My friend Janet has been teasing me - she told me she ordered a gift for me as a way to say, "Congratulations on your new job." Tantalizing clues such as,  "Macy's is having a sale on Sag Harbor line . . . Looks like Alfred Dunner is on sale . . . " brought visions of appliqued adult Garanimal clothing to mind.

Today she gave me the gift.  She ordered it from eBay - she's been waiting weeks for it to arrive and apparently she's been searching for it for nearly a year.  She brought me a second edition copy of Nancy and Plum - my all time favorite book - ever.  It was written by Betty MacDonald - you may be more familiar with her Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books or The Egg and I series.  But Nancy and Plum was my favorite. This gift is priceless.  This gift made me cry. I was speechless.

As an adult I've reread it several times - going to read again.  It came from the public library of Mount Vernon, Ohio.  Opening it I found that intoxicating, old book smell.  Can't wait.  I'll wrap myself up in a blanket, turn on the fireplace, make myself a nice cup of tea and enjoy.

One of the things I longed for as a kid was to be loved by people who 'knew me,' who 'got me,' who I belonged to - maybe that's why this book resonated with me  - I wanted to go out and find where I really belonged.  Funny thing - it's right here - this is where I belong.  Thank you Janet for reminding me of that.