Sunday, 18 January 2015

Sunday Selections #207

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files. 

The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.

Like River I usually run with a theme. This week's photos are a salute to my inner child.

It is crowded in my head, and quite a lot of me's jostle for centre stage.  My Inner Child is large, healthy and frequently wins.  Which is fine.  She approaches life with awe and wonder, and believes that one can never have too much fun.  She welcomes silliness and laughter too.  She also gets on with the other characters who inhabit my head. 

I discovered Paddington Bear as an adult.  And fell in love. His thought processes are quirky and he is a bear of infinite charm.   I have numerous Paddington Bear books and this year the smaller portion gave me some more.  And an absolutely gorgeous Paddington to go with them.





And, as my birthday treat, when the skinny one gets up we are going to see Paddington Bear the Movie.


136 comments:

  1. OOOh! Its your birthday?
    *giant birthday hug and kisses*

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    1. totallycaroline: It is - and thank you. Hugs and kisses gratefully received.

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  2. Happy Birthday to you EC, and tell the skinny one its time to watch PB.

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    1. Bob Bushell: He did finally get up - and we are just back.

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    2. Bob Bushell: Mostly yes. It was darker than I expected, and the story line was at least partially invented. The essence of Paddington was there though.

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  3. A very handsome bear, indeed--& HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

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  4. Happy birthday!!! Go enjoy the movie.
    My inner child just wants to play games and watch movies all day.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Thank you. My inner child is a flibbertigibbit and cannot settle to any one thing. She has fun though.

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  5. Paddington Bear is a 'superstar' featured in all those classic tales. He really has captured the hearts of many ... myself included :) Happiest of Birthdays to you ... totally luv your new bear !

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    1. Whisper Mist: He is a bear of IMMENSE charm isn't he? And captured beautifully in my bear.

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  6. I hope you have a very Happy Birthday, EC...pop a cork on that bottle of Champers left over from Christmas and New Year! :)

    I've never read any Paddington Bear books...and as I didn't have children I never had access to them that way, either. But my inner child, who is always in residence, and who is more frequently outer than inner, I think, much to my enjoyment, and probably bemusement to others (not that I care) definitely wants to see the movie.

    Have a wonderful week ahead, EC. :)

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    1. Lee: I am childless too. I don't know who first introduced me to Paddington - but I am very, very grateful. The movie is fun. LOUD but fun.
      Bubbles will happen in a while. A great week to you, to Remy and to Sharma.

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  7. When I was little I adored Paddington. My elementary school had one it the office. He had yellow galoshes and raincoat. I wonder what ever happened to him? Maybe he is still there!

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    1. ditchingthedog: I still adore Paddington. And his blue duffel coat...

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  8. Happy Birthday to you.....I wouldn't mind seeing that movie. The clips have been charming.

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    1. Delores: The movie takes extreme liberties with the story - but still captures the essence of Paddington. If you get the chance - go.

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  9. Happy birthday! I am remiss in gaining knowledge about such a charming bear. I shall have to rectify that...and get a stuffed one of my own. :)

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    1. River Fairchild: Start with the first if you can - A Bear Called Paddington. There are some gems in it. When the skinny one was in Peru I asked him whether he had been visited Aunt Lucy in the Retirement Home for Bears in Lima. He hadn't. And felt guilty.

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  10. I have a fifteen year old Paddington on my desk. He was among what we packed up after mom passed away. I won't let my grandchildren have him--yet. He keeps me good company.

    A very happy birthday to you.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: I am glad that you too have fallen for his charm - and love that he is an inherited bear.

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  11. Awesome!! And happy birthday dearie too, have a marvellous time, hugs n love from this quarter.Xxxxx

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    1. All Consuming: Thank you. Hugs n love gratefully received. Always.

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  12. As a child my sister was into bears so I forged my interests with Dumbo the Elephant. It has been that way most of my life, but I have taken a side trip here and there and Paddington Bear is one of them. It doesn't surprise me at all that he would be a favorite of your ...as cute and witty and smart as he is. And I am developing a great appreciation for the SP ... what a husband you have with such a big heart. So enjoy your birthday movie and I will await your critique when it is done. Hope this is one of your best Birthdays and wish you many more to come ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Andrea Priebe: To know Paddington is to love him. The movie wasn't true to the Michael Bond stories in lots of places, but captured the essence of Paddington anyway. Fun. But I prefer the books.

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    1. Sue In Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Thank you. I will and do enjoy my bear. I pat his nose each time I go past at the moment.

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  14. A very happy birthday to you. I too only discovered Paddington in my adult life. We bought a Paddington Bear at Paddington Station for my young niece, which was rather special. Your Paddington is terrific. I hope the movie is good.

