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Wow, Clare . . . such a CUTE avatar!! When will we see more bears? 
Marie, that's a really sweet bear you have for your avatar. Looks to me like you're already a bear artist!
Hayley . . . a big welcome to this board . . . and so glad that you posted on the animal topic. I'm beginning to think that my theory - that bear people ARE animal lovers - is not far from the actual fact!!
WHAT A HOOT!!! All of these stories are SO wonderful and I laughed out loud at some of them!! Shelli, your description of the raccoon party was hilarious! Actually, I find the 'coons and 'possums to be really cute . . . until they get destructive. Also, I DO NOT think the 'possums are cute when they show those awful teeth!! However, we try to get along with most of the wildlife around here. Habitats are being destroyed by all the building (I don't like it either!) going on, and every now and then someone reports seeing a coyote strolling down the middle of the road at night. Anyway - just wanted to let you guys know how much I'm enjoying your posts . . . keep 'em coming!
Speaking of raccoons!!! We have had one come into the house through the cat door and enjoy the kitty buffet in the pet room (enclosed patio)!! 
Also, possums have done the same thing . . . sooooo, I have started putting out a bowl of food for the little freeloaders at night and they seem to appreciate it. It's always gone by the next morning. 
Love that story, Shelli . . . and adorable picture!!:D
Oh gosh, Judi . . . I guess in that case, getting rid of the spider did more damage than letting it crawl on your foot!! 
Yeah, Judi, I know what you mean about spiders - except in my case, it's just one kind of spider. I got bitten on the arm by a brown recluse and that was totally NOT fun. Thought my arm was going to rot off, among other horrid things I won't mention!! 
So . . . if I see one indoors or out . . . they go to their reward in spidey heaven. Everything else I will leave alone, however. 
Welcome, Clare . . . glad to have you and hope you enjoy being here!!
Yes, Winney . . . it is Martha Burch.
Danni, the little ratinee is adorable!! I do notice that the only place I've ever seen the curly, matted mohair called ratinee is Beary Cheap in Australia. I do love that place . . . Cindy is SO nice!!
Louise, you may get your dammit doll from www.rags-n-tags.com/ Just click on "Prim Folk" in the left column and scroll down. I LOVE what the tag says!! Also, at this site, you can buy the walnut stain ink crystals that will dye just about anything!! It's great for using on mohair to "grunge" it up a little. Glad you're feeling better!
Rita, your bears are very sweet . . . and I definitely see a "style" there!! While my bear designs aren't all alike (I don't want each one to look like a clone), there is a family resemblance (as one customer told me). And your bears are anything but "plain"!! They are truly remarkable! Keep on keeping on!!
Jane, your gollies are really, really cute. Great job!!
Oooooohhh . . . so sorry, Louise. Those blue funks can really be bummers, I know!! Maybe you need a dammit doll . . . one of those little goodies that you can slam around whenever you need to physically vent. I have the web address of where to get them if you'd like to look into it!! Hope things get back on an even keel for you soon. Big hugs, Sue Ann
I try to have an even number of boy and girl creations at a show, but most of the time it is after finishing the bear that the gender is established. However, I always give male names to my all-fours bears . . . they just LOOK masculine!!
Hmmm. I'm gonna jump on the wagon here and agree with most everybody that, in general, the mid to lighter colored bears sell better . . . although I've sold several dark ones. And I agree it's because the face detail does show up better on a lighter bear. However, as in the case of Shelli's cute little stinker Chauncey, the facial expression is easy to see because she has worked wonders with the eyes (as usual). When I make black/white pandas, I always add a little white shading around the eyes so they will show up better.
Yes, chutzpah is a Jewish word loosely translated as nerve . . . although I'm not Jewish myself. I am in awe of your talent!! You and Dilu need to get together for a concert - she on the piano and you singing. I'd LOVE to attend!! I really like finding out what other talents/hobbies all of you have besides bearmaking. What fun!
Oh, goodness, Winney . . . you BEARLY missed being a STAR!! Gosh, I'm pleased to "know" someone who almost played opposite Bob Hope!! You do have a bunch of chutzpah, my friend, but I do admire it from one who cowers in a corner! Hugs, the wallflower
It's those state tests that did it to you, Kirsten!!
Very interesting story on the golly, Winney. You actually talked to Ted Menten??!! He's a hero of mine! I took my second design workshop from him way back in 1997. He is a CHARACTER!! He's selling off his vast teddy collection on e-bay right now, and I've bought a couple from him and am bidding on another at the moment. Fascinating!!
Great avatar, Kirsten, and a big welcome to Intercal's board!! I guarantee it will be fun posting here! We have a LOT of witty, knowledgeable, generous, sharing, warm people and I think you'll fit right in!
I second what Danni says . . . your avatar (what a cutie!) says that you would CERTAINLY be advanced enough!
So glad you posted, Jean, and welcome!! We'd love for you to post more! I REALLY like that sign on your door . . . it expresses a lot of my opinions, too! All of my pets have been strays, Humane Society orphans, or furry ones that have just adopted us. We've had dogs, cats, fish, turtles, bunnies, guinea pigs, parakeets, and a ferret. Now that the kids have grown up and out of the house, we're down to 5 cats. A beloved Spitz dog, Cissie, died last year and we're still missing her. I am SO elated to read all of the wonderful animal stories here . . . they warm my soul!
I forgot to mention Fuzzy Ann. As a small child, I had a day-long companion that I loved fiercely . . . one of those big, hairy caterpillars that I named Fuzzy Ann. I built a little sand playhouse for her in my sandbox, so when I had to go indoors at the end of the day, I knew she would be waiting for me the next day in her house. NOT!! I was SO disappointed that she was gone, I cried all day . . . another sign to my parents that I definitely needed a real pet!!
Laure . . . the gollies are adorable!! You know, I try to be politically correct as much as possible, but sometimes there is just going to be SOMEBODY that is gonna be ticked anyway!! And I LOVE that avatar!
