Ridgefielder, Jessica Collins finds Charlotte's Web by E. B. White "On the Children's Shelf"

"'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing." - E.B. White
 
I don't remember the first time I read E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web." I feel like it has been a part of my life forever. I have always loved it, and I've read it more times than I can count. It is one of my most favorite books. It may sound odd to say a spider, a little girl, and a barnyard full of animals taught me about the kind of person I want to be, but they did.
 
This week, E.B. White's beautiful Maine home went up for sale. So obviously, I'm in the midst of packing up my house to move to Maine.  I'm kidding, only partially. I wish I could buy this house, but alas, it is not in the cards for me right now (perhaps when the next owner is ready to sell, it will be to me). However, in my mind, I've already moved in. I'm imagining the walk down to the boathouse to sit at the desk White built where he wrote "Charlotte's Web." I'm planning to write "On the Children's Shelf" from that exact spot with my dog asleep at my feet. I'm imagining my children swinging on Fern's rope swing in the barn. I might need to get my own pig, named Wilbur, of course.
 
The current owners said they hope an E.B. White fan buys the house. Ah, how I wish this home was  being sold through one of those fabulous essay contests where they pick the one who would love it the most. I consider myself to be a huge fan. One of my children's names was inspired by the book. We can't eat pork or bacon in our house because one of my children loves Wilbur so much that she can't bear the thought of eating a pig. 
 
If I had to pick my favorite spot in the world, it would be Acadia National Park. We have been there many times and continue to return. Standing in that beautiful space restores me. I feel my worries slip away and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. As I read an article on E.B. White's house, the writer mentioned the views of Acadia. I never knew White's house overlooked Mount Desert Island, but of course, my dream house would. 
 
So while I am imagining myself walking through this magnificent house drawing inspiration from the same views that E.B. White enjoyed, please go reread "Charlotte's Web." If there is one children's book every adult should read at least once as an adult, this is it. I'm going to go enjoy my daydreams of moving in to my dream house. It is certainly "some house." And if by any chance the current owners are reading this and are now considering an essay contest, I would just like to add that I wouldn't change a thing as I think it is absolutely perfect.
 
You can revisit my thoughts on "Charlote's Web" in the Gilmore Girls Challenge here.
R
Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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