How many?!!!!

Wow, I have just noticed my blog has recently racked

 up over quarter of a million hits!!!!

Writing my blog helps keep me sane, so huge thanks

to you all for visiting regularly to read my 

ramblings ... 

I can't tell you how delighted I am!!!

Something old may turn to grey ...

Once Upon a Time, in another life more than thirty years ago, I knew a lad with his head in the clouds and his feet firmly on the ground.  He was a streetwise, ballsy Glaswegian rock singer, with big dreams and an even bigger heart. I was a shy, wet-behind-the-ears-fresh-out-of-school teenager, working in my first job for his management company in London. 

Owen Paul

Life was a roller coaster back then, far from conventional for either of us, so friendship cemented fast as we battled the elements of our young lives.  Then one day the wind changed direction and as is the way of life, blew me one way and him another... 

So, fast forward to Saturday night, Maidstone, in the here and now ... I was invited by Owen to hear him sing at a local venue.  My sister's family, my daughter Fay, Stuart and I, gathered to share an evening of music memories, friendship and laughter and I couldn't help but chuckle when my old friend sat at the microphone with his guitar, grinned and murmured 'hello Paula,'  as if thirty years was only thirty days ago!

Well, Mr McGee, isn't time a strange thing?! When I was a mere slip of an eighteen year old, I believed thirty years would take forever to pass, but apparently it slips by in the blink of an eye after all ... who knew eh?!

And in your own words ...

SOMETHING OLD MAY TURN TO GREY

BUT MEETING YOU

REMAINS A GOLDEN DAY

If you would like to know more about Owen's music, please visit his website below:

http://www.owenpaulmcgee.com/

The Final Countdown!

I am so looking forward to my big day out in London on the 8th September but thanks to my gorgeous Polly pup, am way adrift with my prep this year.  In fact, to-date I have only one new bear sat on my bookcase waiting for 'Teddies 2013', which is definitely not enough for this prestigious show ... eeeks!  

My one lonesome bear doesn't have a name yet, but I hope you'll agree he is a fine lookin' fella.  As I have so little time to prepare left, my plan is to do what I think I do best and stick with big 'uns - that way, hopefully I should stand half a chance of drawing some attention to my stand ... eight or nine big 'uns will make far more of an impact than a similar number of Tiddler bears, that's for sure!

If you would like to come to the Teddies 2013 show in Kensington Town Hall on the 8th September, please visit the organiser's website below for full details.  It's always a fabulous day out for teddy bear enthusiasts as there are 1000's of stunning artist designed bears, vintage teddies and bearaphenalia for sale on the day.  It's a true teddy treasure trove, very friendly and above all, fun, fun, fun!!!

Hugglets Teddy Bear Festivals

I will be exhibiting in Hall 2 on stand 75, so do stop by to meet me and my latest big 'uns if you can, we'd love to say hello in person and hugs are of course, always free!

Bridging the Gap

The past few weeks caught up with me at the weekend.  Dancing, tippling (just a little in the spirit of  family celebration you understand!) dog walking, training and playing with Polly, curry nighting with my kids and working towards my show ... (all in all, just real life I suppose) had me yawning my way through Saturday and Sunday.  Stuart was no better either! There's no doubt we are much in need of a holiday to recharge our not-quite-as-young-as-they-once-were batteries.

 

 

Once the usual weekend chores (big yawn) were dealt with, we scraped ourselves together for a gentle stroll round Leybourne Lakes on Sunday afternoon, but in truth it was more of a trudge in the sunshine.  There was no Polly to keep us moving briskly this time, as she was enjoying a walk in Mote Park with my daughter and her boyfriend.  So it was just me 'n him, toddling along, on our tod.

