Thursday, April 9, 2009

Anansi's Globe of Light...

Growing up in the Caribbean, I was fortunate to be exposed to the oral tradition of African folklore. My favourite? Hearing my grandmother retell "Anansi The Spider" stories.

Turns out, my daughter's favourite book is "Anansi The Spider, a tale from the Ashanti", a modern adaptation by Gerald McDermott. How coincidental?

I had to read it to her twice last night because once just wasn't enough. It was sheer joy hearing her giggle as we read about Anansi getting in trouble, being rescued by his sons, and then finding a great globe of light. Because he couldn't decide which son to give this mysterious and beautiful globe of light to, Anansi went to Nyame, the God of All Things, for help. As the story draws to a close, Nyame takes the beautiful light up into the sky where he keeps it for all to see.

I then turned off the lights and opened the window blinds so my daughter could enjoy looking up at the night sky. What do we find?
















Why, it's Anansi's globe of light. What are the chances?

We laid in bed feeling quite special with our treasured find. We imagined inventive ways we could retrieve Anansi's globe of light from the sky. Then we watched the clouds race across the night sky and wondered where they were in such a rush to go. Her eyes slowly closed and she fell asleep with a big smile on her face.

I love my baby.

19 comments:

Operaton You said...

Oh, Se'Lah that is so beautiful! These moments are so, so special. You and your baby touched my heart. I must read Anansi The Spider, a tale from the Ashanti to Ms. J. Isn't Peace just simply divine? We love you both!

Sara said...

Oh how I treasure those moments with my own. Beautifully said. Happy Love Thursday!

Katie in MA said...

Your beautiful story gave me goosebumps! I bet that is a moment she will remember when she is reading Anansi to her little girls. Happy Love Thursday, Se'Lah! May that feeling of doing something just right follow you all day long!

margie said...

everything is about memories. soft, happy, funny, sad, hard. all the memories blend to make our children who they are and when they are grown they will choose their favourites and i promise you will be surprised and touched when your daughter recounts them to you, for you will then be able to share what has become hers.

Unknown said...

Ironically, I think my children and I were watching that same moon! I saw it as it was rising and pointed it out so we all took up a spot by the window and watched. It's those little moments that I cherish.

Happy Love Thursday!

deedee said...

A beautiful moment.

spread your wings said...

such a sweet moment for you. i haven't ever read that book.

kath said...

very sweet ... it was a beautiful moon last night, wasn't it?

Cam said...

Ahh, the moments of serendipity, Se'Lah...

Happy Love Thursday!

Bim said...

How very right that the globe was visible just when required. Happy Love Thursday!

Wanda said...

Oh, how I love that moon! Isn't it a delight that some stories are timeless?

sunnymama said...

What a lovely, magical moment! Your daughter must have been thrilled. I wonder if she dreamt about the moon :)

sunnymama said...

On, and happy Love Thursday!

Teri said...

A wonderful story. In my minds eye I can see you two snuggled up on the bed. Thanks for sharing.

AGK said...

Such wonderful moments.

And I've never heard the story!

3 Bay B Chicks said...

I gasped as I read this post. My mother read this story to my brother and I as kids. It is one of my favorites. I love that you are now able to share your love of this story with your daughter.

Wonderful.

-Francesca

Gill said...

I'll bet your baby loves you.
What a beautiful folk tale. I am going to look it up in my folk lore book!!! Guess I'll be reading it tonight before bed.
Small simple things make life so special. Connecting with our kids.
xoxo

Rebecca said...

Beautiful, simply beautiful. Thank you.

Angela said...

Beautiful story and spring moon. Thanks so much for sharing and stopping by my first Love Thursday. Peace.