THE DICK AND JANE DAYS
Like most of the souls behind the eyes reading this, I appreciate words. In fact, it’s not at all a stretch to say I love words. Always have, going all the way back to the Dick and Jane days.
I got a slight advantage when it came to words back in the early days of school. The tool, or one of the main tools, for dealing with a kid with a speech impediment was reading. I was forced to use that tool a lot. And while my mathematics surely suffered, my reading didn’t, least wise until I finally figured out how to say my dead gum “R’s”.
By the time I hit fourth grade I was a regular at the school library on Friday afternoons. I don’t remember the librarian’s name, but I remember her and her New York accent. She was the person that introduced me to Beverly Cleary. I read everyone of her books that they had in our humble grade school library.
The librarian loved that I loved books like she did. Her face would light up with passion as she’d recommend books for me. Eventually she had me reading books that were aimed at teaching life lessons to teenagers, even though I was a long way from being one.
Being all boy, the librarian knew that I’d love and devour the books by Henry Gregor Felsen. And that I did. I loved the mental pictures of those chopped coupes. That’s probably why I still appreciate early ’30’s coupes, especially a ’33 Plymouth… say… bright purple?
My book loving librarian gave me another “must read” titled “It’s Like This, Cat”, by Emily Neville. It’s on my top twenty books of all time. I liked it so much that I ended up with a paperback copy of it. And four years later I was that kid who ended up being moved to the big city… with a couple of cats to keep me company.
As time went on, even with the distractions of sports, girls, and cars, I devoured all the classics, Steinbeck probably being my favorite. Bill Shakespeare probably my least, although I recognize his genius. So it’s probably not a big surprise that the kid born in Arkansas and raised in the Arizona desert has read more Louis L’Amour books than you can shake a stick at.
The world of words are a lot like many things, in regard to the gift of using them. I marvel when I see what a professional basketball player can do with a ball and a hoop. A mason brandishing his trowel with mastery, a carpenter sinking a nail with amazing speed and precision, a chef, with the same ingredients we all have access to, making something taste like it’s out of this world.
When I read words, basic words, words we all know and have access to, put together in a way that makes me think or just enjoy the gift of telling a story, I’m gratified in my soul.
When I ponder words, and my utter respect and love for them, I can’t help but hear the words from John 1 in my head; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
The Word was Jesus Christ and the interpretation of that word “Word”, in part, in Greek is “Divine Expression”. God’s perfect Word. Nothing we can say or create will compare to the most powerful and perfect Word.
But we appreciate The Word and the words from Him. It’s part of being made in God’s image, I believe.
So in the season of Thanksgiving, don’t forget to be thankful for the words we share… and ultimately The Word. ‘Cause if you’re like me, you love Words, going all the way back to the Dick and Jane days.
Sunday, December 1, 2019 @ 10:20 am
This takes me back as well. I used to love to read! If I wasn’t drawing or painting, I was reading. I could knock of an entire novel in two days, and on to the next. During reading time in school I finished off an entire reading assignment in class. I can’t remember if I kept all the details though. I also loved the library. It’s too bad today they are going the way of the antiques.. but man the treasures you could find in them! However the vast amount of knowledge and stories in the Libraries, and in fact, the internet, don’t even come close to what is written in the Bible! How cool is that?!!!!
Sunday, December 1, 2019 @ 12:43 pm
I have always loved reading. The Hardy Boys were some of my favorites, as was Chip Hilton. I read every sports book I could get my hands on. I can remember in elementary school reading books on cowboys and indians, explorers, and various other people. I loved reading so much I used to hide a book inside my textbook in class and read. Yeah…as if he/she didn’t know it. 🙂 But I love the Word the best…both living and written. I am thankful for the Word who gave His life and I am thankful for His Word which gives life.
Sunday, December 1, 2019 @ 6:14 pm
You said “Bill” Shakespeare. I don’t think his mother ever called him Bill.
You crack me up….
Monday, December 2, 2019 @ 4:51 am
I, too, am a lover of words as far back as Dick and Jane and a lover of the Divine Expression in written form. One of the greatest gifts I gave to myself was Webster’s Original 1828 Dictionary. You had to see how I took care of that large dictionary! It’s still in like-new condition. Now I use the web version. All the time. And that brings me to a happy place. I hope your Thanksgiving was expressive to your soul, Floyd!
Monday, December 2, 2019 @ 5:41 am
Oh, yes, Floyd, I’m definitely a fellow lover of words, and I recall Dick and Jane as though it were yesterday. Like you, too, the library was my best friend growing up, and I’m not a happy camper unless I have a book with me at all times.
But the Word – now that is priceless and precious, surpassing any and all “other” words. Thankful for God’s Word made flesh in Christ Jesus – thankfulness no earthly words can describe.
Blessings!
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 @ 4:47 am
I loved this post, Floyd. I can totally relate to all that you shared here. Reading is my inspiration, my source of knowledge, and my escape. And God’s Word offers the wisest words of all. Great post!
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 @ 8:47 am
It is interesting to read of your love of words and reading and to realize that all those years ago, through all that reading, you were laying the foundation for the excellent writing you do today. It is wonderful that you had the librarian who encouraged you and nourished the gift she obviously saw in you. Your writing is full of depth and so meaningful and such a blessing to me and so many others. God bless you for sharing that gift with us here!
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 @ 9:12 am
I learned to read with Dick and Jane, and the library was a favorite. My parents had to almost force me to go outside and play instead of read. I still love to read, but there are so many good books it is difficult to read them all. I shop the books at our local Good Will and find many excellent christian books for a small amount of the original cost – – and I give them away hoping others will enjoy reading too.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 @ 5:41 am
Ah, Beverly Cleary. I loved her, too! I’m glad she was part of your journey to using your own gift of words. You definitely have been blessed with that, Floyd, and we all benefit! Thanks for sharing your journey with the Word.
I still have a Dick and Jane book around here somewhere…
Monday, December 9, 2019 @ 5:20 am
Floyd, you truly do have a gift for words, and can make me see and feel what you are describing so vividly. This post truly takes me back. The first books I remember were the Alice, Jerry and Jip series from first grade. My parents had third grade educations so didn’t read to me as a child. Then later the Dick and Jane books. Dick and Jane were so advanced, they not only had a dog, but a cat too, if I remember correctly! 🙂 Living with alcoholic parents, reading was my escape back in the day from a sad home life. I’ll be eternally grateful for it, as I’m still such an avid reader today. Presently I’m catching up on John Grisham novels. BTW, I’ve finally started blogging again.