Ode to Teddy Bears

Hello,
In honour of "Shape A Story, Shape A Future" Day, I have stretched it out for a week instead - my "Le Challenge".
Starting us off with some stories, that I have enjoyed reading to my sons. 
PART 1 - BEAR STORIES
Day 1: 

THE TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC

Bears often decide to have picnics, and just as often, things don't go exactly according to plan.  Once ten little bears planned a picnic.  One little bear tried to catch a butterfly and didn't come back for hours. 

Another attempted a somersault, and couldn't get up again.

The third bear went swimming, when he should have been helping. 

The fourth got the hiccups and was no use at all.

The fifth bear fell asleep. 

The sixth little bear was stung on the nose by a bee, because he wondered if it's honey might be tasty.

The seventh got so excited that she had to have a rest! 

Her sister was chased by a crab.  She forgot all about making sandwiches.

It was not surprising that the ninth little teddy bear decided to go home. 

So the tenth bear tucked into the buns and cakes all on his own, ans was soon a very full little bear indeed!

At last, all the little bears did gather together for their party, but after all the excitement, they fell fast asleep... every one of them!

+++===+++===+++===
Day 2:

THERE'S A BEAR IN THE BATHROOM

"Hey!" yelled Charlie one evening.  "there's a bear in the bathroom!"  
"Charlie!" shouted his mother.  "I've got enough to do looking after the baby, without listening to silly stories from you." 

   The bear smiled at Charlie.  Charlie looked carefully at the very large bear.  "What," he said, "are you doing in our bathroom?"  "It's a very nice bathroom," said the bear in a low growly voice.  "But how did you get here?" asked Charlie.  The bear didn't answer but it looked a little guiltily toward the window, and Charlie could see some pretty large paw prints on the window sill.  "You can't stay here," he said to the bear.  "You'd better come into my room."  "That's awfully kind of you," said the bear.  "I don't suppose you have any ... er ... little snacks?"

   Charlie took the bear to his room and gave him a half-eaten bag of soggy potato chips.  "Were you planning to stay long?" he asked, politely.  "If you like," replied the bear with a smile.  "I thought perhaps you might like some company at the moment."  Charlie signed.  It was true.  Ever since his little baby brother had been born a few weeks before, it seemed that no one had any time for him.  Charlie didn't like the baby.  All day long it dribbled or cried.  If he'd done that, he'd have been sent up to bed. "I'm very glad you've come," said Charlie to the bear.  "But you're going to have to be careful not to be found."  "I'll blend into the background," said the bear.  Charlie was doubtful, but in fact the bear turned out to be rather good at hiding himself.

   Before long, Charlie and the bear became very good friends.  Everyone else could make a fuss of the baby: Charlie had a special pal.  When he was sad, the bear gave him a big furry hug.  When he was happy, it made funny bear-faces that made Charlie laugh so much his tummy ached.

   One day, Charlie went downstairs to find some apples for the bear and got a surprise.  In the living room, his little brother was standing up!  He looked up, smiling all over his little face, and said, "Charlie!"  "Yes, said his mom.  "That's your big clever brother."  Charlie sat down and played with his brother.  he was even warmer and cuddlier than the bear.

   That night, when Charlie went to bed, he thought of telling the bear all about his baby brother.  But he wasn't very surprised to find that the bear was nowhere to be seen, and there were big black paw prints on the window sill.

+++===+++===+++===
Day 3:

THE TROUBLE WITH EDWARD

   "Where's that bear?" roared Mr. Teddington from the garage.  "Someone - and I think I know who - has filled my boots with mud!"  Edward tried to explain.  "I was trying to start a wormery, dad.  We've been learning about worms at school.  "Come here at once and clean out my boots!"  replied his father.  It didn't seem to matter what he did, Edward was always in trouble.  Even if he was trying to do something helpful, it always seemed to go wrong. 

   Later that day, when she had finished cleaning up after Edward, Mrs. Teddington flopped into a chair.  "What are we going to do with that bear?"  "I think the problem is that he doesn't have an older bear to look up to and copy.  I thought we could invite your friend Violet and her boy Billy to stay with us," said her husband.  "Two boys in the house?" Mrs. Teddington shuddered.  But she remembered Billy handing out hymn books very quietly at her sister's wedding and reluctantly agreed.

   As soon as Billy arrived in the house, Mr. and Mrs. Teddington felt that they had done the right thing.  Billy was clean and polite, but more important, he was thoughtful.  Billy polished Mr. Teddington's car so that you could see your face in it.  And he saved the rinsing water for Mrs. Teddington's potted plants.  "He's having a very good effect on Edward." whispered Mrs. Teddington to her husband.  "Although sometimes I think he is just a little bit too good."

