Thursday, December 24, 2009

Decorating With Trees




That's it! With our new kittens in residence, this year instead of decorating the tree, we are decorating with trees! Rocky and Cleo love anything and everything that dangles and either tries to play with it or ingest it. After due deliberation,we (well, that's mostly me as the boys are generally too busy to consider consequences) have decided to forgo usual decorations for a simple (shall I say ellegantly understated) display of little trees through the house.The middle photo shows them all having a drink in the kitchen. We have one fairly major tree which sits on the counter between the kitchen and family room, two rosemary plants shaped into trees, a tiny holly in the downstairs powder room, two small pines here and there, and two very unusual and lovely cedar topiaries on the dining table. These last are almost chartreuse in color and lemon scented. The best part is that they are all living and will go into the garden or the woods behind our home when the weather permits.
Kim is coming for a few days and our little family will all be together for a brief time. That's the best thing on earth - especially when there are plenty of doggie and kitty kisses for everyone.
My wish for all is that Christmas is just what you want it to be. Life is so precious, whether it's family, friends, kitties and puppies and all creatures, or these marvelous little trees that have come to share our holiday. Peace be with you.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A Little Snow








Our snowfall was small compared to most places in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States this last weekend. It did provide great interest to the furry folk of the Griffin household. The kittens, Rocky and Cleo, are still amazed by everything in the world and enjoyed watching the snow from indoors. They were fascinated by the critters enjoying snacks at the bird feeder. The kitties insist that I get up early each day and Rose, who has always enjoyed playing in the snow, was making "snow angels" on the deck at 5:30 a.m. She couldn't wait to get outside and enjoy the fun!

Monday, December 7, 2009

More Ebay fun and an Online Show!


As Maude is just about to find out where she will go to live, little Mimi is getting nervous! She's hoping there will be a new Mom or Dad for her out there somewhere. I shall list her Ebay auction at the conclusion of Maude's auction. I'll come back to this spot and post the link then.
Here's the link to Mimi's auction:


Online Show for the new year
Due to inclimate weather (I do all my photographing outdoors) I shall have my next Online Show after the first of the year. I'll be notifiying those on my mailing list so let me know if you'd like to hear from me. You can sign up at my web site: www.donnaandthebears.com There's a little bear with a red balloon that says "Email Donna" Just click on that and send me a message!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Ebay Auction for Maude tonight!


Well, if I've done this properly, the Ebay auction for little "Maude" should appear at 9:05 pm PST. When she actually appears, I will list the link here as well as sending the link listing to those who have asked to be on my mailing list. Technology is a wonderful thing when it works properly - and if I've filled in all the blanks!
Here's the link to the auction:
I hope you will visit!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Hometown fun!




Many thanks to Sarah and Keith for a wonderful evening! Kim, Kim's friend Craig, Jason (my son) and I had a fine time at the Norfolk Admirals hockey game held at the Scope arena in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. As an added bonus, the Admirals won the game in an overtime victory! This morning, I've taken Kim to the airport to head back to Pittsburgh. It was cold here (37 degrees farenheit) but will warm today. I don't think it'll get much warmer where Kim is going. Her visit was much too short and I'm already looking forward to the next time.

Friday, November 27, 2009

"Trimming the Tree"

The new photo at the top of this page features some bears that I made especially for a British magazine special feature and was requested by Kathy Martin. It was a joy creating these little bears showing some little ones who are trimming their tree and are surprised by a visit by Panda Claus. I think my favorite is the little one clinging to the star looking warily at the visitor.

Friday, November 20, 2009

To "The Burgh" and Beyond







I've about recovered from a wonderful trip to visit with Kim and then attend a teddy bear show in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I have lots of photos and don't know where to begin! Kim and I had a grand time shopping and going to a Penguins hockey game. I was so glad to see old friends and meet new ones at the show. The weather was gorgeous the whole time - much different from the flooding going on here in this area of Virginia. We had little damage and a whole lot of leaves in the yard. Let me share some photos!


The pretty girl on the left standing in line at the Mellon Arena is my Kim. We bought some bears representing some of our favorite players. Got a good shot of the Cotton Candy Man - apparently an icon at the games.
Next time, I'll add some shots at the show! I've found a new book that's very interesting too. More on that soon!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Rose Vists the Vet




Not to be outdone by the kitties, Miss Rose had her annual visit to the Oaks Veterinary Clinic today. Dr. Hannah Adams (white coat again) and Assistant Shannon treated her so kindly and Rose certainly enjoyed the attention. She's doing pretty well for a senion citizen of almost 12 (her birthday is in February) and we are enjoying every day of her wonderful life!! We are so thankful for the kind folks at the clinic who take lots of time and care with all our furry family.

Monday, November 2, 2009

GOLDEN GIRLS!







