Postcards From FunTown

I am happy that February is Over...This means March is here...

2012-02-27T16:55:00.000-05:00

Hello...Well...Springtime is just around the sunny corner of "Happy Avenue and Finally Boulevard"...This makes me smile...I am happy to be sewing on Pink Velveteen...So very cheerful. My friend here is "Betty Bloomer." She and her sisters are on their way to Earth Angels...

This is an edition of four...Don't they look like back-up singers for "Madame Sara Nade?" I love the way they look together...as if they are lined up in a tidy English garden...soaking up the sun's rays.

Speaking of Sunshine...There must be a Hawaiian Luau planned...Sunny is shaking those hips like a Hula Dancer...

As you can see...there is much rejoicing in FunTown. We are ready to pack away our turtleneck sweaters and buy a new bottle of sunscreen. I hope that we don't get grass stains on our new Spring fashions.

So...enjoy your visit to Earth Angels...There is so much to see on Jen's web site. You might want to brew a cup of tea and take some time to look at all of the magical artwork.

Have "Spring Fever" fun, Jody, your friend in FunTown who is waiting to wear her Flip-Flops once again...

Come on Over to my House and Play...

2012-02-20T12:31:00.001-05:00

Hello....Would you like to come to play with me in my toy room? It is a quiet day here...so I thought ...why not show you some of my toys. The above... "Tooter" is from Enid Blyton's Noddy Books.

As you may have guessed...I love teddy bears. Actually, I can't imagine anyone who doesn't love teddy bears. This is Billy Buttons with his loyal dog, Sparky...Little Bon-Bon... and Muriel with her puppy Fido.

My toys are always scurrying about...You know the saying...Places to go and People to see...!

Yes...we sometimes have traffic problems. I am considering Stop Signs if this gets out of control.

Just like in your home...Everyone always gathers in the kitchen..."Snack" is a verb here.

We do have a library...as we love storybooks...especially the ones with lots of colorful picture pages.

Pets of all kinds are welcome here...we love our loyal and fuzzy companions. Oh, we love pets without fur also...oops...I don't want to offend the fishes...and the birds...and others that I can't think of right now. Not dinosaurs...no...they would be too scary...no one would sleep at night.

My little fellows are very generous and kind. The cart rides are complimentary. So hop on board and enjoy the view.

There is Wall-to-Wall fun here...Oops...It appears as though I might have some bare space...I will have to remedy that right away.

I think Jolly Boy is on the way to get an ice cream cone. They never rest. I often hear them dancing about in the night-time...Especially on Saturday Nights. They do love parties...who doesn't?...party treats, snappy dance music and party hats!

I will share more snapshots of my playhouse in the future. I need to get to my sewing room and have some stitching fun.

Have silly "Time to make the Doughnuts" fun, Jody, your not-so-grown-up friend in FunTown

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California...Here We Come...Again!

2012-02-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

Hello...Come one...Come All...to "A GATHERING OF FRIENDS." On March 17th, in Corona, California. Last March...My good friends...Pat Murphy, Leslie McCabe and Paul Gordon and I gathered to have a trunk show with all of our good friends in Southern CA. Well...A fun time was had by all...so we are doing it again...with the added bonus of Allen Cunningham.

Here is Pat....chairwoman of the Welcoming Committee..."Come On In"

This is Allen Cunningham...I will be posting photos soon of his Springtime ArtWork...

This is a MasterPiece from Paul Gordon...from last year's show. Impressive...don't you think?

Here are some lovely hooked pillows artfully created by Leslie McCabe...So beautiful and colorful...

Pat Murphy...and her furry little buddies. They loved their vacation in California...in fact, they all stayed. they are probably at the beach right now...

Here are a few of my FunTown Funnies that I had at my table.

Come and visit us and or newest artwork...Should you live nearby...or heck...why don't you plan a vacation in Sunny California and come to play with us...

Here are the details...so mark you calendars...

Saturday March 17th...2012

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Mill Creek Restaurant

103 Lincoln Avenue

Corona, CA

91 FWY-Lincoln Exit

+ Allen Cunningham...

I will be posting more snapshots in the weeks to come. If you have any questions...you can contact any of us...Also...if you would like to be included to our mailing list...just go to Pat's, Allen's or my blog and email us.

Have silly "Let's go to a fun show" fun, Malibu Jody

Let's Go to the Movies and the CodFish Ballroom...

2012-02-06T15:10:00.000-05:00

Hello...Well...I made another slideshow and posted it on YouTube...As you can guess, I am having fun with my new computer. Please come and visit...The More the Merrier. Click below for free admission.

click here ...At the CodFish Ball

We hope that you enjoyed the show...We all had such silly fun practicing the dance routines and getting gussied up.

My home is going through a major renovations...painting, new flooring and new kitchen cabinets. So, needless to say...Everything is Turvy-Topsy around here. I long for the day when I can sit back in my newly painted surroundings...like my little friend "Ducky Doo-Right."

So, until things quiet down around here...I am daydreaming of Springtime. Looking at these cute little fellows, I can't help but think....

"What did the bunnies say to the little white mouse?

"How do you do?...It is a pleasure to meet you."

Bunnies are very kind.

So, until next we meet...I would like to say...Thank you for visiting and have a nice day.

Have silly "Looking for tulips" fun, Jody, Your friend who is listening to noisy electric sanders and pounding nails

One-Two Cha-Cha-Cha...

2012-01-30T11:06:00.000-05:00

Hello...Today I feel like dancing...and so does "Bobby Buttons." He is so happy because he just found out that it is socially acceptable to dance with... or... without a partner. So he is kicking up his heels in jubilation.

This is "Kenny Bunkport" and "Peter Pincher" doing what Kenny thought was going to be a simple Fox Trot...but Peter is a little too aggressive a partner...so this is a perfect example of when to choose to dance alone.

There are times that your dancing partner is shorter than you...So the Tango might not be the wisest choice...Tiny Cupcake and Groucho decided to do the Hokey-Pokey instead.

Phil Harmonica and Thumper are the best "Jitter-Buggers" in Funtown. We make room on the dance floor when a Chuck Berry song is played...as they are high kickers.

This is "Mr. Earnie Many-Winks" and his charming wife "Pearly-Pearly, Pretty Girlie" doing "The Twist." Pearly loves to shake-shake-shake.

"Whistling Dixie" and "Cappy Quacks"are so peppy...they can dance all night....and often do. All of this shaking keeps them slim and trim.

So...today, while you are baking cookies or polishing your silver...turn on the radio and do a little dance. It will make the cookies tastier and the silver extra shiny.

Have silly "shake it all about" fun, Jody

Let's Have a Play Date...

2012-01-24T17:09:00.000-05:00

Hello...Would you like to join me for an adventure in FunTown? I was thinking we should go to dinner and a movie. I will make reservations to dine at Tim's Red Hots...a highly sought after eatery here in town.

Then we can stroll down to "The Pip-O-Drome Movie House"...We can share a bucket of warm, buttery popcorn and get some Junior Mints at the refreshment stand in the lobby.

Sit back and enjoy the show...just click on to the link below...

Please join me in FunTown,,,,

Have "buttery popcorn bucket" fun, Jody

My Funny Valentines...

2012-01-17T12:55:00.002-05:00

Ahoy Mateys...My good friend Jen O'Connor of Earth Angels asked me to make some Valentine's Day toys. What fun...as I haven't made Valentines for many years...and I LOVE this holiday. I have been acquiring old Valentines for many years. Imagine just how special they were for someone to tuck them away in an old shoebox to be discovered many years later. Now.... I would like to introduce you to this little sea-faring fellow "Willy-Bee-Mine"....I do think that he is hoping to find a BEE-autiful Mermaid.

The little girl with the big candy smile is named "SugarLump." We here in FunTown hope that she shares that fancy box of Assorted Swiss Chocolate of hers. I always want the chocolate covered cherries...unfortuantely, so does everybody else.

This is "Boo-Boo".... a fellow of many talents. He must have a secret crush on someone...as it is very tricky juggling five balls at once.

This sweet little trio is winging their way to Warwick, New York to Jen's magical playhouse. I do hope that they behave themselves....With all of that sugar consumption they do get a little "energetic."

Earth Angels ....Make yourself a steaming cup of hot chocolate...Oh...don't forget the marshmallows...and have fun visiting with Jen and all of her talented artists.

Have silly "dreaming of chocolate covered cherries" fun, Jody

Let's Play...Let's Pretend...

2012-01-13T13:37:00.002-05:00

Hello....Boy...oh...Boy....Life comes to a screeching halt when you land in the middle of the January calendar page. After the frenetic holidays...it is a welcome change. Since things are quiet here in FunTown...I thought."Why not share my inspirations with you?" I have given you little peeks along the way...so here is yet another peek. First...let me introduce you to "Whistling Dixie" the owner of "Whistling Dixie's Toy Shop" here in town. I might also add that she is a character of distinction in the book that I am working on. She is so warm, caring and patient with the children... as she lives in the land of make believe...No... really...she owns a house on "Make Believe Lane."

I found this charming little sticker book while shopping with my good friend Pat Murphy. We both get into mischief when we go antiquing. Anyway...back to the point...This book was compiled in 1939...the golden years of children's books, as far as I am concerned.

Since it is so enchanting I am going to share the following pages with you.

For those of you that are familiar with my work you will see how images like this inspire my toys...and those of you who don't know me...now you know also...

Are you smiling?...

Sadly, this is the last page.

Here is another book I found at that same store. It was printed by the Volland Company...the same toy company that made the first Raggedy Ann's and Andy's...in 1924. It is printed on linen. A treasure, for sure.

This one of the pages. Very clever indeed.

Have silly "picture book" fun on this Mid-January day, Jody, the little girl who never grew up

A Tuesday Evening in FunTown....

2012-01-06T16:41:00.000-05:00

Hello...and I hope that your new year is full of new beginnings and sparky adventures. On Tuesday evening the citizens of FunTown convened for their annual town meeting and Pot Luck Supper. The dinner was very tasty...as everyone likes to show off their famous recipes.

The official meeting was called to order. Many ideas were discussed...

We took a brief break to help ourselves to a second helping of dessert....there were many to choose from....my favorite was the cherry pie. During the intermission we were entertained by "Steady Eddie and the Teddys."

We elected a new neighborhood beautification committee to keep our town neat and tidy.

Officer Chick-Wick volunteered to walk the pets for those of us with busy schedules. You see...since there is no crime in FunTown...he tends to get bored and restless. We all applauded and sang "For He's a Jolly
Good Fellow."

We also accepted "Tumbling Tommy's" offer to change the light bulbs in the street lamps on Silly Street.
As you can see...we don't have much to discuss at these get-together's...as all is well here in FunTown. Yet, we do love to gather to sing, dance and dine with one another.

Pip was relieved that the meeting was concluded... he claims that it was very boring indeed. I tend to think he was just pouting because we ran out of Dingos...his favorite treats.

It was time to go home and watch TV as no one wants to miss "Jeopardy."

Have silly "Frosty January " fun, Jody

For Auld Lang Syne....My Dear.

2011-12-29T16:46:00.001-05:00

Hello...Get out your party horn and don your party hat as it is time to reflect and celebrate.

I will take this time to ponder...the year past and the year to come...

I think it wise to make more music...

To kick up my heels and do a little jig....

To smile and think of vegetables....when you are healthy you can cha-cha-cha much better...

Spend more time in the sunshine...while not forgetting the importance of sunscreen...

To be kind and friendly....to those you pass by on your journey...Hello There!

Spiff up your surroundings...you neighbors will be grateful...

Take some "Me" time...you know...curl up with a good book and a hot cup of tea...hmmm...

Make time to visit with your family and fun friends...

