Pooh Bear, you've got competition in France. Share today's "extra" edition with a Teddy Bear lover.
le nounours (noo-noorce)
: teddy bear
Word origin: Nounours–from un ours (en peluche), or a "stuffed bear," is French baby talk. See a list of French Baby Talk here.
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Un nounours c'est un câlin à quatre pattes.
A teddy is a cuddle with paws at the end. (Gill Davies)
Pronounce It Perfectly in French - with exercises in sound discrimination and accurate sound creation. Order your copy here.
When I was little, at the hospital getting my tonsils out, my stepfather (we'll call him that, as Dick was a big part of my childhood, even if Mom never married him) brought me a giant teddy bear. Only, when Dick learned that the little girl sharing my room was dying, he gave her the big teddy bear. (He gave me another, on his next hospital visit.)
My would-be stepfather passed away several years ago, but I will never forget his gesture. From then on, teddy bears were BIG in my life and that seed of empathy grew and grew.
"Teddy, Resurrected". This yellow nounours, seemingly rescued from the municipal trash, was given to my mom by a villager in Les Arcs-sur-Argens. As you can see, I swiped it from Jules….
We all need to vent sometimes. Go ahead, air your teddy laundry! (Can't remember where this picture was taken… Not too far from Sainte Cécile.)
Longing to go out and play…. A teddy reminder that we might stop what we are doing, for a moment, and get out for some fresh air. Solutions come and problems seems to solve themselves… with the help of a little fresh air.
(A second reminder to get up and get out for some fresh air. You needed that second reminder, didn't you?)
Teddy Bears hanging out in Les Baux de Provence. And thanks for hanging out with me, dear readers, for a few moments this Thursday morning…. I needed to concentrate on something besides the pounding and sawing and crumbling going on around here this morning.
Did you ever have a teddy bear? When's the last time you gave someone a nounours? Comment here. My friend Kate gave me two last time I saw her. I shook my head, "It's been years…" I thought, and my thoughts skipped off, right down memory lane.
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Somehow in my 20’s I got the nick name “Pooh” by my peers. I don’t remember getting my first teddy until I was about 35 when my sister gave me a locally hand made bear called “Liza Too” after my dog that had recently passed away. The next year for Christmas her kids who were 3 and 6 gave me a smaller one. Now I have to go find them because my niece just had a baby boy two weeks ago and I must send her one of them. So thank you for todays photos because I might not have thought to send one.
Somehow in my 20’s I got the nick name “Pooh” by my peers. I don’t remember getting my first teddy until I was about 35 when my sister gave me a locally hand made bear called “Liza Too” after my dog that had recently passed away. The next year for Christmas her kids who were 3 and 6 gave me a smaller one. Now I have to go find them because my niece just had a baby boy two weeks ago and I must send her one of them. So thank you for todays photos because I might not have thought to send one.
I thought my Teddy loved spaghetti
Cause that’s what little boys do
His face was covered with red marinara
parts of the rest off him too
His name became “Crusty” .. a result of my feeding
Dried sauce stuck all over the place
But I know I did right because every night
“Crusty” slept with a smile on his face.
Aloha, Bill Facker
I thought my Teddy loved spaghetti
Cause that’s what little boys do
His face was covered with red marinara
parts of the rest off him too
His name became “Crusty” .. a result of my feeding
Dried sauce stuck all over the place
But I know I did right because every night
“Crusty” slept with a smile on his face.
Aloha, Bill Facker
Had a teddy. Gave my kids teddies. Love teddies – had over a dozen at one time. Collected all teddy cards and stickers…Gave my grandson a big teddy but he doesn’t seem attached to it as his mommy was.
Had a teddy. Gave my kids teddies. Love teddies – had over a dozen at one time. Collected all teddy cards and stickers…Gave my grandson a big teddy but he doesn’t seem attached to it as his mommy was.
KRISTI DARLING –
YOU TRULY ARE A GIFT THAT JUST KEEPS ON GIVING…!!!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH – YOU HAVE FILLED MY MIND WITH VISIONS OF TEDDY BEARS – OF LITTLE FRIENDS WHO HELPED ME THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES.
TAKE YOU TEDDY-BEAR TO YOUR GARDEN TODAY!!!!
