I thought they were talking about real bears when I first saw the title pop up somewhere. I was NOT interested in hunting bears. Then I popped over to my Facebook page and saw my friend, Alys at Gardening Nirvana had posted about the bear hunt too. Alys LOVES animals so I read the whole post.
The first bear I saw this week.
By golly, they are not real bears, just teddy bears and it made me smile. I had plans for this day. Writing wasn’t at the top of my list. It’s been hard to concentrate with all the racket across the street. Workmen sawing and hammering metal for the new neighbor’s carport. They have been at it three days already and I’m starting to fray at the edges. Alys’ post put that behind me.
My mom’s bear and a little German bear Hard to see in the window.
First order of business was to entice my daughter from work momentarily to help get bears in the window just so. They are hard to see with trucks in the way but later this weekend without mass construction vehicles, I hope they cheer a few passersby.
My daughter’s bear in his bowler hat.
Second order of business was my walk in the neighborhood to wave good morning to my friend, Emily and let her know (from the curb) about the bears. As I walked, I saw many bears in windows. When had that started. One has been there for quite some time but I didn’t know why. It was sweet to see.
Trio of bears on my walk
So, I looked online for where it started. Like Alys, I think it’s worth spreading to distract not just children but the rest of us from falling into despair over so much gloom. My walk was eye opening! So many bears in just a short distance. It was raining and my phone got a little wet along with me so who knows how many more there are in the neighborhood but I sure hope to spread the word and find many more when I get out in the dry air. I think this is a great way to cheer us all up. A way to say hi as our neighbors walk or drive by. Happy bear hunting to all of you.
Are you finding interesting ways to cheer yourself and others?
From my heart to yours,
Marlene Herself
insearchofitall 
Comments on: "National Bear Hunt?" (63)
I love that first bear!! (I could be good friends with him.)
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He is quite something. A neighbor said she counted 44 bears in the neighborhood. I need to walk further. ;(
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44 bears?! Oh, that’s great!
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That was neat! I love all the bears and I LOVE the idea! Although way out here in the boonies It would be hard to find a bear. BUT I hope there are people putting out bears EVERYWHERE!
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Trying to spread the word too. A neighbor said she counted 44 just in our park.
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That is so neat
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This was a big hit in our neighborhood. The children and adults loved it. One day, I’ll write a post about it, but I have a HUGE collection of Christmas bears, like the trio in the window. Enjoy your weekend and stay well, Marlene. xo
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Thanks, Jill. I gave away most of my stuffies but kept the bear I gave my mom while she was in hospital. it connects us. I’d like to see your Christmas collection of bears. I didn’t know until today when reading Alys’ blog that it was a thing. I’m so far behind. There are 44 according to one neighbor in the park out of 500 homes.
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I enjoy seeing the bears on my walks too. They are fun! I tried it here, but Siddy didn’t approve of HIS toys being interfered with and he took them down as fast as I put them up…… I may try again some other day, we’ll see.
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I was surprised that it was an international thing. Such a joyful way of handling a tough time. Of course Siddy thinks you are playing a game with him. 😉 This bear thing in the window just made my day. I was starting to feel quite gloomy.
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Ha ha ha!! Siddy is so funny. 🙂
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Our city neighbourhood is putting up hearts in their windows as well as Canadian flags and Christmas lights…my favourite is when we all open our windows and balcony doors to clap, cheer, play instruments and hoot for our healthcare workers and first responders…it starts at shift change (7 pm) every evening and it’s getting louder every day! I haven’t seen any bears yet but after reading your delightful post, I’m going to start “bear hunting”!
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I like the idea of hearts in the windows as well. We are not allowed to have Christmas lights up except for the month around Christmas. I’d like them all the time though. I wouldn’t be a fan of noise making but the bears are fun and quiet. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Kim. Keep taking care of yourself.
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I gave away all my bears to charity but do have a small sock-monkey whom I’ve put on top of my plant stand so he/she can look out the window and bring someone some cheer if they look our way! Our noisy cheers have been sanctioned and encouraged by the city…
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I have no bears 😦 But I’m hanging my new home made bunting up today. I don’t think the bears or the rainbows have made it to our small village yet. Here’s hoping!
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I’d given most of mine away after there were no more little ones around. Never had grand kids so thought it was better for someone else to enjoy them but I kept the one that was my mother’s. Hanging bunting is cheerful too. That will lift a few spirits. 😉 Thanks for the visit and stay well.
