Friday, August 08, 2008

the Muffin Mouse approach

Back in the days before The Child could read, this was one of his favorite books, and I read it to him frequently. I always thought it offered the best approach to life that I could imagine. Muffin Mouse awakens each morning and greets her alarm clock, then her toothbrush right off the bat. "Good morning, alarm clock. Hello, toothbrush." Turn the page, and Muffin Mouse says,"Good morning, clothes. Hello, yummy breakfast." Muffin Mouse is glad to be alive, and greets the mundane with undying enthusiasm.


I can imagine the heyday Muffin Mouse would have with this scene. This is where I sit most mornings, reading and feeding the wildlife.
Muffin Mouse peeks out her window to a sight not unlike mine. When I am in a state of awareness, sometimes I greet The Child when he awakens with reminders of what Muffin Mouse would say. "Hello, world. Good morning, birds. And good day to you, Mr. Mailman."


Wouldn't Muffin Mouse be enthralled to see my chipmunk friend who visits me each morning!


And the hummingbirds fit right into Muffin Mouses's perfect world of harmony, bliss and wonder.


Each day presents an unusual activity of some sort. Muffin Mouse is all about finding joy in life, and constantly expressing her appreciation.


And the world answers back.

20 comments:

Laurie said...

Oh Betty!!!! It's GREAT to have
you back. I love that post makes
me think you're feeling better. I
have been worried about you.

Here's wish you the best!!!

Good Morning Betty and Child!!!!!!


HUGS!!!!!!!

Monogram Queen said...

That is a great approach! I've been worried about you too.

Lynilu said...

Oh, I'm so glad you're back!

I love that story. I don't always succeed, but I try to operate with that kind of happy-to-be-here attitude as much as I can. Somehow life seems easier that way.

Hugs!!!

Constance said...

Betty,
I am always in awe at how pretty your environment is ! Glad that you are back and posting again :)

Kacey said...

Muffin Mouse is darling. I bet "the" child is too grown up for "Muffin" now, but the rest of us are just the right age to appreciate such a cute character. I love your setting.... hope you are beginning to like it better.... your park is just beautiful.

Mary Ann said...

Hello Betty! And hello to your marvelous outdoor breakfast nook.

Big Dave T said...

Has the Muffin Mouse been holding you hostage the past month? Nice to see you on an even keel and enjoying even the little things in life.

I remember reading some of my kids' stories over and over and over. Henrietta's Halloween was one of my son's favorites.

Dust-bunny said...

I used to LOVE reading that book to my kids. Although I must admit, my favorite children's story is "The Sneetches" by Dr. Suess. Actually, they could use to read that one now as teens.

Betty, it almost seems to me that you are really appreciating the country setting that you are in as opposed to the city location that you wanted...?! I love the photos you have been posting, and I'm almost jealous that I can't be sitting there in that setting drinking MY coffee!! It looks wonderful.

Hope all is going well with you!

B.S. said...

Dear Laurie,

Thanks for worrying- I'm flattered. I will try to keep going.

Hugs,
Betty

B.S. said...

Dear Patti,

Thanks for your concern!

Hugs,
Betty

B.S. said...

Dear Patti,

Thanks for your concern!

Hugs,
Betty

B.S. said...

Dera Lynilu,

Yes, I've noticed that attitude of yours. It certainly seems to work well for you!

Hugs,
Betty

B.S. said...

Dear Annie,

I know you've always liked my environment. I often think of youi when i'm walking through the park.

hugs,
betty

B.S. said...

Dear Kacey,

Indeed, we're just the right age for Muffin Mouse! The Child still likes the book too, although he'd never admit that in public.

Hugs,
betty

B.S. said...

And hello to you Mary Ann! It's a fine day we're having, isn't it?!

Hugs,
Betty

B.S. said...

Dear Big Dave,

I should be so lucky as to be held hostage by Muffin Mouse! I'm going to have to look up Henrietta...

Hugs,
Betty

B.S. said...

Dear Dust-bunny,

You actually know Muffin Mouse!!?? I've never encountered anyone who knew of that book!!!

My son could never tolerate Dr. Suess, believe it or not, and as a result, I don't really know his books.

I am appreciating the setting where I live. I have not gotten over my thing for the city, by any means. But being unemployed, my options are limited, and I'm lucky to have any roof over my head at all. I'm not sure how long I can keep the house.

Hugs,
Betty

Anonymous said...

I, too, would read "Good Morning Muffin Mouse" to my son. Now 12, he still remembers it. It was absolutely our favorite for a good couple of years before he read himself. That was how I found your post - I wanted to get a copy for a friend who has a baby. I was pleasantly surprised! You made my day!

Marietta

Anonymous said...

I love that book! My grandma would always read it to me and nicknamed me Muffinmouse. As I have gotten older I have dropped the muffin but now go by mouse! I was very excited to see your post! Thank you for sharing~!

Mouse

emma-lee said...

I am 16 and i remember reading it as a child :) i loved it and i always walk around loving mornings, even monday mornings, because of the lessons in that book. For some reason I got it in my head that it was "good morning miss muffin mouse". Not sure where i got the miss from :P I have always loved the pictures too.

I dont know you, but i hope that things are alright for you. i noticed that it sounds like at least when you wrote this, u were having a hard time. I love the way you worded the post, it was true poetry and made me "aww" haha so i wish you the best. be strong and remember that even strangers can care :) <3