Not Art, Just Cars

As a kid, I loved to hang out with my Dad in his favorite place, his garage. The smell of motor oil and sawdust will always make me think of him. When he wasn’t building houses, he was working on one of his vintage cars.

My dad built and owned many cars over his short 49 years. His pride and joy was his 1920s Model T Ford roadster that he built from scratch. He also loved his ’55 and ’57 Chevys, a ’34 Ford Coupe, a few old trucks; the list goes on and on. I wish I could find more photos.

He also fixed up my dream car for my 16th birthday, a fire engine red 1969 Karmann Ghia, she was gorgeous! Sadly, she was destroyed 4 months later when I was hit head-on by an out of control speeding idiot, my friends and I are lucky to be alive.

My first car, 1969 Karmann Ghia

We spent a lot of time together going to and participating in car shows. We went to all the swap meets because he was always looking for more car parts. I loved when he took me to the drag races, and I always got a kick out of the demolition derby. I was into it, it was time spent with my hero, my Dad.

I guess that’s why I decided to apply for the job at the San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park. Yes, that is where my new job is!

As the Gift Shop Supervisor, I not only manage the gift shop and admissions, but I also run the museum library, and I manage the eBay store. We sell lots of cool toys, books, and knick-knacks, as well as some really cool automotive collectibles.

Another cool thing is that it is located in a cool historical building in Balboa Park with 18 other amazing museums, and I get free access to them all!😊 There are a lot of them I’ve never been to, or not since I was a kid. They are expensive to visit here, so I have no excuses now!

We are preparing for a special Ferrari exhibit starting September 30th!

Thanks for reading, sorry no artwork today, I’ve got a few pieces in progress that I will share soon!

37 responses to “Not Art, Just Cars”

  1. Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶 Avatar

    The relationship between father and daughter can be something so very rare. You were blessed. Incredibly gorgeous cars, each one!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Yes, very blessed indeed! I know he would have loved the museum too, I feel him with me all the time! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Timothy Price Avatar
    Timothy Price

    Your dad had some cool cars. What a great job! I can see you are totally a Carmen Ghia woman. I assume you no longer have the Ghia. Wonderful photos, old and new.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thanks Tim! No, the Ghia was totaled, I kept a hubcap, but even that disappeared over the years. You might like the motorcycle exhibit in the museum, cool stuff! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Timothy Price Avatar
        Timothy Price

        Too bad. Ghias were so cool. I would love the motorcycle museum.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Graham Stephen Avatar

    sounds like a cool place to work! and one that will evoke so many happy memories 🏎️

    ⬻𓂀✧ ‌🔺 ✬ღ☆ ‌🔺 ‌∞ ♡ ∞ ‌🔺 ‌☆ღ✬ ‌🔺 ‌✧𓂀⤖

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      It really does evoke a lot of memories, thank you, Graham!😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Graham Stephen Avatar
  4. M. Avatar

    So very cool

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thanks Matt, it’s still a job, but I am making the best of it! 😊🚙

      Liked by 1 person

  5. humoringthegoddess Avatar

    I just went to an antique car show last weekend, and there’s one the night before my craft show the end of September. I cannot tell you how much in awe I am of those who restore these cars to their original beauty. They are creative artists in the richest sense.

    So what a great atmosphere to find a job! You will love it!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Yes, these people are true artisans! I’m super excited to explore all the museums, lots of art to discover!😊

      Like

  6. EclecticMusicLover Avatar

    Such a wonderful post, and a fine tribute to your dad, Tiffany. What a shame your beautiful Karmann Ghia was totaled in an accident, but thankfully you and your friends all survived! And congratulations on the new job. It seems like a good fit for you and comes with some very nice perks.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you Jeff! I’m enjoying some aspects of the job very much, still getting the hang of it all but I’m getting there!😉

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Martha Kennedy Avatar

    OMG! That is a wonderful job!!!! And meaningful to you! I think having free admission to all the museums is an incredible bonus. As I read your post, I vicariously wandered around Balboa Park. Naturally, I especially loved the art museum but also the Air and Space Museum.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Right?? I wish I had more time to go visit them all, I can even get into the Zoo free! So far, I haven’t had 2 consecutive days off, but it’s coming soon, I haven’t been to the Air and Space Museum in over 45 years, and it’s right next door!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Martha Kennedy Avatar

        Wow. I think you caught a break.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. memadtwo Avatar

    That’s a great job! And serendipity how it meshes with your family history. Congratulations! (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thanks, being there and talking to all the “car guys” really brings up memories that I haven’t thought about in a long time, it’s bittersweet!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. hitandrun1964 Avatar

    Wow. What a great job and I love your first car. My friend had one and it was fantastic. Sorry yours didn’t last that long. I hope you’re happy with all the beautiful cars. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      I’ve had worse jobs! 😉 It’s really cool being a part of Balboa Park, there is a lot going on, a vibrant, cultural experience!

      Like

      1. hitandrun1964 Avatar

        I’m happy for you. Hope everything works out perfectly.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Yeah, Another Blogger Avatar

    You are working in a place that resonates with you. That makes a big difference. Good luck with the job.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thanks Neil, sometimes things fall into place! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  11. equinoxio21 Avatar

    Compliments on your new job…

    Old cars were beautiful. You’d mentioned you Ghia before… Lucky you survived.

    And sorry about your dad. 49 is way too young.

    But his memory is still alive. 👍🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you Brian, I count my blessings every day! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Dawn Pisturino Avatar

    What a cool job! Congratulations!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
  13. Priti Avatar

    Looking great 👍🏼 you will enjoy working here 😊 I think

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you so much Priti! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Priti Avatar

        Welcome 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Michele Lee Avatar

    Your Ghia was gorgeous and what a sweet bond between you and your dad. 💕 Sorry to read about your accident. Like you wrote, thank goodness you and your friends walked away. Your new job location looks interesting with some great perks! 👍🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you so much Michele!😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Michele Lee Avatar

        You’re very welcome, artist Tiffany! Thank you for the wonderful share! 🌞 I hope to visit you, for several reasons! 🌊🚗

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Max Muhammad Avatar

    Respect appreciate you sharing and thank you for taken us down a pivotal time in your life and with your pops. Blessings and warmth always to you

    Liked by 2 people

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you very much for joining me Max, I’m in good company!😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Max Muhammad Avatar

        Always the best to you

        Liked by 2 people

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