tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87280288526683100362024-02-22T07:10:15.030-09:00Custom Teddyscustomteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-79544571106110592742017-03-30T11:45:00.002-08:002017-03-30T11:45:08.385-08:00Mink Teddy Bears (made from recyled mink coats)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stout</td></tr>
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<li>This is little "Stout." Made from a recycled mink coat. He is 6" tall and available in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/521721459/stout-mink-teddy-bear-artist-bear?ref=shop_home_feat_4" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop along with his brother, Shadow!</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stout<br /></td></tr>
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And this is little "Shadow." Also made from a recycled mink coat and available on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/521720495/shadow-mink-teddy-bear-artist-bear?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank">Etsy</a>!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadow<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for the visit! Vicki and the Bears!</span></div>
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customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-66745066246628583552016-05-30T19:33:00.001-08:002016-05-30T19:33:07.018-08:00Rambo the Yorkie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In addition to the teddy bears, I love creating one of a kind dogs occasionally. Little Rambo is one of three pups I've recently created. I'll post the other two shortly!<br />
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On the right hand side of this post is a link to my Etsy store. Rambo is available for adoption if you are interested.</div>
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Thanks for visiting my blog. Vicki and the pups!</div>
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customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-17690811380752369152016-01-25T15:40:00.000-09:002016-01-25T15:40:03.150-09:00Miniature Teddy Bears<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've just finished these five little sweeties. They are all 4.5 inches tall and soon to be listed in my Etsy shop.<br />
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This one is Sprout.<br />
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And these are her little brothers, Bran and Buddy.</div>
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And then there is the beautiful Miss Charolette!</div>
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And last, but of course not least, is little Dennis.</div>
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If you are interested in adopting any on of these little cuties, they will be listed in my Etsy shop shortly. Just click on the link to the right of this entry. </div>
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Love and hugs, Vicki</div>
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customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-39874731893059539122016-01-08T18:20:00.001-09:002016-01-08T18:20:36.071-09:00My New Best Buddy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I met Jackie in July of 2013. His hair was what you could call a "rough cut" and he had just been adopted by my then 84 year-old Mom. It seems his former owner left him with her x-husband and from what I understand, Jackie then lived outside in a pen for about a year with his companion, a Pit Bull. I guess the "x-husband" decided it was time for Jackie to have his own home and through a neighbor of my Mother's, she was told that there was a lonely little dog who was up for adoption. My Mom had lost her dog-companion, Spock, a few months earlier, so she was in the market for a new pup and consequently adopted Jackie.<br />
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When my Mom called me and told me she had a new dog, I couldn't wait to come over and meet him. When I saw him, I fell in love. Yes, it was love at first sight. I told my Mother that she didn't have to worry about ever leaving Jackie behind if she decided to leave this earth, because I would take care of him for her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDkZTqBwWChfUTFnBJaRg_Xi9OAZabqsTmj0B0-KoWPqVtEg7NLjH4nVm8nYwXAUEbxDeWgVMu5BLBDSbm_5fwqxcpgCumxvTXDXRnZtMHzwr39SSjNfwLsT1houpD7EQObogufBVtAVC/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDkZTqBwWChfUTFnBJaRg_Xi9OAZabqsTmj0B0-KoWPqVtEg7NLjH4nVm8nYwXAUEbxDeWgVMu5BLBDSbm_5fwqxcpgCumxvTXDXRnZtMHzwr39SSjNfwLsT1houpD7EQObogufBVtAVC/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a>Sadly, my Mom had a series of health problems and ultimately passed away at the age of 85, about a year and a half after adopting Jackie. I knew Jackie was a special little dog the first day I met him. However, I did not know of his loyalty until I observed him in action during the last year and a half of my Mom's life. Due to her extreme illness, she was hospitalized numerous times and spent many days in her own bed at home. At the times when Jackie could not be near her due to a hospital stay, he was frantic with worry. When she was at home and spent many hours in bed, he was there with her. He kept her company during those long days when she couldn't do much, he never left her side.</div>
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On the evening my Mother passed, Jackie was there. He stayed on the bed with my Mother while she gently left this world. </div>
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Although I knew Jackie would be coming home with me, I also knew that it would be too much for him to take him away from my Mom's house immediately after her passing. So I spent the night with him in my Mother's house. He came and slept with me on the couch. No frantically looking for my Mom, No anxiety, he knew. He knew she was gone.</div>
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I must say that having Jackie in my life this past year has been a blessing I would have never expected. Although our family has had dogs in the past, I never had my own dog. I mean I had never experienced the clicking of toenails following me every where I went, a dog-companion to snuggle up to at night, someone begging to go on car rides, leaping with glee at the thought of going for a walk, and chasing a ball with complete delight. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Kd85tAR0ZtDehN4NjUt0_oUFXvxrHt0AYFVPSrATtauh_ORz-4ssOkqyIG0HLGoieTokgwivJGEpUYvis7T8RhWItqOWeIGEaF7i7stdfy1r4_n3YsGLgq28-hQ5TBuLWSd5K_BFlhci/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Kd85tAR0ZtDehN4NjUt0_oUFXvxrHt0AYFVPSrATtauh_ORz-4ssOkqyIG0HLGoieTokgwivJGEpUYvis7T8RhWItqOWeIGEaF7i7stdfy1r4_n3YsGLgq28-hQ5TBuLWSd5K_BFlhci/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've wanted to introduce Jackie for some time, but the story couldn't be written until some of the grieving was done. I know that now. I hope my Mom knows that Jackie is safe and loved and will see her in heaven someday.</div>
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Jackie's transition with the teddy bears was seamless..... however, he and the cat are still working things out! Katrina is still the boss.</div>
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Happy 2016 everybody. More stories, bears and Juneau life to follow. Hugs, Vicki & Jackie</div>
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customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-76499066012894639022015-10-24T15:30:00.002-08:002015-10-24T15:30:20.883-08:00Ebb and Flow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I realize it has been over a year since I’ve posted on this blog. I can’t bring
myself to close this site, because I used to love posting. And, I still do, as a
matter of fact. Life and it’s trials and stresses and (you know the drill) has
gotten in the way of my inspiration and my time. So the blog just fell to the
wayside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1I5eD8ltCKYz_Kw37izJEIpnyxscqt4V8CUKVzGCu3JbnO8gEZFIyx9SUNZ85-TnWLZ7QdsCchuuktgBug_TfzhD-Os8y9B9xl0VJjLCf8hmUQbXRpp_636R5PJwkp-JqtmQ1xJNFwVEG/s1600/1-Darcy+%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1I5eD8ltCKYz_Kw37izJEIpnyxscqt4V8CUKVzGCu3JbnO8gEZFIyx9SUNZ85-TnWLZ7QdsCchuuktgBug_TfzhD-Os8y9B9xl0VJjLCf8hmUQbXRpp_636R5PJwkp-JqtmQ1xJNFwVEG/s320/1-Darcy+%252818%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the past few weeks, I’ve been wanting to write. Not knowing where to start.
Do I tell in detail the story of stress and loss? Caring for my Mother, losing
my sister and subsequently losing my Mother, too.</div>
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Or do I just pretend everything is OK and I’ve just been too busy to write. </div>
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For the past few years, I have spent a great deal of time caring for my elderly
Mother, who subsequently passed away in January of this year. Since her death
and the closing of her affairs, I have begun to realize the toll that this took
on my body and spirit.</div>
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It’s been 10 months now since my Mom has passed. I am beginning to feel my
spirit stir again and my health and enthusiasm are returning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7pu-XgUIswd6uooR7NP7tBmDM5FqVVd1c9VPqCJtM7NVLQRHj01R3J2n8G4WAlWcoldi3SwxmH7tOChu0-yNERkpzFxWOM6H0cSpjpITO4b5XUYK0lJSFNbe9ORTLhYc1C7vst754uh1/s1600/1-JulieAnnR+%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7pu-XgUIswd6uooR7NP7tBmDM5FqVVd1c9VPqCJtM7NVLQRHj01R3J2n8G4WAlWcoldi3SwxmH7tOChu0-yNERkpzFxWOM6H0cSpjpITO4b5XUYK0lJSFNbe9ORTLhYc1C7vst754uh1/s320/1-JulieAnnR+%252815%2529.JPG" width="306" /></a></div>
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So, this is where I begin… again. Living within the ebb and flow of
life. Continuing with the things I love.<br />
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Love and hugs, Vicki and the Bears<br />
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P.S. We have a new addition to the family. His name is Jackie and he is a
“dog.” He was my Mom’s companion and he has come to live with us. More on him in
my next post!<br />
