In which Moominmama gets ready to hit the road... 

Readers of Tove Jansson's books about Moomintroll know all about the adventures of Moomintroll and his friends: Sniff, the Snork Maiden, Snufkin and even Moominpapa with the eerie Hattifatteners. But Moominmama has always been the keeper of the home, the baker of birthday cakes and the washer of dishes. She is unruffled, the source of stability for her adventurous friends and family.

For me, as a mother who grew up with, and then shared, the delightful Moomintroll stories with my kids,  the characters and their adventures have a special resonance. Now it's time for me to leave the children to their young-adult lives and take to the open road. I'll be sending these missives as I roll along in a 17-foot caravan, a Canadian-made Alto Safari Condo, christened (with champagne, of course) the "Moominhouse."

To all my friends and family, I'll start by heading south to Georgia, the Gulf Coast and then northwest until I hit the Pacific Ocean. I do so knowing the best-laid plans of mice and Moomins oft go astray -- hopefully in some wonderful ways.

With all due respect to Tove Jansson, it's about time Moominmama had her own adventures.

 

Location: New Hampshire, USA

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