Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Great article on Silly bears in the Teddy Bear Club International!
Congratulations Aleta ! Well deserved!

Way to go girl!!!!!
:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

I am sure it wouldn't be the last - probably not your first article 
you know I think your bears are just wonderful!

hugs dear
kassie

Dick and Rick Hoyt

Read this... it is truly amazing.

There is a video at the end (which means nothing if you haven't read the story)...

For the days we wake up achy and complain about life this will make you grateful for what you've been given.

I try to be a good father, give my kids mulligans, work nights to pay for their text messaging, take them to swimsuit shoots, but compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.

Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedalled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars - all in the same day.

Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike.  Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?

And what has Rick done for his father?  Not much--except save his life.

This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs. "He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life," Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old.

"Put him in an institution."  But the Hoyts weren't buying it.  They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room.  When Rick was 11 they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate.

"No way," Dick says he was told. "There's nothing going on in his brain."

"Tell him a joke," Dick countered.  They did.  Rick laughed.  Turns out a lot was going on in his brain.

Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate.

First words?  "Go Bruins!"

And after a high school classmate was paralysed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, "Dad, I want to do that."

Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described "porker" who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles?  Still, he tried. "Then it was me who was handicapped," Dick says. "I was sore for
two weeks."

That day changed Rick's life. "Dad," he typed, "when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!"

And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could.  He got into such hard-belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.

"No way," Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor.  For a few years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then they found a way to get into the race officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the following year.

Then somebody said, "Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?" How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon?  Still, Dick tried.

Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four gruelling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii.  It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you think?

Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? "No way," he says.  Dick does it purely for "the awesome feeling" he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.

This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters.

Their best time?  Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you
don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time.

"No question about it," Rick types.  "My dad is the Father of the Century."

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was 95% clogged. "If you hadn't been in such great shape, "one doctor told him, "you probably would've died 15 years ago."

So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.

Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass., always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.

That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he
can never buy. "The thing I'd most like, " Rick types, "is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once."

Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryCTIigaloQ

hugs kassie

Dilu 

Now that is cool!!  Make more of these , she is wonderful. I love the look of your style on this doll. Her outfit is also amazing. She even has a waistline.  Can't wait to see more of these beauitful dolls. 
I think ?  I know were you got those wonderful beads.  *wink*
hugs  :hug:
kassie

Dear Dilu,

I am lost for words in how to express how I just love these Gollies.
Kirah fleathers are beautiful. What a wonderful gift.  Thank Kirah for me. 
I am very glad the arrived safely too.

aw! Yes, thank you so much. I now love Dove chocolate. Wow! Almost .... you know .... "orgasmic".
Am I allowed to say that on here? I hope so. Anyway they are! Get some girls if you have never had any, they are wonderful.

Thank you Dilu, but it is truly my honor. :hug:  :hug:

hugs kassie

Hi Jane

Yes I am!!!   
Thank you Jane.

Hi Sonya,

aawwww that is just the cutest!!!!!! What a little angel.

hugs kassie

Judi dear friend -

always hugs and love  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:     
I am so glad to hear Mandi is going be ok.

kassie

Hi Renae hon,

aren't they adorable!

You bet cha! 
they are just beautiful in person.

hugs hon
kassie

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to share with you two very special Gollies I received yesterday.
Of course these are from our dear Dilu.   I am so very happy and I just love them both.     
Hollie is the boy Gollie and Allison is the girl Gollie. They are truly magical and just make me smile.

Allison is very special and I am honored that is she is with me.
Hollie is just a joy and he makes me want to dance, being a dancing Gollie.
I want to say that everyone should have a Gollie. They are truly beautiful and the love shines threw them.

Dilu, I love them both and will cherish them always. You are a dear friend and I am honored to know you.

Hugs and happy Gollies  :hug:
kassie

and here they are together - aawwwww!

dido Jac-Q-Lyn Bears - you said it much better than me.  but I will post mine anyway.

I am short on time today, but really wanted to comment.

I think everyone has a very great out look on awards etc. and what it means to ones own self. I feel that is really the point. “How does it make “you” the creator feel? I really enjoyed Nancy’s and Mindy’s  post and others relating to the same thoughts. I feel the same.
I think from my point of view- it is wonderful way to support our fellow teddy bear artists and show our appreciation for them in what they have accomplished. I think being published is the same. Be proud!
For me personal, I am proud of my fellow artists and say – Wow that is really cool!
I would really enjoy seeing the trophies and any other wonderful related stuff they got. That would be really cool! 

