Just Bears and Stuff

Boyds - Lots of new items in our eBay store

2008-07-19T08:36:35-07:00

The Big Bear and me have been posting lots of great new items in our eBay store.

Stop by today to find what you’re looking for in Americana, Bearington Boyds, Castagna Animal, Figurines, Cottage Collectibles, Cottage Collectibles Resin, Crystal Treasures, Crystal World, Deb Canham, Faerie Glen, Gund, Hand Crafted & Artist, LEs, Jade by Cassiar, Jeweled Trinket Boxes, Kimberly's Originals, North American Bear Company Pooh, Quarry Critters, Slapstix by Cast Art, Steiff, Victorian Treasures, Wood Look Ducks, World of Miniatures and more.

http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff

The Adventures of Penny Pincher: Penny Pincher Rides a Horse

2008-07-17T19:11:32-07:00

The sun was just coming up. It was big, bright and yellow. Penny Pincher was up in a flash. He rushed into the bathroom, scrubbed his face and ears. He then brushed his teeth and combed the tornado of fur that covered his body.

“I look smart and handsome,” said Penny Pincher to his reflection after preening like a peacock.

With memories of the rodeo still fresh in his mind, Penny Pincher could feel himself wanting to experience more of the cowboy life. And today was the day he would do just that.

Penny Pincher was excited. Patricia was taking him to the farm today. He had never been to the countryside - ever. Sure, he went to the rodeo, but that was different.

All he knew was the concrete jungle that he saw from the window just above the shelf he stayed on. He left to cuddled up with Patricia, or to go out on some fun adventure with her. Only on the adventures could he experience new things. He did not know whether he would love the farm or not. He was a little afraid of the strange animals making weird sounds. However, he felt more excitement than fear so he was ready and willing to go on this new adventure. He was happy to be going to spend an entire weekend out in the open country among lush green trees, chirping birds and with Patricia.

Penny Pincher ran to the window and looked out. It was a beautiful day! He knew the drive to the countryside was going to take time, but he was ready.

“Hooray!” shouted Penny Pincher. “I am off to the countryside to see a cow, horse and pig!”

Just then Patricia walked in and put Penny Pincher in her arms, giving him a big hug. “I love you so much,” she squealed. “You have made me so very happy.”

She carried him and placed him on the backseat of the car. She checked that the picnic basket was properly stored. She then got into the car and she and Penny Pincher set off for the biggest adventure of his life.

“Are we there yet?” asked the bored, drowsy Penny Pincher the hundredth time. It had been over an hour and there was no sign of trees, cows or horses.

“Are we there yet?” But Patricia did not answer. After all Penny Pincher was a stuffed teddy bear and Patricia had him for a long time. She could not imagine a life without this cute cuddly bear because she got him at a stage in her life when she most needed to hug someone.

But this did not stop Penny Pincher from constantly holding monologues with Patricia. He loved Patricia more than anyone and was capable of doing anything for her. Penny Pincher adored Patricia and that was that.

The stopping of the car woke Penny Pincher from his sleep. He yawned and stretched to loosen his cramped muscles and then he looked in awe. He saw an apple tree laden with juicy red apples in front of a delightful looking cottage. To the right of the cottage was the fence that separated the horses from cottage. He looked in wonder at the horses. This was the first time he was seeing horses this close. He had seen them on TV, in books, and on posters, at the Rodeo; but never where he could touch.

Mama and Papa came down to greet Patricia. They hugged and kissed their daughter with delight. Penny Pincher liked them a lot because they were very nice and loving.

“Come on Penny Pincher. Let’s get you to bed. You must be tired after the long drive,” said Patricia to her beloved teddy bear.

The last thing Penny Pincher wanted was to go to bed. He wanted to be with the horses. Maybe he would ride one too. Patricia started unloading the car and Penny Pincher sat patiently in the car for her to take him up to the cottage. He was more interested in the horses than anything else.

The air was cool and the sun was still shining. Isadore, the old bay mare, was rolling in the browning grass. She snorted, rolled over, and stood up. She was, indeed, very old and it took an effort these days for her to gallop with the wind. But she was loved and respected by all the other horses and animals in the farm.

Isadore saw the car pulling in front of the cottage and knew it was Patricia coming home after a long absence. She was happy that Patricia had returned to visit. Isadore was once Patricia’s horse. On her sleek long legs she walked to the fence and neighed to attract her mistress’ attention.

