Monday, June 21, 2010





I happen to know Mr. Toad.


You know, the one from "the Wind in the Willows".



      I have to say that he is not conceited at all, even though Kenneth Graham thought that it would be fun to paint him with that beloved black brush. He is confident because he really truly is a genius. Nothing seems to be beyond the scope of his interests or expertise. Whatever he does, he loves and does wholeheartedly. True, when he finds a new passion, he's madly focused ~ intent, even. He thinks about his new venture as an adventure. His enthusiasm is completely contagious. He's actually infected many others with a deep love of these same pursuits ~ influencing and changing their lives. This is because, he is eager to share and an earnest teacher.



Indeed, his home is Toad Hall, by the river. He has never been in a deep dungeon with metal bars and a rusty key for the lock. His purchase of his red motor car was clearly on the up and up. He is, also, dear friends with Badger, mole and the water rat, as I know full well!







It is true, Toady is ardent, ebullient and exuberant!


 











He is keen, passionate, rhapsodic!


He is zealous and, well, yes ~ a tad obsessed and fanatical!










Don't we all love to live life this wholeheartedly?


To be absorbed, engrossed, passionate, yeah, even preoccupied!



















But what is this???



Gasp! 













Oh, my! Could it be?













It is LOVE and wonderment!!!






A new mania!!!



.....hmmm, I'd best get rid of these weeds!
 

 





Happy Father's Day, Mr. Toad!



Love, Moley and Rat!





*Illustration by Inga Moore


Yes, I know, I know...... I should be the one to talk.......

12 comments:

  1. "Don't we all love to live life this wholeheartedly? To be absorbed, engrossed, passionate, yeah, even preoccupied!"

    I have a question for you, Katy...

    Is Mr. Toad a blogger??? ;-)

    Loved this...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  2. Toad is one of my favorites! He never fails to put a smile on my face--how can you argue with that :)

    I like the new look, btw.

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  3. Dear Daughter,

    I am compelled to admit it . . . I have often been the victim of my enthusiasms.

    Toad

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  4. Dear Katy, Let us be serious on this occasion, and for once! This is a most engaging and beautifully written posting which draws the reader onwards, never quite certain in which direction it is going, nor indeed where it will end up. A highly original and charming take on Father's Day.

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  5. Oh Katy- your way to tell a story is so wonderful! I love it... I don´t know Mr. Toad- but he looks funny :-)
    We had father´s day in May... I hope, Mr. Tom enjoyed that day with his lovely sons...
    Love and kisses- Ines

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  6. Victim of enthusiasm? You must be talking about me! :0) All the time...which can get a person into plenty of trouble (as I'm sure YOU already know!) Great one my dear girl! (don't forget the tweezers when you tackle the weeds!) XOXO (love the new look)

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  7. Dear Katy Noelle,

    Lucky girl to have mr Toad standing by you, inspire you and help you. He sounds like a great man to me!!

    Just read your comment on my blog. You sound a bit disheartened (I hope I used the right word). Don't give up on your garden!! It will take years before it will be what you dream about...and even then, you will have to adjust your dream all the time. Just see the beauty in little things, like those beautiful weeds you picked, the stepping stones that are already in place and the birdsong in your garden... They make the fact that it doesn't go as fast as you want less important.

    Meanwhile...I think you might need some help!! I understand that you and mr Toad help out others a lot. Why don't you ask the people you helped and your family and friends to help you out! It worked for us.

    What you can do is make a fun day of it and do what you are good at, so that the helpers have a lovely day out as well. I remember your lovely post about the afternoon tea and those delicious cakes and pies you made.....bake them, lay a table outside, eat together and work together... It will help!!!! You simply can't do everything on your own.

    Well, this sounds like a sort of sermon.....was not my intention, but you sounded so sad!

    I love the colour of your new walls and look forward to see the pictures! And, to answer your question...yes I am a very even going type.

    Take care,

    Lieve groet, Madelief

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  8. Hi Katy Noelle,

    Something strange happened, blogger put in a advertisement link at my word 'work'. I don't know how it happened. Sorry!

    Lieve groet, Madelief

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  9. Katy, I know you are busy with the weeds and all :0) but please stop by my Caravan. There's a little something for you there! XO

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  10. Oh! my darling Katy where do I begin? I am lost for words to describe to you the gratitude I feel for having you as a friend. You are priceless, a rare gem of a friend. Your genuinely loving and caring comments always lift my spirits and your sense of humour is a delight to read. I don’t mind sharing with you the fact that I often keep your comments in a special folder to revisit when I need a boost of uplifting. It is astonishing how we have bonded albeit we have never met in face to face. I thank you my darling for being a precious friend, for sharing with me your wisdom, for your gracious remarks and for your support when I need it the most, for all of this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    I must say I am so glad you decided to share your husband’s innocently hilarious comment with me. It came to us at a moment of despair. Honestly, the timing couldn’t have been better. It turned a heavy and dark topic of discussion to an elongate laugh session.

    On a different note, Rosemary (Lady R) is doing much better of late and in my opinion is ready both physically and mentally for her chemo sessions. She has a long battle ahead of her, but I am certain she will prevail.

    I am delighted to be back blogging again and look forward to our daily visits. Take care my friend. I wish you a sunny and happy summer full of blessings.

    Love & Hugs
    Duchess

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  11. Okay - I have to hear the whole story now! This is our second attempt at a garden. We've had too much shade before but with Mr. and Mrs. Liquidambar gone we now have enough sun and we are loving it.

    Really enjoy your blog and I just became your latest follower.

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Short and witty, long and heartfelt, just a blip to say hello - I love all of your comments! Feel free ...

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