In January of 1997, I recall the excitement of New Years Eve, refreshing the Ty site hoping for retirements and new releases. The minute the site was updated my fingers would type as fast as they could. Much to my surprise, e-mails were stacking up with collectors sharing the good news and making sure I knew the big event had taken place. I could not believe that Libearty the bear, Lefty the donkey, Righty the elephant, Tusk the walrus, Sting the stingray, Chops the lamb, Tabasco the bull, Coral the fish, and Kiwi the toucan were all gone! Thankfully, I had these Beanies with the exception of Tabasco, which I was able to obtain the next day. Oh, what a night!

I will always cherish the memories of piling the kids into the car to run to Zaney Brainy because they just received a shipment of Beanies. By the phone sat a list of retailers and when I woke each day, I would start calling at 9 AM. I would try to disguise my voice so that they would not recognize me. One day I even wore a brightly colored red wig into the store because they had just imposed a limit on certain styles. I needed three for our collections and they would only allow me to purchase one. I even had Jennifer change her outfit in the van so that they would not recognize her either. Those were the days!

McDonald’s and Ty teamed up for the largest promotion McDonald’s had ever seen. The promotion began on April 11, l997. 100 (One-hundred) million Teenie Beanies were released. The whole world was waiting for the arrival of miniature versions of Beanie Babies. There was much anticipation as well as speculation. Many eager kids and adults lined up at McDonald's to claim the right to own their Teenie Beanies. http://www.msjanie.com/teenies/teenies97.html I became so desperate that I even offered my services for free to work the counter for an exclusive story on the promotion, which I was granted. http://www.msjanie.com/articles/99mcdonalds_interview.html It was exciting to see the expressions on the faces of collectors as they piled into McDonald's. This is truly one event I will never forget!

In October of 1997, Ty surprised the Beanie community by releasing Princess. It was a beautiful purple Beanie made to honor Princess Diana, Princess of Wales. I recall how excited I was with the release of this bear as I admired Princess Diana; and purple was my favorite color. This bear would be surrounded by controversy. Collectors bonded with it and desperately wanted to protect its integrity. Many Website owners banned together to protect Princess from the secondary market. Website owners were not allowing Princess to be sold on their page, auction boards, or trading post. Many worthwhile charities were being supported by Ty and collectors with the use of Princess. I had never witnessed a Ty product that was so closely guarded. Ty would send retailers guidelines about stocking their Beanies. The notice read something along these lines: Beanies should be sold somewhere around $5.00; Princess and Erin should be stocked on shelves and be sold at the same $5.00 amount. Collectors, including me were delighted with this warning and advice coming from Ty.

The Beanie Invasion is the first book I ever published and I am very proud it. http://www.msjanie.com/articles/beanieinvasion_covers.html The poem on the back cover of this book means a lot to me. It was written to describe how I felt about world events and Ty. I would later go on to write for a few publications, including Beanie Update Trader, Beanie World Magazine, and Ty’s Beanies and More Magazine. I also was the editor of Collectibles Extravaganza. http://www.msjanie.com/2002_photos/mag_table1.html My feature article, "What’s In Grandma’s Attic?" can be viewed at the following link: -http://www.msjanie.com/2002_photos/grandmas_attic.html

I admire Ty and his ability to desperately try to protect collectors from counterfeits. For the first time I realized how important his collectors were to him! In 1998, their aggressive stand on this issue had customs scrambling to inspect crates, boxes, and packages coming across the border. Ty, to the surprise of many, posted a note on their website informing collectors about the counterfeit problem and asked for collectors’ help to try and resolve the issue. Ty also released a statement on their website, http://www.ty.com/, about K-Mart and the possibility of fake Beanies being sold with their Valentine’s Day jewelry special. Ty asked customs to destroy all fake Beanies to ensure they did not end up in the hands of collectors. United States official employees were not even exempt from the watchful eye of customs. A United States trade representative, Charlene Barshefsky, was not aware that Ty had made an agreement with Customs that collectors were only allowed to cross the border with (ONE) Beanie Baby per family. "When told of the one-Beanie-per-family rule, she voluntarily turned over her purchases to Customs Service officials," said an aide who spoke on condition of anonymity. Ty took his protective measures a step further by introducing the hologram tags, which would hopefully deter counterfeiters. Ty even set up a Hot Line for counterfeits, 1-888-317-5489. If you suspect you have a Beanie counterfeit, please take the time and call this Hot Line. The following article will deal with the responsibilities of US Customs and how they have become their own brand of BEANIE EXPERTS! http://www.msjanie.com/articles/customs.html

I cannot begin to tell you the amount of e-mails I received from worried collectors about obtaining FAKES. It was at this time that I decided to concentrate my efforts on designing a section to protect collectors. My most serious find was a fake Sakura. I literally tore this Beanie apart to inspect it down to the sewn threads. I am proud to say that I was able to assist many collectors, secondary markets, and maybe even Ty, regarding this bear! http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/sakuradifferences.html There are over 28 different articles on fakes and counterfeits, including photos that may be of help if you are concerned about one of your Beanies! Read "The Story Behind Counterfeits!" at the following link: http://www.msjanie.com/articles/archives/counterfeit.html

Ty, Inc. can be credited for being one of the first in many categories. Their website, http://www.ty.com, started online chatting and displayed a guest book when many manufactures would not even dream of the idea. I remember the opening of the Ty Cyberboard. I was elated when I received a note from the Ty office asking if I would be one of the first to post a note on the board. The stress was more than I could handle. What in the world would I post? If I recall correctly, I posted a congratulatory note to Ty and thanked them for the new experience of the board. I must admit I was a little concerned at the idea of Ty allowing collectors to let it rip, but on the other hand, what a great way for Ty to gather feedback.

