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Okay! I'm e-mailing them all wikipedia's definition. Thank you, Shelli!
You know, I really do know the answer to the question. I was just so wound up. Maybe they were just trying to get my goat so to speak. A little calm reassurance was just what I needed.
I guess the reason I was even doubting myself just a little was that I have been asked to show my work in one of the areas most prestigious art galleries. I realize it's a really great opportunity but I'm really nervous. Putting oneself out there when you've just had lunch with a bunch "Doubting Thomases" is a nerve wracking proposition. By the way, they don't know I've been asked and I didn't tell them for fear they would laugh. I should have told them.
Finally calm enough to send warmest bear hugs again, :hug:
Aleta
After having just returned from lunch with my so called "art" friends, I am seething mad. Now mind you, these friends (although at this minute I'm not thinking so very friendly!) know what I do for a living and have always been very supportive. I was so excited to share the news of TOBY nominees that I "knew" that I took a couple of pictures with me to show them some of their work. Bad idea. The long and short of it, because I won't go into the actual conversation, is this. Is what we do really art? What makes it art if it looks like a toy? If we display it only in a kids room does that make it a toy. Does the fact that it may go in a livingroom make it art?
Am I foolish in the thought that what I do is create art?
Can you tell I had a triple latte with my lunch?
Steaming mad and thinking my friends are idiots, 
Aleta
Sorry, don't feel like sending warmest hugs right now. 
Dearest Shelli, 
Your sentiment is heartfelt. Bless you. You're right, not receiving a nomination doesn't mean your work is not worthy. To me, it means it just wasn't my moment to shine. My moment to shine will perhaps come later this year.......then again, I may never be the brightest star. That's okay. I'm secure in my own work knowing that what I do makes other people happy. Isn't that really what it's all about anyway?
Warmest and biggest hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Congratulations, Judi!! :bday: :dance: 
What a spectacular couple of days!! I think we all knew you would get a nod as well.
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Now that I'm totally freaked out by all the postings, I'm going to go think happy thoughts to erase all the wierd critters you people put in my brain. Off to the studio.......
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Congratulations Sue Ann and Shelli! :bday: :dance: :clap: So very deserving. 
I'm delighted for you both!
Warmest and biggest hugs and best wishes too, :hug:
Aleta
Daphne,
You're so funny! I love this "story" about making your bunnies. Keep it coming. You're making an awful lot of people smile......BIG!
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Deb? Oregon? As in, Portland, Oregon?
Tracy,
If only you lived on the west coast! I love teaching! I wish I could find someplace around here that would welcome a class on making teddy bears. Perhaps I should just teach one here in the studio! Let's see, where on my plate could I fit that? :doh:
Best wishes for your search for a teacher. I'm sure there must be someone over in your neck of the woods willing to share a bit of themselves.
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Be careful.....you could poke an eye out with that!! 
Warmest hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Sandi,
For several years I worked on our kitchen table too. Like you, I had things stashed in every corner of the house. In a way it was kind of a good thing. I didn't realize how much "bearaphernalia" I had. Now it's in one room and a walk-in-closet. To most people it's a little overwhelming. Collectors who've come to visit like to stay for hours looking at every little thing. It really warms my heart to see the delight in their eyes. That's how I look at this room. It makes me tremendously happy to work in it.
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
I like the bottom picture too!! You're a beautiful young woman!
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
:redface: :redface: :redface: I sent along the cards to Penny because her postings were full of sadness........
Penny was the first person who ever PM'd me with an encouraging note. Kind deeds and words of encouragement do not go unnoticed with me. Penny also makes me giggle. In my book, giggling is good. Giggle more. Worry less. Be Silly!
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Thank you so very much, Mindy! It has been a lovely adventure. It was awfully nice of you to take us all along with you.
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Oh Deb, you're so funny! 
Yes, I do airbrush after stitching the nose. And no, I don't tape it off. If it gets a little dye on it.....that's okay. No worries because most of the noses I stitch are black and that's the last color I usually airbrush...well, that and pewter. Please don't scream!! I have a splitting headache after working on a funky little pincushion all morning. 
