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Thursday, September 9, 2010

Willow Way


You may already know how much I am inspired by The Wind in the Willows.



I had never read the book before I offered it up to my own children. I assumed that it was a children's story, since I found it in the child classics section.


And children do love to hear it read, the way an infant enjoys the rhythmic cadences of it's mothers voice. But it is a sophisticated read for young kids.






Foremost, The Wind in the Willows is a book about the sounds of nature and of beautiful language. Secondly, it is about friendship, longing, home and hearth, and joy and reunion.




Though the river is a major character, it's the sound that the wind makes that the author wants us to stop and take note of. If we can do that, we are a little more prepared for the nuances of shared human experience.





Kenneth Grahame lived a troubled life. But his escape into the natural world pulls us along with him into a gentle imagined world of wonder and childlike exploration.




It's a world that we might benefit from entering regularly. A book more about the appreciation for relationships and nature than anything, and one that I never get tired of from season to season.





During the next month, my husband and I will be retreating as much as we can manage, to a woodsy place along the Pecos River north of Santa Fe. We can hear the sound of running water outside our windows at night, and the wind in the willows in the day.




September is the quiet season when everyone else has mostly gone on with business. It's a freer time to take off with your own imagination for company.






I'm taking along my favorite book of course! I have a few different volumes of it. The illustrations I like the best are in this edition by Inga Moore, on the right.





The green copy I found in a small London bookshop. It's a 1952 edition, not illustrated at all, but easily carried.



  I found this crude hand carved sign in a flea market.
















Thanks so much for stopping by! Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

I'm linking up to Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground, and Cindy's Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday, and Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper.



23 comments:

  1. That was beautiful to read and wonderful to look at. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Jacqueline, (My favorite name, I named my daughter that) YOur post was like the book itself. Full of beauty, poetry, nature and a slow lovely sense! I have enjoyed my time on the river with you and the wind! Beautiful...
    Yvonne

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  3. I love this post. You explained the nuances of the book so well. The tableclothe is lovely in the soothing images. hugs♥olive

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  4. I just came over from Common Ground. What a beautiful post! I can't describe the feeling of calm it gave me. I've never read the book, but you can be sure that next time I come across a copy, I will get it. You have a gorgeous blog and I'm now a new follower.
    Blessings,
    Patricia :o)

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  5. Beautiful! I want to read this book after your lovely post! Thanks for the inspiration and beautiful photos!

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  6. JQ what a post this is, so profound. I've never read this, but you have so inspired me, I want to find a vintage copy with the illustrations. And how wonderful that you have the opportunity to escape to a special place. Relax and enjoy your month!
    xo,
    Debra

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  7. What a lovely post with lovely words and pictures....*sigh*

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  8. What lovely images and beautiful words,Kathysue

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  9. Hello Jacqueline,
    Your post today is so full of heart! The benchtop vignette is so soft and so romantic, LOVE it! I hope you enjoy your days away by the whispering river, it sounds like a wonderful getaway:-)
    Bella

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  10. What a serene and inviting setting and so beautifully photographed!

    Dawn... The Bohemian

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  11. What a peaceful and beautiful read for me, thank-you. The Willow Way~ I like that.

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  12. I forgot to mention, I love your decorating, as peaceful as the post.

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  13. What a lovely post.
    I relaxed just reading it.
    As an English teacher I always had references in my life from favorite books.
    I understand!

    Enjoyed visiting,

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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  14. Beautiful photos! The Wind in the Willows is one of my favorite books too. There is a wonderful CD version that I love to listen to while I am cooking. Enjoy your peaceful respite.

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  15. Such an easy post to read and by easy, I mean relaxing. Pretty, pretty post.
    Debbie

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  16. So very beautiful! What an amazing retreat from the day!

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  17. What a lovely post this is~~~I love all the photos, and your vignette is beautiful!!
    Debbie@houseatthelake

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  18. Very pretty your pictures took me to a wonderful place this evening thanks I will be back again! Hugs, Diane

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  19. I love everything about your post. Exquisite in every respect. Thank you for sharing your charming design and your thoughts on Wind in the Willows. Cherry Kay

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  20. You always take such beautiful pictures. I love that white pitcher.

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  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

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