Happy Mother’s Day! Exclusive Offer!

May 7, 2015 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

Happy Mother’s Day weekend!

Testing a new tool designed for use as “Codeless Coupons” made available by eBay for my store, I thought what better test than to make the first offer available only for those who have followed and supported my work in the past. So as a special Mother’s Day event, I have created an initial limited time test offer in my eBay store exclusively for my followers. Those who follow me on the Blog, Facebook and Twitter will be the only ones notified or eligible to participate.

In recognition of Mothers and all they do, the featured items are handmade, wire-wrapped Sea Glass and Stone pendants, each unique and One of a Kind. An opportunity for moms (or fellas) to pick up a little something special for themselves or a loved one at a good savings. I have set the minimum required purchase below the lowest price pendant so that all would be included, no exclusions and no multiple items purchase requirements.

The offer is for a 30% savings on a purchase of $15.00 or more, and as always—shipping is FREE within the U.S., with a gift box and cord or silver-toned necklace to display the pendant included. If you purchase more than one, the discount applies to all. Simple, straightforward. But hurry, this initial test only goes thru Mother’s Day weekend, and ends Monday night. After that, the special link will not work.

Because I am offering it only to my followers, the exclusive offer is only available by accessing this link to my store. Other shoppers do not see or benefit from this. If you want to share the link with a friend or family, that’s fine. It’s a way to thank you, however you wish to use it. Here is your link → http://ebay.us/8Ajj5P.

Either click the link here in the blog, or enter the link into your browser to access the promotion within my store, and the system will make sure the proper discount is applied for you. But again, you will only be able to receive the discount if you use this link. That’s what makes it exclusive. It is only set up for you as a follower.

So—thanks for following along! Hope you find something you like. If folks like this and the new Codeless Coupon and special link tools work as advertised, maybe we can do some more of these from time to time. — Jim

Fireside Questions for Santa

December 24, 2014December 24, 2014 / jrmilson / 4 Comments

With Christmas Day drawing nigh,

I have some questions and wonder– “Why?”

Like, what is it about Santa that makes little kids cry?

And how in the world does he get reindeer to fly?

How high do leaves go when they “mount to the sky”?

How many toys do elves make versus having to buy?

So going to stay up late, or at least I’ll try,

And will hide behind the sofa, on Santa to spy.

I want to face him– eye to eye,

To directly ask the jolly elf guy—

“With no disrespect or meaning to pry–

How is it a fat old man can be so spry?

And get down the chimney without bruising a thigh?”

So busily hanging stockings by the chimney to dry,

While waiting here for Santa with questions to ply,

But for now I’m hungry and will bid “goodbye”,

Here anxiously awaiting the Old Boy to drop by.

Goodness, gracious, me oh my.

I wish that I had some Pumpkin Pie!

Wishing a Merry Blessed Christmas to all– “and to all a Good Night!”

— Jim (and Red!)

Santa Claus Drying Socks By The Fireside

Steampunk Ripples & Bearpunk Pranks!

December 18, 2014 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

The Christmas and Holiday Season is all about giving and sharing. Kindness. Stories of random acts of kindness and their far-reaching effects are in the news every day this time of year. But they are there the rest of the year, too. We just need to look for them. When one does an act of kindness, passes along a smile, compliment, comforting touch or gesture, there is no telling how far the positive effects may reach. It could change someone’s day. It could change a life. It could change the world. It’s all about– ripples.

So I thought it would be appropriate and fun to share a few treasured gifts received from some very good friends this year- the artist Christine Southworth and her daughter, the writer Sylva Fae. And– ripples.

As modern times and the internet would have it, Christine and Sylva are two wonderful, charming people who I have never had the pleasure to actually meet in person yet, but who have nevertheless inspired and influenced my life over the past year in a very positive way thru their shared artworks and writings. Which makes it all even more incredible. It is a perfect example of creating ripples, and watching a single act multiply and impact others one by one in turn.

Mother Teresa Quote– Ripples

Earlier in the year, I wrote a blog post titled “Expand Your Horizons on a Walk Around the Block!” After reading that post, which apparently resonated with her, Christine gifted me back an original drawing, entitled “Milson, the Steampunk Bear.” This drawing has since been the featured image on my blog here, on the right. Needless to say, I was blown away by her talent, kindness and generosity.

“Milson, the Steampunk Bear”- Original Art by Christine Southworth

A few months later, having fun, Christine’s daughter Sylva surprised me with a poem inspired by the drawing “Milson, the Steampunk Bear.” I would like to share that poem with you here. Again, I was amazed with such a wonderful and creative gift, totally out of the blue. Other bears mentioned in the poem were inspired by earlier creations of mine, available for review in the Gallery, linked above.

“MILSON- THE STEAMPUNK BEAR”

“Hello! I’m Milson the steampunk bear. No other bear can compare.

