The Repair Café is an international organisation with 2,661 branches across the world run by its amazing volunteers - there might be one near you! Have a look here to see: https://www.repaircafe.org/en/visit/
Awww, thanks, Luisa! ‘Fishing out my past’ from my parents’ house is something I absolutely need to do sometime... but maybe just one bear at a time...! 🤔
I still have my Dad's old stuffed dog. It's bald and very odd-looking and my daughter still has her little bear from Harrod's. I still have the kids' Paddington and he sits on the exercise bike in the office (spare room) and in an old pillowslip (bingo) I have two dolls that were my favourites. In my wardrobe, I'm looked down upon from the handbag shelf by a sweet calico doll that was my (now 43 year old) daughter's, and by a toy wombat. I can never get rid of any of these dear toys as they tell of a life well-lived and well-loved by the children.
Both my husband and I were fascinated with the Repair Cafe - thank you for telling the story in such an endearing way. There's an idea for a contemporary fiction novel there...
(PS: I do love the illustrations of Teddy Edward and am so glad I subscribe to 'Dear Reader'.)
Prue, that's so kind of you - thank you so much for your lovely comment, and for sharing your story of such important figures in your life. Memories of those we've shared so many adventures with are so special, aren't they?
The Repair Café is such a great concept, and I can't believe I hadn't come across it myself before. I'll certainly be back!
Great illustrations and a nice sound snippett. Good use of repair cafés too -- we haven't used our local ones yet. Best of all though, for me, were the opportunities you took to, in effect, interview people. You're a natural, and in my opinion should do more of it
Thanks so much, Terry! I'm certainly going to be visiting the Repair Café again!
I'm thrilled that you've noticed that this is my first shot at an 'interview' post - thank you for your lovely feedback. I'm an avid reader of Café Anne (https://annekadet.substack.com), and had been looking for an opportunity to find a story where I could include people in this sort of way. Jillian Hess's fabulous interview with Anne gave me no end of insight into how I might go about it: https://jillianhess.substack.com/p/interview-notes-anne-kadet
Thanks for that link, I'll look over the weekend. I think there's great scope for what I call serendipitous interviews. The sample questions I sent you that I use when I am formally interviewing someone for an article are all very well in their place, but I think one needs to learn (a) how to spot an opportunity; (b) think on the hoof and (c) have the courage to act. Most people, I've found respond positively. Funnily enough, the week before last I went to the Science Museum in London to see an exhibition for a review in Schools Week and while there I unexpectedly met a schoolteacher with a group of children and a technician preparing to run a workshop with another group of kids. I quizzed both of them, and it made my review much richer and more informed (in MY opinion: the editor hasn't got back to me yet; I like to think it's because he's been rendered speechless by the beauty of my prose).
I also like to be ready to take pictures, as you obviously do. A few years ago I was at an exhibition and I saw a zombie wandering around. I HADS to rush up to him ask him what it was all about and get his picture. It made a nice story for my website! Here's the pic, in case you'd like to know what a zombie looks like :-) https://flic.kr/p/2hpxdf1
I think the 'courage to act' bit is what I'd been worrying about the most, Terry! To my regret I'm not a natural 'people person', but in fact having this post as a potential project in mind when I visited was perhaps what had given me the confidence to start asking questions (even though I wasn't sure that that's what I'd be doing when I got there!). I'd definitely like to do more of this kind of writing.
That sounded like a great move on your part at the Science Museum!
Thanks for the link to that pic - I have to say that your zombie looks rather like a member of 'Kiss'!
I adore this series! It just speaks to me so much. Thank you for taking the time to share your friends and adventures! Two of my freelance colleagues work for a repair cafe in our nearest city - it’s just the best idea isn’t it! ✨🌸
I'm really glad, Claire - thank you! Yay to your colleagues at the Repair Café - if it's anything like the Chailey branch I bet they have a brilliant time!
Love this story and your gorgeous heart-filled drawings! The coworking space I co-founded sponsored a repair cafe every month and also started a ‘library of things’, where people can borrow the items they need when they need them, rather than having to buy it. The two support each other as well, keeping the ‘things’ in circulation as long as possible. And as you mention, it is all built on and by community.