Patricia saw her and rushed towards her. “Isadore, my beauty, how are you?” shouted Patricia with glee. Isadore nuzzled Patricia and that is when she saw the weird creature in her hand. It looked like a little bear. She sniffed at him and then reared and whinnied, something she had not done for years.

“Calm down Isadore. Good girl. This is Penny Pincher, my teddy bear. I love him as much as I love you. I hope you two can be good friends,” said Patricia gently in her lilting voice.

Isadore stared at the stuffed teddy and Penny Pincher returned the stare with his warm kind eyes.

“Hi! Isadore, pleased to meet with you,” said Penny Pincher in his gruff gravelly voice. “Will you let me ride you?”

Isadore stared hard at the teddy in wonder. A talking teddy bear? Now, what had the world come to! But any friend of Patricia’s was her friend too. Isadore nudged at Penny Pincher using her nose and this got Patricia roaring with laughter. Both Isadore and Penny Pincher were thrilled to hear Patricia laugh. They looked at each other and smiled secretly.

Patricia placed Penny Pincher on Isadore’s back and she trotted off gently around the pasture. Penny Pincher screamed with joy and fear. He had got what he wanted the most. He was riding a horse! He could not wait to tell all his friends back home about this amazing adventure.

Besides sharing adventures with Patricia and his three best friends, Penny Pincher is the beloved teddy bear of Patricia Twitchell aka The Teddy Bear Lady of Myrtle Creek, Oregon. To experience one of the largest and best selections of teddy bears, angels, fairies, jade, crystal, pewter and more, visit Just Bears and Stuff eBay Store at http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff

The Adventures of Penny Pincher: Penny Pincher Goes To The Rodeo… Finally

2008-07-14T17:37:42-07:00

Winter had come and gone. Spring was in the air. Penny Pincher was as happy as he could be. After all, he and Patricia, the shopkeeper and faithful owner did so much together.

Penny Pincher was as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside. All the other stuffed animals loved him. He was kind and thoughtful. His best friends were Emily Babbit, the plush rabbit, York, the Plush bear and one real four legged friend, Max who was Patricia’s mixed breed dog. The three of them used to always hang out together when Patricia was not around; of course, they would be always up to mischief!

Penny Pincher, like every other stuffed bear, always needed someone’s help to look good. His silken coat was a lovely shade of light brown that appeared almost cream color, surrounded by striking black fur with honey colored ears, nose and feet and his eyes were warm and kind. He needed constant care and Patricia used to make sure he always looked his best. No one knew how old Penny Pincher was, but in the land of teddy bears age didn’t matter.

Like any other day, after Patricia had taken time to groom Penny Pincher, he picked up a tiny mirror and was admiring his handsome face. Just as he was about to praise himself, he screamed “Oh my, oh dear me!” Hearing him, Max, Emily Babbit and York came running.

“What’s the matter, Penny Pincher?” they asked together.

Penny Pincher put down the mirror and said in a woeful voice, “I’m beginning to show some wear and tear. I think I’m getting old.”

“Don’t be silly,” exclaimed Emily Babbit. “You are not getting old. You look as handsome as ever, isn’t he York?”

York and Max nodded gleefully in agreement.

“Just look at this awful age spot on my forehead. I have a wrinkle,” exclaimed Penny Pincher in despair.

Both Emily Babbit and York examined Penny Pincher’s forehead carefully as if they were checking out a bug under a microscope. This couldn’t have happened to him at a worse moment.

After all today was the day he was going to the rodeo. Penny Pincher patiently sat through their examination all the while wondering how he was ever going to show his face to the horses, cows and clowns. Sure, the horses, cows, clowns and even cowboys and cowgirls were used to dirt on their face and their hair; but, surely they would all laugh at him.

Patricia was going to the rodeo and she had promised to take Penny Pincher. Now how could he go looking all old and wrinkled? The rodeo horses and cows would neigh and moo at him! He would become a laughing stock.

Finally, Max, Emily Babbit and York gave their verdict. “It is a speck of dirt. If you wash it, it will disappear.”

“No, it will never go away. Now I will not be able to go to rodeo and will have to roam the rest of my life with a paper bag over my head.”

Max woofed loudly. “Come on, Penny Pincher. It is just your imagination.”

York whispered to Emily Babbit, “Do something. Look how miserable he looks.”

“Let me think,” whispered back Emily Babbit.

Suddenly she jumped up and exclaimed, “I know what you need. I’ll be right back.” She hopped out of the room.

Emily Babbit returned a few seconds later carrying a bottle whose label read: Stain Remover.

“Now let’s get you all pretty for the rodeo. After all, you have to tell us all about it,” Emily Babbit said as she unscrewed the plastic container.

She dipped her rabbit foot into the stain remover and dabbed it on Penny Pincher’s forehead. It was like magic. Within seconds Max, York and Emily Babbit could see the tiny speck disappearing.

“There, you are all spruced up to go to the rodeo. Now no one will laugh at you,” said Emily Babbit.

Penny Pincher held up the mirror wondering whether his friends were speaking the truth. Max was barking wildly the whole time wagging his tail with joy; Emily, being a rabbit, was hopping all over the place; and York was just being a lazy bear and sitting with a contented look on his face.

Penny Pincher was surprised to see that the age spot, or whatever it was, had disappeared completely. Yippee! He would be going to the rodeo with Patricia and no one could stop him! And Patricia would be so proud of him.

“Thank you, all of you. I don’t know what I would have done without you.” Penny Pincher said as he thanked and hugged his three best friends.

Besides sharing adventures with his three best friends, Penny Pincher is the beloved teddy bear of Patricia Twitchell aka The Teddy Bear Lady of Myrtle Creek, Oregon. To experience one of the largest and best selections of teddy bears, angels, fairies, jade, crystal, pewter and more, visit Just Bears and Stuff eBay Store at http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff

The Adventures of Penny Pincher: Penny Pincher Finds A Home

2008-07-12T08:37:30-07:00

Not long ago or far away there was a beautiful teddy bear who sat on a shelf in a quaint gift shop located in the beautiful mountains of Southern Oregon. This unique teddy bear was waiting for someone to buy him and give him a home.

This lovely bear was no ordinary bear. His stomach fur was a lovely shade of light brown that appeared almost cream color, surrounded by striking black fur with honey colored ears, nose and feet and his eyes were warm and kind. He had a wonderfully wise look on his face.

The handsome bear looked very smart with his satin bow tie around his neck. Attached to the tie was tag with his name written in bold black letters. It read Penny Pincher.

Penny Pincher had arrived in the store just before Christmas. At that point the storekeeper was putting up a lovely big holiday displays in the window. From his place on the shelf, Penny Pincher saw the storekeeper decorate the tree with fairy lights, angels, snowmen, stars and yards and yards of tinsel. Penny Pincher particularly loved to hear holiday music because it made him feel happy and merry.

When Penny Pincher arrived at the gift shop, there were many other bears, collectible dolls, angels, fairies, dragons and other wonderful toys to keep him company. Each had a special place in the shop. The teddy bears had a huge shelf of their own. It was amazing to see so many stuffed bears occupying a single shelf in the store.

One by one the teddy bears left the shop; happy to be carried off to their new homes until just Penny Pincher was the only teddy bear left in the entire gift shop.

Penny Pincher felt sad and lonely sitting all by himself on the shelf. He wanted someone to take him home, love him and play with him. Above all, he wanted to be hugged. He hoped that Santa Claus would come, whisk him away to a good home filled with laughter and joy. But it seemed that Santa was too busy delivering presents to children around the world to make a trip to the gift shop.

Penny Pincher tried to keep a brave face. He wanted to cry but he knew that crying would make his eyes all red and puffy. This would lessen his chance even more of finding a home.

Penny Pincher kept wondering why no one wanted him and kept passing him over for what he thought were other less beautiful bears and toys. In a flash Penny Pincher knew why no one wanted to take him home. He decided that with a name like Penny Pincher no one would want him and that was the reason why he had not found a home as yet. So, he decided to change his name.

Penny Pincher pulled a book of names from the bookshelf and started reading all the names. He was a smart bear and could recite all the 26 letters in the alphabet. He wanted to change his name. Although he was not happy about it, he had to do it if it was stopping him from getting a home.

He read the names one after another -- Adrian, Bernard, Clive, David, Edwin, Francis, Graham, Howard, Ivan, Jeremy, Keith, Leonard, Michael, Nathan, Oliver, Paul, Quentin, Roger, Samuel, Timothy, Ulysses, Vincent and Winston. The names starting with X, Y and Z were too difficult for Penny Pincher to pronounce so he did not bother with them.

But Penny Pincher did not like any of the names. He couldn’t imagine being called Adrian especially when all his life he was known as Penny Pincher!

