Throughout my almost 15 years of bear making, it has been my hope and my greatest desire to be able to touch people's hearts in some way through my creations. What has happened is that many of these same people have touched my heart in return! I pray over my bears as I finish them, asking God to bless the person who will adopt the bear. What has happened is that many of these same people have blessed me in return! Some of these people have become dear, close friends, like sisters! One such collector (my friend, my "adopted" sister) surprised me with a wonderfully thoughtful Christmas gift. I wanted to share this gift with my readers because it touched my heart so deeply. She made me a hard cover book, which measures 12" tall and 17.5" long, filled with page after page of bears I have created, published articles, awards won, etc. throughout the years. I was speechless when I opened the box - tears flowing in disbelief. I couldn't even begin to imagine the amount of time, work and most of all, love, that went in to the creation of this book. I took several pictures to share with you and did not even come close to photographing even a third of the book! I thank God for the beautiful people He has allowed me to meet over the years. May God Bless You with dear friends. Hugs, Janice
Wow, that's amazing Janice....how blessed you are. That is definitely a lot of work, your friend is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meri
Thank you, Meri. She really is sweet - I feel so blessed to know her. Hugs, Janice
DeleteSuch a wonderful way to pay homage to a dear friend! The book looks to be spectacular! If copies were made, I would buy one! I have several Booh's and they make up a special part of my bear collection. ~Debbie Fiveash
ReplyDeleteOh Debbie, it really is spectacular! She did a wonderful job and so many of the bears I had forgotten about until I saw their pictures! Thank you so much for adopting some of my bears, too! xxxx Hugs, Janice
DeleteWhat a beautiful, thoughtful gift! I would have been teary-eyed, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debora :o) Hugs, Janice
DeleteI would be speachless! What an amazing gift from the heart. It is just beautiful, just like your sweet bears and furry friends :)
ReplyDeleteGail
Thank you ever so much, Gail :o) Hugs, Janice
DeleteYour friend has given you a great gift Janice. What a wonderful thing to do.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Linda
Thank you so much, Linda. I think so, too! I am still speechless when I look at it! Hugs, Janice
DeleteWhat an amazing gift your book is. What an extra amazing friend you have to cherish.
ReplyDeleteHugs
I think so, too, Kay! She is a treasure! Hugs, Janice
DeleteWOW! That is really something special! I'm SO glad that you received such a lovely treasure that could only touch your heart deeply.
ReplyDeleteHeaps of Hugs,
Cheryl
Thank you, Cheryl :o) Hugs, Janice
DeleteOh my Janice, now I am tearing up too. It just goes to show that you have no idea whose lives you are touching when you create, whether it be a bear or a book.
ReplyDeleteIt's true! I can't think of any better blessing than to have made wonderful friends through my bears - I count you among them, Joanne. Hugs, Janice
DeleteAww, what a fabulous gift, and a great memento of all you have contributed to the bear world
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katy! I think it's truly amazing, something I will cherish for many years to come! xxxx
DeleteI'm so impressed and touched. I want a book like this too! LOL... so beautifully made (*^^*) U are so blessed Janice to have such a wonderful friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Esther. I still can't get over it. I hope one day Great Grandkids will see this book and say "Great Grandma made these teddy bears"! lol! xxxx
Deletelol...... yeah!!! im sure they will be so thrilled to know they have such talented Great Granny ;o)
Delete:o)
DeleteOh wow Janice! What an incredibly thoughtful and beautiful gift! And yes a major labor of love!
ReplyDeleteIt has to be like walking down memory lane for you with all your beautiful creations *winks*
Thanks so much for stopping by my friend. Ya know they say the AS should go on and cover in two coats. I don't know if it's those terrible oak cabinets or I'm not applying it right? But I'm on 4 coats and counting. I did take the cupboards off (they came off easily) but I didn't paint the interior of the cabinets...I wasn't sure I wanted to fully commit?...Been thinking the AS grey might be a little more "me"? All in all though Janice not hard. Maybe just a little tedious. I am an absolute zero at DIY...so if I can do it ANYONE can! Lol! Let me know if you finally use yours K? Vanna
Thank you so much for the compliment on the book, Vanna - it really is like a walk down memory lane :o) Wow about the 4 coats of AS so far on the cabinet doors - that kind of scares me! I also have the blue AS paint and that's what I used on the settee - it covered in one coat. Maybe it is the white color that doesn't cover as well? I'll let you know if I decide to venture out and do my cabinets! Hugs, Janice
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