Friday, April 11, 2014

J is (not only) for Jingle Bells - 2014 A-Z Blogging Challenge

April 11, 2014
**page links updated 4/3/21**

2014 A to Z Blog Challenge
A Rural Life
Day 10

J is (not only) for Jingle Bells….

We’re almost through the second week of the challenge, and so far I’m right on track. This is the fourth year I’ve participated in the challenge, and this year is all about My Rural Life and the forces that come together to make my unique world. 


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The title of today’s blog might make you think I’m “pine-ing” for Christmas. While it’s an idea for a blogging theme, I’m not ready to embrace Christmas 2014 just yet. Let’s enjoy summer and fall first, okay?

When I built my house, so long ago in the way-back time, it happened that I moved into my new home in November. And as is often done, family members came by to see the “new digs” and nose around. My father’s sister arrived with a housewarming gift - Christmas bells she’d made.

Now, this was a big deal. My aunt didn’t normally do any sort of needlework but she’d made me this adornment for my new home. I was beyond appreciative. She instructed me to hang the bells on my front door, which I did until she left. Then I hung them inside of the house, on the coat closet door where they’ve been every Christmas season since. You see, my front door is due south and the winter sun would have destroyed the fabric in a few short seasons. I did not want that to happen.

In the course of time, all the cousins got the same bells when they moved into their own homes.  Of the five sets of bells my aunt crafted, only mine have survived. (Please don’t display fabric heirlooms in the sun!) My aunt is gone now and last Christmas I gave serious consideration to giving my bells to her son, but I didn’t.

It may be selfish of me but I want to touch the fabric she touched every year when I hang them and remember a lovely lady who graced my life and who was called away from us far too soon.

J is not only for Jingle Bells, it’s also for Aunt Jane.

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You didn’t really think you’d get away without one more brief book promo, did you?

J is also for JONAS CHADWICK of Passion’s Victory, a 2008 CAPA nominee. 


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 KC Kendricks

My home on the web- Between the Keys: 
Visit my bookshelf at: 

Social media links:
Life through the eyes of my black Lab, Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com
My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com

4 comments:

Christiane France - Author said...

That's such a lovely story. I, too, have a couple of family keepsakes I love to touch and remember. Like the two pewter teapots that were separated when an aunt died and were reunited over fifty years later when my sister passed.

KC Kendricks said...

I really am on the fence about giving them to my cousin. I know he and his wife are older (hopefully smarter) now. If I tell her to not hang them in the sun, maybe she'll listen.

Nope. Can't do it yet. Nope.

Anna (herding cats-burning soup) said...

Aw that was so sweet of her to make those for yall. I wouldn't be able to give them up either and I think that's okay. She was important to you and that's a connection to cherish.

Happy A to Z-ing!
~Anna
herding cats & burning soup.

Unknown said...

Treasure them and invite her son to come over and enjoy looking at them safely at you house!
Loving the A to Z Challenge Maggie@expatbrazil.