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Please visit my new website at www.kranbearys.com
This blog will be updated to match the website very soon. The new design promises to be very entertaining, with fewer bugs and better navigation.

Every three of four years I tend to get bored with the ‘look and feel’ of my website. True to form, I’m bored with the current look, so it’s time for some spring cleaning. I started a web site re-do in January, and have finally decided on the new look. Construction is well underway for a very ‘white’ site. The new site will also have more info about my dolls and photos. Here’s hoping it can be finished quickly, given how life can get in the way of all good intentions!

This is my Cowboy Bear from 2010.

After 16 years in the business of teddy bear making, I am very happy to say that I have one of my bear creations on the cover of a magazine.

Petunia Panda is on the cover of the current issue of Soft Dolls and Animals.  (September 2010)  Inside the magazine are the full instructions for making her, and of course the pattern.  Thank you to the publishers, Scott Publications, for giving Petunia such a splendid prominent position!

While flying over central Africa, I took many photos of the sky from the window. It was constantly changing, from clear skies with vast deserts beneath to tall anvil shaped clouds. In between, the sun would peek through the holes and create amazing color. It was better than watching a movie.

Sky over Central Africa

Once we landed, the days have gone by fast and furious. On the morning of July 5th we got up early to enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Here the balloon is being pumped up, and you see a view of the farmlands near Johannesburg from about 750 feet in the air.

Adding Air

Ready for takeoff

Farmland from 750 ft.

Upon landing we were all treated to a glass of chanpagne, a wonderful breakfast back at the headquarters, and a certificate of bravery. It felt like the Wizard of Oz handing out courage. It was a beautiful day for a ride, and the pilot, who doubled as tour guide did a fantastic job. Although he braced us for a bumpy landing, he fooled us all and set the basket neatly down on the back of the trailer intended for hauling. A perfect landing.

Once finished, it was off to the game reserve. On route we visited a rural school. They are on their winter break right now, but some children were in the area, and of course they were playing soccer. Soccer fever is everywhere with World Cup going on.

Soccer Fever is Everywhere!

More photos to follow later in the week! So much to do, so little time!

For the next 10 days, Nancy will be in Johannesburg South Africa. She’ll be teaching several teddy bear workshops as well as a photography workshop at the South African Creative Teddy Bear Awards and Show.

Photos will be posted here, and on the EbearZ News Blog located at www.kranbearys.blogspot.com
Follow the journey with us!