CONLEE RICKETTS-Author, Educator & Awkward
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Z is for Zest by Conlee Ricketts #atozchallenge

4/30/2014

14 Comments

 
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is for Zest

It feels like a hundred years ago, but one Christmas I got a gift from my grandmother wrapped in holiday alphabet paper: A is for Angel, B is for Bedtime, all the way to Z is for Zestful.  I memorized that list that year and had my parents quiz me constantly.  I recited the list so many times that year waiting for Christmas morning when I could finally unwrap my gift that my mom, dad, and brother also knew the entire list: R is for Rocking Horse; S is for Stocking.

My dad saved that paper and it became a Christmas tradition when the decorations came out to see if we could remember all the letters.  My mom used to enjoy this the most.  I can still remember her being the first one as the holiday approached to start the list, “A is for Angel…” she’d begin, “Let’s see…B is for…boxes?”

Over the next twenty years as would be expected the paper started to tear so my dad, able to find three A to Z panels, had them framed; one for me, my brother, and Mom.  It was always a grand accomplishment if we could all collectively get to Z is for Zestful without any cheating and peeking at the paper. 

The best part of still having my forty year old framed wrapping paper is the fact that although my mom died when she was just 59—a mere ten years older than I am today—I can still hear her voice prompting us all, “Let’s see… A is for Angel…” and laughing as we would all compete to see who came up with the next letter/word combo fastest. 

So here’s a toast to me, my mom, my memories, and to anyone who has made it from A to Z with me on my 26 Days to Practice Peace for even a portion of the journey.  I’m feeling a bit zestful having made new friends through your comments, and I have learned a lot about myself by reading those comments. 

This was a wonderful month for me and I owe it to the people in my life and in my comments that helped me learn, grow, and get to this final letter.

Thank you.



14 Comments
Paul Bowersox
4/30/2014 12:34:47 am

Brilliant. You really closed out the month with a home run. I enjoyed this one very much. I look forward to reading your work in the future!

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Conlee Ricketts link
4/30/2014 09:59:50 am

Thank you Paul very much. It has been wonderful having your comments here and on Facebook. You have helped me grow along the way!

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Wendy link
4/30/2014 12:44:21 am

I love that tradition. Framing that paper was smart!
Wendy at <a href=http://jollettetc.blogspot.com>Jollett Etc.</a>

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Conlee Ricketts
4/30/2014 10:04:00 am

Thank you! Glad you stopped by!!

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Tom MacInnes link
4/30/2014 01:48:04 am

Now, that's a great "Z"!!!! Congratulations on making me tear up at school! :) Congratulations, as well, for having such a wonderful family memory and Christmas tradition. That is the stuff of a life well-lived.

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Conlee Ricketts
4/30/2014 10:06:00 am

Thank you Tom! Especially for all the support, encouragement along the way, and the many smiles while reading your posts!! Off to see your Z!!! Almanzo Right?

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Stephanie Bird link
4/30/2014 03:34:14 am

Conlee, great job finishing the challenge and such a poignant note. Your post put me in places I try to shy away from, such as the death of my mother at the age of 53. Thanks for sharing your beautiful memories and memorabilia with us.

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Conlee Ricketts
4/30/2014 10:11:27 am

Thank you for visiting. Your post today summed up my feelings about the process very well. I am glad you enjoyed the post

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John Lowther
4/30/2014 06:31:52 am

Your writing tells such a wonderful story, I can feel the warmth of all of those memories coming out in such a motherly way. I cherish that your words have touched me so...

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Conlee Ricketts
4/30/2014 10:14:11 am

Thank you John. So glad you made a visit and left a comment. Your visits and comments always mean so much to me and often set my mind "right" if I'm not feeling it some days! Thank you for your friendship!

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Tom MacInnes link
5/3/2014 12:52:35 pm

Because you have been such a positive light in my light since discovering me during the A-to-Z Challenge, I have decided to nominate you for the Sunshine Award. For more information about this, click on the link to follow: http://cobourgcobbie.blogspot.ca/2014/05/sunny-days-part-two.html

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Conlee Ricketts
5/3/2014 03:11:28 pm

Thank you so much. I left you a post. Today has been unbearably difficult without a few letters to write. I am...as always...navigating my new world. I miss reading you every day. -)

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Beverly
6/28/2020 04:53:55 pm

I love this. We framed a piece of the wall paper from my childhood home.

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Conlee link
6/29/2020 01:28:52 pm

That's a great idea! It's funny how something like wallpaper carries such strong memories and meaning. I wish we had done more of that!

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    Conlee Ricketts

    I write to steady myself, discover myself, and forgive myself.  Writing reaches into those places that need love and attention in my inner world in order to balance my outer world.  I hope you enjoy. 

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