   On Billy's last day, the whole family went for a picnic by the river.  "We're a little too near the river for safety," said Billy. "One false step could cause a dangerous situation."  Oh nonsense," cried Mr. T.  "It's perfectly safe."  But as he spoke, he slipped.  SPLASH!  "He can't swim!" yelled Mrs. Teddington.  "Somebody do something!"  "Dad!" cried Edward.  "I'll save you!" and he plunged into the water.  "I shall stay safely away from the edge," said Billy calmly. "People are often drowned trying to save someone." 
   But Mr. Teddington climbed out of the river with a broad smile.  "In case you hadn't noticed, Billy," he said, "the water only came up to my knees.  I know accidents can happen even in shallow water, but Edward is a very good swimmer and there are things that are more important than being sensible.  I'm very proud of Edward."  Mrs. T. gave them both a big hug.  "There wasn't any need to worry," smiled Mr. Teddington.  "I wasn't really worried," said his wife. "Especially now I can see exactly where Edward gets his ... Edwardness from!"

+++===+++===+++===
Day 4:

THE GHOSTLY BEAR

   Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a huge castle. The castle stood empty for many years, but one day there was great excitement in the nearby village.  The owner of the castle was coming to visit.  Now no one had ever seen this mysterious owner, so there was a lot of talk about who it might be. 

   "I've heard it is a Countess," said the baker.  "A witch put a curse on her.  Now she wears a veil to hide her ugly face."  "No," replied the blacksmith, "the owner IS a witch.  She travels at night, and has a black cat."  "Nonsense!"  The school teacher waved her stick.  "It is simply an old lady who cannot move around very well." 

Every day, the children in the village looked out for the important visitor, but no one came.  
   Then, one morning, a little girl called Lucy noticed smoke rising above the highest tower in the castle. 

"She must have come in the night!" she cried.  "She must be a witch after all." When they heard this, the villagers were very worried.  "We must take her a big present." they said, "so she does not get angry with us."

   So the collection was made and a beautiful chest was bought.  "Now," said the baker, "who will give the present to the witch?  I can't go with my weak heart and that path to climb."  "Nor can I," said the teacher, "with my bad leg."

   Only one voice spoke.  "I'll go," said Lucy.  "I'd like to see what she looks like."

"But," said the blacksmith, "won't you be frightened?" "Oh no," replied Lucy.  "My teddy bear will keep me safe." So Lucy set off to the castle.  It was a long climb, but at last she stood before the great doors and knocked. As she stood there, all by herself. Lucy began to feel just a little bit frightened.  But she clutched her old bear and started to sing to keep her spirits up.  
   With a horrible creaking noise, the doors of the castle slowly opened - all by themselves.  Lucy walked straight in.She found herself in a great, dark hall.  At the far end of the room, a figure in a dark cloak was crouched on a chair as large as a throne.  It wore a hood, so Lucy could not see its face, but a long, bony finger beckoned her.

   When the little girl was standing in front of the figure at last, she tried to speak up bravely.

"Please, your highness, or your witchness, we wanted to welcome you to the castle and give you this present."

A horrible cackle came from the dark-robed figure. "A chest?  I've got hundreds of them," it croaked. "But I can see that you do have something I want.  Give me that teddy bear, and I will let you go home safely."  :No!" cried Lucy, hugging her teddy bear.  "You can't have him."  "Really?  Then I shall have to lock you up until you agree."

   Lucy was dragged into a room with an enormous four-poster bed, and the door was locked behind her.

At dusk, the dark figure brought her some food and a single candle.  "Go to bed." it said.  Lucy climbed into bed.  She felt very frightened, but somehow, she managed to go to sleep. 

At midnight, she was woken by a clock striking by her bed. DONG! DONG!   She woke to find a large, white bear standing by her bed.  He seemed to be shimmering with a strange light.  "W...w...what do you want?" she asked. The strange bear said nothing, but it held out its paws toward Lucy's little bear, beside her in the bed.  "No!" cried Lucy. "He's mine!"

   Then she saw an odd thing.  The shining bear was crying!  He looked so very sad that Lucy could not bear it.  "All right," she said quietly.  "Here's my own special bear to cheer you up."  With a sigh, holding the little bear gently in his arms, the white bear melted through the door! Lucy shut her eyes and rubbed them. When she opened them, she was back in her own room at home, tucked up in her own little bed.  Only her teddy bear was missing.

