Your memories of being a 16 year old let loose in your treasured VW bug, exploring popular places, triggered a memory for me of the excitement of coming to America and settling down in the San Fernando Valley. We were able to visit places we had only heard of and dreamed about - especially Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard. We had only been in the US a few months when friends took us for an evening out in Hollywood. We went to a popular nightclub called PJ's and as we walked in the door there was Trini Lopez sitting across the floor, about to perform. I was spellbound as the words came flowing from his lips, "I want to be in America...no place for me like America......" I turned to my husband as our faces broke into huge smiles. As the old British comedian would say "I've arrived and to prove it I'm here". Never forget those special unique memories that will sustain you for years to come.
Mom, I LOVE hearing these stories! I am so glad this reminded you of the early days in America! I can still see you and dad, with friends, all dressed up to go see live music and eat out, exploring the scene in L.A. I loved watching you and your style. I can't believe I got to drive all over and have those dates! Thank you for reading this mom. I love you. ox
Your writing style is very unique and probably not for everyone (then again, nothing is)! Please trust that a great many of us love your wonderful, uplifting voice.
Thank you so much Alice! That means a lot! Life is like that. You can be really into something and feeling a bit confident and then you are reminded that you will stumble. Also, everyone has their life and their circumstances too. Hope you're having a peaceful weekend! And thank you so much for reading and subscribing. I appreciate you. ox
Loved this, Deb! I do believe you’ve always had a big heart and a free spirit. That is so cute that you and your husband jest about your “boyfriend” 😆. The unyielding love for music can’t be helped.
Thank you Jenn! I loved looking back on these crazy, surreal days! Our high school was like college. The largest graduating class in California at the time! 1,400 kids! The crowds for our football games because of Elway. It was easy to feel overwhelmed. So many kids had plans and went to college and I was super blessed with surreal opportunities but really struggled in school and with some growing pains in friendships.
It's so funny how we can do that in marriage! We're watching Le Tour de France together, and I mentioned I liked one of the cyclists in a documentary we watched last year, so John will say, "your boyfriend is in the lead!" ha ha! Keeps us laughing! And I don't know what I'd do without the music! ox
That’s a huge class! I can imagine it would be hard to find a place in all those people. I do not miss high school 😂. I’m quaking with dread realizing one of my kids is getting closer and closer.
It’s a sure sign of a happy and secure marriage when you’re able to tease each other. That’s really pretty cute, too ❤️
Yes! They had to build another high school in the city over for overflow. You know, I don’t really miss it either. I don’t miss the mean stuff, the hurting, the bad grades, the feeling of not belonging, although I got to do all of that stuff? crazy really. My young self just wanted to feel attached to something like solid friends and it didn’t matter to me that I got these big opportunities like cheerleading (I danced so I thought that would be fun) or my short stint in the entertainment field. My best memories are with the few special dates I had and the guys that were overshadowed by the fame that our school was experiencing in football. I also had some sweet friends that I’m still in touch with. We were a good class - but I went through some real pain that I kept to myself. Ahhh teenage years. I can’t imagine your dreading the high school years for your kids. It’s a hard one to accept, but we do and they usually make it through. We ended up, by no choice of our own, and a move that lead to them not being accepted in the local schools “due to overcrowded-ness?” (crazy) working triply hard for Christian schools, because there was nowhere for them to go. It was worth it but we didn’t get too much bonding time or a vacation with “just us” because we couldn’t afford it. Trade-offs. So, my parents who had moved to the coast of Oregon, provided a nice summer for the kids and I, but John could never come, because he had to work and for our expenses. Life. Also, these schools provided a lot more calm, obviously faith-based, and more one on one education. They weren’t lost.
I’m sorry that high school was difficult for you. I wonder if it is for everybody. It’s a hard period in life where you’re struggling to…. Become. I never fit in, either. Always been a bit different, introverted, shy, and independent. Looking back, it was probably for the best! I do not keep in touch with anyone from my high school…. Except my husband, who I did not even know in high school 😂😂😂.
I think I wanted to feel attached to something, too, be understood by somebody.
Hopefully I can remember these things when my kids get to HS age. I think it’s a good thing you were able to send your kids to a Christian school, I know that was a sacrifice for you, though. We’d do just about anything for our kids ❤️.
