Monday Magpie Muse: Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go!

Over the river and through the woods
Trot fast my dapple gray.
Spring over the ground
Like a hunting hound
On this Thanksgiving Day, Hey!

Over the river and through the woods
Now Grandmother’s face I spy.
Hurrah for the fun,
Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie.

– English folksong, It’s Raining, It’s Pouring

I’m always taken with the songs and rhymes of the past. At first we are always tempted to laugh at their novelty or quirkiness, but I think deep down we all crave the kind of comfort and excitement conveyed in this folk song.

It makes me crave a road trip, crammed for the holidays into a too-small space with family, and it makes me think of the excitement for everyone as you realize you’re almost there. (Of course, this all carefully dodges the way we dash away after extended family time, muttering to ourselves the whole way home in the horse-drawn carriage about how crazy everyone else is…)

If you’re fortunate to be traveling to see loved ones this week, safe journeys. And if you’re fortunate to be welcoming others into your home, put the majority of your efforts into making it warm, cozy and joyous.

~

Why Monday Muse? We have a massive magnetic chalkboard (see that affliction here) wall in our kitchen that serves as a weather/meteorology station as well as, more importantly, home to a weekly quote. Others seem to enjoy them when they visit, so I’m posting them here as well.