of cheesesteaks, scrapple and bottles of Schuylkill water.
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Neil,
What a fun day! About ten to fifteen years ago, we’d be out and about and see Scooby Doo’s The Mystery Machine Van going up and down the streets in the area we live. The owner must have been a resident. Never once did I snap a picture. Don’t see it anymore. It always made me smile whenever we did, though! Yesterday, I went out walking and wished I had my phone with me because I saw a lot of things I don’t typically see. Thanks for sharing! Mona
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Hi Mona. Maybe I’ll see the Scooby Doo van on one of my future walks!
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Urban Safari – great idea! Sorry about the calf muscles. Probably you just stepped the wrong way – at least I hope so!
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I think the cramps probably were due to two things: old age and not enough hydration.
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The Red Bull vehicle just shouts out to be seen! I also recently discovered that I’ve got to respect my calf muscles 🙂
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Hello there. Have you ever had a bottle of Red Bull? I haven’t. I’m not even sure what it is. Regardless, they have great vehicles!
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I’ve never tried it. As far as I know it’s an energy drink.
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A long time ago you inspired me to look out for interesting vehicles and I now have a fine collection of images – which have never seen the light of day as yet. However, I do have one that is exactly like yours – Red Bull! They obviously advertise the same on both sides of the Atlantic. I’m in agreement here though that Vision Furniture is way ahead.
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Red Bull is conquering the world!
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Truck art has really improved over the years you’ve been taking pictures of it. These are terrific! You may be the catalyst for a new genre of fine art: truck deco!
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I’ll go down in history!
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The Nebraskaland truck is retro-interesting. I hope it’s a food-service company because if it’s a tech firm, they’re doomed.
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Hello there. They are in the food business, and are based in New York City’s Bronx borough.
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What a fun and creative series Neil!
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I’m glad that the idea for it came to me some years ago. Art On Wheels provides me a real good time.
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thanks Neil: I enjoyed this meandering little post and those pics: the two I enjoyed the most were Red Bull, for its style and vigor, and Vision Furniture for its playfulness 🙂
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Hey, John. I crossed paths with some good-looking vehicles that day.
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you sure did 🙂
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Hey there Neil, If you had a truck, what kind of ad would you like painted on it? Have a great day. Jerry
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I think it would be along the lines of Vision Furniture. I really like the cheerfulness and free spirit of that truck’s artwork.
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Enjoyed walking with you around the city to spot these! I agree, Vision Furniture has a sweet lightness and color.
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Vision Furniture might be my favorite of all the vehicles I’ve photographed for the Art On Wheels series.
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Wow, that’s saying quite a bit. It’s a happy image.
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You could have used one of those Vision Furniture chairs to rest your cramping muscles. Nice trek, though, and fun pictures.
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I was lucky that the cramps eased off pretty quickly. Not sure why they did.
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Luckily, it looks like you spotted them when not driving. Slightly off track and a good brain teaser is adding up the numbers on vehicle rego plates, best achieved when stopping at the traffic lights.
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That could be an addictive game!
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Mini melts on wheels is my favourite – gorgeous colours! I love this series. Do more! But take care of your legs.
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Hi. If things go as planned, I’ll do another episode of Art On Wheels in about half a year from now.
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You might like these – sit back and enjoy : https://www.npr.org/2022/02/05/1076102464/pakistan-truck-art-painting
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Amazing! Thank you.
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Thanks for taking us on your walk. I’ve seen that Red Bull truck before, and even though I don’t drink it (can’t stand it in fact!), and the local trucks you feature are always more interesting, I have to admit it’s an inspired creation. – Marty
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I’ve never tasted Red Bull. I just went to Wikipedia, which says that RB is the most popular energy drink in the world. Who knew??!!
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College Hunks moving is an excellent idea! We’ve used professional movers a few times, but trust me, they didn’t look like that…..
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If you ever move again, hire College Hunks!
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I’m planning on it!
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These walks are such fun–though sorry about those cramps, which certainly could put a cramp in such forays. I chose the two you did as well, and your imaginative narrative about Vision Furniture pushed me over to rank it as #1.
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Vision Furniture owes you and me a big thank-you!
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I love having the opportunity to view your observations Neil. Thanks.
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It’s really good of you to say that. I appreciate it.
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I love that Nebraskaland truck: same purpose as the Conestoga wagon, but a different technology. Still, I’m with you on loving the sweet tumble of Vision Furniture’s chairs. As for your cramps: dehydration. Add a banana and tangerine or orange, and increase your water intake — or pick up a sugar-free Gatorade for the salts and potassium. That’s experience speaking, right there.
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Hi. I go on four-miles-or more hikes fairly often. And I never had cramps before. In any case, on my next long hike I’ll hydrate more and will bring along a banana. Enjoy the day!
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Ahhh my favourite has got to be the Red Bull vehicle! What do they use that giant can for I wonder… also you are impressively fit to clock in more than six miles in a day! I am happy if I get to do half of that in a day 😂
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The Red Bull vehicle is a pop-art sculpture. It’s pretty amazing.
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Thanks.. sorry I was abit slow to get that for a moment I really thought it was an actual vehicle 😬😬 I have tasted the energy drink, we used to live on Red Bull as students when cramming for exams 😂
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Hi. It is a vehicle. But it looks like pop-art sculpture too. It was parked in the Drexel University section of Philadelphia.
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Thanks for sharing this idea Neil. This Red Bull Can was this truck 🚚 ha!
Anita
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Red Bull is everywhere!
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It’s nice to know how much fun you had with your art-on-wheels search, Neil.
My vote for favorite décor also goes to the Vision Furniture truck. Those chairs simply make one smile.
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Vision Furniture is just so charming. A fine work of art.
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I agree with you that Vision Furniture wins the prize for good design easily understood but not over the top like this Red Bull cars that bother me more than they should.
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Hi Ally. Until a day or two ago I didn’t know what Red Bull exactly was. I thought it maybe was some sort of an alcoholic beverage. But it isn’t. It’s an energy drink.
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You’ve made me a better appreciator of van art. I admit to not normally ‘seeing’ them because I’m usually white-knuckling through traffic. It’s safer to walk. But remember to hydrate! My husband does a lot of sports & whenever he gets leg cramps he says it’s because he didn’t drink enough water.
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“I’m usually white-knuckling through traffic” –you know, this phrase really connected with me, because I’m disliking driving more and more. There are too many vehicles, too much congestion, and too many uneasy situations almost everywhere, it seems.
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Anything transported by the Vision Furniture vehicle would be charged with happy vibes and good stuff but I have to go with the College Hunks…opps…did I say that out loud…
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Hi. A few other commenters liked College Hunks the best. You’re not alone!
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It’s Vision Furniture for me too. Subtle but still packs a punch.
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I’m glad I crossed paths with the VF truck. It improved my day.
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Philadelphia’s graphic artists are the gift that keep giving. And major props for walking that far!
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Hi. These types of themed walks energize me.
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I love these photos Neil! Our son lived in Philadelphia for 7 years and I have seen some of the vehicles you have photographed. Keep ‘em coming!
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If I remain above ground, then part 12 of Art On Wheels most likely will appear about half a year from now!
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👍!
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