Be a good citizen...help others...and do good deeds...

Enjoy every minute of every day...

While you prepare your tasty party snacks, choose a snazzy outfit to wear to your fancy party or maybe you will be staying at home with a bowl of popcorn to watch a sentimental black and white film...let's do a little happy dance and hum your favorite tune...as 2012 is going to be a shiny new year of possibilities...

Let's take'o'cup of kindness yet...for Auld Lang Syne....

Have "Here is a hand my trusted friend" fun, Jody, your friend with a sparky new calendar

So Be Good For Goodness Sake...

2011-12-21T10:28:00.001-05:00

Hello...Everyone has been scurrying about shopping, baking, decorating, wrapping, mailing, cleaning and trying their best to create a Merry Christmas for those that we love. Let's sneak a little moment for ourselves to remember our Christmas's Past.

Looking through the Penney's Catalogue...circling the toys that were under consideration in your dreams. Sitting in the backseat of your parent's station wagon looking in amazement at the twinkly Christmas lights.

Shopping with your Mother to buy a little thoughtful present for your very best friend...knowing for sure that it would be just what she wanted.

Finally...Christmas Eve would arrive...always the longest afternoon known to mankind. In my case...trying to stay out of the way as my Mother and Father finished up the last minute errands...trying my best not to bicker with my brother and sister...for fear of Santa getting a last minute memo of my misbehavior. Then finally we would climb into the back seat and drive to my Grandmother's home.

Dressing in your fanciest nightgown....and then the long night ahead. So much to ponder...where is Santa now? Did Dad put out the fire in the fireplace in time? Will the snow slow down his journey? Oh goodness...how did we ever fall asleep?

Waiting until 6:00...the acceptable time to knock on our parent's bedroom door...after a night full of visions of sugarplums.

Yes...Santa had been to our home. The unwrapping, the shrieks of delight, checking to see what gifts your sister or brother were opening. Divine Bliss..

I believe it is good for our hearts to look back...smile...and try to recreate that magic for those that we love. Let's remember the child that dwells within all of us and treat them well.

So...with "Little Tin Horns, and Little Toy Drums. Rooty-Toot-Toots and Rummy Tum Tums...Let's Have a Jubilee."

Have silly "Sugarplum Dreaming" fun, Jody and the rest of us in FunTown

Jami...thank you for the happy little fellow on wheels and the Santa in the convertible. Merci Beaucoup.

You Had Better Watch Out....

2011-12-17T15:45:00.000-05:00

Hello...My goodness...Christmas is just days away. Santa and the fellows are getting organized for the big night. We received a postcard from the North Pole...that was very thoughtful as they have places to go and people to see...

The Parcels are being stacked to insure proper delivery. They are truly making their lists and checking them twice. Everyone is bustling about.

Santa is making sure that all of the elves are busy at work. Sometimes they like to stop, put their little feet up and have a piece of cherry pie...this way they have the energy to carry on....Santa encourages this as he wants everyone to be happy. All you need is one grumpy elf and it spoils it for the others.

Mrs. Santa is busy making chocolate Santas for the Moms and Dads. She is very considerate that way.

The tannenbaums are ready to make the holiday magical. They are sparkling and twinkling just as they should

So...enjoy these busy days and be rest assured that all of the gang at the North Pole are right on schedule.

Have silly "visions of sugarplums dancing in your head" fun, Jody

Oh Twinkly Tannenbaum...

2011-12-13T12:05:00.000-05:00

Hello...It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here. Today I want to share with you my love of glass ornaments....starting with my friend Debbee Thibault's beautiful collection. Several years ago Debbee took her famous designs to Germany. Debbee wanted to create heirloom treasures that would stand the test of time. Each ornament is mouth blown and hand painted and then placed in a charming holly berry box. I love my Debbee tree...

It was such fun trimming this tree...When I opened each box I smiled...I am so proud to have Debbee's ornaments and her friendship. She truly is as charming as her artwork.

As you see... I do love charming ornaments....

Be gentle with your treasures....

Have "Jack Frost Nipping at your Nose" fun, Jody

Button Up Your Overcoat...

2011-12-09T14:19:00.003-05:00

Hello....While watching the news this morning, I shivered while they predicted snow for many regions. So I thought today I would share some of the chilly fellows that reside here in FunTown.

On the North Side of Funtown...we have a little cluster of Snow Families. We don't see them as often during the summer months...for reasons obvious to us all. Billy Blizzard is a tad jittery...especially after reading an article about global warming in the "Hip-Hip Hooray Gazette." He is very proud that we recycle in FunTown.

This is Joe SnowBall...a door-to-door salesman here in FunTown. He represents the "Warm Woolly Mittens Company." He is a top-notch salesman...in fact he was offered a promotion at the home office...but...he refused because it was south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Here are the "Twinkle Twins"...Eddie and Freddie...they are very energetic fellows. They share a newspaper route and you can see them early every morning riding their bicycles up and down the streets here in Funtown. Freddie has a difficult time throwing...and many times we have to look in the flowerbeds for our papers. That's okay...because they are very polite.

This is "Bo-Bo"...Yes, he is lots of fun at parties here in FunTown...He is always making us laugh as he tells us funny jokes and he always remembers the punchlines. If the music is lively he will remove his cap and "Twist the night away..."

Finally...this is" Mr. Van Der Freezy"...he is retired after many years of service at the "Warm Woolly Mittens Company." We all love him very much and we lovingly call him Uncle Pudgy. He still gets out and frolics with the rest of us on snowy afternoons. After sledding he invites us back to his home for Hot Chocolate with marshmallows and Mrs. Van Der Freezy bakes her famous Snickerdoodles for us all to share.

With all of this chatter about blizzards...I do believe that I am going to put on a comfy sweater and listen to some holiday music on my Victrola.

Have silly "to frolic and play the Eskimo way" fun, Jody...don't forget to put your mittens in your pocket...

Oh-No....It's December already!

2011-12-04T16:42:00.002-05:00

Hello...and Ho-Ho-Ho...How could this be? The calendar turned to the last page....this could only mean one thing....Yes, it means that December is upon us...and once again, I am running around like a frenzied elf who has lost his candy canes. I have not decorated my house as yet...don't tell anyone, but I still have not packed away my Halloween...yes it is in a pile in the spare room.
Today as I wondered what to blog about...I visited a cabinet that houses some of my Santas. My thought was that I would get in the mood...Bingo! Above is a Santa that I made in 1999.

Here is merry band of music makers. If you look closely...you might notice that the little fellow with the squeezebox seems to have hit a sour note as the cymbals player next to him is casting him a dirty look of disappointment. These little guys are performing daily here in FunTown and twice on Saturdays. They do a great jazzy version of "Oh Tannenbaum."

Santa is happy to discover that it is December, as you can tell by his expression that he is dreaming of cookies and hot cocoa. Take a gander at "Snitzer" the reindeer...he is not too thrilled, as he is driving solo. I read in the "Hip-Hip Hooray Gazette"...our little hometown newspaper in Funtown...that Snitzer lost a bet and now he has to go it alone. Poor Snitzer...these holidays are exhausting for many of us.

Little Snowflakes is enjoying his treasured trophy that he won at the Funtown Snowball Toss-Off. He is acting a bit show-offy...not only is he a champion...but he has finished his Christmas shopping. Lucky him...

Miss Jingle Belle is getting last minute alterations on her ball gown...She is a contestant in the "Little Miss Sugar Plum Beauty Pageant." She has been practicing her baton twirling routine for the talent competition. She isn't very good at the catching portion of her routine...so she is hoping to gain extra points with her fancy dress. She has been baking sugary cookies for the judges to butter them up. This is not the way to win the "Miss Congeniality" contest.

This our front door. My husband Tim decorated our front door yesterday. My poor Apple Fan is in desperate need of some "sprucing up"...literally...

Off I go...back to my sewing room. I hope that all of you are "decking your halls."

Have silly "merry and bright" fun, Jody

The Scoop on Paul's Show...

2011-11-29T13:06:00.002-05:00

Hello again....I have been slow to update you on my latest adventure as I have been down for the count with a bad cold and cough...Ugh...This is Paul Gordon, artist extraordinaire...in front of his charming home in Martinsburg, WV. When I say charming...I mean very charming. He was a gracious host to all of the gang that gathered to celebrate the holiday.

Here is Paul in his studio standing proudly in front of his artwork. I sadly neglected to take a snapshot of his picture window with a magical snowman. Oops! You would have enjoyed it. People came from near and far for the opportunity to view and purchase his works of art.

What is Christmas with out a warm and fuzzy teddy bear...fortunately for us Pat Murphy brought some charmers. As usual. We all need a teddy bear or two to remind us of the child that lies within us all. You might want to put a MurphyBear on your wish list.

Leslie McCabe pulled the wool over our eyes by hooking some beautiful pillows and Christmas stockings. Leslie paints with colorful wool...she must find the wool from rainbow sheep. You just want to touch them to feel their warmth.

Meet Allen Cunningham...yet another famous artist. His dolls are famous and his holiday figures are a sight to behold. He is as charming as his artwork...plus he looks just like Johnny Depp. As you can tell...I think the world of Allen.

This is Dara DiMagno ...a very talented jewelry artist. She makes one-of-a-kind pendants with vintage photographs and findings. Once you start to look at them...you will become enchanted by her wit and talent. You can't help but smile and giggle when you start to explore her work.

And here is Stacy Bear a multi-talented artist. She is a painter and a soft sculpture artist. Whatever she makes is so full of whimsy. She has been featured in many magazines over the years...so she may be familiar to you.

And finishing up as we went around the room is Deborah Hartwig...a charming and colorful soft sculpture artist who makes the most clever pin cushions out of velveteen and creates the most imaginative little works of art.

The next day we went antique shopping in Hagerstown. Here is Jack, Allen, Fred, Nancy, Dominick, Pat, Leslie and Paul. We were good little Americans...as we stimulated the economy that day.

I know that I prattled on and on, but it is hard to compact a magical weekend into a few paragraphs. The word "talented" was bandied about...but it was true. Paul's studio was filled beautiful artwork and the nicest of people. Truly. A wonderful way to let the holidays begin. So Merci Beaucoup to all of you who "decked the halls" with all of us.

Nancy Michler, Pat Murphy, Leslie McCabe and me after a tasty breakfast. When in West Virginia...enjoy the biscuits...it is an unspoken rule.

Have "comfort and joy" fun,

Jody

Going on Ho-Ho-Ho-Holiday....

2011-11-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

Hello....Oh my gosh...Here it is...the holiday season. I will definitely get in a jolly frame of mind this weekend at Paul Gordon's Christmas Show ...we hope that you can come and visit all of us. It is a friendly group and like I said last post...there will be tasty party snacks and snappy punch. So waddle on over to Martinsburg, West Virginia...

This Mr. MacScottie....He just got the memo on the tasty party snacks...

"Stroodel-Doo" and I are all packed up and ready to go...well...actually I am still organizing my stuff...I don't manage my time the way that I should...

It is nice to get together with friends....just like these fellows....I am flying to Michigan to meet up with Pat Murphy and she and I are motoring our way to the shin-dig...I am sure that we will giggle, listen to snappy music and we can always play a rousing game of Car Bingo.

I will be sure to bring my winter coat...as it will be chilly.

Have "It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas" fun, Jody, your Fa-La-La-Lah friend

If you need directions....www.friendsinchristmas.com

You Are All Invited...

2011-11-10T15:29:00.000-05:00

Hello...Tis' the Season...to be jolly...so please come to Paul Gordon's Christmas Show

I promise that it will be a magical day. Come to spend the day with us in Martinsburg, WV. Paul Gordon has the most charming studio I have ever seen. When I attended last year I was overwhelmed by his antique trims, textiles and antiques of all kinds. If you love Christmas...and shame on you, if you don't...you will be so happy if you join us.