Your bear story makes that clear in such a delightful way.
Very interesting, Sabrina! I own VOB (very old building) that we run as an event venue, but I have some non-profit ideas I'm planning to implement. Hosting a repair cafe and "library of things" there would be wonderful!
Having read some of your essays about your building and the local community, the repair cafe and library of things seem like a great fit. It is always so inspiring to me to be around creatives who come up with non-traditional approaches to living. Especially the ideas where you just think-wow, that makes so much sense. I look forward to hearing what you get up to next!
Thank you so much, Sabrina - and wow, I love that you're involved in two such brilliant things. The 'library of things' sounds like a fabulous idea. Community is everything!
Absolutely! I wish I had the energy to recreate some of the things I threw myself into when I moved to Plymouth, but alas, other distractions will likely keep me from starting up another coworking space here in the Island. They are such a wonderful place to encourage and inspire community connections.
Why, oh why am I in need of a proper hanky at the moment?! I enjoyed this immensely!
"But Reader, he doesn’t need any more of a past than he’s already shared with me. Teddy Edward’s got a now, and – thanks to the Repair Café – he’s got a future, too." I think you know why I'm blubbering over this sentence. Teddy Edward is one lucky bear!
I often lament how we've become a throw-away society, and this post gives me hope. These volunteers are such an inspiration. I've never heard of this organization and can't wait to dig further. Thanks for introducing me to it. And thanks for sharing your exquisite art. Seriously so good!
The Repair Café has really made me think about how my first thought when something breaks (things other than old bear friends, that is!) would always be 'oh, now I need to buy a new one'. And actually the world seems to have become more about THAT than about fixing things - I'm sure I'm not the only person who thinks that things aren't really built to last any more. I'm certainly now viewing the world with some spectacles of sustainability....! 👓
Oh thank you, Jillian! I'm so so sorry to hear about your old friend - that's heartbreaking. Perhaps it continued its adventures, albeit in the company of others? I'd like to think so!
I love love loved this one! I read it lying in bed (treating myself to a lazy weekend morning over here) next to my own childhood bear, Nicky. Who I’ve been toting around since birth and probably should take to some sort of teddy bear restorer but I can’t quite make myself do so. I’m glad Teddy Edward and Crompton have new leases on life!
Excellent story, I love the Repair Cafe. We all have a memory of our stuffed animals. I did not know you were an artist too. This made my Saturday morning happier, thanks.
Thanks so much, Scott - I'm glad to have given you a smile!
Your use of the word 'artist' is such a compliment - thank you! I like to mess about with paint every now and again, and it's nice to have the opportunity to include some art in a post every now and again. You're very kind!
This story charmed me from first word to last, Rebecca. First of all, the idea of an airing room! The idea of having so many linens they need their own room! A house where old, unused, but much loved things have their own space. ( My house is so tiny, there is no "extra space".) Your sweet, sweet bears and how they were saved. I want to see what is hidden away in the tied up pillow cases. I have no possessions from my childhood. The Repair Cafe - such an excellent idea. I immediately wanted to sign up -- not that I have anything to be repaired, but to sit down with a needle and thread and wait to be of assistance. (I wonder if there are branches in California! ) Thanks for giving me such pleasure and for teaching me something on this beautiful Saturday morning.
One day we'll open those pillowcases, Sharron, but as you could probably tell from my post we weren't quite ready for that....!
I've just had a look on the world map on the Repair Café website - it looks as if there are ten in California. I hope there's one close to you! https://www.repaircafe.org/en/visit/
I'm so glad you enjoyed my post - thank you so much for your lovely comment.
Oh Rebecca! I just love this story with a happy ending too. I need to find a repair cafe here in the states. How wonderful. I find myself sewing the kids stuffed animals almost weekly now. LOL. Your drawings our beautiful too. I'll keep you in mind if I ever need an illustrator for a children's book. What a wonderful gift you have. P.S. Something about listening to the dryer...it sure is calming.
