I saw this meme at Semicolon, where Sherry listed the Ten Things She Loves that Begin with the Letter C. Sherry very kindly assigned me the letter R, and so, without further ado, here's my list:
1. Rainy days. Call me odd, but I really love them. I don't even mind a week full of them. They provide a great excuse to stay home and do the next thing I love ...
2. Reading. I'm sure most of my visitors agree with me here. As a home educator it kind of comes with the territory, but I've always loved reading. I was an early reader (3) and an English major in college. These days I am pursuing a living books education with my boys who, thankfully, also love reading (and being read to). It is by far my most favorite hobby, and considering how much I love crafts, that's saying a lot. :)
3. Earlybird. My youngest son whose real name, my maiden name, begins with the letter R. What can I say about my 5 year old sweetie that I haven't already said? He's a love, and boy, do I love him.
4. Religion. Which in my case is Roman Catholic. I was born and raised Catholic, attended Catholic schools and married a Catholic with whom I am now raising three boys in our beautiful faith. I will add to this one, I love saying the rosary - my most favorite prayers said with repitition and in a comforting rhythm. And speaking of rhythm ...
5. Rhythm. No not in the musical sense - I can't hold a tune. What I love is the rhythm of the year, the seasons that come and go. The way the same things happen over and again - falling leaves, morning frost, snow flurries, budding leaves and thunderstorms - each season bringing a new understanding of, and a deeper joy in, the natural world.
6. Rainbow-colored yarn. One of my favorite craft supplies. We have at least three different color variations - pastel, jewel-toned and brights..
7. Recipe cards. Especially those hand-written by my mum and grandma. Not just for the recipes, but for the memories. I love how they represent their (our) vocation - we are mothers, the feeders of our family; recipe cards are part of our homekeeping repertoire. How I love the recipe for Grandma's "Spig" Sauce (shorthand for spaghetti) written in my mother's lovely hand.
8. Red squirrels. If you've been following my blog for a while, you won't be surprised at this entry. After my cats, these tiny critters are my most favorite animals. One of the reasons I love them so is because they remind me of the Beatrix Potter tales (and that little imp Squirrel Nutkin). I've always thought of them as a British species so I was quite pleased to discover we had them living in our woods. I will add to this critter list, robins, roosters and red foxes, too.
9. Record-keeping. And by that I mean the records of daily life. Bits and pieces - notes on the nuances of the every day. To capture them in print - here and in my journals is a favorite pastime. I love looking back at old journals (and blog archives) to remember what was and reflect on what might be.
10. Rhubarb and roses. My grandfather grew both, famously. His roses were astoundingly beautiful - my favorite was the pale lavender tea rose that grew by the chimney. His rhubarb was an old and hardy plant that grew out in the pool yard. Every spring he would stew it with sugar till it was soft, tender and sweet. Pies and jams came next, but I best remember sitting on the back steps, dipping stalks of rhubarb into a cup full of sugar.
And there's 10! This was fun - and I'm glad Sherry assigned me R because I had to really think about that one!
If you'd like to participate in this meme, leave me a comment below, and I'll assign you a letter!
I LOVED this. Especially rhythm - you detailed exactly why I am so in awe of how the world works - the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange, the breaking down of leaves into soil, and the repetition of seasons. And I'm so happy there's another person out there who sees it like I do.
I haven't had anything to say in days, so yes, please tag me. :)
Posted by: Jennifer | January 04, 2007 at 05:35 PM
Count me in! I love a good meme.
PS. Jennifer, that last bit is so not true.
Posted by: Margaret in Minnesota | January 04, 2007 at 05:39 PM
Yay! Jennifer, I *knew* I could count on you! :) Let me go grab the Scrabble pieces to draw your letter ...
OK, I forgot we don't have Scrabble, lol! I used the magnetic letters instead and drew the letter *B* for you.
Have fun!
Posted by: Dawn | January 04, 2007 at 05:42 PM
Margaret, we were commenting at the same time!
