What's in a name?

Naming a bear is sometimes the easiest part of the bear making process! Often the bear tells me his name just as soon as his eyes are set. "I'm Benjamin" he'll say!

Other times he'll be completely finished and just have a blank stare that says "I'm cute, but I'm not sure who I am. I'm waiting for you to tell me."

I tend to write down names, sometimes just words, that would be great bear names. Sometimes I pick a theme like names of spices, trees or poets. Other times I'll go through a book of baby names, the Bible or pick a state and look at names of towns. Usually a name will jump out that says "This is the one!"

Well, that hasn't happened yet for this bear. The names I think fit him are ones I've used already and I try real hard not to repeat a name. I'm at a loss.

How important is a bear's name? Does it make a difference to collectors if his name is Egor or Snuggles? Will someone fall in love with that face then look at his name and say "Raddish?" No way!"?

This guy just needs a name! I have until the end of March to figure it out as he'll be going to the Spring Teddies Show in Timonium, MD then in hopes of finding a new home. But the poor guy can't go nameless!!! Do YOU have any suggestions?

**Update: His name is Pippen! Thank you for the suggestions! Tami Eveslage offered the winning name!

6 Random Things about Myself....

My beary dear friend Chrissi of CatherWoods has taggeed me. I'm to list 6 random things about myself. Hmm.... most of you who read my blog already know me pretty good so I've got to come up with some really unique things......hmmm.....ummmm....hmmmm.....

#1 When I was about 8 I wanted glasses so pretended I couldn't see the chalkboard at school.... mom carted me off to the eye doctor who said I wouldn't need glasses until I was 40! Well, I'm almost 39 and although I'm finding my arms could stand to be a few inches longer when reading I'm still glasses-free!!! My opthamologist gave me an RX for glasses last year, I filled it, wore those things for about 3 days, felt like I had tunnel vision and took 'em back!!! It's going to be a major adjustment when I really, really have to wear them or be blind but I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

#2 I've worked more than 30 different jobs in the last 24 years. But I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up!! Guess that's why I still play with teddy bears?

#3 I still have my roller skates from middle school when the roller rink was my second home! I can't possibly get my feet into them now nor have I in at least 25 years.... yet they've moved with me from apartment to apartment, house to house, marriage to marriage... and I won't part with them. I need help!

#4 I like my waffles with peanut butter on them... not syrup.... peanut butter.

#5 When in my early 20s I directed the children's choir at my church and assisted with the high school youth group. We also did a lot of mission work in New York City. I celebrated my 21st birthday in Jamaica..... not at a beachside bar as many who finally reached the legal drinking age would do.... but rather in the hills outside of Kingston as a missionary rebuilding a church and teaching vacation bible school to the sweetest and most eager young native children. It was an amazing experience!

#6 I dream of having a 65 Mustang.... robins egg blue.... convertible.... or perhaps an old '50 Chevy pick up... fully restored of course.... also blue....

So now I'm to tag 6 friends, and ask them to share 6 random things about themselves. So I'm tagging Melanie of Melbear's Quality Collectibles, Shantell of Apple Dumpling Designs , Catherine of Bumpkin Bears, Melanie of Bear Treasures, Marlys of Waggle Bears and Tammy of Beckoning Bears.

The Real Thing

In teddy bear land we often guage how "good" a handmade teddy bear is by whether or not it has the "Awwwwww Factor".

I think God wins this one "paws" down.... these sweet little black bear cubs have more Awwww Factor to them then any other bear I've seen! Just look at those feet and those nails!!! And their cute little noses!!! Awwwwww! :)

These cubs reside in the state of Maine and are just fine, simply being studied by the Maine Fish & Game Department. They keep track of the black bear population, health, etc. and its easier to sedate mom and handle cubs in the winter when they are hibernating.

Wouldn't you just love to snuggle them??? Until they give you a playful whap on the face with those paws that is!!!

First Bears of 2009 Now Available!

I have finally finished my first two bears of '09 and they are ready to bring some love into your heart in time for Valentine's Day! "Peanut" is a little guy made from a well loved pattern. "Woodruff" is the prototype for a new design I'm working on. Both are available for immediate purchase on my website.

http://www.backroadbears.com/bears2.htm

Update: Woodruff has been adopted!