A phone call from two very dear friends, Cindy and
Darlene, on Saturday night brought the news that
both my Golden Teddy Nominees had won! I did think that they were playing an early "April Fool's Day" joke on me, but another call from Alice the next day gave me further evidence that it may be true!!
Sue from Teddy Bear Review sent a message today that made it official. And the logo shown belongs to both little girls.
I am so grateful to all who voted for my little bears!
I wish I could give each of you a hug - but know that my thanks and hugs belong to you.
I will offer both Mimi and Maude on Ebay with no reserve very shortly. I'm preparing to leave next week for the teddy bear show in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, on November 15th, and will try to get the ebay template done when I return. If you aren't on my emailing list and would like to know when they will be available, just email me through my website: http://www.donnaandthebears.com/.
If you are going to the Ann Arbor show and would like a sneak peak of bears going with me to the show, let me know!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Kitties visit to the Veterinarian




The kitties are feeling fine and visited the the Oaks Veterinary Clinic today for their shots. Oh, by the way, their names are Rocky (Rocky the Flying Squirrel) and Cleo (Cleopatra). Rocky is pictured flirting with Dr. Hannah Adams (in the white coat) and Assistant Tracey Ellis who is also a glass artist.

Dr. Hannah showed me a great way to entertain them by letting water drip from the faucet. They LOVE that! I'll just hope they don't figure out how to turn on the tap while I'm away.
Their baby kitty photos can be found in an earlier post.

All in all, Rocky and Cleo didn't mind the visit or the shots.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009


What a thrill to have the Panda Sisters pictured on the postcard for the Bright Star show coming up in Ann Arbor! They came in the mail yesterday and were such a great surprise. The Panda Sisters have already been adopted, but I'll have lots more pandas at the show. If you'd like to get more information about the show just follow this link:

Monday, October 12, 2009

Marc Andre - Flower Elf wins URSA!




The kitties and I have been under the weather but all are fine now. They had an upper respiratory infection that they brought with them from the shelter and have had a couple of rounds of medication. I had something - who knows- but am fine.




We (cats, bears, humans in residence) we thrilled to learn of our little Marc Andre the Flower Elf winning the URSA award in his category in the recent competition held by Bright Star Promotions. I must pass along how he got his name. Well, you know our love of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Their goalie is named Marc Andre Fleury (that's flower in French). Get it??? At first he was to be a leaf elf, but he just looked so cute in the middle of a sunflower. Well, that's how a little elf gets his name. There will be lots of little leaf and flower elves - hope you like them!!!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Kitties are feeling right at home!




The new little ones are fitting right in as you can see! Still no names.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Kitties!!!




My son, Jason, and I visited the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and adopted two kittens. There were so many and we would have loved to bring home the lot. We chose a little boy who is two months old, a fluffy kitty with extra toes on his front paws that look like thumbs! He's a pretty sandy color. The other kitty is a little girl, white with gray markings. She looks as if she has eye liner on making her very beautiful indeed. She is 5 months old. The animal shelter is staffed with wonderful volunteers who made us feel very good about adopting these little ones. We still haven't come up with names, so if you have a suggestion, please let me know!

Monday, August 17, 2009

What a weekend!




TBAI was just amazing! I had such fun visiting with folks who seem like my family that I visit each year and meeting some new "family" member this year as well. As I reported from the hotel computer, my "yellow submarine" piece won 1st place which was awarded on Friday night at the Banquet. On Saturday morning before the show began there was a breakfast which included the TOBY Public's Choice awards for 2009. The Editor of Teddy Bear and Friends magazine, Kathryn Peck, and the Sales Manager, Kellie Love (don't you love that name) were there to present the trophies ....AND the Panda Sisters WON!!!! I was already weapy from an award given to dear Cindy Malchoff who does all the work to make sure TBAI is a success and couldn't believe it when the Sisters and my name were called. I hope I said something intelligent but especially got through my thanks to the magazine and to all who take the time to vote. Congratulations as well to all the other winners. I won't list them here if they haven't been notified yet.
I took photos on my deck this morning and had trouble with the beautiful crystal trophies "fogging up" as we went from the air conditioning to the outdoor heat! The Sisters are with their adoptive family, but I still have their photos pictured with the trophies to remember them by.
I am so appreciative to all those at TBAI who selected my piece for the award and all those who voted for the Sisters! Love to all, Donna

Friday, August 14, 2009

Yellow Submarine Wins First Place!

I'm thrilled to report that The Yellow Submarine just won 1st place in the vignette category at TBAI! I'll post photos soon!
The show is going well and everyone is having lots of fun. My presentation this morning (Photographing Teddy) went well. Most of my bears sold at the brief showing this evening before the banquet. Tomorrow is the main show. I'll get some photos and post soon!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Going to TBAI!







