I’ve written many times of my dream to own my book store, B’s Knees Books (complete with the Newfoundland, Louisa May Alcott). Today I was reminded of why I have this dream:

I have a dear friend/co-worker who is about to have his first child. For the baby shower, guests are asked to bring their favorite children’s book. Without thought or hesitation, I knew the exact book to choose – Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney.

Barbara Cooney was my favorite author/illustrator as a kid. She wrote Miss Rumphius, Hattie and the Wild Waves, and many others. She illustrated the Boxcart Man and Emily.

Miss Rumphius is about a young girl who makes a promise to do three things in her life, go to faraway places, live by the sea as an old woman, and do something to make the world a more beautiful place. She manages to do the first two quite successfully, but struggles to figure out what she could do to make the world a more beautiful place. She finally decides to sprinkle lupine seeds everywhere goes transforming the landscape.

Even as a young girl I found the book inspiring. I too wanted to do all those things Miss Rumphius does. While I haven’t really done any of them, I’m hoping there’s still time. I wanted so desperately to plant lupines in our yard, but Mom assured me they wouldn’t grow in our extra shady yard. I also asked Mom what she did to make the world a better place. Her answer, “I had three beautiful kids.” Ahhh shucks.

Man, I miss being a kid.

So, what are you going to do to make the world a better place. I’m all for some suggestions on how I can manage that.