I often refer to Miss Twiggley's Tree as a go-to literacy memory from childhood. It was at my Grannie Annie's camp and I loved reading it whenever I visited. In short, it's about a woman who lives in a tree with bears, dogs, and cats, because she can't stand people. Everyone in town makes fun of her and other dogs bully her dogs (because they do her shopping for her). She's an eccentric and a metaphor for anyone who is creative, cleaver, well-read, empathetic, and loving. Ah, but she's harassed, especially by the Mayor's wife.
Then the hurricane comes. They're all drowned from their homes and her tree is the only safe space. She saves them all and gives them warmth and comfort...even the Mayor's wife and bullying pups from around town. But she takes of everyone. She shares her goodness and grace.
It's written in rhyming couplets and always was a treasure for my ears. Little did I know she was my first introduction to eccentricity and being a good person (in spite of all the ugly creatures out there). I know that I'd much rather spend time with a Miss Twiggly than a Mayor's Wife. There are way too many of them, actually.
I'm requiring one class to finish the semester with a story of their own (which they have to create via Bear Books or Canvas). Tonight was an introduction, well a continuation to build for a creative project in the class. Miss Twiggly didn't fail. And I realized that in my elementary years she really was planting a role of the type of person I always wanted to be (although I don't sleep in a hat, invite bears, live in a tree, or have cats (I would sneeze).
Be well, Wednesday. Halfway through another week of insanity.
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