   Next morning, the whole village gathered in amazement at the foot of the hill.  Overnight, the gloomy castle had changed in an extraordinary way. The windows sparkled.  There were flags flying from the turrets and doves fluttering around the battlements. "It must have been bewitched after all," gasped the villagers. "Our gift has broken the spell". Lucy thought about the chest hidden under her bed.  "Someone was unhappy," she thought. "And now they are not.  That is what bears are for."

   I believe she was right, my friends.  the mystery never was solved.  It was said that the Countess who lived in the castle had suffered an unhappy childhood.  Perhaps Lucy gave her back what she had lost.

+++===+++===+++===
Day 5:

BEARS EVERYWHERE #1

   Now, you know that humans make the kind of mistakes that sensible bears would never make. At Christmas time they are worse than ever. Sooner or later, some silly human is likely to send the wrong present to the wrong person.

   We bears, who understand how important it is to feel loved and wanted, know that someone who receives the wrong present will feel upset.  So that is why our special job at Christmas is to look out for misplaced presents and send them back to where they belong.

   One Christmas, a forgetful granny in England made a particularly bad mistake.  She sent wooly gloves to her niece in Australia, where it is hot at Christmas time, and a sunhat to her niece in Canada, where the snow lay thick on the ground.  And to make matters worse, she sent them at the very last minute.

   What could we bears do with so little time to spare?  Even last-minute flights from both countries would not arrive in time.  A council meeting of the Growling was called at once, and the oldest bear of all was consulted.

"Dear bears," he said, in his quavering voice, "I can see only one solution, and it is one that we can use only in the most serious cases.  these presents will have to be ... ahem... lost ... until Christmas is over.  Please alert the bears concerned at once."

   Just as soon as messages could reach the bears at opposite sides of the world, action was taken.  The parcel with the gloves was dropped carefully behind a cushion.  The package containing the sunhat was tucked into a cupboard. Now normally in this kind of situation, action is taken immediately after Christmas.  the presents are exchanged and then allowed to be discovered.  But for some reason, both sets of bears in this case forgot all about the "missing" presents.

   In fact, it was not until sex months later that teddy bears in Australia discovered the offending package.  In horror, they at once contacted their Canadian cousins, and that parcel was retrieved as well.  Now both sets of bears were at a loss to know what to do.  The bears reported to the next meeting of the Growling.  There were gasps of horror around the room.  then the oldest bear of all told those bears what he thought of them.

"Sir," said one of the guilty bears, "we will make the exchange at once". But at this the oldest bear smiled.  "I think you will find," he said, "that no exchange will now be necessary. Simply allow the presents to be found.  But make sure that this NEVER happens again."

   The bears did as they were told.  the niece in Australia was delighted with her gloves. The niece in Canada just loved her sunhat. Which of you clever bears can tell me why the presents did not need to be changed?

+++===+++===+++===
Day 6:

BEARS EVERYWHERE #2

   Joseph was the easiest boy in the world to please. He liked anything with bears on it.  He had bears on his slippers, and bears on his socks.  His bedroom curtains had bear paw prints all over them.  He had lots of stories about bears, and on his bed sat his own special teddy bear, Rufus. He loved Rufus best of all.  he told the old bear all his secrets and all his worries.  And Rufus seemed to understand.

One day Joe's cousin asked him to visit.  "You can help Joe to pack, Katy," Joe's mother told his big sister.  "You would have been invited too, if you hadn't put gravy in Aunt Sue's purse". Katy grumbled all the time as she helped to pack Joe's clothes.  "Joe, what are you doing?" she asked.  "I'm putting Rufus in," said Joe.  "He doesn't really like being inside, but he might get lost on the train."  "But you can't take Rufus!" laughed Katy. "Everyone will think you're a real baby.  Baby Joe, Baby Joe, has to take his teddy bear!"  Joe put Rufus back on the bed.  he felt a cold space in his tummy.

   Later on, in the train with Aunt Susan, he almost forgot about Rufus. And it was exciting seeing the farm and the animals.  But Joe was very quiet as they had supper. Later, he lay very still in the strange bedroom opposite his cousin's.  There were roses on the wallpaper. In the dark, they looked like ogres' faces.  "Oh Rufus," said Joe, "I wish you were here."

During the day, Joe almost forgot that he was sad.  But at night he couldn't sleep.  Aunt Susan was worried.  "He won't tell me what's the matter," she said to her husband.  "Why don't you try?" 

Uncle Richard sat on Joe's bed.  "You know," he said.  "When I used to stay with my granny, I never felt homesick because I took my old bear, Mr. Bumble, with me.  he was my best friend."  then Joe told Uncle Richard all about Rufus and how he missed him.  Uncle Richard smiled.  "I guess I could get along without Mr. Bumble for a night or two, if you'd like to borrow him."  Joe opened his eyes wide. "But you're older than me!"  he said.  "Just a bit," grinned his uncle.  "What has someone been saying to you?  Just between you and me, Joe, I feel rather sorry for people who don't understand about teddy bears, don't you?"

