I so enjoyed Susannah’s post of ten favorite words starting with a random letter that I asked her if she would please send me one of my own. She very kindly - and I suspect unknowingly - selected one quite special to me.

Here is my list of ten favorite words that start with the letter R and little about why:

Riley: my son’s name. This, my favorite creature, my goofball, my joy with a name that suits him so perfectly…the reason I wear a tiny diamond “R” in the second piercing of my left earlobe. It is never removed.

Radiant: a word that holds so much warmth and glinty shimmery promise. I believe it to be one of the highest possible compliments one could give or receive.

Redolent: to me this word holds a more lusty fragrant type of memory than perhaps the more melancholy one of its close cousin, reminiscent. It should be used so much more in the every day.

Robust: and hearty and big and wide and brimming over with abundance.

Rhythmic: I am. My person, my moods, my music… oh yes, always, always me and my music.

Rhapsodic: with absolute abandon, head thrown back, a smile that fills all the world with light.

Raconteur: oh, to be considered “a person who is skilled in relating stories and anecdotes interestingly.” This is on my list of things I would like to be remembered for one day.

Risqué: You know it. As often as possible without going beyond the boundaries of good taste…just throw in a little subtlety and you’re golden.

Rendezvous: this word just makes me want to throw a few favorite pieces in a big floppy bag and leap on the next flight to some warm salty breezy location that I have not yet experienced.

Resilience: had I not already decided long ago to one day be ashes scattered into the sea, this one would be engraved on my headstone.

More noteworthy R words (so hard to narrow to ten): rankle, rapport, reckless, reconnoiter, repudiate, raucous, ruche, rubbish, rooftop, ruminate, rigmarole, rumpus, romantic, requite, rejuvenescence, razzmatazz…

I’ll happily pass on the favor of sending you a letter of your own should you ask. Alternatively, you can stick your finger on any random page and use the one closest to your fingertip just like Susannah did.

☺