Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Willy Nilly Silly Ole Bear

Too bad I missed this opportunity to fly out to Hollywood to see one of my very favorite cartoon characters get his own star on the Walk of Fame - none other than that lovable thinking bear, Winnie the Pooh.

On April 11, Pooh joined the likes of other animated stars, like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Snow White, alongside other celebrities who've made their mark in Hollywood. That date marked the 80th anniversary of the first publication of Winnie the Pooh's story in the London Evening News. Walt Disney is planning an 18-month long celebration to note this anniversary.

To me, Pooh is by far so much more a star than Mickey Mouse. Ok, so, maybe Mickey has those unforgettable ears and is the brand of Disney, but where's the substance? The mouse is pretty shallow and has a lack of commitment - poor Minnie has waited over 50 years for him to "do her right." Pooh, on the other hand, is a simple bear. Loving, innocent, and thinks a lot. That's what I love. He can say things that are simple and fun like "It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?"” Or he can be profound, "You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." That's good stuff. And his friendship with Piglet teaches us all the importance of being a friend.

The crowds that came out for this ceremony were noted to have been ten rows deep and one official commented that there were more people there for Pooh than when Brittney Spears got her star. Thank goodness for that. We love you, Pooh, and as you once said, "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever”

5 comments:

Erin Nicole said...

awwww...i have always loved pooh! he was my first stuffed animal when i was born. i still have that bear -- he looks a bit beat up and quite a bit different than the more modern versions...but he's still my pooh bear!

Katrina said...

Yes--Pooh is wonderful! And let's not forget his little buddy, that great philosopher, Piglet.

Pooh and Piglet walked home thoughtfully together in the golden evening, and for a long time they were silent.

"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"

"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"

"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.

Pooh nodded thoughtfully. "It's the same thing," he said.

Lorie said...

What a GREAT quote! :)

RosieBoo said...

Erin,

I'll confess. I have a Pooh bear my Mom gave me...about 9 or 10 years ago....just a few years before she passed away. He's still on my bed and I love him even more because my Mom gave him to me.

Katrina,

What a great quote! To keep the Mom theme going, she gave me a book of Pooh quotes one time that I really cherish. I love reading them and pondering them...while I dip my hand in the honey pot...

Lorie,

Ditto!

Charley & Marianne said...

Marianne and I love Pooh! We love his friends too! Marianne is Tigger made over and I am pretty much an Eeyore, though I can wear a Tigger suit from time to time.