Comments on: Saturday Morning Special: A Little Princess

By: Celeste Holt

Celeste Holt — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 21:36:04 +0000

Oh Beth, I needed this wonderful post today! The joy of books was only available to us if the Book Mobile came to the parking lot in the Green Hills mall. It would park in front of the current Restoration Hardware Store, a Walgreens in the early 1960’s, and the Bookmobile had Airconditioning!

Reading was so important to many of us as children and continues to cure what ails me during times of stress or distress.

Maggie’s children were here with me last week and I ordered 5 Kate DeCamillo books for 8 year old Claire. Parnassus had them ready in a few hours and I wish I had included your recommendation, Flora and Ulysses! I will send this to little Claire next!
Were your ears burning this morning? During Belmont UMC youth Zoom Sunday School I mentioned your name! The lesson was on money, what Jesus says about money, how do you spend your money, what causes to you contribute to. I told the kids how hard it was for me to ask people for money for good causes and how you told me, “Lestie you have to talk to them so they will want to give you money!”
I thought it was serendipitous that I was thinking of you and then read your article!
Much love to you dear Beth!
Lestie

By: Beth Alexander

Beth Alexander — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 20:44:09 +0000

In reply to Frank Daniels.

You have such a great memory, Frank, and a kind way of looking at the world. Yes, art is a great window into other perspectives, other worlds and into oneself too sometimes!

By: Frank Daniels

Frank Daniels — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 17:19:14 +0000

Thank you for your beautifully staged invitation to return to the magic of the literature of innocence. Thank you for including the autobiographical element, as this was new and endearing information about you, your siblings and your lovely parents. I can only vaguely recall the various favorites of my childhood, but their influence is embedded in my character and in the way I helped to introduce my son to the transformative power of the arts, which went on to be the basis for his most visible gift to the world.

By: Beth Alexander

Beth Alexander — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 15:01:40 +0000

In reply to Jane Callaway.

Love you, sweet Jane!

By: Beth Alexander

Beth Alexander — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 14:48:41 +0000

Thank you, dear Nan! You are more prolific than I am these days, and I always devour your adventures and reminiscences too! xo

By: Beth Alexander

Beth Alexander — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 14:47:00 +0000

In reply to Jane Callaway.

Love you, sweet Jane! I also remember taking a pair of scissors to your favorite little pair of red jeans–thinking I could fit my fat self into them if only they didn’t have those skinny pants–as you watched in horror!

By: Beth Alexander

Beth Alexander — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 14:45:03 +0000

In reply to Mary Raymond.

Thank you, dear Mary! Do you know I never read Ramona Quimby until I got it for my boys when they were little. What a funny and delightful little character!

By: Beth Alexander

Beth Alexander — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 14:43:27 +0000

In reply to Betsy Miller.

It was! There were so many different editions of the book over 100+ years (I stopped counting at 25), and must have been more than a half a dozen movie versions. I’ve never seen the Shirley Temple version, but should probably look for it. Strangely, the book was so special, I’ve never felt film could do it justice. It was already perfect in my imagination!
I miss you so much, too, Betsy!

By: Beth Alexander

Beth Alexander — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 14:40:49 +0000

In reply to Patricia.

What a terrific suggestion! One experience my husband and I share from somewhat different childhoods is that we both listened to Cyril Ritchard’s marvelous reading of Alice in Wonderland. It still resonates with each of us. A great way to learn new words and their pronunciation!