LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
It was the summer of 1966 and I walked down the streets of the Haight-Ashbury, inhaling all the scents of the time, the music and all the colors. I’d never known a place that had taken on a personality, like some living being. I got sent home from work for wearing a mini skirt, a good 4” above my knees. I can remember the first pants suits being sold in the department stores. A group of new Freshmen at Stanford picked a few of us out of our high school yearbooks and it was the first time I met someone who lived in New York City. He talked funny.
That was the summer I was kissed for the first time. He was my best friend’s boyfriend and he did it at her request so I wouldn’t have to say “never been kissed.” Three boys from my high school class were killed in Vietnam that summer. Two kids died of overdoses and several in car accidents. I told the minister’s son I’d had a crush on him for three years. My hands were stained from cutting apricots all summer long. The fields were bright orange with the drying fruit as we drove by. My little brother pitched a no-hitter and got written up in the paper. We had a serial running in the school paper I was editor of, written a la Ian Fleming, including our superhero, Ferdinand, the teacher we used to sit and mark down how many times he said utilize in History class.
I told my English teacher he should marry me (yes I did). I hitchhiked in Mexico and met two boys from LA who drove the longest candy apple red Caddy convertible I’d ever seen. I slept in a fisherman’s trailer at a little village. My friend’s little brother borrowed his car, had a small accident with it. The Bonneville without the rear passenger door was convenient for picking up hitchhikers. I carved my initials into an oak tree at the golf course because I thought I was in love. Saw my great grandfather’s church in a museum in Nebraska.
People often ask me where I get my story ideas. That’s where.
Ice Bucket Challenge:
This week, I was challenged to the ALS Icebucket Challenge by Kris Calvert. I accepted, and put my own spin on the challenge! If you would like to donate, visit the ALS Site.
Giveaway:
1 lucky commenter (US only) will win the copy of Cruisin' For A Seal featured in the Icebucket Challenge Video! So, leave a comment to win, must be 18 or older. Contest will run from today, Sunday August 24 through next Saturday, August 30 at midnight.
Leave your comment below to enter!
Thanks for joining me today for Sundays with Sharon!
