Stone Cold Toad…or Frog?

On By ResaIn Sculptures

“Round about the caldron go; In the poison’d entrails throw.“

“TOAD, that under cold stone

Days and nights has thirty-one

Swelter’d venom sleeping got,

Boil thou first i’ the charmed pot.”

“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and Cauldron bubble.”

“Fillet of a fenny snake,

In the cauldron boil and bake:

Eye of newt, and toe of FROG,

Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,

Adder’s fork, and blind worm’s sting,

Lizard’s leg, and owlet’s wing,

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.”

“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.“

Pics taken by Resa – August25, 2025

Toronto, Canada

The Artist: Not sure. Searches came up with several names, none checked out.

END NOTES

For those who may not know, the words in this post are from Act IV – Scene I – in William Shakespeare’s tragedy- MacBeth (written 1606-07); a tale of achieving ultimate power through treachery and murder, and the personal madness that ensues.

I did research toads and frogs. Frogs have bigger back legs for jumping. Toads have bumpy skin and frogs have smooth skin. There are green toads. I believe this is a Froad or a Trog.

162 thoughts on “Stone Cold Toad…or Frog?”

  1. You really . . . toad the line with this one Resa.

    I love the Macbeth! It works perfectly with this funky cool sculpture that you came across during one of your art hops 😉

    Don’t mind me, I’m just being froggy.

    1. Lol.. I guess I did.

      Art hops, I like that, although hopping for 3 hours could be a tad exhausting.

      Froggy eh, well, ribbit to you!

      MUAH!

  2. Hi Resa, I was immediately transported back to September 2010 when I saw this post as it reminded me of an art exhibit in the nearby city (to me) of Kingston Upon Hull that commemorated the 25th anniversary of the passing of the famous poet Philip Larkin who lived in the city. He also penned the poems “Toads” and “Toads Revisited”. The art exhibit featured FORTY toad sculptures painted in various designs ranging from “Football Player Toad” to “Punk Rocker Toad” …there was even an “Astronaut Toad”. The sculptures were positioned along a trail around the city that encompassed the cultural and important places in Hull. The event was highly successful. You can see an article with pictures of each Toad on the Philip Larkin website, and here is a link (I hope it works!
    https://philiplarkin.com/larkin-with-toads/

    And finally….why did the Frog have to walk home after a day out? ‘Cos his car got toad away!
    Thanks for a fun post, it cheered me up quite a bit!

    1. Thanks Tyeth! I will check out the link! I think I know this exhibition.

      Liking the joke… 🤭 Lol!

      I am thrilled the post made you happy. YAY!

  3. My dear Resa, whether it’s a frog or a toad, you’ve crafted an excellent fusion of a magnificent statue with Shakespeare’s masterpiece.
    I can already hear the witches and smell the broth!

    😅🤗👍💖

    1. Thank you, Aladin!

      Lol… the broth must be packing quite a punch.

      It is interesting how when I saw this sculpture, I thought of the “witches recipe”.

      It was because of the stone cold toad sculpture. Many of Shakespeare’s words linger in the back of my mind, popping up now and again! (or in this case hopping up) 🤭

      Wonderful comment! xo🌹💖💙

    1. Welcome, Maggie!

      The Witches brew popped into mind the second I laid eyes on the toad…(or maybe frog).

      I love sharing the art I find. Art moves me.

       💜💚

    1. Yes, I’m ready, EF.

      I have more Be Witching art than you could imagine. Lots of Day of the Dead images; seems to have gotten popular in Toronto alley art this year. 🧙‍♀️

  8. I love this, Resa! I thought frog, but I don’t know.

    And I love “the Scottish play.” 😉 We’ve seen it performed a few times. There was a cool version on Apple TV a year or two ago.

    And Miles Davis! 💫

    1. “the Scottish play.” Hmm, it would be great if MacDuff’s “walking shadow” got an appointment in the felon’s cabinet.

      Not sure why, but 2 weeks ago I memorized the – Out! Out brief candle. bit. Now, Norm is forced to hear it regularly. He’s never read or seen MacBeth, but he’s coaching my elocution. 😂

      Yes, Miles! Love it! (and all that jazz) 💫

      1. I’m imagining you declaiming the lines while Norm critiques! 😂 So many people have used lines from that soliloquy.

        And “all that jazz” makes me think of the movie of that name. Did you ever see it?

        1. Apparently my voice goes up on ” the yesterdays”…

          “And all the yesterdays have lighted fools.
          The way to dusty death.”

          He says I ruin the feel/meaning, but I did say it perfect…once.

          Yes, I did see that movie years ago. Bob Fosse is fabulous, and I’m a fan of Roy Scheider. I barely remember it.

