A Tribute to 1’s — on 1/1/11
Happy 1/11/11!
Now, I’m not going to jump on the “1” bandwagon and tell you that I’ve always loooooved the number 1, that I always chose it for my number in sports and that I’ve tattooed it on my lower back (along with the yin-yang symbol and the adage “Mama said don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys”). Nope, that is actually the number 2. But considering I can’t guarantee I’ll still be blogging on 2/22/22, I’m going ahead and giving it up for 1, a worthy number in its own right. (But it’s still no 2.)
In honor of the number 1, that gutsy integer that says, “Hey, I ride alone, pal,” I share a few of my favorite 1’s.
“Little 1” by Ann & Paul Rand. I just discovered this book, which was published in 1962, and gave it to my nephew for Christmas. I love the illustrations by graphic designer Paul Rand, and the text by his wife Ann is so perfect.
“Little 1 looked like a stick.
From the front he was medium thick,
but from the side he was so thin
he could have been
a line.”
I found the book locally at my favorite shop Ephemera, but you can also find it on Chronicle Books’ website.
“One” by U2. (Husband would argue Metallica’s “One” should come first, but that song just makes me think of a very uncomfortable lesson I had to lead as a student teacher that involved the book “Johnny Got His Gun” and the “m” word that ends in “bation.” I still have nightmares.) Plus I saw U2 in concert right after this song came out — it was a-MAZ-ing!
Pier 1. It’s no Target, but it’s still a store I love browsing through. My favorite finds are a wicker chair and a humongo wrought iron spoon that hangs on the wall. But I’ve drooled over lots and lots more that I couldn’t justify purchasing yet.
Hawks. Okay, I realize this entry doesn’t include the number 1, but to me hawks represent the number because you always see them sitting on a sign alongside the highway, and they’re always alone. Pay attention next time you’re driving (or next time you’re riding so you don’t cause an accident) and see if I’m right. My mom first pointed this out to my sisters and I when we asked her why she waved every time she saw a hawk. “They always look lonely,” she said. Which is what I now tell my kids when they ask me why I wave when I spot one in a tree or on the speed limit marker. I figure hawks must be really comfortable in their own skin (or feathers) if they can spend so much time by themselves, which is something I really admire.
Hope you enjoyed your day of 1’s. But don’t feel let down that it’s almost over. There’s more to look forward to. Just think: the next 8 days are Palindrome Days! Let the festivities begin!
1/12/11
1/13/11
1/14/11
1/15/11
1/16/11
1/17/11
1/18/11
1/19/11
Ooh…I love your tribute to “1”, although it’s not my favorite number either. (That would be and always has been “8”.)
I too love the song “One.” I just put it on my iPod a few days ago! “One” would probably be my #2 fave U2 song though, with the #1 spot going to “With or Without You.” But I do agree that U2’s “One” kicks the arse of “One” by Metallica. That song makes my blood pressure go up! It sounds angry!
Oh, and of course LOVE LOVE LOVE the hawk reference! I just taught my #2 to wave at hawks on Christmas Eve when we were on the road. My #1 thought it was the dumbest thing (big surprise), but I told her that I can guarantee that someday when she’s not “too cool” she will be waving at hawks and teaching her kids to do the same. 🙂
Good post, #1. Love, #2.
I’m a few days late for this post – but I think it’s adorable! I’m so impressed with your creativity! I do love Pier 1 and U2’s One. Good stuff! Happy 2011!
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