This one has me sobbing, Rebecca, in the best possible way! Growing up, I had a teddy collection that was lost to a house fire in 2019, and this essay brought up so many emotions for me around those sweet little bears. I love everything you post, but these "Art & Treasure" offerings are special. The words and drawings are exquisite. Thank you for sharing your heART with us! Please give Teddy Edward a hug for me from across the sea. 🤗💖🧸
Thank you so much, Kerri - that's really kind. I'm heartbroken to hear about the house fire and your teddy collection - I'm so, so sorry. Your hug for Teddy Edward is not only appreciated but reciprocated - he's sending one right back! 😊
I love the idea of a repair cafe! I wish there was something like that around here, though maybe we could get one started! I've been trying to learn more of these skills myself so I can prolong the life of still-useful things, as it is such a waste to throw them away when often it's a simple fix. I took a woodworking class last year and the instructor told me his grandfather would sharpen itty bitty saw teeth by hand. That's commitment!
And I love that you haven't parted with your old friends, either. A few years ago, I tried to throw away a bag of stuffed ponies and I couldn't go through with it. I literally went dumpster-diving after them. (wrote about it here: https://glenshee.substack.com/p/holiday-ponies-11-12-18)
The Repair Café is an international organisation with 2,661 branches across the world run by its amazing volunteers - there might be one near you! Have a look here to see: https://www.repaircafe.org/en/visit/
Awww, thanks, Luisa! ‘Fishing out my past’ from my parents’ house is something I absolutely need to do sometime... but maybe just one bear at a time...! 🤔
Oh my goodness, Rebecca - I LOVE this story!
I still have my Dad's old stuffed dog. It's bald and very odd-looking and my daughter still has her little bear from Harrod's. I still have the kids' Paddington and he sits on the exercise bike in the office (spare room) and in an old pillowslip (bingo) I have two dolls that were my favourites. In my wardrobe, I'm looked down upon from the handbag shelf by a sweet calico doll that was my (now 43 year old) daughter's, and by a toy wombat. I can never get rid of any of these dear toys as they tell of a life well-lived and well-loved by the children.
Both my husband and I were fascinated with the Repair Cafe - thank you for telling the story in such an endearing way. There's an idea for a contemporary fiction novel there...
(PS: I do love the illustrations of Teddy Edward and am so glad I subscribe to 'Dear Reader'.)
Prue, that's so kind of you - thank you so much for your lovely comment, and for sharing your story of such important figures in your life. Memories of those we've shared so many adventures with are so special, aren't they?
The Repair Café is such a great concept, and I can't believe I hadn't come across it myself before. I'll certainly be back!
We found 3 in our own town after reading your wonderful post.
I have knives, secateurs and scissors in need of sharpening!
Oh wow, that's brilliant news, Prue! Do write about your sharpening visit, won't you? 😊
Great illustrations and a nice sound snippett. Good use of repair cafés too -- we haven't used our local ones yet. Best of all though, for me, were the opportunities you took to, in effect, interview people. You're a natural, and in my opinion should do more of it
Thanks so much, Terry! I'm certainly going to be visiting the Repair Café again!
I'm thrilled that you've noticed that this is my first shot at an 'interview' post - thank you for your lovely feedback. I'm an avid reader of Café Anne (https://annekadet.substack.com), and had been looking for an opportunity to find a story where I could include people in this sort of way. Jillian Hess's fabulous interview with Anne gave me no end of insight into how I might go about it: https://jillianhess.substack.com/p/interview-notes-anne-kadet
Thanks for that link, I'll look over the weekend. I think there's great scope for what I call serendipitous interviews. The sample questions I sent you that I use when I am formally interviewing someone for an article are all very well in their place, but I think one needs to learn (a) how to spot an opportunity; (b) think on the hoof and (c) have the courage to act. Most people, I've found respond positively. Funnily enough, the week before last I went to the Science Museum in London to see an exhibition for a review in Schools Week and while there I unexpectedly met a schoolteacher with a group of children and a technician preparing to run a workshop with another group of kids. I quizzed both of them, and it made my review much richer and more informed (in MY opinion: the editor hasn't got back to me yet; I like to think it's because he's been rendered speechless by the beauty of my prose).