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customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-35964663906649762382014-03-23T10:37:00.001-08:002014-03-23T10:37:13.088-08:00Spring Arrives!<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TQcSMN413ig/Uy8poeaLtoI/AAAAAAAAMes/RlAxcS2NHv4/s1600-h/1-Springs%252520%25252816%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-Springs (16)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Springs (16)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6lBulxnxDt4/Uy8pqLSL2fI/AAAAAAAAMe0/RystMb5vebA/1-Springs%252520%25252816%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="347" /></a></p> <p>And to assist in its’ entrance, is sweet little Springs, a pretty little miniature teddy bear with flowers and a patio rocker.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m_CCpCmKV5s/Uy8psau9byI/AAAAAAAAMe4/7jRGa1mgbEM/s1600-h/1-Springs%252520%25252824%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-Springs (24)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Springs (24)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CMSO9QYROGg/Uy8ptfhl5EI/AAAAAAAAMfA/Q8W-_ghhJvI/1-Springs%252520%25252824%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="381" /></a></p> <p>She is currently available in my Etsy shop! Just click the link on the right hand side of your screen.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2PBbhD_Aj3w/Uy8puqmazEI/AAAAAAAAMfM/uwhKTyV0tbw/s1600-h/1-Springs%252520%25252833%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-Springs (33)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Springs (33)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjEC54wZWzkdJ97zpBu8XWlPMmGfEK8z4PL4hmcYh1QHIStZ3hZNVGJ3p0OJcSRFdq-0ZCJYXBhLqj8LKC25gUDZVPZV_sT2fvcJIRI1uoWNaAgVMjimQ9Cgbz02edwyknX32bGXh50oy/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="418" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z0QPpfRZikQ/Uy8p0EalVMI/AAAAAAAAMfc/jODNVd7dYmA/s1600-h/1-Springs%252520%25252837%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-Springs (37)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Springs (37)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9nfkup2Sn-R_njDKxH8qXy4mfqjc5_LX96wB_IpH3zy09RdMxPU1tbvOBKY85WoSBwfJakZhGZ9X5XBXR62NvRXO9FbvRoC9hEwCfpiJ0w3Z4k264ZfmqH-s9-g-rOkmUGvb_asIkzQ1/?imgmax=800" width="398" height="416" /></a></p> <p>Thank you everyone who commented on my previous post. I am happy it is Spring, for I feel the healing power of new life. </p> <p>Hugs from Vicki and the bears!</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-66140428486495916922014-03-10T20:58:00.001-08:002014-03-10T20:58:03.540-08:00I Miss You, Sister<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TpTkXWvxz4E/Ux6X0b7omEI/AAAAAAAAMeE/8Fkcz7Evo6s/s1600-h/Pat%252526Vick%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pat&Vick" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pat&Vick" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PacnuRjfG-c/Ux6X1MbXYRI/AAAAAAAAMeM/lKCxL4a8z2E/Pat%252526Vick_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="325" /></a></p> <p>Two weeks ago today, my sister passed away.</p> <p>I was at my Mother’s when I got the call, cleaning her house while she napped. I was well into my sixth week of a nightmare trying to help her recover from an operation she had in January. </p> <p>My sister was in poor health for many years. She had been in a nursing home for the past few months and actually seemed happier than I remember her being in a long time.</p> <p>She was my confidant. My friend. The only one I could really talk to about how I felt about things, because she felt the same way I did.</p> <p>I miss her so much.</p> <p>I can’t seem to stop the tears sometimes. I know I am being selfish, because she was in so much pain before she died. But I miss her.</p> <p>The day she died, I couldn’t even call my friends. They had been so supportive of my predicament with my Mother that how could I tell them this?</p> <p>Sometimes life just seems to hand us too much.</p> <p>And that day, it was too much.</p> <p>I have since left my Mother’s house and have had time to grieve a bit. Grieving around my Mother was not an option.</p> <p>We took two different paths, my sister and I. I became an overachiever/perfectionist, to fill the hole in my insides; she didn’t give a damn and slowly began to die from overindulgence and internal pain.</p> <p>Although our paths were different, our feelings were the same. Selfishly, I will miss our talks, our sharing the pain, our laughing. She laughed so well.</p> <p>I have thought long and hard about sharing this on my blog.</p> <p>But this is part of my life. And life is just hard sometimes.</p> <p>This day was dedicated to my Sister. I read her yearbooks, played her favorite music, put her picture here on my desk so we could share the day together. Now it is evening. Time to put away the toys and memories of childhood/ good and not so good, and get ready for bed.  </p> <p>This was a good day. Tears and grief don’t turn good days into bad days. And tomorrow will be a better day, I just know it.</p> <p>Love from Vicki and the bears. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CI-DDVCiu8c/Ux6X1wtKMGI/AAAAAAAAMeU/Nx1fYxG71XY/s1600-h/PatVicki1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="PatVicki1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="PatVicki1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-etD29vl1Gz8/Ux6X2ZPRkuI/AAAAAAAAMec/Te2z2I4OWNs/PatVicki1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="278" /></a></p> <p>P.S I love you, Sister. I feel you with me. I thank God for you in my life. We’ll still have our talks. I’ll try hard to hear you.  </p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-23987263438420714272014-01-18T14:11:00.001-09:002014-01-18T14:11:28.016-09:00Millicent and Manny<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ProtSjYCGgo/UtsKG3NTscI/AAAAAAAAMdg/XropCryoy4E/s1600-h/1-M%252526M%252520%2525288%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-M&M (8)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-M&M (8)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NZ1QQRADAns/UtsKHhPSakI/AAAAAAAAMdk/OEh9v2gj8es/1-M%252526M%252520%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="365" /></a></p> <p>I’m happy to report my first creations of 2014 are finally finished, two pups, Millicent and Manny.</p> <p>It’s been a tough week. My aging Mother was admitted for surgery on Monday. Long story short, she is now home and doing well. </p> <p>For any of you who have been through this with a parent, I know you know how it is. It is difficult in a way that can’t be explained.</p> <p>It’s like that truth in living one moment at a time.</p> <p>So, today I’m using some of those moments to revitalize myself in my self-created world of bears (and puppies it seems).</p> <p>Love and hugs, Vicki and the bears and dogs! </p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-35298145009248368552014-01-09T19:57:00.001-09:002014-01-09T19:57:57.359-09:00Cubby and Badger on an Exciting Holiday in Beautiful France!<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tx324yz97ng/Us99m8Ee51I/AAAAAAAAMac/jcK8k6dtVwc/s1600-h/Fig7%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fig7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Fig7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OB1CxsmpWSY/Us99ngPYabI/AAAAAAAAMag/wuz7SDJXsxo/Fig7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="308" /></a></p> <p><em>Submitted by my friend, Bine.</em></p> <p>In October 2013 Cubby and Badger went on Holiday with their German parents in their camping car. Both were so excited that they danced and rocked on the dashboard. Finally their first long journey started. They travelled straight across through France to reach the Atlantic Ocean.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TaW3WPpMBC0/Us99oXTz-AI/AAAAAAAAMas/EAcgCw9edJY/s1600-h/fig8%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="fig8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="fig8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B10c3Z-QBfg/Us99o6VFuSI/AAAAAAAAMaw/qnwhXRDVH3w/fig8_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="315" /></a></p> <p>On one of these roaming tours, Badger suddenly screamed in an already breaking of his voice, pointing with his paw into the appropriate direction – we stopped the car at once! And unbelievable but true, the reason why Badger was so excited was the name “Vicky” on a sign near the road. Now tears dropped from the eyes of both bears; and Cubby sighed swaying to and fro; sweet memories; obviously remembering a cradle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SXoxgFsVsKs/Us99qloOu-I/AAAAAAAAMa8/MuTFo66ZxL0/s1600-h/Fig9%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fig9" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Fig9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilI8yVl0f3YU8BdaXKxTcwY6Q4rYxM0MPaNBE7ZhzUVxnybf_stbpWSBh13fTgYq0F9zz88o6dvZh32ZbUf8JvlPzvrYZYQixitxiKpKISOaFYsA8cSvgoQaHBeAAH1s6nq4yxVJ6rWH3y/?imgmax=800" width="416" height="320" /></a></p> <p>The next morning – as every morning – they had French breakfast, of course, with quail eggs, goat’s cheese and baguette. Cubby tried to ride on the baguette, but unfortunately always in vain.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQaYSz1RCXJnn8YnnsbOhzim81LdXwtjeRYDaQVzmopxgNoxTLSCeCRDeKjrCCjmcv6l7QCqLftRcZ0m0mSnJ5FdCB-M5bmATsmJL_mI90-jI7mp6yfMIjeZvT9y24oXjhSWRgrt9P-KQ/s1600-h/Fig10%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fig10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Fig10" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MK97DQMHmq4/Us99s-td9wI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/XwwPcgIi958/Fig10_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="301" /></a></p> <p>In an unobserved moment, Badger pinched several quail eggs and ate them hidden behind the robin shopping bag, his favorite. He kept two eggs in order to hide them in the baguette that he had excavated for hard times.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M_nDcz5Xmzw/Us99tlsaJZI/AAAAAAAAMbc/M4-GUjSR96U/s1600-h/Fig11%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fig11" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Fig11" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6wr3Kfwf9G6bTDz4YywaVsScOJjMmfZvL7jaBxJ5ElY8eEU5hv-lxlSx2iwcAy-_kzLPJF0rpVobx7WwdujB6g0pgtLE24F72JCQi4fzkwf3HShd1IHSxbeeKhzWAWKI5DBJ5gPKf7eT/?imgmax=800" width="391" height="534" /></a></p> <p>After breakfast they went to an old castle where Badger climbed a pile and became the first to sit on top! “What an experience to see the world from above!” he thought. And Cubby??? He didn’t succeed in climbing on top of the pile; he leaned against the pile, exhausted, with all his muscles out of control.