            1. Lol I wouldn’t be surprised…. who knows what lingers in the back of one’s mind from their …yesterdays.

              Hey.. I find this most interesting.
              So, I’ve been reading 1984 to Norm.
              He’s liking it, but we are only 1/2 way through.

              So, I went to renew it from the library. Under normal circumstances we get 2 renewals. That’s 3 weeks at first, then 3 weeks each renewal = 9 weeks.
              I went to renew it – 1st renewal.
              The library has 108 copies of 1984.
              I cannot renew it. There are so many holds on that we are only allowed 3 weeks.
              I can put it on hold again… but not renew.

              I’m keeping it overdue, and N has agreed to more pages at a time, and twice a day!

              1. That is interesting about 1984. I’m glad so many are interested in reading or rereading it! My library copy is from the teen section of the library. I renewed it once because I’ve been reading so many other books, and it’s so grim and too close to reality here. Sigh. The checkouts for my library are for two weeks.

    1. Me too! Or Juliet!
      Instead, I played Aunt Polly in the operetta version of “Huckleberry Finn”.

      I had to sing my lines, and I cant sing. Disaster!

      The toad is quite large. It truly is wonderful in real life. Boy, it would look amazing in your meadow! 💫

        1. I wonder? It’s crazy what we can do if we try.
          AND – look at it this way, there’s leeway! If it looks like a toad, OR a frog – yahoo!
          If it ends up look like a lizard – Yahoo!
          If it ends up looking like a mystic creature of the meadow…or one of your books – Yahoo! xx

      1. That’s really quite the sculpture, I love it. I can’t really imagine raising kids in a condo but to each his own. The Froad seens happy! Shakespeare would definitely be pleased. Happy day dear Meece.
        xoxoxoxoxo

        1. I agree. Still, there are not many kids in this area. It seems a lot more young professionals are deciding not to have children.

          Okay, I finished another SC drawing(except for touch-ups) I just mailed it! Hope you like it!

          xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. Lol, thanks Dave!
      It is wonderfully EPIC. Perhaps Shakespeare would have thrown it in the cauldron?

      Frog that is a cold stone statue,
      In front of highrise cannot hop
      Into the hell cauldron,
      ‘Twould be a crack pot!

  13. I think it must be a Froad… It is shaped like one of those tree frogs from the Amazon, but those bumps? Not so sure. Anyway, very cool. Like the use of the lines form MacBeth. And, of course, Bitches Brew is always great!

    1. Yes…the bumps!
      That makes it a Froad. I’m with you on Froad!

      The “Witches Brew” hopped right into mind when I saw the statue – and “Bitches Brew” followed easily.
      Creative connections are sometimes like follow the dots!
      Thank you, Trent!

              1. I’m a poet, I know it, hope I don’t blow, some other words Bob Dylan said in one of his early songs… OK, looked it up: “I Shall be Free No. 10”

  17. Wow, Resa! This trog sculpture is tremendous! Love the bumpy skin details and it just has so much character. Your photos really do it justice! Have you read the children’s stories “Frog and Toad and Friends” by Arnold Lobel? It’s one of my favourite story collections! Thanks for sharing. 🐸🍄🌹🌸

    1. Ha! You chose Trog! Great choice, Ada!

      This is the 3rd or 4th sculpture I’ve taken pics of. They are a challenge, especially if it’s sunny out and there are a lot of shadows.
      Also, they are 3 dimensional. So 1 flat shot doesn’t really capture it.

      I have not read “Frog and Toad and Friends”. Sometimes I wish I knew some kids. I would read it to them!

      Thanks for popping by, enjoying a post and commenting, Ada! ✌️🌟❦🌹❦

  19. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

    Super post, Resa. The froad is definitely a curious mix of frog and toad. With those tree frog toes, it could be a Troglodite Trog that hangs around on cave walls.

    1. Froad is a popular choice.
      Ahh, tree frog toes… cool.. so I’m not crazy thinking this an unidentifiable exact frog or toad.
      I’m liking Troglodite Trog! Thanks Tim!

      1. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

        I’m not an expert on toads or frogs, but all the images of tree frogs I have seen have smooth skin. Not to say there is a bumpy-skinned version.

  21. in the shot with the van in the background, if you look closely you will see that for some strange reason they seem to have left out the final downstroke of the letter A at the end 🧐

    ⬻𓂀ღ☆∞♡ 🔺 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝒹𝒶𝓎 ʁɞşα 🔺 ♡∞☆ღ𓂀⤖

  22. Resa, this is absolutely delightful! That witches are, for me, the most iconic and deliciously dark part of Macbeth—and you’ve captured its spirit beautifully here. The mix of theatre, imagination, and your own Froad/Trog taxonomy is pure Resa magic! I love how you always bring a touch of mischief and wonder to the everyday. This post made me smile and reminded me just how much fun art and language can be when they dance together. Hats off to the witches—and to you! Sending many hugs your way.

