About Me:

Aloha! I'm Wendy Kennar. I'm the mother of a seven-year-old son and a wife living in Los Angeles. I was a public school teacher for twelve years until a chronic medical condition made it necessary to leave my teaching career.

I've always been described as "quiet" - really, I'm just biting my tongue. I've got lots to say, and lots of thoughts to share, I just prefer to write them. That's the purpose of this blog. Each Wednesday, I post a personal essay offering my observations and thoughts.

A few fun facts about me: I've wanted to be a writer since second grade, when my teacher, Mrs. Jones, made me a "book" with a yellow construction paper cover. I have never learned to whistle, have always preferred sunflowers to roses, and have spent my life living within the same zip code.

Through the years, my writing has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, United Teacher, GreenPrints, L.A. Parent, DivineCaroline.com, RoleReboot.org, XOJane, and Brain, Child Magazine. Additionally, my personal essays have been included in several anthologies, including: The Barefoot Review, Beyond the Diaper Bag, Lessons From My Parents, Write for Light, Being a Grown-Up: A User's Manual for the Real World, Ka-Pow!, How Writing Can Get You Through Tough Times, Breath and Shadow, The Grey Wolfe Storybook, and Sisters Born, Sisters Found.
I am a regular contributor at MomsLA.com, and you can also find me at Goodreads.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Feel free to comment and share my blog with others!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Sing a Song


   My son has been exposed to words since I first learned I was pregnant.  Since that time, I’ve been talking to my son.  Well - talking to him, reading to him, singing to him.  

   Before my son was born, I compiled a special playlist, songs that I thought conveyed the sentiments I was feeling as I prepared for the birth of my first child.  Ryan’s playlist included:  

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
Can’t Help Falling in Love
What a Wonderful World
Angel Baby
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
I’ll Be There
Beautiful Boy
Dream a Little Dream of Me
I’ll Stand By You

   Some of those songs mean more to me than to Ryan (I’ll Stand By You).  Other songs are our special songs (Angel Baby).  Some are fun sing-aloud songs (Ain’t No Mountain High Enough).

   When Ryan was an infant, there were plenty of nights he and I slow-danced to these songs until he was soothed and ready to go back to sleep.  The songs on Ryan’s playlist will forever hold a special place in my heart (and I hope Ryan’s too).

   But now that my son is four, he’s got his own “playlist.”  There are certain songs that get Ryan singing and dancing (whether we’re driving in the car, cooking in the kitchen, or eating at Johnny Rockets).

   Here are some of Ryan’s (current) favorite songs:

Lollipop  (He’s liked that song since he was an infant)
Dock of the Bay (Grandpa introduced him to that classic)
No One  (neither Ryan nor I know all the words but we still try and sing along)
The Lion Sleeps Tonight ( a song Ryan discovered while eating French fries at Johnny Rockets.  He calls it “The Lion King Song”).
Forever in Blue Jeans (Mommy’s favorite Neil Diamond song)
Michael Jackson classics such as Billie Jean and Rock With You

   For the time being, Ryan and I have similar musical tastes.  I don’t know if it will last or for how long.  But in the meanwhile, I’ll enjoy our mommy-son sing-a-longs.

3 comments:

  1. Honey,
    I love that we have exposed Ryan to so many different great styles of music.
    Music is very special for our souls and captures so many moments that words can't describe. I Love You and Ryan with all of my heart!
    Love,
    Paul

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  2. Ryan's love of music is amazing.He loves to sing and dance and you have brought that love to him.I love hearing his sweet voice and seeing him move around.He shows so much expression when he sings and dances.I love you and I am very proud of you.I love Ryan so and he is truly a blessing.
    love,mommy

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  3. Put a little love in your heart. This says it all, music makes everyone feel better. I am glad that Ryan loves music. I give credit to his Mother, Grandmother, and myself for fostering the love of music that your son has. Your Mother & I are proud of you.

    Love, Dad

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