When I was a kid, I had an obsession with a particular book that I discovered in my 5th grade reading textbook, which was a compilation of dozens of stories. It was called The Wreck of the Zephyr by Chris Van Allsburg (who also penned and illustrated the more well-known Jumanji). The story centers around the fantastical concept of flying boats!
What captivated me most, besides the obvious nautical theme interest that’s been with me my whole life, was the ILLUSTRATIONS. The artwork has forever haunted me since; for me, it’s some of the most beautiful illustrations I’ve ever seen. It’s lush and vivid, yet mysterious (you never see the full face of the characters). I totally get why I would always flip to this particular story in that 5th grade textbook; it was a dreamy maritime landscape I wanted to mentally escape to, and often would, much to my own inner-world comfort. 🥰 I’d daydream about it, wondering if somewhere on earth there was a seaside village that looked just like it.
As an adult, I purchased the actual book!! It remains my favorite childhood story. Here are some of my favorite illustrations from it:
Keeping with the theme of boats here, this Talbots skirt I recently purchased secondhand on Poshmark (for a great bargain!) says it all; I love the nautical aesthetic so much that I just HAD to have a skirt with nautical flags printed on it!!!
So if you love something, don’t be afraid to wear it. Let your freak flag fly, or in this case, your nautical flag fly. Hoist it up!!! 🚩
The Big Hair Diaries 
Anchors away! I love the nautical look. Have you ventured out on boats and ships? The illustrations are wonderful. I can see why you would be draw to them. The first one brought to mind “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. Are you familiar with that book? Our daughter loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!!! I have been on a couple of boats and a ship; ultimately I’m terrified of water, ironically, and prefer to stay on dry land! Never read “Where the Wild Things Are”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Look it up online. I think you will really like the illustrations. As a desert boy. I like being on dry land. I loved to swim when I was young. I don’t like swimming as an adult.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so cool that you tracked down your favorite childhood book! The concept of flying boats certainly seems fascinating, and I can see why you were drawn to the illustrations. I love what you wrote about it: “I totally get why I would always flip to this particular story in that 5th grade textbook; it was a dreamy maritime landscape I wanted to mentally escape to, and often would, much to my own inner-world comfort.” Finally, I adore your nautical flag skirt! What a find! You really made it your own with the cherry socks and anchor barrette (thanks for that, by the way, I got a kick out of seeing it again!). As always, way to let that freak flag fly! ⚓🌊📕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!!! 💗 That anchor barrette paired so perfectly with the ensemble! ⚓️
LikeLike
The artwork in that book is really amazing 😍 It’s interesting that you noticed you can’t really see the people’s faces… something so mysterious and slightly spooky about that. Love the skirt! The entire outfit, actually 😊❤️⛵
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!!! ⚓️🎀💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
What beautiful illustrations! Looks like the perfect story to start the imagination! And that nautical skirt and rest of the outfit looks marvelous on you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!!!
LikeLike