Dog Patch Critters by Nancy

Happy Birthday Lucy!

2012-02-09T05:35:00.000-08:00

Lucy is 17 years old today. I remember the day she was born. I was a Dachshund breeder at the time and it was her mom's first litter. I had already decided if she had a chocolate female I was keeping her. Lucy's mom was a silver dapple and her dad a chocolate. I was kinda into the genetics of color breeding at the time. Even before she opened her eyes Lucy would roll over to get her tummy rubbed. She was registered as "Luscious Godiva" but she was never bred. Lucy was a great hunter in her day. Once a rat decided it was going to set up house in our garage. We tried several things to get rid of it but failed. Once Lucy got the scent of it she was relentless and ended up doing it in. She has always been very demanding and still lets me know when she wants something. Her bed is right next to mine and she will wake me up in the middle of the night so I can cover her up. Although, now mostly blind and deaf, she is still very spry. She likes to stay near me and will bark as if to say "Where are you?" when she can't locate me. She loves to explore the back yard...that nose still works like a charm. So....Happy Birthday to my Lucy and many more!

And the winner is...

2012-02-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

Emma in the UK won the drawing for Luv Mi the little Valentine bear. Now it's time to get ready for the Tampa show. Finishing touches, tags, and pricing. Next week it will be time to pack. I have already finished one bear for the Spring Tea Party show at Teddies Worldwide in March. Back to work now...

Valentine Give Away

2012-01-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

I haven't done a giveaway in a long time so with Valentine's Day a couple of weeks away this little bear would like a new home. This is "Luv Mi", a 5½ inch tall bear created with black cherry and white alpaca. She will come with her pretty Chinese take out box. A perfect Valentine gift. For a chance to win go to Dog Patch Critters page on facebook and like the page. Then leave a comment under Luv Mi's photo. If you are not on facebook email me nancy@dogpatchcritters.com and I will add your name to the pot. I would like to get more "fans" on facebook though ...so check into it. Winner to be announced next Sunday Feb 5th.

Shows 2012

2012-01-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

Just 5 weeks until the Tampa show. I really look forward to this one every year. It is the only all bear live show I take part in. I would definitely do more live shows if there were more within driving distance. When I lived more centrally along the east coast there were at least 6 a year close enough to drive to within a few hours. BUT....doing online shows has advantages. Number one, you reach a worldwide audience. So, I am delighted I will be participating in the Teddies Worldwide Spring Show!! The theme for this show is a Teddy Tea Party. Some of my ideas for this theme are already on paper. Time to get to work. Keep the dates open...March 23 - 25.

Happy accident

2012-01-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

I was trying to achieve a particular shade of teal blue/green a couple of months ago. This mohair piece wasn't exactly what I was looking for and later efforts were successful. So, this piece was put away in the closet. After New Years, it started beckoning me. Though not exactly sure which direction it was taking me, I cut out a small bear. The day after starting to sew it I ran across this fabric at the store. While knowing I was going to dress this little bear I had no idea if it was going to be a boy or girl ...or what. The fabric said "clown", of course. And so Emmitt was born. Hubby said he needed a famous clown name.

I changed the pattern on the cat and I'm pleased with the results. Just some minor tweaks.

Happy Birthday Lexi

2012-01-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

My sweet Lexi girl turns 15 today. I have had her since the day she was born. I was a Dachshund breeder at the time and I got the pick of the litter. In some ways it seems like yesterday but sometimes it feels like long ago. She is sweet, comical and totally food driven. For the last 3 years she has been on medication for an enlarged heart. So I count each day with her as special. Lexi seems to sleep more these days but is always awake at meal time. Lettuce is one of her favorites and she stays right under Bill's feet while he makes a salad. She has put up with me as I made her wear ridiculous hats and outfits. The only time she wants to be a lap dog is during a thunderstorm. I just hope she is around for many more birthdays.

New Kitty Cat

2012-01-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone! Hope your holidays were filled with love, laughter, and good eats.
I have been working on a new cat pattern. The basic head pattern has been used on some previous creations. The difference is needle felting of the nose, cheeks, and mouth. Kitty's head is jointed but not it's legs. I think the body pattern needs to be tweaked a little. This cat is made to sit but I think the chest needs to come out a bit where it's front legs are sewn on. Then I might try a couple of different colors...black, tan with Siamese markings...hmmmm...we'll see.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

We had a beautiful Florida Christmas with temps in the 80's. Snow is pretty to look at but we like it warm. We spent the day eating chocolates we had given each other and trying to paint our front door red. I had no idea how many coats it would take to cover a white door. Getting ready to put another coat on now. Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Makin Fudge

2011-12-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure where or when I had fudge for the first time but it is one of my all time favorites. I like it so much I only make it around Christmas. One year, when I had a little thrift shop, I thought I would make some fudge to sell but ending up eating it all and gaining 4 lbs!

In my 20's I searched for the perfect fudge recipe and found this one. I tweaked it a little by changing vanilla extract to almond extract. I consider this my secret ingredient.

My nieces and nephews don't just ask for fudge at Christmas time, they expect it. One of my nieces family thinks the almond flavor makes it taste like cherries. I have been known to add a dusting chopped pecans or even red and green sprinkles on top. But mostly I am a fudge purist. I made a batch this morning to take to a party this afternoon. Since there is only two of us in the house the job of cleaning the saucepan was left to me. And a tough job it was(since I didn't meticulously scrape into the square pan).

So here is the recipe, if any one is interested:

Nancy’s Fudge

2 ¼ cups sugar

¼ cup butter (1/2 stick)

¾ cup evaporated milk

5 oz marshmallows (about 1 ¼ cup mini)

6 oz chocolate chips (1/2 bag)

1 tsp almond extract

In large saucepan mix sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and marshmallows. Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. Boil for 5 timed minutes, stirring constantly. You can reduce the heat a little but it must continue to boil. Be careful because sometimes the bubbles pop and send hot drops out. After 5 minutes are up remove from heat. Add chocolate and extract. Stir until blended. Pour into a greased square pan. Chill til set and then cut into squares.

Decorating

2011-12-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

Since this is the first Christmas in our new home it took longer to decorate than usual. There were a couple of trips to Targé and Wally World to get more lights. Several weeks ago we picked up a 6 ft prelit tree at a yard sale. Since only the middle lights worked when we got around to plugging it in more lights were needed. New lights for the outside of the house and a really cute lighted dog in a Santa hat finished things off. There are little snowmen and teddy bears in sleighs through out the house.
I also completed a pretty pink bear, Dodi. I love brown and pink together. Poor Victoria has been sitting on the shelf for over a year. She was wearing a vintage piece of lace as a shawl so I decided she needed a dress. Now the vintage lace is a collar. Don't know if I will finish any more before Christmas. Need to do some baking and fudge makin!

Christmas Past

2011-11-26T09:40:00.001-08:00

I thought I would start off the Christmas season with photos of past creations. Some are still here and come out of the critter room to help with decorations. Some have traveled to other locations and are hopefully happily on display. The first are Merry and Chris Meese. They are from the 2007 Christmas season and still reside here. Rudy the Reindog brings goodies to all good little doggies. He was also from 2007 and now resides in New Mexico.

Bubba is having a little trouble decorating the tree. He keeps trying though, right here with me.

Peppermint Patti is one of my favorites. She was creating in 2008 and now lives in California.

The Carolers were in a feature in Teddy Bear and Friends magazine in 2008.

Christy is asking "Has Santa come yet?". Created in 2008, she is still waiting at my home. Noelle, created in 2009, is ready for shopping. She is in Connecticut, where the shopping is good. Then there is Randy, Rudolph's cousin, made for a Teddy Talk ornament swap. He is staying cool in Canada.

Then last year it was Chilly and Willy riding their toboggan. They are now playing in Pennsylvania.

The only Christmas creation for this year is the Fairy Gift Bear. I posted about her back in September but I will post a photo again next time.

Being frugal

2011-11-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

I remember a time when I would decide I needed something and just run out and purchase it. These days I think at least twice before trying to buy it. I have worn a wristwatch since I was a little girl. I don't need a fancy one but, these days, one with big enough numbers that I can read the time without my glasses. Last week my watchband wore out. It was a cheap one that came with the watch. Since I just purchased a two pack of batteries for my watch I didn't want to buy another inexpensive watch. Well the watchbands at Walmart were more than twice as much as the cost of my watch! Not much of a selection either.
My best ideas always seem to come at night just before I fall to sleep. So, night before last, it came to me....why don't I just make myself a watchband. In my stash of ultrasuede there is a nice big piece of black I had purchased as a remnent. A nice 1 1/2 inch wide strip was all I needed. Fold the long edges in, stitch along each folded edge, and sew on 2 snaps. I love it! It actually looks better than any I could have purchased.
I suppose I'm not the only one trying to make do, or make new, with what we already have. Maybe something good has come of hard economic times.

