Saturday, May 12, 2012

S IS FOR "SILLY OLD BEAR"

In the Blog World

"Silly old Bear."

That was one of Christopher Robin's terms of endearment of Pooh Bear. And it was a term of endearment.

You would have to read the books to understand. (Which would be a good exercise if you haven't done it already.) A four-book series, the last two of which revolve around the adventures — sometimes misadventures —  of "Edward Bear," as he is called at one spot. But he is better know as "Winnie the Pooh."

The model for the stories is a Canadian Bear, unofficial mascot of a Canadian Cavalry Regiment in World War One — The Fort Garry Horse.  She ended up in a British Zoo (for her own safety).

Christopher Robin (modelled on Milne's own son) had a stuffed Bear toy — and the rest, well, just came together. But in the book one can see a real endearment of Boy and Bear.

And sometimes I am "silly old Bear," too. Like Pooh, I get into all kinds of adventures, and misadventures (real and imagined). And I'm slowly starting to recover the child in me, who perhaps became too adult too soon in life, and lost the art of play. 

Here, in the blogsphere, I can do and say silly things. Well, yes, sometimes serious; but sometimes silly, too. Can you imagine, really, a Human trying to hibernate like a Bear? You can, if you read this blog. With an author who leaves sense and sensibility behind. Sometimes.


In the "Real" World 

Today, I am Bear-ing up just fine, thank you. Things are much better than they were a year ago. I'm active, even "holding down a job" (which feels more than anything like just helping out some friends). Strange; when I wrote that first, it came out "holding down a joy." Which seems so appropriate.

Sometimes on the "job" I make mistakes — fairly mild ones. After which I often think, or even say, "Silly old Bear." Like you, my friends and colleagues at our church have come to realize that I have not totally taken leave of my senses. It's just an expression I use.

Which means I have successfully fooled them, too.

I hope you are having a wonderful day, whatever you are doing.

Blessings and Bear hugs!

23 comments:

Kristy said...

I got some hand drawn cards of Winnie the Pooh from White River. I guess they made the stop there before shipping to England.

Rubye Jack said...

Hi silly Bear, I'm so glad things are better and that the job makes you happy. Work is a good way for those of us who are introverted to get out and be around people.

Have a good weekend!

Irene said...

But you are making yourself useful while you occasionally make these small human errors and that should make you feel very good. You get an A for effort anyway. That is more than some of us get and I´m sure you do much better than that lots of times. You are also a wise old bear, don´t forget that. xox

ReformingGeek said...

Hugs to you, too, Bear!

Rob-bear said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, friends. You are all very kind.

® Kristy: White River is where Lt. Coleborn bought Winnie, for $20. While they were on their way to England, as you guessed. That's the connection. There is a store there with nothing but Winnie memorabilia. I've been in it a number of times.

® Rubye Jack: Life is better, and I'm happy doing what I am doing. Especially being with people. But I am much more tired, and I rest more. I was "right on" for me when I said I could only work half-time.

® Irene: I've got to the point where I make fewer errors, and get them fixed faster. It is so good to work in a team of people, rather than by myself, which I did for so much of my ministry.
I tend to think that people do the best they can to get on with life. It's just that some of us have very different options than others do. Getting out of bed in the morning may be worth an A for effort in some peoples' lives.

Rob-bear said...

® ReformingGeek: Aw, you know I like hugs! Thanks, Reffie. Big hugs to you, too.

Chatty Crone said...

I love Winnie The Pooh! sandie

Rob-bear said...

® Chatty Crone: My parents got me the whole set of four books for my fifth birthday. I've been reading them ever since.

Rosaria Williams said...

So glad you are up and about and helping out, holding down a job and seemingly enjoying all the fuss. Hope Mrs. Bear is pleased with this arrangement too. And, that your health is not strained too much with this commitment.

The Blog Fodder said...

Holding down a joy - how wonderful.

Suburbia said...

So very glad things are better than a year ago :-)

Golden Eagle said...

I'm glad to hear things are going better than they were before. :)

Rob-bear said...

® The Blog Fodder: Sometimes we say what we feel no matter how hard we try to hide our thoughts in conventional language.

® Suburbia: Yes; better than last year. For both of us — you ad me.
Hope you and the Lovely Man had a lovely weekend.

® The Golden Eagle: Things are better. And they are certainly different from what I expected. Going back into ministry was not in the plan. But it is interesting.

Jackie said...

Thinking of you, Rob, and wanted to let you know. As a servant of our Lord, I know that you are working diligently, and I know that trials will be on hand at a lot of turns in your life. Know that I'm praying for you, and hope that you feel those prayers. I think of the Great Commission, and know that as you are going, you are sharing the love of Christ.
Hugs,
Jackie

About Last Weekend said...

"Silly old bear" is a lovely expression. Some days i just repeat to myself "failing frequently" which is no help to anyone...I was once told I was like Tigger (bouncy and empty headed I guess). I don't think it was meant as a compliment but better than the alternative of Eeyore, who is always mopey (There is a great book called The Tao of Pooh Bear, talking about all the characters)

Crystal Pistol said...

I like that you are a silly old bear and have found a way to enjoy life and be a bear if ya wanna. :)

I'm more of a tigger.

D..J. Kirkby said...

Hello Bear, long time no see. Happy I found you again.

susan said...

'Wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the forest, a little boy and his Bear will always be playing.'

Nice thought.

Helen said...

Silly old bear ... I love the fact that a bear has the where-with-all to grasp what we human females go through trying to make sense of our hair. All you have to worry about is matting fur!

Rob-bear said...

® Jackie: Thank you so much. I'm having a very good time, all in all. I trust I will continue to do so.

® About Last Weekend: Thanks for the insights, Jody. To tell the truth, my chronic depression makes me much more like an Eeyore. Which is something my wife and I have discussed more than once.
This "transition" to a Pooh Bear is part of a "rediscovery" curve in my life. Lots of learning still to do.

® Crystal Pistol: Tigger had more bounce to the ounce than anyone else in the Hundred Acre Wood. But you have a lot more "between your ears" than poor Tigger. (I know; I read your blog regularly.)

® D.J. Kirby: Strange; I didn't know I was lost. But it is such fun to see you here! Thanks for the visit.

® susan: I have a picture of that, somewhere. Bear snoozing; boy resting on his back. (Made me think of me and my grandson.) Wonderful picture! Thanks for the reminder.

® Helen: Females and hairdos. Something which I try to avoid like the plague in my discussions. Or around which I try very hard to tiptoe, discreetly. (Ever seen Bear on tiptoes?) It is easy for male anythings to get into trouble on this subject.
And do you have any idea how uncomfortable matted fur is?

farawayeyes said...

'Silly old bear', how fun. glad to hear you are on the upswing. It's good for us all.

Lydia said...

Which means I have successfully fooled them, too.
That is so endearing!

I am so happy to be in the blogosphere where I met a for real silly old bear.

You would love my keychain. It is a silver rendering of Pooh and Christopher Robin, perfectly crafted front and back views, with the words "An Adventure was Going to Happen." I would die if I ever lost it!

A Lady's Life said...

Thanks Rob Bear I had an orange bear the tooth fairy brought me when my Dad was unemployed.
I loved him soo much. He was my best friend for 18 years.
I washed him, sewed him up and refused to get rid of him
He was my best pillow.
I don't know what happened to him in the end. I think my family did away with him as they did with all my baby things
So sad. ;(