The little bears, submarine, and I will be leaving for Binghamton, NY early tomorrow morning. I gathered some of the little ones who are ready for a quick photo last night. I can't take reservations for them as some who are coming to the show don't have Internet access, but we all hope to see you at the show! I'll try to get some good photos of the fun and this time will remember to take the cable that connects my camera to my computer.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Yellow Submarine launches!











I'm leaving for TBAI in Binghamton, NY on Wednesday. I'll be towing my gallery piece along - The Yellow Submarine. I have a few little details yet (like the rudder) to deal with, but was able to get some photos last night. The yellow submarine rests on a rock or piece of fake coral that I found at a pet store meant to go in a fish tank or terrarium. I wanted to have the words of the Yellow Submarine song in the piece, so I sculpted a turtle which is holding a sign with the words on it for a sing along. On the left of the piece with be the "album cover" I designed featuring my Fab Fuzzy 4! The boys are about 4 inches tall and wear Sgt. Pepper's Band Uniforms which I've decorated with Swarovski crystals - don't think they show up too well, but they are sparkley!




I hope to have some other pictures of some of the bears that will be going to the show tomorrow!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Trip to "the Burgh"


The trip to Pennsylvania was tons of fun. I took loads of photos and will share more. This was probably the most spectacular as Kim and I went to the top of Mt. Washington across the river from downtown Pittsburgh. We rode the Incline first down the mountain and then up again. You can see one of the Incline cars in the lower right of the photo. The highlights of the visit include hiking in a local park and a visit to the National Aviary. Will post some wonderful birdy pictures soon.
I'm working away at the little bears for TBAI. I'll be heading to Binghamton, NY a week from Wednesday. Can't wait!!!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Trips and Ebay and Info







I'm traveling to Pennsylvania tomorrow to visit Kim. I hope to remember my camera so that I can record the journey and our sight seeing!
In the meantime, I've decided to delay the Ebay auctions of my Golden Teddy Nominees until the Fall. I'll be away a lot this summer, and our Internet Cable Service has been going in and our for a week or so. It may be difficult to answer questions and queries if I can't get online!!!! Please let me know if you'd like me to email you when the girls will be available.
I've been privileged to take part in the URSA Award program this year sponsored by Bright Star Promotions I think voting continues until the end of July. If you'd like to take a look at all the entries and vote for your favorites, click here: http://www.bright-star-promotions.com/ and follow the URSA trail clicking on "Let the voting begin" The entries are amazing!!

The photos in this posting are of my little entry - one of my smallest bears yet! His name is "Marc Andre - flower elf"

Thursday, July 2, 2009

A Wonderful Gift from Debbie!


Imagine my surprise when a cute package from a long time friend arrived yesterday!!! It seems Debbie has kept up with Kim's and my excitement over the Penguins "March to the Cup" this year and crocheted two adorable little penguins for us! We've named them Sid and Geno for two of the stars of the hockey team. Kim (I send her a photo from my IPhone) said the taller one must be Geno. I shall carry this sweetest of gifts along when I visit Kim later this month. I expect she will want to keep Sidney, but we'll see!


I can't thank Debbie enough for her friendship and for such a thoughtful gift!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Strike Up the Band


Well, Sgt. Pepper would be proud, I think! The little Beatle Bears have their band uniforms and their bodies and are trying out their instruments. I will put more trim on each of the little outfits and one of the little guys lost the feather in his cap as we were going outdoors to take photos. The yellow submarine is still under construction, but I'll post a photo of that soon!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Not Quite Ready for Prime Time



I'm working on my gallery piece for TBAI (Teddy Bear Artist Invitational) in Binghamton, NY in August and these little guys will be the stars. The theme this year is "Name that Song" and I picked "Yellow Submarine" by the Beatles. Yep, these are the little Beatle bears - they will each be about 4 inches tall - and will be riding on a yellow submarine. I'm making the submarine out of paper clay and have decided to dress these little bears in band outfits like Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band. They will each have their little instruments too! Since taking this photo, I've completed a couple of the little bears and will post more photos soon.

Monday, June 15, 2009

I LOVE A PARADE!







Miss Kim went to the parade in downtown Pittsburgh today for the celbration of the win of the Stanley Cup by the Penguins. She left early and got a spot right in front on the parade route. She says she took 600 plus photos! Gotta love the new technology. She send several to me and I'm going to include 3 in this post. The team is young and their Captain - Sidney Crosby - is only 21 years old. He's the youngest NHL (National Hockey League) Captain to ever win the Cup with his team. The other photos are of Mario Lemieux, Hockey Hall of Famer, who is now part owner of the Penguins, and Jordan Staal, another very young Center for the team. I saw parade on the Internet as the local station streamed its coverage.

I'm so glad Kim got to go down to the parade along with over 300,000 other faithful fans. It's a Great Day For Hockey!!! (That's not an original quote, but a famous saying first uttered by "Badger" Bob - a former coach who was in charge when Mario was the Captain and the Penguins had the first franchise win of the Cup in 1991.)