I will write more about the other artists in a few days. I just wanted you to mark your calendars. Plus...there will tasty party snacks and flavorful punch. So do not delay!

Have "won't you join us" fun, Jody, your friend who is humming Christmas Carols in her sewing room

Gidget Grows Up....

2011-11-07T12:28:00.001-05:00

Hello...I have been in Chicago again visiting my family...so consequently I haven't been able to post. My apologies. As you might surmise from the snapshot....something BIG has happened here in FunTown. I got me one of them fancy magical typewriters. An Apple LapTop. For those of you who don't know too much about me...this is a huge undertaking... as I am almost computer illiterate...but I am determined to change.

So...I need to go to classes and try to join in the 21st century parade that has passed me by. Hopefully I will be able to manage my web site.

I will be able to make some snappy CD's for Pip and I to dance to. Oh this will be so much fun.

So...as I fasten my seat belt and put on my space suit for my rocket ship adventure...wish me luck.

There is rejoicing in FunTown...the pressure is on.

Have silly "jumping into the deep end" fun, Jody, the shiny new Apple girl

The credit for the illustrations goes to Charles Twelvetrees...one of my favorites. The bear picture is from "The Story of Bad Little Billy Bear" by Mrs. H.G.C. Marsh Lambert

Jody...the name dropper

2011-10-26T13:34:00.002-04:00

Trick-or-Treat...and a howdy-doo to all of you. "Oh-My-Pumpkin-Pie" and I would like to invite you to peek in my window and view some of my friend's spooky artwork. I am going to use this opportunity to boast of my worldly buddies. This may come across as boastful on my part...but...I do think you will enjoy them. I have cool friends. So grab your Loot Bag and follow us....

I keep these dancers on my wall all year long....hmmm...I bet that their little feet hurt by now...this mischief making pair were created by Leslie McCabe...a famous textile artist. She is a Master "Puncher"..."Rug Hooker" and jewelry artist. Plus, she is my good friend.

This little Squirrely fellow was needle felted by my good friend Pat Murphy of the internationally famous MurphyBear Company. She not only makes beautiful bears...but now she is having fun sculpting charming little characters, also. Take a peek at her birds...you will be glad that you did.

Paul Gordon, a very famous Folk Artist made this lovely Harvest Lady. My good friend Dana Wade gifted me with this heirloom treasure several years ago. Imagine my delight when I spied her the first time. She is a tree topper that is sculpted and painted by Paul and he has the very best of vintage trims. Aren't I lucky?

This mystical Fortune Teller was made by Jami Santos. My sparkly friend in California. This Madame has a faraway look...I wonder what she is thinking. Is it possibly a mysterious secret or is her crystal ball getting too heavy? Jami is a very special woman...she often has this same expression. Come to think of it...she may have a little crystal ball in her pocket.

Speaking of expressions...look at this mischief-maker. Scott Smith of Rucus Studio made this nodder. You may be familiar with his work as he is always featured in the best art magazines. I treasure all of the pieces I have accumulated from Scott over the years.

David Bruce of Acorn Cottage made this sparky little spooky lantern. He definitely has that grin that makes you wonder what he has been up to. I haven't seen David for years now and I miss him...luckily I have many of his Halloween pieces that make me smile.

We are busy making caramel apples, popcorn balls and treat bags for all of the tricksters that are going to ring our doorbell on Halloween night. So now that I have invited you to peek in my window...I would like to extend the invitation to my doorstep.

So...do not delay...Put on those dancing shoes and party hats and get ready to make some mischief.

Have silly loot bag fun, Jody, the proud friend

P.S. I hope that you all get many tasty treats...especially the chocolate kind...

BOO!

Off We Go to The Atlanta Country Living Show

2011-10-19T23:22:00.001-04:00

Hello....Y'All...In am off to the Atlanta Country Living Show to play with my Earth Angel friends. My friend Leslie McCabe has arrived here at my home and we are packing up to go to Stone Mountain to join my friend Jen O'Connor's Earth Angels tent for our fun weekend. The above piece is "Oodles and Doodles" a one-of-kind that I made especially for Earth Angels.

This is ButterCup...an edition of 6. I really enjoyed making her...a real design challenge.

"Boom-Boom" a funny little fellow. Noisy but he loves to dance...

Chilly-Willy Wiggly...talk about dancers. He can do the Hula like no other...

May I introduce you to "Justine and Ducky"...

Another Angel for Earth Angels..."Goodness-Gracie"...

"Charley-Buttons" a one-of-a-kind...a fellow that is going places....

And to say good-night and farewell...here is "Wee-Winnie-Winky" an edition of 6...

Off I go to enjoy the weekend. If you are within shouting distance...I do hope that you will come and visit us at the Country Living Show in Stone Mountain, Georgia this weekend.

Have silly harvest moon fun, Jody

A Jolly Farewell...

2011-10-13T12:02:00.000-04:00

Cheerio...Yes, I am in a jolly mood today, as I have finally sent some of my special little friends on an international adventure to Teddy Bears of Witney...a magical store tucked away in a charming village in Jolly Olde England. I have been honored for many, many years to be included in his infamous catalogue....and I do mean honored. I do special editions for Ian Pout, the owner, every year...as he puts out an annual catalogue that those of us in the teddy bear collecting world look forward to each fall. It is chock-full of wonderful toys from all over the world. Above is the "Prince of Whales"...he is expecting a royal welcome once he returns to his ancestral home. I do hope that he is faring well on his journey...as he prefers traveling on his yacht...he is a white knuckle flyer.

This is "Hoot" and "Annie"...a jolly pair. Once again...England is the place for them. So many British children have grown up with Gollies. They will have many friends to get acquainted with upon their arrival. I sent them with their whistles in case they need to hail a taxi.

"Tiny Cupcake" is a tad nervous herself...as she has repeatedly heard that in England they enjoy "tea and crumpets"...she hopes that they enjoy her sweet disposition. I reassured her that everyone loves cupcakes.

I was sad to send them on their way but I am having lots of silly fun making new funnies for the Atlanta Country Living Show on October 21st, 22nd and 23rd. I will be under the Earth Angels Tent with all of my fellow artist friends. You really should attend as it is a phenomenal show. I will let you know more about it this week.

Have "I love apple cider" fun, Jody

Yippee...it's October...

2011-10-06T14:32:00.000-04:00

Hello...Last evening at dusk I heard the rumble of some engines rolling down Silly Street (this is the main thoroughfare in FunTown.) Since the harvest moon is waxing...this could mean only one thing. The silly goblin fellows are parading into town to remind us that it is time to decorate for Halloween. Yippee!

They honk their horns and sing spooky songs to get our attention.

We are all a bit edgy...because planning your Trick-or-Treat costume is so very important. There is a costume contest at the Harvest Moon Fall Festival. The pressure starts to mount with each day...

The employees at the Pumpkin Patch and the Cider Mill are working overtime to keep up with the demand.

Here is a charming witch made by the famous artist Jack Roads. She brought up the rear of our little Spooky Parade. Now the season has officially begun here.

We will all study up on our Halloween stories to tell the young folks...

Practice our dance moves...

And...most importantly...we will stock up tasty trick-or-treat snacks. It is wise to have plenty on hand...just in case you sneak into the bags beforehand.

Have " making your home spooky" fun,    Jody, the one carrying boxes up and down the stairs

                                                                  BOO!

Shake, Rattle and Roll...

2011-09-28T13:43:00.001-04:00

Hello...With Autumn at our doorstep...allow me to introduce you to a charming couple who reside here in Funtown. Meet Hambone and Boney Maroney...they compete in Ballroom Dancing Contests and they have many trophies. He prefers the Tango as he has a dramatic flair...Miss Boney likes the Fox Trot as she is developing creaky joints.

They pack their dancing shoes and travel up and down the East Coast. We are so proud of our famous couple. No, they are not married...not yet, anyway...but, there are rumors.

During the evening hours, Boney Maroney relaxes by knitting and watching old black and white movies...the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers' films are her favorite. She secretly believes that she is much more graceful than "that Ginger Rodgers!" She is knitting yet another scarf for Hambone as he has poor circulation and is always chilly. He has confided in me that he longs for a colorful argyle scarf...but alas...Boney Maroney is color blind and has trouble following directions.

Here is Hambone practicing bobbing for apples for our Harvest Moon Fall Festival. He has been the Apple-Bobbing Champion for three years running. He is very competitive and enjoys posing for the snapshooter during the trophy presentation ceremony. Fortunately he doesn't boast too much...as a dose of humility is a good thing here in FunTown.

We can hear the music daily as we stroll by Boney Maroney's home...we smile knowing that the duo is inside twirling, kicking and dipping. This is why they are Champions.

This is their 8x10 glossy that they had made for the contests...but Boney is hoping that it will be their engagement photo for the newspaper. She dreams of this moment while knitting.

Have "shake-rattle-and-roll" fun today, Jody,

Snapshots from The Creative Connection

2011-09-21T16:46:00.002-04:00

Hello...I am back in FunTown after my sparky trip to St. Paul to attend The Creative Connection . My hat is off to Jo Packham and the marvelous staff from Stampington & Company for putting together an amazing event that was enjoyed by all...at least every smiling person that I spoke with. I started off at the Artist Market...aisles of talented businesses with colorful and artful displays. This snapshot is of this little fellow that enchanted me...but alas...I did not have the funds and I am afraid that he will haunt me in the future. At least I have the image and I can share him with all of you. Isn't he charming?

Let me introduce you to Jo Packham, the attractive executive with the fun spectacles...the Master-Mind behind the "Where Women Create" and "Where Women Cook" magazine fame. If this was an orchestra...she would be the "Maestro". She had an adoring public that patiently waited in line to get her autograph in her new beautiful book "Celebrate Where Women Cook". It is yet another best seller. Hip-Hip Hooray for Jo...

Look at these pretty, successful and youthful executives...Christen Olivarez, the Editor-in-Chief & Director of Publishing and Elizabeth Komatsu, Advertising Account Executive...both of Stampington & Company. I was so impressed by their sparky personalities and friendliness to me and all of the participants.

This is a peek into Tinsel Trading's bountiful booth. I love Tinsel Trading...a must-see if you are in New York City. It was a treat to be able to see a small sampling of their intriguing wares. Especially since they accepted credit cards. Hooray for them, also...

Oh...this display piece stopped me in my tracks...of course it wasn't for sale...but wouldn't we all want this? As I was drooling over it, the kind owner plugged it in...imagine that... it was electrified. So, we can all stand back and admire it at least. It pleases me to know that this exists.

Tim picked me up at the airport and we stopped at the Virginia-Highlands neighborhood in Atlanta for dinner...yes, I know...that was nice of him. Back to the point...as we strolled to the restaurant we passed by this impressive window display at a children's store. I popped in to inquire if it was for sale...sadly, this also was beyond my reach...but I ran back to our car to retrieve my camera and now we can all enjoy this sparky picture. So I hope that you enjoy this also.

Upon my return Pip-Squeak, my faithful companion was over the moon to have me home again...as I give him many tasty dog treats. Here he is this afternoon watching my every move...as he doesn't want to see my suitcase ever again. Sorry Pip, the Atlanta Country Living Show is coming up next month. So, I should get back to my sewing room once again. It was a great adventure in St.Paul and I had an inspiring experience...but it is nice to be home also.

Have "Wish you were there" fun, Jody, the weary traveller...I forgot to mention that on my departure I had a five hour mechanical delay...oh my!

P.S. I showed you all of the things I gawked at...but...look at what I did bring home. Not the soldiers, but my lucky duck. Next time I might hop in his little cart and forget the airplane. I wonder if he serves peanuts?

Silly Stitches...and a Fashion Update

2011-09-05T13:57:00.001-04:00

Hello...I have been a tad under the weather this past week. I am sharing this, as I feel the need to confess that I have been playing with my FunTown book backdrops...houses, shops and other necessities of FunTown life... instead of sewing...which I should be doing. I get easily distracted...similar to a sparky four-year-old. But alas, the time has come to resume my life. Making silly toys. Before I do...would you like to peek at my distraction?

Let's get back to the theme of this post...

It is difficult to see all of the treasures in this snapshot. Trust me...it is delightful. While in Tokyo, there was this little shop within the department store, Seibu, where I conducted my classes. Strangely enough, it was a Parisian store. LaDroguerie. It was like a day at the circus for me. Fabric, buttons, ribbons, trims and fanciful beads. I had myself quite a time there. It wasn't until I was safely tucked away in my hotel room...when I looked at my receipt. According to my calculations...It appeared as though I had spent $17,000...I am exaggerating, of course, but let's just say that the Yen was stronger than the dollar that week.. Oh well... I will make some very special toys with all of my Frenchy Finds.

Now, if that wasn't bad enough...I went to a charming quilt fabric store in Naperville, Illinois while visiting my Mother. the store is A Pieceful Heart. As you can once again see...I enjoyed myself. Thank goodness I don't take drugs as I would be in the gutter by now. The point of my lurid tale is...I am eager to jump back into my sewing room and play with my new "stuff."

It is time to change the subject for a fashion update...Today is Labor Day. Many of you think...a beach day, hot dogs, back-to-school supplies and no mail delivery. Do not fail to remember this important task. It is a time to place those white shoes in the back of the closet. Don't despair as I am sure that you have other footwear.

There are a few exceptions to the rule...Health Care Providers, Restaurant Servers and Roller Derby Contestants. Oh, I almost forgot about the tennis players...anyway...follow the rules and the world will be a better place, fashion-wise that is.

Have silly two-steppin' fun, Jody, the girl that has a Visa Bill with a French accent

Oops!...I forgot to tell you all that I was leaving town....

2011-08-28T17:21:00.000-04:00

Hello again...I was in such a hurry before I left that I didn't inform you that I would be away from my magic typewriter for a while. I went to visit my family in the ChicagoLand suburbs. My nephew Walter was leaving for Cornell University and I stayed with my sister's children and my Mother came to Jill's house to keep me company. Did you catch that sentence " Walter...Cornell?" Pretty impressive, huh? Now you will all think that I am a smarty-pants like Walt.

Here is Walter and his Dad Marty packing up the van. I did not take too many snapshots as this was a hectic and private affair. If any of you have sent any children off to school, you might get a kick out of this.

He will soon be strumming the Cornell Fight Song...High above Cayuga's waters.

This is my little sister Jill...Maybe she will practice and perform a duet with Walt. This is a difficult moment for Mothers...can you see the exhaustion, fear, sadness and most of all pride?

If you knew my sister...this would be a familiar sight. No, the snapshot is not out of focus...she just moves at warp speed. Have I mentioned that she has four children and tends to my Mother's needs?

This my Mother, Gloria. She was born in New York City but they moved to the Chicago area when she was a little girl. We took a sentimental journey past the house that she lived in for five years when she was ten years old. She regales me with her stories of how she rode up and down the streets here in Clarendon Hills on her bicycle making mischief. She still makes mischief...just not on a bike.

We lunched at my brother's house one afternoon...This is Darlene, our hostess and my favorite sister-in-law. I moved away from Home in 1972...and we have never lived near any of my family members...so I can't begin to describe how meaningful it is for me to sit at a table surrounded by my family. We all love to laugh and have silly fun. Jamie....she is my other sister, sadly she wasn't with us this trip...we missed you.

Well...as Jill, Marty and Walt made their exit, I will also. Thank you for joining me on my happy visit. As you can see, I love my family very much. I will introduce you to my sons and husband shortly. They are more interesting than me...so hopefully it will be a sparky blog.

Have giggling with your family fun, Jody, Gloria's grateful daughter

More Monkey Doodles...

2011-08-16T21:38:00.002-04:00

Hello...As I mentioned in a previous blog...I seem to have inflicted great discomfort amongst the monkeys here in FunTown. I highlighted several of the monkeys , but not all...oohhh. big mistake. I am going to correct my error and give some of the others some face time. This is Toots...he likes to get the party started and play all night long. He has a great sense of rhythm and he has a lovely singing voice also.

This is Miss Margaret and Sister Sally...as you might be able to surmise Miss Margaret is quite sophisticated, especially compared to poor Sally. I overheard Miss Margaret boasting of the glamorous evening she had the night before at the Chimpendale Debutante Ball. Poor Sally stayed home to babysit her cousins...but she loves to hear of Miss Margaret's escapades. She is so kind.

These are the Zippy Brothers. They are now retired from the Vaudeville circuit. They still love to do the Shuffle-Ball-Change. They all have a touch of arthritis after all of the years on the road and ill fitting tap shoes. I must admit they still have that spark that made them famous years ago.

Here is Bingo Boy. He is a husky fellow. Strong as can be...but he is such a softee. He cries every time he sees the movie "Love Story"...his favorite. I often find him in front of the T.V. with a bowl of popcorn and a box of Kleenex.

Lastly...the Rough-Riders. They are all saddled up and on alert for a rodeo. These fellows are dare-devils and adventure seekers. We love to hear their tales of Cowboys and Indians and damsels in distress. they never disappoint.

You may remember this frisky couple from my earlier post...

I think they were up to a little "Monkey Business."

Have silly "All's well in FunTown once more" fun, Jody, the peacemaker

Please, do come in...and make yourself comfortable....

2011-08-10T16:35:00.003-04:00

Hello... I am humbly writing this today...as I am not one to boast...but I am so proud and honored to be in this Autumn Issue of "Where Women Create" and if that was not enough I am placed amongst so many talented and successful artists. It was a sunny day indeed when my dear friend Jen O'Connor, of EarthAngels, introduced me to Jo Packham years ago at Jen's Spring Fling. At the time, Jen knew that I wanted to publish a book that I was working on and she generously matched us up, as Jo is a book publisher. So Jo and I became friends and in the interim she began her magazine. Between our busy schedules, time passed...and then one happy morning Jo and Dana Waldon, the snappy photographer, rang my doorbell.

So, I would like you to come join me and I will show you some other angles of my sewing room...The FunTown Factory. My that sounds like I have employees....big misconception...it's just me and my dog, Pip-Squeak...thank goodness, as there is no room for anyone else. Think "cozy" instead of tiny. These shelves are filled with the characters from my book about FunTown. They patiently wait as I work on other projects. I can hear them begging me to "get this show on the road"...as my Mother would say. They want to jump into some colorful pages and tell their story.

Reminders to chuckle often..."Chuckle" ...such a goofy word.

I can find an excuse to buy anything...see how utilitarian fun little objects can become? While antique shopping I can always rationalize any purchase.

I have had so much delight finding these silly things. It seems that most of my treasures are found when I am with my fun friends while out of town.

I needed all of of these sewing notions...after all...it's a business expense....

So much to tuck away...tiny buttons, ribbons and over-all doo-dads.

This is my FunTown phone...if only I had a secretary...maybe one of my old teddy bears could answer the phone...after all they have all attended Charm School here in town.

Within easy reach...I have little hiding places everywhere.This can be quite challenging if the nook or cranny is not labeled.

Well...I fear that I am boring you...so, off we go, as there are lots of parties to attend.

I want to send a big "Merci Beaucoup" to Jo Packham, Dana Waldon, the friendly editorial staff at Where Women Create and most of all...thank you Jen O'Connor for being a champion of me and all of the ladies with the dancing fingers. I curtsy to all of you...Let me not forget all of the friends I have made along the way who have sparked me to keep going. THANKS to ALL of YOU!

Have "Join the parade and wave to all of the passers-by as they are all so nice" fun, Jody, the waver

If anyone is interested in a signed copy, just let me know...write to me...the copy is $15.00 and $3.00 shipping in the U.S....They should be available at Earth Angels or at larger magazine outlets, Michaels and Jo-Anne's.

Oh...and thank you for visiting...next time I will provide baked goods...

My Japanese Adventure...Part Two...

2011-08-07T21:01:00.001-04:00

Hello...It has been a week and I am starting to get back to normal...whatever that means. As I return to being just Jody once again, I am going to remind myself of my royal treatment from my friends in Japan. Above are some of my Kokeshi Dolls. Japanese wooden folk art dolls. They are as charming to me as the the culture they represent.

This was a tasty lunch I had one of the first days. It is a "Japanese White Peach Parfait." It seemed like a fitting choice considering I hail from the "Peach State." This was such a delight...served in such an artistic way...it tasted as good as it looks. The white peach is a seasonal delicacy. I recommend it highly.

The people in Japan are conserving their energy right now...so this billboard was from a men's clothing store...a reminder of the move to eliminate suit-coats as the air conditioning is being lowered.

These are my hosts and good friends...from left...Katsura Yamada, Katsumi Mori. Mr. Matsubara, Takehito Morii and Ami Kawai. They graciously took me to this barbecue restaurant. One of my favorite all time meals. Takehito and Katsumi did the grilling right at our table. Beef, chicken, shrimp, shitake mushrooms, vegetables and probably more as I lost track. Fresh crisp local vegetables and cold beer. A perfect ending to a perfect day. I am ashamed to admit that I used a fork...my goal is to master chopsticks for the next visit.

This is the Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku...this is where I did my signing. A beautiful store...shopping in Japan is pleasant experience...the artful displays and the courteous service is outstanding.

This little girl and her baby sister enchanted me...there was a little brother also. They came to my table to visit. She was learning the English language, so we had a lovely chat.

My good friend, Mari, from Nagoya. Her daughter Ayu couldn't attend. I met them years ago and I was so pleased that Mari came to Tokyo to see me.

This is Izumi and her kind husband. My heart filled with joy as it was a heartfelt reunion.

Takehito made this cute little "Sunny-Side-Up" pair while he was helping me translate...he looked at my flower girls and he saw fried eggs...so this is the happy outcome. Aren't they cute? He is going to make one with a pocket with a slice of toast popping out. Very clever. He studied art in California when he was a college student.

Another memorable restaurant...see how lucky I am.

This was my display at the "Bear! Bear! Bear!" shop on the sixth floor of the Isetan Store.

After departing Japan and spending many, many hours on the jetliner...look at what I saw when I looked out my window. Dorothy was right "There is no place like home and nothing better than a pair of sparkly red dancing shoes!"

Have "Is it only August? fun, Jody, the American lady with a fork

Sayonara Japan!

Yoo-Hoo...I am home!

2011-08-04T15:45:00.000-04:00

Hello...I am back in Funtown with pockets full of happy Japanese memories. Don't expect any sparky sentences as I am very tired from our journey...but a "good" tired as I had a magical visit with my friends in Japan. This photo is of a display umbrella hanging upside down in the children's department at the Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku...the store where I had my signing event. The whole ceiling was full of these charming children A sight to see, for sure.

First...let me introduce you to this handsome gentleman...Takehito Morii...my good friend. I met him many years ago at Linda Mullin's Teddy Bear show in SanDiego. He represents the Canal Company...a very important business that has 14 bear stores in Japan...and...my generous hosts. We have become very close over the years. I call him Prince Charming as he always takes such good care of me and my toys. I follow him around like a puppy dog while I am in Japan, for fear of getting lost...so far he hasn't lost me yet. This was my fifth visit to Tokyo...an honor indeed and I am very grateful.

