The Alps - I never would've heard about The Alps if it hadn't been for the story of Heidi. Once again I read the book "Heidi" by Johanna Spyri a short while back - but grew up watching the animated TV show(the first time being with "A Little Princess" ).
Heidi begins as a story of a 5-year-old young girl, who has been under the care of her aunt Dete who now wishes to put her in the care of the girl's grandfather- so that she can take up a job elsewhere. The Grandfather of interest however lives up a mountain slope-in the Swiss Alps, away from most of his closest neighbours- who live below in the town. He's got a bad reputation- how much of it is true, we aren't told- but for good reason, as it isn't really that important for the main story of Heidi. Despite all of this Heidi is dropped off at the unsuspecting grandfather's house and Dete leaves immediately-lest she be forced to take the girl back with her.
On the long walk to her grandfather's house, Heidi meets Peter who is a goatherd close to her age.
The story goes on to show us how Heidi (not merely "copes with" but) enjoys life up in the mountain- where she is well taken of by her Grandfather (whose goats she comes to adore), Peter, Peter's mother and Peter's grandmother.
The story is Light, refreshing as is Heidi's strong willed nature. We learn as she learns about life. However, a twist in the tale develops when Heidi is whisked away by aunt Dete to Frankfurt where she is made to be a companion to a rich and slightly older girl named Clara - an invalid (not completely physically fit).
Heidi's adventures continue in Frankfurt, however she misses Grandfather, the trees and the animals (that her home in the Alps had plenty of) and begins to grow sick of the tall buildings.
She can't bring herself to say anything about her home-sickness to anybody though, lest she be perceived as an ungrateful little girl - as mentioned by Rottenmeyer (the care taker at Clara's house, as her mother has passed away). Heidi somehow confides her innermost feelings to Clara's grandmother who is an bright woman who notices Heidi's sad stature.
The rest of the story goes on to talk about Heidi's journey back, followed by Clara's visit to the Alps and surprising events that follow.
The story has been a genuine blessing in my life, although when I was a child I used to wonder if Heidi were not "too perfect" a person. But that was just my baseless envy talking, and now that I've read the book I would definitely recommend to anyone with time and patience.
Sometimes we underestimate the simple things - and then later regret it. Are we dwelling on the perks of all the things Right Now has to offer us?? :) and if yes are we continuing to be grateful for it and trusting that God who Loves us will somehow take care of the outcome of situations? If not what is stopping us?
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| Heidi Children's book/ Classic |
Heidi begins as a story of a 5-year-old young girl, who has been under the care of her aunt Dete who now wishes to put her in the care of the girl's grandfather- so that she can take up a job elsewhere. The Grandfather of interest however lives up a mountain slope-in the Swiss Alps, away from most of his closest neighbours- who live below in the town. He's got a bad reputation- how much of it is true, we aren't told- but for good reason, as it isn't really that important for the main story of Heidi. Despite all of this Heidi is dropped off at the unsuspecting grandfather's house and Dete leaves immediately-lest she be forced to take the girl back with her.
On the long walk to her grandfather's house, Heidi meets Peter who is a goatherd close to her age.
The story goes on to show us how Heidi (not merely "copes with" but) enjoys life up in the mountain- where she is well taken of by her Grandfather (whose goats she comes to adore), Peter, Peter's mother and Peter's grandmother.
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| Heidi with Snowflake |
Heidi's adventures continue in Frankfurt, however she misses Grandfather, the trees and the animals (that her home in the Alps had plenty of) and begins to grow sick of the tall buildings.
She can't bring herself to say anything about her home-sickness to anybody though, lest she be perceived as an ungrateful little girl - as mentioned by Rottenmeyer (the care taker at Clara's house, as her mother has passed away). Heidi somehow confides her innermost feelings to Clara's grandmother who is an bright woman who notices Heidi's sad stature.
The story has been a genuine blessing in my life, although when I was a child I used to wonder if Heidi were not "too perfect" a person. But that was just my baseless envy talking, and now that I've read the book I would definitely recommend to anyone with time and patience.
Sometimes we underestimate the simple things - and then later regret it. Are we dwelling on the perks of all the things Right Now has to offer us?? :) and if yes are we continuing to be grateful for it and trusting that God who Loves us will somehow take care of the outcome of situations? If not what is stopping us?
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