Signing on to the Class of 1970 . . .
I've had another flashback, or was it a hot flash, since our last "conversation". Whatever (flashback or hot flash), both give me a rush. With each reply I receive from you out there in the listening audience, "new" visions appear from the recesses of my mind. Some are more clear than others, but the vast majority of these "visions", or flashbacks, bring a smile, a giggle, or a guffaw. This week's flashbacks came courtesy of messages from Cherry Lou (Smith), Margaret Ann (Gillihan), Nancy (Rhodes), David Reid, and Clay Wright. I am certain that the simple mention of these classmates conjure different memories for each person reading this note. The uniqueness of our thoughts gives us the freedom to revisit "days gone by" in the light we choose. I truly appreciate those of you who have replied to my "stories" because you have let me remember the Fifties and Sixties in the bright light of a sunny day.
Those flashbacks I've experienced this week----the messages from Nancy and Cherry Lou brought back memories of Donny Appleton and me riding bicylces from the south side of Newport to the east side as seventh graders to visit these "cute girls". We must have made that trip hundreds of times. Margaret Ann's message rekindled memories of the Walnut Street School and Gillihan's Grocery (I can see and smell the fresh fruit at that store). David R.'s note reminded me of his Aunt Zora and the mischief we used to create in her eighth grade class along with Rickey Wiggins. And the reply from Clay caused me to reminisce about funtimes as Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and those in our scout troops like Donny, David Sibley, Jim Reid Holden, Freeman Travis, Greer Guinn, Kenny Thaxton, Gene Bennett . . .
Back to the present (30 plus years later)---- I hope my selected memories didn't bore you (don't forget you have a "delete" key at your command). Your thoughts of those just mentioned will undoubtedly bring different memories more meaningful to you. If you are having a tough time letting yourself "go back", listen for the sounds of the Mystic Blues (Dinny B. is alive and well in or near Eureka Springs) or the Know Body Else at the Legion Hut, tune your transistor radio to WLS in Chicago around midnight, circle the Dog 'n Suds and Jack's, share a chocolate malt at Headlee's Drug Store, write a sonnet in Mrs. Carr's English class, do the twist . . .
If you have the e-mail address of a classmate who is not registered on the NHS website, please send it to me. If you know a classmate would like to keep their e-mail address unpublished, I will respect that wish and send them "stories" only under blind copy.
I believe it is time for another drink. After revealing my drink preference in a previous communique, I have found that my old friend Clay Wright also enjoys a fine single malt scotch either on the rocks or neat. I raise my glass to Clay!!! Also, I asked Margaret Ann about her e-mail moniker "Hoobub" and she informed me that "Hoobub" was the opossum character in the cartoon strip "Pogo" and that she was nicknamed that as a youngster by a cousin. (This tidbit made me realize that I am not as well read as I should be ... back to the cartoon strips.) One learns something new everyday! So, please keep "talking" to me. I want to know about you and yours (Nancy, send me a picture of your "precious" granddaughter and send email addresses for Peggy and Bobbye Ellen if you have them).
As Oscar Wilde once said, "Life is too important to be taken seriously!" So very true! Until next time,
I wish you laughter, joe
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