I think I stuffed the darned thing too full and everytime I tried to secure the stitching from the top to the bottom the silly thing would fly out of my hands. 
It's been one of those mornings!!
Warmest bear hugs (even if I am just a wee bit grouchy), :hug:
Aleta
A truly fabulous space!! It's so warm and inviting.....and incredibly tidy. Tell me......are you messy when you create or as neat while you work?
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Dilu,
I love how organized you are with everything in containers....and labeled! I have to try to remember which cubby I put things in in that big cabinet against the wall. Believe me, it's stuffed full! Come to think of it, all the cabinets are stuffed full. Yet I still continue to shop for the bears. Uh huh, that's right, shopping for the bears.
Bonnie,
I was wondering if anyone would catch the phrase on the sign. My family thinks it was written for me exclusively. They're so funny. 
Lisa,
Put your pretties out!! I've always had my pretties out even when my children where little. Sticky fingers add to their charm!
Penny, Deb, Erin, Louise, Shari, and Marie, You're all adopted!
Marie,
I'm especially looking forward to your japanese cooking!
Louise,
Do you think you could learn to love martinis instead of merlot? Merlot gives me sweaters on my teeth.
Kassity,
You're moving? Are you staying in Salem or moving elsewhere?
Sue Ann,
You always say the kindest things to me and everyone here. Bless you.
Melissa, Paula, Carolyn, Sarah......I do hope I haven't left anyone out!! I'd love for everyone to come and visit and play in my world for a day. I am truly blessed. Thank you for all the kind thoughts. Now, where are the pictures of everyone elses studio/work spaces? Huh, huh, huh?
Warmest and biggest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
You are all more than welcome to come visit. I have two guestrooms! This house is just so very big for two people. That's probably why I enjoy having company come to visit all the time.
Clare,
I won't laugh!! If you'd seen where I worked before we moved here you would understand why I won't laugh at the space where anyone works.
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Yay! New Home!! Unpacking.....ICK! I hope you're settling in happily!!
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
There's been so much talk about artists and their studios (or spaces)....cleaning, organizing, etc......that it got me wondering about the "studio" part of each artist. I realize there has probably already been something posted about this awhile back, though I don't recall seeing anything posted since I joined. There are so many new artists that have joined Teddy Talk since. I just thought it might be fun to take a little "look see" into the places where our little bruins and friends are brought to life.
Since I can't very well start a thread and not show my own studio....though I'm probably going to regret it.....here goes. No hate mail now! I realize I'm very lucky to have the space I do and believe me, I'm thankful everyday. I worked on our kitchen table for four years before moving here to Portland last year. One of the most important elements in finding a home here was having a space to call my own. I am truly blessed to be able to work in such a space surrounded with the beautiful things I love.
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Okay boys and girls....this will be the last card I post for awhile. I just wanted to show everyone who may be on the fence about creating a card just how easy it is to create one with just the stuff you may have on hand. I created this one by tracing around one of my miniature patterns, using a snip of mohair and some wool felt, attaching mini discs with cotter pins and applying a cut out of one of my bears. The attached "ribbons" are pieces of perle cotton and upholstery thread. There's even a set of eyes tied onto a couple of the perle cotton threads. I think the only thing missing is some stuffing!!
You can do it!!
Warmest and biggest bear hugs on a BEAUTIFUL sunny Portland day, :hug:
Aleta
I'm going through a bit of a bumpy patch on the brand new pattern road myself. 
Two out of the five Easter bunnies I've designed just don't seem to be making the grade. I'll finish them though.....cuz, like I told you, they might just be the cutest things on the planet.....for some adoptive mom or dad! 
One womans "funny looking" is another womans "I have to have it!"
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Excellent, Sue Ann!!!! I see your inner Kindergartener coming through!!! The background paper is so soft and pretty. I love the addition of the Dr. Suess quote too. Love, love, love it!
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Praying for the arrowhead here!! :pray: :pray: Deb, please wait to see the finished bear before throwing away the pattern. He or she may just turn out to be the cutest thing on the planet......to some lucky adoptive mom or dad!
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
