Getting Ready

Larry had lots of great tips and funny stories!

It's always good to get some sage advice from friends (both human and furry four pawed) before you leave for a big trip. Especially for me as it was my first time heading out on my own! My friends are well traveled and I knew they could answer some questions and concerns I had. 

I can always rely on Patchman for
wisdom and encouragement. :)

                                                                                                                                      

I heard all the time growing up how cats have such great night vision compared to humans. It's pretty much in the top 10 facts about cats. Well, a warning to all other cats out there, reading from the small crack of light that comes into a closet is a bad idea. 
I repeat: IF YOU ARE A CAT DO NOT READ IN A CLOSET! Now I need glasses, a bit embarrassing being a cat, but my trusty friend Patchman says it makes me look smarter. Anyways, if you are scared about getting your eyes checked, don't be scared! Everyone at the eye doctor's office was super nice and seeing all the strange equipment they use was so cool! 

I guess this is the new me... the new reading
me that is...

Looking good! :P

    




















That's all for today! Tomorrow marks the start of my new adventures. I've been invited to join a group of grade 12 local high school students on a service trip to the Dominican Republic. Guess I won't be needing my winter jacket anymore, just a good pair of sunglasses to protect my eyes. Excited, nervous, and hoping for the best.... I can't wait to find out what will be in my next post! 

Leaving Home

On my way!

Hello world! My name is Cleara and this is my story about my new adventure. I'm heading out on my own to explore the world and hopefully make many new friends (maybe you. :) ) 

Stuffed animals like myself have a very important role to play in the lives of humans. Humans seem to need lots of cuddles and affirmation and who better to provide it but us stuffies. 

While the "real" fur things certainly have their place, I am of the belief that stuffies rule! We are ever consistent, never changing in our affection, very low maintenance and allergy free to boot. When we get dirty, just toss us in the washer and tumble us on a low setting and we are as good as new. We build close bonds with humans and often these friendships last a life time. 

I thought I had that too; something real and lasting. But it has waxed and waned these past couple of years. My dear companion and best friend ever caught the "college" bug and took up with another little stuffie  who is "more portable" than I am, and so I got shoved in the dark bedroom closet only to make brief encounters with the "outside world" during holidays when she is home.  

We met when she was only six; we did everything together; we were inseparable!

The Dark Closet

Bestest Friend Ever

Together we traveled all over Canada; west to east and I have even been to France! 

Last summer she went to France again but the pink thing (a lil' monster with buggy eyes and and goofy grin) went instead of me. I was hurt and felt displaced. All these years of unconditional love and affection only to be forgotten and placed back in the dark closet again.  What was I to do?  What would  you do? 

I surmised two choices.  Dark closets can foster very deep thinking and I had plenty of time to think (more than you can imagine).  Anyhow, I could continue to be bitter, blame my bestest friend for disowning me and stay in that dark closet forever. But, I could also "come out", stand on my own four paws and move ON!  I decided the later since it would afford much adventure, learning new things and meeting more humans and other fascinating beings. Perhaps there was also something a stuffie like me could do to make the world a better place, (which is something difficult to do from inside closets). Perhaps I really could make a difference!  

Setting out on your own can be a bit scary. It's a big world out there.  I am so small, the size of a small dog and often humans can't hear me because humans like lots of noise and they build machines that make lots of noise. So, I am learning to adapt a bit more.  I am hopeful my new winter duds will not only keep me warm but more visible.  A handful of humans and real furry 4 paws have taken notice and have been very kind in helping me get ready for my new adventure. I have a few invitations already and am so excited. Stay tuned, check back often and come along with me on my new adventures.