Little Red Bear Unable to Attend Book Signing Event

April 5, 2016April 5, 2016 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

Still mending from a leg injury suffered on the writing set a week ago, Little Red Bear will not be able to make the scheduled book signing and personal appearance at “McNickle’s Famous Pickles & Pork Rinds” this coming Saturday, located on Shady Holler Road, just west of Knob Lick. The country store is located about half a mile past Turner’s red barn and across from the split pin oak if you’re unfamiliar with the area. If you find yourself sitting in front of the Post Office, chances are you most likely missed the barn and went too far. Remember, the barn sits back from the road a bit behind the row of hedge apples, so you need to be on the lookout for it. And if that’s the case, it’s best to just start over from where you left and try again.

Bobo and Lily, black bears and recurring featured characters in the “Adventures of Little Red Bear” stories, will be taking Red’s place and happy to do so, being the good friends and neighbors that they are. They will be bringing a good supply of autographed Little Red Bear pictures, along with pre-signed books available for purchase, and will be autographing books themselves, as well. Lily has even volunteered to demonstrate the famous “Lily Bear Shuffle” if Earl and Lester bring their banjos along.

Village Country Store, Cold Spring Village, Cape May, NJ

Ethel McNickle will generously be giving away free samples of her prize-winning pickles and pork rinds, famous countywide, to all in attendance. Ethel’s second cousin once removed will also be there for the event, with samples of her new and locally grown “Lorene’s Greens & Beans”. As you may recall, McNickle’s Pickles was founded many years ago by Ethel’s twin grandfathers, Fickle and Tickle McNickle, who always used to say — “If your pickle don’t snap, it ain’t worth a cr–!” (it’s a ‘G’ rated blog)

And be sure to check out Ethel’s blue ribbon Plumberry Preserves while there, too. Bobo won’t be leaving without a few jars, so you might want to show up early before they run out.

So, we’re sorry to say that Little Red Bear will miss the event and he feels just gosh-awful terrible about it, but be assured that Bobo and Lily will more than make the trip worthwhile for you. Not to mention Ethel’s pickles and pork rinds. And if someone tosses Bobo a beach ball, well — there’s no telling the show he may put on! As a note though, just so you’re not disappointed, Lily has been instructed not to let Bobo anywhere near a bicycle. Our Backwoods Indemnity and Bite Casualty Insurance plan is stretched past the limits with Little Red Bear’s injury, and poor Aunt Ivy has nearly picked her herb garden clean already, this being so early in the season and all. Simply can’t risk any more character injuries at the moment and still meet the bills next month.

The Vermont Country Store, Weston, Vermont — September 2012 via The Mr. Hunter Wall Blog

And just one more thing before we let you go. While he is laid up, now is a good time to remind everyone to send in their questions for the “Ask Little Red Bear” feature. If you have a question that you’ve been sitting on about any of Red’s past or coming adventures, there’s no need to sit any longer waiting for it to hatch. Don’t be shy — just ask away! Red and I will be happy to try to find or make up an answer for you. No dating or relationship questions though. We need all the advice and help we can get in that area ourselves.

Thanks as always for visiting with us. Hope you get a chance to drop by McNickle’s Pickles on Saturday! If I can get away from writing with Little Red Bear while he takes a restful nap in the afternoon, maybe I’ll be able to drop in myself for a few minutes. I do love those pork rinds! And someone please save me a jar of Plumberry Preserves. — Jim ( and Red!)

Artwork — “Mt. Airy Old Country Store II” by Dan Carmichael. (Prints available at dan-carmichael.pixels.com)

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Little Red Bear Injured On The Writing Set — Story Production To Continue!

March 29, 2016 / jrmilson / 2 Comments

Writing action/adventure stories set in nature and featuring a wide variety of wild animals, critters, and unpredictable humans is not without risk. Things happen. Bumps, bruises, scrapes. An occasional nip or bite, especially in scenes involving the weasels. But nothing usually too serious. Harrison Ford himself had an accident on the “Star Wars” movie set a little while ago if you recall, breaking his leg. Jackie Chan fractured his skull in a fall while filming “Armour of God.” The list of on-set actor injuries is long, and I’m sure the list of literary injuries is most likely longer. I can’t begin to imagine the list of character injury reports from Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” as he was writing it.

Well, it seems I’m kind of beating around the bush here, not wanting to really break the news. But to get to it, we had a writing accident over the weekend. Little Red Bear and his friends were busily engaged in one of his action/adventure stories and Red injured his leg in an action scene in the first of the next collection of short stories — “The Adventures of Little Red Bear: The Second Holler Over!”

The injury is not terribly serious, but it will lay him up for a spell while his leg heals. From the beginning I have wanted to provide Red with a stunt double to take his place in writing heavy action scenes, but being Red, he has always been adamant about doing all of his own stunt work because, as he says, — “My reader fans deserve a hundred and ten and three-quarters percent and the very best from me.”