+++===+++===+++===
Day 7:

A BEAR AT BEDTIME

One bear in a bed is cuddly, and two are better still. 

With three teddy bears, you are sure to be warm, and just one more is no problem at all.

Five teddy bears in a bed can help you sleep, while six teddy bears are very good indeed.

Seven is a lucky number for bears.  And eight teddy bears are best of all.

But nine teddy bears in a bed?

Be careful!  There may not be room for you...
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More Information: ~ "Le Challenge"s         ~ Opportunities         ~ Annuals
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That's it for now...
Pleasant Dreams!
Mortisha Manson/ C.E.S. (*@^@*)
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Batty About Bats!

(~*~)
Hello everybody,
May 18th is Bat Day! A great day of celebrations in honour of this flying mammal.
A brief info. session on them:
   These amazing nocturnal "creatures of the night" are world wide inhabitants that are often mistaken as being "flying rats/ rodents"; but they are not directly related.
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Bats are truly unique animals! 
Quoting Wikipedia here "their closest living genetic relatives are thought to be carnivorans, certain hoofed animals, such as alpacas and hippopotamuses, and sea mammals, such as dolphins." Researchers have found they date back to 52.5 million years ago, and with 1,240 (approx.) species of bats classify as 20%/ almost a fourth of all mammal species world wide!
    Their reproduction is very interesting. As they tend to control the pregnancy timing (for when food is more readily available), have only one offspring at a time, and nurse them until the wings are fully developed. By this time, the young bat is almost a full sized adult.
   They have forelimbs that form webbed wings, which enables them to be the ONLY true sustained flight mammal! The finger bones that span throughout them are more flexible than other mammals, and their wings are thinner than birds - enabling quicker & more accurate movements.
   While most eat insects (3/4 of all bats) and fruit, there are a few that feed on animals. Those that eat insects help reduce the need for pesticides, and those that eat fruit help pollination/ seed spreading!
   When it comes to animal feeding bats, it's a whole new "ball park". They eat vertebrates and blood! Among them is the "Vampire" bats. These are the only parasitic mammalian species! Due to this, a few general facts of bats, and misinformation there has been myths associated and needless fears generated. Bats have been "incorporated" into the Gothic culture, with the well known character we know today as Dracula. Quoting Bat Conservation International (BCI) "Only three species, all in Latin America, are vampires. They really do feed on blood, although they lap it like kittens rather than sucking it up as horror movies suggest. Even the vampires are useful: an enzyme in their saliva is among the most potent blood-clot dissolvers known and is used to treat human stroke victims."

The largest known bat: The Golden-Crowned Flying fox
Known size: 13.32-13.5 inches long with a wing span of 4 ft 10 inches-5 ft 7 inches! That's from just under 5 feet to almost 6 ft!!! We all know people that are about that tall. (^^^)
Weight: 1.5–2.6 lbs (0.7–1.2 kg)
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The smallest known bat: Kitti's hog-nosed bat
Known size: 1.1 to 1.3 inches long with a wing span of 5.91 inches. A far cry from the largest!
Weight: 0.07–0.09 oz (2-2.6 g)

  And although I do LOVE bats, they are to be left alone! If ever we are exposed to them, caution MUST be taken. Why? Because they can carry rabies and other diseases! Their bites/ scratches are very small and may not be seen. Please see the Health Canada link below.

Batty about bats? YES I am!
There is so much more I could say,
but time has run out for me today.
Until next time...
Get batty once in a while! Silly/ harmless behaviour/ a.k.a. "trouble" can be healthy!
Sincerely,
Chris S.

For more information on bats, and bat activities check out my findings/ resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Golden-crowned_Flying_Fox
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitti%27s_hog-nosed_bat
http://www.rom.on.ca/media/podcasts/display.php?id=100
http://www.batcon.org/index.php/all-about-bats/intro-to-bats.html
Health Canada:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_pnotes/bat-chauvesouris/index-eng.php
BONUS
Fun bat facts & activities!!!
http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/bats/index.htm 

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Otherwise... In the news:
http://weeklyworldnews.com/headlines/47061/worlds-largest-bat-cave/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_nose_syndrome
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/05/03/nb-bat-population-disappearing.html
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/05/07/pei-bats-white-nose-584.html?cmp=rss
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=night-stalker-white-nose
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Skeptic about this one: http://outravel.blogspot.ca/2012/04/largest-bat-with-face-of-human-palawan.html
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For more information on parasitic species/ an interesting perspective:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasitism
http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Parasitic_species
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_parasites
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parasites_of_humans
PLUS:
Debates of humans being a parasitic species:
http://www.debate.org/debates/Humankind-is-a-parasitic-species/1/
http://forums.philosophyforums.com/threads/is-the-human-race-a-parasite-38147.html
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RE: the need for sleep & parasites:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090108194405.htm 
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Wanting fund raisers to contribute to this, and possible others (pending...):
http://cwf-fcf.org/en/do-something/challenges-projects/help-the-bats/ 
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Thankz for reading!
Flapping on...
Chris S./ C.E.S. (*@^@*)
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Ode to a Muse - Funky

Hello,
I had the privilege of seeing some "business information and "history" of a personal muse one day. It was too excellent of an example, not to share!!!

"Kudos"! - To Tamara Minns & her shop Rare Funk!!!

For all the EXCELLENCE we saw and still see shining in/ through Tamara Minns (& more), this is why we LOVE her!!! (*@^@*)
BEWARE!!!
It may be more AWESOME than you thought... lol (^^^)
=AS THE BUSINESS:~ Open since June 2008.
~ Represents over 100 Canadian artists, and over 300 across Canada (180 from Ontario) since opening.
~ To date, has given back to the artists and charities represented by Rare Funk over $80,000.
~ A socially responsible philanthropic retail consignment store that combines new, previously loved, and hand crafted items.
~ Has accepted 3 high school co-operative students, and has trained them in retail management for up to 1300 Hrs. These students are generally also interested in developing their artistic interests and are encouraged to create and sell their own work within the store.
~ Operated with the help of 5 part-time volunteers and hired casual help with the assistance of Lutherwood's Employment Assistance Program.
~ Participated in a work release program with the Grand Valley Institute for Women (partnered with Community Justice Initiatives). Women who are close to being released from the institution were accepted into the workplace for a 60 day term in order to tweak their skills and assist in their re-integration into the community.
~ Supports 6 not-for-profit organizations where 85% of sales (of hand made items) returns to each group:* KW Habilitation * Community Justice Initiatives * The Brain Injury Association
&
* Waterloo-Wellington * TurtleHaven * La Tienda of Dominican Republic * Zikomo of Malawi Africa
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~ Has partnered with I.R.I.S. Entertainment Corporation to collaborate towards sustaining platforms for artists to sell music and establish themselves as independent musicians.
~ Featured TV broadcasts: * Province Wide * Rogers Daytime * Listen Up Canada * Final Round
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~ Featured in 15 print publications including Grand Magazine.
~ Tamara Minns was a volunteer advisory member of the Toronto One of A Kind Show in 2008.
~ Has received 5 awards in 4 years time:
* 2009 – Downtown Kitchener Member of the Year Award
* Rogers-Oktoberfest Woman of the Year – Entrepreneur Category
* Guelph-Wellington Businss Enterprise Centre – Outstanding Retailer of the Year award
* 2010 – Best Window Dislay
* 2011 – Waterloo Region's Top 40 Under 40
&
~ Tamara was also awarded a Certificate of Service on behalf of the City of Kitchener in recognition of her term served as committee member & co-chair on the Downtown Advisory Committee.
~ Tamara was a member of the nominating committee for the Kitchener Waterloo Arts Awards.
2012 – Nominated for a KW Arts Award in the Open Category. Pending June 3, 2012.
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She also attended over 10 festivals and events year round within Southwestern Ontario, to increase visibility and mandate of the shop.
Some of these events include:
~ KW Multicultural Festival ~ Elmira Maple Syrup Festival ~ Kitchener Blues Festival
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~ Rare Funk frequently gets asked to host events at other locations, and allows for cross promotion between local businesses. Ex. City Hall, local cafes, or THE MUSEUM.
More information: www.rarefunk.ca
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+FOR THE ARTISTS/ ARTISANS:~ Fan base of over 1500 followers collectively between the mailing list and the Facebook group.
~ Weekly messaging, advertising, and promotions.
~ Online store launched in 2010, has increased sales and is on a steady incline.
~ Relocation to increase visibility, enlarge floor space, and enable an increase of artists and their products and activities. This increased sales by %50.
~ Customer base targets females 18-45, but is varied.
~ Consignors pay minimum member fee (based on how many categories represented) for 6 month term, with a renewable option.
~ Artists/ consignors determin retail price for each item, of which they receive a percentage.
~ Representation through attendance at festivals and events, that artists may not normally be able to afford on their own, or for those who may not have enough product to stand alone.
~ When hosting events at other locations, this provides an opportunity to showcase a further number of artists that may not already be represented at Rare Funk.
~ A hub for ticked sales for various community events. Ex. Theatre and concerts.
~ The "Funk Unplugged" Program features local musicians playing (& singing) acoustics in the shop once or twice a month. Musicians are invited to bring their Cds or single for sale within the store year round.
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Further interviews: ~ Youtube video 1 ~ Youtube video 2 ~ Youtube video 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPw8YRbmv6Q&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs_Cup17D0Q http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d86bSaIXW0A
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+IN THE SHOP: ~ Many are uniquely developed by using recycled materials, helping to lessen landfill waste. Also pre-loved & vintage items are often from many of the artists/ consignors.
~ Opportunities to showcase to a broader audience, earn secondary/ primary income, be a vendor, and learn.
~ Encourages individuality and imagination.
~ Unique funky/ alternative hand crafted few-of-a-kind quality items that include, but are not limited to:
Clothing, jewelry, accessories, home decor, & music Cds. Also made from various artisans, and mediums.
Including, but not limited to:
Wire work, beading, fabrics, glass, metal, leather, wood, fiber, paper, literature, drawing, painting, sculpture, film, music, performance, photography, & technology.
~ New, vintage, and re-invented items for all ages & personalities.
~ A diverse inventory that creates a sense of being the "only place to find it".
A virtual tour of the shop can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkP8zJ5Ajc0
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History:
Please sign this petition, in an attempt to save/ revive a VITAL arts & culture community shop - Rare Funk!
It is the only shop that offers what it does to our artists across Canada! (^^^)
http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/we-want-a-rare-funk-revival-can-we-save-it-in-time/985
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Thankz for reading!
Mortisha Manson/ C.E.S. (*@^@*)[060512105AMish C.E.S.]

