Reading Log Vol. 22 | Tove Jansson's 'Comet in Moominland'

It had been since my student days that I last read Moomin.

For the first time in my life, I bought it with my own money to read.

It all started when,

while listening to Kazuyoshi Saito's 'Snufkin Song'

with one earbud in and a coffee in hand,

I took a personality test and got Campaigner (ENFP-T) lol,

which led me to start reading a collection of Snufkin's quotes,

and before I knew it, I was reaching for the entire series lol.

When something is named, its true nature becomes visible.

“That terrible thing now has a name.
It is called a 'comet'.
” The sky looks the same as it always does.

However, once you know its name,

you can no longer see the same scenery.

Sometimes, remaining in a state of vague anxiety

is actually less frightening.
Knowing the true nature of something

demands resolve in exchange for peace of mind.
I feel like that happens more often after becoming an adult.

Increasing one's possessions is a terrifying thing.

“I just look at things.
When I leave, I store them in my head.
I find that much more enjoyable than carrying around a bag.”
That line from Snufkin.

Trying to bring things back makes you heavy.

But if you store them in your head,
you can enjoy them as many times as you like while staying light.
I want to increase the scenery in my head rather than the contents of my bag.

Even amidst anxiety, there is a small light.

The comet is approaching, and the world might end.

Even in such a tense situation,
Sniff leaves milk out for a kitten.

“By then, even this universe might have settled down, you know.”
Beside a great anxiety,

a small hope is shining brightly.
I feel like that is the kind of story Moominvalley is.

---

I started reading on August 5th.
In the story, the comet's closest approach
was also right around August 4th and 5th.

That's too perfect to be a coincidence lol.

Reading Moomin again in my 40s,

it hits me in different places than when I was a child.

Anyway, I'm off to Hamasta now.

Rather than a comet,
I'll be getting emotional over every single pitch right in front of me lol 🏟️🌟🍻

Also, lately, I've been practicing Kazuyoshi Saito's 'Snufkin Song'
on the kazoo and baritone ukulele lol ♪♫〜🎺