Have to admire that I suppose, even if we are now confronted with proceeding on along without him, the major lead character in his own stories, for a while. If there is any lesson to be learned from the event (other than not having hired a stunt double!) I suppose it might be — if a well-wisher ever says to you “Break a leg!” — don’t take them literally.

We are going to continue working on the stories while Little Red Bear is laid up and on the mend, trying to write around his scenes as best as possible while hoping we don’t experience any extended production delays. And we will provide updates from time to time to let you know how he’s getting on. But so are the risks I suppose of a wildlife literary action hero. He is too embarrassed to let me take a picture and is hiding from the paparazzi in his cabin, so here is an artistic rendering to give an idea. Not meaning to cause alarm or getting anyone worked up. Aunt Ivy (you may recall her as the local healer from the first set of stories) assures that the injury will not be permanently incapacitating, just something that will have to heal over time. It’s just unfortunate that it came at an inconvenient point when story work is ramping up. But I suppose that is why they call them “accidents” instead of “on purposes” after all.

So, sorry to have been the bearer of bad bear news to all of Red’s fans. Thanks for dropping by and have a nice day, and — careful where you step. I’m off to interview some stunt doubles now. — Jim (and Red!)

An Artistic Representation of Little Red Bear’s Injury

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The Best Day of Your Life? — The Day Your Life Begins!

March 22, 2016March 21, 2016 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

This positive motivational message brought to you today by “The Adventures of Little Red Bear” Short Story Collections, the “Margaret Monarch Plant Wildflowers for Wildlife Association”, and by the “Irresponsible Actions and Happiness Institute” — proud sponsors of independent thought and happy living everywhere.

Partial funding provided by “The Bobo and Lily Bears Foundation for Higher Nature Awareness and Appreciation”, by the “Expose Kids to Dirt and Nature Movement” located in Good Hope, and by the “‘One Day Just Ain’t Enough Recognition’ Grumpy Groundhog Group.”

Funding to support this site provided by “Old Glory Bears & Raggedy Dolls,” maker of collector teddy bears, dolls and fine quality accessories worldwide.

And by dedicated home readers like you. Thanks as always for visiting and reading along! — Jim (and Red!)

Quote- Bob Moawad

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Take A Walk For Exercise, Come Home With A Story Idea– a ‘Two-fer’!

March 16, 2016March 15, 2016 / jrmilson / 2 Comments

A beautiful day here yesterday with the temperature reaching 70F. A grey, overcast morning gave way to brilliant sunshine in the afternoon, with daffodils everywhere stretching to bask in the warmth. You could almost hear the tree buds popping open to welcome spring. So I took an afternoon walk for fresh air and exercise. Always a good thing. And, as so frequently happens on walks, a fun new story idea presented itself along the way.

Walking along, I caught sight of a man getting out of his pickup truck and walking around to the back door of his home. A while later, I observed a young lady pull into a driveway, exit the car, proceed up the walk and knock on the front door. That’s all. Simple as that. BAMM! The inspiration for a fun conversation in the next set of Little Red Bear stories came to mind. I completed the walk, came in and wrote out a new scene and character conversation, right out of the blue. A small sequence in a large collection of stories, but isn’t that what creativity is — little bits all stitched together to form a whole? Kind of like an old-fashioned quilt in that way.

I read a selection recently about taking the time and making the effort to be more mindful to fully appreciate the everyday, mundane tasks that we go thru by rote each and every day, half awake in a hypnotic and robotic state without even being aware of what we are doing. How does the shower water feel? What does the shampoo smell like? How does the toothpaste taste and smell? The true aromas of breakfast. Flower scents in the air when heading outside. The feel on our face of a morning mist or breeze. Being aware and alive to consciously witness and take pleasure in everyday experiences and occurrences going on all around us all thru the day. Living and Being in the moment.

And when we are in ‘aware mode’, fully cognizant of and appreciating our life and all around us, then creative and story ideas are everywhere. It’s as simple as watching someone get out of their car. Next time you find yourself stuck for a creative idea or inspiration, the answer may be waiting right outside the door. Why not go outside and see?

Thanks for stopping by to visit. It’s even more beautiful this morning. I feel another walk coming on. — Jim (and Red!)

Writing- Walking for Ideas 2

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New Writing Boots for Little Red Bear!

January 16, 2016January 15, 2016 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

When it is time for Little Red Bear and I to sit down and get busy on his story adventures, I put on my writing boots to get to work. So the title may be a tad misleading. Little Red Bear does not wear boots, actually. Overalls and a straw hat a good bit of the time, but no boots. Surprisingly, they just don’t make them for bears. The width is the biggest problem for them it seems. The boots are for me. I was referring to Red’s stories — “The Adventures of Little Red Bear” and their writing, of course. It may be these new writing boots, not quite broken in yet that may have caused a little confusion with the title there, and apologize for that.