I’m quirky, fluffy but beware, I have a secret– “Shhh, don’t share!”

When all the grown-ups go to sleep, down the stairs, I do creep.

Through the catflap, quietly sneak, across the step with one big leap.

In sun or rain or snowy weather, I wear my hat with jaunty feather.

Goggles and specs I wear together, with studded boots of shiny leather.

I grab my bike from garden glade, for my nightly escapade.

A steampunk biker renegade, ready for the bear parade.

Meeting at the dead of night, Old Glory bears reunite.

It really is quite a sight, Hats on, pegs up. Hold on tight!

There’s Butterscotch Spike on his brass heart bike.

Horace revs a vintage trike, and Sidecar Elsie’s quite a tyke.

Grumpy Gus on a golden chopper, Old Boone loves his ride in copper.

Gaarrth’s a steamcycle whopper, and Tuffie’s trike is good ‘n’ proper.

All the rest in leather and lace, come and join the bearpunk race.

Engines roar as bears give chase, and Grumpy Gus takes first place.

Taking off at lightning speed, a steampunk cycle is my steed.

I know I can, I will succeed. Head down, ears back, I take the lead.

Engine off, put on the brake. The trophy is mine to take.

We feast on mead and fruity cake, then home before the grown-ups wake.”

—by Sylva Fae

Earlier this week for my birthday, Christine gifted me with another piece of artwork—“Milson the Steampunk Bear Finishes the ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ Chair.” That’s him, the little bear with the wrench in his hand on the bottom right. I was honored to receive such a gift- again. We have had an ongoing discussion thru the week as to whether “housework” might be included in the “Do Anything” operating manual.

“Milson, the Steampunk Bear Finishes the ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ Chair”- original artwork by Christine Southworth

Already inspired and moved to action from the original drawing and poem, this latest piece served to reinforce the message. It has been received, loud and clear, and it seemed time for “Milson the Steampunk Bear” to take form.

This little guy is the first of some new Bearpunk patterns and of what will be a whole new line of work and creations, as “Steampunk Bearpunk Bears and Accessories” will make their way into my store after the first of the year. While a departure from the Traditional, Vintage and Country Primitive stylings I have been making, they will be a fun new complement and addition. And if this first fellow- “Milson, the Steampunk Bear” is any indication, it’s going to be a blast working on them!

Milson, the Steampunk Bear– German Mohair, Glass Eyes, by James Milson, 2014

And it all started from a Blog post, which moved an artist an ocean away to create a drawing, which inspired a daughter to create a poem, which in turn led to the creation of another artwork, which led me out of my own comfort zone and to the creation of new teddy bear designs and store line. Which hopefully leads to more enjoyment and fun for who knows how many more folks in the coming years. A single ripple reaching distant shores and flowing back. And back. And back. If ever undecided about doing an act of kindness for someone—do it. You never know whose world you may be changing.

Here is a link to visit Sylva’s delightful blog → “Sylvanian Ramblings Blog”

Christine is a frequent contributor of original watercolor paintings and other artworks on Sylva’s blog, just look thru earlier posts for beautiful artwork and delightful posts by Sylva there. You can learn more about Christine in a recent Guest Post on Sylva’s blog here → “Christine Southworth Guest Blog Post”

In other news, Red and I are also hard at work finishing his first short story collection for release in the New Year—“The Adventures of Little Red Bear.” Hopefully more ripples. Busy times here. Making waves!

It’s the Holiday Season. Kindness. Sharing. Join in, have fun and go make some ripples of your own! It just takes one act or moment of kindness to get the whole progression started. And sometimes, as in a simple blog post, you don’t really know what ripples you may be setting in motion and what may come back to you in the process.

Sending Ripples Into The World

Thanks as always for reading and following along. Very best wishes from Little Red Bear and I, and the whole gang of critters and story folk here for a very Happy, Healthy and Joyous Holiday Season! — Jim (and Red!)

Milson, the Steampunk Bear– German Mohair, Glass Eyes, by James Milson, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 27, 2014 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

A quick holiday note to let everyone know I am very THANKFUL for all who follow, support and read my work here. You are truly appreciated. Each “Like” is worth another 10,000 words!

Wishing all a very Happy Thanksgiving! Finishing a new short story to be ready in a few days. It mentions “Santa” once or twice, so it may be a Christmas Story.

Have a wonderful day, and God’s blessings to all those in uniform who protect and serve!

Charles Wysocki- “And the Hearty Ate a Thankful Meal”

A Hot Breakfast for Father’s Day

June 16, 2014June 17, 2014 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

Yesterday, June 15, was Father’s Day. Hope all the dads had a great day. Being the father of four wonderful children and deeply proud of every one, I woke up feeling a bit more chipper than usual yesterday morning. Not to be selfish, but a day in honor of me. Only happens twice a year, with the other being my birthday in December, and not looking forward to each of those as much as they come around more quickly each year it seems. After a longer than usual early morning walk I decided, with it being Father’s Day and all, that I would treat myself to something very special– a hot breakfast.

