Heading out to Califonia

It's that time of year and the shows start up again.The first for me this year is theCrossroads show put on by Dorothy Drake inSan Diego. Normally I would have more work done, but being sick for half of November and all of December kept me out of the workroom. As you can see by last post I have been making monkeys:)
They are so fun!

To all my great followers thank you for sticking with me, I hope to be back on track with my posts very soon.

The Toby nominations will be announced at the show! I know some of you have been bogged down by weather and are looking to hear fun bear news so stay tuned to see what's going on at the show.

Now I have to finish packing, oh boy!

Work and Vacation

Hi all.I have been reminded that there haven't been any bear posts lately. so sorry. There has been activity, several bears but because of the dyed nature of the fabric the photos aren't coming out very well. Working on it. Also getting ready for TBAI show but will be visiting my daughter in just a few days so won't have as much time to get things made.

But this time both hubby and I get to go visit at the same time. Should be fun. Of course will have to take some handwork along. So how's your summer going?!

Be back in a bit, got to get back to work:)

Final TBAI Photos 2009

Binghamton, NY is a very old town where the TBAI show is held and I try to let you see some of it. This shop is on Clinton street #284 and is called the " Mad Hatter".

It is owned by JoAnn Scott. It has three floors of nooks and crannies all artfully displaying things of bygone days. That would be great antiques folks! The one problem I have is that a lot of the great pieces I want won't fit in my suitcase and you know how the airlines are, only two carry-ons!

But do stop in when you are there and might I suggest driving a big truck?!

And last, part of my set-up at the show.


Now truly, get ready for next year it's going to be a blast.




This year was TOBY awards, John Lamb signed copies of his new book, "The Treacherous Teddy" just out and it mentions yours truly along withPam Kisner,Martha Burch, Donna Nielsen,Pat Berkowich and Ginger Brame.

So much excitement. A big thank you to artist Cindy Malchoff who organizes this every year on behalf of the show's founder, the late artist Millie Gage.

More Photos TBAI 2009

"God Bless America",was by Sharon Barron and it placed 3rd in over 12"at the awards.


Artist Donna Griffin and I went to lunch at the "Lost Dog" and shared desserts. She got the Cheesecake in this wonderful pastry with three dipping sauces, chocolate, strawberry and caramel.


I had the blackberry sorbet and it was oooh, just can't tell you how good it was!

And this is just a sample of the appetizer's at the reception on Thursday evening.

Trust me, you eat well at this show!








And this was part of the stage decorations for the show, the brainchild of artist Penny French whose gallery piece, "Winter Wonderland" placed third in vignette category.

TBAI 2009 Review

TBAI 2009 has come to an end and a great time was had by all! I am exhausted. Too much laughter and fun. What you haven't been to this show yet? Wow, you missed so much! Well, let's get started. There was a reception on Thursday and three of the news stations covered that. They showed collector's viewing the artist's work and enjoying themselves. The stage with the display of this year's theme, "Name That Song" was well received.

Then Friday was seminars,games, carousel rides, the Gallery exhibit and a five course dinner. You should have been there, we missed you.

Of course Saturday was the sales day open to the public and then the picnic at the Ross Park Zoo.
Next year's show is August 12-14,2010. The theme is Children's Classics in Literature and Film, make your plans to attend now.

Nashville, Then Florida

So, wedding over, we left on Sunday to head for Nashville, where we visited a good friend, Georgene Palka,( bear artist under name of George's Jungle), and her family. Then because the turnaround drive is so tight decide to spend the night in town. My daughter is a dyed in the wool country fan so since she's driving you know this was a no brainer. We stayed at a wonderful hotel, the Millennium Hotel and Resort. Their chef was a vegetarian which meant the breakfast buffet was set up where vegan and vegetarian guests could be confidant eating there knowing there food didn't contain items they didn't eat.
everyone could be happy and the food was great!
Of course the hotel had these great country momentoes around the hotel. We even got to witness a country singer newbie hawking his cd to a couple music execs at breakfast. Apparantly he had performed the night before. Hope he makes it.
Then it was back on the road to Atlanta. We were tired. We rested on Tuesday and then it was back on the road to Florida. That is an eight hour trip. Daughter drove again, I'm beginning to think my daughter doesn't trust me with her car. She did let me drive her in my car when we got to Florida. Hehe, she just loves her car that much, it's a toyota yaris hatchback. If you are in the market it does drive well and the gas mileage is great. Once home we went to a new vegan restaurant in Orlando, Ethos and the food is so good, yes that's me the meat eater speaking! Ahh, good food. And we shopped and did silly mother, daughter things. I had a great time. It will have to hold me till our next visit. It's just the guys and me at home and somethings, mothers and daughters just get. I'm back!

Wedding

The Newell, Newton wedding was held on a beautiful Saturday. That's the newly wed couple greeting everyone after leaving the church. Then there's Jenn greeting my daughter LA. That's the wedding cake, no it wasn't on it's side but this photo sure is! The next photo is of me and my daughter.
And that's the bride, Jenn, and LA. They have been friends since they were ten and both our families were stationed in Hawaii.

There was joy at this wedding , not the out of duty, got to attend,but real joy,fun and glad to be family joy. A little girl was pushing a women in a wheelchair around on the dance floor as she danced in the chair. No one was left out, everyone was welcome and the bride made the time to visit with everyone who attended as if they were the only one that attended.
Lovely bride, lovely family, good friends always.

The Trip Continues

Hello, these photos were entered backwards so forgive me. The one with the arch is my daughter and I arriving in St. Louis, Missouri last night. The rocky road is us driving down the highway in Tennessee, after getting an earlier than expected start out of Atlanta(her class got out early).
It was a pretty good trip, not too much construction, about one hour of one lane driving as they laid asphalt in the other lane.
The next photos are of Atlantic Station where we had lunch with my niece, Carma, on Wednesday. They are my girls, though they are grown women.
I'm enjoying spending time with my daughter, she is quick with her wit, smart and silly! And we have fun. Well, today is her best friend's wedding so I'd better get dressed. Are you having a fun Saturday? I hope so.