Saturday, April 6, 2013

A-Z April Challenge F is For The Sound of Music and Oprah Winfrey

When I was in high school I was a member of the chorus.  It was an elective class that I took and I actually stuck with it for all four years.
I can’t sing.  There were probably 75-100 other voices in the chorus, which is why I was able to participate without my shy, little, most likely, off key, voice being heard.
The chorus performed on graduation day.  We sang songs from “Sound of Music.”

I was a fan of  Oprah Winfrey’s 4:00 in the afternoon show.  The show I looked forward to the most, though, was her Christmas show.   The one where she gave out surprise gifts to an unsuspecting audience.
I remember one year being very upset with Ross because we didn’t get home in time to see the show.  (Obviously, pre-vcr,dvr, tivo, etc.)

What do these two things have in common?

Well, one of the songs I remember singing with the chorus on my graduation day was “Favorite Things”.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

The Oprah Winfrey event that was a must see for me was “Oprha’s Favorite Things”.

“And you get a car, and you get a car, and you get a car!”

So I thought I would ponder what a few of my favorite things might be. 

Before I begin, though,  I must explain  that I am a worrier.  Logically, it naturally follows, therefore,  that I am also a “the glass is half empty” kind of person.  
That means that, for me, this exercise will be a challenge as well as an unusual dip in the pool of positiveness.

So here are some of  “Lynda’s Past and Present Favorite Things”  in no particular order but, rather as they pop into my mind.  

Having a “just the right temperature” cup of tea in the quiet of early morning before the rest of the day is fully awake brings about a peace and contentment for me.   

Coming up upon the crest of a beach on a brilliantly sunny winter day, looking out at the expanse of emptiness,  breathing in the air of the sea, and being hypnotized by the movement of the waves makes me understand what majestic means.


Falling asleep to the sound of my best friend’s rhythmic breathing makes me appreciate having someone so close to me for one more night.

Hearing the phone ring and listening to the “phone lady” announce the name of  Jen, Jimmy, Anne, Johanna, Elaine, Dolores, sometimes Ray, even less sometimes Samantha, and anyone else who isn’t an 800 number makes my heart skip a beat.  Okay part of that is hoping everything is okay, but most of it is the joy of finding out how their day was.

Walking along listening to the chirping song of a single bird, then stopping for a few minutes to see if I can spot her, makes me realize that I can be curious. 



Comments on my blog make me smile.  You know why.

Each of the exact moments I gave birth because they were the most exhilarating moments of my life.

The first time each one of my grandchildren called me Grandma, or some form of that, brought a new purpose to my life.

Having a conversation with my grandchildren because their little voices remind me of  the thrill of discovery.


Being able to follow a knitting pattern makes me realize how smart I can be. 


The SandBox Cafe is quirky and makes me feel like I am at an island resort.



Discovering that I have ideas which I can put into written words and communicate those ideas clearly and sometimes even poetically, fulfills a passionate need that I apparently have. 

My three Jays, the people who they love and who love them,  and the precious lives they brought into the world because nothing else matters.

I feel closest to Joe for some reason at the Children's Memorial Garden.  Perhaps it is because I know the others who visit understand.




Ross because he is “My Favorite” and will probably be a post by himself, I'm thinking R.

My goodness, that felt good.  And I had to stop myself because I could go on and on.
What???  Me??? Feel good?    
I guess my glass is really full after all.

If you want to make me smile, leave a comment on one of your favorite things.  


22 comments:

  1. What a phenomenal post. You should print this is hang it on your frig to read every morning when you make that perfect cup of tea!

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    1. I like that idea, Cindy. A good way to start the day!

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  2. This post made me happy! I liked that it made you happy and YES!!!! I beg you - a post on Ross, please!!!
    I like the idea behind this post too - it might just inspire me to write one.
    I want to go to that Sand Box Cafe!
    For now, I will tell you three of my favorite things :
    The beach at ANY time (that doesn't surprise you)
    Hanging out on the couch with my feet in Michael's lap playing WWF :)
    Connecting with any one of my siblings.
    okay - here's one more - just visiting with Alex or Meg at any time :)

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    1. Actually it made me happy too :)
      The Sand Box Cafe got destroyed during hurricane Sandy. But the owners are determined to have it rebuilt, up and running in time for Memorial Day. I believe they will too.
      It's a great little place.

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  3. Bacon! Just kidding. Mostly.

    Actually, I see a few of my favorite things on YOUR list of favorite things. Thanks for the smile. :)

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  4. Thanks for the smiles. The beach is a favorite of mine, as well as hearing the sound of "Mommy" from my one and only son. I also remember singing the song "Favorite Things." I am sure Jen sang it as well at either Kingston School or Franklin Park, can't remember which one.

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  5. Hi Beth,
    Yes, Mommy and Grandma are the best sounds, huh? Also the sweet voices of children singing “Favorite Things”, especially the kids from Kingston or Franklin Park, they were the best!

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  6. Just one?...old photos, using my moms old recipes, listening to my tube radio...oh yeah..you said "one"...sorry.

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    1. Thank you for visiting. I like your favorites, especially using your mom’s old recipes.

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  7. What a great 'feel good post' to stumble across! I look forward to reading more from your A to Z challenge posts!

    http://www.mydestinationunknown.com
    A to Z Participant

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    1. Thanks Kellie. I am having fun doing the challenge!

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  8. Walking with Annie is and always has been one of my favorites. I started walking with her every day, back in 1985. Sweet post, Lynda!

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    1. Thanks Mark.
      I try to get Ross to walk with me, but he’d rather do something else, like not walk.

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  9. It's great to dwell on our favourite things, and forget any things that might drag us down. Nice post :)

    Love the Sound of Music - it's a family tradition to do so :)

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    1. It is good to stop and think about the positives every once in a while. It’s a great mood elevator.

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  10. Your post is wonderful. I felt inspired by reading about the simple pleasures that make your day. If we would all stop to think about the simple things that we take for granted, we'd all be happier. Bravo! Stopping by from the A-Z, and I'm a new follower!

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  11. Hello Cathy,
    Thank for you kind comments. They made me smile :)
    I have to admit my little exercise of stopping to think about the good in my life was the perfect thing to do that day. It did make a difference.

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  12. Going to sleep with my best friend is one of my favorite things too. I don't sleep as well when he's out of town or just staying up late to watch TV.

    I'm doing A to Z too--http://charitywrites.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks for the visit and letting me know that we share a favorite thing.
      I'm having fun with the challenge.

      I'll be by to visit you.

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  13. I love this post. It's a beautiful bit of soul-searching and heart reaching--and it made me smile! Thank you.

    My favorite things--yeah, family. And just the way you said it, Lynda. I couldn't state it better. :-)

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. In a lot of ways my blog is an on going love letter to my family

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