I really enjoyed trips I took as a guest speaker at Beanie shows. I meet a lot of loving interesting collectors. They were very appreciative and often shared stories that made me laugh. The most rewarding trip I ever took was the one to Chicago. Sara Nelson (Beaniemom) and me would be making a guest appearance at a Beanie Show in Chicago and we were determined one way or another to make our way to the Ty office.

Our journey was long ... our goals were the same,
Two obsessed women ... with Ty on the brain.
While collectors would greet us and retailers would meet us,
Our hearts longed for adventure in Oakbrook
So we began our trip to Chicago by train.

Read about our wacky adventures at the following link and view photos of Ty’s office, pond, and more!
http://www.msjanie.com/articles/chicago_ty.html
http://www.msjanie.com/articles/partII_chicago.html
http://www.msjanie.com/articles/ty-building1.html
http://www.msjanie.com/articles/ty_building2.html

I also recall the first trip I made to the Big Apple! I would be attending the New York Toy Fair and I was so excited I could hardly stand it. I traveled with Sara Nelson (Beaniemom) and Helen Lerner from ' "The Treasure House". The three of us had a marvelous time! http://www.msjanie.com/articles/newyork_1.html http://www.msjanie.com/articles/newyork_2.html
http://www.msjanie.com/articles/newyork3.html
The Toy Fair had been an experience of a lifetime and New York was more incredible than I had ever imagined.

More memorable moments throughout my journey with Ty and collectors are as follows:
John, known to many as John from Germany, honored me with the following:

THE BUSHMASTERS - OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH

John sends a personal note saying that this framed certificate is a small token of appreciation for posting the Red Cross information on my website. He also thanks me for raising awareness of the Military Forces in Saudi Arabia. For those of you who may have missed the information along with photos of Spangle being flown with the American Flag over Saudi Arabia, please visit these links. http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/msjanie_military_honor.html
http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/john_saudi.html
http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/spangle_flag_saudiarabia.html

John’s Traveling Unity project! This Beanie was so well-traveled
and the waiting list to host Unity grew so large, that John had to start Unity II to fulfill the list. There were many photos shared throughout this project and the final arrival of Unity was a dream come true! http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/johns_traveling_unity_project.html

My sincere thanks goes out to PattiBuddy for sending me the two most gorgeous hand-painted eggs I have ever seen in my life. The eggs were accompanied by a two-page letter that was nicely written and very much so appreciated. http://www.msjanie.com//2004_photos/msjanie_eggs.html It is very touching when someone takes the time to honor you by sending something that requires so much time and attention.

A reader by the name of Ellie designed for me a beautiful bear that commemorates my website. This bear proudly sits in my office and is enjoyed everyday. http://www.msjanie.com/2006_photos/Ellie_MsJanie_Bear.html

Cathie Taylor, known as CakeLady, sent this cute cat her granddaughter made for me. Its perch is my kitchen window. I just adore it! http://www.msjanie.com/2006_photos/Cathie_Cat.html

I have meet some wonderful Ty Collectors who have become part of my website. KarenBrit has shared enough information over the years to establish her own page on my site http://www.msjanie.com/Karen/Karen_Facts.html Our friend Marilyn, who shares her wonderful photos, has also been a big contributor as well! And of course, we cannot forget Sly. He has been with me since 1997 and we have been down many paths together. He is loyal and is a great confidant!

More Ty memorable moments include the mentioning of "Ms. Janie’s Collector’s Studio" on the Ask Ty section of their website. Ty acknowledged that he reads my website and views the news everyday.
Although never confirmed, I would like to think that the release of Jolly Janie had some connection to me! In June 2005, Ty sent a heartfelt letter along with an inspiring poem and a signed Thank You Bear to cheer me up during my illness. http://www.msjanie.com/2005photos/Ty_ThankYou.html Ty’s willingness to donate prizes for this contest has been overwhelming. http://www.msjanie.com/Memories/Ty_Prizes.html
Collectors will enjoy receiving pieces of Ty memorabilia that, in some cases, they never would have had the opportunity to receive. Not to mention, Ty signed Fun and Laughter for me to add to my own collection. When you think about it, Ty has always had a BIG heart! http://www.msjanie.com/articles/Ty_generosity.html

Ty continues to surprise me with the simple things. Adding an extra tag for pricing on his Beanies was greatly received. Many of us have been hampered with price stickers over the years and in some cases have had tags ruined because of them. I am also extremely impressed with the Beatrix Potter collection. I truly believe they represent the finest Ty has ever offered. I expect for them to sell well and for Ty to continue with more of the same.

It’s all about the collectors! For years I applauded Ty collectors. They are the best in the business. "Tell it like it is!" was written on September 2001 - http://www.msjanie.com/articles/tell_it_like_it_is.html

This writing represents a compressed version of my Ty Memories. I look forward to making new memories and sharing them with YOU! Check my articles page for past stories on Ty history!

Ms. Janie