I also like to be ready to take pictures, as you obviously do. A few years ago I was at an exhibition and I saw a zombie wandering around. I HADS to rush up to him ask him what it was all about and get his picture. It made a nice story for my website! Here's the pic, in case you'd like to know what a zombie looks like :-) https://flic.kr/p/2hpxdf1
I think the 'courage to act' bit is what I'd been worrying about the most, Terry! To my regret I'm not a natural 'people person', but in fact having this post as a potential project in mind when I visited was perhaps what had given me the confidence to start asking questions (even though I wasn't sure that that's what I'd be doing when I got there!). I'd definitely like to do more of this kind of writing.
That sounded like a great move on your part at the Science Museum!
Thanks for the link to that pic - I have to say that your zombie looks rather like a member of 'Kiss'!
I adore this series! It just speaks to me so much. Thank you for taking the time to share your friends and adventures! Two of my freelance colleagues work for a repair cafe in our nearest city - it’s just the best idea isn’t it! ✨🌸
I'm really glad, Claire - thank you! Yay to your colleagues at the Repair Café - if it's anything like the Chailey branch I bet they have a brilliant time!
Beautiful series and story! This has filled my heart ❤️
You're so kind, Claire - thank you! 😊
Love this story and your gorgeous heart-filled drawings! The coworking space I co-founded sponsored a repair cafe every month and also started a ‘library of things’, where people can borrow the items they need when they need them, rather than having to buy it. The two support each other as well, keeping the ‘things’ in circulation as long as possible. And as you mention, it is all built on and by community.
Your bear story makes that clear in such a delightful way.
Very interesting, Sabrina! I own VOB (very old building) that we run as an event venue, but I have some non-profit ideas I'm planning to implement. Hosting a repair cafe and "library of things" there would be wonderful!
Having read some of your essays about your building and the local community, the repair cafe and library of things seem like a great fit. It is always so inspiring to me to be around creatives who come up with non-traditional approaches to living. Especially the ideas where you just think-wow, that makes so much sense. I look forward to hearing what you get up to next!
Thank you so much, Sabrina - and wow, I love that you're involved in two such brilliant things. The 'library of things' sounds like a fabulous idea. Community is everything!
Absolutely! I wish I had the energy to recreate some of the things I threw myself into when I moved to Plymouth, but alas, other distractions will likely keep me from starting up another coworking space here in the Island. They are such a wonderful place to encourage and inspire community connections.
Why, oh why am I in need of a proper hanky at the moment?! I enjoyed this immensely!
"But Reader, he doesn’t need any more of a past than he’s already shared with me. Teddy Edward’s got a now, and – thanks to the Repair Café – he’s got a future, too." I think you know why I'm blubbering over this sentence. Teddy Edward is one lucky bear!
I often lament how we've become a throw-away society, and this post gives me hope. These volunteers are such an inspiration. I've never heard of this organization and can't wait to dig further. Thanks for introducing me to it. And thanks for sharing your exquisite art. Seriously so good!
Oh Holly, that's lovely! Thank you!
The Repair Café has really made me think about how my first thought when something breaks (things other than old bear friends, that is!) would always be 'oh, now I need to buy a new one'. And actually the world seems to have become more about THAT than about fixing things - I'm sure I'm not the only person who thinks that things aren't really built to last any more. I'm certainly now viewing the world with some spectacles of sustainability....! 👓
Gorgeous! This has me longing for my childhood stuffed animal (lost to a hotel room a long time ago).
Oh thank you, Jillian! I'm so so sorry to hear about your old friend - that's heartbreaking. Perhaps it continued its adventures, albeit in the company of others? I'd like to think so!
I love love loved this one! I read it lying in bed (treating myself to a lazy weekend morning over here) next to my own childhood bear, Nicky. Who I’ve been toting around since birth and probably should take to some sort of teddy bear restorer but I can’t quite make myself do so. I’m glad Teddy Edward and Crompton have new leases on life!
Thank you, Alison! Nicky sounds wonderful - you both sound like a great team! Yay to our bears!
