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When I think of a rocking chair, it brings to mind babies and old people. I am neither but recently found myself purchasing an outdoor rocker just the same. I had wanted one of those swings that are covered and sit on the lawn, but between the price and the fact that I have always been a mosquito buffet magnet, I settled for one that can sit on my raised patio.
Now that the good weather is here, I often go outside to rock a bit and when I am not rocking I sit at the table where the chair is in view. The location of my house is such that I have deemed the back yard as ‘wind alley’ and that new rocker takes on a life of its own. Every time there is a slight breeze it rocks and when there is a furious wind it really goes to town. And I can’t help but picture my mother in it. The memory of her is so clear, it is a bit daunting.
My thoughts stretch to her physical presence, her sweet aura, and her undeniable love for me. I think: She was far from perfect, but to me she was everything all rolled into one tiny woman. and what I wouldn’t give to have her back, if only for a moment’s pleasure. If I close my eyes, I can still hear her voice and soft laugh.
From there, I visit back to when I bought a glider rocker when I was pregnant with my daughter. I must have had some kind of special forethought because she was a high needs baby and as a result, I spend an inordinate amount of time singing and swaying. It was my pleasure to offer her comfort. Best job I have ever had and the best feelings ever felt were found in those days, rocking my precious bundle.
When my sister-in-law became pregnant, I offered up the chair, which saw her through two children. And then it changed hands again when a friend in need was expecting their second child and hadn’t the means to buy a rocker. That’s where I lost track of it. I hope it made its way to a new family in need of a comfortable place to rock.
Needless to say, when I go outside, my mind goes elsewhere. Some of the memories are bittersweet, but most are double sweet, as I await the day I can sit on my veranda (yes, one that goes right round the house is preferable!), and gaze onto the lake or ocean, and sip some more sweet memories from my new rocking chair.
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If you have read to the end of this post and are a new friend to me here on this blog, I would like to both thank you and offer an apology for being remiss in my posts. One day soon, I’ll give my absence a proper explanation. In the meanwhile I hope you all find your happy times in ghosts from your own ‘rocker’. My best to you and thanks for coming by. Enjoy.
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Lesley Fletcher is a writer (freelance, books, content, lyrics,stage plays) as well as a visual artist specializing in monoprints. To learn more about her please visit the tabs here on WordPress, her website at http://www.LesleyFletcher.com or Amazon Author Page.
Inspiration Import 
Lovely post Lesley thank you! Being outside on a rocking chair conjures up very peaceful images – letting go, relaxing into the rhythm of the rocker, letting one’s thoughts go where they may … I used to have a hammock; makes me think of getting one again, sometime … may your rocking chair continue to give you delight and fond memories ..xx
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Thank you Susan, you DO have a way with words… Have you ever thought about being a writer ? (laughs)
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Les, these are lovely memories that come to you as you rock in comfort and I’m glad you’re taking time to enjoy the peace that comes with a new season 🙂
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Yes, it feels right. I am also side-lined for the moment with a bum knee, so lotsa rocking and swimming going on.
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We had one of those garden swings and my mother who absolutely loved the garden would lie back in it – never a more contented woman to be surrounded by family and warmed by the sun. Now 20 years later, your rocking chair tales bring all these lovely memories to mind. I have my own recliner and love to sit in the garden just like my mom surrounded by my family today – thanks for sharing your post.
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You have given me a visual that brought a smile to my face. Thank you.
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Hello Lesley,
Thank you for sharing this post.
I don’t have a rocking chair but have one of those that reclines to almost a bed. Depending on my mood and time of day, I use it to read (and often doze off – LOL) or gaze at stars. I’ve had it for almost 20 years now.
Cheers,
Eric
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Perfect. Happy reads and sweet dreams. My sort of day, Eric.
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There is definitely something, isn’t there, Lesley, about a rocking chair. They have unique sounds and feelings, so that no two people have the same rocking chair memories. But most of us have them…
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Yes, I think so. I wondered when I wrote the post if it would stir up a few for others and came to the same conclusion as you.
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