Lil Ellies

2011-11-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

Although our business had us on the road several times this week I did manage to get some sewing done. The house still needs vacuuming very badly. Bill works in his garden everyday so between him and the dogs I have almost as much sand as the beach.
These little elephants didn't all get done this week but after dying some fur the last one was completed and little flowers sewn by their ears. The "herd" is made from 4 different lengths of mohair. Two of fur that has been hand dyed. They all have glass google eyes but 2 have 11mm eyes and 2 have 10mm. Each measures 5 1/2 inches tall except the dusty pink one in the front. She only measure 5 inches and I'm not sure why. I was thinking of saving them for the Tampa show in February but I might list a couple on etsy and see what happens. I'll have time to make more before February...right?

Mad Scientist

2011-11-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

That's what I feel like when experimenting with dying. After purchasing a bottle of liquid Rit in a new color "Violet" from Hobby Lobby a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to see what shades I got from several different furs and also strength of the dye. A couple of small scraps in a weak dye bath(about 10 drops in about a quart of water) for 2 minutes, achieved a kind of light rose pink. Then a tablespoon of dye was added to the bath. It looks like a bright fuschia to me. I like the color of the Golden Tan with a dark bath after dying - both with the weak and the strong dye bath. Maybe a little ellie? Hmmm....maybe next ....something in between.

More fur dying

2011-11-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Since there were only 2 small pieces left of 2 different lengths of cream colored fur(one is 1/2 inch and the other is 5/8 inch)

I used one piece for the arms, legs, and ears and the other for the body and head. Using one packet of Berry Blue Kool Aid I got this really nice turquoise color.

The result is Thea. Just 9 inches tall, she has ultrasuede paws and a cute print dress.

Eye Problems

2011-10-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

I primarily use something I call "google" eyes. (Spell check is telling me google is spelled wrong ???) Anyway, I have used a couple of sources for these eyes. They are white glass with a black pupil. I love the expressions I am able to achieve with them and the look has kind of become my signature. The problem is because they are hand blown glass it's really hard to get a matching pair. The pupil can be almost anywhere on the white glass and the thickness of the white glass varies. I prefer the pupil off to one side and maybe covering about a third of the white. When ordering 10 pair there is a wide variation in the eyes I receive as you can see from the photos. The 13 mm came with the pupil covering most of the white. I have used them but the expression is totally different.
Orders from 2 sources have recently been sent back. I requested the off center pupil and even sent a drawing and photos of what I wanted. Still, they sent eyes with a small pupil in the very center. There are already many odd eyes in my eye box.
All bear artists know the expression is very, very important. I would love to find a source with more consistent quality.

Prototype Elephant

2011-10-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Work this week was on a little purple elephant. The mohair was left over from a previously dyed piece(used to make a larger elephant). I drew up the pattern, cut out the mohair and sat in front of the tv stitching. She is very close to the idea in my head. I think I will widen the center head. Also, no little flowers on the end of the feet. They were a bugger to sew. On something this small, I will just sew across the bottom. Now to find another small piece of mohair waiting to become.....something.

October decorating

2011-10-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

We moved into this neighborhood just 9 months ago. Our previous home was semi rural so there were never any trick or treaters. Since we are now in a very large subdivision I'm hoping to have some. Our street is relatively quiet, with very few children that actually live on the street. We have met most of our neighbors but, while friendly, there isn't much interaction. Just a friendly hello and wave if we happen to be outside at the same time. Today, I pulled my container of Halloween decorations and while setting them out on the front porch I noticed...no one else on the street has any decorations out. Hmmmm...does that mean they don't encourage the treat or treaters? I think I'll get Bill the ask the neighbor next door. They occasionally talk over the fence.
Meanwhile, I have set out a couple of my previous fall creations. I made Knobby the Autumn Gnome a few years ago when I first started needle felting. He was to be a teddy bear but insisted he was not a bear.One of my favorites is Frankenweiner. His mohair fur was dyed with lime Kool-aid. Hope this neighborhood is more festive at Christmas!

Creative Rush

2011-10-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is my latest creation "Trusty". The week before last I was suffering from creative block. I found myself standing in front of my stash of mohair trying to decide what to do. Not sure what changed but suddenly I have more ideas than I have time for. Maybe it's that going to the gym 3 times a week is finally starting to pay off. The numbers on the scale are going down! So Trusty was finished and photographed today. I also cut out the previously pineapple yellow mohair. I decided to use the grape Kool-aid and it is now a pretty reddish brown. A quick trip to the fabric store(Bill was waiting in the car) for some fall fabric and I also found a cute cupcake print fabric. Now what kind of bear with that go with?? ; )

Dying Dilemma

2011-09-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

I used some pineapple flavored Kool-aid to dye some mohair. I was hoping for more of a neon yellow and got kind of an orangey yellow. Most of my bears and critters have clothes and I couldn't find any fabric that looked good with the color. Since I was not really happy with it I started experimenting a little. First, lemon-lime Kool-aid. A nice bright green. The little print fabric on the left goes with it nicely. Next grape. If you just use grape Kool-aid it turns out sort of mauve, not a really good purple. To my surprise it gave me a reddish brown. Now, shades of brown always make nice bears. I like different colors too but a bright green bear? I just don't know. Opinions please!

Fairy Gift Bear

2011-09-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

Halloween isn't even here yet(much less October) and Christmas is already on my mind. I listen to Christmas music year round. It is on my mp3 player that I take to the gym. Not sure why...it just makes me feel good. So...I found this piece of red crushed upholstery velvet at a thrift store awhile back. It is a good size piece, close to a half of a yard. It is perfect for a Christmas creation and finally an idea took shape. She is a Fairy Gift Bear. Sitting, she measures just under 5 inches tall. Fae has ribbon wings and a glass bead crown. The gift box could hold a small piece of jewelry, a clue to another gift or even fairy dust. A perfect way to present that special gift to a loved one. I don't usually do limited editions but I plan on making 5 or six Fairies, depending on how many I can get from the fabric. Maybe she should just be an open edition. Possibly in other colors for other occasions. Hmmmm...

2011-09-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

The big news here in Florida ....it went down to 69 degrees last night in Orlando for the first time in 3 months. It was still in the 90's this afternoon though. Actually, this is the beginning of the best weather here. Warm with low humidity. It does make it hard to get in the mood for fall. Sometimes I miss the leaves changing up north but I definitely don't miss the cold winters.

Eliza and her little birdie friend, Doolittle are available on my website. Jackie O and Carlton have been adopted. Some Christmas creations are under construction. But we purchased the paint for the exterior of our house this week and we are painting it ourselves. Who knows how long that will take!!

Welcome Fall!

2011-09-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

Can you believe Labor day has already come and gone? Our wedding anniversary fell on the 5th this year. We celebrated with a trip to the beach then steaks on the grill at home. Now it's time to get out the fall decorations ( even though there will be a couple more months of summer weather here in Florida). Jackie O and her friend Carlton are available on my website and etsy. Carlton is the first crow I have ever made and I think he turned out kinda cute. My first try at making something with paper clay was Gordie the gourd. He turned out ok but I think I need more practice. It was more work than expected so maybe it will be something smaller next time.
Now it's time to work on some Christmas creations. Actually, it's a little late to start on Christmas but I've been a little behind all year. I picked up a good size piece of bright red viscose at a thrift shop over a year ago. Should be able to come up with something chrismissy from it, right?

Jeannie the elephant genie is on her way to her new home.

Introducing Jeannie

2011-08-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

She is finally done. It was a lot of fun creating her but it took several months. She sat naked for more than a month. Gathering the materials for her outfit took more time than expected. The original plan was purple velveteen for her vest and waistband. Did you know there are dozens of shades of purple and some clash with others? Finally, I found some cotton with pretty sparkly glitter. It is difficult to see in the photo but looks just right in person. Then finding the right shade of chiffon to match took forever! Thank goodness for etsy! My sister-in-law came through with the bottle. It was a black vase with yellow flowers. Hubby painted it gold and made a top. I painted the flowers purple. So the vision in my head of a genie elephant has come to life(so to speak). Hope you like her!

TBAAF Awards

2011-08-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Online voting in the Teddy Bear Artists and Friends Awards is now open. There are many, many wonderful bears and critters to look at. You don't have to register to vote. Just remember the name of the one you want to vote for so you can check it off on the voting page. Sundae is in the Anime category, Tian is in the Panda category, and Betsy is in the Cat & Dog category. So mosey on over and vote for your favorite. Click here to get to TBAAF.

Hot, Hot, Hot

2011-08-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Actually, I like summer. I love warm weather and hate cold. BUT heat indexes above 110° F are very difficult to work in. I broke down and turned the ac on. Just during the day, at night a couple of window fans do the trick and our electric bill wasn't that high last month. So I have been able to get some sewing done. Made from cream mohair dyed a very light teal, Francie and Bobbie Jo are 2 very different girls. Francie is a girly girl that likes pink and pastels. Bobbie Jo is a bit of a tomboy, preferring overalls. She did allow a bow by her ear. Both will be available shortly in my etsy shop.
Also working on some fall critters and a very special elephant.

Getting old

2011-07-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday, however I am not revealing how old I am. Let's just say I'm no longer a spring chicken. A little nostalgia has crept up on me lately but life in general is very good right now. I love creating critters from fabric and hopefully they bring a little joy to others. My health is good though I could lose a few pounds(who couldn't at this age). I have a wonderful husband and we love where we live.
We went to the beach this morning. It was a cloudy day but we still had a nice time. I love the ocean, the sounds, the smells, and the creatures. We watched some black birds raid some beach goers lunch while they weren't looking. The beach inspires me and I have some ideas to get to work on.

On my soap box

2011-07-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

I generally use this blog to announce new creations and upcoming Bear or doll shows. Today I am going to sound off about something that I feel very strongly about. I recently spotted a photo of my 20 yr old niece with a cigarette in her hand. She lives in a different state so I haven't seen her in awhile. It really, really upsets me when I see young people smoking. I am from the generation that didn't know all the dangers of smoking when we were in our teens and twenties. I have never smoked but have family members that have and still do. My big sister, Linda, started smoking in her teens. My parents tried to discourage her but nothing worked. Twenty one years ago next week she died of lung cancer. She was 42. My niece I spotted smoking(my little sister's girl) was born the next year. She never got to meet her Aunt Linda. Linda never got to see her daughter's get married or meet her grandchildren. I still miss her.
Please, if you don't smoke, don't start. If you smoke, find some way to quit. Nothing good comes from cigarettes.
In the photo left to right: Linda, my brother Bill, drum fish, and the little girl is me.

Bears on Parade

2011-07-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

I had meant to post on Friday when the show began but just plain didn't get it done. Here are my creations for the show.
Jefferson, subtitled "As the Parade goes by"

This is Giggles the Clown with her Clown Car.

This is the Parade Princess doing the "Parade wave"

Here is Uncle Sam

Lastly, the clown dogs Bozo, Bingo, and Bonzo. Bonzo has already been adopted.

The show ends today July 17 at 4 pm eastern time. Check it out www.teddiesworldwide.com

Happenings

2011-07-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

We are now well into the Dog Days of summer here in Florida. I am currently listening to the radio, waiting to hear if the final shuttle launch is a go. The weather has been a factor as we have a tropical wave bringing clouds, rain and possible thunder and lightening. The actual launch pad is a little more than 6 miles as the crow flies from us. We live about a mile from the intercoastal waters and the pad is almost directly across the river. As soon as launch is confirmed we will drive up to the park on the water. The neatest thing is feeling the rumble about 30 seconds after liftoff. We have watched every launch since we moved here 7 years ago. This is the very last one and I will miss seeing them.
Artfire Christmas in July sale is now underway. I am continuing the dog days promotion with free shipping within the US on all dogs and puppies in my Artfire shop.
It is now one week until the Bears On Parade online show at Teddies Worldwide. Make sure to go to the preview page and vote on the collector's choice.

Teddies Worldwide Show Preview

2011-07-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

The time for the preview has arrived!! All my critters are finished and the show page just needs a little tweaking. I had a lot of fun with the Bears on Parade theme and I'm sure all the other artists did too. There are 75 artists from around the world participating so there will be a lot of eye candy to look at and maybe a bear to come home with you. Please visit the preview here: Bears on Parade
There will be voting on the Collector's Choice during the preview. You can click on each bear and enlarge it for a better look.
Major is my preview bear...he is ready to lead the parade. Make sure you vote! Then the show starts Friday,July 15 at 4Pm eastern time in the US. It lasts until 4PM Sunday the 17th. Mark your calendars and don't miss it!

Dog Dayz in Dog Patch

2011-06-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I had planned to make this post on the 17th but computer problems and a day at the beach delayed me. We had a wonderful day at the beach with family. It was my great niece's first time seeing the ocean. She loved the water and didn't want to get out.

But the purpose of this post is to announce a special on my website. Since my theme for the summer is "Dog Days", there is free shipping in the US on dogs and puppies at dogpatchcritters.com. until July 3rd. I will also offer reduced shipping for purchases outside the states.
I know it isn't actually summer here for a few more days but it sure feels like it. After a day at the beach I resemble a lobster and the temp it supposed to get close to 100 today.
Now, back to getting ready for Bears on Parade.

Website update

2011-06-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

I spent most of the morning updating my website. I had planned on doing it 2 weeks ago. I even had it written on my calendar. Time just goes by too fast. I am working on the last critter for the Bears on Parade online show in July. There are still a few accessories to find or make for a couple of the completed bears. Yesterday I finished a dress fit for a princess(that's a hint). The fabric was easier to work with than I thought it would be and the dress turned out as I had hoped. There was also a photo session for the finished critters after lunch today. Tomorrow I am having a routine bone density scan...then I will get some shopping in.
I got my August issue of Teddy Bear Review on Saturday and Shasta and Shelby finally made their official debut in it. I will be announcing a special offer on this blog June 17th so stay tuned.

Moved my office

2011-05-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

When we moved to this house 5 months ago I set up my office in a back tiny bedroom because it had a cable connection. We have an interesting floor plan. When entering from the front door there are 2 open rooms on each side. One is the dining room and the other seems to have no purpose. Behind these rooms is an open kitchen and large open family room. A couple of weeks ago I decided to move my office to one of the front rooms. The problem was figuring out which room would be the easiest to run cable to. Then, about a week and a half ago, I remembered when we had the cable hooked up the cable guy told me we have wireless access. We purchased a nice used computer desk through Craig's list. Then an adapter for my desktop computer so I could connect wirelessly. This proved to be a challenge as I spent all day on the phone with the cable company trying to figure out why it said I was connected but I couldn't get on the internet. Finally, partly with help from my nephew, it was a pretty simple fix. The connection needed to be configured with windows and not the adapter software. So, now I'm in my new, much bigger, and cooler(we also installed a ceiling fan). I just need to keep it uncluttered and clean since it is right inside the front door.

One last note: Voting for the Australian Creative Design Awards is open until Saturday, June 4th. Make sure you go here. Dilly Dalrumple would love your vote!

A day in the life...

2011-05-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

Since my header is labeled the 'Dog Days of Summer", I thought I would do a photographic review of a day for Lexi. She is my 14 year old wirehaired Dachshund. I don't know if Lexi considers herself the alpha dog but she definitely considers herself higher in the pecking order than Lucy, who is 2 years older. I have had Lexi since she was born, as I was a Dachshund breeder at the time and her mom was one of my kennel dogs. The wirehairs are my favorite of the three coats of doxies. Lexi has had many ups and downs and moves in her 14 years. She takes heart meds for an enlarged heart. But her main motivation in life, since she was a puppy, has been food. This last year she seems to sleep a lot more, but if she hears a noise in the kitchen she is there in a flash. Sometimes I don't know if she loves food more than she loves me.

Campaigning

2011-05-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

After checking, I discovered it is ok to campaign for votes for the ACD awards. So to vote for Dilly Dalrumple, my creation, click here to vote.
Actually you can vote for any creation but I'm hoping you will think Dilly is a good representation of the Beatrix Potter theme. My original idea was a cat in her style. But I wasn't happy with her when she was almost finished. I looked at her for several days and couldn't figure out why I didn't like her. But I was running out of time to send in the photo of my entry and so Dilly came to be.
Now, I am busy working on critters for the Bears on Parade online show in July. It will be here before you know it. I have lots of parade themed ideas on the drawing board. One is even complete and he turned out just as I imagined.
Although, here in the US, May 30 is the unofficial beginning of summer, it is already pretty hot here in Florida. If you noticed the header has been changed to the Dog Days of Summer. Iggy on the left and Rufus on the right are available in my shop on Bear Pile.

Time to Vote!

2011-05-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

The voting for the People's Photographic Choice in the Australian Creative Design Awards 2011, is now open. Go here to vote. Click on the bunnie. Beatrix Potter was the theme this year and there are some great interpretations. My entry is there but ...well I don't want to influence anyone's vote. I have voted ...make sure you do. Starting June 1 all entries will be available for adoption. The winners if the Australian Creative Design Awards 2011 will be announced. After you vote mark your calendars.

I am getting ready for a "live" show this Saturday the 7th. It is a doll and bear show in Maitland Florida. It is from 10 to 4 at the Maitland Civic Center, 641 S Maitland Ave. If you are within driving distance...Come On Down!

Calling all dog lovers

2011-04-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

We always watch "Sunday Morning" on CBS and a couple of weeks ago it was about dogs. One of the features was about a Border Collie that has a vocabulary of over 1000 words. Most of them are names of his stuffed toys. But if you tell him to get a certain toy he can pick it out of a huge pile of toys.
Here is a video about him http://youtu.be/_6479QAJuz8
There was also a feature with the author, Dean Koontz. He wrote a book about his Golden Retriever, Trixie, called "a big little life, A memoir of a Joyful Dog. It also explains his connection to Canine Companions for Independence. I don't get to read as often as I would like but I reserved this book at the local library. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. I would recommend it to anyone that has or had a dog. Be prepared with tissues though!
Apparently, Trixie the dog has also written some books and they are next on my list.

Wanna Play?

2011-04-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

That's what Bethany is saying. She was actually anxious for her photo session but I was waiting to find the right ribbon for her head. Turns out I had it all the time! While on a visit to Hobby Lobby and Michael's last week I checked out all of their ribbon. Nothing quite right. Then, yesterday, I remembered a roll of ribbon purchased months ago. It had never been used but was purchased just because it was cute.
We had a sandbox in our backyard when I was growing up. Fond memories are wonderful inspiration.
If not sold before, Bethany will be going to the Doll and Bear show in Maitland, Florida on May 7th. Then the ACD awards at Bear Artists Online comes up in early June. I am already working on bears for the Teddies on Parade online show in July.

Haven't been slacking off...

2011-04-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

I really have been busy sewing. Most of the bears have just been waiting for a photo shoot. First there is Bebe. She made her debut in the recent issue of Teddy Bear Review in an article about inspiration. The cute yellow baby teddy fabric inspired me.

Second is Louise, aka "Weezie", the gardener. She is the "face" in my previous post. She is named after my mom, who loved to garden. Our front yard would be full of beautiful blooms this time of year.

Third is Berry Cream, another in the sweet little bears series. She is just 6 inches tall. Her body and head were dyed a pretty strawberry cream color.

Lastly is Rufus. I wasn't sure about him as I put together some scraps of mohair for his head. But he turned out as an appealing little mutt.
Also completed 2 other critters that hope to make an appearance in the next issue of Teddy Bear Review and another bear who is just awaiting some accessories.

Ahh...That Face

2011-04-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

Finally, some time to sew! Finished end of quarter bookkeeping(Yahoo!). I have been working on a couple of new bears. Most of the time I have an idea in my head and the critter usually comes out close to the vision. This time, after stuffing the head, I was worried. It just looked like a lump and I couldn't imagine a cute face coming from that lump. So I did a photographic progression and you can see the little bear face appear.

Blank Stare

The Nose Knows

All in the Smile

The Eyes have it!

She still needs some work(and a body!). It almost seems like magic and I guess that's why I love creating these sweet faces.

Sick day

2011-03-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

It turned out to be a good day to stay home. The weather was one good reason. The severe thunder storms started last night. We had a lull overnight, then they started up again about 6:30 this morning. No damage at our house but the news is showing a lot of trees down. It's now 3 in the afternoon and I can still hear rumbles of thunder in the distance but I think the worse is over. Another reason for staying home...Bill has given me his cold. I don't feel too bad...a scratchy throat and runny nose. So I have been doing some sewing while listening to the weather on the tv.
I realized a couple of days ago that, after several critters traveled to new homes last week, I need more critters to take to a Doll and Bear show May 7th. Also, I hope to get into Daphne's(Backroad Bears) next online show in July. Today is also the end of the quarter so I need to get busy on water business bookkeeping. Can't put it off any longer.
Lastly, my entry for the ACD awards is finished and submitted. More on that later.

This and That

2011-03-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Several things going on...first: Teddy Bears and Critters is now Bear Artists Online. There is a new link on the left. The name change better reflects who we are and what we do.
Second, I am almost finished with my entry in the ACDA awards. I struggled with my first try at a Beatrix Potter character. The problem was it just didn't come together as I saw it in my head. So, last week I started from scratch with a different critter. Of course the entries won't be revealed until June 1st.
The third bit of news is my Spring Sale. All of the critters in the above photo were to be in the sale. After sending advanced emails to my collectors only 3 are still available.
Cubby's Easter Surprise: Was $125 Now $105. The Wild Hare: Was $115 Now $95. Flora: Was $80 Now $60. If interested email me for more photos or info nancy@dogpatchcritters.com

Spring

2011-03-08T16:53:00.000-08:00

Since I am having a kind of mental block when it comes to making critters I decided to go outside today. Bill has been working on the yard and it is starting to take shape. He already has lettuce for our salads. There are also tomatoes and peppers. There was a stone walkway which he has almost finished moving. We have some big ceramic pots we brought from the previous house and the plants in them are blooming. The geranium is bright pink and blooming like crazy. I can remember what the other one with the red blooms is called. I wasn't sure it would make it but it has come back nicely. The clover with the light purple blooms came up on it's own in several places. I guess it is considered a weed ....but it is so pretty!

Next...

2011-02-21T05:09:00.000-08:00

The Tampa show was a lot of fun even though I showed up a little late because I went to the wrong hotel. I printed up old directions I had saved to my computer. Luckily the right hotel wasn't far. Posie and Scooter, one of my little mohair dogs, went to loving homes. There was only one vendor selling mohair yardage and I came home with a piece.
Next up is the ACD awards. Creations are to have a Beatrix Potter theme. My idea has been translated to paper and the pattern is almost ready. The mohair purchased at the show yesterday will be perfect! Stay tuned...

Three Puppy Grrls headed to Tampa

2011-02-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Wasn't sure I would make it but these 3 are all ready for the Tampa show on the 20th. Their dresses and photo shoots done, all that is left is the packing. The tan terrier is Cassidy, the black & tan Dachshund is Elke and the smooth terrier is Roxy.
Tomorrow, I finish up the tags and pack up the containers. Then it's time to go down the check list, bags(for sold critters), lunch, candy for the table, table covers, etc.
I love going to Teddy Bear shows! It's exciting to see what other have created and just to meet other artists.

Valentine

2011-02-12T06:41:00.000-08:00

The TBACA Be My Valentine show is taking place RIGHT NOW! Check it out...here
Bashful Charlie, Sweetie and Victoria are all waiting there. There are plenty of other amazing creation to look at and purchase.
I have almost completed 3 Puppy Grrls to take to the Tampa show next Sunday the 20th. I will spend this week getting ready for the show and hopefully finding time to work on a special project. Back to work....

Time for a sneak peek

2011-02-01T15:35:00.000-08:00

Just over a week til the online Valentine show at TBACA! I only finished 3 bears for the show because of the move but there will be lots of wonderful creations to see and buy. You can click on the show banner on the left to get to the show. See you there!!

Getting excited!

2011-01-31T14:03:00.000-08:00

The Be My Valentine online show is just around the corner. I will post tomorrow with the sneak peek at my bears that will be available.
The Tampa show is the next weekend, on Sunday the 20th. I am looking forward to seeing other Teddy Bear artists and, of course, their creations. These 2 will be traveling to Tampa with me. The brown bear is Reese. He is a little larger than usually for me at 14 inches. Padma is the purple elephant. She is only the 2nd ellie I have made and I think she turned out sweet.
Remember check back tomorrow for a sneak peek!

Making progress

2011-01-28T06:33:00.000-08:00

The dining room is pretty much finished. I really didn't have to do much. The curio cabinet now has our family treasures on display. Glassware from Bill's parents and carnival glass from my grandmother. Pictures hung on the wall. I had to put up new drapery rods and curtains. There are no blinds on the windows in the front of the house. The windows are 52 inches wide and the kind of blinds I want are expensive so that will wait. We still haven't decided what to do with the room across from the dining room. The family room and kitchen are behind it. Maybe a sitting room or exercise room. Still have more pictures to hang but I'm getting there.
Don't forget the Be My Valentine Show at TBACA. It starts Feb 11, 8PM Australian time(I think that is 4AM EST in the US). I will have a sneak peek on the 1st.

Back to business

2011-01-25T07:10:00.000-08:00

Finally feel like I can really get back to my critter creations. There is still a lot to do around the house but things are starting to get into a regular routine. I had forgotten how stressful moving can be. This morning I updated all my shops...etsy, artfire, and Bear Pile. Next on the list is updating my website.
Tian was created before the move and is now in my shops. Her name is pronounced Tee-Ahn and I believe it means "sweet". I just love pink and black together. Alpaca fur makes the best pandas!
This afternoon, it's back to sewing. Almost finished a Puppy Grrl to take to the Tampa show on Feb 20th. I hope to get 2 more new critters done before then ....we'll see.
Don't forget the TBACA Valentine show. It's online, so you can attend from anywhere in the world. I will have 3 critters in the show(completed before the move). A sneak peek coming soon!

Moved in...sort of

2010-12-29T08:36:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note...we are getting ready to head back to the "old" house to get another load of stuff. Our first night in the new home was Christmas eve. We moved more stuff all day Christmas day and had Chinese take out for dinner. Monday evening on the way back to load up again, my car broke down and is still in the repair shop. Hope the repair isn't too costly. I have a long list of things I need ...turntables for the kitchen cabinets, drapes for a couple of windows, etc. Still cleaning and painting doors and trim too. I'm really getting too old for moving. Every muscle in my body is sore, my fingernails are down to stubs and my hands are chapped from cleaning. To top it off the last few days we have had record breaking cold. Many, who have lived a long time in Florida have never seen it this cold in December for this long. They are forecasting 70's by Friday. Well back to work...

Finally..

2010-12-08T16:40:00.000-08:00

We closed on our new home yesterday. I was beginning to think it would never happen. Now the work begins. First, the whole house needs painting. We figure it's better to have it all done at one time, before we move in. Then we have to move all our furniture and other stuff. I think the "other" stuff will be more work. I would like to get in at least a week before Christmas. The Christmas tree will be put up but probably no other decorations this year. Tomorrow will be baking day, so I can get gifts in the mail. Sewing will be on the back burner for awhile, at least until after the first of the year.
I don't know how Lucy and Lexi will take the move. Lucy is mostly blind and deaf now, so changing her environment won't be easy on her. Forgive me for rambling but my mind is racing with all the things that need to get done. Don't be surprised if there isn't another post for awhile.
Do check out Linda Benson's blog. She is giving away an adorable little bear in a couple of days. Click HERE to check it out.

After the Holiday Show

2010-11-23T13:33:00.000-08:00

Well, two of my little bears are on their way to new homes. That leaves four of the Sweet Shop bears looking for new homes. Today Candi K moseyed over to Bear Pile to wait to be adopted. Sundae and Buttercream are waiting in my etsy shop. I understand the show was very successful and I look forward to doing another online show with Daphne. I don't think I can do the Spring show though as I just signed up to do a live doll and bear show here in Florida.
I don't want to jinx it, but it looks like a move might be happening very soon. That will keep me busy for quite awhile.

The countdown has started

2010-11-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

The Teddies Worldwide Holiday show is just hours away! Very exciting..I can't wait to see all the wonderful creations. Hope you can join us....9 am New York time. www.teddiesworldwide.com

The Teddy Bears are coming, the Teddy Bears are coming...

2010-11-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

It's almost here...The Teddies Worldwide Online Holiday show! There are 75 artists from all over the world participating. I will have six bears all just 6 inches tall. Candi K is the one above. All have a "sweet" theme. You can get a sneak peek at other bear and critters that will be available at Teddiesworldwide.com
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ....

VOTE....for

2010-11-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

Well the elections are mostly over. Here in Florida, at this minute, the governor's race is still undecided. They might have to do a recount! Anyway, now I need your vote. Bonnie and her bunnie were nominated in the Taiwan Teddy Bear Association Awards. There is online voting til the 13th. There are 6 categories and Bonnie is in category B. You have to enter an email address to vote but that is just to keep people from voting more than once and you won't be put on a list. Click here to start voting. Wish me luck!!

Ok....now Halloween's over...

2010-11-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

Time to get fully geared up for the holidays. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, then Christmas is just around the corner. I have been playing my Christmas music for a couple of months now. I don't think I will ever tire of it. We are still not sure where will we be for Christmas, hopefully we'll know soon.
Posie was the other bear I finished up week before last. I had dyed the fur, put her body together and started on her head months ago. I didn't like the way her face was turning out so I put her away. There she was, hanging in a bag in the closet, between pieces of mohair. Well she just needed a little face work, a nose job, and a mouth lift. She is now available on Bear Pile or my etsy shop.

Keeping busy....

2010-10-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

At least I am getting some sewing done. Another bear for the Valentine show is currently being stuffed. I wasn't sure he was going to turn out the way I wanted but he is coming along nicely. I also did a couple of makeovers last weekend. I found a bear I had put away because I wasn't liking the way the face was taking shape. Sometimes it's best to put these kind of things away before you do something irreversible. I redid her mouth and nose and I think she's kinda cute. I'll introduce her next week.
The other "makeover" is in the photo above. Jessie was just not quite right. So she got a little face work, a new dress, and a ribbon on her head. It's amazing what a few changes can do(wonder if I could do the same for me??) Jessie Joy is available in my Artfire shop.

Knobby the Autumn Gnome

2010-10-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

Still pulling out autumn decorations, when I can find them. I needle felted Knobby a couple of years ago. Autumn here in Florida means low humidity and 60 degree nights. We are still up in the 80's during the day but with no humidity it is very pleasant. The fire danger is increased though. I'm not sure what I'm going to do for Christmas this year. I usually have a lot of my shopping done by now. We still don't know where we will be, as we are in short sale limbo. I would love to be settled in our new(to us) home by Christmas but with each passing day then week.....I just don't know. I continue to sew, finishing 2 Valentine bears this week. It makes the time pass.

October's here

2010-10-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

I got out my Halloween decorations today. I really don't have many, we rarely get any trick or treaters. Bill and I end up eating all the candy. I can't find Frankenweiner, though. I made him at least 3 years ago(maybe 4). The mohair was dyed with lime kool aid and his brow is needle felted. He wears bolts and nuts on his collar. Bill found the spring for his tail. Couldn't bring myself to sell him, so he usually comes out of the critter room in the fall. Many things were packed away in preparation for a move that hasn't happened yet. Tomorrow I will hunt him down.
All the little bears for the Holiday show are finished and waiting to be photographed. Then I need to format the web page and add Paypal buttons. Make sure to mark your calendars...Nov 20 and 21st, Teddies Worldwide Online Holiday Show.

Artfire Contest

2010-09-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Artfire currently has a campaign running to get 20,000 sign-ups for their special $5.95 a month Artfire pro account. We need to have the 20,000 opt in before it becomes effective. There are a lot of benefits to having a pro account. Click here to find out more - Artfire Group Deal
I have had an Artfire shop for about a year. It is a great place to get your name and creations out there as well as sell them. Artfire is having a contest to promote interest. The prize is a Canon Rebel XS. This post is my entry into the contest. If you don't have an Artfire shop ...check it out. If you already have one, you can opt in the get the special rate if we get the 20,000 goal.

Online Holiday Show Nov 20th & 21st

2010-09-08T09:50:00.001-07:00

It's official!! I just registered to take part in Teddies Worldwide online Holiday Show.
Here are the details:
Artists will also be offering Bears & Gifts Under $50US

A great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done!

Mark your calendars so you don't miss this unique online show!

Show Starts: Saturday, November 20, 2010 9:00am New York Time (GMT -4 hrs)

Show Ends: Sunday, November 21, 2010 4:00pm New York Time (GMT -4hrs)

A Sneak Preview will be available November 5, 2010!

Click here to sign up for an email reminder for the show. Hope to "see" you there!

Getting serious....

2010-09-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Bill and I decided after our anniversary this weekend that we have to cut way down on the sweets. I managed to do 20 minutes on the treadmill this morning. Ten pounds need to come off before it gets cool enough here to wear long jeans...otherwise I don't think they will fit. Sweets are my downfall but I know they need to go.
Speaking of sweets, I am really excited about the current series of bears I am working on. They are 5 - 6 inches and "sweet" themed. Daphne of Backroads Events is hosting and online holiday show in late November. I'm really excited about the show and plan to debut the "sweeties" then. I will post more details about the show as they become available.
We are still in limbo with our house. The banks are moving slowly. So I have had more time to sew and come up with new ideas. This piece of mohair has been in my closet for a couple of years. I really love the buttery color but it really didn't suit the smaller bears I have been making. Since Rosalie turned out so well I have decided to make a couple of bigger bears. Bigger, for me, is around 14 inches.

Last week I went to fabric store to get some Christmas fabric for a swap critter and saw this beautiful purple fabric on sale for 50% off. At the time, I had no idea what I was going to make BUT I do now. Stay tuned! Oh, the buttons were on sale too!

Halloween....already

2010-08-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

I think it was the week before last when someone mentioned Halloween and I got the bug. Meet Mischief and Mayhem and their bag of tricks. For some reason Halloween always brings black cats to mind before pumpkins, ghosts and ghouls. This pair took shape in my brain and the pattern was made up as I went along. I have to admit a certain car insurance companies ads about mayhem contributed to their names.
Don't they look like they are ready to start trouble? They would just love to go to a new home where they could use some of their tricks.
Created with sparse black mohair they are 5 inches and 4 inches tall. Non jointed, they have glass google eyes, horse hair whiskers and wool felt ears. I hoped to list them on etsy today, but I had to help a friend take his dog to the vet. It will be $80 for the set and of course their bag of tricks is included.

Suddenly ..too many ideas

2010-08-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

I finished this little guy, a custom order, over the weekend. Now, after a dry period, the ideas are flowing in my brain. Besides finishing the Chihuahua, I dyed a bunch of mohair last week. Mint green, butter yellow, and a couple of shades of pink are now waiting to be cut out. Some tan mohair was dyed to a nice chocolate brown( I couldn't find the right shade of brown). I was anxious to complete the little chi so work could begin on all the newly dyed fur....then someone mentioned Halloween...and my mind went in a totally different direction. Now a couple of spooky critters are in the making.
This morning was my first solo(without hubby) trip to the new Hobby Lobby. A bag full of odds and ends I'm sure I will need(sometime) and a couple of things to go with the Halloween critters in hand...headed home...my afternoon planned.

Roses on my mind

2010-08-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

I got my copy of Teddy Bear Review yesterday and was delighted to see a photo of Rosita included in the feature "Teddy's Friends". My last post was about Rosalie and now, Rosita gets mentioned. With the suggestion of roses my mind started to wander to my mom. I grew up in a small cape cod. The yard around our home was mostly paths through gardens. My mom had a green thumb(something I didn't inherit). Kids from the neighborhood would knock on our door asking if they could have a bouquet for their mom. There were many, many different flowers, from tulips to crocus to daffodils. But the roses were the main attraction. There were small circular gardens on each side of the front yard. In the center of each were tree roses that my mom had trained to grow that way herself. Every color of rose you can think of grew along the side of the driveway. Beautiful red roses climbed up the brick on the chimney. After I graduated high school, we moved to another county. The new house had a much larger lot but the roses never grew as well there. Roses still make me think of my mom.