Little Red Bear and I have begun serious writing work on the next collection of Little Red Bear adventures, so I figured a new pair of Writing Boots was in order, having pretty much worn out three good pairs traipsing over the mountains and thru the hollers writing the first set of stories. What do you think? They are a pair of Justin’s Sorrel Apache boots. Let’s take them for a little Test Write, shall we?

New Writing Boots- Justin Sorrel Apache Boots

“Little Red Bear worked his way slowly up the hillside, crouching low behind bushes trying to remain unnoticed by the bees, busily at work on their hive at the crest of the hill. He stopped to pause momentarily behind a large, flowering Honeysuckle Bush. For you and I, the scents of honey wafting on the summer breeze in the direction of Little Red Bear would be undetectable. But being a bear, he knew exactly where the hive was located, along with the size of the hive and amount of sweet, gooey honey stored inside. Within an ounce or so anyway, he figured.

“Little Red Bear carefully wrapped his paws around his famed honey whacking stick, getting everything into position before rushing at the beehive. “Three big steps, whack the hive, grab the honey and dash back home,” he thought to himself.

“All worked out in his mind, Little Red Bear bolted from behind the honeysuckle bush and raced towards the beehive. Whack! Just as planned and catching the bees totally by surprise, the beehive crashed to the ground. But instead of splitting open as they normally do, it began to roll and tumbled over and over down the hillside. Instantly, Geronimo and Cochise chased after the bouncing beehive.”

Geronimo, Chiricahua Apache leader. (Photograph by Frank A. Rinehart, 1898.)

Cochise, Chokonen Apaches –“Rising Sun People” often called Chiricahuas.

Geronimo! Cochise! Wait! Who? What? Where did Geronimo and Cochise come from?!? Must be the new Sorrel Apache writing boots! Apparently, they’re not quite broken in yet. I’ll keep working on it. But I wonder if they might stick around to appear in a story? We’ll have a talk with them and see. Just never know who might pop in here. We had a weathered old mountain man wander in thru the door this morning! Stay tuned. Regardless, it looks like there’s still more work to do getting these new writing boots broken in and ready for the next story collection, though. I’ll get back to work on it.

In the meantime, thanks as always for stopping by for a visit! Hope you like the new boots. — Jim (and Red!)

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Reason for Visit — “Popcorn Injury”

January 6, 2016January 6, 2016 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

Little Red Bear and I were simply making some popcorn for a snack while taking a break from writing. As I was dumping the popped corn into a large wooden bowl, one of the last remaining unpopped kernels, apparently very upset and angry having been awoken from its slumber, decided to seek revenge on its tormentors and “POPPED!”

Hit me right in the eyeglasses! If I had not been wearing glasses, it would have hit me smack in the left eye. With no reaction time at all, I had no idea that an annoyed and highly agitated kernel of corn could fly so fast. Fortunately, bouncing off of my glasses as it did, no harm done.

But can you even imagine going to the doctor with something like that? First of all, there would be all the Urgent Care Forms to fill out–

“Reason for Visit – Popcorn Injury.”

The doctor would come into the room trying to conceal a smirk, saying something along the lines of — “Attacked by a kernel of popcorn, were you? I don’t know if I’ve ever treated one of these before. We didn’t cover Popcorn Injuries in my Emergency Room training. I don’t suppose this falls under the heading of ‘Blunt Force Trauma’, does it? Because I’m real good with that. We may have to refer you to a specialist. I wonder if Dr. Redenbacher is available for a consult today?”

And then it would go on, of course. “Hit you right in the eye, did it? Boy, don’t you know you’re supposed to keep a lid closed on those poppers and not be looking down into them while you’re cooking? Have you ever used one of these complex cooking devices without supervision before? Maybe next time you should consider saving a little longer to purchase the Deluxe Model Popper. You know, the one with the lid? Another inch up and over and that thing woulda nailed you right between the eyes and laid you out cold on the floor. You’re lucky to still be with us here today, son. Do you think your relatives would have sent flowers to your funeral or popcorn balls?”

Yep. I can just imagine the whole medical staff having had a go at my “Popcorn Injury”. Thank goodness for eyeglasses and an embarrassment averted! Never knew popcorn could be so temperamental and will be approaching it with a new level of respect and danger in the future. Kind of like a rattlesnake. Just to be safe. Maybe I’ll just let Little Red Bear do it. But, being a bear, he doesn’t wear eyeglasses, so I suppose not. Will just have to be more careful myself. That is an Urgent Care visit I do not want to make.

Have a wonderful day, and surprise someone with an unexpected act of kindness along the way! Thanks as always for visiting! — Jim (and Red!)

Popcorn- Angry Image 1