Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Some Old Friends Who Will Forever Be Mine

Over the past week I have been trying to "weed out" some of my collections - though I don't have large collections, by any means, I do have several!   I was beginning to fear I may end up on some sad version of "Hoarders" if I didn't get it under control...at least a little bit!   I've decided to keep most of my artist and one of a kind bears and I am going to part with most of my manufactured and figurine bears.   I have moved some of the artist bears up off of the chairs/benches and other places that humans are supposed to inhabit and they now reside on the plant shelf many, many feet above the ground (I'll need a ladder come dusting time)!

During my adventures, I gathered up some of my favorite old friends who have been with me through the years and I remember how each one came to live with me.  The little Steiff deer and the mechanical doggie were gifts from my Mom, she loved how the dog's tail turns in circles and his ball comes back to him (it's on a string and when you wind the key on his tummy, he comes alive)!  The kitty was a gift from my Sister - one night many, many years ago we were both on line browsing ebay for antique stuffies and we came across this headless kitty - we laughed for what seemed an hour and finally she bid on it.  One day a few weeks later in the mail was that headless kitty with a head she created for it!  I still laugh now when I look at that kitty!  Her dress and bonnet came from my Aunt Eileen.  The kitty puppet and the big tiger were also gifts from my Sister.  The monkey and the dolls were gifts to myself.  The little Russian boy and girl I purchased at a local antique mall and I remember carrying them around for the longest time - putting them back and then going back to pick them up again!  Finally, I just took them to the counter and purchased them!  The little wooden dolly with the silk mohair I purchased at a yard sale about 20 years ago.  I loved her clothespin style hands!  Ahhhh, sometimes it's a good thing to "weed out" the old "stuff" but not in this case!  These old friends will forever be mine!  xoxo

16 comments:

  1. What lovely memories to go with lovely old toys. Thanks for sharing with us!!

    Warmly,
    Cheryl

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  2. Thank you for taking the time to comment, Cheryl :o) I do have such fond memories of them and as disheveled and sorry as they are, I love them! xoxo

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  3. Loved looking at your collection and hearing about their stories! Its good to surround yourself with people you love and memories you cherish :).

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  4. Glad you enjoyed it, Heidi! So true about those wonderful memories ;o) xoxo

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  5. Aww, how lovely to meet your old friends :o)

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  6. I can relate! I have a soft spot for every one in my collection for different reasons.

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  7. Yes, I love how each one evokes a memory or feeling!

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  8. Thank u Janice for sharing.. i can see my little Rose sitting happily up there with all her new friends.

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  9. Everyone who comes in the front door is greeted by her and her friends! :o) xoxo She's so sweet, Esther. I'm happy to be her "bear mom"!! xoxo

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  10. I must thank U for giving her such a wonderful home with so many beautiful friends. (*^^*)

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  11. I would never part with a single one of them either Janice *winks* A wonderful story and memory is attached to each one.....My problem is I really have wayyy to much stuff with stories attached and only so much room.*winks* Vanna

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  12. Thanks so much, Vanna! You are the Queen of lovely old "stuff" so I am honored by your comment! xoxo

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  13. Hello Janice,
    I can see Annie. Really she has a great protector.
    Bear Hugs
    Ute

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  14. Oh yes, Ute - your Annie stands out among the group. She's one of my favorites - I adore her! Thank you for creating her :O) xoxo, Janice

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Thank you ever so much for taking the time to comment. xxxx