Talk about reinventing yourself. Our “Bean” has morphed into six good lookin’ vehicles in six years. First purchased for Hans to get to his college classes from off campus housing, The Bean was practical, short term transportation. Because it cost only $400 and is still purring along today, we think of it as a member of the family. Although it was once posted on Craig’s List and received a good deal of interest, for sentimental reasons a sale couldn’t be made, and the ad was pulled.
When this little car was first purchased, it was a “nasty cream color” so was used as a base for an object-de-art (think graffiti). Not too long afterward, it was painted green, with a brush, out of a can. Because of its new grassy coat, Hans christened it “The Green Bean,” and it’s been lovingly dubbed “The Bean” ever since.
Although an unknowing onlooker might call it “a wreck”, the rest of us describe it as “transportation with character.” The upholstery is stained, the back seat is shredded, the window cranks are missing, the antenna is long gone, the windshield is cracked and rust has ravaged its body, but on the positive side, there’s no need for keeping track of a key; it starts with a screwdriver.
The green of The Bean was followed by a brush-coat of orange so it could attend a costume party as the Dukes of Hazard car, where it won a prize. After that it continued in its coat of many colors with a fresh look every year: blue, red and finally camouflage, perfect for blending in.
The Bean has a built-in hitch strong enough to haul a landscaping trailer twice its size and was used by the boys in their mowing business, Scandinavian Lawn. Last week, in honor of SL and also the family heritage, Klaus refreshed its paint by spraying on a Swedish flag, and today while inspecting the colors, I noticed something special: a copy of the devotional “Our Daily Bread” lying next to the gear shift. Was it an old copy? When I checked, it was propped open to today’s date.
The Bean was originally a 1988 Chevy Nova, but the boys boast of its engine being made to last, by Toyota. With nearly 200,000 miles to its credit, this vehicle has criss-crossed the USA again and again, east to west, north to south, without a pit stop for repairs. The boys say its miles-per-gallon stat is getting better with age, which puts it in the category of a fine wine. Since it draws quite a few looks of wonder from others on the road, we’re fairly sure the rest of the driving world acknowledges its magic.
Police in many states have lavished regular attention on The Bean, and our boys are familiar with the routine. It starts with the squad car bubble gum lights flashing in the rear view mirror, followed by a cynical officer at the window. The boys ask, “Why’d you pull us over?”
The law responds, “I don’t know yet, but I’m sure I’ll find something.”
And yet The Bean slides through examination after examination without being ticketed. Maybe it’s the “Harvard” sticker on the back window or simply a phenomenon of police-pity.
The other day I asked Hans, “What do you like best about The Bean?”
He gave a priceless answer: “It’s a faithful servant.”
And that’s a pretty lofty description for a humble little ride.
“Sitting down, Jesus called the twelve [disciples] and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)
I absolutely love this story and will never get to bed, now, cause I am wide awake, laughing out loud! The photos are great. One of our old cars was called “Big Bertha”. Since it had no windshield wiper mechanism, anymore, we put a thin film of Johnson’s Floor Wax on the windshield, so the rain would “bead up”, and you could see the road, through the “beads”. Big Bertha was sold “for parts”. Later saw her on the road again, all shiny. Our bumper stickers were still in place, and that’s why we all knew it was “Big Bertha” !! Wonderful memories…thanks.
papa only paid $300 for the bean, not $500
also, brooke and i had the idea to start writing the ‘dates’ we’ve been pulled over in the bean on the steel interior roof w/ a sharpie. believe it or not in the past month i’ve been pulled over almost 10 times, by different officers. On the way home from a weekend of camping Brooke and I were pulled over by two different officers in two different towns w/ in a 10-minute period! hah!
Hilarious! Only the Nyman kids…
Now I feel like I’ve downright bought a Lexus as I just picked up Sarah a 1992 Volvo for $1500 and this blog gives me hope that it will last more than the two remaining years of high school for which I bought it- maybe we should call it Phoebe, the twin of the faithful servant. You would think we had a huge family given all of the university decals on it. The best sticker though, is “war is not the answer.” I’m not a hawk, but I’m not a pacifist either, so even test driving it I felt conspicuous with that slogan. Now it’s grown on me. War ISN’T the answer- Jesus is!
Thanks for the smiles. Those boys have painting talent!
Love,
Terry
I like the color Klaus painted it this year!!! It’s awesome it stil runs and you can drive it…
I love this story!I always heard….take good care of your vehicle and it will take care of you; i.e.-maintained properly..good servant! Way to go Klaus!!
Margaret, I get as much out of your pictures as I do your words. Thanks for posting them – someday when you are short on inspiration, just use pictures. We will be just as blessed.
Can’t believe the the Bean is still alive and well. Now seeing all the different pictures I realize the different colored cars in your driveway
was the same one, just in the new suit of the day. thanks for the laughs today.
I got to drive it!
My kids reminisce about that vehicle. Once after Hans had left for his adventures they were down town Arlington when their keen eyes spotted it despite the camouflage. The tell-tale screw driver inside confirmed their suspicions.
Did you ever think of renting it to Ikea for publicity? They may appreciate the design.
Ive only seen it red and camouflage and i totally remember the day we saw it downtown… the only camouflage car Ive ever seen but i still had to look for the screwdriver to make sure:]]
Great story! You have some great kids Margaret!
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