A Brisk Walk into a Busy Week!

May 19, 2014 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

Happy Monday! The start of a new week full of new opportunities and adventures!

A very busy week ahead with lots to do. Several new bears nearing completion to be finished for the store, Little Red Bear’s fifth short story to finish, the new Blog position I mentioned last week to be filled right away so the new feature can get started soon, more new story characters to interview, more story research to be done, and more.

And– starting a new daily exercise and walking program today. I have been on a steady but gradual “get healthier” program since the beginning of the year. I have been doing very well with a conscious and determined effort to eat healthier, opting for homemade natural foods and eliminating processed foods from my diet. Now it is time to get busy, adding more physical exercise to the routine now that winter seems to be finally letting go of its grip on the thermometer.

Accordingly then, a daily walking and exercise program starts today, albeit a bit restricted by numerous replacement parts. But walking will do. Fresh air and exercise. We all need more of that. Especially the kids! That’s why Little Red Bear is so healthy. He’s always out walking all over the mountains and thru the hollers searching for honey.

So, here we go. A lot to do this week so time to get busy. Wishing everyone a healthy and productive week! — Jim (and Red!)

Heads Up It’s Monday

An Applicant for the New Blog Feature

May 16, 2014May 16, 2014 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

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!)

May 15, 2014May 15, 2014 / jrmilson / 1 Comment

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!)

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

May 11, 2014 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

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!)