Posts
Recently I read about and mentioned on my blog the term “dreaming
backwards”. I’ve been doing a lot of it lately, fearing the future and
regretting how many years have gone by—and so suddenly too! So many of my
family behind me are gone now; I miss them. Some days I find myself thinking of
Gran or even saying aloud, “Dad would like….”. Then I remember.
My dad’s side of the family, a mixture of German and Irish,
loved stories, tall tales, jokes and laughter and even music too in the old
days. Before I can remember, my Grandpa and his dad played fiddle for dances in
German, Irish, and Italian communities. Don’t you know that was wild in 1925….1935…even
a little in 1945? My great grandpa added to the frolicking as he ran his own
still. Dreaming backwards makes me wish I could hear just ONE of those fiddle
tunes today.
I was a rather serious kid and teenager because I wanted the
world to be better than it was. I believed we humans could change things! However,
I also had a lot of fun laughing! I loved to laugh but not at anyone or about
nasty topics or any stereotypes. I commented to DH just this last weekend that
the thing about being older that I miss the most (besides my bicycle!) is
laughter. I don’t seem to laugh anymore.
So dreaming backwards again, I dug out some pictures of who
I was “back then”. I think I must have been a fun kid sometimes at least! Mom
had me be pretty prim and proper most of the time, but I think I see some fun
on this first grade face. Then again when I found one our wedding pictures
where DH looks like a baby, but I can see, not just remember, just how happy I
was!
A few weeks ago, DH and I drove up to my friend’s surprise
70th birthday. Many pictures were taken by lots of people. Today I
found a note from her in the mailbox and a couple of snaps her son took. Always
it makes me happy to have mail from her, but she has no idea how much the
pictures meant to me today. Here it was, real time, and no dreaming backwards….somewhere
under the bags and wrinkles, the eyes still told the story---I could still
laugh and the ME I once knew was still to be found!
8 comments:
I am so pleased.
Did you know that your smile hasn't changed? Your wedding photo and this snap show it very clearly. And your first grade face seems to have some mischief attached to the beginning of a smile...
There is still a twinkle in those eyes and some mischief in that smile.
Merle............
Claudia--When you look in the mirror, do you see an older woman, or a woman in her late twenties?
I see a 26-year old woman when I look at myself in a mirror. It helps that my eyesight is deteriorating year by year. ;)
Oh Bookie. Life can take its toll on us but it's wonderful to remain grateful for each moment on earth. I noticed, when I looked in the mirror, how much nicer I look smiling than frowning or scowling. So I try to smile a lot, even if I don't feel like it. ha! You were an adorable little girl and a lovely bride. Plus, you are adorable now and you and your hubs make a nice pair.
Bookie. Thanks for all your visits. Susan
Every picture does tell a story. Each of yours shows your happy side. Hope things look up soon. You've still got it!
Dreaming backwards--what a creative way to phrase it. Oh, wait. You are a writer! Somehow I missed seeing this post on my "reading list." The pictures are sooooooo cute, especially the first grade one. Keep on keeping on, and, while looking back, dream forward now and then--if nothing else, just for fun. No telling what kinds of stories you could dream. xoxo
Post a Comment