Jenny, I can’t reply on the collectors question for I have not experienced that as yet. So, I have nothing to offer there other than maybe if one of wonderful magazines were to maybe outline the awards etc. possible putting them into a divined explanation as to what they are and how they are judged, and why are the winners chosen, etc., that may help. I for one would really like to know the details. LOL It would help me better prepare for a competition from just an artist point of view. As others have stated, it is really for ones own self to enter a competition, and that is why I would enter. Just for me.

I general think all the awards should be talked about and shared when ever someone wins anything. I think it is a reflection of ones accomplishments and they should be proud and honored to share them – there are a lot of people who work very hard at these competitions to get the artists to that point and they should be talked about and again (I think being published is the same) so - shared, shared, shared.

Hugs all – great topic
kassie

hey hon - ya me too.

talking is not a good option.
I just hope that other teddy bear artist read this and hopefully it will help them decide what to do if she calls them.

hugs hon.

Hi Sabine,

"humbly" 

dido Oh no jump around and tell everyone!!! that is wonderful!!!
Congratulations!!!
:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:
Your Suzie is so cute!!!! I can't wait to get my copy.

hugs kassie

awww Tracy dear you are very welcome.  :hug:  :hug:  :hug: I am so glad you loved looking and it brought wonderful memories. My heart warms for you. 
That is so cool about your horse. I know exactly what you mean and understand totally.  :hug:
They are wonderful at that age, but what baby is not.  He did do something really funny today. I laughed so hard I thought I would fall over. My hubby was playing with him and Texas was not sure what to do so he just tried to run backwards. It was the funnest thing I have even seen. My hubby was on the other side of the pen and Texas would run over to him and then start to run backwards.  :crackup:  :crackup: My hubby did not go after him just stood were he was, we do not want to encourage bad behavior.  So, texas keep doing this over and over again. I have never seen a colt or filly do that before. Texas is too funny.  He was not tying to kick my hubby, just run up to him then try to run backwards. Too funny!!!!
I wished we had a video camera. It was just a crack up.
hugs dear heart -  :hug:  :hug:

I will keep everyone posted on Texas Mythical Dummer

:hug: kassie 

Hi ladies,

Bobbie, you are so right about the phone number. I was not going to put my number in my add, but decided to only because I wanted the collectors to be able to contact me that way if they did not have a computer. It is a tuff one. Do it for the many - Or don't do it because of people like the "picture lady"  I am not sure now I made the right decision.

Yes Eileen, I got more calls today too. I feel she did not get my meaning when I said "no". Or she also forgot she spoke to me. Eileen - she was very

much the same way with me. By the way, that was a very nice way of putting her behavioral change. Man scary!!!
Daphne hon,

I know what you mean, but as I said I do believe -

I think you did the right thing too Daphne. I think all of us who have decided to say no are using our commonsense and that is ok too. One can't always be nice to everyone and that is sad, but this lady is -as we all know - not behaving normal.
I for one don't feel I being mean by saying no and I would not think anyone else is being mean either. Heavens no!
In any event, I am going to block her from my number and be done with it. I wish her well and hope that she gets the help she needs.

hugs all kassie

Tammy - that is so cool that your daughter rides.  You are welcome anytime. A long way to come, but you just never know. You may come down our way someday.  I totally understand about the fact they are so big. I am thinking about buying another horse from a friend of mine and he is really big - over 16 hands high. 16 -5 hands.
Very big boy.

To give an idea how tall that is for those that don't know. I am just 5 feet. His back would be almost another arm length taller than me. Hands for horses is ever 4" equals an hand - in horse measurements.

hugs kassie

Hi Gladys,

Thank your lucky stars that she is not calling you. 