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Rare Funk - "Le Challenge"

 

~+~My Rare Funk 'Le Challenge' ~+~

Hello,    

   For those of us that know of Tamara Minns and her shop Rare Funk; we all appreciate/ LOVE what she offered through it, and what she did in our arts & culture community.

Despite this unfortunately, Tamara had to close Rare Funk. For this reason, I had a last minute project idea to show our appreciation for Tamara, her shop, and her efforts within our communities.
"Le Challenge": Project - Funky Love   Create a "keep sake"/ special something for Tamara Minns, to remind her that we love and appreciate her. Any art, craft, written workx, music, or otherwise. Sizes within reason of coures, and feel free to "Funkify" it up!  (052112519PMishC.E.S.)
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NOTE: I presented my project to her at Rare Funk on June 5, 2012 after 4 PM. I am glad she liked it... (^&^)
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Until next time...
Chris S./ C.E.S. (*@^@*)
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Live Body Cast Night

Hello,

   This was a much appreciated experience on Mar.24,2010, that was gained through a road trip with 3 of us! Our first project with a new friend, Brett Moore from Special FX Make-Up in Hamilton. Although we got off to a late start, we still had a good amount of time to work with. Hooray!!!

The project: a LIVE BODY MOLD! (^&~)

   Once at Brett's "headquarters", we found him with a table set up and ready to go! Next, Brett briefed us on the product we were going to use, the requirements, and what we were going to do. 
PRODUCT & COMPARISON

1. Used
 Alja-Safe

~ Powder that must be mixed with water.

~ Comes in a 3 lb box.

~ Prob. cheapest for this kind of product - SEAWEED made. 
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2. Comparison
 Alginate

~ Premixed.

~ Comes in a 1 lb can.

~ Twice as expensive.

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REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST
~ Room Temperature required during application of the impression material.
~  Mold drying time required before removal - guesstimate 1hr .
~ Application Hands: Brett Moore, Cristiana S., & Debbie S.
~ Model: Chris S. (me, from Collaborative Endeavors Studio/ C.E.S.)
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NOTES 
~ Both sides of the torso (= 1hr each - drying time) was made.
~ Seaweed product once mixed was similar to "Jello".
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   As Brett mixed our "Jello" substance, Cris and Debbie were quick to "glove up", and Debbie (wearing an apron) looked ready for some serious butchering.  This is where I started taking my pictures to document the event! (^&^)

BODY CASTING
1. Apply the "Jello" substance:  
~ It MUST be done quickly, and from the top down. 
~ "Jello" substance may stick to model better than where placed.
 It was cold, wet, and rather interesting to have so many hands involved with the application. 

