Monday 27 July 2009

I can't believe I just posted this

Look what I got! I found this delightful little box set of Wind in the Willow's by Kenneth Graham. When I was a wee 'un, I loved the TV series of The Wind in the Willows, but I am sad to report I never read the books. I couldn't resist buying it, I do love it!
The books come in this beautiful box, with lovely illustrations
and folds out to show the map of the wood and where they all live.
I think it was the map that clinched the deal, just gorgeous! I can't wait to start reading them over cups of coffee and comfy chair and no interruptions!

As I was admiring my wee box set, it brought me back to my younger years. I went to speech and drama classes for years, reciting poems and proses in competitions for years. (Could I recite one now? Not a chance.) I will always remember the first play I was ever in.

Funnily enough, it was The Wind in The Willows. I remember my teacher telling me I had a part and I was over the moon until I asked what part I would be playing. "The toad Claire! The toad of toad hall!" Of course I was. And nobody wanted to be toad. He was a toad! So here I am, yellow swimming cap, goggles, face painted green with crayon, and a cushion stuck up my suit. Seemed to set a trend throughout my life in makeup and fashion.
I had many uses as a child and here are a few of them:
When the TV would go on the frizz, a big satellite dish disguised as a bow was put on my head, and I'd have to sit there for hours on the arm of that sofa and not move. Especially when my dad was watching the news.
I also did a stint as a literature reviewer. Looking at this, the book gets a thumbs up. That or I have just dumped in my nappy.
I had quite a job of trying to entice some silly fools walking up and down the street to put 20p in my basket because I was dressed as little red riding hood. No other reason, just that. As the night fell, I ended up just asking somebody for the money.
(No, it's not a boy, it is me. My dad cut my hair with a mixing bowl and pair of shears. Although I did glance at the picture once or twice, I kept on thinking it was my brother)

I was also once technical NASA consultant before Bill Gates came along and introduced windows. It all went wrong for me and as you can see I have lost all ability to use computers properly and not blog correctly. Why, Bill, why? I was so happy playing Chucky Egg on floppy disks! (SHIFT BUTTON AND SPACE BAR! FIRE!) Now that, I could play!

Not hard to see the well adjusted person I turned out to be judging by this photos. Well, Happy Monday to you and keep on truckin, because it will all too soon be Monday again!

16 comments:

Rose said...

Erm, it is Monday? *laugh*

I recently read Wind in the Willows for the first time as an adult and I loved it so much. I can also understand why you didn't want to be toad. I think Jonathon Ross is the modern equivalent to Toad *laugh* but that is just my personal opinion.

My favourite is the story about the lost otter....

Gemel said...

I just got myself a new copy of Alice in Wonderland.......

And I am the first to admit that the child inside has gone nowhere.....

Laurel said...

Awer so so pretty! The haircut too-darling and we all had one of those fab bowl cuts at one time:)
Happy Monday:)

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

Didn't we all sport a bowl cut at one time or another? You were adorable (and I am sure still are!)...loved the antennae rabbit ears! You have the best wit!

Happy Monday!!

Tracey said...

Wow that boxset brings back memories!! After seeing it, i'm sure i had this very set once upon a time.. i seem to remember very small books just like yours with gorgeous illustrations..

Thanks for sharing and making me smile and remember xx

Sandra Lundy said...

love the box set! and the photos!!! especially the memories of the mixing bowl and shears, lol! great post!

Rudee said...

I see I have some reading to do. I loved all of the photos. Your were an adorable child.

Renee said...

Oh what a lovely blog you have.

I love the wind in the willows and that book set looks fantastic.

I enjoy your humour very much.

Renee xoxo

Michelle said...

You are too funny! How cool is that box set?!? What a find, it sounds like you were meant to have it!

Michelle :)

Polly said...

I love the bookset! I have a small collection of children books (and no children of my own!), they are always so pretty. I wouldn't hesitate one second about getting this box set.

I've just noticed the snowball with a lighthouse in it... love it!!!!

beth said...

thanks for just making me laugh so hard...the hair cut with a mxing bowl and no, it's not a boy... just did me in....

and thanks for your kind words on my blog !

Anonymous said...

That was very funny and I can always do with a funny follower. Just came by to thank you for visiting my blog.

I shall return.

Dawn Marie Howard said...

That photo on the bench is adorable!

leaca said...

I have been collecting childrens books for years and I love when I run across a title from my childhood. Great find!

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oh Claire...I sooo would have snapped that up too..it's daring!! It reminds me of the inside cover of the old Pooh books. I adore Wind in the Willows. And we wonder why Sarah prefers whimsy??
Girl you keep me in stitches. I think I had that hair cut too..just not brave enough to post it!!
Have a great weekend - I am soooo not ready for Monday yet!
Hugs, Sarah

the wandering broom said...

That is sooo sweet! I didn't know they came as a set. Which tv series are you referring to? I remember there were several? The one I grew up on was the animated/drawn/cartoon version but later on I discovered a stop-animation one as well that's amazing. I believe it's this one here:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086829/
I just couldn't believe the level of detail they put into everything!