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, July 25, 2012

Jewelry Through the Ages


A few months ago, I received a new jewelry box.  The beautiful gift came with a chore - consolidate my smaller jewelry boxes and sort through my jewelry collection.  For those who don’t know me, I am a jewelry enthusiast.  I own a multitude of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, and I change them daily to coordinate with my outfits.  

Looking at my jewelry was like looking through a time capsule.  Of course there were the “regulars” - items I wear currently and are in constant rotation.  But, I also re-discovered mementos and keepsakes from my childhood.

I found my first “big girl” watch  - the black Timex that my dad purchased for me.  No longer did I wear a watch decorated with a character popular with children; this was the kind of watch big girls wear.  Along with the watch, came a lesson.  My watch was to be worn on my left wrist, even though I was right-handed.  It seemed odd to me, until my dad explained I would then be able to write and check the time simultaneously.

I found my “BF” pendant - the half I wore to declare my best friend status with my sister.  Despite our current tumultuous relationship, I still own it, and plan to always.

I found my “Magic Potion” necklaces - purchased back when I was a middle school student.  The necklace contains nothing more than colored water, but I always found it more fun to tell people it was a capsule filled with magic potion.

I found the bracelet my dad made for me - my dad, a former telephone man, used red and white wires to create a bracelet.  I don’t wear it anymore, but it’s tucked away and brings a smile to my face.

I found the silver bracelet given to me at the conclusion of my second year of teaching - my students’ parents had all contributed to purchase the bracelet for me.  It was a thoughtful gift from an exceptional group of students and parents - something that has never been replicated in the nine years since that event.

And I found my cameos.  There is a cameo with a blue background that my mom gave to me when I was in elementary school.  There are the cameos my grandma gave to me.  One is large and has a pin on the back so that it can be worn as a brooch, and it has a hook at the top enabling it to be worn as a pendant.  There’s a small one, also, that looks more worn, and I don’t know if my grandma wore it often, or who gave it to her.  The cameos are beautiful, but sadly had been hiding away in random jewelry boxes.  I think now that they’re more easily accessible in my new jewelry box, I’ll be wearing them more often.

I know jewelry falls into the category of “things.”  And they are.  But jewelry isn’t like a book, or a pair of shoes, or even a cell phone.  Jewelry isn’t easily replaced.  Most of my jewelry isn’t mass produced and can’t just be pulled off a shelf.  

And all my jewelry has a story behind it; my life’s story.

3 comments:

  1. I remember all the pieces you wrote about that were hidden away.They all bring back memories to me.I love seeing you wear all your different jewelry that you match with your outfits.There are pieces of jewelry that I had and were taken from me that can never be replaced and yet they still have good memories for me.Your blogs each week are so meaningful and I always wonder how you think of what you will write.I love reading your work.I love you and I am so proud of you.
    love,mommy

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  2. When I think of jewelry, I think of the rings you wear on every finger. I didn't know that you still had the bracelet that I made for you many years ago. You are a special person and an excellent writer. I enjoy your blog. Your Mother and I are proud of you. Say hello to Ryan for me.

    Love, Dad

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  3. Honey,
    Your jewelry is wonderful and unique. A perfect match for you!
    I vividly remember the time when we started running into each other all the time at LACC. I loved the cool long skirts and amazing necklaces and rings you wore. I thought it was so cool that you had a hot air balloon necklace on our first date!
    I Love You with all of my heart!
    Love,
    Paul

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