Your enthusiasm and happy youthful spirit just jumps off the page darling Deb! That vibe photo you posted… that’s who I see reading this! Your sweet sixteen was a lot more fun than mine! 😄😅 sat in French class for fun!… hilarious! We had a VW van after marriage which would have been even cooler if he’d let me flower it up a bit! 🌸🌼🌺 Too late to the party, too grown up. 🤨🙄 As always, thanks for these musical memories. Perfect piece for today…this crazy time in USA.
Don’t pay any attention to the walk-aways… you Do Not Need Them! They don’t cherish you like the rest of us! Love you, friend. Thanks for this smile right now! 🙂😄😘
Oh Joan! thank you! It was so fun to write and look back at! Learn more and hunt for pictures! It was surreal times, but especially since I lived in a "British house" and it was the all American life on steriods! It felt like what college was supposed to be! We had the largest graduating class in California in 1978. 1,400 kids!! And the crowds, thousands, to watch Elway play. This wasn't normal! But I didn't know any better. Everything was a bit surreal after we bought the fixer-upper in Granada Hills. Oh and you had a VW van too? So fun! I got to sew curtains for ours! Babies slept in a palm basket when we camped. ha ha!
I feel like we need more music stories and more fun. It truly is a crazy time and although I write the serious stuff and am very bothered in my heart - we have to write about the good and the memories. Thank you for your kindness, support and love. I lost a few today, but it's been strange lately and I'm okay with it. There's a lot of sadness, frustration and pressure for people and I get it. Time is precious and it takes time to read and participate. What's so weird is how it happens right after I hit publish! lol. I usually go straight to email to look for the shareable images Substack sends for my Instagram. Then I see DISABLE. ha ha. Loud and clear! I cherish you friend. Thank you for making me smile too! love, me oxox
Thank you so much friend! The minute I posted it someone got annoyed and disabled their email, which keeps happening when I post these last few weeks. I haven’t paid too much attention to this, but lately, since surgery, and feeling a bit challenged, that’s when the tiger crouches and makes you feel like you’re doing something wrong. Back to “whatever.” I love writing! No stoppin! and I love reading! Wish I had more time! ox
Your memories of being a 16 year old let loose in your treasured VW bug, exploring popular places, triggered a memory for me of the excitement of coming to America and settling down in the San Fernando Valley. We were able to visit places we had only heard of and dreamed about - especially Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard. We had only been in the US a few months when friends took us for an evening out in Hollywood. We went to a popular nightclub called PJ's and as we walked in the door there was Trini Lopez sitting across the floor, about to perform. I was spellbound as the words came flowing from his lips, "I want to be in America...no place for me like America......" I turned to my husband as our faces broke into huge smiles. As the old British comedian would say "I've arrived and to prove it I'm here". Never forget those special unique memories that will sustain you for years to come.
Mom, I LOVE hearing these stories! I am so glad this reminded you of the early days in America! I can still see you and dad, with friends, all dressed up to go see live music and eat out, exploring the scene in L.A. I loved watching you and your style. I can't believe I got to drive all over and have those dates! Thank you for reading this mom. I love you. ox
Your writing style is very unique and probably not for everyone (then again, nothing is)! Please trust that a great many of us love your wonderful, uplifting voice.
Thank you so much Alice! That means a lot! Life is like that. You can be really into something and feeling a bit confident and then you are reminded that you will stumble. Also, everyone has their life and their circumstances too. Hope you're having a peaceful weekend! And thank you so much for reading and subscribing. I appreciate you. ox
Music. Cars. Memories. Thank you, Deborah!🙏💕
Thank you dear Mary. I hope this finds you doing well. I think of you often. oxox
Another lovely story, dear Deb. I love this!
ox
Thank you Joyce! and thank you for sharing! ox
Loved this, Deb! I do believe you’ve always had a big heart and a free spirit. That is so cute that you and your husband jest about your “boyfriend” 😆. The unyielding love for music can’t be helped.
Thank you Jenn! I loved looking back on these crazy, surreal days! Our high school was like college. The largest graduating class in California at the time! 1,400 kids! The crowds for our football games because of Elway. It was easy to feel overwhelmed. So many kids had plans and went to college and I was super blessed with surreal opportunities but really struggled in school and with some growing pains in friendships.
It's so funny how we can do that in marriage! We're watching Le Tour de France together, and I mentioned I liked one of the cyclists in a documentary we watched last year, so John will say, "your boyfriend is in the lead!" ha ha! Keeps us laughing! And I don't know what I'd do without the music! ox
That’s a huge class! I can imagine it would be hard to find a place in all those people. I do not miss high school 😂. I’m quaking with dread realizing one of my kids is getting closer and closer.