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Thank you for the shoutout, MH. I’m so glad you’ve got teddy bears in all your windows, and what fun to have three generations represented. You have a *lot* of bears in your neighborhood. It’s fun to see how this idea really caught on.
As for the title of my post, I kept changing it back and forth but finally left if since it’s part of the book title and the trend.
I hope you get some peace and quiet this weekend. How much longer before the construction is a wrap?
xo
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Thanks so much for inspiring what could have been a rather gloomy day. I was blank this morning writing my morning pages. You brought the day to life. I think most of the construction is done now other than what the couple wants to add. They were talking about fencing so that will come a bit later. It’s very, very quiet this morning. I’m going to look up the book just for my own understanding. Keep staying well. We’ve had a little walk and H is making our breakfast. I do the dishes. 😉 I hate to cook, she hates to clean. Works well. 😉 Bear hugs.
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I hate cooking, too, so we have a similar arrangement. Mike really enjoys it, and I’m fine cleaning up. Win-win as they used to say.
I understand about feeling blank with the morning pages, though I admire you for sticking with it. I’m really struggling to focus. I keep moving till I can’t, then I retreat to the couch with my feet up. I’ve had a lot of foot swelling these past two days, so I need to scale back.
It’s raining today. Tessa is annoyed, but the rest of us love it. I like bear hugs. xoxoox
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We have a dry week so I can pull some weeds. I think we are all struggling to focus these days. I have plenty to get done but for some reason, it’s not doing itself. ;( I want to do but the body says not today. I have to listen. Now it wants a nap. 🙂
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I hope you got that nap, Marlene. We took a 15 minute walk in the rain under our bubble umbrella. Now I’m icing my foot while Mouse snoozes nearby.
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I had no idea it was National Bear Hunt Day. But I guess your neighbors knew about it. So sweet. I love all the ways that neighbors are “interacting” within social distance parameters. I’m glad you played along. Have a great weekend and take care. 🙂
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I think I’m going to leave my teddy bears up till the isolation is over. No matter how long it takes. I am hoping to bring this neighborhood closer somehow. I didn’t know anything about it until this morning when I read my friend, Alys’ post. It set the tone for the day. Thanks so much for stopping by, Diana.
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Yes, leave them in the window!
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Oh my gosh! So awesome. I do have a bear I can put in the window but only the wild critters here at The Holler will see it. They probably will like it!
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It can add a touch of whimsy to your life which will cheer you. That’s what is important. I did this for us to lift our spirits and if anyone else gets a lift, so much the better. I’m glad I had at least one bear left that I just couldn’t let go of in all these years. Stay well and happy, Cindy. Bear hugs to you.
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Love that big bear in the first window. Here people are putting up drawings of rainbows in the windows
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I say whatever works. I don’t draw or have anyone here that does but anything that cheers us through this gets my vote. Keep safe and well and thanks for the visit, Maja.
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Such a lovely idea…. So many hearts are joining in now with sharing their love into the community… One thing I see at the moment at least Marlene is that there is a lot of love and gratitude out there…
I hope you are staying well Marlene… And you got my reply to your email.. Here there were outpourings of clapping the other evening to thank the keyworkers and caregivers our thanks… Clappings are happening all over the world..
But I love the teddy bear idea for children out walking to spot and count…. Love and Hugs your way Marlene…
Take care of yourself my good friend..
Love and Hugs your way ❤
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I thought I replied to your last email, Sue. I’ll check again to see if it was sent. I haven’t seen another from you since. Some of the neighbors up in my friend, Emily’s court do the noise making. Down here, none so I stay quiet too. After all the construction noise for the last week and a half, we are all glad for the silence. The bears are the first sign of solidarity I’ve seen in this community. Everyone stays to themselves. ;( I put my post on our neighborhood FB page for the very first time hoping to spread the word. Isolation is hard for someone like me. I love people and will talk and listen to most people…for a while. 😉 Giant squishy bear hugs to you. Stay well.
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I sent one on the 29th March Marlene with two pictures.. It could have gone into spam.. I sent others previously with pictures did you get them also.. Not to worry if not I can always send the last one again my friend.. Just let me know and I will forward again.. And you can look out for it in spam…
The bears are wonderful and yes we need to keep spreading the word… Keep up the good work Marlene..
