I came here to say the same thing. Smiled all the way through it. I want this to be a series, watching and following all the people and the lives that gather in the square.
@@eenavid ..unfortunately, Doris passed away on September 16th 2021, she was 92 years old and died in her apartment. She lived a Marvellous life, and at least she passed away in the apartment she loved so much.
Doris has sadly passed away in September of 2021. Thank you for sharing this amazing story. We need more uplifting content like this in our daily lives.
"I'd rather die on the street as a street performer, than try to create a life that satisfies someone else." Well spoken sir. Many people would love to be free, but few have the actual fortitude to make it happen.
It's true though, but the starving artist cliché is true. To stay alive you have to try making money in more traditional ways. It's sad that we don't appreciate art or pay enough for it
This is a guy who has followed his heart. He refused to continue being an imposter of himself as a laborer, and embraced his true self as a puppeteer type dude. Best to you brother.
I scrapped a windsheild for an older person & it changed my life from the very moment it happened... it's continued to change my life even 8 yrs later! GOD is good!
My sister and I met Ricky and "Chops" about 6 years ago outside a bar in Dunellen, NJ. We were amazed by his talent and artistry and hired him to do a private performance for the children in our family. I was cleaning today and came across one of the photos. Decided to check online to see what Ricky was up to. So glad to see this video telling his story. Thanks AARP!
Just a thought....can you imagine....a whole load of people like him teaching our children...as the song says...”what a wonderful place this would be”....peace❤️❤️❤️
Yeah!!!!!! Here in Bolivia he would be invited to many schools to do a show for the students & inspire them.... I wonder why that's not happening in the US
you prolly dont care but does anybody know a tool to log back into an instagram account? I somehow lost the account password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me
"I was an artist trying to be all of those other things" and "I'd rather die on the streets doing what I love to do..." Love this talented guy and his beautiful friend. Such an amazing artist!!!
"I hated work more than anybody." ""Music was my half-step out." "I was an artist trying to be all those other things." Brother, you took the words right out of my mouth, and the mouths of so many others. Well said. I could even feel the anguish as you spoke those words.
When I first seen the beginning of this video I thought the dog was real. Once I seen that the dog was a puppet I thought that it was amazing and how it looks real. You must have put in a lot of work into making these puppets. You are very gifted on building these puppets and bringing them to life with character.
Awww! How often do people just stop and talk to someone elderly let alone become dear friends?! Such a sweet story! I really love seeing that some people haven’t lost their humanity and are still generally caring about others.❤️ Ricky is soooo talented! His marionettes are absolutely fantastic!!😍
I would also love to see more of Ricky and his puppets on You tube. I'd like to see that he has made his own show with these puppets and make a living at it too. Enjoying what you do is very fulfilling.
@@TheresaPowers Your comment from 8 months ago is so, *so* sad. That you evidently possess no talent other than to pass your warped judgement upon people that you've never met is just the most depressing thing that I can think of. I saw not a speck of dust in either the artists house, or the apartment stuffed full of a life well lived. Your existence must be sterile to the point that you feel the need to sterilize all that you see in fear that it may contaminate you. I wonder why you felt compelled to watch this video, but it's apparent that you needed something to critique...to call _"filthy"_ . But so you understand for future encounters, *both* of those private living spaces are are clean and tidy, things are put where they are kept... because that is where the people _WANT_ them. They bring joy to the world. I feel sorry for you that you don't appear to be able to see or feel that. *Tom's wife Pam*
He's doing his thing and I don't see anywhere in this story where he's out begging on the streets or a burden to society. I applaud him. He did what I couldn't, I worked hard and over years got so busted up, now it's too late to follow that dream I once had. Good for him 👍🏽
Absolutely awesome to see a man follow his heart rather than the mighty dollar or societal norms. People like Ricky & Doris certainly make life uniquely interesting, thank goodness. 💞
By following his heart and doing what he loves, Ricky has brought joy and delight to others and added brightness to the world. And managed to make enough to live on. His example is an inspiration. Love all the puppets ~ the dog is amazing!
When i see people like this...i weep for what this country is capable of being ...and afraid of what it is becoming...we need more people who do not see age or color or anything but another interesting human being to connect with
T Foy You're absolutely right, no one wants to have any talent anymore...I met some young kids that didn't know how to fly kites or even make paper airplanes. I taught my sons how to do it, and even tho they're grown now, we still get together and compete... WE LOVE IT!
