Bluebells, Cockle Shells...

The warm weather has delivered delightful sounds, such as the birds and squirrels high in the backyard trees. But, the best addition of all has been the sound of children laughing and playing in our neighborhood. More sunlight. More time to enjoy the outdoors. More fun with friends.

As I was picking up sweet gumballs last night, I was able to chat with two kind young girls who live down the street. Their parents were sitting in their front yard, so it was safe for them to walk the short distance toward my place. My! How times have changed. Aaron and I could be out and about with friends who lived blocks away until the street lights came on each evening. There was no worry that we'd be hurt or taken. Now, parents feel like they must watch their children even if they're walking to a trusted neighbor's house. It makes me sad to think of this change in the world.

As quickly my thoughts settled on this, I was reminded that other parts of life do not change. The sisters were carrying their jump ropes, trying to tie two together to make a long rope while waiting for their neighborhood friend to arrive. They started their chants as they headed toward me and were shocked as I chimed in.

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Turn Around.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Touch The Ground.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Turn Out The Light.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Say Goodnight.

It was an amazement to these young ladies that (carefully worded) "someone like you" (definition: OLD) would know the same jump rope songs that the girls said each day on the blacktop near their school, in their driveways, and on the back patios of the neighborhood. So, as they started a new song, I joined right in. I think I was as excited as they were when they began one I didn't know, so I took the opportunity to try to memorize it. I think the girls will be coming back tonight to test me. And, I will be asking them to recite a few that I taught them. If I had a daughter right now and someone asked me to remember the songs I sang each day at grade school recess, I think I would struggle. But, there was something about the feel of those ropes, the young girls' sing-songy voices, their pigtails, and the thump of the wooden and plastic handles hitting the pavement that caused so many memories to rush back.

So, fellow lasses (and any lads who joined in the fun and are willing to admit it), do you have any favorites from your childhood? How about those hand-clapping patty-cake songs? Or, maybe you sang songs while jumping hopscotch? I found a homeschooling link today with many variations. If you're having trouble thinking of some, maybe a few of these might jog your memory.