Rosalie gets a makeover

2010-08-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

Been wanting to do this for a long time and this weekend seemed the perfect time to finally get to it. It was a cloudy and rainy weekend, an unusual occurrence here in sunny Florida.
Rosalie was created 2 1/2 years ago. I was never happy with the way she turned out and it was very obvious she needed a nose job. I think I have been doing needle felted noses for almost 3 years now. Something learned the hard way....you can make them bigger but you can't downsize them once they are big. This meant she needed a whole new head. She got new eyes too. Instead of the google eyes with black pupils and whites, I gave her black glass ones. Rosalie wanted to lose a little bulk, so I pulled out some of the fiber fill and replaced it with some plastic pellets...just a small amount...so she could be a little floppy. She looks and feels so much better!! Now she would like to travel to a new home. If this week isn't too busy she should show up in my etsy shop in the next few days.

Starting over

2010-08-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

The contract on the house we were trying to buy kinda fizzled out. Short sales are complicated and are usually drawn out. The bank decided it wanted to review all it's short sales so we decided to back out and start over. We have found another house, put in an offer, and are waiting....again.
I have been sewing to keep my mind off the housing troubles. A new "series" is in the works and it's sweet! A custom order came in yesterday and I will have to dye some fur...hope to get to that later today.
My birthday went by last week. I celebrate quietly these days. The day before Bill & I went out and I had the most delicious white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Bill had to work on my actual b-day so I treated myself to a day of shopping then some Ben & Jerry's Phish food ice cream. All in all a nice birthday.

In Limbo

2010-07-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

We were supposed to close on the house we are trying to buy June 30....still waiting. I don't think we have ever had a real estate closing go through without a hitch. This one is no different. These days closings are more complicated than ever. So we just wait. I have been trying to keep busy and finished a bear this week. Now I am trying to make her a toy bunny to hold. I want it to look well loved and floppy...kinda worn. This might take more than one try. I am 3/4 of the way finished and not happy with it so far.
My mind starts to wander toward Christmas about this time of year. There are a couple of ideas for Christmas critters floating around in there.
Bill and I went to the beach today for a little down time. The local beaches are beautiful and we hope they stay that way. The east coast of Florida isn't in danger...yet.
Well, you can tell what kind of a state I'm in.....non-cohesive rambling. Maybe next week I will be thinking straighter.
The photo is of Lexi in her favorite napping spot. I'll have to make sure I find a good spot for that table in the new house.

New Critters & News

2010-06-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

Now our home purchase is up in the air. If it goes through the closing is again supposed to happen June 30th. So to keep myself busy and not fretting and wringing my hands, I finished a Teddy and a Puppy Grrl. Jenny is the bear. She is ready for some summertime fun with her jump rope. She is available on Bear Pile. Betsy is the latest Puppy Grrl...just in time for the 4th of July. All of the other Puppy Grrls have doggie print dresses but Betsy, the all American Boston Terrier, was begging for red, white, and blue. I hope to get her listed on Bear Pile in a day or two.
My other news....Rebecca has been nominated for an ABC(Australian Bear Creations) award. ABC is a beautiful Teddy Bear magazine published in Australia. I was very pleasantly surprised to see my name on the list of nominees.

Now I will go back to twiddling my thumbs, waiting to here about the house.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-06-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

I know it's a little early, but I have a lot going on between now and then. We close on the new house June 30th. Anybody that has ever had a real estate closing knows these things never go smoothly. Something always comes up at the last minute. I am trying to get it all lined up so that won't happen but the odds are probably against me. Even after closing there will be a ton of stuff to do before we can move in. The roof will be replaced right away. A 26 ft above ground pool has to be taken down and removed. It just takes up too much of the backyard and Bill wants to plant a vegetable garden. Wallpaper needs to be removed(and there is a lot of it). Then the walls need to be painted in almost every room. Since we can afford to put in new floors right away, and the carpet is yucky, we are thinking of pulling the carpet up and painting the concrete floors. Concrete floors are not that unusual here in Florida. They can look really nice and there are many colors to choose from.
Then there is the packing and actual moving. Also selling off or donating what will not be going with us. So if you don't here from me for awhile ...you'll know what I'm up to..

Visit the Fantasy Ball

2010-06-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

It has finally arrived!! Gerome the Gnome and Sadra the Sea Sprite are available. Chester was adopted immediately upon the show opening. He was the most fun to make. I dyed the fur for his body with fushia and purple dye, making stripes. His toothy smile is needle felted.
There are a lot of wonderful creations at the ball. Make sure you click on "Day One" to vote for the People's Photographic Choice Award category in the ACDA awards. Then "Day Two" will take you to the artists. You click on an artist's photo to see their creations. I really loved this theme but am already mulling over ideas for next years theme, Beatrix Potter.
You can get to the ball by clicking here

Fantasy Ball

2010-05-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

It's finally here!! The ball starts May 30 at 6 PM US eastern time. It will last through June 6th. Fantasy critters started running around in my head months ago. Photos of the finished critters were submitted for the ball by May 1st. I will have 3 critters and Whisper the Wood Nymph available. I submitted Whisper for the TACDA awards and although she wasn't nominated, I am proud of her.
There will be a lot of amazing creations at the ball from very talented artists. There will also be voting on the nominees.
There is a sneek peek photo of my 3 creations and a photo of Whisper above. Check back on Sunday for full photos.
To visit the Fantasy Ball click here

2010 Golden Teddy Nominee

2010-05-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

I am doing the happy dance!!! Yesterday afternoon I received word that "Misty Lou" has been nominated for a Golden Teddy Award. I am beyond over the moon. This is my first nomination ever. I had all but given up. There are some wonderful nominees in all the categories and some stiff competition in Misty Lou's category. But as they say "I'm thrilled just to be nominated." Photos of all the nominees in each category will be published in the August issue of Teddy Bear Review. Then the public votes. The awards will be given out at the Doll & Bear Expo in Winston-Salem, NC in October. I probably won't be attending.
Right now....I'm on top of the world!

Decorating help

2010-05-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

I can now elaborate on the reason I haven't been sewing much lately. We have been house hunting...looking for a smaller home that will fit our current budget. Finally after several months of looking we made an offer and it was accepted. Closing is the end of next month. The house needs a little work and most of it can be done after moving in as we get the funds. We would like to eventually replace carpet with laminate and kitchen needs a makeover. Some painting will be done before moving in. The master bedroom is currently lavender, a definite no no(especially as far as Bill is concerned). I'm thinking a sandy beige. The room I'm not sure about is the family room. It is currently red. There is a beautiful stone fireplace and we think the red walls take away from it. I was thinking a chocolate brown but Bill wants a little lighter like maybe mocha brown. Not sure what to do with the windows on either side of the fireplace. The previous owner had half of a priscilla curtain on each....not really my taste. I have a nice valence on the front window in my home now and might see how they look. It would save some expense and we would like to do that as much as possible

Each pointed piece is a separate piece so I can divide them between two window. Just not sure if they will look right. I will have a bay window in the living room in the front of the house I will have to figure out too.Don't know yet if the brown blinds are going...haven't measured the windows in the new house yet. Down sizing means each of the bedrooms will only have 1 window instead of the 2 in each in our current home.
This will mean a big change for Lexi and Lucy too. Currently they have a doggie dog that fits in the sliding door. The new house has french doors, which means they will have to ask to go out, something they haven't had to do for 5 years.

As you can see the wallpaper is coming down. Don't like wallpaper anyway but I have never had to take it down before, hopefully it won't be too difficult.
Well, we are looking at this move as another adventure...after all isn't that what life is...one adventure after another.

Out of sorts

2010-04-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

Since completing the last critter for the Fantasy Ball I haven't been able to get going on anything else. There aren't any cute critters running around in my brain right now. Too much else going on in there.
Unfortunately, we are in the same boat as many in the US. Our home is not worth what we owe and other circumstances mean we must find somewhere else to live. So my life has been filled with packing, and looking at smaller homes in the area. We have had one yard sale and will probably have another this weekend. It is amazing how much stuff you can accumulate in just 5 years. Downsizing means a lot of it will not be going with us. My head is filled with deciding what to pack and what to sell. It is also stressful that there is no set timetable. It could be a couple of months or even a year.
I am looking forward to the Fantasy Ball and my next post will likely be a sneak peek of the critters I will have in the show.
The photo is of a memory shadow box I created a couple of years ago(found it while packing). The photos are of me as a child. There is also a little locket with photos of my mom and dad inside. The "coin" the little bear is holding was something I made for my dad at a carnival.
Next post will be more upbeat....I promise.

Blog Giveaway....

2010-04-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

No...not me..Joanne of Desert Mountain Bears is having a drawing on her blog for this beautiful bear. So click on over and leave a comment, I have already left mine. You can click on the pic on the left to get there.
I am working on my last fantasy critter. It has been as slow process as I only think of what is needed as the need appears. First the right color wool for needle felting, then the right color felt for paws. Since the fur was a special dying project(which I am very pleased with), I wasn't sure of colors until it was finished. Now, I have had to order more felting needles as I broke the last course needle and all I have left are fine ones. The needle felted face has started to take shape though and I think it will turn out as pictured in my mind. I must have it finished before May 1 in order to send the photos off to Sandi so she can get all the critters ready for the Fantasy Ball. It starts May 31st. I am really looking forward to it!

Clearance...

2010-04-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting for a couple of weeks. The days just seem to whiz by. I have one more piece to finish for the Fantasy Ball...just waiting for some felt and wool to arrive. I had a lot of fun dying the fur for this last piece. I tried something a little different this time but you will have to wait and see. Everything for the Ball has to be kept under wraps til the day of the ball. I will post a sneak peek collage when it gets closer.
In trying to disperse the crowding in the critter room I have put several critters in my artfire shop at greatly reduced prices. Some have already found new homes but there are still a few that would love a change of scenery. The three in the photo are still available.
We are having a yard sale tomorrow(more decluttering). Still have to do the sales tax returns for the first quarter but income taxes are done. Hopefully, I will try to post more often but life is busy.

Finally

2010-03-27T15:45:00.001-07:00

This has been the coldest winter on record for this part of Florida. Today was the first day we have been even close to our average high. I enjoyed the warmth by sitting by the pool and sewing for awhile. The pool looked really good and hopefully it won't be too long before we can get in. The rest of the week looks even warmer....yay!!! Time to come out of the winter doldrums and get busy. For me that means working off some winter weight. This getting old means the pounds seem to add up faster and I want to be able to wear the shorts I wore last year. I have been busy working on critters for the Fantasy Ball and the ACDA awards. I can't reveal anything yet but if fantasy critters are your thing keep an eye out. I want some multi colored fur for one critter and have been unable to find it. I think I might have to experiment with tie dying. Spring fever is the best and I feel it coming on.....Welcome Spring!!

Updated website

2010-02-26T12:54:00.000-08:00

I spent most of yesterday working on my website. Some critters got moved around and some were added. Cubby is now on the front page with his Easter basket. I also added several bears to my etsy shop and a couple more to Artfire. Four of my Kitty Kibbles cats are on their way to a new home. Today I added Daisy to my Artfire shop. I am desperately trying to get into a Spring mood. It is still very cold(relatively speaking) here. We are used to an average of 72 degrees this time of year and we have not made it out of the lower 50's recently. I know friends north of here are getting hammered with snow and more snow but I am just not used to the cold anymore. Not to mention I do not own many cold weather clothes. You won't find me complaining about the heat in the summer...I say "Bring it on!".

The Critter Room is overflowing!!!

2010-02-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

The Tampa show went well. The collectors were lined up at the door waiting for the doors to open. It stayed busy most of the day. Two Puppy Grrls and two little dogs went to new homes. I will be listing those that came home with me on my website and my etsy show this week.
While unpacking I realized how crowded the critter room was getting. I spent this morning listing several kitties, dogs and bears at reduced prices in my Artfire shop. These critters are really itching for a change of scenery!
I will start creating again next week. This week is for catching up on computer things - listing and bookkeeping. I might even try to squeeze in the time to read a book.
Take a look in the Artfire shop and see if there is a little critter calling to you. The photo just shows a few of those listed today.

Got her done....

2010-02-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

I worked all week to get one more Puppy Grrl done for the Tampa show this Sunday. I think Rosita turned out well. Bill and I had to deliver some water in Melbourne today so I talked him into stopping at JoAnn's. I needed some ribbon roses for Rosita and some bright fabric for a table cover for the show. When we got home, I added her hair ribbons and a ribbon with a bone button to her dress...finished. She had her photoshoot and now she is ready to go.
Now I just have to go over my checklist, pack the car, and we hit the road at 6 AM Sunday morning. Really looking forward to this show!!

Just a few more days.....

2010-02-09T14:17:00.001-08:00

I'm working on last minute things for the Be My Valentine online show. The critters for sale are all complete but they need tags, which have to be printed then laminated. Then they need to be prepared for shipment so I can weigh them and give an accurate quote on shipping charges when they are purchased. Sending emails to all the collectors on my mailing list also needs to be done.
Last week my sewing machine went on the fritz....panic. I had a spare but not the right presser foot for it. So, I took my machine to the local quilt shop for repair and was told it would take 2 weeks. Bill remembered there was a guy at the flea market that did sewing machine repair, so on Friday we drove down there. He was no longer there! We asked around and found out he had moved to another flea market about 10 miles farther south. He wasn't there Friday but we found out he would be on Saturday. I decided to take along my mom's Singer Featherweight too. This guy really knows what he's doing and I will have both machines back in working order shortly. I'm really looking forward to using the Featherweight again as it is the machine I learned to sew on when I was a child.
Been trying to get a few more puppies and bears done for the Tampa show too. Cappy in the photo will be headed to Tampa along with some little puppies and several Puppy Grrls. Next week I will get all the tags done for that show. Since we are driving almost 3 hrs to that show there is more prep to do....receipts, bags, lunch, etc.
Make sure to check out the TBACA Be My Valentine show. It starts at 4 PM, eastern time here in the US. There is a link to a time converter on the BMV page.

TBACA Be My Valentine Show

2010-01-25T05:51:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it! I'm looking forward to the online show at Teddy Bears and Critters Australasia. This is a sneak peek of my creations that will be available at the show. Hopefully it will peek your interest. The show starts at 8am February 13th Australian time. That will be 4pm Eastern Standard time on Feb 12th here in the US. There will be many wonderful creations from more than 35 artists.
There will also be a fundraiser for Bobo the Sun Bear at Free the Bears Fund. Artists have donated 26 bears with the proceeds to go to the fund. You can read more about Bobo and the Free the Bears Fund here.
You can get to the Be My Valentine Show page by clicking on the banner on the side bar. Mark it on your calendar!
I will be at the Brightstar Teddy Bear Show in Tampa on Feb 21st, just one week after the online show. I need to get stitching!

Valentine's Day...less than a month away

2010-01-18T06:16:00.000-08:00

That's right...diving right into 2010. First, little Luv Mi is available on my website. She is just 5 1/2 inches tall, made of alpaca, and comes with her little brocade take-out box. A perfect Valentine gift for your hunny.
I have finished all critters for the TBACA Be My Valentine online show. Make sure you check it out Feb 13th, Australian time. There will be some wonderful creations from several wonderful artists.
I have finished one Puppy Grrl for the Tampa show and I'm busily working on more. My mind is already dreaming up some Spring critters. I just hope to have the time to work on them.
Our temps here have finally returned to normal. This weekend it was beautiful with temps in the 70's. A large part of Bill's garden didn't make it through the cold snap. We drove around one day last week and there are many yards with brown withered plants and bushes. It's kinda sad, as we are used to staying green year round here. Most tropical plants just can't take that kind of cold.
Can't wait for Spring!

Back to work

2010-01-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are over no more slacking off. That includes exercising! Those holiday pounds aren't going away on their own. Then there's the tax stuff. Yesterday, I started to work in the office and ending up cleaning the whole room. I have to finish up 2009 bookkeeping for the water business. Two shows coming up next month to get ready for....one online and one live. I finished the last critter for the TBACA Be My Valentine show and starting working on another Puppy Grrl to take to the Brightstar Tampa show. I hope to have a couple more for that show.

I think the record cold weather here is slowing me down though. We moved here for the climate but the last week has been freezing...literally! We lost a number of plants, just couldn't cover them all. Our average temp this time of year is 72F but we didn't make it out of the 40's yesterday. I dread the electric bill at the end of the month. I don't own a coat or gloves anymore so I'm bundled in layers. I mentioned in my last post that you won't see any snow around here but there is a chance of flurries tomorrow....almost unheard of.
I am looking forward to a great year though!

Almost here...

2009-12-22T13:57:00.000-08:00

I have just about finished my cookie baking and fudge making....whew! I'm hoping for some time to relax and enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Hope everyone out there does the same!!! As you can see from the photo, I have been playing with my Strawberry Shortcake dolls. Everyone in the NE US got a bunch a snow this last week. This little snow scene is the only snow you'll see around here.
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Times flies

2009-12-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

So much happening this time of year. Last week was the local parade...it was a disaster because it POURED. This time of year is usually our dry season but it rained most of the day. At least I was inside a car. We pulled a trailer decorated by the local dog groomer. I felt sorry for all the soaking wet kids.
Our tree is up and decorated, lights up on the house. I did some baking this week and we are headed to visit friends tonight. Still trying to coordinate visits with family. I have gotten a little sewing done. I actually dyed some fur red for a Valentine creation. I would also like to squeeze in some time for taking photos. It will be New Years before you know it!
Lexi and Lucy have made an appearance on all my Christmas cards since we moved to Florida. Usually it has a Florida theme but this year we went a little retro with a tinsel tree. Off to get ready to go out....

Christmas Tea Party for Toys

2009-12-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Dog Patch Christmas Tea Party for Toys. You can visit Bearbits for links to other tea parties. The critters, and a doll, in the critter room decided they should celebrate the holidays too.
First, Hettie the Ellie is having the Meeses, Merry & Chris, over for a spot.