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ItIMXIjCdGE/Us99vm2Qy6I/AAAAAAAAMbs/tqWOYXpHNlk/s1600-h/Fig12%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fig12" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Fig12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M5_IvVqhBus/Us99wJk18EI/AAAAAAAAMb0/H5rIzqht5Fo/Fig12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="321" /></a></p> <p>The next day they went to the seaside. It was their last day at the Atlantic Ocean. All of a sudden Badger climbed on a pale, sat down on top, sucking his thumb with his left hand and holding a pinched little tomato in his right arm while he watched the sea.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AW7h2c8tWJ0/Us99x3xd88I/AAAAAAAAMb8/rSBTJbhRM3A/s1600-h/Fig13%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fig13" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Fig13" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ubD1NqEX4bo/Us99y0RsPCI/AAAAAAAAMcA/wW1RIUhysEE/Fig13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="312" /></a></p> <p>Cubby, who again wasn’t able to climb that high, was satisfied with a lower seat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5AijPKf0cqI/Us99z58rSpI/AAAAAAAAMcM/HvQcKjIGd54/s1600-h/Fig14%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fig14" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Fig14" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i2fHFrkDz7U/Us990-1OBwI/AAAAAAAAMcQ/v4x6ag2agME/Fig14_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="321" /></a></p> <p>Sunset was the time when they sat together and dreamed of Vicki and Alaska until the full moon rose in their back.</p> <p><em>Thank you, Bine, for sharing this story with me and our friends on the Blog. I almost feel like I was able to go with you on your trip and share the fun with you and the bears. Big smiles and gratitude. Love and hugs, too!!!</em></p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-43622414896791759442014-01-02T13:32:00.001-09:002014-01-02T13:32:43.575-09:00Inspired by a Doggy Dog World!<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TAIslux6iSI/UsXpB9klgXI/AAAAAAAAMaA/upYHT2-LOEY/s1600-h/1-042%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-042" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-042" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OcHaXlPITOg/UsXpCoOJDLI/AAAAAAAAMaE/I5df8_eoTG4/1-042_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="423" /></a></p> <p>Cyrus was my final creation of 2013 and I believe he will be my inspiration for more pups in 2014. </p> <p>I’m feeling my mojo returning after a brief Christmas respite.</p> <p>Happy New Year to all my friends here on the blog!</p> <p>Hugs from Vicki and the Bears!</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-56680452291082372272013-12-10T20:51:00.001-09:002013-12-10T20:51:29.341-09:00The Black Hole<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KQEl2JfVeDI/Uqf9NwFSftI/AAAAAAAAMXA/D4ts76goWKI/s1600-h/020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="020" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="020" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-biax68aizxg/Uqf9OQC3XbI/AAAAAAAAMXE/6gQ26p0Zymg/020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="314" /></a></p> <p>Every year about this time, I have ahead of me a project. Every year I dread it more. Is it because I’m getting older and it is harder to move about… underneath the house?</p> <p>The hole is located behind a beautiful lace curtain that hangs over a doorway in the teddy bear room.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsvfi1EdZ9T3e7LPfZ_C7crUqYnB47oO0Aj00T-lCfmML2cc9qkv71KyuCgnJDZEdKRmfr0B6KJGrdjOO0cSxMzSSrAB73_qX4K94NvKfbfYFjMZ3ZgR5MvsBt4_k-nKG56upzLrbDKuB/s1600-h/014%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nOjY_92UKb0/Uqf9P5lXA0I/AAAAAAAAMXY/5AFPhBRzFPw/014_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="493" /></a></p> <p>Behind the curtain is a “mess” of teddy bears, supplies and just “stuff” that belongs in a closet. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qTf19fe9kaGl61BVSuZfcJIjMhUEyedTqw0bBCvxodVkCm5qdoXq1PDbjTKyacqdLqxFF9gv38s_KBHzH0izXSiXVrjnrtm6w84t_Y_nz48b-Y3u6I_1_N16RsHTBynx1IjlI84BEMVE/s1600-h/017%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="017" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEea9rq_h0Mo6qrRuv_Dk9-q2Gg3lrvAh6n3yL6AT5zogwBzN_fgGTQyUCHsJgaElTQd7DcfqbJ1TrRhpcdnOWtVSq6LHLDZjzvg8vtNgIjOK6cl_Dxaxfqxlmc1kNJgoBDt2SjHKADRPA/?imgmax=800" width="399" height="545" /></a></p> <p>So, I begin to haul all of the “stuff” into the teddy bear room… to reveal the “hatch” that opens up to the black hole.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wu624q8VeoM/Uqf9SDXk8RI/AAAAAAAAMXw/JlUsZMjsKHE/s1600-h/019%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="019" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="019" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5QcXx-xtPVIitWqovHvdlxlVA2sSs4fm8EqnF61KGdyzF6peO0KTRr-jzUxcW-0uuwRg7E9b30PTz7WwuBwZxGwywDWYcuf6d0D9n5RlHFbQobSQbVWFVf8KFMkUDj8qQLOUA449LBa-/?imgmax=800" width="415" height="319" /></a></p> <p>After going this far, I can’t turn back. So I open up the hatch and gingerly place my trusty step stool into the cold black area where the magic of Christmas resides… hidden away in blue bins.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dydwtlFeWCw/Uqf9TZKZnGI/AAAAAAAAMYA/MoWpu2LnS1E/s1600-h/021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="021" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0v6S8WQkrrw/Uqf9UKvMKLI/AAAAAAAAMYE/Skmq_wjDhgw/021_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="319" /></a></p> <p>Into the dark hole I go…. grasping for the string that hangs from the hole’s ceiling that will allow me to turn on the light.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3u6BYBV0uKA/Uqf9UlejY9I/AAAAAAAAMYQ/Z2LGI-RHSRY/s1600-h/022%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="022" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="022" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s8-EYdn2oA0/Uqf9VVvdhfI/AAAAAAAAMYU/ZHZsuEXVomo/022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="306" /></a></p> <p>OK, I’ve gotten this far. Now I need to drag each bin to the hole and ease it up into the closet. Good thing hubby was home so he could help drag the bins into the living room. (He gets the easy job).</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3miP7tHmVuvc-1r8hacM9CsOjS4EkAajPPMTDDKuKPSY6r-Uf405pnQDBQhKXEH7YWX4FmOKdM9mR04POaij43lLEae2hT7HmX1oLLsh-Qr9zm4L4_4Z5W7vUEDn4D2MXtgbb1UkKyqIZ/s1600-h/026%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="026" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="026" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-duazKNP6wpg/Uqf9Whj298I/AAAAAAAAMYk/B35v9oHzBio/026_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="311" /></a></p> <p>So, bin after bin eases up into the teddy bear room. From there into the living room. And in a couple of hours it turns into this….</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jx6h7nPv_l8/Uqf9XTD6cXI/AAAAAAAAMYw/IYXWCnj7KKA/s1600-h/1-063%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-063" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-063" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YhFHhX_FLiA/Uqf9X7lSNqI/AAAAAAAAMY0/Ts8FRvVYtss/1-063_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="267" /></a></p> <p>…. and that is what gives me the courage, year after year, to enter into the black hole that contains the magic of Christmas!</p> <p>Hugs from Vicki and the Bears!</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-64935910583586164682013-11-20T13:48:00.001-09:002013-11-20T13:48:02.261-09:00Cubby and Badger’s Arrival in Germany<p><font size="1"><em>Note: So many bears leave our little nest here in Alaska and I never hear from them again. I am happy to report that my good friend, Bine, in Germany has graciously agreed to share some pictures and teddy bear adventures of a couple of bears she has adopted from our home here in Alaska. This is their story, in her words! </em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-06pXzcAitNI/Uo08AnLTX_I/AAAAAAAAMTk/KJT6Cpn7nic/s1600-h/1-Fig.1-0016.jpg"><img title="1-Fig.1-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Fig.1-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZSNcvA8oXds/Uo08BY1BMhI/AAAAAAAAMTo/VoBXCOx7gV8/1-Fig.1-001_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="317" /></a><font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS">Cubby is the first Alaskan wild, brown/green bear who came to the Odenwald in Germany. He looked a bit confused and lonely, and during the night he was uttering deep groans, so his new Mum decided to adopt a new bear from Alaska for companionship.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E7HaehNw2P0/Uo08CDlA6HI/AAAAAAAAMT0/XZFIiaIyNM8/s1600-h/1-Fig.25.jpg"><img title="1-Fig.2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Fig.2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TqxHH0bAeZY/Uo08ClNEzvI/AAAAAAAAMT4/H6LI7xtcRsE/1-Fig.2_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="322" /></a>After weeks of impatient waiting, a small parcel from Alaska arrived. When the postman rang the bell, Cubby got up from the sofa like a flash of lightening and curiously examined the parcel…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_ZzDUVdoW0A/Uo08DaeTjAI/AAAAAAAAMUE/o7OY6CkkSBw/s1600-h/1-Fig.34.jpg"><img title="1-Fig.3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Fig.3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf4OjPCp1cz_2XAeg4Jzy83zJhHQ-crezoiID-T5fHJWTembpL2lanSelO_ieVekLN9GHG-zcGX913bD8n-7Xt3e-9-wfe-1Mqo4x7tu49HY1hAwMNVgZ7VVWbSYpT6FIkHZoZZhfLjS4/?imgmax=800" width="406" height="312" /></a>….. and found Badger, a little black fellow with a soft glossy fur and broad stampy paws.