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    1. Andrew: A Paddington Bear from Paddington Station would be very special indeed. I hope your niece loved it.

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  15. How sweet is this bear! I never got into Paddington for no special reason. I was born in Kansas so the Wizard of Oz was my childhood thing!

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    1. Bookie: Very, very sweet. I didn't know him as a child - but love him as an adult.

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  16. Ah . . . I hope you'll have a wonderful birthday, and a wonderful time at the movie.

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    1. Lon Anderson: Thank you very much. The movie was good, and the birthday has been (and is) even better.

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  17. Oh, Happy, Happy Birthday. The movie looks like it will be such fun, hope you enjoy it. We all should tap out inner child more often. Have a wonderful day!

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    1. Mason Canyon: My inner child surfaces often. And is welcome.

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  18. How wonderful! Happy Happy Happy to wonderful wonderful wonderful you!

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  19. A very Happy Birthday to you Sue. Have a wonderful wonderful day!

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    1. Carol: I did and I am. How have your holidays treated you? Back next week?

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  20. Happy, Happy Birthday dear EC!!

    Your wonderful SP has gifted you with a beautiful Paddington - he's SO adorable!
    And, more wonderfully illustrated books to add to your PB collection.
    I imagine your inner, and outer, child is smiling from ear to ear today - and, it's not over yet...

    Wishing you golden bear hugs on your special day.
    xxxxx

    Please do tell us about the movie - I'd love to see it.
    I always wanted a wooden toggled duffle coat like PB.

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    1. Vicki: I had a duffle coat with those wooden toggles. Mine was black not blue, but I loved it. And wore it to death and beyond.
      They captured Paddington really well in that bear didn't they? The movie was interesting. Not true to the books often, dark in places, and still charming.

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  21. Happy Birthday to you! And what a beautiful bear he is - I hope the movie is as good as it should be!

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    1. Alexia: He is a truly beautiful bear. The movie was in some ways a shock. It strayed from the story line (which I expected) but retained a lot of charm (which I didn't expect.)

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  22. He's gorgeous! I haven't read any of the books, but I'm going to see the movie when it gets here, unless it has already been and I missed it...I'd better check the papers. ...aha! 10am tomorrow morning at a cinema just one bus ride away. I might buy some of the books for my great nephew.

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  23. Oops! forgot to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

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    1. River: Thank you. I hope you like the movie - let me know what you think.

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    2. LOVED it and will buy the dvd when it comes out, so my great nephew can enjoy it too when he is older. He is just 16 months old now.

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    3. River: Hooray. Another Paddington convert in the making.

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  24. I got to dress up as Paddington Bear and entertain kids at a shopping mall for a couple of hours. Got paid pretty well for it too :)

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    1. Michael D'Agostino: How amazing. I hope the kids loved you - and feel sure they did. And anyone who works with children deserves their pay.

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  25. He is absolutely adorable! I want one! And yes, you and the SP seem to have a very nice relationship. He knows you, and you know him. That's saying something, and I am glad you have each other. :-)

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    1. DJan: We have known each other a very long time. We have been together twenty-seven years now - so should know each other. Which is not to say that there isn't the odd surprise.
      And yes, my Paddington is indeed adorable. And I do.

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  26. P touches my heart too...

    ALOHA from Honolulu
    ComfortSpiral
    <3

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    1. Cloudia: I am not surprised. I think he touches anyone with taste and discrimination...

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  27. What a great gift; your bear is adorable! I just watched the official trailer for the movie and it was hilarious - I hope the whole movie is the same! Happy Birthday and Happy Year, EC.

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    1. jenny_o: Some of it was hilarious, some of it was surprisingly dark, and it was all heart-warming.

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  28. Happy birthday to you. Enjoy your day. The bear is beautiful!

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  29. Happy Birthday EC, and yay Paddington! Glad you got to see the movie and that you have a very handsome and distinguished new companion!

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    1. Jacquelineand...: Handsome, distinguished and good company. Cuddly as well.

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  30. He is well photographed. You will love the movie, I did. Have a good week.

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    1. Margaret Adamson: Thank you - and a great week to you and yours.

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    3. usicdidribee titkea: You really are boring. And repetitive.

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  31. he is adorable!
    i never would have considered going to see the movie but now i just might. this is why i love blogging and bloggers.

    happy happy birthday!!

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    1. kylie: One of my family said that she 'couldn't' go and see it, because her children were now too big to go with her. Sigh. We had no such qualms and no shame. And enjoyed ourselves.