As I told you...I was going to give two classes. I have never done this before and I was quite nervous...between my jet-lag and my ignorance of the Japanese language...I did not want to disappoint anyone. I shouldn't have worried as my "students" were so kind and talented also.

This was the graduating class of the morning lesson. Didn't they do a good job? I was so proud of each of them...

This is Nami...an old and loyal friend... she signed up for both lessons...a good friend indeed...and talented also.

My afternoon students...also talented and very much fun to sew with. I was truly amazed at how well everyone did with their poseys...

I am going to leave you with these many smiling and happy faces. In a few days I will tell you more of my adventures...as there are many to share. For now...I want to say Arigato to all of my special friends who were so kind and supportive of me while I stumbled my way around Tokyo.

Have silly "Back in the U-S-S-A" fun, Jody-San, the happy tourist

Sayonara...

2011-07-26T15:52:00.000-04:00

Hello...I bid you a fond farewell as I am ready to wing my way across the globe...not literally...as I will be be on a jetliner. This happy couple will be joining me and my other little fellows on our Pacific Rim Adventure...this is Huey and Ruby Doobee-Doo.

Co-Co Bunny foolishly believes that she has her own transportation...but she hasn't consulted her World Atlas and she has no clue just how long our journey will be. Rest assured that I have plenty of room for her and her little duck.

This is the special edition I have made for my Japanese friends...Girlie-Punkie. She is my rendition of Merrythought's PunkinHead Bear. I have made fifteen and they are all different. I have made pink, red, light blue and royal blue skirts and there are they all have their own duck appliques and bloomers. I do hope that they like her.

Since Girlie-Punkie has a fun party outfit, I thought it would be fun to make little look-alike friends for the bears. These little skirts were a challenge indeed...but I am very happy with the results. As I have said in FunTown...fashion is very important.

I have never given a class before...but as they say "there is always a first time for everything." We are going to stitch together little daisy girls. I will let you know the results upon my return. I am quite nervous about this. Maybe I should take a quick public speaking seminar from "Frank Lee Speaking," the famous orator in FunTown. Hmmm...I should have thought of that sooner. Cross your fingers for me.

The time has come to bid you farewell. I will take lots of snapshots to share with you.

Have silly "So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersein, Good-Bye...Adieu adieu...to you and you and you-ou" fun,

Jody, your jet-lagged already friend

P.S. I am sorry about my sign-off...now you will have those shiny little VonTrapp children singing in your head all day.

Bonnie Voyage...

2011-07-21T13:14:00.004-04:00

Hello...It is my pleasure to introduce you to Miss Bonnie Voyage...the proud owner of "The Bonnie Voyage...Gateway to Adventures" Travel Agency in FunTown. She likes to arrange "Flights of Fancy." Between her expertise in winged travel and her air of sophistication, she is quite successful.

We are readying for our trip to Japan....there is much excitement in the air. This is "Buttons." She is embarrassed to admit that she is a tad nervous about dining there...as she fumbles about with chopsticks. She has confided in me that she will order soup to avoid any embarrassing situations.

This is "Bumble-Pink." She can hardly contain herself as she has been reading in her encyclopedia about the lovely Cherry Blossoms in Japan. In fact she is waiting at the front door...so she can be the first to board the airplane.

Here is "Blondie Bloomer." Bumble-Pink has also been researching the weather in Japan at this time of year. So Blondie is looking forward to sunny days...she is hoping to meet up with some fancy blooming "Bachelor Buttons." She can only hope for success.

"Robin's Egg Bun" is also coming...she was late for the snapshot session, as she tends to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror. She insists that her ears are perked in just the right way.

We are going to have to get back to our travel preparations. We have many stitches to stitch.

Have "dreaming of little packets of airline peanuts" fun,

Jody, your friend who hates to admit that she is a chopstick bumbler also

P.S. There is discord here in FunTown...Some of the other monkeys have hurt feelings because they were not highlighted in the last blog...so stay tuned as I will try to remedy the situation. "Touchy-Touchy."

Monkey-See-Monkey Doodles

2011-07-17T10:17:00.004-04:00

Hello...My monkeys have been wanting to get some face time on our blog here in FunTown. I love monkeys...they are silly, irreverent and of course, curious. the little monkey on the left is one of my designs that Boyd's Bears made years ago, he is now wearing glasses...as he has been having trouble reading roadsigns. The next one is Jules, a quiet fellow, but well-behaved. The next two are Miss Dilly-Dally and Little Phillip Morris. I wonder where they are off to? Oh well, they always return at lunch-time.

This is Socky...when I met him in Orange, California, I could hear him sighing with relief...as he thought I would never come and save him from his locked glass display case prison. He is quite old and it is hard for him to run around and get into mischief...so he hitches a ride on Frenchy, his very hospitable doggy buddy. The little bunny is always with them as he likes their jokes...

This is the Amazing Twirl-O...He can spin plates at lightning-like speed....whilst whistling "Dixie" He is retired now and only performs for private parties. He loves to share his nostalgic tales of his days on the old "Ed Sullivan Show."

This is Didier...my petite "le monkey" that I found in France. It was my lucky day indeed as Didi has a green thumb (well, actually, he has no thumbs)...what I mean is he is a "Flower-Whisperer." So now the house is alive with "les blossoms."

My little entertainers...they will perform at the drop of a hat. Which can be problematic...because of the noise factor. The problem was solved once we gave them a curfew...No shows after 9:00 PM. Now all is well in FunTown once again.

The rumors are swirling...I do believe there is romance in the air. When Monkeys See...Monkeys Do.

Here is the Von Chimpen Family...they like to chat among themselves. Mrs. Von Chimpen makes the tastiest banana creme pies. They are always invited to the parties in town and she generously brings her colorful basket with several pies to share. How nice!

I am going to sign off today to the strumming of Banjo Joey...he has never taken banjo lessons and he tends to hit the wrong notes...he has a "tin ear" maybe it's because he has a tin banjo...who knows?

Have silly monkeying around fun today, Jody

Come With Me to Dingle Dell

2011-07-12T13:53:00.002-04:00

Hello...I would like to introduce you to the artistry of Grace Drayton... she also drew under these names, Grace Gebbie and Grace Wiederseim. Most of you will recognize her for her "Campbell Soup Kids" fame...but to me she is "Dolly Dingle of Dingle Dell"...My most influential inspiration. If she were still alive I would want her to be my best friend...as I know we would giggle about the same silly things...the image above is taken from a "Laughing Elephant" greeting card.

She drew the Dolly Dingle series of paper dolls for a women's magazine, "Pictorial Review" from 1913 until 1933. I own the Dover Publications Reproduction books from 1978...1979...and 1985. These books are treasures to me.

This is Billy Bumps of Dingle Dell...I must admit that he is my favorite. Look at those chubby knees and inquisitive grin. He is probably not the fastest runner in his neighborhood...but I would bet that he is the kindest...

The clothing, accessories and toys highlight those early years...I hope that they share those silly toys with their friends. I am sure that they do...as in Dingle Dell everyone is kind and behaves appropriately.

Here is Kitty-Cutie of Dingle Dell...devoted companion...and snappy dresser herself.

During these years World War 1 was happening, so those in Dingle Dell were very patriotic...

Holidays are much anticipated and happily celebrated...Boo..
.

Tasty treats are prepared with great care and love...

The Dingle's have many friends and neighbors...It appears that the Quack-Quacks enjoy those tasty treats at the Dingle's...

Even with their busy schedules...there is always time to volunteer for public service...

Good deeds and American pride...always a good thing in Dingle Dell...

Good grooming is the way of life in Dingle Dell...

That about says it all....

Any of you who know me personally or are familiar with my work will see the profound influence these little silly little characters have had on me. Dingle Dell and FunTown are neighboring villages...it seems the sun shines a little brighter here and there.

Thank you for visiting with us today. I will share some more of my inspirations with you in the future.

Have silly "Robert Roll-Round" fun, Jody of Dingle Dell

Thank you Grace Drayton...Hip-Hip Hooray for you!

Hi-Ho-Hi-Ho...it's off to Japan We Go....

2011-07-05T15:29:00.002-04:00

Hello...or should I say Konichiwa...I have been cordially invited to come to Tokyo...to give a class.. do a demonstration....and sign my work. It is an honor indeed and I am very grateful to be invited by my generous hosts, Canal Company. I will be going at the end of the month. So, needless to say...We are busy here in FunTown

I am in the process of working on a special limited edition for my special Japanese friends. Geez, I hope they enjoy her, as I am quite pleased..but there is still many more details to attend to before completion.

As you can see I am up to my "glass eyes" in mohair and excelsior...

I won't unveil the special edition until I go...but I will share it with you then...Here are a few of the Funnies who are going to make the journey with me. "Little Marsha-Mallow"..."Rosey & Posey" and "Pretty Peeps." We are getting their passports in order, as we speak. They are fussing about, as they want their passport photos to be flattering. We are quite vain here in FunTown...we are strong believers that appearances are important.

I will keep you posted as to our progress. I have to scurry back to my sewing room right now, as there is lots of work to do. As they say "A stitch in time...will help me meet my deadline."

Have "making silly summer memories" fun, Jody-San

Oodles of Doodles!...

2011-06-30T09:58:00.003-04:00

Hello and Happy Birthday America...I love this holiday...as I love the colors red, white and blue...I love hot dogs...I love baseball....I love marching bands and to sum it all up...I love "Good Americans."So Hat's Off to all of you!" Let us salute and celebrate...

Dutiful Americans...

Adventurous Americans....

Brave Americans...

Historical Americans...

Playful Americans....


Shiny and Youthful Americans...

Fuzzy Americans....

Colorful and Artistic Americans...

Sparky Americans.....

And My American Dad....

No wonder my Mother fell in love with him.

So this weekend I will Hip-Hip and Hooray for all of the Americans...Let us all toot our kazoos... stick a feather in our party hats and enjoy several tasty hot dogs while smiling at our Stars and Stripes. Speaking of stripes...it is the one occasion of the year when it is flattering to all to wear horizontal stripes... as this is your patriotic duty.

Have "Yankee Doodle Came to Town a-riding on a Pony" fun, Jody, the Proud American

Oh...and take those firecrackers out of your pocket.

Adventures at the Cape...Final Chapter

2011-06-27T10:40:00.003-04:00

Hello...I will wrap up our Cape Cod Odyssey today as you are probably thinking...still? Well, I don't have that many silly adventures with fun friends...so bear with me here. Leslie, drove us hither and yon(strange phrase, isn't it?) Pat, Rosanne and I took an abundance of snapshots of both Hither and Yon...

This is "Bubbles" the whale in Provincetown... We had motored to Land's End....but the literal kind, not the canvas bag and golf shirt kind!

As you can see we have a new "mate" joining us. This is Beth Atherton, our friend who popped in on her way to her home in Maine. She was a welcome addition. We all decided that dining at the edge of the ocean makes the food tastier.

While we were in a sweatshirt store...our fancy friend, Rosanne, found a sparkly jewelry store. I feared that a greedy pirate might try to snatch and grab her sparkles...but, fortunately, she fended off any disasters. I noted that she had an extra spark in her step now.

Imagine my delight when we saw this fireworks display of lobster buoys...

Isn't Leslie a fancy hostess. I could barely sleep at night knowing that she would whip up some new taste treat.

As you can see we made some frosty stops along the way..

We stimulated the economy...like good little Americans doing our civic duty. Leslie had a lucky day. She was the envy of this peer...

You know the expression "She shopped till she dropped"...fortunately we didn't have to call the paramedics...but it was touch and go for a few minutes.

We were running out of days and we hadn't begun Pat's project. It was definitely not for beginners...she downloaded our photos and printed them for us to make snappy little tote bags. Leslie suggested that we make clutch bags instead...Pat thought "Yikes"...so we switched plans. Sadly I did not complete mine yet, so these are the parts. Hopefully Pat will post hers on her blog.

