First came the tearful phone call from my sister early one morning that relayed the sad message, “John Madden is retiring.” It felt like the end to a childhood tradition. No more falling asleep on cold autumn days to bushy eyebrows and nonsensical white TV marker thing, and not to mention, the soothing lullaby of John’s booming voice.
A while later came another call- “They’re tearing down Giants Stadium.” Ugh. Doesn’t mean much to people who didn’t grow up with it, but to the rest of us…down comes a place filled with memories of concerts, games, and again, a childhood tradition.
I recently heard the announcement that a ‘new’ Footloose is in the works, with Zac Efron as Ren. Initial reactions after dancing (by myself, in the kitchen) the “footloose dance” from ages past were 1) I cannot believe I am old enough to witness a ‘remake’ and 2) Zac Efron will never be as cool as Kevin Bacon. I believe I actually scoffed out loud at the idea.
We all know where this is leading. June 25, 2009. Car radio tells me that Michael Jackson has died. No, I didn’t know him personally, no, I don’t listen to his music every single day (like Bruce or something), yes, I watched him become stranger and stranger as time wore on. But come on….Michael Jackson is dead?
I remember putting the Thriller album on the record player, I saw Captain Eo in 3-D in 1986, I emulated dance moves throughout my life, I even danced to “Billy Jean is not my lover” in the middle of a circle at my wedding. I cry every time I hear “Man in the Mirror,” and I will never stop loving A-B-C and other early hits. I’ve seen the VH1 Jackson 5 documentary about 12 times, and I don’t even want to get into the conversations my college roommates and I frequently had about ‘MJ.’
I absolutely love music and dancing, and no matter how odd MJ became, watching him perform in any context was simply spell-binding. To be that talented is something at which I can only marvel.
Yesterday it happened again…I felt old. I felt like a chapter of my personal history had closed. I guess that is why I’m so sad MJ has passed on.
For all the Farrah lovers out there- my condolences to you as well.
And for those of you wondering…yes…we still own the vinyl Thriller album. It was curiously hidden wayyyyy back in my sister’s closet. Sister- have anything to say about that? I guess it is technically yours, but…
Summer Soltice…First day of “Summer”…Sun shining in the heart:)
the frog once stood in tree pose, peacefully…
What would life be without silly, love filled, chaos?
If you are ever having difficulty imagining “mental sunshine” just picture this pup’s face and hair staring at you throughout your day. Since Bailey’s horrific haircut when we discovered she has 4 cowlicks on the top of her head, her hair has looked like an old man with a comb-over. Hopefully such imagery will provide you with the ‘mental sunshine’ you need to smile throughout your day.