Happy Birthday, Bear!

Happy 50th birthday, Paddington Bear!

Michael Bond recalls in his own words how Paddington first came into being:"I bought a small toy bear on Christmas Eve 1956. I saw it left on a shelf in a London store and felt sorry for it. I took it home as a present for my wife Brenda and named it Paddington as we were living near Paddington Station at the time. I wrote some stories about the bear, more for fun than with the idea of having them published. After ten days I found that I had a book on my hands. It wasn’t written specifically for children, but I think I put into it the kind things I liked reading about when I was young."

Michael Bond sent the book to his agent, who liked it and after sending to to several publishers it was accepted. The publishers commissioned an illustrator and the very first Paddington book "A Bear Called Paddington" was published on 13th October 1958.In 1965, after writing several Paddington titles Michael Bond retired from his job in order to write full time. The Paddington books have sold more than thirty-five million copies worldwide and have been translated into over forty languages.

On another note, a surgery date has been set to repair this incisional hernia! WhooHoo! Next week!! We would appreciate your prayers, as John is still a bit nervous over all this. I'm fine with it and know in my heart that all will be okay. I survived those 77 days in 2006 and I will survive this. With one exception, I will awake after recovery and it will be the same day that I was put to sleep on! I am so ready for this to be over and for recovery to commence. I'll keep you posted!