Today's been a quasi-challenging day around the hobbit-hole. Ginny had a bad teething day and she only took one nap (more on her napping battles in a couple of days). Buuut... it has been so gloriously sunshiney and spring-like that it made dealing with a screaming toddler bearable.
Today, being the second day of the A to Z Challenge, is all about the letter B! And while there is an obvious choice for me for favourite fictional character that starts with B, I'm going with someone (or rather something?) a little bit more obscure.
I'm not sure how many of you have read the Mitford series by Jan Karon, but it's another series that I usually read every year. It's not intellectual or academic, by any stretch, but it is a story that will get inside you and take up residence in your heart. Seriously, I cry at the same points EVERY SINGLE TIME I READ IT. Primarily centered around Father Tim Kavanaugh, a 60 year old Episcopal priest in this little southern mountain town is a confirmed bachelor, until a lovely new neighbour moves in. Mitford is populated with all sorts of colourful characters, including the slightly batty old lady who lives in the ramshackle mansion on the hill, a freckled red-headed little boy looking for 'a place to take a dump', a fugitive who takes up residence in the attic of the church, and Barnabas...
Barnabas, a very large black (roughly the 'size of a buick') dog of unknown origins who adopts Father Tim in the first chapter by basically tackling him on his way to the church. The only thing that seems to control the beast is when Tim recites scripture at the top of his lungs. Barnabas becomes Tim's faithful companion through all the ups and downs of trying to lead a small town parish and trying to win the heart of his lovely neighbour. Ol' Barn has adventures of his own, including getting dog-napped by some very unsavoury back-woods types, and having to rescue the Father and his neighbour when they are trapped in a cave.
I love him, for his humour and loyalty, for his 'humanity', and for his gentleness. If I could have a big dog (or any dog at all really) I would want it to be like Barnabas.
Any 'B' characters out there that you love?
(By the way, I don't have anything against Zs. I don't know why, but blogger keeps dropping the Zs from the "A to Z Challenge" Insane.)
Love, love, love the Mitford series, too! One of my favorites! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny... it's another series that I held out on reading for a while because so many people told me it was great. (I'm contrary that way) But I'm so glad I finally gave in and read it. It's one of those series I read when I need something to pick me up.
DeleteI absolutely LOVE the Mitford series. Did you know that Mitford is based on a real town in North Carolina?
ReplyDeleteHave you read all the series up through the ones after Father Tim retired?
I didn't know it was based on an actual town, but that just makes it all the cooler. And, oh yeah, I've read everything Mitford/Father Tim related. I'm only missing two of the books from the collection... her most recent and the second collection of quotes. I even have the cookbook & kitchen reader. :)
DeleteNever heard of it before, but I'd totally read it. I am IN LOVE with big dogs... GIANT dogs. They are SO amazing and wonderful!!! Can you tell from my profile pic? LOL. That's Louie he was my sweet English mastiff. (He passed a few years ago and I just can't replace him.) 245 pounds, and 3 foot at the shoulder, and sweet as the day is long. I could totally imagine him being in the scenes you are decribing. *sniff*
ReplyDeleteMostly I'm drawn to smaller dogs (I would love to have a pug or a french bulldog) but Barnabas is such a sweetie in the books that it makes me want to go to the local animal shelter and find the biggest cuddliest beast I can find. :)
DeleteI don't know if I could do an entire A-Z on literary characters so you go girl! Mine would read like K=Katniss, R=Ramona the Great, E=Elizabeth Wakefield (Sweet Valley High), hahaha. I think I'll probably find a bunch of good ideas for things to read though so thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSorry about Ginny's teething. Ruby's at the tail end of her molars and was Super Grump yesterday.
LOL... I am already struggling with a few of the letters, but I'm sure I'll come up with something. I just wanted to have a focus...
DeleteGinny's actually struggling right now with one of her front teeth. It's been sitting there forever and now it's finally starting to make its move. I'm looking forward to this whole phase being over.
I like your blog description. And according to your definition of Hobbit, I am one, too!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, and welcome to the Challenge!
KarenG
A to Z Challenge Host
Thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteI LOVE that series, even being a Buddhist. My secret: when we build our house, I've thought of getting 2 Saint Bernards and naming them Barnabas and Hildegard (after Hildegard Von Bingen).
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this book but it sounds interesting. I love the name barnabas! Maybe that is what I should call who is still not yet named?? ;) my B vote goes to Boromir, I just love his character!!
ReplyDelete