The Disney books



A well used book and record set







A 35+ year old set belonging to Matt & Mark now handed  to the next generation.  Looking at the books  was a trip down memory lane. It took me an inordinate amount of time to 'prepare' the books for Bianca.  I really did spend time cleaning each page but I lovingly lingered over every one.  And I read most of them again.  And then read them again to Bianca.

                                          !

This hungry, drooling big bad wolf gave me pause though.  He wants to eat these cute and happy pigs!

Next on our list of reading today would be Hansel and Gretel whose adventure leads them to an old witch who  eats children!!! 

Really?? We read these to our little ones?

Am I going to cause a bad dream tonight? 

'This might be scary Bianca.'

'I like to be scared' Bianca answers.

                                          

The illustrations are vibrant and wonderful.  Walt Disney was concerned with the quality of Disney art and the books produced certainly are a showcase for that. 

                           



Capturing a childs attention



A rock climb



A winters day view of the rocks



                                          

Who can resist the allure of scaling a rocky peak.  The playground has all kinds of climbing equipment but it was left behind for the fun of running down a grassy hill and then scrambling to the top of the rocks. 

                                                   

Kalina and Bianca had just met but when you have reached a summit together there is a special bond.  And if you get to slide to the bottom in a joyous descent you have really had a good day.

                                                                                    

Dream the dream



Victor Hugo







Poor Little Cosette





  It was like a dream to me.  Les Miserables the 25th anniversary production was in town and I finally made it to the theater to see it.  Victor Hugo's timeless story of redemption,love and sacrifice set to beautiful lyrics and music is irresistible.  It is so universally loved that it has played in 41 countries and in 21 different languages.  Still I was surprised when Erika's sister and mother who speak Brazilian Portuguese were excited to see this English version.  But no wonder when the story is in one form or another beloved by so many.. Erika told me it was a most favorite book of her fathers. We went to the opening night and it fulfilled all expectations even though we were in one of the last rows at the top of the balcony and we were lucky to get these seats at the last minute. 





Opening night of Les Mis at the 5th Ave theater



The presentation was  'grittier' then the 10th anniversary show I fell in love with on PBS to fit the harsh lives of the characters. The brooding backdrop scenery was inspired from Victor Hugo's own paintings.  The voices beautiful although I wish Eponine had toned it down a wee bit.  Who am I - one night at a musical in the past two years and now I'm a critic?

And then another wonderful night at Les Mis with my brother,Floyd (who remembers seeing movies at the 5th Ave in its former life).  We both commented on the intensity brought to the stage by the players .  Having seen it just two weeks before it was amazing to think that these performers can make every show the perfect experience.  I had never thought about  what it takes to do that night after night.



I may have the musical Les Mis out of my system now that I took it in for six hours this summer.  But the story keeps reverberating in my head and so I will re-read the book that started it all. 

And I just have to toss this in the mix.    Les Mis song in modern and practical setting   At the protests in the Wisconsin Capitol this year, the music of the Students at the Barricades  fits the moment and still stirs the crowd.  Not the heartpounding professional theater version but hearfelt just the same.