Halloween is a few short days away, and each year when I see the kiddos all dressed up (the real kids, not the college ones) I think of my childhood costumes. I was Pippi Longstocking multiple times- it was my all time favorite costume. I thought she was so cool, but couldn't really pin my 4-7 year old finger on why. Now, as an adult, I realize Pippi Longstocking is a total bad ass, because Astrid Lindgren wrote her to be one. The top 5 reasons Pippi is my childhood- and let's face it- my adult hero:
1. She is independent. She lives by herself, because her mother is dead and her father is out at sea. Somehow she survives, and does it in style. My all time favorite scene is when she cleans the kitchen floor with Tommy & Annika wearing the scrub brushes as skates on her feet. Who knew cleaning could be so fun ?!
2. She is a tomboy. The girl is always 1/2 put together- she never matches. Her stockings are 2 different colors, her hair is disheveled and sticks straight out in 2 braids, she wears random aprons & scarves, and wears big boots, and yet- she is absolutely perfect! I didn't like dressing up & being girly so I obviously found comfort in that Pippi didn't feel like it was important either.
3. She is strong & confident. Pippi is strong enough to pick up her horse! She showed that is was cool to be a strong girl way before the "strong is the new skinny" movement. I also loved how she was so confident in who she was- no apologies or complaints. In one part, she is offered a cream to cure those "who suffer from freckles."
Pippi says, "I don't suffer from freckles". The lady takes one look at Pippi and bursts out, "but my dear child, your whole face is covered with freckles!" "I know it," said Pippi, "but I don't suffer from them. I love them".
4. She is a really good friend. Pippi has a small but close knit circle. She is always there for Tommy and Annika, and shows that loyalty is more important than mass popularity.
5. She always has fun! Pippi is not in the best of circumstances, but she is always smiling and looking to live life to the fullest!
3. She is strong & confident. Pippi is strong enough to pick up her horse! She showed that is was cool to be a strong girl way before the "strong is the new skinny" movement. I also loved how she was so confident in who she was- no apologies or complaints. In one part, she is offered a cream to cure those "who suffer from freckles."
Pippi says, "I don't suffer from freckles". The lady takes one look at Pippi and bursts out, "but my dear child, your whole face is covered with freckles!" "I know it," said Pippi, "but I don't suffer from them. I love them".
4. She is a really good friend. Pippi has a small but close knit circle. She is always there for Tommy and Annika, and shows that loyalty is more important than mass popularity.
5. She always has fun! Pippi is not in the best of circumstances, but she is always smiling and looking to live life to the fullest!