You who so plod amid serious things that you feel it shame to give
yourself up even for a few short moments to mirth and joyousness
in the land of Fancy; you who think that life hath nought to do with
innocent laughter that can harm no one; these pages are not for you.
From The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood
In two days I embark on a journey to the land of Fancy. I have spent three years at UC "plodding among serious things" and am ready for a few Merry Adventures of my own. I've never been on an airplane (never!) and I've never been out of the United States, (well, the Canadian side of the Falls doesn't really count).
I've indulged myself the past few days with books that are not textbooks but real literature. I'd almost forgotten how much I missed that. It will be a real treat to actually visit the landscapes in the stories and surround myself with others who find "mirth and joyousness" in dusty old books.
I am looking forward to reading The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood aloud to my grandson Tyler on my return. He loaned me his small Bible for my trip (the only one that would fit in my tiny suitcase) so I owe him the treat of sharing "innocent laughter that can harm no one."
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. - Psalm 16:11
Oh, you are reading the Howard Pyle version of Robin Hood! That one is my very favorite. I so agree that it is such great good fun to allow the joy of fancy to help us refresh ourselves such that we can continue to do that plodding.
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