Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I think it is interesting that they kept him for people to see and feel, educational yes.  Although I don't like dead animals of any description. I just think it is creepy. But if it helps to educate people and raise funds for a good cause without doing any harm to an animal then good on them. I personally would not be too keen on touching a dead animal. (Says she, who wears leather shoes.) But thank you for the post on the claws, that was very interesting.

Cyndee, I don't sing. Not since a car trip once as a child when my Dad asked who "that" was. And Shane you so right. I get really annoyed with peoples preconceived perceptions when they base them on appearance. Maybe it will teach people like that snotty little miss a leasson. How dare anyone be so openly hurtful? Oops is my prejudice showing???

They are very beautiful. I had a rescue horse, she had been a race horse, brood mare and then used to herd cattle. She was a pitiful nervous wreck when I got her and her personality just blossomed. One of the riding schools near to us lent us a "drop out" as her companion. He was a real hard case that used to get through any fence. Within a month they were firm friends and he never tried to get out at all.  I had her for 4 years when she died of old age. It was heart breaking but at least I knew she had a good end. We then acquired a Shetland pony that had been mistreated and was blind in one eye. Jack (the drop out) had gone blind in his one eye about a year before, they had opposite blind eyes and used to walk around side by side with the 2 good eyes on the outside. When I got divorced the lady from the riding school took them both. They are inseparable and Jack spends most of his days sleeping with his head on Meg's back. Absolutely amazing creatures. Well done you.

Good luck with your new job. Certainly not a normal job. Do you have to interview people too? You have to start a note book of things people do.

What an ice breaker at a party ,,,, " so what do you do?" " I count houses...." Sorry, I can just see this. Because of the way we live I get to meet loads of people who have various occupations. I stay at home. But I have the best fun inventing a title depending on the way the person treats me. If it is one of those pompous condescending types I say something like, I play with teddies, or I clean the toilet. I would love to be able to say I count houses. That would just floor them.  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

I apologise for my sense of humour, but too much solitude and toilet cleaner will do that to you

Mel thank you for posting that.  I am in awe. And yes Jane and Cyndee I had the same thoughts. She isn't the picture book "pretty person". You do want to climb into those eyebrows with tweezers. But what a stunning voice, and what confidence and humor. I try really hard to look reasonable, but honestly would rather have that personality and talent. What a woman. I think whether she wins this or not someone will notice her and she will realize her dream. I hope so, the world could sure use a beautiful voice like that.

They are all so beautiful. Well done :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Thanks Cyndee and Shane, I did contact Cathy. What a wonderful lady. And had almost decided not to get the machine and then... Alison thank you for your comment. I had just opened this thread when my hubby came into the sewing room. Ever practical he wanted to know what this machine could do that mine couldn't.... silly man. I had to explain that it was the same as wanting 2 Harley Davidson's in the garage instead of one. Now he gets it. Will have to wait till the weekend to go back and check it out again because it is in a very dodgy part of town, and last time I had to test a machine there was a whole crowd that trailed along to see what the "white chick" was doing. Just have to justify the weight of the thing really. We moved here with 2 suitcases a year and a half ago and will need a container when we leave.

oh Leslea he is beautiful. He has such a wise expression on his face.  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Welcome back Chris. You have been away for a long time. Hope all is well. I make the clothes for my little bears but if your friend is really stuck let me know and I will try to help. I do love sewing and a new challenge is good.

Hi Bobbie, I have seen it before and read the article, but still a good post. I love the way the bystanders start looking very disturbed when something different happens. We just don't like displays of fun in public places do we??? Here in the Philippines they have breaks during the day in the mall and a certain song comes on and all the staff dance to it. In the beginning we tried to ignore the fact that the checkout girl was dancing and singing. Now you just go along with it. We can always see the new expats here, they are the ones that try to run for cover under racks of clothes etc. The old hands just stand and wait for it to be over. Ok, but then here they are addicted to Karaoke so at any given stage someone will sing at you.... a song pops into their head and that is it. I would die a thousand deaths before singing in front of anyone. Thanks for that it was good to watch.

Thank you Jane. I have my laptop set on "ultra paranoid" but still get some things that I really am too young to read :redface:  Got a nasty run of "informative" mails the other day. yuk.

