Bit By the Bug Tuesday - "Monkeys Jumping on the Bed"

Welcome to...

First I must apologize for the delay in getting this post out.  Dratted Internet problems abound this week!

It is LISA HERE with the FINAL edition of Mega Monkey Mania.  I sincerely appreciate all the wonderful comments I have received over the past six weeks as many of you have enjoyed learning about the history of the classic sock monkey.  Today marks the end of our current round, but who knows, maybe there will be more sock monkey images in the future.  For our last monkey freebie for now, I bring you a classic.  Please meet...

Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Click HERE to get "Monkeys Jumping on the Bed".  Available from September 24th until October 8th.  

After that it will be replaced with another freebie.

Naomi has created a classic for you all.  There were actually a total of five monkeys jumping on the bed when this image started.  The entire Manchester family and a friend of Malia's.  However, before Naomi finished drawing the digi, three of the monkeys had fallen off already.  They are all busy right now seeking the aid of a physician so by the time Naomi was finished with the image, only Mortimer and his mom Marcella, remained bouncing on the bed.

I will be really surprised if the majority of readers (at least those in the Western world) have not heard the old children's rhyme and finger play '5 Little Monkeys Jumping on a Bed'.  While its origin has been falsely attributed by some to Eileen Christelow, who wrote a picture book showcasing the rhyme, it is hard to say at this point where it really came from.  I read someplace else that it spun off of a rhyme called 'Shortenin' Bread' which was extremely racially derogatory but when I looked up that rhyme originated by James Whitcomb Riley back in the early 1900's, it didn't have the same verse, only the same poetic rhythm.  I also went on to find other versions, none of them appropriate.  It is my understanding that the '5 Little Monkeys Jumping on a Bed' was born out of the need to keep the same sort of catchy tune but use more appropriate wording.  So, while its true origins are hard to place, this verse has become a beloved rhyme and finger play for many children.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, the rhyme itself (and I believe that it is in the public domain, however I may be mistaken) goes like this (the finger play actions have been included in parenthesis):

Five little monkeys           [Hold up five fingers.]
jumping on the bed.        [Jump up and down.]
One fell off                      [Hold up one finger and then roll your hand down towards the floor.]
and bumped his head.       [Tap your head with your fist.]
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,         [Put your pinky to your mouth and thumb 
                                                                                   to your ear like a telephone.]
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"     [Put one hand on your hip and wag your index
                                                                         finger.]

It then of course continues with verses for four, three, two and finally one monkey jumping on the bed, all ending the same way. Monkeys Jumping on the Bed is the perfect image to end this incredible series of digis that Naomi has created.

Now it is time for our last episode on everything sock monkey...

Operation Sock Monkey (OSM)
If you are new to the blog or just haven't been here lately and are interested in catching up on what we've been doing the last six weeks as part of our tribute to sock monkeys, you can catch up in the following order:
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5

As a refresher, over the last six weeks we have been traipsing through sock monkey history from the very beginning to the present day in both the States and Canada.  We have also taken a look at one of the ways this special toy is continued to be revered,  i.e. through sock monkey festivals.  So, it is no wonder that an organization called Operation Sock Monkey exists.  OSM is a volunteer-based initiative that supports humanitarian organizations that "provide laughter, hope and healing to communities around the world affected by disease, disaster and social/political turmoil".1  There are lots of ways that you can help out.

