livingitup

Sometimes nostalgia hits–and let me tell you, I am an A+ memory bringer.  Like Mark Twain, I have quite the memory for long ago, “whether it had happened or not”.  Literally, I could spend hours rehashing old times, old songs, even old cartoons.  I’m not exaggerating; once you get me going, I’m a genius at half-remembered trivia.

My grandmother (Mamaw is the Southern Appalachian term) , with whom I spent most of my childhood, will be turning 90 in a few short days.  As a surprise, we are planning her a celebration.  We’re making a DVD all about her life.  I have been going through old photographs–some I think I’ve never seen.  Strange, since they are falling out of well-loved albums with my fingerprints all over them.  All the more reason to dote on each page.

If that hadn’t gotten me nostalgic enough, a dear old friend of mine, we’ll call her Retina Lisa (because it sounds fun), phoned me with a bit of good news. You see….

We have had quite a bit of snow here–at least comparatively.  Of course, a light dusting seems like a blizzard next to no snow.  The snow came on quickly today–weather forecasts tossed aside.  Rain was expected this afternoon.  Instead we had several inches of snow before 11.  The town was a madhouse.  Adults were furious at their lack of advanced warning.  Was there still time to buy milk and bread?  Children were jubilant at their good fortune.  Snow enough to scoop off the grass, hur-ray.

I, myself, do not really like snow.  I know you are thinking, how dare she say such a thing.  Still that’s how things are.  Snow is cold.  Snow is wet.  When you are out in the snow you get wet and cold.  Perhaps with the right protective clothing it might not be so unpleasant, but as it is, I don’t like it.  Unless, it gets me home, that is.  I like home. 

That’s where Retina Lisa comes into the picture.   I’m sure you have a friend like Retina Lisa.  She always has the news before everyone else.  And, by golly, she’s quick.  Several of my friends have inside sources, but only Retina Lisa can get that info, formulate an opinion, share it with the people in charge, and spread the word before most others have even finished questioning their source. The accuracy is also top-notch.  When Retina Lisa calls, you learn to listen.

Earlier tonight, I texted her with a favor.  Allow me to sleep late tomorrow, please.  Several hours passed since that faithful text was sent.  As I began this blog, my phone rang.  Who should be on the other end?  Dear, miracle-manipulating Retina Lisa.  And what did she have for me??  Good news.  (Hey, Retina!  I love me some miracle-manipulation.  That gets it!)

So now I have time to focus on nostalgia.  We’ll start with the 90’s because, well, I’ve largely blocked out the aughts (00’s??) and I’ve run everything else, if not aground, close enough to the muddy shore.

Remember Ace of Base?  Saved by the Bell?  What pop culture things stand out to you?  (Train of thought will be continued…)

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