The family has returned to Australia, Christmas and New Festivities are done and dusted and I'm back at work too. Last weekend I cleaned and cleared my teddy bear workroom and added the new items I received as presents. I have a very talented artist friend, Karen, who gave me the painting of the hat for my workroom. I asked her to do it for me but when I opened my Christmas gift, not only had she given me the hat painting but had done the two paintings of the teddy bears for me as well. What a labour of love! Many years ago my mother had said that if I cannot afford original paintings in my home then leave the walls bear. I have always lived by this and I have a wonderful collection of art - paintings and ceramics - given to me by extremely artistic friends and a few items which I purchased myself. I am absolutely thrilled with my teddy paintings and will treasure them forever.

The creative juices are flowing - I am completing a project started very late last year and I have cut out a new bear. And my imagination is running wild! I can't wait to see how my bear will appear. The festive season was marvelous but I was soooooo eager to start creating again.