Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Cat In The Hat & Springfield, MA


When I was nineteen, I lived in La Jolla, California for two years. During that time, I worked as a floral designer. Richard (who liked to be called Dick) owned the florist and he was an interesting guy. He knew many celebrities and often had me “do up” the floral arrangements for the events he hosted or was attending.

One of his closest and dearest friends was, Ted Geisel. I met Ted several times. He had an opinion about everything! Some of which I just can’t divulge. He did think I a was talker and called me Voyce instead of Joyce after he got to know me.

I’ve been thinking about him lately because I have been to Springfield several times in the last few months as I help organize this years NESCBWI “Keeping It Real” conference taking place April 20-22.

He used to joke about Springfield and that is all I going to say about what he would say about Springfield.

Just to keep this post interesting, here are the inscriptions in the two books he signed for me.

This a 1957 printing.


My 4 year-old signature
His opinion of my love of his book.
 Shortly before I returned to the East Coast he gave me this book.

And a warning!


 I often wonder how he was able to sum up my life in these two captions? He was just amazing!

Oh yeah, Springfield is also where my husband and I lived right after we were married. So here’s to you, Dr. Suess & Springfield, MA!

14 comments:

  1. Unreal I held the books in my hand because Joyce is my teacher and she showed all of us. AWESOMEEEE!!!!!

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  2. That is so special Joyce, thanks for sharing. Those books are priceless. Can't wait for Springfield this year!

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  3. How wonderful that you got to meet Dr. Suess! Nice post.

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  4. Hello, Joyce! Wow, I'm amazed you sort of knew Dr. Seuss! His nickname for you is so cute. What a wonderful memory of a tremendously gifted man. My favorite Seuss books are On Beyond Zebra! and The 500 Hats of Bartholemew Cubbins. :)

    Authors are my celebrities and I would be so so starstruck if I ever met one of my favorite authors!

    Nice to meet you and happy A to Z!!

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  5. Laura,
    Authors are m y celebrities also! Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. Dr. Seuss is always classic! Thanks for sharing this cool story.

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  7. That's a great celebrity encounter. Thanks for sharing!

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  8. Oh, that's lovely. I adore Seuss, my favorites being Oh, the Places You'll Go and Green Eggs and Ham.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog!
    Erin

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  9. That's awesome! Dr. Seuss and I spend every evening together since my 4-year old is a big fan. I may be able to recite Green Eggs and Ham in my sleep. :)

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  10. Great story to share. I hope you see your friend again. I love Dr. Seuss, still.
    dreamweaver

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  11. You were one lucky young lady!

    --Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2012

    Twitter: @AprilA2Z
    #atozchallenge

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