How often do we wish that, beyond the hardcover, the words upon the pages we delve into were real? Vivid they may be, but one cannot help feel sad at the inability to escape into a perfect world.
Yesterday was a snow day for my school, and today as well due to this monstrosity of a blizzard! Yesterday I managed to finish four children's chapter books - including the Pippi Longstocking series. I remember reading the books as a young elementary school gal (in between getting in trouble and writing my wrongs on a paper over and over at "detention" during recess) and attending the play, however the world of Pippi Longstocking and her beloved home Villa Villekulla never quite sank in. After reading it now, as a senior in high school, Pippi's world is one I long quite strongly for. Pippi is the embodiment of what every child and teenager wishes to be - one free. A ridiculous life is led by Pippi, who lives in a large home all by her lonesome self with a monkey, a horse, and a big chest of gold coins pillaged from her sea travels. Devoid of manners, Pippi is unconcerned about what she says or who she offends. Pippi is Pippi - no one can change her, talk down to her - lest they be crushed by her incredible strength (tossing grown men into the air as punishment with one hand!)
As a child I often tried to have my own adventures. I attempted to live a life parallel to that of Pippi Longstocking. Alone time in my backyard was enjoyed most of all...I explored, befriended fireflies, found a pet rock whom I named Ralph. He became the best secret keeper that I knew. My favorite place in the whole world was in my backyard. There is a hollow bush and tree connected which I would crawl through to my secret underworld. Here, no one could find me. Here, the world was skewed towards my active imagination. I set up a chair and constructed a fake telescope. Aimed creepily towards my neighbors yard, I would pretend I was a spy in a submarine, as the bushes left me completely enclosed. Just as Pippi sailed the seas, I was discovering underwater worlds and creatures. My dogs became horses, and I was their jubilant circus leader riding and parading them around the yard (German Shepherds were certainly capable of carrying me around the yard.) My backyard became my beacon of peace. My paradise. My forever morphing stage.
My whole life I have longed for the lives of others - within books, on television shows, even others whom had less parental control than I. Now, looking back, I would want no other life than that of one where I was contained in my backyard..well, of course I was allowed in the house sometimes, too ;) Not only children need imagination to bud into creative, successful people. Imagination is vital to enjoying life. For all of us need an escape. When that escape is not monetary feasible...simply escape into the mind. A whole world awaits.
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