Monday, April 20, 2009

The Lonely Doll

   Do you recall a certain book from your childhood that was like a security blanket?  A book you felt drawn to and couldn't stop reading over and over again?  This is that book for me, The Lonely Doll.  I read this book every week in the school library for a year when I was in elementary school.  I was six years old.

The simple story was written and photographed by Dare Wright in the early 1960's.  It involves a Lenci (Italian made) doll named Edith who is sad because she is lonely.  One day two teddy bears (Mr. Bear and Little Bear) appeared and became her friends.  The rest of the book tells us of their adventures,  Then, one rainy day, Mr. Bear went in to town .  Edith and Little Bear discover a dressing room and make an awful mess.  Upon his return Mr. Bear becomes angry when he sees the mess so he spanks both of them.  Edith is so upset by this that she can't stop crying because she is afraid that the bears will leave her and she will be alone again.  They clean up the room and apologize.  Edith asks Mr. Bear if he will promise to stay forever and he says yes...forever and ever...the end.

The reason I feel I was so attached to this book is because my parents were going through their divorce at this time and I used this book to guide myself through this ugly and emotional period in my young life.

I have a copy of this cherished book now.  A woman I barely knew gave it to me one Christmas.  Funny, she was worried I wouldn't like it because it wasn't perfect.  When I opened the package and saw the book with it's black binding tape, I was instantly transported back to the second grade.  When I opened up this book and smelled the familiar scent of the exact story I had held all that year......I cried!

I can NEVER thank Cheri enough for giving me the most magical gift!  I shall treasure The Lonely Doll for ALWAYS!!

ANGELO 

6 comments:

Wilmaryad said...

How come I haven't been notified you've written new posts? Weird!

I like the storyline! Books have the power to enrage, heal and comfort. And this one seems to have taken you by the hand and walked you through the difficult phases of a divorce.

You've had this book to resort to when your little boy's mind couldn't take anymore adult drama. I've had drawing.

Proves that art and literature are essential parts of some people's lives. And, by the way, you're no lonely doll. ;)

Great post, Micky!

Angelo di Gioia said...

Thank you very much Wilmaryad!!
Can we PLEASE take the time to get together on Skype???? my briend.

Wilmaryad said...

I'd like to, my briend. It'll just have to be on Thursdays, as it's the only day I don't have to abuse my voice at work.

I know I have been absent vocally-speaking, but I have to rest my instrument before work. :( Since I work everyday (and for long hours), I need to be careful.

Do Thursdays work for you?

Angelo di Gioia said...

I can do Thursdays either before work...(until 11am) or after which is 10pm my time...let me know what is good for you. I promise not to stay on too long for your voice's sake :)

Wilmaryad said...

Thursday before 11 am your time works for me. Let's say at 9 am your time?

You can stay as long as you wish to. I have Thursdays and Fridays off, now. That gives my voice time to rest :)

Angelo di Gioia said...

YEAHHHHHHHHH!!!! I can't wait Wilmy!!! 9a.m. it is :)