Little Women

Have you read this glorious book?

If not, I implore you to pick it up and give it a read.

I recently was walking around Babies R Us with Georgia (something we often do on rainy days or when I'm bored) and saw the movie Little Women on sale for $10.  I don't often buy movies, as evidenced by my paltry collection of about 7, but the ones I do buy are my favorites!  So, I bought it on the spot and then remembered how I had the book on my Kindle (because it was free!) and started reading it again.

It's been so long since I've really been swept up in a book and it feels so good to get lost in another world again!  I've been reading it as much as my own little one will allow.  This book is just so amazing!  There is so much wisdom in the book and it's especially poignant reading it as the mother of a young girl!  I desperately want Georgia to have a childhood full of exploration, of climbing trees, of reading books, of endless imagination and plays and poetry and silliness and joy!  I remember back to my own childhood with my sister full of bike rides and expeditions through the woods, playing house, swinging on vines and rope swings, countless hours with my barbies and dolls (yes, I was that girl), and awesomely bad skits, newscasts, workout routines (a la Jane Fonda), and music videos.  We were an odd bunch!

While I also grew up watching tv, I had a great balance, I think, and I crave that for Georgia. 

I can just feel the love this family has for one another and between the sisters bursting off the pages!  I laugh and cry along with them.  I know this will be a book I read over and over.  I already have fanciful dreams of reading a chapter a night or so to my 'little woman' when she is older! 

I'll also confess it has made me long for a whole brood of girls!  But, I know if my next is a boy, I'll be thrilled as well. 

There are so many wonderful quotes, I have no idea where to begin, but here are a couple of my current favorites:

"Learn how to value the praise which is worth having, and to excite the admiration of excellent people by being modest as well as pretty."

“My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother.”    

“...for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.”    

 

“...the love, respect, and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy.”