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQWETieunJlmJwWQzQjKYch0d6N7Py-o1WTks0wovbeBHGVM7QgxHrgIUsPrCMQR6ZFmZ19raGYjtyYKDCf97SJyO_MRVOBRKAKINHjmFaZuj7BtvUBxpB6fgMhFAvLH7b27AS23uuAWB/s1600-h/1-Fig.45.jpg"><img title="1-Fig.4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Fig.4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-agNPLuetECc/Uo08FaNLxQI/AAAAAAAAMUY/Y1BFDGYfenQ/1-Fig.4_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="315" /></a>Cubby tried to pursuade Badger to come out of the parcel, but Badger felt still a  bit dizzy from the long flight across the Arctic Ocean and Northern Greenland, plus the additional long stay in the customs office in Hamburg. He decided to stay in bed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-50qye4iYvtA/Uo08GPuVkEI/AAAAAAAAMUk/uqZ531YkqlA/s1600-h/1-Fig.55.jpg"><img title="1-Fig.5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Fig.5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5edo4Tc-72o/Uo08GmaaURI/AAAAAAAAMUo/a32Pu-7mpCI/1-Fig.5_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="314" /></a>Finally Badger came out. They took a sniff of each other and then became friends!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c63LCPNsCJM/Uo08Hde-5EI/AAAAAAAAMU0/94MaIGFQx8A/s1600-h/1-Fig.66.jpg"><img title="1-Fig.6" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Fig.6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y-xeDV98g1Y/Uo08IDt69_I/AAAAAAAAMU4/gY-4bGwGXOs/1-Fig.6_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="560" /></a>Since then they stick together all day!</p> <p><em><font size="1">Thank you, Bine, for sharing this story with us. As I was typing your words, I couldn’t help but smile and feel little goosebumps and a lump in my throat. Not only did they find each other, but they helped us to find each other, too. Thank you for your friendship!</font></em></p> <p><font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS">Many Hugs, Vicki & Bine</font></p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-15147431738211061152013-09-21T12:19:00.001-08:002013-09-21T12:19:12.992-08:00How my cat finally got me trained….<p>I have a cat. Oops, I need to turn that around, now that I have been properly trained. My cat has a human. It is me.</p> <p>For a while, I thought I was the boss. And weirdly enough, I and “my” cat were both rather frustrated.</p> <p>For example. I thought I was in charge of feeding time. I decided that we would have a bowl of dry food available at all times, and at 2:00 in the afternoon the “cat” would be provided with a treat of canned cat food.</p> <p>But the cat decided that the “treat” at 2:00 was going to be called “my main meal” and she was going to have it when she wanted it, not at the specified 2:00 “treat time.”</p> <p>Here is how it would work. I would be sitting here in the teddy bear room, working. The cat would come into the room and sit by my chair, looking at me. No meow, no scratching, no nothing… just “the look.” I would ignore her to the best of my ability, maybe give her a little pet, remind her that it was not 2:00 yet and go about my business. I knew what she wanted, but it was not 2:00 yet, and we must adhere to the schedule. </p> <p>Months went by. Day by day… same thing… I would just hold out. If I got off my chair she would follow me wherever I went, rubbing against my leg, and staring at me. This also created a bit of a frustration factor, as I wanted her to stop trying to have her way.</p> <p>One day I just thought, “this is ridiculous. I’ll just let her decide when it is time for the treat and end this.” </p> <p>So, here is how it goes.</p> <p>She comes into the teddy bear room and looks up at me.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJz359DKRbH_BjEo3SAYHmNd2hKqYabNijqPAVC0q6T_8ZW5Jp3c1KkCm50WR5wmv21JCMyMxHUoZasP9wO5MkdPls6fVtxjAKvJ1nahenVqkWiDB6EOcLdy4f_dJBj7VAmBLoZBjDxIOS/s1600-h/003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kw3HEBEtXe0/Uj3_Ce0KqvI/AAAAAAAAMPU/mtEYqeE9h6U/003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="288" /></a></p> <p>I get up from my chair and follow her.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pWTxprXr978/Uj3_DMP3tSI/AAAAAAAAMPg/jKxjvs2NB8c/s1600-h/006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D28cN2y1nmg/Uj3_Dmgo0PI/AAAAAAAAMPk/o1HdHtYsd98/006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295" /></a></p> <p>Through the living room.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FPjOwY9ODZo/Uj3_Ed2krMI/AAAAAAAAMPw/PD9z10env3k/s1600-h/007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="007" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8WyIJkzTYVAdc-hxPQVzITWjAgd5RFO4vosSyFIzjD9GVMINCPnHZjFqO1C93ZxHWLMirbht8ZPkkbFRAl0Ai_Zqo3jj31ceF4uySlQuoITMNF8T0xtP0hhtcqcT7PMcvrpntmh9rt97/?imgmax=800" width="389" height="299" /></a></p> <p>Into the dining area….</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OfJAR_GzP-w/Uj3_F0n96dI/AAAAAAAAMQA/8jF177PIuWE/s1600-h/010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="010" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eWUQJhPEekA/Uj3_GXcFihI/AAAAAAAAMQE/MQMPu4FLzAk/010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295" /></a></p> <p>Stopping for a bit of a chin rub.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A97RfCKz7xw/Uj3_HFwVKuI/AAAAAAAAMQQ/8e9V1Z6K9_s/s1600-h/011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="011" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B844CHD3nUA/Uj3_HiEowPI/AAAAAAAAMQY/8VJ4RD809b0/011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="308" /></a></p> <p>Circling around a leg as I’m getting the treat prepared.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_DQMoBI-mEXYk87iCU_R_uua3qMY68c1GMOf_MRfretQJj9Tnin-cHpNIJ0lWdtOcW8rs6LA3a_ZND-adZ9iosCccDb9YFcJGq_euogy65JfrzFiwYWSoCnqIVoCqxq5dcuRG0-oz6zP/s1600-h/014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIV9Kc9Y4sTjU_SIbC8l33fnp6vu1CGSY_kviDXT1tZ03VvdtMVtbpqf3R4Yx3EgLqpY1jDNy9w8pexiymVyelk0hpMkauWhg7UimDHKCDGtxVlbaXQMrC2W9PLD5aU3JGpNsl_1YVXrI/?imgmax=800" width="406" height="312" /></a></p> <p>Patiently waiting by the “feeding area.”</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-evQjovprMNs/Uj3_K0JohDI/AAAAAAAAMQw/t0HYUutKntg/s1600-h/016%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="016" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="016" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pVZgtvgdTkI/Uj3_LXJWaVI/AAAAAAAAMQ0/wvSk_SHQwV0/016_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295" /></a></p> <p>And finally it arrives!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjIDumFTU2h1J5cmMWMnBRiIBTEKCMtFbYhVNOqfZxx9Txw2shc_UwsgaP5cMw38tRJaGb6vhC9tufVvl9NWgDgrs7CNfolSbfl1tpbF6a76QZ_K2abak5cREO3NbQGdKvZU2oHzecrC-/s1600-h/017%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="017" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts1A9uwj-1uuNv8bbFveIqd352AsTtwc3VJ26VQIVbYrGCZ3gU_kclLjVZTGj4eo3I1BjF6mTU_PpMSVsF08EMbm7L3pU0XoZfWSJ8eCKeVbeLbJ1YV3PCzknhz5IRFJ4lVQ6RbpHa-KG/?imgmax=800" width="382" height="294" /></a></p> <p>Yummy!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ycq0ufnUP2E/Uj3_NhHe8FI/AAAAAAAAMRQ/0nv1IdKEGrY/s1600-h/020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="020" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="020" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XQlegmCyQXA/Uj3_OD0456I/AAAAAAAAMRY/AKGlTOafI7w/020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="288" /></a></p> <p>And back to where it all started, happy and contented little kitty. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8N8tfPE5HHmINIO0u9gQfrSMbh4q_xWZ6htQSGccCirH5PCJTgRFJwSch2oC9pPomibiTy8JkG3UEH5c4H72L0lc7KCzL1ktpPeQgNonh5M64k9gqvp1G2YzEvyHi-iPSyQbUd5sge_v/s1600-h/025%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="025" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="025" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SD-ZecCWeXY/Uj3_P1qHTmI/AAAAAAAAMRg/IlzRBa-l8xo/025_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="281" /></a></p> <p>It took a while, but I finally got it. The cat wins, because the cat never gave up on me. She had faith I would finally learn, and she was persistent in her training. The result: A peaceful existence for human and cat. How come it took me so long?</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-74969289867774694232013-09-15T12:49:00.001-08:002013-09-15T12:51:53.018-08:00My Alaskan Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qu7LSXW-JOE/UjYdERgghvI/AAAAAAAAMNY/we_ZZlAJKbE/s1600-h/020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="020" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-clJW4faqQcY/UjYdFRkOWJI/AAAAAAAAMNg/QXnmDUiXCvA/020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="020" width="395" /></a><br />
That first day of Spring seems like it was only yesterday, and here I am 5 months later just getting around to another blog post.<br />
Oh, I have a good, actually a great excuse. We have had more sunshine here in Juneau than in any other summer I can remember.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tn4fWf9Ranw/UjYdGpZ2C8I/AAAAAAAAMNo/O8iu44sHiWY/s1600-h/034%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="034" border="0" height="309" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rqSTlKJFikI/UjYdHWI0poI/AAAAAAAAMNw/M7sk944yeVM/034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="034" width="402" /></a><br />
I moved here in 1967. Since that time we’ve had a few memorable summers. But none like this one. You see, we live in what is called “rain country” here in Southeast Alaska.<br />
Needless to say, I have been a busy little bee. From that first snowy day dragging my pail of dirt and begonias to the greenhouse, to the middle of September, canning tomatoes grown in my greenhouse and actually setting out sunflower heads to dry out in the “sun.”<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jsq4cvI7awo/UjYdIsQU6gI/AAAAAAAAMN4/K14mc5ZRNJA/s1600-h/001%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="001" border="0" height="308" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IGF8jRiD2hs/UjYdJUMGALI/AAAAAAAAMOA/cv-2U62yIC0/001_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="001" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mT7O3VFqFiI/UjYdKox5McI/AAAAAAAAMOI/ZHVd9vMm0E4/s1600-h/004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="004" border="0" height="305" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-92qZ2XGXjo4/UjYdLYCpUvI/AAAAAAAAMOQ/NsI4WZ62pMo/004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="004" width="397" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gfpwWG8NGWA/UjYdMIahFnI/AAAAAAAAMOY/Xz9rG1wv7Ww/s1600-h/008%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="008" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KRtMX-uKjCM/UjYdMzOSxZI/AAAAAAAAMOg/2c80fDVHtec/008_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="008" width="408" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jzYl-2CV3Mo/UjYdOBeBI8I/AAAAAAAAMOo/PvC0tiqQp7I/s1600-h/020%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="020" border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEsv-YJHl51IFliShJSgkNlQj4rPh5cf569VP4bR38PmPi06naiUBsuCtJINEr_D3-ue8xlryjUpwfnd59wXBAWV8qp7GumOdLIoqpvEf4ALlsznwMr1DjfBm23W1S3lY3mJjq4Xvm-_t/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="020" width="415" /></a><br />
