2009

Here are my goals for 2009 - illustrated with help from the animals at Chester zoo , as snapped last summer ..




To try not to lurk in the background ; instead seize the moment and make the most of all my opportunities rather than just looking on ....




To not stick stubbornly to a "comfortable " or easy place artistically - but to continue to push myself , and always strive for excellence ...




To wear a confident smile , be proud of what I can create , and be ready to show off what I can do !

There are some exciting things on the very near horizon this year which I will post about as soon as I can :0)

Bye for now ,

Ruth x

Happy Frosty White New Year !

Just a quick post , on this very shivery New Year's Day .

The dogs have been out in their fleecy coats , the duck is roasting in the oven , and we await the return of the two older sons from wherever they crashed out after their New Year's revels . I've had plenty of time to reflect on the past year over our quiet Christmas ( quieter than it should be as I have blocked middle-ear canals apparently , which stubbornly refuse to clear ) 2008 was great for me and the bears , with many highlights - a Golden Teddy nomination , a first wonderful live show in Stratford , a magazine feature profile , and to crown the rest ; winning the miniature British Bear Artist Award !
I have enjoyed getting to know other bear artists better , and taking part in collaborative groups such as British Bears on the Net and Teddy Bears and Critters Australasia . It has also been a pleasure to me to play a small part in helping wild animals struggling in their environment - from garden birds (RSPB) to orangutans and bears .



There is still plenty I'd like to accomplish , and new decisions to weigh up or implement . I may even make a few New Year's resolutions ! For now , the duck is most pressing . Oh , and potatoes to roast until crunchy crisp . I'll be back soon so to everybody until then " Happy New Year ".

Ruth xx