It’s a sure sign of a happy and secure marriage when you’re able to tease each other. That’s really pretty cute, too ❤️
Yes! They had to build another high school in the city over for overflow. You know, I don’t really miss it either. I don’t miss the mean stuff, the hurting, the bad grades, the feeling of not belonging, although I got to do all of that stuff? crazy really. My young self just wanted to feel attached to something like solid friends and it didn’t matter to me that I got these big opportunities like cheerleading (I danced so I thought that would be fun) or my short stint in the entertainment field. My best memories are with the few special dates I had and the guys that were overshadowed by the fame that our school was experiencing in football. I also had some sweet friends that I’m still in touch with. We were a good class - but I went through some real pain that I kept to myself. Ahhh teenage years. I can’t imagine your dreading the high school years for your kids. It’s a hard one to accept, but we do and they usually make it through. We ended up, by no choice of our own, and a move that lead to them not being accepted in the local schools “due to overcrowded-ness?” (crazy) working triply hard for Christian schools, because there was nowhere for them to go. It was worth it but we didn’t get too much bonding time or a vacation with “just us” because we couldn’t afford it. Trade-offs. So, my parents who had moved to the coast of Oregon, provided a nice summer for the kids and I, but John could never come, because he had to work and for our expenses. Life. Also, these schools provided a lot more calm, obviously faith-based, and more one on one education. They weren’t lost.
I’m sorry that high school was difficult for you. I wonder if it is for everybody. It’s a hard period in life where you’re struggling to…. Become. I never fit in, either. Always been a bit different, introverted, shy, and independent. Looking back, it was probably for the best! I do not keep in touch with anyone from my high school…. Except my husband, who I did not even know in high school 😂😂😂.
I think I wanted to feel attached to something, too, be understood by somebody.
Hopefully I can remember these things when my kids get to HS age. I think it’s a good thing you were able to send your kids to a Christian school, I know that was a sacrifice for you, though. We’d do just about anything for our kids ❤️.
Love this! Great car, good music, and sweet son! Who wouldn't love it!
Your enthusiasm and happy youthful spirit just jumps off the page darling Deb! That vibe photo you posted… that’s who I see reading this! Your sweet sixteen was a lot more fun than mine! 😄😅 sat in French class for fun!… hilarious! We had a VW van after marriage which would have been even cooler if he’d let me flower it up a bit! 🌸🌼🌺 Too late to the party, too grown up. 🤨🙄 As always, thanks for these musical memories. Perfect piece for today…this crazy time in USA.
Don’t pay any attention to the walk-aways… you Do Not Need Them! They don’t cherish you like the rest of us! Love you, friend. Thanks for this smile right now! 🙂😄😘
Oh Joan! thank you! It was so fun to write and look back at! Learn more and hunt for pictures! It was surreal times, but especially since I lived in a "British house" and it was the all American life on steriods! It felt like what college was supposed to be! We had the largest graduating class in California in 1978. 1,400 kids!! And the crowds, thousands, to watch Elway play. This wasn't normal! But I didn't know any better. Everything was a bit surreal after we bought the fixer-upper in Granada Hills. Oh and you had a VW van too? So fun! I got to sew curtains for ours! Babies slept in a palm basket when we camped. ha ha!
I feel like we need more music stories and more fun. It truly is a crazy time and although I write the serious stuff and am very bothered in my heart - we have to write about the good and the memories. Thank you for your kindness, support and love. I lost a few today, but it's been strange lately and I'm okay with it. There's a lot of sadness, frustration and pressure for people and I get it. Time is precious and it takes time to read and participate. What's so weird is how it happens right after I hit publish! lol. I usually go straight to email to look for the shareable images Substack sends for my Instagram. Then I see DISABLE. ha ha. Loud and clear! I cherish you friend. Thank you for making me smile too! love, me oxox
I'm over here hoping you're bottling all of this for your grandkids - every one of us wants to run around with the "cool" grandma!
Ha ha! I’m loving remembering and writing these stories down just for them! I wish I had more of my parent’s and grandparent’s stories to read.
Thank you Bob. ox
I love Steely Dan as you know. Thank you for sharing your memories xx
Thank you so much friend! The minute I posted it someone got annoyed and disabled their email, which keeps happening when I post these last few weeks. I haven’t paid too much attention to this, but lately, since surgery, and feeling a bit challenged, that’s when the tiger crouches and makes you feel like you’re doing something wrong. Back to “whatever.” I love writing! No stoppin! and I love reading! Wish I had more time! ox