Yes! Agreed. Of course, it's absolutely fine to be a color or age or to perceive (to "see" them) these in others, to have these qualities of self to be meaningful and to make a difference . . . because you love all colors and ages.
@@patrickkenna6387 unless you are blind, you see colour. nothing wrong with that as long as you value people. She isnt pushing fear. If that's how you felt, that says more about you than it does about her. And actually its even ok to fear! If there were no fear, there would be no brave! I went to a country where I knew no one and where I didnt speak the language and the customs and everything were completely different from what I, or probably even you, would be used to. I was afraid, I must admit it but I straightened my spine and dug in. And was brave. There will be many times in every day and under all circumstances when you can be a schmuck or a hero. Choose wisely
I love this couple of people, Each living their best life, and creating friendships. So creatively! I’m still smiling, as I get ready for sleep. God bless both of you precious people! The marionettes are museum worthy!
@Patti Hawks it’s just amazing this man’s artistic talent. His kindness to present her with her own look alike Doris Puppet. So generous, a nice new friendship for both. There are some heart warming people in our world still!……..❤️🩹
Blessed are they who can parlay their inner child to fulfill their artistic inclinations AND maybe put some grub on the table. The DETAILS in his marionettes! The machinations that render their MOTIONS equally realistic! (The love that's gone into each & every character shows itself with every one). 💖
Oh my - don't mention his name... :( I saw his face on Time magazine of all places right after he passed, and my heart was crushed. Did you know he and Oprah Winfrey come from the same lil Mississippi town?
Susan Slaphappy not a dying art! I loved puppets as a little kid and always begged my mom for one but they freak her out so I make them myself I’m 20 now and my youngest brother whose 12 is interested in them as well I’m currently studying visual and special effects I want to make props for movies puppets are used in movies and stuff all the time! It’s not dying you just haven’t payed enough attention
Arriaga Two I was in Prague recently and was blown away by the marionette theatres and workshops! We definitely need to work to keep this art form alive!!
"I wasn't a laborer trying to be an artist. Or a steelworker trying to be an artist. I was an artist, trying to be all of those other things. So, that's who I really am." Damn, this one hit deep.
The creativity of people never ceases to amaze me. This is such a quirky, March to his own drum beat individual and his marionettes are exquisite. I would definitely stop, watch, laugh and donate to a show by these two! :)
I was an artist and horseman trying to do jobs of various types. Now I'm just old with a broken body but I can share lovely friendships. That's about it these days which is why this video made me tear up a little. So beautiful.
Marionette's are a special breed of expressionists! I'm so intrigued by there mastery! I could watch them all day and if I saw one performing on the streets, would open my wallet with 6 dollars in it and give him five just to watch more. Doris is one of a kind! I love her!
Please more of this very humble and artistic genius of a man. More of the lovely lady, his friend Doris too. They both made my day, I too am smiling like a very English dork, here in Shropshire !!
I absolutely love puppets, i can watch them for hours...always watched "Thunderbirds"when little. Love all claymation, in awe of it all. Mad respect to ppl who create such a visual pleasure.
Oh BLISS! I would LOVE to come over from the UK and see all Danny's marionettes up close. You're a very talented guy, Danny. Keep on keeping on buddy 😉 you're bringing smiles to millions of people, dogs and squirrels too!
This is so wonderful on so many levels. The creativity, the friendship, the choice to live a life you want. I'm so glad I found this treasure. Hugs to Ricky and Doris.
More please! I love Ricky and his chilled vibe and Doris is amazing ..I could spend all my days hanging out with them and the puppets. We need more unique people ☮️💟
You're so talented, carving out puppets, beautiful art! Keep up the good work. I had to watch the two doggies playing, one a puppet and the other a real dog, a couple of times. lol
"An artist trying to be all those other things". Beautiful. I am so glad you found the courage to be true to yourself. The world needs much much more of that. Thank you for being authentically you.
Oh these just make me smile! When I first saw the dog I thought it was real and thought how cute it was that it ran like it did. This pupeteer is so talented!
This guy is amazing!! I love all the different characters he's made so cool!! Doris is so cute 🥰 I'd absolutely stop and see the puppets! I love it 💖 should make little short stories with the different puppets.
It's amazing how when sitting on a shelf they are just toys and come to life with a touch of this man's gifted hands, they seem and move with so much realism. God bless🙏❤✌
Wow! Your work is amazing! And made from such simple materials. I love the way they move so realistically. I'm so glad you followed your heart so we can enjoy your art.