To aid this organization you can:  'adopt' a handmade sock monkey; send in your own or sponsor one--in both cases they will be sent to children around the world who could use a smile; you can also buy other kinds of treats and of course simply donate money; you can also become an operative yourself.   When you 'adopt' an OSM Sock Monkey the organization will donate the proceeds to Clowns Without Borders. They have many different kinds to choose from, all original and unique, and if you'd like to take a look at what is available, you can check out the Sock Zoo. You can also send in your sock monkeys and they will find a loving home for them. I love the line they use:  "Monkey delegates are sent to live in communities in distress to help bring smiles to folks who need them."2  It shows that they have a sense of humour, but at the same time their wording demonstrates just how important these monkeys are to the children who need them.  When you purchase a sock monkey sponsorship, a sweet little sock monkey is sent to a child in need.  In turn you are sent a card explaining the project and how your money will be used.  OSM also offers cards, t-shirts, note cards, and kits that give you what you need to make your own sock monkey.  Of course, you can simply donate money to help them curb costs for supplies.  Finally, you can become an OSM Operative by starting up your own Operation to produce and market sock monkeys in your local community to benefit Clowns Without Borders or a charity of your own choosing.  There are so many ways to make a difference in this world.  How cool is it to be able to make a difference using sock monkeys??!!!

Now let's check out the card that Jennifer from Krafty Keepsakes was able to make to help show off this iconic image of monkeys jumping on the bed...

 How adorable!  She even managed to use one of the sentiments that was offered in one of the sneak peek guess winners' packages.  What a great way to tell someone how much you care about them!  Thanks Jen for another great card.

Well, our tour through sock monkeydom is at an end I'm afraid.  To commemorate it I (LISA) am offering up my own freebie for everyone this week.  I think it could go with any of the images I've showcased for you during this last month and a half.  Here is a preview of what the quote looks like...

If you would like to receive this free quote in a usable png format please send your request HERE with the subject heading "Monkey Mania Free Quote" and I will send it off to you as quick as I can.

Sneak peek guesses...

Apparently I get another week off from creating treats for sneak peek winners which is why I could bring you all the freebie above.  While we had some really great guesses this past week, no one managed to come up with the idea of the monkeys jumping on the bed.  I am really surprised that no one thought of this rhyme.

DON'T FORGET...

 there is still time to sign up for your chance to win Naomi's latest new release:  The Manchester Family!  Click HERE to find out how.

 And now it is time for the last monkey joke...

 Q:  What do you call a monkey with a banana in each ear?
A:  Anything you want, it can't hear you!

(source:  http://www.enchantedlearning.com/nosuchfile.htm)

Well guys, it truly has been a pleasure bringing you all this information on sock monkeys over the last six weeks.  Next week we start off on a brand new category so I hope that you will come back and visit with me on Saturday when I show a sneak peek of the next image coming out of Naomi's workshop.

Until then, have a great week everyone!

Endnotes

 1. Operation Sock Monkey.  About OSM.  Operation Sock Monkey.  Date Unknown.  Online.  http://www.operationsockmonkey.com/about. Last accessed:  24th September 2013.

 2. Operation Sock Monkey.  .Donate a Sock Monkey.  Date Unknown.  Online. .http://www.operationsockmonkey.com/how-to-help/donate-a-sock-monkey. Last accessed:  24th September 2013.

References
Allan, Dixie. (2012). A Modern Sock Monkey Family. Available: http://webclipart.about.com/b/2012/01/15/sock-monkeys.htm. Last accessed 21st Aug 2013.
 

Author Unknown. (Year Unknown). Five Little Monkeys. Available: http://supersimplelearning.com/songs/original-series/one/five-little-monkeys/. Last accessed 24th September 2013.

Author Unknown. (Year Unknown). Shortnin' Bread. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortnin%27_Bread. Last accessed 23rd September 2013. 

Author Unknown.. (Unknown.). Sock monkey. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sock_monkey. Last accessed 21st Aug 2013.

Author Unknown. (Year Unknown). What is the origin of The Five Little Monkeys?. Available: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_origin_of_The_Five_Little_Monkeys. Last accessed 23rd September 2013.

Author Unknown. (2010). Where did "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" come from? . Available: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101001195802AAleY6e. Last accessed 23th September 2013.

Polfuss, Robin . (2009). History of Sock Monkeys. Available: http://www.roroart.com/history.htm. Last accessed 21st Aug 2013