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  32. We are a Beatrix Potter family and greatly adore every character in her books. I once had a large doorstop of Hunca Munca. The grandchildren have never gotten into them as much as my chldren did.

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    1. Grannie Annie: I am a big Beatrix Potter fan as well. I have several figurines (Mr Tod is a favourite) and love her. What took their place for your grandchildren?

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  33. I too only recently discovered Paddington and think he is wonderful. I do love that bear you have and may I wish you a belated very happy birthday and I hope you enjoyed the movie.
    I think it is wonderful that your inner child comes to the fore so often. I think as we age and have health problems we need our inner self to take over occasionally to brighten our lives. Hugs.

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    1. Mimsie: My inner child keeps me sane(ish). She is the one, often, who finds delight in life... I need her. And am grateful for her visits.

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  34. Happy Birthday to you, that bear has such a personality, enjoy the movie

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    1. Linda Starr: Paddington is a bear of huge personality.

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  35. Happy Birthday, Sue! May the movie, the books, the adorable bear and the skinny one all spoil you rotten today ;)

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    1. Raquel Somatra: I was spoiled rotten all day. Which was lovely.

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  36. How sweet of the "skinny one" to nurture your inner child. The pictures are so cute. Have a wonderful birthday and enjoy the movie. I'm looking forward to seein it too.

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    1. Myrna R.: I hope you get as much fun from the movie as we did.

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  37. Me too! I've been a long time fan, but ever so much lately it seems and I'm going to see the movie too! A very bunch of hugs and Happy Birthday wishes to you too!

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    1. Karen S.: The bear of charm has a LOT of fans doesn't he? Which is wonderful.

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  38. --It's your birthday?!!!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

    Because you were born, the world is SWEETER.

    Love love love & Kisses from MN.

    HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XXXXX

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    1. My Inner Chick: As I started this reply I first typed 'My Inner Child'. Freudian slip? And thank you.

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  39. Happy, happy birthday, to you and your inner child. Long live your inner child! Mine is alive and well, too, and life is much better that way. It keeps us young at heart.

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    1. Jesusan: Inner children are an essential aren't they? I am pretty certain that without them the world would be darker and greyer. And depressing. Long live silliness.

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  40. Awww, isn't Paddington Bear just adorable? I just want to give him a big hug.

    Happy birthday!!!

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    1. Stephanie Faris: I have hugged him. Several times. And expect to hug him many, many more times.

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  41. I love teddy bears. I need to do a post with my bears. (I keep saying that)

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: I would love to see a post of your bears. I think many of us keep them. Some of my are very old, and very battered. And still loved.

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  42. Happy birthday, dear EC! The SP did really well with the presents and I'm now interested in seeing the movie. I've always loved Paddington, though never had my own. I do have other bears though, including two that were made for me when I was born so they are nearly 73 years old. We've had a good life together.

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    1. Carol: You had bears made for you? Wow. Treasures. Treasures which I am certain have shared a secret or six. Secret sorrows, secret joys, secret hopes...

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  43. Sorry I missed your Birthday, I hang my he in shame . . . May this new year for you bring you at least a pot of marmalade to round out Paddington Bear. One's inner children need lots of feeding. My children and grandchildren were all enthralled wit Paddington's exploits. Just keep on being happy!

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    1. Arija: Not a problem. Paddington is eternal, and much more than any one day. And every day is an anniversary, and time to feed the inner child.

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  44. Well, you should've seen the Paddington bear movie by now, how was it? It got good reviews here, even though it was branded as "super sweet". My only nitpick was...it didn't quite match the "Paddington voice" I had in my head. Happy Happy Birthday, though. Loving Paddington proves you're young at heart.

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    1. barbfroman: The 'not matching the voice' is a big part of why I very rarely see movies made of books I love. His voice didn't match that in my head either - but I got over it. And could nit pick about rather a lot of other things but the movie DID capture some at least of the charm which is the essence of Paddington. I was however tickled to see that the size negative Nicole Kidman obviously resorted to so boob and butt enhancement for her role. Her entirely invented role.

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  45. Happy Birthday EC!!! Did you like the movie? Did you have a good day?

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    1. Strayer: Thank you. I did like the movie - and had a lovely day. From beginning to end.

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  46. It is never too late to give one’s inner child an airing.
    Happy Birthday, EC.

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    1. Friko: Thank you. Sometimes my inner child needs an inner au pair as well though. The inner child takes to the air very, very readily.

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  47. Oh how lovely, such a cute Paddington Bear! I went to the movie theater yesterday to see a televised opera and the place was packed out with adults and children. And of course when I looked they were showing the new movie Paddington Bear. I would love to see it. Thanks for joining in my guessing game. I have the answer up now.

