Friday, June 24, 2011

Forever Young

Two Treasures From My Personal Library



This week I’ve entered the magical worlds of Winnie the Pooh (A.A. Milne, 1926) and Miss Suzy (Miriam Young, 1964). I adventured with Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeoyre, reading the story from beginning to end, a first edition passed from my uncle to my mom to me. The story, though laugh out loud funny, is about love and the meaning and importance of friendship. Pooh knows the value of true friends and adventure and nurtures his relationships, a reminder that friendship thrives on the giving of oneself for the good of the whole. What a truly delightful read that takes on new meaning as an adult. Advice: read this again from cover to cover.
      “Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh," he whispered. 
      "Yes, Piglet?" 
      "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, "I just wanted to be sure of you."
Today I visited Miss Suzy the squirrel. Reading as an adult, I understand both my fascination with this kind, gentle squirrel and why it was my favorite childhood book.  Miss Suzy epitomizes optimism, forgiveness, and general goodness. She reminds me that a contentment with life, no matter the curve balls, helps turn adversity into opportunity.  Miss Suzy somehow assures me that if I follow her lead, allowing some help from strangers along the way, that life can take on new meaning from disappointing and even frightening situations.

      “My, what a lovely house!” thought Miss Suzy. “It is fit for a queen. But it needs a housekeeper, so it is just the place for me.”
As I move through my summer reading list, these two books from my childhood waved at me from my bookshelves, reminding me that they were old friends begging to be re-visited. Thank you Pooh and Miss Suzy for a wonderful attitude adjustment at a paramount juncture in my summer.

2 comments:

  1. May I suggest Our Animal Friends of Maple Hill Farm? This was my FAVORITE book as a child and they just started reprinting it in the last few years. I always give it as a baby gift to friends. As an animal lover, you will appreciate this one! It's not so much of a story as a snapshot of all the pets and livestock on a farm and their personalities, faults and all. It will make you laugh out loud, and the last pages will make you cry. I highly recommend!

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  2. The deep truths of life found in the world of children: how fundamental. Big cheers for the intuition to re-visit your early sources! Your pattern integrity is inspired and enroute to new meaning and the higher love that life can be. It all comes from your desire to get your life fully engaged by Suzy, Piglet and the values espoused by their creators. And on up the path to freedom. Thanks for sharing. It is inspiring me, too. Love.

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