2. Apply the cotton:
~ IMMEDIATELY (before the "Jello" dries), and spread as evenly as possible (think cob webs). 
Sounds simple, but tricky! Be prepared ahead of time as much as possible!
3. Apply plaster bandaging strips:
~ 2 or 3 even layers, wet (not dripping). 
This was much like paper mache projects.
+
   Once complete the mold started sliding after 5 minutes, so "all hands on board" were used to keep it on until it set. This did not take long, and I got to take pics. of the front half of our mold. After a break, we took on the back of the torso. Learning from the first half helped us here, and we were done before we knew it. It was getting late by this time, so Brett offered to complete the cast with plaster and send pictures once done. Thankz so much Brett!!! (^&^)
NOTE:
The "Jello" seemed colder in the central lower back area, and application caused me to jump around a bit. Thankfully, no complications came from it.

 = 
Catch the pics here:

http://app.onlinephotofiler.com/GalleryThumbnails.aspx?gallery=389084&ci=42555  
Note: working on location...

=

Until next time...
Take care & Safe travels!!!

Trish the Dish/ C.E.S. (*@^@*)

~

Creative Beginnings

~*~ Creativity Within Life ~*~

Hello,
I have had this theory about Life, since as long as I can remember.
MY THEORY
   Everything that is done can be a creation, and through it become an art form.

HOW
   The creative process can be involved with every task, when an appreciation for something has grown. If/ when this appreciation grows into a passion / love; it is felt while doing such tasks, and the creations become art. With so many thoughts and possibilities in Life, it is hard to stick to just one interest.

WHY
~ Whether building/ creating a new invention, craft, event, product, or service; developing new theories that aid important Life matters; the potential to affect the globe is there!

~ This is a great way to discover, what we do in fact enjoy within Life and where it can lead. And as nothing worth having in Life comes easy, this is only the starting point..
=
Some of my Ideas:
Categories/ Projects         Creative Thinkers     my Inaugural Address         Motivation
+
Our events            W.R.E.A.C.H.

=

More will come... (^&^)
=

Until next time...
Take care & Safe travels!
Chris S. (*@^@*)

,

Streamlining Personal Spaces - SPS

(~*~) 
Hello,

As many of us go through the years, we notice that we accumulate more than we may want to (myself included). There are many ways to rid ourselves of clutter, and our unused/ unwanted items. And if you look for it, you can find help. I recommend some research into your community for any up and coming activities, events, and workshops. I recently attended a workshop, in which I found a lot of useful information through. This was through our downtown community centre in Kitchener on May 6^th (2014), and was called "T's Downsizing, Decluttering, & Moving".

When I discovered this event through other research I was doing I decided to plan ahead a bit, and called to see if I would be allowed to bring in a video camera. Of course I offered to sit at the front with it (aimed at the front only), and a copy of the video (to the company doing the workshop) - if they wanted it. The community centre running the workshop got back to me, with news of permission granted. Yes! So I attended the workshop, and wrote down as many notes as possible. I am sharing those notes here with you now, and possibly the video after the viewing/ editing process is complete.

I consider these notes as "Things to think about/ do when..." for each category listed here, and have re-organized them from their original presentation. 
(~*~) 

Starting us off with...

SUPPLY NEEDS

*Markers *Packing paper, bubble wraps [, and padding (where needed)] *Covers *Bags

*Boxes:

Many usually only need 35-40. You can call ahead to local stores, ask your moving company, or go online (kijiji, etc...). [various shapes/ sizes as require; & from local places you can find out if they give away their empty boxes, & if so when/ where they are available, and can be picked up.]

+=+ ~!~ =+=

Now that we can be prepared...
I like to think of every room, as an organization of a closet... (^&~)

CLOSET ORGANIZING

~ Take everything out, it makes it easier.

~ Sot into 4 piles: *seasonal *now *someday *never

Get rid of both the never & someday piles. [For me, the someday pile would include my 'alterables' o be removed also = 5^th pile]

~ Find the right closet organizer pieces. Ex. Shoe rack, small boxes, 1/2 racks, shelving, etc...

[also comparisons within these. Ex. Shoe rack = floor model vs. door hanging model.]
+

MISSION POSSIBLE!- 10 TIPS/ TOOLS

[NOTE: Not in any specific order., and [my notes]].

1. Start in one room, with one thing, at one side of the room; and work your way around the room.

2. Touch things ONLY ONCE, to avoid second-guessing.

3. Use colour/ sticker codes to sort through it all.

Ex. Keep [blue], Gift [red], Donate [green], Sell [black] [, Trade? (orange)]

4. Get as much done as possible while you have the energy[/ are thinking about it].

5. Pick something that can be done during a relaxing activity when getting tired.

Ex. Sort through a box during watching tv.

6. Help is great! Ask with a scheduled time, so they can look at fitting it into their schedule(s).

7. Find the right fit for each item to go to.

If there are emotional ties to an item, this helps a lot more than we may realize.