I do understand she is probly not well. I believe in that case it is best to - "not feed the ones that may bite" like at a zoo - "Don't feed the animals" they may bite. kinda like that.
So, for me. I won't give her what she wants and that should end it.

hugs kassie

oh Eileen,

I don't want to be mean either - but that just .... :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:
me up ---too funny.

hugs kassie

Hi Tammy, 

I am so sorry that happened and it does happen. I believe it is do to the handlers and sometimes the horses have bad things happen. I believe it is like raising our children. If they are taught fear, then it will stay with them for a very long time.
I wish you were able to come and see our horses. I would never ask you to stand near them, but you could see how lovely they are. Even my stallion is a very gentle boy. Don't get me wrong. I am also very careful and respect of their size, but I also have to trust them so they trust me. They really are very giving animals at heart.
But, if they have been hurt, they have a hard time forgetting and their instinct is to run. It takes a lot of trust to get them to trust again. The mustang mare - the mama of Texas you see here. Was hurt when she was taken from the range and she would not let us never her when we first got her a year and half ago. She was very scared and would try and leap the pen she was in. Now, you can see how she is. That is just an example of how some horses can learn to trust again.

Thank you hon.  :hug: I am glad you liked them. You are very welcome. It is my pleasure to share. I really enjoy it when I can show how truly wonderful these horses can be.

hugs dear heart
kassie

Hi Tracy hon,

that is just so wonderful you could help this cat. What a wonderful sweetie you are. I know what you are taking about when it comes to your hubby. My hubby just rolls his eyes at me now and just does not even try to talk to me about what I do to help animals.  :crackup:
and I just love him for that...   
hugs dear girl
kassie

hi Gladys,

Thank you so much. Your are very welcome. It is my pleasure to be able to share with everyone.
:hug:  :hug:
kassie

oh really - no computer - that is a really good thing then.  delete is really easy - I agree.

I agree Daphne, telling her no is what seems to be working for me too. She has not called back - yet. 

hugs kassie

aaawwwwww that is so cool!!!!!

hugs kassie

just pushing this to first page so "Tracy & Tammi" can see the nighty night pictures.

hugs kassie

Hi everyone,

Well it seems that this is the same lady. I have talked to her and hope what I said works.
deborah - that is so disturbing!!! That tells me she is pretty smart cookie. HMMMMM?

Renea dear friend

- believe me you do not want this lady calling you.  :crackup: count your blessings.

Daphne -  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup: too funny.

Christine - I'm there!!!! 

Eileen -

I agree.

Also, I was thinking about it last night and she is getting all this information from the magazines - then she saw the article on TT. What I mean is, she may be a lurker too.
So if she is lurking? She knows what we are talking about so I for one say.
DON'T CALL ANYMORE!!! It is not nice to be a pest!

hugs all

kassie

hi all,

I just finished reading all the other posts on this picture lady. I am starting to wonder if the lady calling me is the same lady. I will get her name and I do have her number. I don't want to post it on here.
The lady that is calling here does not seem to have a handy cap, but just more rude. I will try and listen for that the next time she calls. If it is the same person, I will try talking to her about her calls etc.
Joan wrote

I know what you mean, my hubby is getting upset about all these calls because we use the same phone for our business's and he is trying to get the bull riding stuff done today. 
So, I have to get a solution to this. If I find out it is that same person, I think I am going to just save the heart ache and block her number.
You just can't always help or be nice to everyone.

thank you for saving all information.
kassie

Thank you Sue Ann,  for posting those links.
Oh my!!!! fruit loop!!
It is really wonderful to have TT in more ways than one! We all know the cool things that happen and have happened because of it. This is just another one.
I had a funny feeling when she called today and asked for photos of my bears and just by her mannerism made me rase an eyebrow.  She called 14 times today. I am starting to wonder in it was a good idea to put my phone number in my advertisement.

:crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

Charlotte wrote

 
I don't think that is mean in this case, she is rather pushy and rude. She raised her voice to me when I told her I am not willing to mail out my bear pictures.

Kelly wrote

Well hon, I know it is not always easy to put people in there place, but sometimes you just have too.

Well, I was not in the house when she keep calling back and my hubby just keep taking her messages. I did tell him to be careful not to talk to her too long. 
Anyway, I will tell her not to call back anymore "nicely" the first time. But, if she continues I will get more "explanatory" in nature for her to get a better understanding of my meaning so it is pretty clear . 
I just don't want to be bothered by a silly woman who wants pictures. Has anyone found out why she wants all these photos? I asked her when I first talked to her and I could not understand what she was talking about. Did not make any sense to me.

Eileen wrote

That is a very good idea. I will tell her when she calls back, let her know we all talk and we know she has called other teddy artists and asked for their pictures and called over and over and over. 
silly woman.

hugs all back to work.
kassie