“I look smart and handsome,” said Penny Pincher to his reflection after preening like a peacock.
With memories of the rodeo still fresh in his mind, Penny Pincher could feel himself wanting to experience more of the cowboy life. And today was the day he would do just that.
Penny Pincher was excited. Patricia was taking him to the farm today. He had never been to the countryside - ever. Sure, he went to the rodeo, but that was different.
All he knew was the concrete jungle that he saw from the window just above the shelf he stayed on. He left to cuddled up with Patricia, or to go out on some fun adventure with her. Only on the adventures could he experience new things. He did not know whether he would love the farm or not. He was a little afraid of the strange animals making weird sounds. However, he felt more excitement than fear so he was ready and willing to go on this new adventure. He was happy to be going to spend an entire weekend out in the open country among lush green trees, chirping birds and with Patricia.
Penny Pincher ran to the window and looked out. It was a beautiful day! He knew the drive to the countryside was going to take time, but he was ready.
“Hooray!” shouted Penny Pincher. “I am off to the countryside to see a cow, horse and pig!”
Just then Patricia walked in and put Penny Pincher in her arms, giving him a big hug. “I love you so much,” she squealed. “You have made me so very happy.”
She carried him and placed him on the backseat of the car. She checked that the picnic basket was properly stored. She then got into the car and she and Penny Pincher set off for the biggest adventure of his life.
“Are we there yet?” asked the bored, drowsy Penny Pincher the hundredth time. It had been over an hour and there was no sign of trees, cows or horses.
“Are we there yet?” But Patricia did not answer. After all Penny Pincher was a stuffed teddy bear and Patricia had him for a long time. She could not imagine a life without this cute cuddly bear because she got him at a stage in her life when she most needed to hug someone.
But this did not stop Penny Pincher from constantly holding monologues with Patricia. He loved Patricia more than anyone and was capable of doing anything for her. Penny Pincher adored Patricia and that was that.
The stopping of the car woke Penny Pincher from his sleep. He yawned and stretched to loosen his cramped muscles and then he looked in awe. He saw an apple tree laden with juicy red apples in front of a delightful looking cottage. To the right of the cottage was the fence that separated the horses from cottage. He looked in wonder at the horses. This was the first time he was seeing horses this close. He had seen them on TV, in books, and on posters, at the Rodeo; but never where he could touch.
Mama and Papa came down to greet Patricia. They hugged and kissed their daughter with delight. Penny Pincher liked them a lot because they were very nice and loving.
“Come on Penny Pincher. Let’s get you to bed. You must be tired after the long drive,” said Patricia to her beloved teddy bear.
The last thing Penny Pincher wanted was to go to bed. He wanted to be with the horses. Maybe he would ride one too. Patricia started unloading the car and Penny Pincher sat patiently in the car for her to take him up to the cottage. He was more interested in the horses than anything else.
The air was cool and the sun was still shining. Isadore, the old bay mare, was rolling in the browning grass. She snorted, rolled over, and stood up. She was, indeed, very old and it took an effort these days for her to gallop with the wind. But she was loved and respected by all the other horses and animals in the farm.
Isadore saw the car pulling in front of the cottage and knew it was Patricia coming home after a long absence. She was happy that Patricia had returned to visit. Isadore was once Patricia’s horse. On her sleek long legs she walked to the fence and neighed to attract her mistress’ attention.
Patricia saw her and rushed towards her. “Isadore, my beauty, how are you?” shouted Patricia with glee. Isadore nuzzled Patricia and that is when she saw the weird creature in her hand. It looked like a little bear. She sniffed at him and then reared and whinnied, something she had not done for years.
“Calm down Isadore. Good girl. This is Penny Pincher, my teddy bear. I love him as much as I love you. I hope you two can be good friends,” said Patricia gently in her lilting voice.
Isadore stared at the stuffed teddy and Penny Pincher returned the stare with his warm kind eyes.
“Hi! Isadore, pleased to meet with you,” said Penny Pincher in his gruff gravelly voice. “Will you let me ride you?”
Isadore stared hard at the teddy in wonder. A talking teddy bear? Now, what had the world come to! But any friend of Patricia’s was her friend too. Isadore nudged at Penny Pincher using her nose and this got Patricia roaring with laughter. Both Isadore and Penny Pincher were thrilled to hear Patricia laugh. They looked at each other and smiled secretly.
Patricia placed Penny Pincher on Isadore’s back and she trotted off gently around the pasture. Penny Pincher screamed with joy and fear. He had got what he wanted the most. He was riding a horse! He could not wait to tell all his friends back home about this amazing adventure.
Besides sharing adventures with Patricia and his three best friends, Penny Pincher is the beloved teddy bear of Patricia Twitchell aka The Teddy Bear Lady of Myrtle Creek, Oregon. To experience one of the largest and best selections of teddy bears, angels, fairies, jade, crystal, pewter and more, visit Just Bears and Stuff eBay Store at
http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff