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peterbear Aug 2, 2009

Hi everyone,

I would like to introduce you to BAUDOUIN (pronounced “Bo-dwain”), a V.I.B. (very important bear) that Lynette Littlejohn (LJ Bears) made especially for me as a commemorative bear.

He is 19” tall, made from beautiful golden mohair; his name is embroidered on his right foot pad and on his left pad is the date April 28, 2009. He wears a blue waistcoat with green lining, a green logo, green silk pocket handkerchief and a teddy bear pin.

Usually people will commemorate the date of a wedding anniversary, the birth of a grandchild or something like that, but I wanted something completely different !
Last year in September the financial crisis hit me especially hard : I have been working for the largest bank in Belgium for 22 years and was pretty confident I would continue to do so until my retirement. However in September things turned very nasty indeed : not only had I suddenly lost most of my savings (shares of my own employer), but we were on the verge of bankruptcy  .  Many jobs, including mine, were uncertain  .  The state intervened, but made it quite clear she wasn’t planning to continue doing so.  A French bank, BNP Paribas, were willing to take us over, but the greedy big shareholders kept refusing every offer, issuing lawsuit after lawsuit to stall things  .  Finally on April 28 of this year, the shareholders had to back down and an agreement was signed to incorporate us in BNP Paribas.  It was a huge relief for us, because that was the best guarantee we could possibly get for minimal job loss  .

So I wanted something to commemorate this event, because I had never experienced anything like that ever before, nor do I want to experience it again.  And, although we all lost a lot of money, having job security is more important to me.  Now what better way is there to mark a happy ending than to adopt a teddy bear  :D

So I asked Lynette if she was willing to make a teddy that would remind me of these troubled times, but also of the fact that you should never despair.  I named him “Baudouin”, which is the first name of the ceo of BNP Paribas and also the name of our previous king.  It think it sounds very distinguished and the bear also looks very smart.  Lynette did a terrific job, especially in recreating the logo of BNP Paribas on his waistcoat. 

So here are a few photos of “Baudouin”, the VIBB (very important banker bear).

The logo is magnificently reproduced.

Here Baudouin is trying to find a way out of the economic and financial crisis (I’m certain he will come up with a solution).

Here is the link to Lynette’s website, where you can find Baudouin and some of the other LJ Bears.

http://www.ljbears.co.uk/Bears_by_Special_Request.htm

Hugs and a big thank you to Lynette  :hug:

Peterbear

P.S. I generally don’t believe in “fate” or that kind of stuff, but : on the day that Baudouin arrived in my home (Thursday last week), we got the confirmation from our new employer that there would be no forced redundancies: is that a coincidence ???

Ginie-Lee Aug 2, 2009

He's lovely and what a happy ending to what must have been a very turbulent time. I'm sure that you'll treasure him always ,

Hugs Ginie-Lee   

doodlebears Celebration AmbassadorAug 2, 2009

Peter I am so sorry to read about all the worries you have had at work, how stressful for you and your co workers. Thank goodness all seems to be better for you now, we all need our income and peace of mind.  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:
Baudouin is a beautiful bear and he looks so smart in his waistcoat. Lynette has done a wonderful job creating him for you. Enjoy your new bear Peter.

Hugs, Jane.       

dangerbears Aug 2, 2009

I love the bear, the story, the bear's name, and your imaginative photos, Peter.

I'm very happy to hear that you have more job security now. (But if the worst ever happens, how about publishing a book of teddy bear photos? I hear that books focusing on hobbies and pastimes are still selling:)

Becky

peterbear Aug 2, 2009

(But if the worst ever happens, how about publishing a book of teddy bear photos? I hear that books focusing on hobbies and pastimes are still selling:)

Thanks for the suggestion Becky; I hear textbooks are still selling as well !  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

Hugs,  :hug:

Peter

dangerbears Aug 2, 2009

LOL! Thankfully yes -- textbooks are still selling! (Both of us have some job security... for the moment...:)

Becky

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorAug 2, 2009

Lynette did a fantastic job with her assignment . . . Baudouin is terrific!  I can well understand why that anniversary date is meaningful to you, Peter, and am happy that your situation turned out as well as it did.           

desertmountainbear Aug 2, 2009

Wonderful handsome bear, and a great story to go with him.  You really have quite a few very nice bears in your collection, I love seeing them
Joanne

Barling Bears Aug 2, 2009

Hello Peter,

Yes, you had a very stressful start to this year didn't you, to put it mildly!    I was so pleased when everything finally became settled and your future seemed secure once again in the financial world.  

So what a wonderful way to celebrate that occasion and Lynette has certainly produced a gorgeous little character!!  Baudouin is a beautiful bear, very distinguished in his lovely waistcoat!  I am sure that he will always be able to solve any financial problems - if only bears could run the country!!!  I can imagine how thrilled you are with your wonderful new friend Peter, you are very lucky.

Lots of hugs to you and your bears.  :hug:  :hug:

Marilyn

Lovethosebears Aug 2, 2009

So glad to hear that you are finally over this stressful period and what a great way to celebrate - such a fantastic bear!     My daughter fell in love and bought one of Lynettes Ben puppet bears last year (in fact the two of us were mucking around with him yesterday    ) her bears certainly have alot of character 

Hugs Ali  :hug:

brightbears Aug 2, 2009

What a story, and what a great bear to think back about the days when you were in despair. Thanks for sharing.

susiray Aug 2, 2009

Hi Peter
what a beautiful bear and a lovely addition to your hug. many things are sent to try us in our lifes and i glad you reached the other side of this. happy times ahead.

bearhugs
susan

Clarebear Aug 3, 2009

What a great story and it has given me an idea!  I might look at having a special bear made to commemmorate my NEW KNEE when it happens as I am sure it will change my life in many ways.  Thanks Peter for giving me a great idea and an excuse for a new bear.

Carolyn Green Aug 3, 2009

What a great outcome that you still have your job, Peter.
Sorry though for the stress and worry that you and your work colleagues have been going through.

Such a lovely way to commemorate this occasion and what a wonderful bear Baudouin is and yes he is
a V.I.B.

Hoping for happy times ahead for you and your lovely Bears.

Hugs
Carolyn