Around my late 20’s my mother’s body began to deteriorate from cancer. While the discomfort was agonizingly it appeared (to me) to be an otherwising enriched end to her life.
I was fortunate to be with her during this time and to witness the light and radiant way she became despite her suffering. It was in this time I gifted her a book about making teddy bears following which she made over 200 unique bears.
Many had names. All had characters. Some were kitted out in little outfits, also hand-made. She gave them to children’s hospitals, donated them for auctions and made some to order.
These are the Tredbears.
This site is to celebrate what, in the face of death, came to life. It is to honour with gratitude the gifts and teachings of creativity and resourcefulness I received as a boy and adolescent from my mother. It is to remember the power of generosity and abundance of spirit. And of course, to uphold the timeless archetype of the teddy bear.
In memory of Marion Francis Edmond, my mother.
About Me
I am now about a decade younger than the age my mother was when she passed and father to two delightful children of my own.
I take pride in a regular practice of baking bread and culturing
Trips to Germany and Italy sparked my interest in coffee and bread as I was introduced to Europe’s fine culture of artisan foods. Then, having responsibility for the care and well-being of children, this developed into a strong desire to learnt these ancient and wonderful crafts.
I am motivated by simplicity and enriching quality. I am dissatisfied feeding myself and the children food that is made by people with ingredients and techniques I don’t know, especially when these are easily made at home. My preference is to slow down and take time in preparing something that can be enjoyed and appreciated.
Since I work a lot on a computer, diverting some of my attention into creating food provides a way of engaging with the children and including them in what I do. They love it! Buying a loaf of bread is not especially exciting – being involved in the process of baking and then devouring what you’ve created is beyond compare.