I guess Leslie isn't the only Empress of Cape Cod. See how much fun we had?

Rosanne...heaving a sigh of relief as she prepares for her coronation....

Here is Pat...she is in deep thought...or preparing to break into song...we will never know.

The happy campers... plus Homer, the happiest of all as he spied our suitcases ready and waiting for our departure. I am disappointed to report that we did not grab some pots and wooden spoons to parade down Leslie's street. Common decency prevailed...maybe next time.

I jammed all of my purchases, art projects and warm memories in my carry-ons. Leslie...a heartfelt thank you to you, Jack and Homer, also...Leslie, Pat, Rosanne, Beth, Marc and Rick...I have put all of the giggles and sparky memories in my pocket and I will carry them with me always. Maybe that is why my jeans got so tight... I will stop now before I break into song.

Have "pocketful of memories" fun, Jody, the lucky girl in Georgia

"The Leslie's Crown Affair"

2011-06-23T11:56:00.006-04:00

Hello...You haven't heard the last of our adventures. Okay, like I said earlier...we started with my silly paper project.

We did some shopping...note that Pat and I got some new spectacles. They are readers that we are going to replace the lenses with our prescriptions. We were pleased as punch with ourselves.

Leslie pulled out her crown...now you must know that we did not know that Leslie was an Empress. As it turned out...this was her project for us. This turned out to be a royal task as she had set the bar very high...

The Empress pulled out the stops...she shared her bounty with us and we were off to the races....easier said than done.

Our happy friend Rosanne Migliorino arrived at this point...her late arrival was due to her important job obligations. Poor Rosanne probably thought that she could relax and put her feet up...Nope, Leslie pulled out a chair and handed her a pair of scissors. Not only is she a successful executive...she a a dandy little artist.

Leslie's "Ode to Mother Nature!" Maybe she really is an Empress...

Pat Murphy's regal nod to America and Man's Best Friend. Her buddy Oscar...

Rosanne's very lady-like head-dress...this photo was taken before she embellished it with ribbon and shells.

My crown...Can you see how diverse our finished products were? We all sat at the same table with the same resources and yet each one was unique.

Off I go... as there are still more memories in my back pocket to share with you. So until next time.

Have silly "to be continued" fun, Jody, the Cape Cod Princess-in-Waiting

The Party's Over....

2011-06-20T11:32:00.003-04:00

Hello Again...After a "chock-full-o-fun" ten days, I have returned to FunTown. The days zoomed by at warp speed...I guess that's what happens when you are surrounded by dear friends, daily adventures and gales of laughter. As you can surmise from the above photo...I heart Cape Cod. Would you like to see Leslie's Cape?

As you round the corner...can you hear me ooh and ahh?

This is the "House that Jack Built" not literally, but Leslie, Jack and Homer call it home. As the days progressed Leslie was a tad nervous, as I was getting a little too familiar, as I referred to it as my home also.
Take note for future house guest etiquette...that suitcase in the bedroom has a time limit.

I will start at the beginning...Here is Leslie, our generous hostess getting the first morning off with a firecracker...note the freshly picked peonies and don't ignore the tasty muffins. It will become crystal clear to you why she had to pry my greedy little hands off the door frame when the time had come to depart.

We not only laugh and shop...we also prepare a dandy art project to share with each other. I decided to have us "paint with colorful paper" this is a snappy way of saying " cut and paste"...as you will see in the coming days my students made me proud. Above is Pat Murphy and Leslie McCabe...Homer, Leslie's fuzzy companion is bored to tears snuggled up under Leslie's cute little shoes.

Dancing fingers!

I wonder what she is pondering? Maybe..."Why the heck am I cutting out paper when we could be antiquing?"

I am signing off for today...as I don't want you to lose interest. I made good use of my new snapshooter and I have lots of photos to sort through. Stay tuned...as the other guests have not yet arrived and there are lots of tales to tell.

Have silly pink lemonade fun, Jody, the grateful house guest

P.S. Leslie didn't offer me the key to the front door...should I be offended? Hmmm...

Hide your Lobsters...

2011-06-09T12:51:00.000-04:00

Hello....or should I say "Ahoy Mateys?"... It is that magical time of year when I sail off to the high seas! Well...I may be a tad dramatic here. Actually, my generous good friend Leslie McCabe, the "Captain" of our adventure, has invited me and some of her mates to join her in her new home in Cape Cod...Yarmouth Port, to be exact...maybe I shouldn't have divulged that as there might be pirates reading my blog. Oops!

Five years ago Captain Leslie decided to have a gathering of some of her creative friends to come and share and teach an artsy project. Let's refer to it as "The SisterHood of the Dancing Fingers." We not only create...we laugh, we shop, we share a little wine and we devour Lobster Rolls....on a daily basis.

The sailors...Pat Murphy, Diana Card, Rosanne Migliorino, Leslie, of course and I are packing up our gear...suntan lotion, sunglasses, bikinis and binoculars...(just in case we should spot a whale.) So, I will be away from my magic typewriter for ten days...but when I return I will share my snapshots with all of you.

Have silly "Shiver Me Timbers" fun, Jody, the lobster hunter

P.S. there will be an empty spot at our picnic table...Krys Kirkpatrick couldn't sign on for our voyage...Krys, you will be missed.

The Doggy in the Window...

2011-06-03T14:23:00.002-04:00

Hello...This is my dog Pip-Squeak...He is my fierce protector...always on the lookout for intruders. His "bone of contention" as it were...of late is the ever-growing squirrel population in "his territory." He guards his post at the front and back doors and so far he has been quite successful as not one squirrel has gotten inside our house. Hooray for Pip!

Here is one of the greedy little varmints that keeps trying to burglarize our bird feeder out back. Pip dares them to cross his path. If I should see a squirrel...all that I need to say is "SQUIRREL" and Bingo...he dashes to the bird feeder and starts to bark menacingly. A strange thing happened last evening. While watching Jeopardy...Alex, posed an "answer" and I correctly responded "Curl" out loud to show off to my husband Tim that I knew the answer...At that moment....Pip woke from a pleasant nap and ran to the door.. he found nary a squirrel...he was confused, but I was quite amused. Maybe this was one of those "had to be there" stories.

I have heard a rumor that the grateful neighborhood birds are taking up a collection to buy Pip a bag of "Dingos" his favorite treat.

Have silly Pip-Tails" fun, Jody, his best friend

Brave

2011-05-29T14:42:00.002-04:00

Hello...Let's pause a moment to honor our military...'Our hat's off to all of you." In sincere gratitude.

Have "Hand over your hearts" fun, Jody, the proud American

Fashion Hints....

2011-05-26T13:32:00.001-04:00

As I stare longingly out of my sewing room window today...while listening to the singing birds...I realize that summer is right around the corner. I will have to dig out my white shoes as Memorial Day weekend is upon us...I must remember to do this because the the "Fancy Fashionable" rule book advises me to.

But alas...I am busy making my toys. So I will continue to daydream about a weekend filled with bikinis, hot dogs and colorful marching bands.

As you can see...I am planning an escape in my dandy convertible. Ahhh...the thrill of the wind in your "Hare."

Have a silly "wearing your fancy new white dancing shoes" fun, Jody, the dancer

I ran away from home today....uh-oh!

2011-05-22T12:01:00.003-04:00

Hello....I have many things on my list of things to do...but there was a doll and toy show here in Atlanta. Now this only happens twice a year...so I felt justified. As per my usual, I accumulated a bag-full of silly little stuff...my favorite kind. It is when I am antiquing that I realize what a weak person I am. Thank goodness my weakness isn't illegal, just impractical. Aren't these fellows charming?

It was my lucky day indeed. Now if I had been with my lucky pal, Pat Murphy we would have had to arm wrestle each other over this old hand game...between the horseshoe and the colors, it would have gotten ugly. So Pat, just remember that you like me. I still hold a friendly little grudge from our Portobello Road escapades in London. So fair is fair!

I also stopped at the Little Quilts Fabric store. I needed a "fix"...yes... another weakness. So...to end my tale, let's point out that my hooky-day was very inspiring...now I have toys to play with and new polka-dots to dance with.

Have silly shopping bag fun, Jody, the consumer

Fly Me to the Moon...Gently, please!

2011-05-18T12:20:00.004-04:00

Hello...I nervously ventured out of FunTown...and guess where I visited? Do you give up?..........FACEBOOK!

Everyone has been saying "You should go on Facebook" and for those of you who know me, you can giggle now...as I am such a rookie in this whole computer world...but, alas, I am determined to figure this out. You can only imagine the terror that was gripping me as I clicked "continue" and "Boom" there I was on Facebook for all of the world to see...frozen, like a deer in headlights... I realized there was no turning back...I had been shot into outer space and I landed with an echoing thud!

Look who was waiting for me..My Friends! All of these friend's names came poring down on me and I suddenly felt safe. Actually, I was quite pleased with myself...that is until I realized that I had no idea what to do next. So please be patient with me as I muddle my way through this dark forest. Stay tuned as I put on my space suit.

Have silly "Judy Jetson" fun, Jody, your friend from outer space

Our Teddy Bear Picnic

2011-05-15T15:20:00.004-04:00

A memo from the land of happy little teddy bears and the friends who love them. I have just returned from the sparky and successful teddy bear show in Philadelphia. A fun time was had by ALL!

Pat Murphy, president of the famous Murphy Bears Company, Me, Theresa Meloon and Holly LeMay...together again and pleased as punch!

If you lived in a land of Teddy Bears and happy toys...you would never have to lock your doors....hmmmm....upon greater reflection, you might not want to cool a freshly baked cherry pie on your windowsill. Just a note of caution.

Pat and her fuzzy best friends. Just look at those bears...aren't they a handsome bunch? Our tables were next to each other...so you can only imagine the hi-jinks and mischief.

Me...

Off I go to put the kettle on and put my feet up.

Have silly "hide your cherry pies " fun,

Jody

Buddies are good!

2011-05-15T11:30:00.001-04:00

Hello...I am leaving for the Philadelphia Bear Show in a few days. It will be a heartfelt gathering of old friends...of the human and the fuzzy kind. I have been making lots of teddy bears, as this is the focus of the show. It has been fun making goofy, old looking bears. I love old goofy bears...you know, the ones that have seen better days...but were the most devoted of friends.

This is Tiddly and Winks. A Daring Duo. Now these two must really trust one another. A true sign of friendship.

May I present Little Lucy Gumdrop...a descendant of the late,great Morris Gumdrop, the founder of the "Goody, Goody Gumdrop Candy Company...and Chocolate-Charley. Because they both share a passion for sugary snacks they have become best buddies. Speaking of best buddies...I am playing with Pat Murphy this weekend in Philadelphia. If you are within shouting distance...please join all of us.

Have "don't you love teddy bears?" fun, Jody

I Love a Parade...don't you?

2011-05-06T09:50:00.000-04:00

Hello again...Put on your dancing shoes and join us as we march on over to our new home. It is a bright and shiny place and it has a giant mailbox so we can communicate.

We have gathered up all of our belongings and jumped onto our truck. We hope to make lots of fun new friends in our new neighborhood.

Hey Guys...wait for me!

Have silly change of address fun, Jody, the new girl next door

Silly Sailor

2011-05-05T20:03:00.002-04:00

Hello…Thinking about the warm weather that is approaching? Pale complexions, unflattering short-sleeve shirts and the biggest misery of them all….bikinis? Well…let’s follow this jaunty fellow’s example and start doing some strenuous calisthenics. Let’s give it the “old heave-ho.” If all of this is too depressing to think about, just go into an empty room…shut the door, close the curtains and do the Hokey-Pokey. Sometimes it is wise to add a little “zip” to our hum-drum lives.

