Banner Sponsors
For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
I've also just received an email to say my little bear Benjamin has won the miniature bear cateory of the readers choice awards. I am so thrilled!!!! :dance:
I've just arrived home having found out that I have lost my job. 
I am so disappointed as it is the first job that I have actually enjoyed since graduating. I am self-employed as a sign language interpreter, so my job always depends on other people, and the deaf student I have been working with has decided to quit her course - which leaves me with no job!!
This news about the readers choice has certainly cheered me up and put me in a more positive frame of mind!!! Thank you to everyone who voted, and congratulations to the other winners!!
Here is Benjamin for those of you who haven't seen him:
puca bearsHi Samantha
Huge congratulations...I KNEW you'd win too!!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:
So sorry to hear you've lost your job.......it's a horrible thing to happen - hopefully something will come up for you soon
huggies
Maria
DoodlebearsWhoo Hoo, Sam's a winner too!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations Sam, your little bear is wonderful. 
What a shame you lost your job. 
I know the award won't bring in the wage packet but I'm pleased that it has cheered you up. 
Hugs and happy dances, Jane. :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
Matilda Huggington-beareWell deserving CONGRATULATIONS!!! Samantha. He is cute and impeccable. ADORABLE!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
Wendy
q.D.paToOtieS:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Congrats on the Award sweet Samantha!
Sorry about your job though. Your skill is a needed one though. Perhaps you can apply in another school system? I'm surprised large hospitals do not have a sign language interpreter on staff. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way!
Congratuations Samantha....It's your year for awards isn't it !!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
So sorry to hear about your job loss Samantha, but so pleased to hear about your competition success! It really is proving to be an excellent year for your work ... and so it should be!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
Terries BearsCongratulations Samantha, he is adorable!!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your job, I hope that you find another, and better, one really soon!
Waggle BearsCongratulations, Samantha. Benjamin is a sweetheart. I'm so happy for you. I wish you luck in finding another job. Good thoughts coming your way. :pray: :pray: :hug: :hug: :hug:
:dance: :clap: Congratulations!!!
Hugs,
Krista
Dolls N DreamsCongrats that is a sweet baby bear!!!! :hug:
Hi Samantha,
Your Benjamin is totally gorgeous so it's a big CONGRATULATIONS from me! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: Your little bears are really delightful! Like everyone here, I am very sorry to hear about your job but am sure you will bounce back with an even better one! Good luck! Go hug a bear!
Take care,
Marilyn
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS Samantha!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: .....not at all suprised, Benjamin is absolutely adorable!!! What a fantastic year...... you must be on cloud nine! :dance: :dance: :dance: So sorry to hear about your job, but believe in fate, I'm sure there is something even better around the corner......and in the meantime, we can look foward to seeing even more of your exquiste little bears! 
Big hugs Yvonne
Newcastle, OntarioHi Samantha,
A huge congratulation on your award and well deserved - he's so adorable!
I'm sorry your job has come to an end as it's such an important one. I hope another opportunity comes up soon.
hugs,
Brenda
Burlison BearsYay!! :dance: That is the cutest bear! Congrats!! :clap:
Congrats Samantha!!!!
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Hugs,
Congratulations to you, Samantha; your bear is darling and worthy of the honor!
So sorry to hear about your job, for sure; that stinks. Being self-employed or freelancing in any fashion is stressful at times and has a foundation of NOT-safety, doesn't it? But you get to be your own boss as the reward for all that uncertainty, so there are some perks, too. I'm sure you'll find something in short order to fill the void.
And I'm glad you're smiling over your award in the meantime. You should be. It's a wonderful honor!
Congrats again. :hug:
Bumpkin BearsWONDERFUL news about your award, I'm glad it came at just the right time to bring a smile to your face
Catherine
x
Many Congratulations Samantha ; Benjamin is so sweet
I hope the job situation will sort itself very soon too 
:hug:
Mini Hugs , Ruth
dusty attic bears:clap: :dance: :dance: CONGRATULATIONS SAMANTHA :dance: :dance: :clap: :clap:
Congratulations Samantha on your award, little Benjamin is stunning :clap: :clap:
Warm wishes
Pauline
Patsy Lake BearsCongratulations Samantha a very well deserved award :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: Sorry about your job, they say when one door closes another opens I really hope one opens up for you soon.
:clap: Huge congratulations Samantha, :clap: I thought he would win and he desrves it too :dance: he's such a cutie :clap:
Sorry to hear about your job but good luck in finding another very soon
P.F.A.T.T. CottageWhew! I thought I had missed the boat on your congrats Samantha. :clap: :clap: :clap:
Sorry about your job though...but something will come along soon and in the meantime think of all the great little teddies you can make.
mini hugs,
Jude
Past Time BearsHuge congratulations for a well-deserved award, Samantha . . . Ben is awesomely adorable. Good luck with rounding up an even better job soon.
