photo by Heather of TendershootZ, dress by Ella Kate Designs
photo by Heather of TendershootZ, dress by Ella Kate Designs
One book from childhood that really caught my fancy was The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Imagine my delight when these winsome photos of my granddaughter sent me sailing back to the days of Mary's adventures in a place so magical it healed her heart and taught her to how to heal Colin's. Influenced by the joys of nature, beauty, and rebirth (as well as Dickon, who represented all three), she left behind her unloving and unlovable shell and became what she was always meant to be: a lovely and caring young girl.
Of course, Carli is already a lovely and caring young girl, and she is very much at home in the outdoors. In fact, upon further reflection, it occurs to me that only Mary's best self could ever hold a candle to the captivating sprite who is my granddaughter. I wonder; do these pictures reveal the sweet secret of who their subject is?...a natural and enthusiastic explorer and cultivator of life, with an inherent magic all her own?
Sue that is a comparison that touches my heart.
ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely gorgeous pictures of your granddaughter and they are indeed winsome.
They do capture the spirit of The Secret Garden and all the innocence of childhood.
I loved that book too- thanks for the reminder, now I have something new to read with Emma.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of your granddaughter are so lovely- you can tell she's a happy kid. And I love that dress she has on it is darling!
Carli looks very expressive, very engaging in life. And she dresses the part! How old is she?
ReplyDeleteShe's five, Jill. And yes, Carli is VERY engaged...in EVERYthing!
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PS. The dress is by Ella Kate Designs, and there is a link under the pictures, if you like it.
The dress is beautiful as is Carli. Lovely images! The Secret Garden is quite possibly my favorite book ever. I've read it dozens of times, and, in fact, I just read it again a few months ago. I still love it.
ReplyDeleteCan you believe I have never read The Secret Garden? How can I have missed this? I guess I will have to read it now. Can it be that I have read it and because of my advanced age, I have forgotten it?
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of Carli are so beautiful. Heather's children are so photogenic. I cannot imagine how many pictures Heather has taken of them. Lucky children to be able to have them when they are my age.
Well, I did look up "The Secret Garden" because somehow in the back of my mind I felt I should know something about this book. I found out it was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett and was published in its entirety in 1911 in England. When I read the summary, it did seem as though part of it were familiar. When I then read that a movie of it was made in 1947, with Margaret O'Brien playing the part of Mary, I remembered seeing that movie when I was 20. It remained in my mind as being quite haunting. Then as years went by, I just forgot it. Strange how I never read the book, but now, I am going to get it for my library. I'm so glad you did this blog. Now I have something to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteSue, your granddaughter is simply lovely! What beautiful photographs..and they show such a vibrant spirit.
ReplyDeleteI love the image of her with her hands on her heart, as if she is singing! How adorable!
Can you believe I've never read that book!
ReplyDeleteThose pictures are so darling...I love that they show personality.
Can you believe I've never read that book!
ReplyDeleteThose pictures are so darling...I love that they show personality.
I hate to be the one to stand out... but I had to read that book in 5th grade and I hated it... I thought it was so dark and scary... goes to show what a wimp I am about those things ;) Maybe I would like it better now.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book until I read the Little Princess! The pictures are fantastic. I cannot wait for my session with your talented daughter in law.
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming post!!
ReplyDeleteSo so sweet.
I'll bet she never celebrates I HATE MOM DAY
Gorgeous pictures! I've always loved The Secret Garden too.
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