As children we learn by associating new concepts with what we know and comparing what we know to what we are newly experiencing. We ask questions. We've all been on the receiving end of a pre-schoolers endless inquisition, "why", "how", "what is that" and so on until the evolve into a bit more sophisticated line of questioning. The next step is for a child to ask what our favorite is so they can compare our answer to what they know and what they already think or have experienced. "What is your favorite movie," may really mean, "Do you and I like the same thing?" In fact, I remember being on the answer seeking side of this phase and asking everyone what their favorite color was to see if we shared a love for a particular hue. Silly?
It's taken me over 40 years to figure out the answer to the simple, "What is your favorite color" question and of course, it is in the form of a series of short answers rather than a direct, one word answer I am sure a small child would prefer.
I love the fabulous blue of a New York sky after a snow storm has cleared. It is intense and complete. It is endless, calming and serene.
I love the green the spring rain leaves behind. The buds, the leaves, the single blades of grass seem to try to shine and illuminate the otherwise dreary landscape left behind by winter and before the glow of summer. If colors had a smell, I would love to bottle green and keep it on hand for gray days. It would likely smell a bit like laundry dried in sunshine, a soft embrace for the senses...
The red of a beach umbrella at the beach. Vibrant. Strong.
And always the red of a ripe strawberry -
The oranges, yellows, golds of a sunset - especially over water - whether the ocean, a lake or river. The warmth that lingers as the day fades and yields to night...
Pinks and purples bring to mind the endless varieties of flowers, soft petals, some with light and pleasant perfumes.
A love for black and white comes in the form of memories, not harsh division lines.
A child may be disappointed in my answer, but now, it is the one these older eyes sees - many fabulous favorites.
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