Skip to main content

A Few of My Favorite Things About Oxford


Maria once sang,
Raindrops on Roses, Whiskers on Kittens...
You know the song, A Few of My Favorite Things. I decided to follow her example and create a list of my own favorite things about Oxford...

Sitting in New College's library window seat. This library maintains a perfectly warm temperature to keep me comfortable while studying. The heater is right beneath the window seat cushion, so I quite enjoy the warmth. I can stretch out, relaxing while studying.

Waking up to the gentle sound of rain tapping its morning, "hello" on my window. It is comforting to be snuggled in my bed, huddled in the heat, beneath comfy blankets, looking out of my window to the cold, morning dripping down the pane, little pitter patters echoing in my room.

Taking a deep breath and smelling fireplaces from the chimney smoke of neighbors as I walk down my street.

Gloucester Green market. A city market that takes place every Wednesday in the city square. Local venders arrive early in the morning to sell their finest products. It is the best place to buy fresh produce, delicious cheese, and homemade bread. Each of the venders is friendly and refer to me as "Love" or "Darlin'"
The sunrises. Some mornings, when I'm not too exhausted from the week's activities, I manage to sneak out in the morning to enjoy a sunrise. Although I never seem to enjoy initially getting out the door, once the sun pokes his head over the rolling green meadow, I always smile, pleased that I got out of bed. Typically, the morning mist creates a foggy effect, highlighting the sunrise even more. It is a perfect contrast of brightening sky against a purpley, grey cloud of earth.

Rock and Roll... but that's for another post!

Old books. The smell, feel, and look of them. Connecting with words written years ago as I walk the same streets and open the same doors as the authors once did.

Hearing the ringing sound of church bells chime the hours of the day, echoing throughout the city.

The shining moon between clouds swept across a frigid night sky.

A few of my favorite things... another way to say a few of the ways I experience the blessings of God.
May you take the time to reflect on your favorite things, knowing that these things are God given, unique to you, His precious child.
All my love,
Gennavieve

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hampton Court Palace

Today, I toured Hampton Court Palace, an official historic, royal palace. Following are some of the sights I saw, history I learned, and favorites I enjoyed. The guard chamber of King William III. The magnificent display of 2,871 items of armor and weapons displayed a message that William was a great soldier and peacemaker. William's Presence chamber. Only high-ranking individuals were permitted into this room. William would be distinguished by sitting on a Chair of Estate. Those who entered his presence were required to remove their hats and make three low bows to the King, or even his empty chair. I'm grateful to serve an accessible King, who is with me wherever I go. William's eating room. He was expected to dine here on occasions "in front of persons of good fashion and good appearance," in order to display the sumptuousness of his food and to reassure everyone he was in good health. He was served by three servants on bended knee. William's P...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bits and Pieces

Being in Costa Rica shows me how little Spanish I know. I often feel like a child learning to walk when I attempt to speak. I step out with new conversation and then one word and I am on my bum, starting over. It can be extremely frustrating to speak because I want to connect to others but my words limit me. My family helps in incredible ways. Vivi continually points to things in the house, or on the table, whose names I learned and makes me repeat them to her. My family continually shows me patience, grace, and kindness, including me as much as they can. Yet every day possesses challenges because basic conversation takes a great deal of effort. I understand bits and pieces of what I hear, but I miss the quick sayings, specific details, and most jokes. From my perspective, the bits I do pick up make me laugh because I have yet to connect the dots of conversation. For example, on Sunday my family joined another family for late afternoon coffee conversation. The conversation dri...
Post a Comment
Read more

Home Sweet Home

I'm home at last. This is my smiling face hugging my Dad as I stepped off of the plane after 30 plus hours of traveling. I was huddled in a blanket, remembering the chill of a Northern California winter as I now cover my African sun kissed arms from the 42 F air. But it feels like Holidays and the warmth of love and laughter from family and friends fills my heart and I am happy. May the Holiday season bring you reason to celebrate the wonderful gifts in your life. May you praise the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, knowing that He has offered the best gift of all, salvation and life everlasting in His name. All My Love, Gennavieve
1 comment
Read more