Have shake it all about fun today, Jody

Making Magic

2011-05-05T19:47:00.003-04:00

Philadelphia

Hello…I am running around like a whirling dervish these last few days trying to get some fun pieces ready for the show in Philadelphia. The calendar has made the days longer but they seem shorter to me and my fingers. So…I am trying to pull a rabbit out my hat to make some magic.

Have presto chango fun today, Jodini

May 3, 2011

Fairy Tale

2011-05-05T19:31:00.005-04:00

Cheerio…I wasn’t going to post another bride and groom so quickly after my anniversary post…but I can’t resist the temptation today. Yes, I got up early and viewed the pageantry. I hadn’t planned on it but nowadays sleep can be rather risky, so when I saw the clock, I jumped…well…not quite jumped…let’s just say I got up and had a “cup of tea” and an English Muffin. I thought it was beautiful. Today is a good day to be a romantic.

Have “Fairy Tales Can Come True” fun, Jody, the Commoner

April 29, 2011

Happy Couple

2011-05-05T19:30:00.005-04:00

Hello…Happy Anniversary Tim! We met in Buffalo, New York on a blind date…he made me laugh plus he bought me dinner. Who couldn’t fall in love whilst giggling over a menu? We have laughed through the last 38 years…well…maybe we didn’t chuckle everyday, but most of the time. Tim and I have two sons…Andy and Jeff…and we are very proud indeed. Happy and proud…aren’t we a lucky pair.

Have “Here, There and Everywhere” fun, Jody, the other bride

April 28, 2011

Tim

2011-05-05T19:30:00.004-04:00

This is Tim!

Teddy Bear Fun

2011-05-05T19:29:00.003-04:00

Hello… I am preparing to do this exciting new doll and teddy bear show in Philadelphia on May 14th. So much to look forward to…seeing some artists that I haven’t seen in years and visiting with my wonderful bear friends. There is nothing like a huge room filled with teddy bears and the people who love them. Plus…I am spending the weekend with Pat Murphy…life is good!

Have “Why don’t you come play with us” fun, Jody

April 25, 2011

Chocolate Bunnies and Little White Gloves

2011-05-05T19:28:00.003-04:00

Hello…Happy Easter! I am filled with memories of looking into my closet and seeing my new dress, coat and little straw purse hanging there just waiting for Easter Sunday. The morning arrived and I finally got to prance around in my new outfit, white gloves, itchy petticoats, fancy shoes and socks. I remember climbing into the back seat of the Pontiac…my sister, brother and I had to sit still so we could arrive intact for the photos outside at my Grandmother’s house. Everyone had to be starched and picture-perfect. Little girls nowadays have it made…as little white gloves and chocolate bunnies don’t mix well.

Have “In your Easter Bonnet with all the frills upon it” fun, Jody

April 22, 2011

Candy is Good

2011-05-05T19:27:00.003-04:00

Hello…Easter is taking so long to arrive. I am starting to worry that the chocolate bunnies are going to melt. Make sure that you stock up on all of those colorful bags of jellybeans, chocolate eggs and Peeps. Here in FunTown there has been some sneaking and candy-grabbing going on. So…I believe it is wise to buy more. As they say “It is better to err on the side of candy caution.”

Have count your jellybeans fun, Jody

Sister Day

2011-05-05T19:26:00.004-04:00

Hello…Today is “Sister Day”, at least for one of my sisters(I have two). Today is about Jill Schaefer, my little sister who lives in Western Springs, Illinois with her husband Marty and her four(count them four) children. She is quite a sparky little firecracker. Her energy is boundless…raising my niece and nephews, community volunteerism and successful artist and entrepreneur. She makes charming decoupage plates with humorous and/or heartfelt quotes on them. She works late into the night to keep up with the demand.

On Tuesday she is hosting a home show featuring her and seven talented artists. She opens up her home and it becomes a magical shop with decorative displays.So, if you are in the area…or heck even if you have to fly in, you should stop by to visit and shop. I hear that there will be many tempting items to choose from, plus there will be tasty party snacks and festive beverages. Can you tell how proud I am of my little sister?

Tuesday April 12th 6:00-9:00
Wednesday April 13th 10:00-3:00
4469 Franklin Avenue
Western Springs, Illinois

Have sharing your sister with friends fun, Jody

Miss Sara Nade

2011-05-05T19:19:00.004-04:00

Hello…This is Miss Sarah Nade, a very happy visitor in FunTown. She is singing her high praises for the blooms, the blossoms and flip-flop weather. On the down side is the pollen count that could ground a jet-propelled bumblebee.

Have wearing pastel fashions yet again fun, Jody

Debbee

2011-05-05T19:17:00.001-04:00

May I introduce you to Debbee Thibault…a dear friend, indeed. I had discovered her work years ago and was compiling a tidy little collection…when lo and behold, the phone rang and it was HER! I knew that I had turned a corner as she was very flattering and kind to me…I was so impressed that she was, and is so supportive of other artists. I consider her to be in the first convertible in the Holiday Folk Art Parade.

Have getting to know Debbee fun, Jody

Dining With Debbee

2011-05-05T19:16:00.002-04:00

Hello…Here we are, “Hoofin’” our way about Orange County. Pardon my poetic license here. In actuality this is a charming piece on display at my friend Debbee Thibault’s home. Yes, she had a lovely dinner party for us and beguiled us with her generous hospitality. We all were in awe of her beautiful home and her heart-stopping art collection. After peeking into her life I can better understand her artwork…charming, sweet and diminutive, just like her.

Have silly footsteps fun, Jody the grateful guest

Oh, I almost forgot to mention how delicious her dinner was…Yum!

Popie's Magic Hat

2011-05-05T19:15:00.002-04:00

Janis Foster brought lovely gifts for us all. Leslie received a lovely lace Mantilla and Paul this velvet crown. In my mind he shall forever be known as “Popie.” As you see they were happy recipients.
I behave better in front of Popie now that he has that magic hat.

Happy Little Fellows

2011-05-05T11:26:00.003-04:00

Here are some of my little fellows…hoping to make new friends.

Paul's Masterpieces

2011-05-05T11:25:00.003-04:00

“A Glimpse into the Paul Gordon’s Museum of Masterpieces.” Once again Paul made his future “Antique Roadshow”s” treasures in waiting.

Pat Murphy's Parade

2011-05-05T11:24:00.003-04:00

Pat Murphy’s Garden …Pat definitely has Spring Fever. Each bear, bunny and chick were proud to be in her Easter Parade!

Crayola Girl

2011-05-05T11:22:00.003-04:00

Here is Leslie McCabe…As a child she must have owned the “Deluxe” box of Crayons.

Friends

2011-05-05T11:21:00.009-04:00

Hello…We Came…We Saw…We Gathered!

It has been several days since my return to FunTown and I have struggled with finding the right words to express my feelings about our wonderful weekend. So many friends to thank…Everyone who came to the show, it was such a heartfelt reunion for me. I was truly overwhelmed by my old pals who attended our show…your smiling faces filled my heart. Merci Beaucoup to all of you!

Jami, Nancy, Carolyn, Debbee, Janis, Linda, Lori…there are no words…You provided us with a warm and welcoming nest that the four of us nestled into so thankfully. Jack Wade for his generosity beyond compare. How do I thank Dana? Without her, we would still be dreaming about doing this. As in the past, Dana opened doors with a kind and gentle smile…she knows how to make magic happen…and she achieved it once again. A humble Thank You to you all.

Pat, Leslie and Paul…Speaking of magic. We did it…we created the sparky, friendly and intimate show…just as we hoped it would be. How lucky it is for me to be your friend.

So…like the Swallows of Capistrano, we will return every Spring!

Have “I laughed till I cried” fun, Jody

P.S. in the above snapshot…the pretty one is Dana and the charming fellow is Paul Gordon

A Day at the Beach

2011-05-05T11:21:00.008-04:00

Surf’s Up!…As you can tell from this snapshot…Pat Murphy and Paul Gordon are “hanging ten” and soaking up that California sunshine. For those of you who cannot “gather” with us this weekend, I will fill you in on all of the juicy details upon my return.

Have “Malibu Barbie” fun, Jody

The New Snapshooter

2011-05-05T11:20:00.007-04:00

Hello…Today is picture day. A celebration indeed, as I have gotten myself a new snapshooter. They all got dressed in their Sunday Finest and as they lined up, I was reminded of a blooming garden on the sunny side of the street. We are tickled pink to be on our way to sunny California for our show.

Have welcoming back the robins fun, Jody, your excited friend in Georgia

Can You Come Out and Play?

2011-05-05T11:20:00.006-04:00

You are all welcome to come visit us at our trunk show this weekend. The “us” is Pat Murphy, Leslie McCabe, Paul Gordon and I.
                                       “A Gathering of Friends”
Saturday, March 26th    10:00-2:00
                                                      Mill Creek Restaurant
                                                       103 Lincoln Avenue
                                               91 FWY Lincoln Exit
e
                                                      Corona, CA

Hooray for Hollywood

2011-05-05T11:19:00.007-04:00

Hello…The excitement is mounting here in FunTown. There is a hustle and bustle as we prepare to go to Orange County. We are making lists of necessities…bikinis, suntan lotion, sunglasses and autograph books(as George Clooney may be in Hollywood and “when opportunity knocks” and all.) There has been some debate about becoming a blonde…as, who knows, they could be casting for “The Real Housewives.” It’s that opportunity thing again. There are still many hours of work to be done before our departure but daydreaming is an Olympic activity here.

Have “We wish we all could be California Girls” fun, Jody

My Friend Leslie

2011-05-05T11:19:00.006-04:00

Hello…It’s another share my friend day…as we approach our “Gathering of Friends” show in Corona, CA. Allow me to introduce you to Leslie McCabe, TEXTILE ARTIST EXTRAORDNAIRE! I am not pulling the wool over your eyes…she is so talented. She is a master rug hooker, Russian needle puncher, jeweller and soft sculpture artist. Leslie has a magical way of making colors sing…plus she is lots of fun at parties and is quite stylish also. She lives in Worcester, MA where she has a third story studio that was featured in “Where Women Create” a while back. It will be worth the trip to come and play with all of my special friends.

Have “let’s go to California” fun, Jody, the lucky girl with such good friends

Tea Cozies

2011-05-05T11:18:00.007-04:00

These are some of Leslie’s Tea Cozies that she had at the Earth Angels tent at the Country Living show where she was Special Guest Speaker…a very big deal. She had a microphone and a huge video screen behind her, very rock star like. So, now you know that she is famous also.

Sparky Leslie

2011-05-05T11:18:00.006-04:00

Here is Leslie one magical summer day in Maine. We had been staying with our good friend Beth Atherton and we had a raucous good time. I have many sparky memories of my visits with Leslie and laughter is always at the top of the list. If you are planning a party, make sure that you invite Leslie…then a good time will be had by all.

Lucky Tips

2011-05-05T11:17:00.012-04:00

Top of the mornin’ to ya…As we count down to St. Patrick’s Day we all are green with envy over our lucky Irish friends. I have three fool-proof tips on how to have a successful holiday and maybe feel a little Irish also.

First…whip up a bowl full of green Jello (yes, you could add fruit and/or tiny marshmallows if you want) your friends and family will be grateful for your thoughtful gesture.

Second…hum “Danny Boy” all day as someone might join in and before you know it you will be engaging in a sing-a-long.

Third…whenever the opportunity presents itself…perform a high stepping Irish Jig. This will insure future invitations to other holiday parties.

