I began exploring the idea of writing a story about a little bear after many year of sewing teddy bears. Clare's name was derived from my Mother's name, Clara, and the German translation for Swartzbaugh is black forest. I have always loved books and as a little girl, I would look forward to a visit from the Book Mobile. Never in my wildest dreams did it ever think I would write a book, but as the saying goes, "It's never too late." My beloved cat, Teddy, helped inspire my imagination.