Duchess, the cat, is hosting the little critters, Marmalade, Desdemona, and Rose.

Eugenia is asking Shannon to join her on this lovely afternoon.

Mrs Boyd and Kawaii are having a wonderful time.

The gang is having a wonderful get together.

And a wonderful time was had by all.

Merry Christmas to all!

Little Elf Swap

2009-12-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

Vivian - viv out on a whim - hosts the best swaps!! Yesterday I received my elf from Jackie at fatjack Originals. He is totally wonderful!! I just love him. Fittingly he is holding a Teddy Bear. I sent Jackie Pidge the Peppermint Elf. Hopefully Viv will get her computer back shortly(being fixed) and will post photos of all the elves.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a happy one! We had family, my brother & his family and my niece and her family...9 people, including us. We had a very nice visit.
I got my Christmas cards addressed and made a trip to the post office this morning, only to find it closed. I guess they are cutting back. There is another, bigger post office in town but I can wait til Monday. Yesterday, black Friday, I did a little shopping. No big malls or crazy Walmarts though, I just went to the fabric store. The closest one is a 40 minute drive. They only had 3 people working so it took awhile to get my fabric cut and paid for. I'm happy with my new fabric and have to get going making dolly and teddy clothes. Today I took a few photos for the Toys Tea Party on Dec 6th. I have lots of dolls and other critters to attend the tea party. I even have some nice tea pots and tea sets, I just don't have any littles tables and only a few little chairs. Improvise, improvise!!

Holiday Happenings

2009-11-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

Keeping busy trying to fulfill all the commitments I have made for the holidays. My Christmas cards are printed and waiting to be put together and addressed. I will post the photo cover closer to Christmas. The elf for the little elf swap( also photos later) went to the post office today and the ornament for the Teddy Talk ornament swap will go off next week. Two Blythe(doll) Christmas dresses were sent on their way earlier this week. I need to take photos for the tea party on Dec 6 and company is coming for Thanksgiving next week. Since gift giving is going to be very lean this year I have finished 95% of my shopping. I will start making goodies after Thanksgiving.
Yesterday I changed some of my artfire listings to reflect Artfire's Holiday Deals promotion. I am offering free shipping to the US and reduced international shipping on some bears and critters. Some of them are included in the photo above.
Also please check out Whats Up Dox shop. There is a raffle for a mohair Dachshund I made to benefit Dachshund rescue. Drawing December 11th.
More Holiday Happenings to come.....

2009-11-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

I received this award from Sandi at Bearly Sane over a week ago. The days keep slipping by so I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post and accept the award.
Rules :-
1. Use only 1 word answers.
2. Pass along to 6 of you favorite bloggers.
3. Tell them you've given them the award.
4. Have Fun !!

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your hair? short
3. Your mother? Quiet
4. Your father? Irish
5. Your favorite food? Chocolate
6. Your dream last night? Didn't
7. Your favorite drink? Dr Pepper
8. Your dream/goal? comfort
9. What room are you in? Workroom
10. Your hobby? reading
11. Your fear? Poverty
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Mean
15. Muffins? Strawberry
16. Wish list item? Time
17. Where did you grow up? Maryland
18. Last thing you did? Browsed
19. What are you wearing? Capris
20. Your TV? Off
21. Your pets? Short
22. Friends? Great
23. Your life? Busy
24. Your mood? Determined
25. Missing someone? Linda
26. Vehicle? Old
27. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
28. Your favorite store? Fabric
29. Your favorite color? Purple
30. When was the last time you laughed? Yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Dunno
32. Your best friend? Hubby
33. One place that I go to over and over? Computer
34. One person who emails me regularly? Renee
35. Favorite place to eat? Home

I am presenting the award to:
Vivian viv out on a whim
Bettina Glass Dragon Bears
Joanne Desert Mountain Bears
Darlene Raspbeary Bears
Marlys Waggle Bears
Laura Lynn Teddies by Laura Lynn

I hope to post again soon. Lots of things going on for the holidays. My family is coming here for Thanksgiving so I have to stop sewing and actually clean my house. I might have to dust off the vacuum before I use it.

It's beginning to look a little like Christmas

2009-11-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post. Yesterday I received a darling little bear in a swap. Gingerbear traveled all the way from Australia. I just love him and he has started my Christmas decorating as he sits on the table by the window. I sent Foster the little dog to Raewyn of Woodbury Park Bears. We sent our swaps on the same day and they both arrived exactly one week later. Foster is wearing a Christmas Bandana and I sent several other bandana in different prints for other holidays.
I'm working on my Christmas cards and an ornament for another swap. More later.....

Running in circles....

2009-10-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't started to get ready for the show....which is one week from today! Although I'm not trying to finish more bears for the show as I have enough in my critter room to more than fill a table, I still have to make tags for many of them. Then they have to be packed, table covers readied, bags and tissues for (hopefully) the many purchases the collectors will make.
I have also been making Christmas dresses for Blythe dolls. I will be listing them in my Nancy's Notions shop on etsy. Anything to keep the funds coming in.
My Christmas swap for TBACA will be on it's way on Monday. It's a surprise, so no pics yet. The other swap I joined is Viv's Littlest Elf swap. Already finished my little elf too...also no pics til after Dec 1st.
The other thing I have been working on is getting a really good photograph of a critter I want to submit to a competition. Judging is based on the photograph and the judges don't see the actual creation, so the photo must be good. The piece I'm trying to photograph is mostly white and while it looks fine on my computer when it's printed there is a glare on the white fur. I have tried several different lighting techniques. Even took pics outside yesterday...a rare cloudy day here in Florida. I'm getting frustrated and not sure what to try next.
The little bear in the photo is Carly. She has been sitting around here for awhile in little shorts so I decided a cute dress might help her find a new home. She will be going to the show Nov 7 with me. By the way, the show, which is presented by the Sunshine Bear Den of Good Bears of the World will by at 4725 Lake Worth Rd, Lake Worth, Florida from 10 - 3. If your in that neck of the woods, come by.

Jackie another Puppy Grrl

2009-10-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

Been meaning to post photos of Jackie all week. Bill's computer won't read his game cd so he has been on my computer. He can play card games for hours which means less time for me. Not necessarily a bad thing but sometimes inconvenient. It is also a problem because Bill is an indiscriminate clicker. He has changed things(my email) around without even realizing it.
Back to Jackie.....I'm really pleased with how she turned out. I think the Jack Russell type terriers are one of the easiest for me to capture their cuteness. Jackie is already on her way to her new home. I have a couple more Puppy Grrls up my sleeve. It's a busy time of year. I have joined 3 swaps and their is a Doll & Bear show Nov 7 along with lot of other holiday happenings.

I also took care of another October chore last week. I had my annual mammagram and all is clear.
Have you had yours?

Still creating

2009-10-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

I know my posts of late haven't shown any of my new creations. I am still making critters!! I just finished something for a Christmas swap but have to keep it under wraps so it will be a surprise. I have completed a couple of critters for the TBACA Valentine show(That's right Valentine's!!). Can't reveal those as they are show exclusives. I am going to do a show Nov 7 in Lake Worth Florida. It is sponsored by the Sunshine Bear Den of Good Bears of the World. Several bears and critters that have been occupying the "critter room" for awhile will be traveling to that show. Including Peppermint Patti and Christy, a couple of Christmas creations. Tomorrow I plan to dye some fur a pretty shade of lavender for a bear. I will post photos when she is finished.
I have also made some clothes for Shannon, my Blythe doll. I received some cute crocheted hats and things from a flickr friend. You can see pics of them on my flickr

Living in Paradise

2009-10-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

This time of year is really wonderful here along the east coast of Florida. The temperature and the humidity are more moderate but it's still warm enough to go swimming. This morning Bill and I packed our little cooler(he got his cup of coffee) and drove into town. There we got a croissant and an egg and sausage muffin. Then we parked by the water. The water being the Indian River which is actually an intercoastal waterway that runs parallel to the Atlantic coast in this part of Florida. We often do this, sometimes for breakfast, sometimes for dinner. This morning we could see manatees playing in the water a little ways out. Bill got out the binoculars and we watched them for quite awhile. We have seen dolphins and their babies playing in the water from that same spot along the shore another time. After lunch we relaxed in our pool. Today was a day for no worries....just living in paradise.

Memory

2009-09-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

My niece, Charla, turned 20 this month. My sister posted this baby photo of Charla on facebook. The dress she is wearing looked somewhat familiar. I asked my sister if I had made it and indeed it's my handiwork, including the doll with her matching dress. The thing is, I have no memory of making the dress or the doll. You would think with all that lace, ribbon, and ruffles I would remember something. It got me thinking about memory. What makes something stay in your brain? I have some vivid memories of really inconsequential things from my childhood. But I draw a blank on some things from last week. When all your days are added up(I calculated that I have lived over 20,500 days) why does your brain store some things and delete others. It's a given that we remember special occasions or monumental historical events(9/11). Some days I feel like I am just running on remote control. I guess those are the days my brain decides aren't worth storing. Do we just run out of space for our memories? Oh well, I wanted to say more but I forgot......