I am read to get back into full time teddy bear gear again, which means doing a little catching up here on the blog.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IAm5cQCqNNc/UjYdP-nn3VI/AAAAAAAAMO4/YHPJw--zW2E/s1600-h/005%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="005" border="0" height="298" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WF5rFd4de5M/UjYdQmsw_FI/AAAAAAAAMPA/9jN3F_WaRmA/005_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="005" width="387" /></a><br />
Thanks for the visit. Now I’m going to go find out what you have been up to! <br />
Hugs, Vicki</div>
customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-33520356575587929282013-03-20T09:50:00.001-08:002013-03-20T09:50:56.482-08:00First Day of Spring!<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WaKPKuAEI7E/UUn246YBKuI/AAAAAAAAL_M/p25jtg-rbKc/s1600-h/009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="009" border="0" alt="009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3aLQy8AS9KU/UUn25bX74HI/AAAAAAAAL_U/1hocybuGv7c/009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="314" /></a></p> <p>I am so excited for Spring! It seems like winters in Alaska are so dark and last so long;  I look forward to brighter days to come, the promise of new life, and little green things coming out of the ground.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa6lyNAayWYGDk-XYQX_yv1-AY26fXIfOQc2qILGzhyr7UzFI78wSTSwAp4t6sE6MQO9RRXghgFfitu2zdvm8YwIkHkMUFe1TlUrG4Zg7g8Uf2zfcEqrOaKwwdoleoOmfPY_Ol23awb_l/s1600-h/007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--JaIBaN3EBg/UUn265fGjDI/AAAAAAAAL_k/psQSOzPz4hY/007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="291" /></a></p> <p>The temperature says it is 19 degrees F, and trust me, it feels like that.</p> <p>But yesterday I bought some seeds and a heat mat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UEODt_FPNIg/UUn27lGB9QI/AAAAAAAAL_s/emYoIvZa0wM/s1600-h/011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb07GeBJ6az_wGkD2leizkm94xIag82Jf7_EEs-bbunApzHWXN-gf3UqJzo4wnM6uaIiWp2QOOZqSyMLzwJaK6nSOvZU0NcMb7Nr08QDlRxFS1PZ1HpxX_Yxc55g9CG3_R2O8TA8aKC3Z/?imgmax=800" width="385" height="296" /></a></p> <p>And last Sunday I cleaned out the greenhouse..</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPuCZItBARU-xYzH4FsL5aHx2_5Ci9XJ-OU0SXZErkUbPJwoQIa0HnGh-HLAGkNX8mjsowJGCGiYBE8oI7UKLmM0rVEBt4WgRWXOJ87n6vmu5WxkVdm6jYklE5NiUs-r_7xPjygjm1fWZ/s1600-h/001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqOlm7CWc1IaHVD7tnnNk0wCEaKSl9lVOgM0_apD_0L0qpwjfg6crnA2O-9kjpE2sLCjFkpcEtuJJAaGNkh-vi6xS55jrxtBWVXYmyz69oGDZguGwHBn_s5oQSPfWIf4r_5udBq69QEy2/?imgmax=800" width="390" height="532" /></a></p> <p>….. hooked up the TV (I’m a NBA basketball nut and the playoffs start next month… don’t want to miss any of the action).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jd-NVI4pLo4/UUn29lKcvEI/AAAAAAAAMAM/RLht8oCR1NY/s1600-h/002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8SWj68ZhAls/UUn2-AzkprI/AAAAAAAAMAU/9RXFifVfN28/002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="312" /></a></p> <p>And today, I’m going to turn on the heat and get those seeds in their pots.</p> <p>I love growing sunflowers here in rain country. Last year they did fantastic, even though our sunny days were somewhat limited.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W7UyjgEQYVE/UUn2_SetomI/AAAAAAAAMAc/_dMUz3R4ZVM/s1600-h/025_edited%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="025_edited" border="0" alt="025_edited" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jGD5Uq_nsGw/UUn2_sZMVrI/AAAAAAAAMAk/uerHHM124H4/025_edited_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="391" /></a></p> <p>I’m excited to get started, so here’s wishing you all a very happy First Day of Spring!</p> <p>Hugs from Vicki and the Bears</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-42377701198469225692013-03-17T18:55:00.001-08:002013-03-17T18:55:03.815-08:00Honey Nut Hare<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZZ4gDqFuwWA/UUaB8OWj4MI/AAAAAAAAL90/PyexteNZW9c/s1600-h/1-HoneyNutHare%252520%25252822%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-HoneyNutHare (22)" border="0" alt="1-HoneyNutHare (22)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oWxVDejXEuQ/UUaB8267fVI/AAAAAAAAL98/FPJbEQTfjW4/1-HoneyNutHare%252520%25252822%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="328" /></a></p> <p>Introducing my most recent creation, little Honey Nut Hare. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bYuy5km_lXU/UUaB9fOzSRI/AAAAAAAAL-E/526re-LnEmg/s1600-h/1-HoneyNutHare%252520%2525287%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-HoneyNutHare (7)" border="0" alt="1-HoneyNutHare (7)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MffiaGDOTc0/UUaB-OecTRI/AAAAAAAAL-M/EjfFN-Q1gAQ/1-HoneyNutHare%252520%2525287%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="336" /></a></p> <p>She is made from vintage recycled light brown mink.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v_i4vt_a5Hw/UUaB-wKl9cI/AAAAAAAAL-U/9Fjwc_eUVCc/s1600-h/1-HoneyNutHare%252520%25252839%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-HoneyNutHare (39)" border="0" alt="1-HoneyNutHare (39)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cCAUiY9YUDc/UUaB_bguAkI/AAAAAAAAL-c/3IiGCvTPbjw/1-HoneyNutHare%252520%25252839%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="336" /></a></p> <p>She is 5 inches tall and has handmade polymer clay bunny paw pads!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JPZXxC-GAuA/UUaCAKRZIHI/AAAAAAAAL-k/RRUsPHEIWaM/s1600-h/1-HoneyNutHare%252520%25252846%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-HoneyNutHare (46)" border="0" alt="1-HoneyNutHare (46)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fnWqUX-YQJ4/UUaCAjTPtYI/AAAAAAAAL-s/Ay_LmaepCd4/1-HoneyNutHare%252520%25252846%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="433" /></a></p> <p>She is available in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126473846/artist-handmade-ooak-mink-bunny-rabbit?" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JKU9QEVvyfQ/UUaCBUANdOI/AAAAAAAAL-0/YwsUrCF_Z-4/s1600-h/1-HoneyNutHare%252520%25252814%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-HoneyNutHare (14)" border="0" alt="1-HoneyNutHare (14)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3lwbV8HRx_I/UUaCBlM757I/AAAAAAAAL-8/AAsknWpYi3A/1-HoneyNutHare%252520%25252814%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="328" /></a></p> <p>Thanks for the visit!</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-65711567595639721252013-02-20T09:42:00.001-09:002013-02-20T09:42:01.558-09:00A Few Weeks Ago….<p>I received a box in the mail.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1Wgdi6WWObU/USUY5f9DKAI/AAAAAAAAL78/eHwjggF4x9w/s1600-h/004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NUzjX1KLnQE/USUY5o-YOMI/AAAAAAAAL8E/8flbnwepuH8/004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="303" /></a></p> <p>Contents:</p> <p>Two beautiful fur coats. One was shaved black mink and the other I believe is Persian Lamb.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_o4OR9SG0g0/USUY6U00N1I/AAAAAAAAL8M/7fjdZ1X5Fts/s1600-h/002%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dKaJDr8ZAQI/USUY6_au_BI/AAAAAAAAL8U/l-HL-JopDS8/002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="294" /></a></p> <p>The coats were given to me by my friend Robin’s cousin, Janet. Just because she knew I made bears and was working with recycled fur and wanted to make a donation.</p> <p>So, in turn, I returned the favor by sending her a little donation…. created as a result of her kindness.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cWSV7N9hyyQ/USUY7pWoeeI/AAAAAAAAL8c/eEeTt6SVPCM/s1600-h/1-JanetsBear%252520%25252813%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-JanetsBear (13)" border="0" alt="1-JanetsBear (13)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mw3ioPHZXj0/USUY7_UZLfI/AAAAAAAAL8k/InQlHqYbJ9Y/1-JanetsBear%252520%25252813%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="349" /></a></p> <p>I didn’t name him… except to call him Janet’s bear. She received him on Valentine’s Day!</p> <p>We meet wonderful people in our world of teddy bears.</p> <p>I just wanted to thank you again, Janet, for the wonderful gift. I can’t wait to see who else emerges from the pile of fur.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ak0CxM0nD2M/USUY8n-oZ-I/AAAAAAAAL8s/Q9uaZ1nu7Z4/s1600-h/1-JanetsBear%252520%2525289%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-JanetsBear (9)" border="0" alt="1-JanetsBear (9)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L5g_4xusxUw/USUY9CwcLLI/AAAAAAAAL80/kZk7spWTvMw/1-JanetsBear%252520%2525289%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="330" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I-oDbbuokC4/USUY9kXL3NI/AAAAAAAAL88/GlbpMeY9opc/s1600-h/1-JanetsBear%252520%2525286%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-JanetsBear (6)" border="0" alt="1-JanetsBear (6)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rMuTjVeQ8L8/USUY-C9vuGI/AAAAAAAAL9E/aWNZHVCHjgk/1-JanetsBear%252520%2525286%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="317" /></a></p> <p>Hugs, Vicki and the bears!</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-52569822189990799452013-01-28T17:43:00.001-09:002013-01-28T17:43:06.340-09:00You Just Never Know….<p>… what will be the next thing to come out of my studio. Seriously. </p> <p>I mean some of them are cute….I mean C-U-T-E!