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    1. DeniseinVA: I hope you and Gregg do go to see Paddington. With my love of Antarctica of course I joined in your game.

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  48. I LOVE Paddington. I read one book as a kid and the rest as an adult (and just found out there are two I haven't read yet - as well as a new one coming out! Yay!) I have a Paddington from London on my nightstand and we went to see the movie the night it came out. What did you think?

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    1. Riot Kitty: I am not at all surprised to learn that you are a Paddington fan. On balance I like the movie - but prefer the books. As usual.

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  49. I do love your inner child! And her Paddington Bear - what a cute one you have here.

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    1. Carola Bartz: Paddington Bear is such a charmer - and the bear I was given depicts that charm very, very well.

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  50. Happy Birthday to you!!! :) I like Paddington. We'll go see that movie too. :)

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    1. mail4rosey: Thank you. Let us know what you think of the movie.

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  51. Happy birthdayyyyy. Toot toot (that's my blowing my toy horn).

    Going to see Paddington Bear film should be the best birthday treat ever!

    I HAVE to see that movie!!!

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    1. Guyana-Gyal: Loved those toots. And hope you can see the movie. It was indeed a treat - in a treat filled day.

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  52. I adore Paddington! I hope you had a lovely birthday. And what a absolutely wonderful gift. Now I need to go see that movie, too.

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    1. Lynn: How I love hearing that Paddington has a huge fan club. And yes, my Paddington was an inspired gift.

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    1. Buttons: Thank you - it was a happy birthday. Low key, but fun.

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  54. I like Paddington, too! Have fun at the movie when you go ♥

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    1. Carol Kilgore: I can't understand anyone who has been introduced to him and DOESN'T like him. And I did enjoy the movie.

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  55. Paddington Bear was a huge favorite of my family growing up. My grandmother used to visit England, and shopping for books for us was one of her favorite things to do (HOW she got them all back to Canada is beyond me!) She introduced us to Paddington. I was always a little jealous of my twin, because it was to her my dad assigned the nickname “Paddington”! I can't wait to see the movie!

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    1. Susan F.: I well understand your jealousy. Even though Paddington is a klutz and chronically messy he is well meaning and charm personified (bearified?). I hope you enjoy the movie.

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  56. How fun! What a cool collection! Paddington is awesome! I saw above in the comments that you liked the movie. I can't wait to see it! :)

    Happy Birthday!
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS (Jess): Thank you. I hope you get as much fun out of the movie as I did.

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  57. Happy birthday. Hope you enjoyed the film. I too have a lovely little Paddington bear.

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    1. ladyfi: Another Paddington fan. The world is full of us.

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  58. My students loved the Paddington books. Did you enjoy the movie? It has not been released here yet. Marmalade!

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    1. Susan Kane: Despite the liberties it took with the book I did enjoy it - but the books still have first place.

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  59. THANK you for reminding me about this movie! Oh joy:)
    I love this about you....thanks for letting your inner child
    invite mine out to play more:)
    Enjoy every precious minute of it.
    -Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: My inner child does pretty much what she wants. And is perfectly capable of throwing a terrible two's tantrum if she thinks she will be thwarted... And, since she gives all the rest of the me's joy, she very rarely is denied.

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  60. He's a cutie. I hope you love the movie, and I look forward to hearing about it.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: He is indeed a cutie. Enjoyed the movie, but didn't love it. Books are my first love - perhaps because they leave me free to imagine the details for myself.

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  61. Oddly enough, although I love Paddington, I haven't really read many of the books. So when I saw the movie (which I found delightful) I wasn't aware of any liberties taken.

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    1. VioletSky: How nice to find another Paddington lover. The Browns and Mrs Bird and very different in the movie, and Nicole Kidman's character doesn't exist. Mr Gruber and Mr Curry are similar - but different too. Just the same the movie was fun.

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  62. p.s. I also have a lovely stand up Paddington

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    1. VioletSky: Lots and lots of us seem to have him - and treasure him. Love your name too. Some days the sky is indeed violet - and beautiful.

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  63. I know I'm very late, but happy birthday! Did you enjoy the movie? We haven't taken Milla to the cinema yet, but we will be hiring this one as soon as it come out! (more for me than her ;) )

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    1. Jane @Almost Jane: Thank you. I did enjoy it. However if you are showing this to Milla be warned - some of it is a bit dark.

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  64. Paddington is adorable and your version is supercute! Sadly I haven't one myself, well if the little tin with Paddington on top on my office desk for paper clips counts? Looking forward to the movie, whenever it'll be available non-dubbed in Sweden... And of course, a belated happy birthday, I hope your day was extra lovely!!

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