Wednesday, December 23, 2009

All I want for Christmas is Professor Bhaer

Had my annual holiday lunch with my friend, Mindy. We've known each other 30 years (I met her at the same company where I met John and Cathy) and while our lives have both changed tremendously over the decades, she has remained fundamentally the same: Sweet, guileless and romantic in her world view.

One of the first things we bonded over back in those long ago days was books. So it wasn't unusual that before we exchanged gifts we happened upon two of our favorite characters -- Agatha Christie's Poirot and Jo from Little Women. I reminded Mindy that she is the only girl I know who related to Beth, the middle sister who dies, as she read the Little Women. She laughed and said the dying part does make Beth kind of a bummer role model, but says as a girl she was just as shy and dreamy as her favorite March sister. There's still a lot of young Beth in grown up Mindy. We agreed that I remain ineffably Jo: independent and impatient.*

When I opened my gift, I was happy to find a key and lock necklace (not unlike this one) and matching earrings! We both expressed the hope that I will find my own Professor Bhaer, Jo's supportive and accepting lover, who proposes to her as they stand together in the rain, sharing an umbrella. Since it was raining today, we figured it would be easy for me to find my professor today because so many men had umbrellas. It's an umbrella that would really be the key to unlocking my heart.

It's a sweet fantasy and a generous wish for the New Year. Which makes it very Mindy.

* We can both name women we know were Megs as girls. Jo is one of the first heroines I ever related to. And, of course, Mindy saw herself in Beth. But do any girls see themselves as Amy (spoiled and superficial)?

6 comments:

  1. I just re-read Little Women a few months ago - I was so Jo too. Then we went and visited Alcott's house where she wrote it - just a few minutes away! That was a nice treat. Here's hoping your Prof. Bhaer wears a Cubs hat ;0)

    Merry X-Mas!

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  2. What a beautiful and thoughtful gift! Someone knows you very well!

    (I must confess I've never read Little Women. I should, shouldn't I? After all, I slogged through four Twilight books. I might need something to cleanse the palate!)

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  3. Merry Christmas Gal...have a great New Year!
    Keep your eyes open...for the Prof!

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  4. Merry Christmas Gal!

    I have not read the entire "Little Women" but I saw the original movie numerous times and Jo is my favorite March sister.

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  5. I should re-read Little Women. It's been a long time. I can see you as the plucky heroine.

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  6. I'd like a Professor Bhaer, too. And if looked like Brad Pitt, that'd be okay.

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