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C66oyz7m0q8/UQc3AwwJl1I/AAAAAAAAL2w/SdXQ0XygraU/s1600-h/1-Merlin%252520%25252816%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-Merlin (16)" border="0" alt="1-Merlin (16)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HVul3_fghC4/UQc3BcXRNfI/AAAAAAAAL24/nwr9Gk8FRE8/1-Merlin%252520%25252816%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="322" /></a></p> <p>… some of them are kinda mean…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2wPdxYti2CfoQXrRFOQoGdlnzDcqvC06RHmE3QBbTRz9HxGZi4saBjEei8S7O_JwOt7zNoSx7nrdnw4Cty0L_zCd7xUsGK2R8frijyM7LkmB4n9KmbqMfcJ4Lpd3ALA05XZ1nmMU6TbX/s1600-h/Brewer%252520%2525282%252529_edited%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Brewer (2)_edited" border="0" alt="Brewer (2)_edited" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gR-4LRiMWoQ/UQc3DKIZyzI/AAAAAAAAL3I/IVRDhDg52Ss/Brewer%252520%2525282%252529_edited_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="342" /></a></p> <p>.. and some of them are just itty-bitty things.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-abFdk3j0nhI/UQc3DhLbuLI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/rAwQvnp9FZU/s1600-h/Serge%252520%25252822%252529_edited%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Serge (22)_edited" border="0" alt="Serge (22)_edited" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kOjOIGkzag0/UQc3ELg2ZCI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/pN5eIbfwLT0/Serge%252520%25252822%252529_edited_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="376" /></a></p> <p>Some of them wear dresses …. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KOROZuPjPIUOgpFHcPiGXvm4-9kJCrMbxLHGSw3ApLACjKBPLj9T65Ai6qhYldw_5WxQmV6z2oqCX0wWFLPvZYK7eRn9yxOdhyC7NVpDOTZ1rOV9Q6I1C06A5g7zzJRFFQb9PSEhX4ZT/s1600-h/1-Sissy%252520%25252826%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-Sissy (26)" border="0" alt="1-Sissy (26)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-71D9nLJjqPg/UQc3FXm2dGI/AAAAAAAAL3o/2eKsBrac7PQ/1-Sissy%252520%25252826%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="336" /></a></p> <p>.. and some wear winter coats…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8xdzmX3oqD0/UQc3GBS4OeI/AAAAAAAAL3w/b4X0f0TxqVA/s1600-h/1-Chilkat%252520%25252841%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-Chilkat (41)" border="0" alt="1-Chilkat (41)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-euUuXJOJAow/UQc3GnUWxEI/AAAAAAAAL34/X6H-mwosbw8/1-Chilkat%252520%25252841%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="361" /></a></p> <p>.. and some wear nothing at all, except their fur, of course.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EZ1xrc-m9fc/UQc3G5MS90I/AAAAAAAAL4A/m8AnY-EL6Ec/s1600-h/CinnamonBearSittingWeb%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CinnamonBearSittingWeb" border="0" alt="CinnamonBearSittingWeb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qQcHKyTwK4g/UQc3HEwZWtI/AAAAAAAAL4I/o-xvqBXqL6A/CinnamonBearSittingWeb_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="386" /></a></p> <p>Some of them are kind of silly…. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G0lRUyl0Pmo/UQc3H-OY3mI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/p0KdeZSUWQM/s1600-h/GlitterRev%252520011_edited%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6Yl6AdCo3kY/UQc3Ibv2ehI/AAAAAAAAL4U/POzgclH59sg/GlitterRev%252520011_edited_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="365" /></a></p> <p>… and some are just plain BAD…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2NAPbc7hSy0/UQc3JFZa1mI/AAAAAAAAL4g/lXmQB1i5ScE/s1600-h/BBBear%252520%25252828%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="BBBear (28)" border="0" alt="BBBear (28)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1gO88loyEj8/UQc3JdbMy0I/AAAAAAAAL4o/CWE9Al5LfuI/BBBear%252520%25252828%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="295" /></a></p> <p>Some look like people…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ur_TH98zRZo/UQc3KC3RnrI/AAAAAAAAL4w/jInTfShXqyg/s1600-h/TroopBears%252520045_edited%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IWLADTHl7d0/UQc3KvnIt8I/AAAAAAAAL44/yyMJNGlaGLA/TroopBears%252520045_edited_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="377" /></a></p> <p>… and have pretty serious jobs.</p> <p>And some look like … well …. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n9b0dlBdotyGJNZ0F5vneqp9plDszMbyypNIcOhsmYleRCe7X5VU1iLM6y4MJcBUrPx0E5Fb8GwxmpFPTyMKwoCHgH5ZcnEUe-l-1BuWS6MK_nt1tKgm3BkZVKskw2HFzq6-6RgWgLCo/s1600-h/ChimCheree%252520013_edited%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpeakQmyntmsFaxT-yTx9w4XbdzLl9fPCqNyUE-py98bhY-aqzrI4HGx11CaK0ze1DapIp42VVp8ONMaKYAEIJOZph0SOqL9I-vtROVVXv5Di4bDTxHvgyJ0cCEdyEcuyBsMqPRHhzGf5/?imgmax=800" width="376" height="354" /></a></p> <p>…. other animals, perhaps.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P9NFzS8fQaE/UQc3Me3gCaI/AAAAAAAAL5Q/ui9wJ2LGAVA/s1600-h/ChimCheree%252520026_edited%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CSFlORc2EFg/UQc3M705fuI/AAAAAAAAL5U/jszXjZfKCk8/ChimCheree%252520026_edited_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="337" /></a></p> <p>I was thinking today about this thing I call “my job.” <p>A job that is so much fun I feel guilty doing it..</p> <p>A job that turns my world, makes my days go lightening fast and hopefully brings a smile and some goodness to those who cross my path. </p> <p>How did I get so lucky. </p> <p>I am blessed for sure.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z2WMqThnujE/UQc3N8u1kVI/AAAAAAAAL5g/L7GTLJTO1-0/s1600-h/1-Logan%252520%2525285%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-Logan (5)" border="0" alt="1-Logan (5)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oFfkHhlUtrP3_g5rhAioBkBG8WdUQG6l90IpJ0wCVl1sqZ044YH-g2z3KpIouLOgVFTGNM-vlX30Z4N3UxfRCWfi0MebzuPFzyDWJZH3WZHfPRVzLT8xXG4GJAOzW6vDOF5IdWsTl6bP/?imgmax=800" width="361" height="327" /></a></p> </p> <p>Thanks for the visit! Vicki and the Bears</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-75905476788026673582013-01-10T19:44:00.001-09:002013-01-10T19:47:00.688-09:00A little time with Rafferty<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBj90qewKOluTDwbiKH6NftntV4Vkb_LMpsmFDA-zMg8F1YQhG8v0gAsDTdXxCITu8hYbMMaUn5n37gl0AuZD47-GLlN3uV0caN0gYJDzNEtWJO9mvjIT1W9zmeFnYzcVvoerqrjvF2Bc/s1600-h/1-Rafferty%252520%2525284%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-Rafferty (4)" border="0" alt="1-Rafferty (4)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dQXNiCoGRts/UO-YnMoNzSI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/De5phqRJEe4/1-Rafferty%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="330" /></a></p> <p>Rafferty was my first bear of 2013. He came and went so fast I hardly had time to get to know him.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H_6q5Se4WDk/UO-YoNOy3rI/AAAAAAAAL1g/NHX3PqhIHzI/s1600-h/1-Rafferty%252520%25252815%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-Rafferty (15)" border="0" alt="1-Rafferty (15)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M_aKDQTFvKk/UO-YohGtXrI/AAAAAAAAL1o/go0XYorN1OU/1-Rafferty%252520%25252815%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="384" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QxA7h63UZKc/UO-YpgMlulI/AAAAAAAAL1w/DeRo5OiI6k8/s1600-h/1-Rafferty%252520%2525289%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-Rafferty (9)" border="0" alt="1-Rafferty (9)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cLN609FhbJs/UO-YqAJwJTI/AAAAAAAAL14/CTw7IWl-KZM/1-Rafferty%252520%2525289%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="382" /></a></p> <p>I’ve been working a bit with recycled mink lately and I love the way it lends itself to the realism of the bear.</p> <p>Rafferty’s Mom requested that he be provided with a parka. I have just finished that and it is on its way to her so Rafferty won’t get cold here in Alaska.</p> <p>His parka looks just like his buddy Chipster’s parka, which is depicted in the following photo.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-88-aGZSLaw4/UO-Yq2vogvI/AAAAAAAAL2A/t-SdaHo-o-o/s1600-h/1-Chipster%252520%25252896%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-Chipster (96)" border="0" alt="1-Chipster (96)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CSzdSOOI2E4/UO-YrTiCLgI/AAAAAAAAL2I/FgpQvzpcigc/1-Chipster%252520%25252896%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="419" /></a></p> <p>I have been hesitant to work with real fur in the past. For one, it is extremely difficult to work with, for another there was a moral issue I couldn’t get past.</p> <p>However, after making a few mink bears for daughters and granddaughters who were the recipients of their Mother’s or Grandmother’s mink stole or coat, it has given me cause to think of the real fur in a different way. As a way to remember a loved one through the eyes of a teddy bear.</p> <p>I work exclusively with recycled furs and it is turning out to be quite profitable and fun!</p> <p>Hope you enjoy these cute little faces. Thanks for the visit.</p> <p>Teddy hugs, Vicki</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-18036580303330105582012-12-12T10:35:00.001-09:002012-12-12T10:46:17.403-09:00The Story of Maxwell Revisited<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I wrote this story in December of 2008. Since Maxwell has decided to add to his story, I decided to repost this with an addition at the end. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EUzh5vfCgCI/UMjcU8BEDAI/AAAAAAAALyQ/ewngj8ERITE/s1600-h/MaxwellOval_edited4.jpg"><img alt="MaxwellOval_edited" border="0" height="393" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pU6ek9-dpxY/UMjcVoTgknI/AAAAAAAALyY/_GwoKw7Mf7Y/MaxwellOval_edited_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="MaxwellOval_edited" width="387" /></a><br />
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Maxwell is the first bear I ever made out of a pattern I designed by myself. All my previous bears were made from purchased patterns that I subsequently altered to fit my creative desires. He was also the first bear I ever made out of mohair. I had no idea, at the time, how to place the pattern on the mohair. So I placed it with the fur flowing upwards, which created an interesting effect, kind of like hair standing on end.<br />
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Maxwell was born on March 12, 1993, after I recovered from a serious illness which kept me in a hospital far away from my home, my friends, my family, and my teddy bears for what seemed like an endless period of time.<br />
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Maxwell was my inspiration for health; therefore, his name stands for maximum wellness.<br />
