Such a beautiful book! When my daughter was little (she now has a little of her own) I bought the board book that was packaged with a Rabbit that looked like the one in the book. I still have both. When she got older, the set still came out at Christmas time.
I was raised by my mother and my grandmother, but was closer to my grandmother. She died in 1995. To this day, I can picture her face clear as day, hear her laugh, and feel her hug. I see her hands, I feel her skin. She was formidable, and I loved her so much. Sometimes I'll purposefully conjure her image when I need to comfort myself—she's still the only one who's ever held the place she held for me. It's a bit confusing because I wasn't close to my mother so sometimes I wonder, oh, is that just what people feel toward their mother, if they were close? I guess it doesn't matter. Grammas for the win.
Thank you for this beautifully written story and the information about the kimono silks. I’m not really at risk for f’ing up my face, but I do love your posts!
I almost cried reading your piece about reading the book. Same, Val, same. There's also a very short picture book called Always My Dad by Sharon Dennis Wyeth that has that effect on me. I read it once to a first grade class which erupted in questions about why my face was so red. (See, face reference.) Also, very moved by your granddaughter's questions and what they say about the huge terrifying inevitable issues behind aging and becoming real. Also, I want one of those jackets.
Dear Val, your post had me smiling through my tears this morning, first, with your lovely “Velveteen Rabbit” story, and then with your memory of Sey Chassler, one of my all-time favorite bosses too.
I still recall how Sey would remind us that the Redbook reader saw the magazine as a trusted friend who arrived in the mail each month, a generous, caring friend that the reader could always rely on for solid information and unwavering support, and how important it was to earn that trust. Sey would be so proud to see you carrying on that spirit of friendship with readers via HNTFUYF!
On another note, about those gorgeous Ichijiku jackets, just trying one on would have sent me straight to heaven!
out of all the many books i read to my boys, that's the one that made me cry every time. so i get it. (related: that Spielberg movie- A.I. also wrecked me. it had a major Pinocchio & old toy cast aside theme. not so much of the more recent Sydney thing lol).
those jackets are something - but hope you're eating yummy food too!
So much to love in this post, from the moving wisdom to the art appreciation to “The thought of commerce calmed me, as it sometimes does.” The incomparable Val Monroe, everyone!
Oh goodness, it’s all about The Velveteen Rabbit this week -- this lovely book was a favorite of mine as a child as well, and remains on our family bookshelf. In the Goodbye Cropped Top (Wendy Euler’s platform) podcast this week, she uses the lovely book as a reference to being real. Also very touching ❤️
I remember finding Velveteen unbearable as a child. I read it once and couldn't again. Someone gave us a copy when one of my boys was born and I've never even opened it. Sticking with Frog and Toad who are delicate and sentimental, but somehow humorous enough to carry me through!
What a beautiful story about your granddaughter. And, I also cry to pieces whenever I read or hear read The Velveteen Rabbit. Such a beautiful tale.
I think it’s worth mentioning that a lovely silk jacket is something one could actually hand down to a grandchild, unlike a facelift.
Such a beautiful book! When my daughter was little (she now has a little of her own) I bought the board book that was packaged with a Rabbit that looked like the one in the book. I still have both. When she got older, the set still came out at Christmas time.
I was raised by my mother and my grandmother, but was closer to my grandmother. She died in 1995. To this day, I can picture her face clear as day, hear her laugh, and feel her hug. I see her hands, I feel her skin. She was formidable, and I loved her so much. Sometimes I'll purposefully conjure her image when I need to comfort myself—she's still the only one who's ever held the place she held for me. It's a bit confusing because I wasn't close to my mother so sometimes I wonder, oh, is that just what people feel toward their mother, if they were close? I guess it doesn't matter. Grammas for the win.
Love the book. Love your ex boss. "It's a swamp I slosh around in..." And didn't even know about silicone patches..astonished some gimmick got by me!
Oh, be still my heart, Val! That rabbit.
Your relationship with M is #lifegoals for me, I love every little morsel you share with us, thank you!
Thank you for this beautifully written story and the information about the kimono silks. I’m not really at risk for f’ing up my face, but I do love your posts!
I almost cried reading your piece about reading the book. Same, Val, same. There's also a very short picture book called Always My Dad by Sharon Dennis Wyeth that has that effect on me. I read it once to a first grade class which erupted in questions about why my face was so red. (See, face reference.) Also, very moved by your granddaughter's questions and what they say about the huge terrifying inevitable issues behind aging and becoming real. Also, I want one of those jackets.
Dear Val, your post had me smiling through my tears this morning, first, with your lovely “Velveteen Rabbit” story, and then with your memory of Sey Chassler, one of my all-time favorite bosses too.
I still recall how Sey would remind us that the Redbook reader saw the magazine as a trusted friend who arrived in the mail each month, a generous, caring friend that the reader could always rely on for solid information and unwavering support, and how important it was to earn that trust. Sey would be so proud to see you carrying on that spirit of friendship with readers via HNTFUYF!
On another note, about those gorgeous Ichijiku jackets, just trying one on would have sent me straight to heaven!
out of all the many books i read to my boys, that's the one that made me cry every time. so i get it. (related: that Spielberg movie- A.I. also wrecked me. it had a major Pinocchio & old toy cast aside theme. not so much of the more recent Sydney thing lol).
those jackets are something - but hope you're eating yummy food too!
Silicone sheeting is good for scars though.
So much to love in this post, from the moving wisdom to the art appreciation to “The thought of commerce calmed me, as it sometimes does.” The incomparable Val Monroe, everyone!
Oh goodness, it’s all about The Velveteen Rabbit this week -- this lovely book was a favorite of mine as a child as well, and remains on our family bookshelf. In the Goodbye Cropped Top (Wendy Euler’s platform) podcast this week, she uses the lovely book as a reference to being real. Also very touching ❤️
I remember finding Velveteen unbearable as a child. I read it once and couldn't again. Someone gave us a copy when one of my boys was born and I've never even opened it. Sticking with Frog and Toad who are delicate and sentimental, but somehow humorous enough to carry me through!
i ever get another chance (and they may be running out) gonna try that "acrobat" trick
in that respect Woody Allen got nuttin' on YOU
ha
as for rest so fun n smart!