Tiddly Winks

Thanks. I am really happy about it. I really love it, and it was the most work I have ever put into a game to get it.

I second that. Angel, do what you have to do. That man seems to have issues, and maybe being legally prosecuted will be the wake up call he needs. Some people here actually train their dogs as fighting dogs, and that's illegal here. But, to have an animal unleashed and going crazy is just nuts. keep us posted on how you are doing.

Instead of quoting the entire message again, I thought I'd just pick out bits of what you said and comment. You and I seem to be on a very similar wavelength with it comes to artwort, but I can't draw to save my life and envy anyone who can. To be able to draw freehand like you do is nothing short of amazing. I look at Tiddly Winks' portrait and get all teary-eyed because she just looks beautiful. I am still so overwhelmed and happy that you took so much time out of your schedule to capture her likeness. I loved the curtsy and I love dresses of that time period. I would love (border on adore) sewing a dress like this and wearing it. I have always loved dresses of this kind and this one is captured so wonderfully. Mookie's picture is just precious. You captured her so perfectly and I know Ames is thrilled by it. I see that picture of her and can't help but smile. Just a wonderful work of art, and specifically I love that you got her little fangs in there. Cute!!! Moving on. More on the mainstream: I am not anti mainstream, as it's sort of a defining aspect of what is popular in the pop culture in today's world. What I do get put out with is all the marketing of mainstream that goes on. For example, since the World Cup thing is going on. People here got so caught up in getting 'stuff' that I grew sick of it and it hadn't even started yet. Now that it has, I can appreciate the discipline that goes into the sport. The same holds with music. Somehow people forget the work that goes into it and they only go for what is 'in' instead of what is really unique or different. This is specifically why I don't watch 'superstar' or 'idol' shows and why for so long I wouldn't watch the Eurovision Song Contest, because a lot of them are so mainstreamed that they come across as more or less as mediocre. What I would like to see is more appreciation for the obscure and different, but that seems to be nothing more than a pipe dream. This goes into another event in my life that I would like to share. About 12 years ago, I was actively involved with a fan based group for a television show. This group was run by a woman who I came to realize was a sort of 'literary snob'. This was around the time when fan fiction was published in zines and most were distributed in book form. At any rate, during my late teen years she tried to 'advise' me on my writing, and even told me that I could not write a fan fiction that was AU (Alternate Universe) because it contradicted the work I was trying to create a story around. I believed her and for more than 10 years, I did not write AU and the story I had wanted to write was backlogged until 2008 thereabouts. At any rate, this person put more emphasis on being 'professionally published' than anything else, including the feelings of the people in the group who wrote for fun. Never, in the time that I was taking part in that group, did she come out and say 'thanks for your contributions to the fandom', instead she ended up finding ways to deter me and I ended up quitting the group. Later, when I would write a story and post it electronically, I would get an email asking me why I did that when I could have entered some fan fiction contest and gain acclaim for her group. I never responded. I mean; this after being snubbed by her because I was not a 'professional writer'. I mean; her actions could have completely turned me off from writing entirely, but they did not. Instead I became even more determined to show those people that I had potential and could write a good story. Today, the group is still in existence, and since leaving that crowd, I have established myself with lyric writing. Oddly enough, about a year ago, someone from this group approached me and asked if they could put a copy of the CD one of my songs appeared on up at their 'Book Night' event. I basically said, 'I don't care what you do, but I am no longer a part of this group and will not do anything to promote it'. I realized through that experience that when people put down what I do as a way to keep themselves in the limelight, that I don't need it. What's the point of making someone else look bad in order to feel important? That's childish and stupid. It boggles my mind, but people (particulary adults) do that. I think that's essentially what they are trying to do with you. Psychology is a really fascinating thing. It's a given, your artwork is original, it's good, and you have every reason to feel proud of it. Mary Sues: You're right in your summation of them. One girl actually offended me when she posted that one of my stories was a Mary Sue, but then she turned around and said that it was 'a very well written Mary Sue'. I never responded to her. I was like, what are you trying to do, save face? I don't like Mary Sues at all, and most of them are based on the writer themselves. That's why I do not want people to say that my work is a 'Sue'. I just don't like them at all. I did write a Narnia story called 'A Different Mary Sue' and it was a parody of the Sueisms that take place in Narnia fiction. I had a fun time with that one and several of the readers enjoyed my digs at them.

I'm having the same problems, It won't let me send gifts or messages, I get the failed message all the time. Annoying.