XOXO
MOM
KRISTI DARLING –
YOU TRULY ARE A GIFT THAT JUST KEEPS ON GIVING…!!!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH – YOU HAVE FILLED MY MIND WITH VISIONS OF TEDDY BEARS – OF LITTLE FRIENDS WHO HELPED ME THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES.
TAKE YOU TEDDY-BEAR TO YOUR GARDEN TODAY!!!!
XOXO
MOM
Teddy bears were created after an incident in Louisianna in 1902, when then President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub, as it’s mother was nearby. Political cartoons soon appeared, lauding the president’s compassion… or something of that nature. Toy manufacturers began producing and selling “Teddy bears” in his honor. Roosevelt was one of our great presidents, and he is also purported to be the author of “Good to the last drop,” prounounced during a visit to the Maxwell House hotel in Nashville, TN.
Teddy bears were created after an incident in Louisianna in 1902, when then President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub, as it’s mother was nearby. Political cartoons soon appeared, lauding the president’s compassion… or something of that nature. Toy manufacturers began producing and selling “Teddy bears” in his honor. Roosevelt was one of our great presidents, and he is also purported to be the author of “Good to the last drop,” prounounced during a visit to the Maxwell House hotel in Nashville, TN.
When I was a student in France many decades ago, there was a bear on French TV named Nounours. I never realized until today that it’s a generic name for a teddy bear. I just Googled it and saw that the TV show was Bonne Nuit Les Petits. I’m not sure what I was doing watching a kids’ show at the age of 20, but there weren’t many channels back then! Thanks for bringing back a memory.
When I was a student in France many decades ago, there was a bear on French TV named Nounours. I never realized until today that it’s a generic name for a teddy bear. I just Googled it and saw that the TV show was Bonne Nuit Les Petits. I’m not sure what I was doing watching a kids’ show at the age of 20, but there weren’t many channels back then! Thanks for bringing back a memory.
Love the story, love the comments and love teddy bears!
I have always had them, so have my daughters and grand kids!
My mom was from Sydney, Australia so my first stuffed animal was a koala–no, not a bear — but he was fuzzy, warm and huge.
Be well.
Love the story, love the comments and love teddy bears!
I have always had them, so have my daughters and grand kids!
My mom was from Sydney, Australia so my first stuffed animal was a koala–no, not a bear — but he was fuzzy, warm and huge.
Be well.
BILL – YOU ARE JUST DARLING & I THINK I LOVE YOU!!!
XOXO
JULES
BILL – YOU ARE JUST DARLING & I THINK I LOVE YOU!!!
XOXO
JULES
I love Teddy Bears. Had a childhood one that got accidentally donated after the kids grew up. I still have a cute pink (my favorite color) with white hearts that my youngest son gave me one birthday. He went to build a bear, love that store.
xoxo
I love Teddy Bears. Had a childhood one that got accidentally donated after the kids grew up. I still have a cute pink (my favorite color) with white hearts that my youngest son gave me one birthday. He went to build a bear, love that store.
xoxo
JULES .. You make me blush .. so I probably resemble “Crusty” right this moment! 🙂 Aloha, Bill
JULES .. You make me blush .. so I probably resemble “Crusty” right this moment! 🙂 Aloha, Bill
EMaria, Huge smile now listening to Teddy Bears Picnic. Thank you!
Mom, thanks for all the Teddy bears you ever gave me! I realize, now, that you love them just as much and probably had a Teddy Bears picnic somewhere in the mountains.
Esther, I wonder if I saw your party on Facebook and it registered in my subconscience (sp) until — voila — todays post!
Danielle, that collage really spoke to me!
David, thanks for the history on Teddy!
Thank you all for sharing your Teddy bears here. It gives a new appreciation for these sometimes neglected stuffed friends of ours! Go find your teddy bears and shake off the dust…. and sing the Teddy bear song (I am… )
French Word-A-Day http://french-word-a-day.com
Book: Blossoming in Provence:
http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/1467929794/mdj-20
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EMaria, Huge smile now listening to Teddy Bears Picnic. Thank you!
Mom, thanks for all the Teddy bears you ever gave me! I realize, now, that you love them just as much and probably had a Teddy Bears picnic somewhere in the mountains.
Esther, I wonder if I saw your party on Facebook and it registered in my subconscience (sp) until — voila — todays post!
Danielle, that collage really spoke to me!
David, thanks for the history on Teddy!
Thank you all for sharing your Teddy bears here. It gives a new appreciation for these sometimes neglected stuffed friends of ours! Go find your teddy bears and shake off the dust…. and sing the Teddy bear song (I am… )
French Word-A-Day http://french-word-a-day.com
Book: Blossoming in Provence:
http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/1467929794/mdj-20
Latest video from France/sign up to our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FrenchWordADay
Love those teddy bears. Am going to take a picture of my group and try to send it to you but I’m very bad at that kind of thing. Anyhow, even though I’m in my 70’s, I still treasure my little rocking chair (was my father’s) full of bears of many sizes.
Love those teddy bears. Am going to take a picture of my group and try to send it to you but I’m very bad at that kind of thing. Anyhow, even though I’m in my 70’s, I still treasure my little rocking chair (was my father’s) full of bears of many sizes.
I rescued Teddy from the trash bin in our apartment complex. He looked forlorn so I took pity on him and he has been with me ever since, over 12 years.
I called him Teddy because that is what I thought he should be called. As I am a not very observant male I was wrong about his species.
When I introduced my girl friend (now my wife) to Teddy, she said “he is a lion, not a Teddy”.
He is however, still called Teddy and he sits on our sofa along with Fifi his tiger companion.
I rescued Teddy from the trash bin in our apartment complex. He looked forlorn so I took pity on him and he has been with me ever since, over 12 years.
I called him Teddy because that is what I thought he should be called. As I am a not very observant male I was wrong about his species.
When I introduced my girl friend (now my wife) to Teddy, she said “he is a lion, not a Teddy”.
He is however, still called Teddy and he sits on our sofa along with Fifi his tiger companion.
Our dear Kristi,
What a wonderful post! (and pictures!)
The only thing to make us feel more wrapped in smiles than all the sweet Teddy Bears are the stories of beautiful acts of kindness! Wonderful!
Though I’m sure I had a favorite Teddy, the one toy to steal my heart was a small stuffed poodle. (“Poodley”)(not very imaginative,is it?) I was four and we’d just lost out terrier (hit by a car). A family friend (disguised as Santa) gave Poodley to me as a buddy to help me through the loss. He did just that,throughout all my growing up years.
My husband and I were spending the night at my parents’ house when it caught fire (remember those shake shingle roofs in Phoenix?) They were elderly then and Rod and I had our hands full getting them and the pets to safety. I never found Poodley,but his memory still gives me joy.
THANK YOU for helping me to remember him again today.
Love, Natalia XO
PS When I was handling our renovations and things got tight, I’d take a good book,a flashlight, and go hang out by myself in the closet for 15 or so minutes. Bathroom worked,too.
Just a short getaway to keep me sane!
Our dear Kristi,
What a wonderful post! (and pictures!)
The only thing to make us feel more wrapped in smiles than all the sweet Teddy Bears are the stories of beautiful acts of kindness! Wonderful!
Though I’m sure I had a favorite Teddy, the one toy to steal my heart was a small stuffed poodle. (“Poodley”)(not very imaginative,is it?) I was four and we’d just lost out terrier (hit by a car). A family friend (disguised as Santa) gave Poodley to me as a buddy to help me through the loss. He did just that,throughout all my growing up years.
My husband and I were spending the night at my parents’ house when it caught fire (remember those shake shingle roofs in Phoenix?) They were elderly then and Rod and I had our hands full getting them and the pets to safety. I never found Poodley,but his memory still gives me joy.
THANK YOU for helping me to remember him again today.
Love, Natalia XO
PS When I was handling our renovations and things got tight, I’d take a good book,a flashlight, and go hang out by myself in the closet for 15 or so minutes. Bathroom worked,too.
Just a short getaway to keep me sane!
We all need a mascot to assist us through the bad times and the good. Mine is a stuffed lion with mangy hair and crooked whiskers who I have had many years. When irritable, restless and discontent, I look up at him; a lion always sits at the position of superioirity; and give him a nod of recognition and gratitude for sticking with me.