    1. Yay!
      Thank you so very much, Rebecca!
      It was an unusual post, in that I haven’t shot much sculpture.
      It is another learning curve, as it is 3 dimensional, and 1 shot does not really capture it.

      I’m thrilled you enjoyed my creative offering today. It was meant to be fun, and create inquisitiveness. I think it may be doing the trick.
      I always enjoy your thoughtful and intelligent comments.
      You are Rebecca Gem!

      1. Resa, you always bring such joy to your creative work! I agree – sculpture is a different kind of challenge, and you’ve captured that beautifully here—it really does invite us to look closer, to lean in, to ask questions. I love that your post sparked both fun and curiosity—that’s the magic you create so well. Sending hugs!

    1. Thank you dear John!
      Ever since I read MacBeth in my youth… Toads make me thing of the witches scene.
      🧙‍♀️X 🧙‍♀️X

  24. That is one warty toad! In high school I played one of the witches in MacBeth! My brother claimed it was type-casting! Are kids allowed to climb on that sculpture (it is a sculpture, right?)

    1. Hahahahaha! Of course your brother would say you were type cast. How brotherly of him!

      Geez…hope I don’t get warts. They are murder to get rid of..potato rubbings and full moon potato in tissue burials.

      Yes, it is a fair size sculpture. I’m a bit taller than it, but if I was to do a toad pose, it would seem twice my size.

      Yes, kids could play on it. However, there are no kids in this area.

      It’s an uber high density, overpriced condoland inhabited by young professionals. Lots of dogs. The dogs have water fountains near the ground. There are stations with poop bag dispensers, and poop bag receptacles.

      I saw a teeny kids park, immaculately groomed. It had an iron fence around it, and a closed sign. The gate was locked. There were large plastic toys neatly lined up, for the kids to play with, but no kids.

    1. It is a fab sculpture. Yes, I read that there were venomous toads. Yikes! I won’t be touching any. Lol… I haven’t seen one since childhood.

      Shakespeare is a great writer. MacBeth is almost 425 years old. Crazy! 💜💖

  29. Weird, I wrote a comment yesterday but it didn’t get posted so I’m posting it again now…

    What a stunning toad sculpture and how witty that you tie that with Macbeth! Fun post, as always, Resa!! Cheers for the weekend! XOXOXO

    1. Yes.. weird, but this is WP. 😂
      So, to be sure, I did check Spam. You were not in there. That is a good thing.

      The Froad was a nice find, in a cold, urban, high rise condo-land, for young professionals.
      You fave a terrific weekend, Ruth!
      I heard the 3 witches the moment i saw the sculpture.

      I’m working on your question – (I’d LOVE to get your professional insights about the costumes ……………………………, so it goes beyond what looks pretty/trendy.) I’ll get that to you tomorrow.
      XOXOXO

      1. Hey Resa!! Hope you had a fun weekend, did you find another great mural?

        I just sent you a reply. I’m flabbergasted how amazing your post is so far, girl!! We still have about a week though so take your time and THANK YOU!!! XOXOXO ❦ ♡ ♥

  30. That’s a huge sculpture, but I like it. Great way to showcase the different views. We have a toad that lives outside my wife’s garden. She calls him her handsome prince.

    1. Hello Dan!

      I missed this comment. Good thing I’m checking.

      It is a huge sculpture, yet the high rise it sits in front of makes it look tiny, from a few doors away.

      Gee, what if your wife kisses handsome prince, and he turns into a prince?Will he still have to live in the garden?

  31. Ha! What a great find, Resa. I love the whimsy of the frog sculpture, as well as what you did with the Bard and this post. It’s also very apt, considering the old thing about frogs not knowing they’re in water that has been steadily getting hotter until it’s too late. Yep… feeling like there are a lot of frogs — half a country’s worth of them.
    You did make me smile though. Hugs on the wing.

    1. Lol… one smile is a good thing.
      It was an odd urban condo life area, high density, austere streets, minimal art (no kidding) and a frog.

      Yes, lots of frogs.. in the sense of your analogy. I wish they would stop hopping up here.
      Hugs winging back!

  32. A ha ha haaaaaaa…. “Froad or a Trog” perfect!!!!

    I love your WS entanglement with the Froad too!

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    and from Hera

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo🐾

    1. Ever since I read it, whenever I see a toad or frog, I think of the witches in MacBeth.
      Froad seems to be the popular choice, but Trog is hanging in!

