Introducing J.R. !

By now most of you have seen the famous Kia commercial featuring a sock monkey which debuted on Superbowl Sunday. After doing a little research, I was delighted to contact Bonnie Connelly who served as consultant to the advertising agency hired by Kia. Coincidentally, Bonnie authored a book I own called "Everything's Coming Up Sock Monkeys." She made the small sock monkey that appeared in the back seat of the Kia at the end of the commercial. On her web site,
In My Own Dream Studio, I was able to purchase a replica of the Kia "Joy Ride" monkey. My new monkey is named J.R. Even though he is a pretty famous monkey, J.R. is surprisingly down to earth and laid back as all sock monkeys should be.

Here are J.R.'s credentials. He's a V.I.P. (Very Important Primate)

Valentine's Day and Miscellaneous Gifts

I apologize for the delay in posting these photos. My personal assistant has been occupied with more important things lately. Can you imagine anything more important than helping a sock monkey update his blog? Me neither.

The gifts I've received lately have more than compensated for the neglect. Check out my new t-shirt purchased on
Etsy from seller Sillysockmonkeys. It's a perfect fit. Got bananas? You bet I do!

My photos are now going to have a professional quality to them thanks to my brand new studio! It's a soft light box with a velvet blue background. Two halogen lamps provide ample brightness for my modeling shots.

Mark bought this gift for Laura. It's a sock monkey cross stitch kit. She needs to learn a new craft.

My new pal Julius came to live at our house a few weeks ago. He's super smart and specializes in fixing computers. He's already applied for a job with the Geek Squad.

This pretty little lady is a sock gorilla or sock ape, whichever you prefer. She's just a wee gal and still sucks her "thumb" occasionally. Her beautiful necklace can be worn by a human female as a bracelet. Laura doesn't have the heart (hee hee) to take it from her. The gorilla my dreams arrived at our home in this lovely red champagne flute on Valentine's Day.

Superbowl Moments

Here's some photos of our Superbowl Socktravaganza. I had a vested interest in the results of this game since I had chosen the Saints banana just hours earlier. Sorry Peyton, I didn't realize how much power my choice would have. You can go to Disney World another year, man.

Sock monkey wanna-be Laura and Gunther are ecstatic over another Saints touchdown!

Our party guests, from left to right: Scarlet, Ben Socklisberger, Gunther, me, Laura, Simon, Troy Monkamalu and Jarvis

Karl couldn't resist joining the couch potatoes, although he struggled to keep his eyes open.

Karl is fast asleep, I'm sitting on his back, and Saints fans everywhere are celebrating!

Big Monkey's Pick for the Big Game

Are you ready for some football? Get your game face on folks, it's Superbowl Sunday!

This is how I plan to spend the majority of the day, lounging and maybe tossing the pigskin around a bit.

Oh... and EATING! Here's my Big Game cake - chocolate with fudge icing. Yummo!

Before the festivities begin, I'm going to make my pick for today's match up between the Colts and the Saints. Which banana will I choose?

After much consideration, I'm picking New Orleans. Geaux Saints!