The Joy of......

The Secret Garden by France Hodgson Burnett

Right around this time of year I re-read this book every year. I never read it as a child as I didn't know about it until I was in my 20's. I've always been a reader but, there are many children's classics that I never got around to until later in my life - Ann of Green Gables was another one that I stumbled upon later. Once I started that one I read the whole series non-stop.

The Secret Garden is such a beautiful and mysterious story. I love how Mary blooms into a warm, caring person by connecting with the garden and the life inside. It enables her to care for the people around her. She does maintain her stubborn streak which also makes her a strong, charismatic person. The images the book produces make me feel like I'm there in the garden with Mary, Dickon, Colin and the little robin enjoying a spring picnic of scones and tea. I enjoyed the movie as well even though it doesn't follow the book in certain parts but, the feeling is the same.

My dream is to one day have my own secret garden. I tried to create one in my current yard but, the gophers seemed to love it as much as I did! Hopefully, when we move, there will be a little patch somewhere for a few flowers and maybe a chair or two. Everyone should have a secret garden on their own - whether it be an outside hide-away or a special nook in your home. Everyone needs a place to sit and focus so they can forget about the frustrations of the day and remember that everything around us needs to be cared for one way or another.

Do you have a secret garden or secret hide-away? If so, I would love to see pictures of it if you would like to share.