Posted by Ed Kiser on September 08, 2001 at 22:53:11 from 209.255.186.238:
Thanks to ARC...
I've read them all before - many times - and now in my retirement
years, I continue to enjoy slipping away to be with those
childhood friends of so long ago, those special friends that
never seem to grow up, but that remain delightful to be with, to
dream with, to share adventures with.
Of course, I'm referring to the Ransome series, and to those
wonderful characters he made so real to me throughout my life.
So these books get re-read, and amazingly enough, each time some
new facet seems to come to life. I wonder why that little event
had slipped my notice on previous readings.
The re-readings have been done with the pausing place marked
with a simple bookmark, a piece of light cardboard, with in one
corner the two crossed flags of the Swallows and Amazons, the
logo of the Arthur Ransome Society, and in the other end the logo
of the Arthur Ransome Club, with the featured artwork there in
the center of a sailing ship that probably will never be seen on
Coniston Lake as it looks much more like the kind of ship to me
used by Missee Lee. On the reverse side it says "Three Milion
BANZAIS to TARS from ARC - May 2000".
I've had this bookmark for over a year, and it is being well
used. The artwork is elegantly done. I don't know WHO did that
artwork, but I do wish to extend my thanks to our friends in ARC
that produced this little token that has become an important part
of my re-enjoyment of these most delightful stories.
When these bookmarks were first distributed over a year ago,
there were at that time utterances of thanks from many who
appreciated this little gift.
Having enjoyed this item now for over a year, I just felt that it
was time to repeat those thanks. The bookmark is greatly
enjoyed, as each time it is used, it serves so well not only to
mark my place in the current book being loved again, but it also
is a great reminder that the stories of Ransome appeal to readers
all over the world, that I am not alone in my pleasure of
reliving adventures of my childhood.
So, to our dear friends in ARC - THANKS for the bookmark, THANKS
for sharing your love for things Ransome with us.
"Swallows and Amazons Forever"
BANZAI! BANZAI! BANZAI!
Ed Kiser - South Florida