Atypical & Awesome, “Peace in Strange Places”
When I was in the 3rd grade, there was a book I checked out weekly from our school library. It reached the point where the librarian made me take a week off on occasion and refused to let me check it out again- at least not for a week. “Teddy Bear’s Scrapbook”- oh, how I loved this book! I was essentially obsessed with teddy bears at that point in my life. I didn’t play with dolls or makeup- but my teddy bears provided me with a wonderful and safe imaginary world.
This book. It wasn’t even the story but the pictures and the stories I would create in my head. But I loved it and I remember my older sister reading it to me many, many nights. Somewhere it was pushed deep in my psyche and was soon overshadowed by life and growing up. Until one day- I remembered. And I went on Amazon. One copy. One used- former elementary school library book at that! In the blink of an eye, “add to cart” was clicked and Amazon Prime was activated.
It was exactly as I remembered. There is a picture of Teddy Bear dressed as a cowboy on a rocking horse and I vividly remember asking for that very thing one Christmas. My parents tried very hard to find one and they probably were clueless where I had gotten such an idea.
It has taken me a while to get around to reading it but I started on it last week- taking my time to savor. After all, it’s been over forty years since Teddy Bear and I have made acquaintance. But now as an adult- the writing-oh my goodness. It is completely my sense of humor and writing style. I had to learn more about the authors. The Howes- a married couple (the wife sadly passed in the late 70’s from cancer). But their journey and their life and they lived in….. Brooklyn Heights!!!! Of course they did! All roads lead me to Brooklyn these days!
My heart. Goodness. I am so inspired to follow my writing in whatever crazy direction it goes. A children’s book or two may very well be a part of it. This little teddy bear book has brought me so much happiness and peace- thank you, Mr. And Mrs. Howe from a weird but creative little 3rd grader in south Alabama circa 1982 (PS-I still have that vivid imagination :))