Ex. A family heirloom = Check with the family first. As someone you did not expect, may want it.

8. Take pictures of any items you want to remember, before giving them away.

[Always great for a memories album/ scrapbook]

9. Upload your music cds onto your computer/ online where you can access it any time.

[If you don't already have a Youtube channel, start one. This is a great place to record all your favorite music albums/ playlists.

Ex. I have some I burned a while back with some great titles I came up with, that I will be adding to my personal channel (freakyhippygirl - http://bit.ly/1i0uacM).]

10. DON'T PANIC!!!

Schedule the time you have accordingly for each day.

Ex. On Monday(s) from 9am-11am, I will find a buyer by looking at/ talking to... [(both online & offline)]

[& Things to include (if necessary):

~ Finding any buyers

~ Finding the right fit for specific items

~ Finding any online auctions you can contribute to

~ Finding local locations for donations

~ Sorting into piles

~ Possible distractions from others]
+

SORTING

~ Make a list for each of your categories. Ex. Keepers, gifts, donations, etc....

~ How much do you:

*Like/ love it? *Use it? *Want to give/ donate it? [anyone in mind?]

~ How much space are you moving from and into?

*What is the difference? *What will fit?

Measure your furniture, and then your new space to compare.

+

GIFTING

~ Do those you have in mind, want it?

~ Ask everyone you know first! Otherwise someone interested, may be missing out.

+

DONATING

~ List options of where you want to donate.

Ex. Thrift shops, Rona, Community Centres, and Causes [Ex. Out of the Cold, or any outreach programs helping our homeless], etc...

~ Call them and ask about their pick up/ drop off options, and if you can get a tax receipt [RE: tax receipt (if wanted/ needed)].

+

SELLING

~ Clear signs/ ads [Keep It Short & Sweet; K.I.S.S. method]

~ Have a sale part way through (specify time)

~ Options:

*online (kijiji, ebay, amazon, craig's list, etc...) *auctions *garage/ yard sale

*dealer (ex. Antiques) *consignment shops

=
NOTES:

~ For all this great information that fit into the 1 hour time space, I really appreciated this workshop! 
~ It is also extra inspiration for me when I think of my yearly attempts to do "Spring/ Fall cleaning". 
=
Until next time...

Take care & Safe travels!
Trish the Dish/ C.E.S. (*@^@*)
.

Getting Organized

 Hello,
 I know that this is a topic of concern to some, because I still struggle with it myself in some areas in my life.  But I still "fight the battle" for improvement every day! Rest assured, there is always help out there, from others that have gone through the same thing(s). 
 So here's a bit of "insight" from me...
 I have always found that positive personal gain in business and in life, never comes easily. It is an upward battle that needs some essential "fundamentals". Organization is one of them.

 ~*~ My "Top 3" Reasons to get organized ~*~

 1. Once we are organized, it becomes an enabler. Things are easier to find, use, do, or all three. 
 2. When activities, ideas, etc. are written down, they become a resource. As this creates an ever-growing "record" of all. Don't forget to keep track of dates also!
   + Who/ what you emailed. And who emailed you back about what!
   + Remind yourself of things that you may have forgotten.
   + Anything said/ pre-arranged.
 3. This is now also a "reference", for now and in the future. You may need to look back to something in particular. 
 NOTE: Whether you keep this in books or as computer files, does not matter. I do recommend both in some cases. The most important "trick", is to know where which thoughts are located and where. 
 ~+~
 WAYS THAT HELP
 When using books I try to keep things organized by using a certain style, shape, size, pattern, or colour of book for specific thoughts. 
 Here are some ideas/ examples:
 Coil spine books = random thoughts notepads (usually while out & about)
 Flying creatures = personal growth that frees the soul of negatives (Freedom)
 Other specific designs = poetry and other written works (passionate articulations, of otherwise orations)
 Hard copy books with a solid print = notes for stories. (3 "sides" to every story)
 Certain colours = certain tasks, ideas, collaborations; etc... (so many possibilities)
 &/OR
  When using a computer, I try to keep things organized by which BIG project it fits into or otherwise.
 1. Organize/ manage your emails into separate folders for each thing that you are involved in/with. If they can fit in a similar group is great, but not if the group title is too broad/ vague of a category. 
 Ex. Volunteering - businesses/ committees vs. Volunteering - friends/ community members
 2. Also keep a "running entry" of everything you reply to, email about, or get responses on. Do this somewhere on your desktop/ desktop folders for easy access.
 =
More Information
= 
 Until next time...
 WILD WICKED WISHES!!!
 Chris S. (*@^@*)
 .