We drew the letter *A* for you. :)
Posted by: Dawn | January 04, 2007 at 05:44 PM
Oh that was fun :-)
Rhubarb.. I love that too.. the bright red contrasted with the green. So pretty and so yummy.
Can I have a letter ??
Posted by: Melanie | January 04, 2007 at 06:49 PM
Hi, Melanie! We just chose a *D* for you. :)
Posted by: Dawn | January 04, 2007 at 07:00 PM
Oh pretty please, can I get a letter too? :)
Posted by: Maria | January 04, 2007 at 07:50 PM
Absolutely, Maria! Hang on, we'll grab the letter box again ... (My kids are having so much fun with this!)
OK, you get *L*! :)
Posted by: Dawn | January 04, 2007 at 07:54 PM
I'm heading to bed. (9 p.m. EST) If anyone else wants a letter, I'll be back *early* in the a.m. Good night!
:)
Posted by: Dawn | January 04, 2007 at 08:47 PM
I want to play!
Posted by: Ebeth | January 04, 2007 at 09:17 PM
Thanks, Dawn, for a lovely list. I like rainy days, too; I even like walking in the rain if it's not too stormy or cold. And of course, I love to read.
Posted by: Sherry Early | January 04, 2007 at 09:56 PM
Dawn, I'll play! I'll look forward to my letter in the morning during *my* time (before Marianna is up!) Something to anticipate. ;)
Posted by: Jennifer | January 04, 2007 at 10:07 PM
Dear Dawn,
I am so sad that my name did not appear on your favorite "R" list. I was certain it would be there at the top. LOL!!!
You know I am JUST KIDDING!
By the way, my kids love that rainbow yarn! I made hats and mittens for them two winters ago with all different shades. It looks great for the "God's eyes".
Can I play too?
Posted by: Rebecca | January 04, 2007 at 11:20 PM
Oh I love the rhythems too!! I am loving the seasons more and more every year. How did I go so long growing up without noticing?
Can I play too?
Kelly
Posted by: kelly | January 05, 2007 at 12:23 AM
I love your list too. The recipe cards was my favorite.
I'd like to do this too!! How fun.
Posted by: KC | January 05, 2007 at 12:42 AM
It's been a month since I have posted anything to my poor neglected blog. May I have a letter for inspiration please, Dear Dawn?
Posted by: kristina | January 05, 2007 at 01:24 AM
Oh my goodness, all these comments are SO much fun to wake up to! OK, here goes:
Elizabeth: M
Jennifer: T
Rebecca: G
Kelly: P
KC: J
Kristina: N
Have fun! :)
Posted by: Dawn | January 05, 2007 at 05:22 AM
Thanks, Dawn! The letter T it is!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 05, 2007 at 07:41 AM
Thanks Dawn, I am off to brainstorm! :)
Posted by: Rebecca | January 05, 2007 at 09:35 AM
OOh, I'll have a go!
Posted by: elizabeth | January 05, 2007 at 09:51 AM
OK, elizabeth, let me go get my trusty letter-pickers ... ;)
You are assigned the letter *H*!
Posted by: Dawn | January 05, 2007 at 10:10 AM
I love reading your blog and this post was especially lovely. If your letter pickers are available I'd love a letter too please.
Posted by: mira | January 05, 2007 at 01:33 PM
Sure thing, Mira. We just picked you a *K*. :)
Posted by: Dawn | January 05, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Hi Dawn, If I could I would like to be included. Your Blog gives me so mch enjoyment and much to think about.
Love, Aunt Pat
Posted by: Aunt Pt | January 05, 2007 at 02:19 PM
Hi, Aunt Pat! Let me round up the boys and we'll choose you a letter!
OK, with our ultra-scientific method (magnetic letters in a jumble on the family room floor) we have drawn you a *C*. :)
Have fun!
Love,
Dawn & Boys
Posted by: Dawn | January 05, 2007 at 02:32 PM