And those squishy hugs gratefully received Thank YOU.. ❤ Hugs back my friend
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What a fabulous idea! I really love it. Being 63 years old and still carting around from country to country my teddy bear (rather worse for wear) from age 2, I can really appreciate this post. We DO have to find ways to connect with each other and to lighten the psychological load during this time of global challenge.
Peta
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Hello Marlenie bean. Looks like people are finding all kinds of ways to get through the pandemic. We’ve been housebound for 3 weeks now and while I’ve been out for a couple of walks, I haven’t noticed any bears. I guess Canadians missed the memo, ha. I’m glad your daughter lives with you and you’re not alone during this crazy time. Stay safe dear xK
I’m doing a big catch up here this morning. See you at your next story.
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I put in a link to where this all started, Kelly. It started in Canada! We are just running with a good idea. I try to walk at least 4-5 days a week. Have 7 this week and sometimes my daughter goes with me in the afternoon when work (from home) is done. I like being at home and quiet but I need people too. I’m so done with this forced isolation but it’s necessary not to be one more person that needs to be a drain on the health care workers. So we are staying in and staying busy. Thanks for the visit. I’ve missed you. Bear hugs.
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Of all the things that have popped up on my FB feed, I had not seen this. However, there is a house down the street that has bears and other stuffed animals in their windows. They must have joined in the fun!
I hope you’re doing well, my friend. I’m taking one day at a time. There are times for tears, as well as joys. We just have to look for them. Take care!
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Sorry to hear this has been so hard on you, Missy. We are all having a hard time with the losses of people and livelihoods. So far my family hasn’t been affected by the virus itself, for now but the loss of livelihood has had it’s handwork left behind. I think that’s why I keep looking for the lighter side of life. It will take you down if you don’t. One day at a time is the only way to take life. We are all as healthy as possible so no complaints from us. All our needs are met and bears to entertain us 🙂 Keep well and look for the silver lining. Thanks for the visit.
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Thanks, Marlene.
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I just love this, Marlene! A bear hunt isn’t just for children. Like you said, it is a welcome distraction from our daily worry and stress. Thank you for the smiles today. 😀
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Thank you, Jennie. Alys titled her post after the book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”by Micheal Rosen. I went in search of information on it and found this on Youtube. 😉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL36gMrHJaI Someone reading the book aloud! I’m going to hunt more bears today. The neighborhood responded to the post telling me where to find them. 🙂 What a delight to get my isolating neighbors involved. Lets keep spreading the joy. Bear hugs to you.
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I know the book well! I read it all the time at school. It’s a classic. Children love the end when they run away from the bear, back the way they went. I should probably read this as one of my YouTube picture book and challenge the children to put a bear in their window. Hmmm… thanks for the idea, Marlene! The whole idea is such a bright light in this worrisome time. Wonderful that the neighbors are involved, too. Bears spread joy! A big bear hug to you, too! 😀
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What a smart idea! I’m happy to see people coming up with these innovations to keep children amused and give them a reason to be outside.
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Thanks for the visit, Susanne. The child in me loves them too as I pass by on my walks. Maybe I can walk a little further each day to see more.
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What a super idea- we have rainbows here, but not many yet. My neighbour has put a large monkey in her window. Stay safe. x
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I say anything that brings a smile to the passers by is perfect. We also have an assortment of all manner of stuffed creatures. 😉 I like the rainbow idea as well but I have none here. I’m wondering about your move. I’ve been thinking of you as I watched my new neighbors move in.
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I had no idea about this and will have a look if it might be a thing over here as well. What a fabulous idea! Love all the bears in your post, such a cheerful sight in these days! 😀🐻
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Thank you so much, Sarah! Trying to spread the cheer since it was a gift to me from Alys. She has such a huge heart. Keep staying well and I hope you find work again very soon.
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I think this is awesome! we don’t have any windows facing our road nor do we have many people drive down our street……….but this is so coo! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Wendi. Many of our trailers don’t have front facing windows either. Most are set on the lots sideways but folk put them in any almost window and our job was to notice them. I get very little traffic either as I’m on a dead end road. I just put the bear in the window for those that do come by and for myself mostly. It helps me believe this will be over soon. It’s my way of wishing folks well. I guess we can each do with it as we please. Thanks for stopping by and do stay as well as possible.
