We Paint: but you cant paint 24/7. It is impressive how much slower my days are when I am not arranging or inventing errands, lunches, appointments, and shopping. Somewhere, in this mess we are in, I have found time, a precious asset. My days are usually quite hectic, allowing minimal downtime. I would never dream of taking time for myself in the afternoons. Now that stolen hour or two is not even putting a dent in my accomplishments for the day.
I love Children's literature. Good classic children's books offer readers enjoyment as well as memorable characters and insights into human nature. There are moral and ethical situations that help us develop empathy allowing us to understand another's situation better. Fictional children’s stories can open up a new perspective for adults. Help relive our trimmed down imaginations, take us back to a simpler time. With my unused moments, I am going to revisit my collection of Children's literature. I have always loved books; some are from my childhood others gathered along the way; all are treasured. Little Women by, Louisa May Alcott Charlottes Web by, E.B. White The Secret Garden by, Frances Hodgson Burnett Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by, Margaret Sidney Nancy Drew Series by, Carolyn Keene Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tales Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales. Just to name a few.
Just a few of my favorite
And there are more
Nancy Drew , I was obsessed with these around age 10
To start, I'll begin with my favorite "Wind in the Willows" By Kenneth Grahame. This is by no means just a children's book. It involves four anthropomorphize animals, Rat, Mole, Toad, and Badger. Showing friendship, adventure, spiritual journeys, and living in peace with nature. I have loved this book so much that several years back, I themed a children's room in a designer showhouse around it. I imagined just what Ratty's home would look like and how he would want to entertain his friends. This room won the best of the show, was published in magazines and Interior design books. This was my all-time favorite room I remember men coming to view the space and tearing up as they traveled back to their childhood.
I treasure all these books
My version of Ratty’s home in Wind in the Willows. Can’t you just see Ratty inviting Mole in to sit by the fire for tea after ice skating on “The River”? That’s Moles’ suitcase, I think he is spending the night. Did you know that Rat is a fine pianist often composing his own music? when the night is over and they climb into bed there are plenty of books above their heads as they both love to read.
If you grew up with a Dad who messed in boats then married someone who also messed in boats you get this. I might repaint this mural in the room my Grand Daughters share at my house.
Ratty would have loved the natural birch mirror, and He was a bird watcher. Peek inside the closet and you will see Squirrel damask wallpaper. I loved this so much it’s in my powder room at home.
Ratty was the perfect host and a gourmet cook. He could whip up a pear tart in no time.
My favorite quote from the book is “So -this-is-a-River “The River” corrected the Rat. “And you really live by the river? What a jolly life".” I feel like this is my story and I painted this quote on my living room walls.
Today between 3PM and 5PM, you will find me curled up in my studio chair with a good cup of English tea, milk, and honey, of course, traveling back to a simpler time.
