A morning with Maurice.

There were 2 bits of disturbing news on the radio this morning. The labour government's newly announced budget, and the death of Maurice Sendak.


Only 1 of them had profound meaning for me.


I had well laid plans to unpack, clean and prune today. But the sand in my shoes might have to wait while I take a moment to remember Maurice.


I found his books at the bottom of the chest of drawers in our bedroom, where many of my favourite childhood books sleep. 

I was looking for this particular one.

In my teens, rather predictably dressed in peasant smocks and wraparound skirts from India, burning incense and homemade candles, long hair bound in a leather aboriginal headband, and wearing the scent of honeysuckle...


...this tiny book [and another 2 - The Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull] were constant companions in my search for the greater meaning of life [and why I couldn't see eye to eye with my parents]. 
[If you're having trouble reading the words, click on the pictures.]

I wish I could say I had more adult and serious literature as a guide to my life, but there you are.

*

Here's an old copy of Where The Wild Things Are. 

It was given to me by Sister 1, probably in the early 70s. She was, at that time, a librarian and introduced me to many good books. [Not to mention, that glorious pot of honeysuckle perfume which even good money cannot buy these days].

*

These pages, from Some Swell Pup, made me laugh because it uncannily describes the relationship between Georgia, the Cushion and me.

*

It can be hard to let go of childishhood things. 

But then again, why would I want to?

*

For Imogen, with love x

Update Thursday: Last night, in bed, snug in my blankie and with my headphones on, I listened to some excerpts of interviews that Terry Gross had with Maurice Sendak which Pamela kindly shared in her comment below.


It was almost half eleven by the time I was done and I was an emotional wreck. But it was worth the snot on my pillow to hear Sendak's crackly old voice [the first time for me] and his thoughts on many things, love, life and death. 


Grab a hot coffee, maybe some tissues, curl up in a nice chair, close your eyes, and enjoy. If you're a Sendak fan, I guarantee you won't regret the hour. [There's also a transcript, if that's easier for you.]


Thank you Pamela :) x


"I have nothing now but praise for my life. I'm not unhappy. I cry a lot because I miss people. They die and I can't stop them. They leave me and I love them more. ... What I dread is the isolation. ... There are so many beautiful things in the world which I will have to leave when I die, but I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready."

Maurice Sendak, from an interview with Terry Gross.