Often, I think it would be fine if the French poodle could take over the world, because they’ve certainly been more intelligent in the last few years than the human being, and they have great charm, grace, humor and intelligence. — Celestine Sibley quoting James Thurber, writer, humorist (1894-1961)

Some say that ever’gainst that season comes. Wherein our Saviour’s birth is celebrated, the bird of dawning singeth all night long. — Celestine Sibley quoting Marcellus in Hamlet

Once I heard or read about Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist, reporter, and novelist Celestine Sibley who wrote news stories and columns for over 60 years, published 25 books and died at the age of 85, I wanted to know this woman. I searched archives but could find nothing of Sibley’s work. Off and on I would think about her, eventually accepting that her writings were no longer available.

Then last week I stumbled on a stash of Celestine’s books. One was a collection of her columns. I ordered three of them spanning from 1975 to 2001. Two of the books had inscriptions in the front. “Day by Day with Celestine Sibley” was published in 1975 and sold for $4.95. The inside inscription read “To Nell with love Ada-Christmas 1975.”  The same book had a school boy’s picture. A note on the back gave his name, 6th grade, 11 years old, 1990. There was also a bookmark-leatherette, with the name Cadle, The Nations Family Prayer Period, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206. I had found a treasure trove. The quotes above are from Celestine’s columns. She loved and shared quotes as much as I do, a kindred spirit.

Throughout December, I’ll share a few of Celestine’s treasures found in her books as follows:

“Jackie’s (the poodle) arrival a few years ago has changed the ‘I’ of Muv’s life to ‘We.’ The frisky little puppy adapted herself completely to the ways of an elderly woman (Celestine’s mother.) She gets up when Muv does, goes to bed when Muv does, and even comes in from the yard and curls up at the foot of Muv’s bed when it’s afternoon nap time. She is somebody to talk to, somebody to cook for, and somebody to come home to-a patient little waiter-by-the-gate and inquisitive company when there’s yardwork to be done, and she likes the Lawrence Welk show.”

Also “It has been my ambition all my life to stay up on Christmas Eve to see if the animals talked, as they are supposed to at the hour of the Baby’s birth. I’ve never made it, being either too sleepy or too busy trying to put toys together with no more suitable tools than nail files and beer can openers. But I believe the legend that at the moment of the Savior’s birth there was a great calm on the earth with all nature pausing in reverent adoration and then the animals began to talk. What did they say? According to the old tales, they spoke in Latin. The cock crowed “Christus natus est” (Christ is born); the raven asked, “Quando?” (When?); the crow answered, “Hac nocte (This night). The ox put in “Ubi” (Where?) and the lamb said, “Bethlehem.”

Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].