We all need a mascot to assist us through the bad times and the good. Mine is a stuffed lion with mangy hair and crooked whiskers who I have had many years. When irritable, restless and discontent, I look up at him; a lion always sits at the position of superioirity; and give him a nod of recognition and gratitude for sticking with me.
A timely post as I choose a teddy panda bear from the hospital gift shop the week during my stay for pain management for my cancer. He sure brightens my days.
A timely post as I choose a teddy panda bear from the hospital gift shop the week during my stay for pain management for my cancer. He sure brightens my days.
Nothing is more comforting than a teddy bear. I still have my first bear. He’s at least 75 years old, sans all facial features and pretty raggedy. When my Airedale, Timmy, he of the button nose and button eyes, died, I bought myself a teddy bear with button nose and button eyes to comfort me.
Nothing is more comforting than a teddy bear. I still have my first bear. He’s at least 75 years old, sans all facial features and pretty raggedy. When my Airedale, Timmy, he of the button nose and button eyes, died, I bought myself a teddy bear with button nose and button eyes to comfort me.
I did the AIDS life cycle ride last year, and had the honor of Carrying Dab, The AIDS bear with me on my bicycle from SF to LA on my bicycle. here’s more about the project here: http://dabtheaidsbearproject.com/dabaibeseed.html AIDS affects children as well. If you would like to support me on my ride, I am a 24+ year survivor of HIV/AIDS. (And did I mention, I love your blog??? 😀 ) http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/erikwalton
I did the AIDS life cycle ride last year, and had the honor of Carrying Dab, The AIDS bear with me on my bicycle from SF to LA on my bicycle. here’s more about the project here: http://dabtheaidsbearproject.com/dabaibeseed.html AIDS affects children as well. If you would like to support me on my ride, I am a 24+ year survivor of HIV/AIDS. (And did I mention, I love your blog??? 😀 ) http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/erikwalton
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3766522074537&set=pb.1021214463.-2207520000.1365138745&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-prn1%2F480313_3766522074537_2037648870_n.jpg&size=415%2C415 Here’s a pic of me and my buddy bear!!!! <3
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3766522074537&set=pb.1021214463.-2207520000.1365138745&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-prn1%2F480313_3766522074537_2037648870_n.jpg&size=415%2C415 Here’s a pic of me and my buddy bear!!!! <3
When I was small, I had a beloved teddy whose nose was pulled off by my cousin. I was the same age, but whacked him soundly & he never did anything like that again! Later in life, my friends often had stuffed animals on their beds but I never did.
One day when in my forties I told my husband I had just seen in a shop a teddy bear almost identical to the one that caused the dust-up between my cousin and me. On Valentine’s Day that year mon cheri mari surprised me with the very same bear. He and two others gifted by my hubby still grace our bed even though I’m almost 71!
When I was small, I had a beloved teddy whose nose was pulled off by my cousin. I was the same age, but whacked him soundly & he never did anything like that again! Later in life, my friends often had stuffed animals on their beds but I never did.
One day when in my forties I told my husband I had just seen in a shop a teddy bear almost identical to the one that caused the dust-up between my cousin and me. On Valentine’s Day that year mon cheri mari surprised me with the very same bear. He and two others gifted by my hubby still grace our bed even though I’m almost 71!
Kristi, il y a un bâtiment avec beaucoup de nounours en face de l’hôtel de ville a St-Rémy de Provence. J’ai fait une photo mais elle n’est pas si belle comme tous des vôtres. Peut-être, le temps prochain que vous êtes là, vous pouvez faire une photo?
Mary Jo
Kristi, il y a un bâtiment avec beaucoup de nounours en face de l’hôtel de ville a St-Rémy de Provence. J’ai fait une photo mais elle n’est pas si belle comme tous des vôtres. Peut-être, le temps prochain que vous êtes là, vous pouvez faire une photo?
Mary Jo
Kristen,
For the Advent season, the members of the First Congregational Church of Madison, purchased Teddy Bears and brought them to church on Sundays, music events at church and church meetings. We then gave them to people in two of our health care facilities. These bears were given out with all of the love and hope from the Advent season to give joy and hope to the people who received them.
Kristen,
For the Advent season, the members of the First Congregational Church of Madison, purchased Teddy Bears and brought them to church on Sundays, music events at church and church meetings. We then gave them to people in two of our health care facilities. These bears were given out with all of the love and hope from the Advent season to give joy and hope to the people who received them.
Warm memories, wishes upon reading your lovely posting tonight Kristen. Mille merci’s. It is a rather chilly evening in Pezenas after a couple of long days searching for a short term rental home here. I sent my favorite teddy bear to my niece in AZ prior to our move to France, as she was pregnant, awaiting the birth of her first child. My sweet husband had purchased this gorgeous white teddy bear for me while we were dating. What joy to open our email and find a photo last evening of our niece with her beautiful new baby girl. Lovely to know that my favorite bear will now bring comfort and smiles to my niece’s newborn. Thanks for another heart warming post. Wishing you the best with the renovation work…do walk in your hills and garden for the space and peace you will need Kristen. Bon chance et bisous.
Warm memories, wishes upon reading your lovely posting tonight Kristen. Mille merci’s. It is a rather chilly evening in Pezenas after a couple of long days searching for a short term rental home here. I sent my favorite teddy bear to my niece in AZ prior to our move to France, as she was pregnant, awaiting the birth of her first child. My sweet husband had purchased this gorgeous white teddy bear for me while we were dating. What joy to open our email and find a photo last evening of our niece with her beautiful new baby girl. Lovely to know that my favorite bear will now bring comfort and smiles to my niece’s newborn. Thanks for another heart warming post. Wishing you the best with the renovation work…do walk in your hills and garden for the space and peace you will need Kristen. Bon chance et bisous.
Dear Kristen,
I envision thousands of your followers around the world thinking of their Teddy bears today after seeing your wonderful photos. The mention of “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic” has started me on a search for a tiny stuffed musical Teddy bear that plays that charming song. I gave my granddaughter one when she was a baby and now would like to find one for my precious little great-granddaughter. My search online has not been successful. Does anyone know where I might find one?
Hug your Teddy often, Kristen to stay calm during the home renovation.
Ginny in Tucson
Dear Kristen,
I envision thousands of your followers around the world thinking of their Teddy bears today after seeing your wonderful photos. The mention of “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic” has started me on a search for a tiny stuffed musical Teddy bear that plays that charming song. I gave my granddaughter one when she was a baby and now would like to find one for my precious little great-granddaughter. My search online has not been successful. Does anyone know where I might find one?
Hug your Teddy often, Kristen to stay calm during the home renovation.
Ginny in Tucson
I have a Teddy Bear. His name is “Loppy” and he was given to me by my older sister several years ago.
I was visiting her and enjoying with her the last segments of her life. When I arrived at her home she said “I picked out the perfect bear for you. It is at the drugstore where I buy my meds. I want you to come with me to buy it.”
We made the trip to the drugstore and she pulled Loopy out of the middle of a bunch of Teddy bears and handed him to me.
“See, his head does just like yours.” And, indeed Loopy’s head slumped to the right side exactly as did mine. “Isn’t he adorable?” she asked. Of course he was and even as imperfect as he was, in truth, because he was thus flawed, I loved him more-immediately. I looked at her bald head, glanced at a reflection of me in the glass of a show case, looked at my new friend, Loopy and thought to myself that imperfections are truly quite wonderful.
Loopy has moved many times since then and still lolls happily on our bed.
Thank you for the reminder of a happy/sad time of re-awakening.
I have a Teddy Bear. His name is “Loppy” and he was given to me by my older sister several years ago.
I was visiting her and enjoying with her the last segments of her life. When I arrived at her home she said “I picked out the perfect bear for you. It is at the drugstore where I buy my meds. I want you to come with me to buy it.”
We made the trip to the drugstore and she pulled Loopy out of the middle of a bunch of Teddy bears and handed him to me.
“See, his head does just like yours.” And, indeed Loopy’s head slumped to the right side exactly as did mine. “Isn’t he adorable?” she asked. Of course he was and even as imperfect as he was, in truth, because he was thus flawed, I loved him more-immediately. I looked at her bald head, glanced at a reflection of me in the glass of a show case, looked at my new friend, Loopy and thought to myself that imperfections are truly quite wonderful.
Loopy has moved many times since then and still lolls happily on our bed.
Thank you for the reminder of a happy/sad time of re-awakening.