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220090 tn?1379167187

A weekend diversion

When I was about 8 years old, my uncle gave me my first book; it was a copy of The Wind In the Willows.  For those unfamiliar with it, it is a story about a group of small animals that live in the woods.  The animals have such strong personalities and a love of life that they became the family I never had.

So last week I am in Barnes and Noble looking at the new paperbacks.  Mostly slash, burn, maim and screw with a little romance here and there. As I am looking through all this, much to my surprise, I find a copy of The Wind in the Willows.  I bought the book thinking what in the world am I doing buying a 100 year old children's book.

I still love it!  Following is an excerpt; it is a dialog between the mole and the rat and it takes place when the mole visits the river for the first time.

From The Wind in the Willows:

"Hullo Mole!" said the water rat.
"Hullo Rat!" said the mole.

"Would you like to come over?" inquired the rat presently

"Oh, it's all very well to talk," said the mole rather pettishly, he being new to a river and riverside life and its ways.

The rat said nothing, but stooped and unfastened a rope and hauled on it; then lightly stepped into a little boat which the mole had not observed.  It was painted blue outside and white within, and was just the size for two animals; and the mole's whole heart went out to it at once, even though he did not yet fully understand its uses.
The rat sculled smartly across and made fast.  Then he held up his forepaw as the mole stepped gingerly down.  "Lean on that!" he said.  "Now then, step lively!" and the mole, to his surprise and rapture found himself actually seated in the stern of a real boat.

"This has been a wonderful day!" said he, as the rat shoved off and took to the sculls again. "Do you know that I have never been in a boat before in all my life."
"What?" cried the rat, openmouthed. "Never been in a--you never--well I--what have you been doing then?"

"Is it so nice as all that?" asked the mole shyly, though he was prepared to believe it as he leant back in his seat and surveyed the cushions, the oars, the rowlocks, and all the fascinating fittings, and felt the boat begin to sway lightly under him.

"Nice? It's the only thing," said the water rat solemnly as he leant forward for his stroke. "Believe me, my  young friend, there is simply nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
13 Responses
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217229 tn?1192762404
Eric... Funny... I just read Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH --- LOL --- and "The Giving Tree".

Strange, such memories evoke such emotions.

I love reading what you write.

Meki
Helpful - 0
167203 tn?1280692080
Thank you for bringing back such a wonderful part of my childhood...a good book...i remember spending hours soaking them up...my kids read. but nothing like i did...the draw of the computer or tv urges them out...it shows in the lack of fulness of their imagination...sometimes i think unplugging everything for a month or two might be a good idea, LOL...but then i'd have to sneak my medhelp fix!!LOL....
Helpful - 0
220090 tn?1379167187
I can easily understand how he can feel that way.  Now that I re-read it as an adult, I wonder how much of it I really understood at 8.  One of the reasons I think the book was so successful is that it seems to have had a broad appeal to many age groups.
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92903 tn?1309904711
In his words: I liked the parts where I could understand what they were talking about.
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92903 tn?1309904711
I'm familiar with that as my 8 your old chose this as one of his three required reading books for the summer. It's a wonderful read - but I'll tell you, it was a tall order for him. I'd have to say he laboured through it, more than enjoying it. It's a pitty. But he has learned to make commitments more carefully.
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220090 tn?1379167187
Thank you for that very nice complement.
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208764 tn?1249429657
It truly is the simple things isn't it... thanks for the weekly 'boat story' too :)

I appreciate your disposition greatly and feel that you are a kindred spirit and older brother (not too much older I might add). Good stuff and please continue to share as many truly appreciate your words and experiences...
Helpful - 0
229344 tn?1189755837
You got that right if I look at Lindsay Lohan, Britney or Paris one more time Im going to scream.They are everywhere unfortunately. Thats entertainment??????????????????
Sad....Sad....
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220090 tn?1379167187
I think I was born old, but I love a good story - especially this one!  I am really glad you both like it as well.

When you look at what our entertainment is now with movies, popular books and computer games, it has to make you wonder what price we are paying for giving up all the happy stories.
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229344 tn?1189755837
yeah me too....i want to be a baby!   wah!    wah!


Everyone else says they wouldnt do it again for a million dollars..............

i would...like you said ESPECIALLY NOW!!
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186606 tn?1263510190
i do, sometimes i do.  especially now.
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229344 tn?1189755837
thats so funny you cracked me up! I felt the same way- Dont you wish you were 5 years old again?
I do.

:)


It was very soothing like a kid watching cartoons.
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186606 tn?1263510190
Do you know how long it's been since someone told me a story?

Love it.
Helpful - 0
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