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Don’t you just LOVE those days when you’re suddenly inspired to do a blog post and everything else has to wait? Or simply a day when you suddenly have to go outside for a walk because you’re so excited. You walk 4-5 days a week? I am so envious of your motivation. That is great. I am proud of myself if I get out twice a week. Pandemic certainly makes me weigh more – yeeks. I’ll have to figure something out soon to get myself more physically active. I wish mental activity counted for physical fitness! This is a fun idea and you are in the perfect place for it! How fun to walk around counting bears. I love it that you had so many of your own bears to put in windows right away. Hopefully the banging across the street is done by now! Virtual hugs to you! You know, if I just think about it, I can feel what it’s like to hug you. I remember your hugs. That is nice. ❤
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Bears are still in the window till this is over. I wear a Fit Bit so that’s what moves me. I compete against myself. The noise across the street is finally done until they start building a fence for the yappy dog. I have very little tolerance for yappy ankle biters. Most people just ignore the nuisance. Me, I’d like to put a muzzle on the owners until they teach the dog to bark for information and then stop. My sister had a big dog that barked and barked. Good dog, sister, not so much. I want to shake her sometimes but she doesn’t get it.
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Ha!! I’m with you on the dogs. Barking dogs are a clear sign that the owners don’t deserve to have them.
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All of the bears made my heart smile, Marlene! I have shared the Bear Hunt children’s book many times over the years. On my neighborhood walks I have noticed shamrocks, hearts, and rainbows in the windows (and lots of chalk art on the sidewalks), but I haven’t noticed any bears yet. I might just have to begin this sweet tradition here in our neighborhood! Thank you for the inspiration! Stay well, Marlene!💗
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Thanks for stopping by, Dawn. My friend, Alys in put me onto the book and the hunt. It was something fun in the isolation. My daughter works in her room all day so it’s like she isn’t really here and then she disappears into her technology after work. I do spend a great deal of time alone anyway but really enjoy the few social moments I had. But things are getting done. That’s good, right? 😉 I miss having children’s books around. I almost forgot to send this. It’s been one of those days. 😉
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Putting up Teddy Bears on Windows sounds like a Great Idea, Marlene. Wonder if it would work in India! Our prime minister modi tried getting people to put up lights, and to raise sounds; good ideas in themselves, and quite within our culture, but like most of his things, turned out to be Eye-Wash. No real issues addressed, You see! 🙂
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I’ve never been a fan of making more noise. Some do it here at 7 pm to honor the essential workers. I think we are already inundated with more noise than is good for us so the bears are a silent way to bring a smile to those that are isolated or taking a walk for their health. Since we can never change someone else, we can change things by changing our own attitude to one of lifting spirits. It’s a simple thing while we encourage kindness by example. I think we are having a global wake up call but not all will wake up. Thanks for stopping by and for the pingback.
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‘we are having a global wake up call but not all will wake up,’ says it very well. 🙂
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Nice blog
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This sweet bear idea has swept the world, I believe. My friends in CA have a bear in every window. I used to have lots of stuffed bears, but in a downsizing mood a few years ago, I gave them all away. But I still have a favorite one – a stuffed owl. And she is peering out the window at anyone who wants a smile and a winged prayer. xo
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I did the same thing a few years ago too. I don’t have grandchildren so there was no point in keeping them. Other than my mother’s bear which I’m very sentimental about, all are gone. My daughter did that too. No room to store them.
I like the idea of putting an owl in the window. Looking for wise people in your neighborhood! Or telling them someone wise lives there. It’s entertaining for those passing by and a reminder we are all in this together. I’ve seen bunnies and every manner of stuffy in windows joining in the fun. Mine will stay until we are out of lockdown. A winged prayer would be good too. We all need one of those. Smiles are contagious. Take one and share one. 😉 Hope all is well for you. Thanks for the virtual visit.
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Whooo? Whooo? (We keep asking, don’t we?)
Enjoying the virtual visits, for sure. xo
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Hi Marlene… Just dropping by to see how you are doing my friend.. Sending love and well wishes your way ❤
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You are on my list today. Actually at the top of it.. Been thinking of you for days as you can tell.:) Shortly.
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Haha… Great Minds think alike Marlene, You have been in my thoughts often my friend… ❤
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