 

 

Still, besides the fresh air and an orange ice lolly, our half-hearted outing did at least provide me with an opportunity to play with my new camera which was useful because it's a Panasonic Lumix FZ200 and I am somewhat bamboozled by it after my loyal Canon years!  I have been frustrated of late by my little pocket sized Canon Ixus 210, which is great for quick snaps outdoors but not so good when I want to take indoor shots in low light.  My Canon DSLR is brilliant for photographing just about everything, but fairly bulky and heavy with 600mm zoom lens attached, so less than ideal for carting around on walks.  So I developed a yearning for a 'bridge camera', something capable of offering a decent integral zoom lens and extra functionality to bridge the gap between my little point 'n shoot and my posh DSLR.

 

 

And I'm sure when I've learned how to use it properly, that's exactly what my Lumix FZ200 will do for me!  It's quite a bit bigger than the Canon Ixus, but not heavy and still much smaller than my DSLR.  I'm finding my way round all the automatic settings at the moment, but as you can see, it takes lovely crisp pictures.  It has a really good 600mm zoom, so I don't feel as though I'm missing anything by not taking my bigger camera out and about with me.  I won't be using it for my studio shots as I certainly don't want to retire my lovely Canon 450D, but I will definitely be taking it on holiday to Cornwall later this year ... can't wait to get out on those beautiful Cornish cliff paths with it!!!

Polly's first Summer

Summer has been glorious here in Kent this year, so Polly has been enjoying walks in our local country parks ...

Last weekend we visited 'White Horse Wood Country Park' and 'Bluebell Hill Viewpoint' and had a lovely ramble across the North Down's way.

 

The fields had been threshed ready for harvesting and were gloriously golden.  There's a definite hint of Autumn creeping into our landscape and Polly has had so much fun in the late Summer sunshine bouncing around the great outdoors!

 

 

She's bounced her way through long grass and woodlands too, chased butterflies and even watched hang gliders take off into the clouds ... (mind you, she really wasn't sure quite what to make of those, so decided barking would solve the confusing problem of flying people!)

 

We have had some fabulous walks with our Polly and have thoroughly enjoyed watching her explore her new world in this, her first Summer.

 

Polly is maturing into a beautiful girl; she's bouncy, affectionate, loyal and clever ... and now I wonder how I ever managed without her!

 

Here's to many more country walks with Polly this year - not only has she become an important member of our family in the four months she's been with us, she also fills my days with fun and has made sure Stuart and I enter our fifties in far better shape!

I wish you enough ...

The sun shone as we gathered at St Peter and St Paul's church in Aylesford last Thursday, eagerly awaiting my niece Leah's marriage to her handsome fiance Gary. As she stepped into the church on her father's arm, she looked absolutely radiant in her beaded gown and I couldn't help but wonder if someone had waved a magic wand during the night, turning my pretty little niece into such a beautiful woman ...

Celebrating this lovely young couple's union and commitment with my family and seeing the pride in my sister Fiona's eyes as her daughter confidently shared her happiness and love for her new husband, was a true privilege and very, very, special to me.

Leah and Gary, 

I wish you enough kindness for a long and happy life together.

There's no doubt, you two were made for each other.

With much love from,

Your very proud 

Auntie Paula xxx

I am happy to say Leah's childhood dream of becoming a beautiful princess on her wedding day came true for her ... check out this picture of her, aged about three, playing with her 'Barbie bride' in my living room!

Dainty Bess

Here in the UK, it is high Summer and for me, that means roses! I love rose blooms, so my creation for the Guild's 'Around the world in four seasons' challenge is a typical 'English Rose'.  She represents a rose bloom named 'Dainty Bess', a lovely old fashioned shrub rose described as, 'An unusual old shrub rose  ... one of the loveliest roses ever bred'.

17" Dainty Bess

I am happy to say, Dainty Bess was snapped up very quickly by an eager collector in America and will be winging her way across the Atlantic to join her new hug next week!

You can take a dog to water ..

There's definitely a pattern emerging with our Polly ... show her water and she can't help but immerse herself!

It began in early June with her first tentative paw dip when she visited Leybourne Lakes Country Park with my daughter and her boyfriend.

A couple of weeks later, inspired by a large chocolate labrador, she suddenly leapt into the River at Teston Bridge Country Park and managed her first ever official swim!

