Basic Bear Stuff — Sharing Makes Halloween Sweeter

October 30, 2026October 17, 2026 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

Small moments. Simple lessons. Everyday joys.

There is a lot we can learn from the little things we do every day. Like a special “Basic Bear Stuff” for a coming holiday!

Join Little Red Bear each Sunday for a simple, colorful moment celebrating kindness, friendship, safety, responsibility, healthy habits, appreciation of nature, and the everyday pleasures of living.

Sometimes thoughtful, sometimes funny, and always gentle and welcoming, Basic Bear Stuff is about showing by example rather than preaching a lesson.

Basic Bear Stuff is made for all ages, and especially for sharing with children and grandchildren. Sometimes a little picture, a gentle laugh, or a simple everyday moment can open the door to a wonderful conversation.

One little bear. One simple moment. Something for all of us.

Welcome to Basic Bear Stuff!

Till next time then —

Jim (and Red!)

A note about the artwork — Each Basic Bear Stuff illustration is created from my original concepts and creative direction, with the assistance of AI, for the world of Little Red Bear and Honey Hill Country.

A Black Cat Is Still Somebody’s Little Somebody

October 29, 2026October 26, 2026 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

A black cat does not know it is supposed to be mysterious.

It knows where the afternoon sunshine falls across the floor.

A black cat does not know it is supposed to be unlucky.

It knows the sound of a familiar voice, the whereabouts of a favorite toy, and which chair someone was foolish enough to leave unattended.

And somewhere beneath that dark little coat is a creature with ordinary wishes.

A warm place.

A gentle hand.

Fresh water and a good meal.

Someone kind to curl up beside.

With Halloween approaching, black cats are appearing on decorations, greeting cards, and front windows again. There they are beside the pumpkins, backs arched, tails curled, looking as though they have been placed in charge of something suspicious and ready to pounce.

Perhaps we ought to give them a different assignment this year.

Being loved would be a good one.

Continue reading →

Basic Bear Stuff — Helping a Friend Get Ready for Halloween

October 28, 2026October 17, 2026 / jrmilson / 1 Comment

Small moments. Simple lessons. Everyday joys.

There is a lot we can learn from the little things we do every day. Like a special “Basic Bear Stuff” for a coming holiday!

Join Little Red Bear each Sunday for a simple, colorful moment celebrating kindness, friendship, safety, responsibility, healthy habits, appreciation of nature, and the everyday pleasures of living.

Sometimes thoughtful, sometimes funny, and always gentle and welcoming, Basic Bear Stuff is about showing by example rather than preaching a lesson.

One little bear. One simple moment. Something for all of us.

Welcome to Basic Bear Stuff!

Till next time then —

Jim (and Red!)

The October 1904 Issue of Hearth & Holler Has Arrived

October 27, 2026October 27, 2026 / jrmilson / 1 Comment

Autumn has come to Honey Hill Country, and the October issue of Hearth & Holler is ready for your visit.

For those joining us for the first time, Hearth & Holler — A Monthly Visit to Honey Hill Country is an illustrated magazine set in the fictional Missouri Ozarks home of Little Red Bear in 1904. Through the eyes of our neighbors — people and woodland critters alike — we explore the countryside, local traditions, working lives, and everyday kindnesses that make this place feel like home.

This month, we’ll saddle up with Willow Meadows for a ride through the Autumn hills, visit Old Copper Creek Mill, and discover why Hickory Pinenut keeps returning to the pumpkin patch. There is spiced apple cider cake to share, supper high above the St. Louis World’s Fair, and a slightly spooky porch story from the Bookers — with Evelyn nearby to keep things from getting entirely out of hand.

You’ll also find colorful gardens, a talkative scarecrow, costumed little bunnies, glowing pumpkins, and a quiet walk in the rain.

Each article has its own page, so you can wander through the issue at your leisure. Read in order, follow whatever catches your eye, or return another day to pick up where you left off.

Put the kettle on, make yourself comfortable, and come spend a little October with us.

We’re glad you’re here.

I invite you to pour yourself a cup of something good, settle in, and spend a little while with us in Honey Hill Country.

👉 Click here to visit the October 1904 issue of Hearth & Holler Magazine.

Thank you for visiting and spending part of your day with us!

Till next time then —

Jim (and Red!)

A note about images — The illustrations in this issue of Hearth & Holler were created from my concepts and creative direction with the assistance of AI.

Basic Bear Stuff — Making Halloween a Little Friendlier

October 25, 2026October 17, 2026 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

Small moments. Simple lessons. Everyday joys.

There is a lot we can learn from the little things we do every day.

Join Little Red Bear each Sunday for a simple, colorful moment celebrating kindness, friendship, safety, responsibility, healthy habits, appreciation of nature, and the everyday pleasures of living.

Sometimes thoughtful, sometimes funny, and always gentle and welcoming, Basic Bear Stuff is about showing by example rather than preaching a lesson.

One little bear. One simple moment. Something for all of us.

Welcome to Basic Bear Stuff!

Till next time then —