Memories

Music is amazing. It is the one and only thing in this entire world (that I can think of) that has the ability to reach all people regardless of what language they speak, what their culture is or where they live. Several years ago I had the pleasure of being the guest of my Ghanaian friend to an African themed party at Oberlin College. Most of the attendees were African born students and dressed in their native garb. I didn't understand the language of the songs nor did I know how to do the traditional dances. But I quickly joined in and thoroughly enjoyed the beat of the music while appreciating the opportunity to be a part of the experience. Music is what brought everyone together. Music has the power to transcend boundaries and unify people who may not otherwise interact.



Briliant Donkey has a post up about moving to the country. This reminded me of the short time I spent living outside of the city. Honestly, this was not my most favorite experience. I'm a city girl through and through. I hated the bugs, the field mice and the inability to jump in my car and run to the local corner store in under 2 minutes. But looking back I must take the time to appreciate one thing in particular you just don't see in the city. My most beautiful "country" memory comes from standing in the middle of the road during the dead of night and seeing the tree lined streets glowing with lighting bugs. The sight is breath-taking. The trees look as through some meticulous decorator spent months putting up Christmas lights. The trees, on a summer night, twinkle so brightly. The spectacular display of these little bugs is truly an exquisite and radiant sight.


I really miss the Saturday afternoons spent at Basil's with Tera and Rey. That was our girl time. We would eat, drink and be merry. It was during these times that we sat around and giggled like little school girls. No boys allowed, usually. On rare occasions we'd allow a significant other to crash our weekly party but not often. The afternoon aways ended in smiles and shopping. I appreciate the times when we attempt to recreate those outings when one of them is visiting but they're never quite the same. Only because they are too few and far between. I think you two should move back to Ohio!


My first solo trip in a stick shift vehicle left me feeling over-confident. I'd made the 30 minute drive from my house to a park only stalling once. The park has a couple different entry points that are all downhill. Some much steeper than others. With that said, my arrival was a cake walk. The departure, a disaster. The park had a heavy traffic flow that day and I was in the middle of it. The beginning of my up-hill travel to leave the park began well, the cars were moving at a steady pace. Then I had to stop. When it was time to move again, I rolled backwards almost hitting the car behind me. I panicked. I stalled. I was scared to death of trying to re-start the car to try again so I just sat there. The pile up of cars behind me was growing quite large. Thankfully, a man traveling down the hill stopped at my window and asked if I was driving a stick and having a hard time getting up the hill. I told him yes. He put his car in park, causing a pile-up in the opposite direction now, hopped in my truck, drove me up the hill and then ran back down to his car. I was soooo grateful, but very embarrassed too. That was about 8 years ago. For the past 5 years I've driven a standard transmission car every single day. These days shifting gears and rolling on hills feels like second nature to me. But I NEVER drive myself to that park. Ever.


The latter memory reminds me of another that also took place in the above mentioned park. This is a picture of Buck, my Aunt Jo's super fat Dalmatian.
This photo was taken by a photographer from the local newspaper and was featured in MSN's Week in Pictures last year. Pretty cool, 'eh? She was super excited and proud knowing that people all over the world may be viewing her pleasantly plump pooch.




In the comments...feel free to reminisce about your own memories!