Have “Luck of the Irish” to one and all fun, McJody

My Friend Pat

2011-05-05T11:17:00.010-04:00

Hello…Today I am going to boast about yet another talented friend I have…Pat Murphy. Isn’t she pretty? Doesn’t she look like Annette Benning? I have known her for years as we have been on the same journey doing teddy bear shows, designing for Boyd’s Bears and sharing happy times together. Her work is truly remarkable…you can’t just look…you want to pick them up and tell them your secrets. She was featured in “Where Women Create” and “Prims” magazines last fall and she is always honored in “Early American Life.” It will be a good time for sure when we go to our “Gathering of Friends” show as there will be many silly memories to make.

Have sharing friends with others fun, Jody

“A Gathering of Friends”
Saturday March 26th 10:00-2:00
Mill Creek Restaurant Corona, California

Pat Murphy...artist to the royals

2011-05-05T11:17:00.009-04:00

Okay…in the future when you think Teddy Bears (which I am sure occurs often) think of Murphy Bears…Pat is the President and CEO of this international conglomerate. Here is an interesting tid-bit that she is too humble to share with you…a Murphy Bear was gifted to a Real Royal Princess in Europe. Imagine that!

Paul Gordon...my friend

2011-05-05T11:16:00.007-04:00

Here is this talented and handsome fellow…Paul Gordon!

Saturday March 26…10:00-2:00
Mill Creek Restaurant in Corona, CA

Girlie-Birds

2011-05-05T11:16:00.006-04:00

How cute are these curious little girlie birds? I think they are sharing some silly stories. I love Pat’s needle felted pieces, especially her birds as she could be the president of the Audubon Society, because she has such a kinship with her little winged friends.

Danger...Danger...Will Robinson

2011-05-05T11:15:00.009-04:00

Hello…I wanted to share this kindly warning with all of you, just in case you are planning a trip to London. They are quite concerned with your safety and the safety of others. I felt a great sense of relief knowing that my chances of being mowed down by a tumbling body in flight or scorched by a hot cup of tea were greatly diminished. Thanks to the public awareness I wasn’t injured or maimed.

Have silly stepping lightly in public fun, Jody

Name-Dropping

2011-05-05T11:15:00.008-04:00

Hello…I would like to share my good friend Paul Gordon with you today. He is as kind and funny as he is talented…which is high praise indeed. He has the most charming studio in Martinsburg, WV. He is a sculptor, painter and soft sculpture artist with an impressive resume. When I boast about him I like to remind people that he has been featured on HGTV and many impressive magazines. So…as we prepare to go out to California to do our show by committee I hope that you make a point of visiting with him as you will be as charmed by him as I am.

Have making new friends fun, Jody, the name-dropper

The Prince's Charming

2011-05-05T11:13:00.011-04:00

A quick mention…this is the closest we got to royalty. Surely, it was a regrettable oversight on the palace’s part.

Home Again... Home Again....Jiggetty-Jig

2011-05-05T11:13:00.010-04:00

Cheerio… Well, I am safely back at home. The adventure happened in the blink of an eye. Fortunately for me a fun time was had by all. Sadly, between my need for a new camera and the rainy skies I don’t have as many exciting photos to share. Here is Ella-Bella Gumdrop on the first morning…as we emerged from the Underground Station we were greeted by a steady drizzle. Here we packed so many items in our suitcases…yet I forgot to bring her slicker. Big Mistake!

Have making silly memories fun, Jody, the damp American

Tally-Ho

2011-05-05T11:13:00.009-04:00

Cheerio…Well, we are now in the wild blue yonder. After hours of practicing our curtseys and bows I do believe we are ready just in case we should have the good fortune to happen upon Prince Harry .I will take plenty of photos to share with you.

Have jolly tea and crumpets fun, Jody

Hop Aboard the FunTown Express

2011-05-05T11:12:00.003-04:00

Hello…Well, the countdown has begun as some of the passengers are lining up to hop in the suitcase. The passports are in order and they are shining their dancing shoes as we speak. Notice that Ella-Bella Gumdrop(second from the right) is pouting in this photo. You may have guessed that there have been no invitations sent from the palace. We had a pep talk and I reminded her to have a “stiff upper lip”…had she been a boy I would have added “Old Chap.” Now all is well and we are getting very excited.

Have silly international adventure fun, Jody

Save the Date

2011-05-05T11:11:00.007-04:00

Hello…I have some breaking news to report. Pat Murphy, Leslie McCabe, Paul Gordon and I are going out to California for a trunk show. We have talked about returning there for several years now and we finally confirmed our plans. We are calling it “A Gathering of Friends“…Fortunately for us, our dear friend Dana Miller Wade and her husband Jack have come to our rescue and offered up their restaurant in Corona. I will give you a few details and I will write more about it upon my return.

Saturday March 26th from 10:00 until 2:00
Mill Creek Restaurant, Corona, California

So, those of you that can attend please save the date as we would all love to gather with our old friends.

Have “California Here We Come” fun, Malibu Barbie

P.S. Update on the shower/luncheon invitations…they have not arrived as of this writing…you can cut the tension with a knife here.

Making a List and Checking it Twice

2011-05-05T11:11:00.006-04:00

Hello…With just one week away from our London Trip we are all running around in circles trying to get organized. Ella-Bella Gumdrop is compiling a checklist of articles we must pack in our overstuffed suitcases. I am not quite sure that she has received the memo regarding all of the new flight restrictions. Here is the list so far:

whistles…an efficient way to communicate, considering they don’t have cell phones
party hats…no explanation necessary
a dependable clock…to insure promptness for our visit to Buckingham Palace
roller skates…in case we have a Prince Harry sighting and we need to give speedy chase
radio…to practice snappy dance routines at the hotel
camera…once again…Prince Harry sightings
and on and on and on!

Have putting it a ll together fun, Jody

Party Hopefuls

2011-05-05T11:10:00.007-04:00

Hello…As we ready for our Jolly Olde England Tour there is much commotion brewing around here. Several of the Funnies read about the upcoming royal nuptials in the Hip-Hip Hooray Gazette…which has led to much confusion as they truly believe that they will be included in the festivities. Granted, we will not be in London for the actual ceremony but they do feel that they should attend the bridal shower/luncheon. So…here are Chicky-Dee, Ella-Bella Gumdrop and Bertie Blue waiting patiently at the post box for their engraved invites. Hope springs eternal, even here in FunTown. I will keep you informed as to the outcome.

Have planning for the party fun, Jody

Be Mine...with Chocolate

2011-05-05T11:10:00.006-04:00

Hello…Well, it that special time of year when we dream of fragrant poseys, tasty chocolates and expensive restaurants. In FunTown it is a joyous celebration… anytime there is candy and dinner dates, they have an excuse to put on their fancy party clothes and dancing shoes. It is that one time when you can order a fancy dessert and not feel guilty.

Have bite-size chocolate fun, Jody

OOOOOH-NOOOO!

2011-05-05T11:09:00.007-04:00

Hello…I had a frightening experience last week. I was innocently sitting at my computer, minding my own business mind you…when with one click on the keyboard…WHAM-BANG-KAPOW!!! The screen started to taunt me, sending me scary windows, flashing warnings and finally a countdown to doom. I was gripped by fear…as it counted down as if it was an official rocket ship launching. Thinking back I believe it was mocking me as the screen was fading from sight. OOhhh! The shame and humiliation. I, the dramatic worrier that I am feared, that all was lost. Alas, there is a happy ending to my tale… this contraption went to the computer hospital and was returned. So now I tread carefully in this outer space forest.

Have silly cautious keyboard fun, Jody, the techno wizard

Cheerio

2011-05-05T11:09:00.006-04:00

Cheerio Old Mates…Today I have a British accent, as I am preparing for the Hugglets Kensington Bear show in London Town. I have gone twice before and am so excited to be returning. Sadly, my playmate, Pat Murphy cannot attend this year and she will be truly missed…but…this means, more crumpets for me. Fortunately, I will be partnering up with my good friend Marjan Jorritsma fom Holland. I will keep you all posted as to what I am making over the weeks to come.

Have Jolly Olde England Fun, Jody

Sparky Two-Steps

2011-05-05T11:08:00.007-04:00

Hello…These are the Peanuts Brothers, little tap dancers through and through. They study at The Doodly-Doo Sister’s School of Dance in Funtown. They are quite the sensation at parties…if you look closely when they perform you can actually see sparks coming from their tappy shoes. If you should invite them to a party of yours…make sure that you stock up on tasty party snacks as they are quite the snackers!

Have silly sparky two-step fun, Jody

Yippee

2011-05-05T11:08:00.006-04:00

Hello…Look at this little busload of happy fellows. They appear to be very excited about their field trip…maybe they are playing car bingo or could it be a sing-a-long? Actually I know where they are headed. They are going to “Scoopy’s Freezy Treats” for some tasty delights.

Have double scoops on a sugary cone fun, Jody

A Happy Shadow in the Garden

2011-05-05T11:04:00.007-04:00

Hello…This is my Mother Gloria and my former four year old self. We are in my Grandmother’s garden. As you can see I knew how lucky I was, even then. My Mother gave me many gifts…the most important one is a sparky imagination. She taught me to sew, to giggle and to share with others. So, I am sharing her with you today.

Have hold on tight to your Mother’s hand, Jody

And you Shake it all About

2011-05-05T11:04:00.006-04:00

Here is Gloria, my snappy Mother, dancing at a Halloween party several years back. This explains the silly chapeau. Yes, she is dancing as she is quite the party girl. As you can see she also has given me the gift of “having fun.”

Have silly hokey-pokey fun, Jody

Flying to Warwick, New York

2011-05-05T11:03:00.006-04:00

Hello…These little Funnies are en route to Warwick, New York to join the gang at Earth Angels. On the left is Bunny deWinter. She is all dolled up for the ski slopes, sadly, she isn’t much of a skier but she adores ski-wear and steaming hot chocolate. Next is Little Happy. His smile is because he just heard on the radio that there are blizzard warnings. To his right is Nosey Parker. He is carrying his little whistle just in case he needs to hail a taxi. Lastly, is Lucky Lu-Lu, a very lady-like ladybug.

Have earth angel fun, Jody

Pip, the Dog

2011-05-05T11:03:00.005-04:00

Hello…This is my fuzzy companion, Pip-Squeak. He can be rather mischievous, but that is part of his charm. He sits watch at the front door to protect me from pirates, scallywags and ne’er-do-wells. So far he has succeeded, though the mailman isn’t as charmed by him as I am. He is a devoted little fellow and my best friend.

Have silly Pip-the-Dog fun, Jody

Comfort and Joy

2011-05-05T11:02:00.002-04:00

Hello…It is yet another cold day here in Funtown, so as I look out my window and see the icy snow I thought about how nice it is to be indoors with a nice hot cup of good tea and to chat with a good friend. Ahh…the joys of simple comforts. Comfort has become one of my favorite words of late.

Have sharing silly secrets fun, Jody

Let the Sun Shine

2011-05-05T11:01:00.002-04:00

Hello…since it is so freezy here I thought I would introduce you to “Sunshines Nellie.” Yes, she is related to that famous solar family that we know so well, but alas, she was not bright enough in school, so she was denied her opportunity to shine in the sky. Don’t despair, as she has a charming life. She is an early riser who tends to her bountiful garden all day long. She is the best gardener in FunTown and her garden is a sight to see, as it blooms all year round.

Have yearning for suntan lotion fun, Jody

Interesting Monkey

2011-05-05T11:00:00.002-04:00

As I have given much thought to how I want my “blog” (ooh, I don’t like that word, It sounds like a noise a cranky frog would make)…to appear to you. I have dreams of silly tales, intriguing thoughts and sparky illustrations. Hmmm…lofty goals indeed.

Have listening to interesting monkeys fun, Jody