Excellent story, I love the Repair Cafe. We all have a memory of our stuffed animals. I did not know you were an artist too. This made my Saturday morning happier, thanks.
Thanks so much, Scott - I'm glad to have given you a smile!
Your use of the word 'artist' is such a compliment - thank you! I like to mess about with paint every now and again, and it's nice to have the opportunity to include some art in a post every now and again. You're very kind!
This story charmed me from first word to last, Rebecca. First of all, the idea of an airing room! The idea of having so many linens they need their own room! A house where old, unused, but much loved things have their own space. ( My house is so tiny, there is no "extra space".) Your sweet, sweet bears and how they were saved. I want to see what is hidden away in the tied up pillow cases. I have no possessions from my childhood. The Repair Cafe - such an excellent idea. I immediately wanted to sign up -- not that I have anything to be repaired, but to sit down with a needle and thread and wait to be of assistance. (I wonder if there are branches in California! ) Thanks for giving me such pleasure and for teaching me something on this beautiful Saturday morning.
One day we'll open those pillowcases, Sharron, but as you could probably tell from my post we weren't quite ready for that....!
I've just had a look on the world map on the Repair Café website - it looks as if there are ten in California. I hope there's one close to you! https://www.repaircafe.org/en/visit/
I'm so glad you enjoyed my post - thank you so much for your lovely comment.
Delighted to hear Repair Cafe is represented in my state. The nearest is only 30 miles from my home. Thanks Rebecca
Oh, that's brilliant, Sharron - I'm really pleased to hear that! 😊
I loved this. I still have my bear from when I was a baby. His name is Bill. He is grizzled but still hanging on!
Yay for Bill, Chris! Our old friends are so special, aren't they? And 'grizzled' is such a lovely word to describe a bear. 😊
I'm not above a good pun.
🤣
Oh Rebecca! I just love this story with a happy ending too. I need to find a repair cafe here in the states. How wonderful. I find myself sewing the kids stuffed animals almost weekly now. LOL. Your drawings our beautiful too. I'll keep you in mind if I ever need an illustrator for a children's book. What a wonderful gift you have. P.S. Something about listening to the dryer...it sure is calming.
Thank you so much, Julie! I only dabble in art, but you're so very kind!
And... I've just had a look on the website - there's one at Baldwinsville Public Library, Syracuse! 🥳 https://www.repaircafe.org/en/cafe/syracuse-repair-cafe-ny/
Oh wow!! This amazing. Thank you so much. I'm so excited to know about this. :)
Such a pleasure! 😊
This one has me sobbing, Rebecca, in the best possible way! Growing up, I had a teddy collection that was lost to a house fire in 2019, and this essay brought up so many emotions for me around those sweet little bears. I love everything you post, but these "Art & Treasure" offerings are special. The words and drawings are exquisite. Thank you for sharing your heART with us! Please give Teddy Edward a hug for me from across the sea. 🤗💖🧸
Thank you so much, Kerri - that's really kind. I'm heartbroken to hear about the house fire and your teddy collection - I'm so, so sorry. Your hug for Teddy Edward is not only appreciated but reciprocated - he's sending one right back! 😊
I love the idea of a repair cafe! I wish there was something like that around here, though maybe we could get one started! I've been trying to learn more of these skills myself so I can prolong the life of still-useful things, as it is such a waste to throw them away when often it's a simple fix. I took a woodworking class last year and the instructor told me his grandfather would sharpen itty bitty saw teeth by hand. That's commitment!
And I love that you haven't parted with your old friends, either. A few years ago, I tried to throw away a bag of stuffed ponies and I couldn't go through with it. I literally went dumpster-diving after them. (wrote about it here: https://glenshee.substack.com/p/holiday-ponies-11-12-18)
Wow, that's some commitment to saw teeth, Jacquie!
Thank you so much for sending me the link to heartwarming post about the ponies - it was delightful! I really must read the 'Velveteen Rabbit'. 😊
Do check out the Repair Café website - there are a couple in Upstate NY - https://www.repaircafe.org/en/visit/
Thanks for the link! There are actually a few not far from me. Will definitely check them out!
Great news - I’m so pleased! 😊