Written for:  Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads – Final Artistic Impression
“Over Loved and Stuffed with Toril Fisher”  (Imagined by Margaret)

“My earliest memory of “security” (other than my mother) is a flat, rather plain teddy bear, aka Teddy. He had a soft brown eye (his left glass eye was missing) and a very flat body – probably a hand-me-down. Middle school came and I put him in the closet and my Mom eventually got rid of him. I looked for him one day … and he was gone! I was so upset.

This prompt is a bit wide open. You may take inspiration from these paintings by my dearest friend, Toril Fisher. Her website is a JOY to look at – HERE. Do yourself a huge favor and click on the link. She has animals, nature, (ocean, woodlands, seaside, etc) florals, boats, Ball jars, and she doesn’t shy away from the political. She can also be found on Facebook HERE and Instagram HERE.

The images we may contemplate are offered here (not her website). The first is “Lamby” – MY daughter’s dear loved one. I am having Toril paint all six of my children’s favorite stuffed animals or dolls. The set will have a place of honor above my bed until a time I decide to gift them.

The theme to contemplate is “comfort”. Do you remember a childhood toy that gave you comfort or your own children’s sweet companions – a toy, a blanket? A certain memory surrounding comfort? You may venture into the adult world if you like – is there a certain song, scent, or activity that brings you comfort. I know how the creative bug is, so let it take you where it takes you.”

Although he now resembles
an old war veteran, and has
lost his sight, I would be
in tears should he disappear.
If you watched Bullwinkle and
Rocky, then you had the pleasure
of meeting Mr. Peabody
and Sherman, his boy assistant.
The stuffed version did not come
with the distinguished glasses 
he wore, but then his vision
might have improved by the time
I got to hug him.

http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/