I recently watched a news program that proclaimed people are growing more nostalgic and seeking out things from their past and beyond. Dance halls are filling with young and old doing the west coast swing, lindy hop, and waltz. People are frequenting stores that specialize in soft drinks and candy from days gone by. Sales for traditional board games are up as much as 26%. I believe it. When times get tough, I long for something familiar and comforting.
Several people on the program were asked what one thing they would like to see return from the past. The longed for included cozy bookstores, handwritten letters, and old television shows such as The Dick Van Dyke Show and Gilligan’s Island. All of these are slower, quieter, a little more relaxing than the glaring, blaring, in your face things of today. A big box bookstore just isn’t the same as one that is locally owned, where hidden treasures await you and the owner knows your name. Can you really compare a handwritten note or card to a text message that that includes the line “btw, where r u?” And although there are some funny modern sitcoms out there, I’d pick Rob and Laura from The Dick Van Dyke Show over any present day sitcom couple.
After much consideration, I decided on the thing I would bring back and make popular again if I could; music from the 60’s and 70’s. I think some of the best music in modern history was written and performed during this time, and they are the songs that make up the soundtrack for my childhood. I was fortunate enough to have grown up surrounded by a good variety of music, so it wasn’t just rock but country and other types as well. I think it shaped my appreciation for all types of music today. Through good times and bad, the music from this era defined moments in my life, told stories I could only imagine, broadened my thoughts, and helped make me who I am today. There are some songs from this era that I could do with never hearing again, but there are so many more that are classics worthy of being brought back. Some of my favorites, even today, bring a feeling of comfort and calm to me.
So that’s what I would bring back if I could. What would you bring back? What from your past gives you a sense that all is right with the world? What is the one thing that makes you feel like you just snuggled under your favorite blanket with a warm cup of hot chocolate? I’d really love to know. Post a comment or send me an e-mail.
My mom's perfume. They may still make it, but no one knows what it was and she is no longer with us. I'd give anything to smell it one more time.
ReplyDeleteIf I could, I'd bring back lazy Sunday afternoons spent with my entire family (sister, parents, grandparents, cousins, aunt and uncle). We used to get together and have a big home cooked meal together every Sunday afternoon without fail. Now we're all scattered and my grandparents have passed away. I have a family of my own, but it seems like there's always something we need rush to do after church on Sundays. Life is just too busy and fast.
ReplyDelete2 things came to mind. Christmas morning waiting to my grandmother and older sister arrive so we could all be together for the day. It seemed like it too forever for them to drive to our house. We didn't open any presents until they got there. The presents were simple but thrilling. We spent the day laughing, playing, eating and just together.
ReplyDeleteSecond thing was an evening at the beach. In high school we would spend the day at the beach and in the evening we would start a fire in the closest fire ring and roast marshmellows, talk, and laugh. The day would wind down and it was a peaceful time with friends!
As one clearly food-fixated, I'd love to bring back the Canadian Bacon pizza from Pizza Pier in Polson Montana. It had almost a sourdough note in the crust that I've never found in another pizza. It also split the line perfectly between a New York cracker-thin crust and something thick and doughy.
ReplyDeleteThen there was a strawberry soda at a gas station half way up Flathead Lake.
And how about Donkey Kong, Dig Dug, and Joust?
Classic video games, yes! I'd have to add Frogger, Defender, Centipede, and Galaga to the list.
ReplyDeleteThe summers between college years; I worked (A LOT) but still had time to lie in the sun with my sister and meet friends for dinner. We weren't far flung geographically yet; so I had high school friends and college friends. Lovely.
ReplyDelete