Books

 Today is what I call a 'Little Grey Rabbit's washing day'. 

The wind is blowing, it's chilly but not freezing, and an ideal time for washing to dry on the line. As I hung the clothes out, I thought a bit more about the connection between my Grey Rabbit washing and stories.

That leads me, slightly, in a roundabout sort of way,  to Books. I often think how thankful I was to my mother who brought me up to listen to stories and to read. We had all the Grey Rabbit books and in fact I still have most of them. 

Here  is Grey Rabbit with her washing.

Other favourites were of course , Beatrix Potter and every Pooh Bear story. Sadly came across someone not long ago who was surprised to find that Winnie the Pooh didnt originate with Disney. 

I loved  the Milly Molly Mandy books, about a little girl growing up in a village. Simple and much read stories.

But besides these, my mother read to me..... fascinating poetry, legends, classics. The Lady of Shalott was one, Hiawatha another. Strangely although I cant remember many of the words, I can recall the rythm of the poem, and the first lines....

By the shores of Gitche Gumee, 

By the shining big sea water, 

At the doorway of his wigwam, 

In the pleasant Summer morning, 

Hiawatha stood and waited.

Every year my Godfather sent me the newest Arthur Ransome book. How I used to wait for those stories, living them in my imagination.

I grew up with words, stories, pictures in my mind. 

I was so fortunate. 

Throughout my career as a Teacher of children with Special needs, I have tried to show the beauty of the written word, sometimes very simply. And if it's made a difference to only one child, then I'm happy.