Friday, December 18, 2009

The Secret Garden


image courtesy of wikimedia.com

A classic children’s story and film, The Secret Garden is a wonderful story for young and old alike. My sister read this book with me when I was growing up and we delighted in the mystery, the suspense, the tale of friendship, healing and redemption. One Sunday recently TCM showed it on TV and I re-watched the film that was made before I was born…which is a long time ago!

And what came out of it was seeing again how faith, attitude, and love can change what is into what can be. For those of you who don’t know this charming story, it is about a walled garden in England that has been locked up for 10 years, since the owner’s wife was killed in the garden by a falling tree branch. Their child, now 10, lays crippled in a bed, never going outside, and growing up lonely. The owner’s niece, who has grown up in the Crown Colony of India, comes to live with her uncle and discovers little Colin hidden away in his bedroom, fully believing he will die as a child.

I won’t give away the rest but the healing powers of nature come into play, as well as the faith, love and friendship that arise between the children. What I walked away with this time was a fervent desire to encourage each of you to read this charming story, many of you for the first time. Or rent this sappy old movie, which I adore. It is pretty simple given all the special effects we are used to, but I for one am continually drawn to these simple old movies where the story often comes out right in the end and there is a clear moral teaching in it.

Maybe this is my reaction to the craziness and uncertainty and unwanted changes that are occurring in this world. A return to something simple, clear, and morally right feels good. Still, it is a lesson worth remembering about how powerful nature is in the healing process, how a clear vision and faith in that vision can make a difference, and how having a strong friendship and support system can change a life.

15 comments:

  1. I love old things too ...and that was one of my very favourite childhood books!

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  2. I have not read the book, but I did see the movie. It is very special indeed.

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  3. Sarah Lulu...how wonderful! I just love this story!

    Dessa, yes, it is a very special story! I'm so glad you liked it too!

    Thanks for stopping by you two!

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  4. Thank you for your comment on my blog. I am going to check out The Secret Garden, it sounds beautiful!
    Blessings,
    Carla

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  5. Carla, let me know how you like it! And enjoy it with your daughter! xo

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  6. I, too love this story. It's been so long since I read it. I'll have to read it again.

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  7. Oh I so love this story and the old movie. There is something about old movies, as you say. There is an innocence and purity that comes out through the acting rather than the special effects. May the Warmth and Joy of the Winter Season Fill your Hearts now and always. Love and Light, Nina P

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  8. I love this book. You reminded me of what I already know. That is why in the last part of my life I moved to the edge of the woods surrounded by nature. The support system of like spirits that came through my journal writing - has been a joy and more help then any of them realize.

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  9. Mermaid, this book seems to strike a cord with so many of us! Enjoy the re-read!

    Nina, wish we could curl up and watch old movies together! We seem to both enjoy them! Thank you for your lovely blessings and I send them back to you and your family.

    Merry Christmas everyone!

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  10. All these classic stories have such a great life vision in them. They are all beautiful and show how life can be.
    They are indeed treasures in these crazy times.

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  11. Wilma, seeing "great life vision in them" is a wonderful way of looking at those old stories. I love how you phrased that! They are just so steady and solid, something we can hold onto during this upheaval! xo

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  12. I've never read this story. I'll have to get it out of the library. One of my favourite movies, at this time of year, is Miracle on 34th Street. Another very simple message delivered with a twinkle in an eye.

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  13. Oh Carolynn, I love that one too! The more modern version, not as good as the original, was filmed in the town we used to live in. I remember all the excitement....and rerouted traffic! Great film and story!

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  14. Hi Diantha! "simple, clear and morally right" sounds like the path we BOTH want to be on - yes, maybe a refuge from the crazy world stuff! I'll take it!

    Have a holiday as sparkling as you are!!!
    Hugs
    SuZen

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  15. suZen...Have a holiday as beautiful and fun as YOU are! Here's to a new year that is "simple, clear and morally right"!!!! xo

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Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog. I value your input and thoughts. I send you each a blessing today for your highest good to be served. Namaste.