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His first great adventure was to have his photo taken by my good friend, Nora. So Nora took Maxwell and me to his first photo shoot at Cope park in Juneau, Alaska. Here are some of his favorite poses.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cDNPz1tidMs/UMjcWJCEGwI/AAAAAAAALyg/48fVPAAzS0M/s1600-h/MaxHero_edited4.jpg"><img alt="MaxHero_edited" border="0" height="465" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6T1eXj98w6U/UMjcW7YtRrI/AAAAAAAALyo/m5rTZdvAsUA/MaxHero_edited_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="MaxHero_edited" width="344" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XKqhMAaN2IY/UMjcXhEXrSI/AAAAAAAALyw/qHrXMER1VY0/s1600-h/Maxwell1_edited5.jpg"><img alt="Maxwell1_edited" border="0" height="433" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3ajZFCz8S4c/UMjcYN2xuLI/AAAAAAAALy4/6VIK-eoEhZM/Maxwell1_edited_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Maxwell1_edited" width="347" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yzV2gz7Dzes/UMjcY1vzxqI/AAAAAAAALzA/Ijyhr61o4ls/s1600-h/MaxwellCombed_edited5.jpg"><img alt="MaxwellCombed_edited" border="0" height="549" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f7AH8UTBfqI/UMjcZvzVO-I/AAAAAAAALzI/a9zq-bvGm1k/MaxwellCombed_edited_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="MaxwellCombed_edited" width="358" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bxlhJR7Q86E/UMjcaM_Ed0I/AAAAAAAALzQ/jD7PCSJEJuY/s1600-h/MaxwellA_edited4.jpg"><img alt="MaxwellA_edited" border="0" height="431" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8MzYaQFYLfE/UMjcaqh5kRI/AAAAAAAALzY/wwrnY8yMvBY/MaxwellA_edited_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="MaxwellA_edited" width="282" /></a><br />
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Maxwell also accompanied me on many hikes up to my favorite mountain, Sheep Creek. Here is a picture of us taking a little break.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TMwOP-wzQYg/UMjcb3MaAtI/AAAAAAAALzg/oJnLUt-CeYQ/s1600-h/MaxwellSheepCreek_edited4.jpg"><img alt="MaxwellSheepCreek_edited" border="0" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BdL1KCz5iDoEILabhwQrg2hzHqVn5Xn6zMiIlLO2gPAzwUnpRnfj8wvM_qFHIkvmgiWWJvwjIjCF2SGof5eDLDyEQIKkFoCuWMxHp5caITauXVOHhu1xWbl-nwHjXA-e__xKsvVNUnoL/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="MaxwellSheepCreek_edited" width="321" /></a><br />
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Not long after Maxwell was born, he was purchased by one of my favorite teddy bear people, Don, who bought him for his lovely wife, Alma. Maxwell lived happily, I’m sure, with Don and Alma and many other bears for close to five years.<br />
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In 1997 I decided to move from Alaska to North Dakota to be closer to my parents. Soon after I made that announcement, Don and Alma invited me to their home. We all sat down together and they told me they both had the same thought…. that Maxwell should come back to live with me and accompany me on my journey to North Dakota.<br />
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So, Maxwell returned to North Dakota with me, where we spent a very wonderful year staying close to Mom and Dad. Here is a picture of Maxwell on the train to North Dakota.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BeW10T-H_m4/UMjcdk0N-sI/AAAAAAAALzw/Jq9ERaJojEo/s1600-h/MaxwellTrain_edited4.jpg"><img alt="MaxwellTrain_edited" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B77L5oUIaOs/UMjceJ8EjFI/AAAAAAAALz4/USuJNMnyTNM/MaxwellTrain_edited_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="MaxwellTrain_edited" width="376" /></a><br />
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Maxwell and I moved back to Alaska a year later in 1998 and Mom has come back to join us ten years after that in 2008.<br />
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Maxwell spends most of his time these days atop his favorite rocking horse here in our home in Alaska. He is old and a little imperfect. His joints are a little looser and he seems to have a slight crook to his stance. But his eyes and his heart tell of his past adventures and stories that wait to be told. So, like a tale that never really ends, Maxwell is not through with his journey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKXxp3m0UZlp6vxYLaLQWwIm13FiUpgj1cjBWe-P-waj4vCucQ3xWrSQzaxj4C8q02jln4G0Zms7czzGckoYk77RB2H-JIAvVc_5qLp9oRL5eNJxCQ5pBb_hH3G6AQJ0TFGZ1qknFoyTt/s1600/Maxwell+002_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKXxp3m0UZlp6vxYLaLQWwIm13FiUpgj1cjBWe-P-waj4vCucQ3xWrSQzaxj4C8q02jln4G0Zms7czzGckoYk77RB2H-JIAvVc_5qLp9oRL5eNJxCQ5pBb_hH3G6AQJ0TFGZ1qknFoyTt/s320/Maxwell+002_edited.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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Every once in a while when he gets picked up, dusted off, and shined up, he makes me smile. For teddy power never gets old. He has more ideas for his future and I’m sure I’ll learn of them when he sees fit. For now, we’ll just say TTNF. Dated December 8, 2008.<br />
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Update December 8, 2012.<br />
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Maxwell has informed me that it is time for him to return to his former home with Alma and Don. Alma is experiencing some health challenges and Maxwell needs to be by her side. So I packed him up in a little Christmas bag and he was delivered yesterday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69rXbmGOPBJgM9Ax8YFOHk4egp9X55jf2PZpQncBOZiAra9Rwl8XsBYAX08dlCF4KQOwtmWA0vZ91PG8T353aqXaqp-i1oRze91mIHc9tWLjeQ0m9sk1cvDoYXJG71US_3hf1zbjkXNkx/s1600-h/0044.jpg"><img alt="004" border="0" height="298" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7lBSf5h8SYQ/UMjcfjRxy-I/AAAAAAAAL0I/XDg_uEdTXJ8/004_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="004" width="387" /></a><br />
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And we will stay tuned… for a teddy’s adventures are never truly over.</div>
customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-42554073111807374112012-11-21T10:57:00.001-09:002012-11-21T10:57:14.031-09:00A Letter to My Bears<p>I recently had a situation in my life that definitely took the wind right out of my sails in regards to my teddy bear business. And as I come to a place of acceptance about the whole thing, I wonder to myself, how fragile am I, really? Do I give so much power to the opinions of others that I would literally stop doing what I love and believe the comments of one critical person?</p> <p>In a moment of confusion I gathered up all my teddies and sat them here in the teddy bear room, unsure as to what I was going to do with them. </p> <p>As I sat here reading a post on my computer, I glanced over to my left, at 12 little teddy bear eyes that seemed to be saying, “what will become of us?” And I realized that I had taken on someone elses opinion of them and quite simply discarded them from my life.</p> <p>And then the light bulb came on. I saw the love in those little eyes and a feeling of joy and relief washed over me. I saw the truth that was clouded by fear; the love in the eyes of a teddy bear.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7Vur_7tByu8/UK0yFYLAD5I/AAAAAAAALxk/PWTUWH0IebU/s1600-h/1-007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-007" border="0" alt="1-007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fTj27Brd3TU/UK0yGKm6qXI/AAAAAAAALxs/IoOdySeYvjw/1-007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="354" /></a></p> <p><em>So, my dear teddy friends, </em></p> <p><em>I will take care of all of you, until such time comes as you go to your assigned homes. And if the home you go to isn’t a loving home, that just makes your job a little more special. Because you will have to give all the love away that I have given you when I made you. And by giving away all the love that exists inside you, you will find your purpose and complete your assignment here on earth.</em></p> <p>And thusly the healing begins.</p> <p>Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends! Hugs, Vicki and the bears</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-58120834635957767092012-11-01T15:41:00.001-08:002012-11-01T15:41:28.782-08:00Benjamin<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0vqojzGfWJY/UJMIkfdI-cI/AAAAAAAALus/b3x6eJ4yiYM/s1600-h/BenjaminRev%252520%2525287%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="BenjaminRev (7)" border="0" alt="BenjaminRev (7)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qCtbjfh0CEo/UJMIlDwAwUI/AAAAAAAALu0/hbUhciS2SaI/BenjaminRev%252520%2525287%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="294" /></a></p> <p>Well, this little “face” has been sitting on my work table for a few days now and yesterday he said “NOW.” So, I complied, finished him up, made him a scarf, sat him down for the photo session, and viola. He is ready to “face” the world.</p> <p>I love his little face! I hope you do, too!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6f49ALAUJT0/UJMIl8PaReI/AAAAAAAALu8/r2iCubwC_KM/s1600-h/1000BenjaminCloseUp%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000BenjaminCloseUp(1)" border="0" alt="1000BenjaminCloseUp(1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_qt33NoDRCY/UJMImbZjoRI/AAAAAAAALvE/2JHD1Rk13Pk/1000BenjaminCloseUp%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="430" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTp83Rdff2y04HfhfX-wYwQ-ChAfOtoNnplFRui0jb1LPiR5JnYsAdIPHs9fopwmBd7bunGYHogxqcLqMtAuUJrEQIRtStTQ8iYtzWPlF-khiTC1FuQAnwdke-pnc7-8tmglUTsmvD9hO/s1600-h/1000BenjaminSitting%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000BenjaminSitting" border="0" alt="1000BenjaminSitting" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pSq-YOZhPkk/UJMIolHED3I/AAAAAAAALvU/ECNhIfSAlMY/1000BenjaminSitting_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="353" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8LPDE_8IIeg/UJMIpRxyPHI/AAAAAAAALvc/V0XKVE5dAf0/s1600-h/BenjaminRev%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="BenjaminRev (1)" border="0" alt="BenjaminRev (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xWM5Sg24I-Y/UJMIpzYFvgI/AAAAAAAALvk/UwbFqm26UDM/BenjaminRev%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="414" /></a></p> <p>Thanks for the visit! </p> <p>Vicki and the Bears</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-54074609492022281062012-10-23T11:07:00.001-08:002012-10-23T11:07:14.137-08:00Rita and Alice!