Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inChildren’s Books, Dr. Seuss, I'm Reading a BookTags:, , , ,

You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!” 

Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

In our deepest memories of childhood, there is a moment when we meet someone, other than beloved parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., who will influence the trajectory of our life. For me, that was Dr. Seuss. I fell in love with books, the first time I read the line, “I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like then Sam-I Am.”

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” 

Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

I met up with Dr. Seuss on a visit to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. I took a moment to whisper a thank you as I climbed the steps that reminded me to steer in any direction I chose. I was not the only one to stop and read the wisdom beautifully positioned on the stairs.

There have been many mountains and journeys since I first entered my “Dr. Seuss” library many years ago. Over the years, I have enjoyed many portions of green eggs and ham. Delicious!

Out there things can happen, and frequently do,
To people as brainy and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen, don’t worry, don’t stew.
Just go right along, you’ll start happening too!”

Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! was Dr. Seuss’s last book to be published during his lifetime – January 22, 1990. It was his final gift and the world received it with joy and enthusiasm. It has become a popular gift for students graduating from high school and college. We are all children, are we not?

You’ll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up 
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s 
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never foget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Let’s keep moving mountains!

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

10 thoughts on “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”

  1. What a delightful piece about Dr. Seuss. He influenced a lot of children and young people at a time in their lives when they were open to great and positive influences. I, also, as a parent learned and profited by his wise and helpful encouragements for his valued friends–and he had many, world-wide!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Frances, for introducing me to Dr. Seuss as well as all the wonderful poetry for children. Do you remember “The Swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson? This was the first poem I memorized, with your help.

      How do you like to go up in a swing,
      Up in the air so blue?
      Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
      Ever a child can do!

      Up in the air and over the wall,
      Till I can see so wide,
      Rivers and trees and cattle and all
      Over the countryside—

      Till I look down on the garden green,
      Down on the roof so brown—
      Up in the air I go flying again,
      Up in the air and down!

      Source: A Child’s Garden of Verses (1999)

      Like

    1. Everyone was stopping to read the words. I had to be quick on the photos as there were people waiting to climb! Can’t hold people back from climbing mountains. Glad I have you as a climbing partner.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. And I you – what a wonderful adventure! ‘Life is a craft no one masters. But we will see an abundance of amazing colors, beautiful views and stunning insights along the way.’ ~ Ricky Maye

        Liked by 2 people

Comments are closed.

%d bloggers like this: