Walking this morning, I spotted some wool, I think, in the hedge. It must be from a wooly dog as sheep don’t come along this way! I loved the way the drops of dew had gathered in the strands.
In a conversation with Judy of Newenglandgardenandthread this afternoon, I found myself quoting words (referring to technology rather than a little girl) that were spoken to me many times as a child when I was being less than my lovely smiley self! I looked them up and found this little poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. (American poet, 1807-1882)
There was a little girl, who had a little curl
Right in the middle of her forehead,
And when she was good, she was very, very good,
But when she was bad she was horrid.She stood on her head, on her little trundle bed,
With nobody by for to hinder;
She screamed and she squalled, she yelled and she bawled,
And drummed her little heels against the winder.Her mother heard the noise, and thought it was the boys
Playing in the empty attic,
She rushed upstairs, and caught her unawares,
And spanked her, most emphatic.
I only remember the first verse being used and I used to join in with the reprimand finding it amusing and a bit of a challenge!
This afternoon I have finished my Jolabokaflod book, Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Oh, what a story, what beautiful writing, what evocative descriptions! I was sorry to come to the end and can wholly recommend it – just have a box of tissues nearby. Being the mother of twins myself, there were parts I found completely heartbreaking.
nrhatch
January 12, 2021 at 3:28 pm
Glad that Hamnet left you wanting more. It’s on my library queue . . .
I recall that poem, first stanza only. My grandfather from Scotland used to recite it for me.
mybeautfulthings
January 22, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Lovely that so many readers remembered that poem. 🙂
artfulcrone
January 12, 2021 at 2:39 pm
My father used to recite that poem to me. Reading it here brought me back 50+ years!
mybeautfulthings
January 22, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Me too actually! 🙂
Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread
January 11, 2021 at 11:27 pm
I remember that poem well, and I remember being spanked alsol. 🙂 I always enjoy a learning opportunity, and you provided me two. I was not familiar with ‘Jolabokaflod book’ so I looked it up, and I also had not heard of “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell so I looked up a summary. According to Goodreads, it’s doing quite well and had a 4.35 rating. Sounds like you read a good one although a tough subject matter.
mybeautfulthings
January 22, 2021 at 4:53 pm
It is well worth reading Hamnet, it is very moving and beautifully written. Glad to introduce you to Jolabokaflod too. Both the word and the concept delighted me so it will become a tradition in our house from now on. 🙂
ladysighs
January 11, 2021 at 7:50 pm
I only remember the first verse of the girl with the curl too. Had no idea it was by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Reminds me of needing a hair cut. But I can wait on that!!
mybeautfulthings
January 11, 2021 at 8:39 pm
I need one too! Chopped a bit off myself yesterday. Fortunately with curls it isn’t too obviously a mess since it is always tousled anyway! 🙂
Mama Cormier
January 11, 2021 at 7:50 pm
I’ve written down the title for future reference. I also am the mother of twins.
mybeautfulthings
January 11, 2021 at 8:38 pm
Oh, I think you will find it hard too. Do let me know how you get on. 🙂
snoakes7001
January 11, 2021 at 7:13 pm
Hamnet is a fabulous & moving read isn’t it? I love Maggie O’Farrell’s writing. I’m really glad you enjoyed it too.
mybeautfulthings
January 11, 2021 at 7:29 pm
I remember you saying you had loved it when I was first given it. You were right – it’s magnificent! 🙂