Now, please understand, cooking for breakfast is just something I normally do not do. It seems a bit over the top when a quick bowl of Cheerios will suffice. One spoon and bowl, into the dishwasher and on to other things for the day. So deciding to actually prepare a hot meal for breakfast was no small decision for me. Unfortunately, the hot breakfast plan seemed to quickly unravel and go down hill almost right from the start.

Opening the package went without incident. But the first Pop-Tart that I placed into the toaster missed the little support rack that travels up and down inside the toaster machine. (I am not a certified toaster machine mechanic, so “the little support rack” is as technically accurate as I can be in this matter, trusting that anyone experienced in the operations of a toaster machine will understand what I am talking about.) The Pop-Tart fell all the way to the bottom of the machine. Unable to easily retrieve it I decided there was only one way to get it back out, and that was to invert the whole machine, spilling its contents and hopefully the lost Pop-Tart onto the kitchen counter.

Being somewhat experienced (although not officially trained or certified, to be clear again) in the use of toaster machines, I realized that there are inevitably toast scraps and crumbs collected in the bottom of these devices, and that inverting the toaster machine into an upside down position would only spill all the contents onto my counter, creating a bigger mess than I was already dealing with. Admittedly, decisions like this can only be made after having learned from previous experience in crumb dumping, and I am hoping novice crumb dumpers may learn from this post. The next step was to refer to the instruction manual for expert advice, always a good plan.

For safety’s sake, the machine was then unplugged from the electrical outlet, preventing shock or injury as the instructions advised. At that point, the “crumb tray” as it is commonly known, was carefully removed from the machine and the contents dumped into the trash can. I then inverted the machine over the counter, and was fortunate to actually catch the Pop-Tart as it fell freely back out of the toaster. Next, the crumb tray was replaced, and the machine plugged back into the electrical socket. Ready to start over, from the beginning. So far, so good, although a lot more work than I had envisioned for my hot Father’s Day breakfast. I could hear the Honey Nut Cheerios calling from the cupboard, but the Pop-Tart package had by this point already been opened and discarded, so it seemed like proceeding with the original hot breakfast plan was still the right choice.

I placed the lost-but-recaptured Pop-Tart back into the toasting machine, being very careful to set it squarely into the little support rack this time. I then repeated this step with the second Pop-Tart, which up until this point had been waiting its turn patiently on the counter. With both Pop-Tarts balanced, albeit a bit precariously on the little support racks, I slowly and cautiously pulled down the machine lever, thereby successfully lowering the Pop-Tarts into the machine and activating the heating process. Hot breakfast on the way!

After the appropriate cooking time had elapsed the little support rack released and the Pop-Tarts sprung back up out of the machine, filling the kitchen with the aroma of hot, toasty cinnamon goodness. I reached for the nearest one, the “second” one identified above, and promptly burned the finger tips of my left hand on the hot frosting. In my haste, I had obviously not noted the cautionary advisory on the package- “Step 3- Cool briefly before carefully removing pastry from toasting appliance.” I had not allowed sufficient time for it to cool. Overtaken by the heady aromas wafting from the toasting machine, I can only reason that I was overcome by the excitement of a hot Father’s Day breakfast and not heeded the warning. Burnt fingers resulted. My fault, the warning was right on the package.

As any father knows and has admonished to his children many times– “Once burned, twice learned.” Or– “Once burnt, twicet learnt” if in the Ozarks here. I resolved on the spot that I was not going to be burnt again removing the second Pop-Tart, and retrieved my best Stainless Steel kitchen tongs from the drawer. With nylon grasping heads, they are certified for safe use up to 400 degrees, and I assumed the Pop-Tarts were probably not quite that hot so the tongs should be safe to employ. Tongs in hand, I set about to retrieve the next Pop-Tart, the original problematic one. As soon as I grabbed it with the tongs, the Pop-Tart exploded into numerous pieces, some small, some large and others which could only be referred to as crumbs, all of which fell promptly to the bottom of the toaster machine again. By this time, I realized that I had been dealing with an obviously defective Pop-Tart from the beginning.

The toaster machine being too hot to handle at this point, I was able to eventually retrieve the largest piece with the tongs, figuring a broken Pop-Tart is better than no Pop-Tart, and decided to dine on the rescued piece and the other properly prepared Pop-Tart, and waited until later in the day to once again unplug, invert, clean out, dump and reconnect the toaster machine.

And this dear friends, is why I generally do not cook or prepare hot meals for breakfast. The Cheerios this morning were delightful.