On our visit to Shorne Country Park earlier this month, Polly couldn't resist a splash in the 'dog pond' ...

Turning herself from a pretty cream and gold pup, into a stinky, swampy mudwump!

Then after quite literally dragging us onto the green slimey beach at Riverside Country Park this weekend, she dug in and absolutely refused to budge when we tried to move her away from the water!

We eventually managed to convince her the path was where we needed to be, but as you can see, our fledgling swimmer made her disapproval very clear!

We took pongy Polly to Mote Park yesterday afternoon and she tugged forcefully towards the lake as she circled it with us. When we reached a shallow outlet, we  finally allowed her some muddy fun in the water, after which she squelched and oozed her way cheerfully back to my poor little car, feeling very pleased with herself.  Needless to say, all windows were wound down for the journey home ... phwoar, stinky dog!!!! 

Unfortunately I forgot to take my camera to the park yesterday, so no more mudwump pics to share - instead, here is my beautiful clean fragrant Polly, fresh as a daisy after her much needed bath!

Polly says our local country parks are great fun for dogs, so if you are visiting Kent with your furry friend, don't forget to bring their water wings!

Hip hip hooray!

It's time for me to get back into full-on bear gear ... the all-important Hugglets 'Teddies 2013' show in September is creeping onto my horizon and I have customers' orders to finish before I can start work on my Autumn crop.  Word to the wise for any bear maker planning to adopt a puppy, they sure do knock a hole in your production!  

19" Melba

Thankfully, Julie the owner of 'Teddy Bear Hollow' in Loughborough, has been very understanding, waiting patiently for her shop exclusive bears since the Spring.  I am so grateful to Julie for her patience and relieved to have at last completed two large bears who will arrive in store tomorrow ... (now to finish work on Julie's remaining four smaller bears!) 

17" Georgie

After almost twenty years of bear making, it is sometimes tricky to conjure up names for bears, but I hope you'll agree, 'Melba' suits her pretty peach mohair and as Prince George of Cambridge, a future King of England, was born yesterday, I have called my other bear 'Georgie' in celebration of this happy event! 

Congratulations to Wills and Kate.  

May our new Prince have a safe and happy future.  

Hip hip, hooray!!!

Mama Mia!

It seems their current Greek holiday on the Island of Skiathos has unveiled the hidden romantic in my sister's partner ...

Simon 'n Fo

After the incredible amount of support they gave us by witnessing and arranging our own wedding last year, I couldn't be more thrilled to offer my congratulations to Fo 'n Simon on their Official Engagement to be Married!

Apparently the ol' smoothie dropped to one knee to pop the all-important question at the foot of the mountain where the church wedding scene was filmed for 'Mama Mia' ... and yes, his very own 'Dancing Queen' accepted!!!!!

Wishing you both heaps of fun planning your special day and so looking forward to sharing it with you!!!!!! 

xxx

Time to smell the roses ..

Walking, running, climbing, gardening, cycling, game playing, chatting, batting, throwing, writing, reading ... these were just a few of the activities on our busy agenda with Stuart's eight year old grandson this weekend.

Polly thoroughly approved of her young house guest, following him everywhere he went ...

And when she wasn't following him, he followed her!

When the non-stop boy child action occasionally quietened, listening to him read was such a pleasure - there's something quite magical about watching a child immersed in his storybook ...

 Needless to say, my bear-making has been pushed to one side for a few days, but hey, it's Summer! I reckon that means it's time to smell the roses and share some special family time.  

After all, all work and no play will make Paula a very dull bear maker!

Back to School!

So it will be back to school for me this summer!  Well not just me ... at nineteen weeks of age, Polly is fast approaching the 'testing teens', so I've taken the plunge and booked an appointment with professional dog trainer Kevin.  We spent two hours deep in doggy conversation yesterday while Kevin put us through our paces, planning how best to polish Polly's lead manners and generally teach me to help my cheeky pup become a polite young lady. 

