Monday, February 9, 2015

Slice of Life - Fathers and Nicknames


I love participating in Slice of Life, started by Two Writing Teachers and writing a story, reflection, or musing at least once a week.

Harper Collins put out a post on February 7th celebrating Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthday.  I came across it on Facebook and loved the list: 10 Life Lessons from Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Laura Ingalls Wilder was a hero to me when I was a girl.  I read all the books and pretended to be her often.  I would make little makeshift houses (on the prairie or in the big woods) by stringing tree branches with twine around a little copse of trees, using tree stumps and boulders as chairs and tables, leaves and loose bark as plates, little sticks as utensils.  All the items on the list spoke to me, but one stood out in particular:
Your father’s nickname for you is usually THE BEST
Pa Ingalls loved to call Laura, “Half-Pint” because she was small and scrappy, and a legend was born. Case closed. Awesome nickname.
Yes!  I agree!  Immediately, my dad's childhood nickname for me came right back.  Dad always called me "Muscles."  You see, when I was a young girl, I loved to work beside my dad.  We chopped and stacked wood, cleaned out stalls, mowed the fields, planted and weeded the garden, dug holes for new trees, loaded shotgun shells, fed animals, trained the hunting dogs, and more.  I loved to hunt, fish, and ride horses with him, also.  I took pride in my ability to work hard, and keep up with him (I probably didn't - he slowed down for me, I'm sure).  When Dad called me "Muscles," I felt strong, brave, and capable. 


Did your dad give you a nickname?

11 comments:

  1. Holly,
    I loved reading your SOL. You are definitely a faithful slicer and I'm inspired by your faithfulness. Thanks for sharing!
    Rhonda

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  2. I loved reading about your nickname Muscles and the bonding between you and your dad. I especially loved how it built up to your last line, making me wonder what makes you feel strong, brave, and capable as an adult and imagining that thinking back is an anchor experience for you.

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    1. Amanda,

      I need to think about your wonder: what makes me feel strong, brave, and capable as an adult?

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  3. Your childhood was magical. Probably has a lot to do with your sparkle. My father has always been there for me, but I don't recall ever having a nickname. I had plenty from my brother, but they will not be repeated here.

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  4. Great post! I love the idea of a father's nickname being so meaningful. It makes me think of the names my husband uses for our girls. My dad used to call me "Squirt" - I'll have to give that one some thought.

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    1. Robin - that made me laugh. ;-) I'm sure your dad called you that with the utmost affection!

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  5. No, I didn't have a nickname, but reading your slice makes me wish I did! Love the photograph, Holly.

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  6. I love this, Holly, & the picture is wonderful. Nicknames given with love are just the best.

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  7. Great story! I don't remember my father giving me a nickname , but I remember watching Little House on the Prairie with him!

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  8. I, too, was obsessed with the Little House books as a child--especially On the Banks of Plum Creek and that Garth Williams cover. I used to daydream about living in a dug-out and dancing on the roof like Laura. I nearly died of happiness the first time I drove into South Dakota and saw the sign for DeSmet, Little Town on the Prairie. IT'S REAL! I drive to work every day across 60 miles of open prairie and I really do think about Laura several times a month!

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