Pippi Långstrump

Whenever I feel that I need something refreshing to read or watch, and that is quite often, I take up a book or a movie on Pippi Långstrump by the legendary master writer Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002). The book came out in 1945 in Sweden, but I did not read it until several years later, and I have only loved it and identified with the independent single Peppi much later in life. Peppi's Christmas and the lonely lights from the windows of her house bring tears in my eyes.
I am having a distant good friend visit me tomorrow with a surprise, so watch this space. :-)

The following texts are quotes, but the italics are mine.

“No, I don’t suffer from freckles”, said Pippi. The lady finally understood. Then she happened to glance at Pippi and exclaimed: “But, dear child, your whole face is covered in freckles!” “That’s right”, said Pippi. “But they don’t bother me. I like them! Good morning to you!”

With her mismatched stockings, carrot-coloured hair and freckly face, not to mention super-human strength and resilience, Pippi Longstocking has become a cultural icon.

Pippi is regularly voted as one of the world’s favourite children’s characters; self-sufficient, quick-witted, generous and never letting anything – or anyone – shake her self-belief or take advantage.

No stranger to counter-culture, Pippi can be seen around the world in tattoos, celebrity photographs, works of graffiti and on catwalks as a symbol of female strength, resilience, kindness, fairness and acceptance.