An Applicant for the New Blog Feature

Working to develop the idea that popped into my head the other day, about a feature for my new Blog, I advertised a possible position opening up  for the feature and have been meeting with a few applicants.

One fellow, a Red Squirrel, brought along a video with him about his early childhood and rough start in life after he was orphaned when the family’s nest was blown down in a strong gale.  He and three sisters were rescued and raised by a kindly English lady who later released them when they were ready to go out on their own.  Over time and working odd jobs he found his way here to the U.S. with one sister, the others having become obsessed with English Walnuts and choosing to remain back in England.

He does have some very interesting qualities and qualifications for the job and work to be done.  The job will require an inquisitive mind with a lot of energy and he certainly displays that, but I can’t help but wonder if he furnished the video trying to secure a sympathy vote to land the position.  Especially that stroking on the head part at the end.

Little Red Bear thinks the little squirrel is showing initiative and self-motivation furnishing the video in his interview, both important qualities for an applicant to be sure.  If the video just wasn’t so heartwarming and cute I might not feel so much like I am maybe being manipulated.

If you have a chance, check out his video and let me know what you think.  I’d appreciate your thoughts.  We’re going to need to fill this position next week to get the new feature rolling, so if you could let me know your take on it all it would be helpful.  Thanks! — Jim  (and Red!)

 

New Blog Feature Coming Soon! (And More Bears!)

 

Very busy here making new teddy bears for my eBay store.  I was so busy getting the new blog up and running that I quite unintentionally ran out of bears in my store.  Will have some new ones ready to go very soon!

In the meantime, while working on the bears I am also cooking up an idea for a new Blog feature.  Here’s a hint, below.  That’s all I can say right now until I get it “thunk thru” all the way, as some of the critters here would say.

Wishing everyone a great day.  Back with some new bears to show and more info on the new Blog feature soon.  And a big Thank You and Bear Hugs to new Blog followers!  Welcome! — Jim  (and Red!)

Cereal Box Image

Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for my Mountain!

Happy Mother’s Day to all my Facebook, Twitter and new Blog followers and friends!

I saw a little clip on the news the other night, with small children making Mother’s Day cards for their moms.  They interviewed each and asked them to say something about their mother.  One little boy, around age 5 or so, after pausing to think for a moment responded with something along the lines of “Thank you for getting me breakfast.”  I literally laughed out loud.  But the little boy’s comment was also profound.  Because it really is quite that simple, isn’t it?

Mothers are there– day in, day out.  All hours.  They are never off the job.  When we think of mother’s, it’s usually not about one single “holy cow!” moment of great impact in our lives.  I’m sure we each have a few of those to recall, where our mother made a big difference at an important point in our life.  But to me, it’s the accumulation of countless and unrecognized small things– day in, day out– over the entirety of our lives that really make mothers special.

Doing the laundry. Helping with homework.  Bandaging scrapes and wounds.  Making sure we have clean clothes to wear and shoes that fit.  Comforting emotional hurts.  Making meals.  Shopping.  Cleaning house.  Entertaining our friends.  Supporting.  Nurturing.  Guiding.  Teaching.  Cheering us on.  Attending school events, games, teacher meetings.  Doctor’s appointments.  Caring for us when we are sick.  Picnics and field trips to the zoo and museums.  Caring.  Foregoing her “wants” for our “needs”.  And our “wants.”  Sacrificing and giving.  And more today than ever before, doing all while also holding down a job or two outside the home.  Over and over and over thru every day and every year.  Always being there to do the little things, carrying a pebble at a time to build the mountains of our lives.

The little boy got right to the point– “Thank you for getting me breakfast.”   Happy Mother’s Day!  — Jim (and Red!)

 

 

 

 

 

International Migratory Bird Day

In addition to today being National Train Day, it is also International Migratory Bird Day.  And with Little Red Bear having so many migratory friends and nature playing such a large part in his stories, it would be remiss not to give all the little flyers a tip of the cap as well.

Migratory birds play a great role in keeping seasonal pests under control, help in plant propagation by spreading seeds and pollinating plants, contribute to recreational activities and inspire artists, writers and folk like me.  It is always a special time for me whenever we spot a flock of migrating geese or ducks cruising by overhead in V formation, signaling the changing of seasons.  And welcome the cheering songs of the Song Sparrows and others upon arrival in the early spring.

So hats off for the migratory birds.  Safe travels and welcome back!

 

It’s National Train Day! Whoo-Whoot!

Today is May 10th– National Train Day!! Whoo-Whoot!!  I love everything about trains, especially the old steam locomotive era.  Trains and the development of the national rail system made the country what it is today by connecting the east to the west, shortening travel time substantially, creating new markets for goods and opening national transportation and commerce.  Trains also played a very significant role in the Civil War, allowing the movement of large numbers of troops and equipment over great distances in days instead of weeks.

I received my first electric trains from Santa when I was only four and have had “train fever” ever since and still have those first train sets, a Marx Passenger Train and Lionel Freight Train.  I later transitioned over to HO scale because it was smaller, allowing me to do more in less space.  A 5′ x 9′ area in a corner of the basement was all I could talk my parents out of at the time.   I even made a model train layout once with actual running water and a waterfall. 

But this isn’t about model railroading.  This is about National Train Day!  Here is a great steam locomotive train video for you to watch and enjoy. Beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery.

This video is the Eureka and Palisades 4-4-0 operating in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

It would be safe to assume that a train will play a role in at least a few of the upcoming Little Red Bear stories.  Hope you enjoy the ride!  Be sure to have your speakers on and watch on full screen for the scenery.  Happy Train Day!

Please watch your step.   All Aboard!!

Happier Than a Bird With a French Fry

Little Red Bear and I are still trying to figure out what to do about this guy, mentioned yesterday.  Whether to go ahead and finish the first collection of his short stories with the “Bee” story, or just “let it be” for now.   Ooh- had a Beatles flashback there for a second.  Happens from time to time.  Anyway, Red and I will keep talking about it over the weekend.  If you have any thoughts on the matter, feel free to let us know.

Western Domesticated Honey Bee in a Flower

Western Domesticated Honey Bee in a Flower

On a different topic, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Friday and wonderful upcoming weekend!  I had planned on saying something about being so happy my new Blog was up and running this week.  I was going to say something along the lines of “Happier than a bird with a French Fry”.  But then I just happened to stumble across this image and had second thoughts about using that phrase.  It’s a good phrase and I like it.  Might even use it in a story sometime.  But probably not today.  Not after this cartoon.  LOL!!

Happier Than a Bird With a French Fry

Happier Than a Bird With a French Fry

 

Regardless, thanks for visiting and wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! — Jim (and Red!)