Friday, April 26, 2013

My Bear Collection is Complete!

Today, I brought home the most precious bear and I couldn't be happier.   I have a very, very limited "collection" that includes only bears from my favorite artists and a few antiques.   I am afraid to become a true arctophile with bears everywhere for fear my family will have no place to sit.  So, I limit myself.   Today I was able to add one of my friend, Joanne Livingston's, Desert Mountain Bears to my "hug" and I am pretty sure my collection is complete now!

Safford was my choice (or maybe I was his) and he is a big beautiful boy made of creamy, dense mohair with airbrushed accents and a face that would melt the coldest of hearts.   He feels alive in my arms - honestly - like having a baby bear cub in my arms!

Joanne shared with me that her little dog "Thor" sits on her lap while she works and she commented that Safford looks quite a bit like Thor and I agree, he does!   I took a picture of Joanne holding Safford and Thor before I went on my way with my new family member (please excuse the poor photo - phone cameras and I don't get along too well).    Thank you, Joanne, for allowing me to choose - it was one of the most difficult decisions I've made in a long time but when I held sweet Safford in my arms, I could almost hear him tell me that he was the one and who could argue with a face like that?!   I love him and will cherish him always!    Hugs & Blessings, Janice
Picture of Joanne, Safford and Thor  :o)


16 comments:

  1. So glad you love him Janice. Blurry picture and all I can see Thor in him.

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    1. Yes he does look so much like Thor! You are such a gifted bearmaker, Joanne. I am elated to have him! Big hugs, Janice

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  2. Oh you're so lucky! One day I will save up and get one :o)

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    1. I keep pinching myself, Katy, to make sure it's not a dream! lol! xxxx

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  3. Janice I am soooooooooooo happy for you. Joanne's bears are so amazing. I love the bear you picked out. Enjoy!!!!!!

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    1. Thank you, Linda. It was a very difficult choice - I was overwhelmed with all the beauty in that one room! I couldn't be happier! xxxx

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  4. How special is that owning a Dessert mountain bear. He looks wonderful. One to take pride of place in your hug.
    Hugs

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    1. Yes - he definitely is making himself known to the rest of the hug, Kay! xxxx

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  5. What a beautiful gift! So precious and yes, Safford does look like Thor. So happy for you, Janice! Enjoy the hugs. Ev <3

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    1. Though he wasn't a gift, Ev, I am grateful to Joanne for allowing me first choice on her beautiful bears! xxxx

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  6. Egads you are a lucky lady...........I would almost kill to have one of Joanne's bears, or one of your creations for that matter. Let me know if you'll swap with me, and I'd be happy to sculpt something for you.

    Hugs,
    Meri

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    1. Thank you, Meri! I am very happy to add Safford to my hug! He's so beautiful! I would love one of your sculps one day but I do not do bear swaps ;O) Hugs, Janice

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  7. Congratulations, Janice!! No one makes bears like Joanne!! I have one of her vintage-styled bears that I cherish and hope someday to be able to buy one of her realistic bear cubs. Safford is an absolute dream!!

    Hugs,
    Cheryl

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    1. I agree, Cheryl! Joanne's bears are in a category all their own - they are so special - just the right amount of realism sprinkled with teddy bear sweetness! Her vintage style bears are lovely, too! Hugs, Janice

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  8. Very cute pic... I hv one of Joanne's precious creation too and I love her.
    Thor is such a sweetie.. and of cause your new addition Stafford. (*^^*)

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    1. I knew you had one of Joanne's bears, too, Esther! Aren't they so very special? Safford sits right here next to my computer. I adore him! Hugs, Janice

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