Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Just perfect little bears - absolutely adorable.  Lovely work.  I'm sure they will find new Mum's at the show.

I worked with my future husband for many years, and we were purely friends.  I never thought of him as anything else, as he was 24 years older than me.  One day, we both came to work with devastating news, Bernie's wife of 28 years had just been diagnosed with Liver Cancer, and my father had just been diagnosed with Bowel Cancer.  We spent the next four months comparing notes each day as to their treatment, operations and generally being a rock to each other as we were both going through such terrible times.  Unfortunately, Bernie's wife died about 6 months later.  My father was lucky enough to pull through.

Bernie was devastated, and suffered terribly for many months after losing his life partner.  After about a year after his wife's death, he told me how lonely he was and would I like to go out on the weekend.  I hesitated a moment, but said yes, just as a friend.  Well, we had such a wonderful time, and laughed and enjoyed it so much, we decided to do it again the next weekend.  Well, to get to the chase, we were married 3 years later and then 3 years after that Bernie became a father at the ripe old age of 58.  You would never find a more brilliant husband or father than my Bernie, and even though there is a 24 year age gap, I have never really noticed it.  I considered long and hard before I married a man so much older than me, but it was the best thing I ever did, and I now have a gorgeous husband and a gorgeous 10 year old daughter.

Another scrumptious mini Gemma.  Lucky you Clare having this gorgeous baby.

Let's all head off to the pet shop!!!!

A big warm congratulations Peta - nothing better than news of a new baby - wonderful.

What a hilarious photo.  Your baby even has glasses just like you!!!

I think total perfection is the only comment I can make - I can't see where on earth it could be improved, it is just superb.  Sandy, I really hope you get it.  What a treasure!!.

Thank you so much for letting us know about this scam.  If we keep each other up to date with all the nasties out there, hopefully we can save someone a lot of heartache.

Such awful news, another tragic school shooting.  You can't imagine the horror of those kids facing a situation like that.  My thoughts are with them all.

Well girls, we just have to keep making our beautiful, comforting teddy bears, as our contribution to trying to make this old world of ours a much kinder, gentler place to be.  It is a bit of an uphill battle at the moment, isn't it?

Charlie is just the most gorgeous little soul Gemma - and that face is priceless.  Kerynn must have been thrilled with him.

Lynette, what a terrible time you and your family are having.  Sometimes we get given so much to deal with that life just seems quite impossible to cope with.  Just take things day to day, and we shall all hope and pray that things take a turn for the better.  You are very wise to come here and let your feelings out, as you do need some type of outlet, and you must be assured that there are plenty of caring, understanding people on here that are only too happy to listen and to offer you support.  We are women - we are good at it!!

Hi Sarahjane, we finally get to "see" you.  When on earth did you have your 6 children?  You only look 20 yourself!   I only had one and it aged me 40 years!!!  Many congratulations on your awards - wonderful recognition for your work.

With lots of love, prayers and good wishes for your friend Sue.  Jodi, don't ever give up, and I know from experience that miracles do happen.  You just have to keep going.

Tracy, you are such a sweetheart for taking this gorgeous boy in.  He is very lucky to have you to be his new Mum.  I think most bear people are animal crazy people as well - they just seem to go together.  I love it when I hear that some poor little soul has found a good home.  Thank you.

Jane, she is just beautiful.  How lucky are you.  I would love to be step Mum to a gorgeous little angel like that.  Can I be an Auntie.  Hope you can get some more "mother and daughter" shots when you visit her in person.  Just wonderful.

Isn't Pip just the sweetest little Pup.  Bron, he is great, and worth the wait.

Oh my gosh, I can't believe what you ladies are going through over there in the States with this lady.  How awful to be constantly harrassed on the phone like that.  If any of you want to pop over to OZ for a little break, you are more than welcome, I don't think she would call us overhere.

With lots of love and sympathy from all your Aussie friends on this very sad anniversary day.  Our thoughts are with everyone in America and for the families who lost loved ones in this awful event.  Our hearts are with you all.

That is just wonderful work for your first bear.  May it be the first of thousands!  With every bear you make you will still keep learning.  I don't know how many I have made now, but I still am tweaking them all the time.

This is just so sad.  He was such a talented, wonderful man.  Australia is really in mourning at the moment.  Two terrific personalities lost in one week.

I have no idea what a fuzzy slipper night is either.  Is it an American tradition?

Claire, when I get old and wobbly - I'm coming to live with you!  Your remedies sound perfect!!!

Lots of hugs and wishes that you start to feel better soon Jodi.  Let's hope it ends up being a terrific birthday.

Double perfection.  Just wonderful Judi.  You truly are the master of needlefelting.

I always try to make sure I just look at one day at a time if things are not going well.  The best piece of advice I was ever given was "nothing stays the same forever", and if you just try and cope with one day at a time, hopefully, gradually, each day will improve a little.  When you are at stressful times, there is absolutely nothing wrong in consoling yourself with little "naughties".  Gosh, if chocolate can't be used for medicinal purposes - whats the use.