Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Happy Birthday Beverly

Back in April, when Lucy turned 9, one of my favorite authors turned 102
I wrote this in honor of her birthday

April 12, 2018

When I was a kid, I had a list of authors I loved and adored:
Judy Blume, Lois Lowry, Laura Ingalls Wilder, EB White, Paula Danziger, Michael Bond and Carolyn Keene to name a few
And then there was Ramona Quimby written lovingly and funnily by Beverly Cleary
Those were among my favorite books
I connected with Beezus - the older, put out by her kid sister, sister
But I secretly wanted to be Ramona
When I was a kid, I wrote Mrs Cleary a fan letter
I can't remember if she wrote back, you'd have to ask my Mum
But I knew I adored her
Because of her and Judy Blume, I really wanted to be a writer
In my head, these two women, the other authors, along with their characters, were my friends
When I was in my teens and and as a young adult, I would pick up Mrs Cleary's books and read them simply because they were an easy read and made me smile
(I'd also re-read Judy Blume's books to keep some of my angst in check)
Now I read them as a Mum with Lucy and I not only smile but am reminded of my own youth
I am reminded of why I love reading and writing so much
I am reminded how lucky we are to have the written word of so many great talents.....
Of how lucky we are to have such easy access to these wonderfully written works
And how lucky I and my daughter are to have the education to read these words
Today, Beverly Cleary is a 102 years old
She is a Living Legend.... how lucky we are to have her wit and wisdom on paper preserved for years to come!
Thank you Mrs Clearly for Ramona, Beezus, Henry, Ralph the Mouse and Socks
Happiest of days to you - and thank you for being my friend

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