Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Do I Need That? No, But...

It used to be that when I went antiquing, I had to collect anything that I could find that reminded me of my grandmother and her farmhouse. This was when I was in my country decoration mode. I still love the ceramics and things I got then. After that, I tended to want to buy things from my mom's kitchen in the old first house we had. That is where I got the idea of fruity tablecloths and colorful tiny juice glasses. Finally, I decided I didn't need to buy everything that reminded me of my childhood. I could just see it in the shops and enjoy it and leave it there.

I thought I was doing pretty well until I started seeing books that I had enjoyed as a child. Oh, my, these had a greater hold on me than I would like to admit. I have been able to collect a few of my favorite Dr. Seuss books, before he got into the easy readers, books like Bartholomew Cubbins and the Ooblick, the books by Edward Eager like Half Magic, picture books like Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka. I thought I was through. I had my collection of books that I truly wanted... and then, smack, I got hit by the Golden Book reproduction bug. Now that these books were now in print again, I just had to have The Pokey Little Puppy, Nurse Nancy, The Color Kittens, and The Saggy, Baggy Elephant among others. I am going to read them to my grandson. At nearly 22 months, he already listens to Scuffy the Tugboat. I know he will enjoy many of my books in time, but I got them for me. I am just such a Kiddie Lit fan.

I am now to the point where I have to do like I did with housewares and say, yes you loved that book, but you can be happy you saw it and leave it there. At least, I hope I can do that. Time will tell.

6 comments:

  1. I used to read those Golden Books! I see some every now and then and feel SO nostalgic.

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  2. Oh, I loved the Golden Books too. I bought the Pokey Little Puppy for my kiddo and the Little Engine that Could. Classics are so special to have on the shelf. :-)

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  3. I think we get to a point where we can do that, realizing just seeing it is joy enough:)

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  4. I love the older ones, too. We got them for our kids, and now the grandkids. What fun stories, and so innocent.

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  5. Hi Nancy -

    I was a big Nurse Nancy fan too.

    Like you, I've learned to admire the things that remind me of my childhood in the store and not bring them home. Well...except and occasional teacup and saucer. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  6. Oooooh! The Pokey Little Puppy!!! And the Saggy, Baggy Elephant!! I'm just as bad, Nancy. Our bookshelves are stuffed with my kids old favorites as well. I simply can't get rid of them. There is just something about books...

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