      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxx
      xox🧽oxox🧽oxox🧽🧽🧽🧽xoxoxo🧽🧽

  33. I’ve always loved frogs, Resa, and when I was around 5 years old, I found a huge frog outside our home. I named him “Sam.” So, because I couldn’t bring him inside 🙂 my mom who could sew anything made me a red plaid frog filled with beans that I still have. So Sam lives on! This is why I love this ‘froad or trog’ and how you tied in Shakespeare too! Wonderful! Sending hugs and love! xoxoxo

    1. Aww, that is so lovely, Lauren!
      Sam.. lives on. It’s wonderful you still have Sam.
      I find in you something I never had. This is why you enrich my life.
      I feel that with a few other people, too.
      I love my life, and as all lives, it is unique. We can’t be everywhere, doing everything, all the time.
      It’s a wonderful thing when I get to add to mine, from others’.

      Yay that you liked the post!
      Hugs and love to you and yours!
      xoxoxoxo

  38. what a fun street art sculpture you captured – and excellent how you added lines from Macbeth – just perfect – and smiling with this: Froad or a Trog

    1. Glad to make you smile!
      I don’t know what I would do without the arts. They keep me going.
      Tonight, a book of poetry and drawing!
      Be well!

      1. yes – cheers to the arts. And! I just saw some of your dresses from a post over at Cindy Georgakas’s blog.
        And wow – I had no idea about your costume designer skills.

        1. Oh… thank you!
          I’m glad you saw some of my Art Gowns.
          You know, I make them all from trash fabrics, cast off clothes, curtains, tablecloths, etc.
          I call it sustainable glamour.

          Yes, retired now, for the most part since covid, but I could be enticed if the right project came along. I worked in the film biz for 30 years, and I don’t miss the hours!
          I had no life, and now I do!

          1. I love the idea of sustainable glamour – and wow – what a great way to save such treasured fabrics and materials from the land fill. I am a big recycler too. And when it comes to clothes, I know there is a lot of waste but I did not realize how much until recently.

            1. Clothing waste is the second largest trash polluter, after plastic.
              But hey, the reason the clothing is such a polluter is that there is Plastic and other synthetics (again petroleum derived) in modern fabrics.
              It has become a wash and wear life. I’m surprised irons are still on the market.

              1. Oh I am enjoying our comment chat so much!
                And I like some synthetic fabrics but others seem to make my body feel terrible – so I can actually tell when clothing has more “plastic” content in it compared to other items.
                And truly sad about the fast fashion and petroleum derived fabrics.

          2. Also, when I think of second hand clothes – there were times that we might not have such beautiful stuff to pick from

            There is a poem by Mari Evans, When in Rome”, that addresses the theme of not wanting hand-me-down clothes – and the poet’s the sentiment of rejecting hand-me-down clothes could mostly relate to identity ( a desire for authenticity and personal choice rather than someone else’s choices) but there is a cultural time connection – because this poem was written in 1970 – meaning that her experience with hand me downs was long before that year – likely in the 50s – when there were not a lot of good. items available – not like what we have today – and not like the amazing materials you have found for dresses.
            and so it is likely that when Mari said she did not want those hand me downs – it was likely because the items had holes and were worn out and ugly!
            my how times have changed

            1. Yes, times have changed.
              I can see after the war, people would want new and fresh. As well, the main synthetic was Rayon, which is derived from wood as, as opposed to petroleum.
              The real harsh synthetics began to flourish in the early 70’s.

              1. Oh it sounds like you know a lot about fabrics. And my son and his fiancé wtry to only use cotton sheets and stay away from bedding that is made of what sometimes feels like plastic these days!
                and did you know that my mother won a beauty contest in 1946-ish – and her toddler dress was made from material from WWII parachutes!

                1. Your son and his fiancé have good taste. I only use 100% cotton sheets. There is very little synthetics in my world.
                  Unfortunately, I also have moths, so there is very little wool!

                  Love the parachute dress story. Why not. They were 100% silk.

                  1. we have moths too – and they like some of my cotton stuff – and I have a few pair of pj’s they left holes in – but you know resa, I did not mind and just sewed it up. However, I did get a little cardigan that has a wool mix – and so I put it in plastic bin and a 1/3 of a moth ball in a baggie – it works to keep the scent in the air without making the clothes smell.
                    —

  39. Wow Resa, this is one big Stoner Cold fro-toad. I love the title you gave it. You did your research alright and I love the quote and the reference to McBeth with that quote. What a great pairing and great shots. I always worry about catching those bumps but I have such great memories in Hawaii of the kids and us having toad jumping contests! We’re nearing Halloween and I could see some more cauldron stories if you’re up for it! Great poest!

    xo

    ❤️ 🐸 ❤️

    1. Thanks Cindy!
      Your memories sound great.

      I’m thrilled Tim got the video together for us!

      When are you posting it? xoxo ❤️ 🐸 ❤️

      1. You’re so very welcome!!!!
        Very fun!

        I know.. finally right.. better late than never. I had big plans with it but I had to abandon ship… lol Tomorrow thanks to Tim, God willing, for this but maybe we can do a bigger splash in November for my 1 year.
        ❤️🐸💗

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