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Mh48oeWQbY8/UIbqwM32oKI/AAAAAAAALq8/HdNWIs-oOwg/s1600-h/1000AliceHand%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000AliceHand" border="0" alt="1000AliceHand" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F0A8PwllxXY/UIbqw4PNsPI/AAAAAAAALrE/382oKkp6rdk/1000AliceHand_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="346" /></a> <p>My most recent creations, two 6” “dressed” girl bears. I came across an old book of doll patterns that I purchased quite a while back, so I’ve been experimenting with that. It’s fun… and my “new” sewing machine makes it so easy to get into those small spaces.</p> <p>Enjoy the pictures</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d3tRQ8MOgPk/UIbqxgCRcaI/AAAAAAAALrM/GuTo5u_5KQA/s1600-h/1000AliceSitting%2525281%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000AliceSitting(1)" border="0" alt="1000AliceSitting(1)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GFv58Wldfa0QdaGIFE4j_AfRsKzNO-R4yhRJlObWY5sQ3E052ebAls4ET3kFqytczg8Q2EmQk_AA2bN5tL1AEs0Eso5Fs2mlaWfrAn7PTesWdnxEzTXC0xRfAB5HcA2N_d-kIDUQGGBB/?imgmax=800" width="382" height="295" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XSXRbxJ4KZI/UIbqzKk1KFI/AAAAAAAALrc/n1WAGjgO4lg/s1600-h/1000AliceStanding%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000AliceStanding" border="0" alt="1000AliceStanding" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MIqIiRyyKT0/UIbqzjjok9I/AAAAAAAALrk/5mTp6WG3Efc/1000AliceStanding_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="351" /></a></p> <p>And here is the Lovely Rita.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHVNWNa7qImUesnFPi1Jlx8Mj_DyRnB0oiVKjv-jxEt6un2UpL4mooqMK1-5tyr8cElehRjQyqMh8XxfsWHG_0mJxkRYTvxtYHsD21Mc1CGAMXt3W8QyVYtfwuMuq7SW7_1p46ShIVUMx/s1600-h/1000Rita%2525281%252529Sitting%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000Rita(1)Sitting" border="0" alt="1000Rita(1)Sitting" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eZsVMZc68BE/UIbq1LEtFkI/AAAAAAAALr0/Tp9Y_wqv3yg/1000Rita%2525281%252529Sitting_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="340" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JTPKIMy5r5I/UIbq10AafbI/AAAAAAAALr8/SXOoFarahYY/s1600-h/1000Rita%2525281%252529Standing%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000Rita(1)Standing" border="0" alt="1000Rita(1)Standing" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZLDVYZQtYmY/UIbq2wMWJ6I/AAAAAAAALsE/i4aJZgJGvX0/1000Rita%2525281%252529Standing_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="331" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-skY83FELHvc/UIbq3m7voRI/AAAAAAAALsM/7IV-SGFOb8s/s1600-h/1000Rita%2525281%252529Sitting2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000Rita(1)Sitting2" border="0" alt="1000Rita(1)Sitting2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9UyhSAouxpQ/UIbq4NAVaFI/AAAAAAAALsU/-w31sVc9MGg/1000Rita%2525281%252529Sitting2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="305" /></a></p> <p>Thanks for coming by. Have a great week!</p> <p>Vicki and the Bears</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-48648599290056250822012-10-21T13:46:00.001-08:002012-10-21T13:46:37.941-08:00Look what I just bought!!<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JCRTqu2N9Bc/UIRtO6m2rKI/AAAAAAAALqQ/yHXT0KyJs2E/s1600-h/001%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="001 (800x600)" border="0" alt="001 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v9dwQ8WmIP4/UIRtPCQutwI/AAAAAAAALqY/styIo6M2QFE/001%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="299" /></a></p> <p>Yes, believe it or not, I just bought myself a 57 year old Singer sewing machine and I am just thrilled!</p> <p>When I began my sewing career, I used a Singer Diana and it served me well for almost 30 years.</p> <p>It finally bit the dust a little over a year ago and I replaced it with a Singer Heavy Duty machine, for which I paid about $200.00</p> <p>What a disappointment that was. That machine is sitting in my closet right now. I won’t even drag it out for a picture. If I did photograph it, it would only be for the purpose of warning you not to buy it.</p> <p>It only took a week or so for that particular Heavy Duty Machine to start skipping stitches… oh you know the story. It was a nightmare.</p> <p>Well, I saved up my money and started searching around for a machine that I knew could handle the type of work I do. And also that was small enough so I could get into the very tiny spaces that I need to go to get my work done.</p> <p>I found this, among many other machines on eBay.</p> <p>I finally took the plunge and spent over $1,000 on this little puppy.</p> <p>I know it seems like a lot, but it is amazing and is as strong as a little ox. Plus I can get into those little spaces and it is so small I can bring it with me if I ever decide to go quilting. Well, I’ll save that for another day.</p> <p>As you can see, I guess I am pretty excited. I haven’t written this much in a blog for quite a while.</p> <p>I had to share this with you. I’m curious. What kind of sewing machine do you use? I’ve always wondered what make and model of machines that others use. I’ve always been hooked on Singers. One because I had such good luck with my Diana.</p> <p>Now I know it’s not so much the brand as when it was made. These old Singers were made to last through the ages, and they do.</p> <p>OK, I’ve shared my favorite purchase with you. Soon, I’ll be sharing more bears that are being made with this magic little machine.</p> <p>Hope your week is great. </p> <p>Hugs to all, Vicki and the Bears</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8728028852668310036.post-32957198214270478832012-10-11T15:19:00.001-08:002012-10-11T15:19:33.692-08:00Samantha-A Tiny Teddy Bear<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PzjyVBpCxqY/UHdT2sh9jVI/AAAAAAAALn0/fY4t3lopIcw/s1600-h/1000SamanthaHandBr%2525281%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000SamanthaHandBr(1)" border="0" alt="1000SamanthaHandBr(1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rM5CAXRI7fU/UHdT3NJk0iI/AAAAAAAALn8/_Zkbej-hnEs/1000SamanthaHandBr%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="288" /></a></p> <p>Life seems to go by so quickly. Is it the age thing? I don’t know, but when I was a kid, it took forever for Christmas to get here.</p> <p>And when I was working at a regular job, it took forever for Friday to get here, too.</p> <p>My weeks go so fast, sometimes I just can’t believe it is already October and the leaves are falling from the trees.</p> <p>I spend as many days as I can here in my little studio working on my teddy bears. This is the one place in the world where I feel totally at peace and where I find that bit of joy and fulfillment that I’ve searched for most of my life.</p> <p>I am, once again, into the little bears and decided to introduce Samantha as I reenter my blog world. I have a few more bears to introduce later, but I wanted to at least get something posted here on the blog.</p> <p>My apologies to all those whom I follow. I haven’t been checking in and I have missed you and your adventures. So, I am going to do some catching up today.</p> <p>Enjoy and thanks for the visit!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XwppL-LY0Oo/UHdT4Ml4VfI/AAAAAAAALoE/OalbCQLJ-vQ/s1600-h/1000SamanthaSittingThimble%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000SamanthaSittingThimble" border="0" alt="1000SamanthaSittingThimble" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j4NiHIjnP5o/UHdT4tft2hI/AAAAAAAALoM/3kUIfVJFhd4/1000SamanthaSittingThimble_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="328" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y4Vzk6lptbM/UHdT5TTCUVI/AAAAAAAALoU/4dtZFP_u9_4/s1600-h/1000SamanthaHand%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000SamanthaHand" border="0" alt="1000SamanthaHand" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rf-1D93dECw/UHdT6A55zHI/AAAAAAAALoc/x8pe621GxYw/1000SamanthaHand_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="327" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZQVAehlFgxg/UHdT6icmlFI/AAAAAAAALok/Ai8FsLm_5SE/s1600-h/1000SamanthaCloseUp%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000SamanthaCloseUp(1)" border="0" alt="1000SamanthaCloseUp(1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JKn1AEKngvU/UHdT7X46sdI/AAAAAAAALos/RJK2MSrOFxg/1000SamanthaCloseUp%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="315" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6LabN0r-TTbr48FLdQYn2izWAS0DHohGp4XmqdFISJeAAJHGrMRljWTuROah18-baqvsDXhdD2FpeAqlJ9SgZ-JChxZA9fPNn688_XKzWMs1fCxSE25_YlLRZaYuz_hIIdtDQMnZPvJH/s1600-h/1000SamanthaHandBr%2525282%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000SamanthaHandBr(2)" border="0" alt="1000SamanthaHandBr(2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lmj71F6egz4/UHdT83Dre7I/AAAAAAAALo8/yqZX2qII-TY/1000SamanthaHandBr%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="321" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmEJ-laAViuWWKMjDonhWt-eTx_HJe9Q0ZkoaPq2v7hDbx75j5qnClK6shRcELEZLFYPd9S4OSNq9EFUfTc43KJdhVWC0cH3yeC2XfnbsFeII84DFejbEFN5UVwbMufgPtxBDZXwQCgP1/s1600-h/1000SamanthaSide%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000SamanthaSide" border="0" alt="1000SamanthaSide" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1fVqLCo0Eck/UHdT-Bdlk1I/AAAAAAAALpM/Z6Co-xw8gqo/1000SamanthaSide_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="308" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4L3y9W3SZiY/UHdT-yfl4dI/AAAAAAAALpU/ukjftSrYxcU/s1600-h/1000SamanthaStanding%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000SamanthaStanding" border="0" alt="1000SamanthaStanding" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEEP68Ud9rnKc23oz9_NKjxoXsacCYP66aYGEPKoMlwb9Fm8TnB7nZdUP5ASfU8KhV4Lf1DBsuco-N7oaI8EK4fV316I3qTcc6l3uun74AM4xJ_CgK00-SCm6Mg84IBjvUJltK92IL3Mj/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="326" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wjizh-Mmp04/UHdUAgmRMaI/AAAAAAAALpk/5gGs7KMJyKQ/s1600-h/1000SamanthaSitting%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1000SamanthaSitting" border="0" alt="1000SamanthaSitting" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l3y14kPv9-w/UHdUBAO32PI/AAAAAAAALps/jiNIuq86Hyk/1000SamanthaSitting_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="385" /></a></p> <p>Hugs from Vicki and the Bears!</p> customteddyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282817219037395991noreply@blogger.com5