“They are all fine names,” he said to himself. “But, they are not for me. These names are just not me.”

Suddenly a brilliant idea struck him. He did not have to change his name at all! All he had to do was shorten his name to make it more attractive! He could call himself Penny, Enny, Pincher, Pin or Cher. Penny Pincher mulled over each name trying hard not to get too excited.

He finally decided on Penny The Bear instead of Penny Pincher. He took off his bow tie from round his neck, took a pen from the storekeeper’s desk and neatly wrote on his tag Penny The Bear above Penny Pincher. He was pleased with his handicraft. He marveled at his writing.

Then with a dignified look on his kind wise face, he retied his bow tie and waited patiently for the next day. He was certain that someone would definitely take him home now. Who could resist a bear named Penny?

The following day was Christmas Eve. Hordes of parents came along with their children but no one looked as Penny Pincher. As the day progressed, Penny Pincher could hardly suppress his tears. No one wanted him.

“Time to close the store, Beryl,” announced the shopkeeper to her assistant. “Phew! It was a busy day. I am off now. Don’t forget to lock up. And, Merry Christmas!”

The shopkeeper put on her winter coat, scarf and gloves when suddenly Beryl screamed. “It’s snowing! We are going to have a white Christmas finally!”

Just then the front door opened a young lady walked in.

“I’m sorry for barging in but I wanted to buy a teddy bear. I know it’s late but I really, really need one desperately. All other toy stores are out of stock.”

As she finished her sentence her glance fell upon the shelf where Penny Pincher was sitting. Penny Pincher didn’t dare to look up because he felt the world had collapsed around him. But as the young lady walked closer and reach up to hold him, Penny Pincher’s heart started pounding with excitement. He wanted desperately for the lady to take him.

“Oh! Look! His name is Penny, short for Penny Pincher. That is quite strange because my name is Penny too, “ announced the young lady. “I want to take him home with me, but he must be called Penny Pincher. That is only right. It is his name, his identity. What a wonderful Christmas this will be.”

“Could you please pack up the teddy?” asked Penny Pincher’s namesake.

Penny Pincher could not believe it. He had waited so many weeks to find a home and just when he had given up all hopes, on Christmas Eve he had finally found a home. And not just any home. A home where he would be called by his real name and loved for who he is.

So Santa had heard his cry for help and sent Penny, to rescue him; hug him, love him and be his friend. Penny Pincher had a feeling deep inside that his life was about to change in a wonderful way.

As Penny and Penny Pincher left the gift shop, he thought to himself, “This is definitely going to be a Merry Christmas.

It was definitely going to be a Merry Christmas!

Besides sharing adventures with Penny and his three best friends, Penny Pincher is the beloved teddy bear of Patricia Twitchell aka The Teddy Bear Lady of Myrtle Creek, Oregon. To experience one of the largest selections of teddy bears, angels, fairies, dragons, pewter and more that you will find anywhere, visit Just Bears and Stuff eBay Store at http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff

The Adventures of Penny Pincher

2008-07-09T23:00:16-07:00

I am so excited to announce that in the next few days you will be able to enjoy a series of stories that revolve around the adventures of Penny Pincher the bear. You will find out how Penny Pincher found his first home; the travels he took to the rodeo, the garden, the river and much, much more.

Be watching for this fun and exciting series.

Bear hugs,

Patricia Twitchell
The Teddy Bear Lady of Myrtle Creek
eBay Store - http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff

Building My Network On Facebook

2008-06-30T22:04:23-07:00

I'm having fun learning all about Facebook. I'm meeting some wonderful teddy bear enthusiasts. I would love for you to join me in Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com and put in Patricia Twitchell to access my page.

Bear hugs,

Patricia Twitchell
www.justbearsandstuff.com

Deb Canham one of a kind, numbered bears abound

2008-06-14T13:12:25-07:00

In the 15 plus years I have owned my gift shop, Just Bears and Stuff, one of the favorite artists for my customers is Deb Canham. Deb Canham's unique style, her attention to detail and the love she puts into her craft, make her a perfect designer for the bears she creates.

She creaetes miniature mohair teddy bear figures that are all numbered, limited additions. Besides teddy bears, Dappled Dragons, Mini Mice, Hares, and much, much more.

To enjoy a wonderful selection of Deb Canham bears visit our eBay store at http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff

Teddy Bears - Are they worth collecting?