I am a writer and teddy bear maker and I do totally see what you are saying. In some ways, in some areas I think comparisons are okay, but in the ways that you describe, they are silly blanket statements that actually do more harm than good. I think your artwork is just beautiful, and I am so honored that you drew a picture of Tiddly Winks. It simply means the world to me as I can't get over how beautiful she looks. I would never say that she looks like 'so and so' from 'such and such', because I think she just looks unique. I also can't compare it because I've never seen anything quite like it before, and I have relatives who paint, and my mother in law draws animated stuff as well. Your artwork is unique, and it saddens me to read that you have thrown out or destroyed some of it because of what people have said. That is heartbreaking to me because I can see by the detail how much work goes into it. With that said, I am an active fan fiction writer, and I have written tons of original characters into these fan related writings. I have also written several original stories as well as a novel. The original works I have not found the courage to post anywhere for the simple reason that they are not yet edited, but recently I tried to submit a children's story to publishers and they were, bluntly put, so hardened by their business that their comments were cruel. (One was actually a religious publisher that puts out religious books...I have decided to boycott them because of the way I was treated.) I have found myself walking away from mainstream writing because of their overall 'rude' demeanor. At the same instant, with amateur writing, while I have had a lot of people offer some very good comments on the stories, the ones that bug me the most are the generic 'good story, keep up the good work'. Those feedbacks are a dime a dozen. I get so much of that (complete with text message lingo (yuck)), it's basically something that I believe they merely cut and paste to get people to click on their names and visit their profiles. Basically, they either use them to get feedback on their own stories, or they are too lazy to post something that could be construed as helpful. I have had people try to compare my original characters with canon characters and I have not minded that as much as people saying the female characters are always going to be based on me, the writer. I have tried to separate myself from the characters and not use my characteristics in a character. I simply don't want to get entrapped into the idea that my characters are me and vice versa. Some writers may not have problems with that, but I most certainly do...I hate it. I guess with visual artwork it's a bit different, but seeing as you write too, maybe you can understand what I'm saying. With that said, I have to add that I am a professional lyricist and my lyric style has been compared to others' and while it bothers me to some extent, I can see where people are so organized that they have to try and fit my style into a certain musical genre. It used to be that I would write poetry (which later got turned into songs) and then was put into a genre by those who listened. While some might say my music is country (which I don't really like), I can see the characteristics of country in several of my songs, because of the music composer does country / bluegrass music himself. I think much of my work is folkish or universal, but sadly Universal music is not really a mainstream style, so when I say 'my songs are 'unversal' I get a lot of 'huh?' looks or questions asking 'what's that?'. What I'm saying is that it is sometimes very difficult to get away from mainstream because it is so in your face. Even with bear making and designing, people are trying to find their own styles to bring out. It soon becomes very hard for people to find their own unique style, and when they do, to have someone say 'that looks like a bear from so and so' soon becomes the kiss of death. It is for this reason, that I have decided to stay away from bear designing. With so many bear makers in Germany, one has to be monumentally creative to have a style that is not compared to that of other people, or worse still, to be overtly accused of copying someone else's design. I have opted to not go that route, and my teddy bear making remains a hobby, but I am protective of my bears and don't like it when the older bear makers start picking my creations apart. Their words ultimately are interpreted as snobbish remarks. But, I guess that's why I stay clear of bear making forums. So, in closing, on various levels, I can completely understand what you're saying.

Wow, well, I am generally afraid of big dogs (outside of golden retrievers and collies and a few other more cuddly breeds). I am so sorry that this happened to you and am glad that you are doing alright now. Any sort of violent attack by dogs will call for actions to be taken and you are going about it in the best way possible. The other dog owner should have known. If this had happened here, he/she would be facing some legal issues as well. Here we have leash laws and all dogs have to be on a leash unless in their own yard. I don't know how it is there, but here, dog owners have responsibilites and should not be let loose to harm others. Feel better soon.

Bunnyfuzzyness to the rescue. Pet is freed. Anyone want it? It's a guinea pig and I just sold all mine.

Yes, I received it, thanks so much. I sent one back to you. One lock left.

That is very strange. I hope it gets sorted. I have bought literally tons of bear stuff sinc eit came out because I love it. But, reading about glitches makes me not so keyed up on buying more. Oh well, no more petling room.

Oh yeah, I am also thankful for you, Lea75, because you are always here for this forum and do so much to make it a lovely place for all. Kudos to you!

Thanks so much.

Thanks, I am thrilled by it. hey if anyone is still reading this thread (hehehe) could you go to my page and open a lock? I'll return favors to all who ask.

Nice to see you back. I visited Bailey every day, but she didn't utter a sound as to how much fun you were having.

Knock knock... Check your door.

Check your door.

Congratulations. So glad that is behind you.

Hey Kit, sorry about the pain. That's a bummer. Tell your husband that we should collaborate. I'm a lyricist too, and just got word that three of my songs will be registered with the union today.

Glad you are okay, but the scientist in me won't be quiet. It was lightening that struck. Thunder is the sound that emerges after the clouds bump together. Scary all the same though.

I sent you a potion, but will have to see what stuff I can part with.

I sent over a couple of things.

I can bet that Kokonee will join too, as will I. We both seem to have the same issue with it. I haven't slept in about a week...am spending a lot of time worried about the whole job situation and such. Now, I am just trudging along.

I am thankful for: Being healthy. Having the most wonderful husband in the world. Having loving in-laws who accept me for who I am and not try to change me or force me into being something I am not. Unity. Freedom. Peace The Internet and all my friends.

Hmm... Now that's a bargain no one can pass up. Thanks Kit, I really needed that.

awwwww, I can send two, tis no problem. I love them, and they er, multiply, like rabbits. Mwah. Rep added.

Can I have ten of your bunny teddy plushies for 1x3333? If that's too little, I will pay you 2x3333 for them.