I saw the title of this post pop up on my phone and my mind instantly flew back to a cold winter’s day in New York when my 11-year-old-self was flipping through TV channels. I stopped when I stumbled across three old fashioned men with golden helmets putting out a fire inside a house with the family (and the family dog) crowded around - everything in chaos.
I had missed the beginning of this drama and had no idea what it was called. Even if I had known, the name “Dylan Thomas” would have meant nothing to me. But I was intrigued and wanted to know what would happen next. When the boys peered up at a woman “who always said the right thing” and waited to hear what she would say, I waited with them. The moment she surveyed the scene and asked the firemen if they wanted “anything to read”, I no longer cared what it was called, I knew it was magic.
I eventually figured out what it based on and read the story a few times since. But it’s been decades since I last thought of it. I’m not sure why you decided to post this today but I’m so very grateful you did. There are some times in life when I forget that magic exists and it’s nice to have a reminder.
Thank you for your beautiful comment, Maryah. I’m now so very pleased I posted this story. And thank you for sharing the link to the film. I adore Denholm Elliott and smile every time I see him in anything. He just oozes warmth! 🧡
Thank you for this much-beloved selection. Reading this work has been a favorite Christmas tradition since my childhood, but I think I love it even more as an adult. Every time I read his writings, I am captivated anew by his luminous imagery and emotional vibrancy.
I saw the title of this post pop up on my phone and my mind instantly flew back to a cold winter’s day in New York when my 11-year-old-self was flipping through TV channels. I stopped when I stumbled across three old fashioned men with golden helmets putting out a fire inside a house with the family (and the family dog) crowded around - everything in chaos.
I had missed the beginning of this drama and had no idea what it was called. Even if I had known, the name “Dylan Thomas” would have meant nothing to me. But I was intrigued and wanted to know what would happen next. When the boys peered up at a woman “who always said the right thing” and waited to hear what she would say, I waited with them. The moment she surveyed the scene and asked the firemen if they wanted “anything to read”, I no longer cared what it was called, I knew it was magic.
https://youtu.be/GrLDaAG7j_o?si=rhVDbV5PMydv_aln
I eventually figured out what it based on and read the story a few times since. But it’s been decades since I last thought of it. I’m not sure why you decided to post this today but I’m so very grateful you did. There are some times in life when I forget that magic exists and it’s nice to have a reminder.
Thank you for your beautiful comment, Maryah. I’m now so very pleased I posted this story. And thank you for sharing the link to the film. I adore Denholm Elliott and smile every time I see him in anything. He just oozes warmth! 🧡
Thank you so much for the link to that charming film. We watched it this evening and were quite enchanted.
That’s wonderful! I’m glad you appreciated it :)
Thank you for this much-beloved selection. Reading this work has been a favorite Christmas tradition since my childhood, but I think I love it even more as an adult. Every time I read his writings, I am captivated anew by his luminous imagery and emotional vibrancy.
Thank you for reading, Ali. I love Christmas stories 🎄
What a fabulous writer. Thanks for posting
Thank you for reading, Christine 🤍
This is a delight to read. Thomas' recording of it is sublime, about the only thing that moves me at Christmas these days.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Jeffrey. A little early, but the Christmas cards have been in our local garden centre since August…
😲
Wonderful to read this again, thank you, Victoria.
You’re very welcome, Maureen 🤍
Victoria, thank you for posting this. I loved the story and regret never taking the trouble to read it until now.
You’re very welcome Zuzu. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. And the film ☃️🤍
I’ve always loved that! Thank you for posting it…
You’re very welcome, Dorinda ☃️
Haven't read this before. Thank you, Victoria.
You’re very welcome, Mary 🤍
Always loved this. And the John Cale song by the same name!! ♥️
Thank you for reading 🤍☃️
"Bombilating" should be used more often. Thank you for sharing this perennial favorite.