2008-06-12T08:49:08-07:00

Some time ago I wrote an article on the reasons peoople collect things. I had several inquiries as to why people would collect something and what the benefit would be.

The type of collector I see most frequently is teddy bear collecting. Why? Because that's the industry I am in. I have been selling teddy bear to collectors for nearly 15 years. When I first opened my shop - Just Bears and Stuff - I had a few people who were into collecting. Since that time, I have lost count of the number of teddy bear enthusiasts I have been blessed to meet.

In the last year, I transitioned from selling from my shop in Myrtle Creek, Oregon to also selling from my eBay store. Now I enjoy getting to know collectors from virtually around the globe.

Have you ever wondered what motivates someone to begin a collection of any type? Being the owner/operator of Just Bears and Stuff gift shop, I have pondered that question on more than one occasion. My customer base is full of loyal folks who are more committed to the art of collecting teddy bears.

I have customers from all walks of life - from stay at home moms to busy professionals. Each has their own reasons as to why they began their collection. Following are some of the primary reasons people have told me they buy, collect and cherish their teddy bears.

1. It satisfies the soul.

2. They have a friend or family member who encouraged them.

3. They like the feeling teddy bears give them.

4. Teddy bears are great conversation pieces.

5. Most everyone loves a cuddly bear.

6. Investment purposes.

7. Teddy bears make great listeners.

8. It's Fun!

Whatever the reason, teddy bear collectors are here to stay. Chances are either you, or someone you know, has a passion for the cute little creatures that bring so much joy to the lives of many.

The next time you wonder why people collect things, ask yourself if there has ever been anything you had an affection for and just had to have.

To see the full selection of Teddy Bears and other great collectibles visit http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff

My teddy bear dream came true!

2008-06-11T06:48:41-07:00

I have a secret that I’m going to share with you. I am a fifty-seven year-old woman and I love teddy bears. Big ones, small ones, fat ones, skinny ones, long hair, short hair, mohair, bears with hats, bears with jackets, or just plain furry ones, I love them all.

Many years ago when I was a young woman going through a rough time in my life, I spotted a teddy bear while out shopping. I had to have it. On an impulse I bought the bear (which I really could not afford) and took it home with me. Every time I looked at my teddy bear, he made me smile and feel better. It was during this time that I tucked a dream in the back of my heart. My dream was to someday open my own shop filled with nothing but teddy bears.

After several years in the workplace and raising two sons on my own, I finally met my knight in shining armor. We were both ready to simplify our lives and since we both loved the country, some extensive searching enlightened us to a small town nestled in the mountains of Southern Oregon. Even though the time was not quite right, I knew that somehow I was moving closer to my dream. Indeed, this was the perfect place for a teddy bear shop.

Years later, after my husband retired, we were left with a small office building on the main street of our little town. The little dream tucked away in the back of my heart for all those years grew wings and soared. A new sign was painted for the building and “Just Bears & Stuff” became a reality.

Now, 15 years later, I know that my instincts were right. I’m glad that I listened to my heart. I don’t have one outstanding miracle to share, I have hundreds. Every person that walks through the door of my special little shop can feel it…that special “teddy bear feeling.” Whether or not our guests have come to purchase a bear or just come to visit, we know that they will leave with smiles on their faces; teddy bears just make you feel good. Most every person that purchases a bear has a story. Our bears go to people who need comfort in times of illness or loss. Our bears go to people for joyful occasions or milestones in their lives.

Little did I know when I opened my shop what would evolve. Not only do I have my shop in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, I also have one of the largest selections of bears of all types on my eBay shop.

Sometimes people, young or old, will make a purchase just because they need a teddy bear to get them through a bad day. These people are among my favorites because, in them, I see myself all those years ago when that first teddy bear came home with me and whispered in my ear, telling me that my dream for the future could come true. I’m glad that I listened that fuzzy bear was right!

To see how much my dream has come true vist my eBay store at http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff

Teddy Bears galore

2008-06-10T09:25:25-07:00

When I was a child one of my favorite friends was my teddy bear. As I grew older I was told to put away my childhood toys. Good thing I didn't believe that for a moment. If I did I would not have one of the largest selections of Boyds Bearstones, Cottge Collectibles/Ganz Cottage, Deb Canham, Cassiar Jade and Victorian Treasures on eBay.

If you love teddy bears and collectibles, visit my eBay store at http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff

Bear hugs,

Patricia Twitchell aka
The Teddy Bear Lady of Myrtle Creek

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