After drooling over Cathy's site the other day, we went down to a street stall here in Davao and I found a Singer RFJ8-8 made in Canada. It is pea green and has a little spotlight on the back. Awfully cute. The only damage I can see is a hole in the carry case. I see they are also referred to as the 185 series. She looks like this  http://www.7sew.com/singer/185j/index.html . Does any one know anything about them? I would love a featherweight. Ultimately would love Cathy's art deco one. But hey. Maybe one day when I am big. As usual I cant decide whether to get it or not. Would love advise.

and to you too Jane.  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

Wow, those are so beautiful. Just out of pure curiosity how big are they? Cant wait to see the others as you finish.  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Hi Kate

I have found a way that works well for me. Now to try and explain it. Easier done than said....

I cut the ear a little longer than I need it and then place it where I want to with small running stitches. Once it is secure I use a ladder stitch to sew the stitch line of the ear to where the ear fits onto the head. Pulling the visible part of the ear over where I have attached it.  I have also found it helps to trim the inside seam allowance of the ear right down to next to nothing on the part that is going to be folded in. It makes it less bulky.

I hope I haven't made you more confused.

Thank you Us Bears. I actually live in Davao (7.4) . But had not thought about the latitude thing at all. I have battled with depression for many years. But when I had children at home and was working it was easier somehow to cope. I cannot work here. Tried to volunteer without any success. And although I know I should be so grateful for the time I have at home. Like you I sometimes need validation. Not necessarily praise. Just a feeling of being noticed? Like I said. Yesterday was huge. But thank you for your comments, they were valuable. And for your wishes.

Jane, thank you too. I consider you to be a friend to. So often when I feel not so hot, I wish I could be sitting having a cup of tea with you.

I don't post very often anymore as like a lot of you I have been going through some "stuff". You know the kids song "no body loves me,,,," ends up with eating worms. Something like that.

But yesterday something amazing happened and I really want to share this. It was my birthday. We are in the Philippines and my family is all over the world. BUT. I got about 30 birthday wishes. From you TT's, some from old school friends, people I know but didn't think would care.... Lots of people took time out of their busy days to send me a message. You have no idea how good it feels. Made me think  that  we all have such an impact on people around us.

My birthday resolution is to keep in contact with people and tell people around me just how great I think they are. I personally did not realise that so many people cared. I for one hardly keep in contact because I feel I have nothing important to share. Other people feel they are too busy. But I have now experienced the feeling of having so many people who thought about me, if only for a few moments. And the feeling is spectacular.

I just want to eat his nose, looks like a choccie  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

What a lovely lap dog you have there....

ps. Just looked at your blog and the little white one is awfully cute too. You good.

ooohhhhh, I like Finney. I really like Finney. He looks so much smaller than he is, Very cute. And yes, very well photographed.  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Us bears,,, you read my mind. What about a group on Facebook. Sounds very glib, but perhaps it will make people realize that this just is not on. And that by taking the mouse not only did they hurt Sue but a whole community. May not get La La back. But may prevent this happening again. Or am I just being OTT?

You have started a HUGE debate Randy. While I fully agree that Bears rule the world and should be present in all festivites, A BUNNY,,,,, come on. They cute enough and all that, but everyone knows they don't lay eggs. Therefore (as my husband rightly stated) it should be an Easter Platypus..  I on the other hand vote for an Easter Ostrich.... Imaging the size of the eggs you would get then.... :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

Us bears is right, bears symbolize love  and La la is beautiful. Maybe the person who stole her really really needs love???? Or maybe, as was said it was a child or something that couldn't reason???? Years ago I was stopped by an in-store security guard for shop lifting.... my daughter was in her stroller and had taken a doll off the shelf and tucked in in next to her, she was about 3 at the time. It was very embarrassing. I would never steal. And if something like that happened to you, where would the mother return La la to when she found it? Perhaps someone will discover her, google you and contact you? Maybe put Us Bears wanted poster onto your website just to let the person know your really want her back. I would love to believe that the kind of person that went to a teddy show are all good and kind and this was just a mistake. What a horrible thing to happen.

ohhh, we saw some on Sunday, was amazing. They reminded me of some sort of Victorian paper craft, sort of a cross between quilling and something that I can't put my finger on.