E.B. White on the infamous rope swing in his barn.
Today I was ‘in the barn’ when we opened the doors to our porch. E.B. White wrote about opening the barn doors at springtime in “Charlotte’s Web”.
Then came a quiet morning when Mr. Zuckerman opened a door on the north side. A warm draft of rising air blew softly through the barn cellar. The air smelled of the damp earth, of the spruce woods, of the sweet springtime.
When we opened the doors to the porch, E.B. White’s words were right there, because that was exactly how it was. I was in the barn, and on the porch. It was wonderful.
We sat in folded chairs, looking at all the work ahead. But for the moment, we talked, laughed, looked at the big wide world, and smelled springtime. Just as it happened in the barn in “Charlotte’s Web”.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I remember opening the porch in the Midwest. It was a big day and wonderful night (till the chill set in)
That’s how it is! 🙂
I love the photo of E.B. White on the barn swing. I’d not seen it before.
There is a wonderful book by Melissa Sweet, “Some Writer”, where she uses photos and other artifacts to tell the story of E.B. White. I love this photo!
It sounds like a delightful book!
It really is, Liz. Not a children’s book, but illustrated in that way. Right up your alley.
So many books, so little time!! (Retirement beckons . . . )
Haha! 😀
Actually, just flopping on the couch and reading all day is part of that second childhood I believe I was promised at some point.
Yes! 🙂
What a lovely comparison!
Thank you, Kim. 🙂
Great book and one that most of us can relate to in some way or another.
I feel the same way!
A wonderful feeling, Jennie!
And great, to be able to tie it in with a book so treasured!
One of those books that I always read to my class. A classic!
It is! It’s the first chapter book I read aloud each year.
Jennie, sense your joy at of the moment and love how it links to such a special book. That photo of him on the swing is wonderful, one can sense the childish exuberance that will never fade away! Happy Sorting out the barn! 😀
Thank you, Annika! 🙂
Happy spring!
Thank you, Norah!
How wonderful to be immersed in the story, physically. Great idea.
Thanks, Pam. 🙂
Lovely reflection!
Thank you!
Hi Jennie, thank you so much!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
This is a great story, Jennie. I just love spring.
Thank you, Robbie. That first breath of spring is glorious.
I had never imagined an American porch having doors. In my mind, it was used all year round, and open to the elements.
Best wishes, Pete.
Mine has doors from the inside (in the photo) a roof, and floor to ceiling screens all the way around. We use it from spring to fall. Best to you, Pete.
I didn’t know until I did a quick search today on the book. It was banned in Kansas in 2006 because they opposed the talking animals. I liked the book and loved the illustrations.
Isn’t that crazy? It’s one of my favorite books. Thanks, Miriam.
I hope it was only in one state, Jennie.
I do, too!
Hi Jennie, I love to send you the paperback of Tina Lost in a Crowd for you to read to your students. If you would like me to do so, please email me your address at mhurdle7@gmail.com. My order of books should arrive next week.
Hi Miriam. I appreciate your offer! My TBR list is way too long, (sadly over a year) so I doubt I would be able to read it anytime soon. I will order it on Amazon. Many thanks! 🙂
We love sitting on our porch; it’s a great place to rest and reflect.
We feel the same way! 🙂
We don’t have such a porch, but I have the same feeling when we take off the storm windows, put in the screens and let the breezes blow. Not yet though!
Yes!! It is much the same, and I think we are finally there.
The smell of the sweet springtime is always so welcome. I remember it from the farm especially. How wonderful that you took the time to enjoy it.
That moment when the barn opens, or the porch opens, welcomes springtime. E.B. White knew that well. Thank you, Darlene.
Seems i have to grab this book, too. You really have a romantic region. Best wishes, Michael
You will love it! Best to you, Michael.
Thank you for mentioning, Jennie! Great new reading stuff. hugsx
😀
😀
Pingback: The Barn in “Charlotte’s Web” and My Porch – MobsterTiger
Thank you!
It sounds magical and so poetic! I’d never seen that image of EB on the swing before. 😀
It’s one of my favorite images. It’s in Melissa Sweet’s book, “Some Writer”. E.B. White’s barn is magical. I’m glad opening my porch gave me the same feeling. 🙂
Me too! 😀