WHY DID I NEED TO REREAD POLLYANNA?

Recently, I thought of Pollyanna and decided to reread it because Pollyanna is the quintessential cheerful character, and I wanted to see how the author, Eleanor H. Porter, produced this character. Did Pollyanna go around all the time with a smile on her face? Is that why the other characters thought she was cheerful? What were some things she did to let people know she was cheerful? Some acts? Were they contrived or natural?

That's why I decided to reread it. I wanted to examine Pollyanna and see if she was real. In recent previous posts, I've sung the praises of Pollyanna and the Masterpiece Theatre version of the DVD, so I won't repeat them. But it was definitely worth the time I spent. I learned that yes, you can have an innocent, cheerful character and at the same time have depth of character.

Interestingly, I was in my husband's office the other day and saw my old college annuals on his bookshelves. Waiting for him to finish some phone calls so we could go out to lunch, I opened them and started reading what my classmates said about me when I was only 18 and 19. I've posted some, below, but before you read them, remember that I've been on a soul-searching journey for over a year now, where I was filled with self doubts and even cynicism concerning my personality and my writing. Reading these kind comments encouraged me and in a small way have helped me be comfortable in my skin—the way God made me.

"Seeing your smiling face has brightened many of my dreary days. I think you are one of the sweetest and nicest girls at SEBC."

"You helped me so much. Your prayers seem to touch heaven. 'Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.'" (Proverbs 31).

"You are a very sweet person."

"You're a great girl with a sweet, sweet personality. Stay that way always."

"Thank you for how you have helped me so many times."

"You are a very sweet person with a great sense of humor."

"There a lot of things I would like to say but I'll limit myself. Your Christian testimony has been an inspiration to me. In my opinion, you are one of the finest young ladies on campus."

"That little ball of red hair attracts my attention anywhere on campus when I see it bobbing. Stay as sweet and naïve as you are now. You are precious."

"If one person on this campus has made an impression on my life, you have! I think you are one of the best. If ever a person made me think about certain things, you have."

"Thanks for being the spice in my life this year."

"You're about the nicest girl at SEBC—and fun to be around. Thanks for the influence for the good you've made on me."

"As I look back over this year, your face stands out so vividly. Your sweet face and deep concern has meant so much to me."

"Even though you can flip your hair—I'm not really jealous of you—you're a cool girl. I admire you for being a fine Christian and I'm eternally astonished at your innocence. God love you."

"You've made an impression on my life with your thoughtfulness and kind ways."

"Knowing you has been one of the most unique and refreshing experiences of my educational career. I did not know people like you existed (except in the movies)."

These comments were confirming to me, validating even.

In my cheerful, innocent Pollyannaish, Christyish style (voice), I'm about to write a brand new story…