Poor ol' Poll was so tired after concentrating all morning, she slept like a log all afternoon!  Heel work, clicker training, staying, coming, fixed and variable treating ... goodness me, there's a lot for us to learn!

We will be joining one of Kevin's very popular outdoor obedience classes in August.  As a police dog trainer of many years standing he comes highly recommended, but most importantly as far as I'm concerned, Polly responded well to him. 

Me 'n Poll began our formal lead practice this morning before breakfast; there will be no more 'Polly walking Paula' in the future - listen up pup, Mum's back in the driving seat!

I'll keep you updated with progress reports when me 'n Polly start school, but in the meantime, Polly girl, we need words ... that bench is for Mum to sit on, not you!

Ding Ding, Round One!

Yes, it's that time of year again, competition fever has begun!

  

After um-ing and ah-ing about whether to enter or not, this bear maker eventually submitted to three Summer competitions and the first, the 'URSA Awards' has just started and needs you to vote cast a vote for your favourite entries!

Applejack has been entered in Category 5 of the 2013 URSA Awards

It would be much appreciated if you could spare a few moments to support the  competition by browsing each of the URSA categories and then selecting the bears (and friends) which stand out of the crowd in your eyes.  

In this competition, your vote really does count!

VOTE NOW

Thank you!

Hey Sista, Go Sista!

I was invited to my niece's 'hen-do' on Saturday and much as I tried my best to wriggle out of the nightclub element of the saucy shinanigins, after a Chinese meal in town, somehow found myself sat among a gaggle of about sixteen girlies, barely bedecked in Moulin Rouge style burlesque corsets in a local nightclub.

Bride-to-be Leah, 'Yummy Mummy' (my sister Fo) saucy sister 'Luscious Lips Lauren' and cheeky cousins Kezzilicious Kerri, 'Sugar Honey Han' and 'Fanny Fanackerpants Fay', vamp it up in town.

It was fun to see the girls partying hard, but by gum did it make me feel the years!

'Sugar Honey' & 'Fanny Fanackerpants' hit the town!

My daughter and niece livin' it large!

The girls hit the dance floor (and my sis and I decide it's time to discreetly leave them to have their fun, while we dial the taxi bus to make our escape!)

Leah's mum Fo and I managed about an hour in the nightclub, then discreetly called the 'party bus' to be rescued from the girls' lively antics by Fo's lovely partner (and my buddy!) Simon, who generously put himself on taxi service all day and night to ensure sure Leah's guests were safely escorted to and fro in style at their leisure.  He even gave his mini bus a special 'hen-do' makeover with sparkly feather boas, party drinks and snacks and flashing butterfly lights on the ceiling; that man is a star!

Soon to be married, my gorgeous niece Leah.

It was great fun to share Leah's 'Hen Night' and I am so pleased she had a fun time with all her important girlies (and honorary 'girlies' .. thank you Leah, lol!) but I think I ought to accept my night club days are best left in the corner of my memory marked 'Forever 21'!

An excited bride-to-be!

Leah and her fiance Gary will marry in church in August, which means there should be just enough time for the stag and hen hangovers to settle, before full blown wedding panic sets in!

Leah and Gary

I am a very proud auntie and so looking forward to seeing my niece walk down the aisle in her beautiful white dress.  Leah and Gary are a lovely couple who have earned their special wedding day and a lovely long life together.  

Wishing them a fabulous day in August!

Bears of Significant Stature

In this day of little bears, it is so refreshing to work with a shop that still has confidence in selling beautiful big bears.  'The Bear Shop' of Norwich is one such UK retailer and I am delighted to be sending these three 'bears of  significant stature' to them today!

Heading to The Bear Shop!

Introducing 19" Chester ...

18" Beau ...

And 18" Clement

Three traditional big bears, no frills, no flounces, just heartfelt heritage.  Yes, I am delighted to be able to tell, you the traditional bear is alive and extremely well in 2013!

For details of these bears' availability, please contact www.bearshops.co.uk