Have A Happy Friday!

Sorry I missed the WW Wednesday/Friday Fondness! 

Feeling a bit zapped.

But, take a look at this video!  It's certainly not new, but I love it, and it makes me smile!

Have a nice Friday and great weekend, folks!

Friday Fondness: My Klondike Bar.

I loved this little fella:

My Kodak.  I often called him my little Klondike bar.  I don't know why.

He passed a couple of years ago, in my arms, at the age of 12.

He was so beautiful, sweet, and gentle. 

I still miss him.

And have only the fondness of memories.

Friday Fondness: Swans Crossing.

Once upon a time, there was a teen soap opera called 'Swans Crossing'.

It was short lived, and poorly acted for the most part, though it did feature future stars such as Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Mira Sorvino (numerous films, including Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion).  It ran for one measley season back in 1993.

But, I loved it.  The drama.  The heartache.  The rich teens.  The plot twists. 

It was Saved By the Bell sans comedy, Dawson's Creek sans semi-believable emotional strings, and Beverly Hills 90210 sans popularity.

Oh, Swans Crossing.  The mishmash of overly dramatic beautiful people in a small town, learning about love and betrayal.

{heart}

Friday Fondness: My Memories of Fireflies.

As a child, I visited Tennessee a few times.  My Great Aunt Marnie', and my Aunt Margaret lived there, in a small, quaint town called Paris...home of the 'World's Largest Fish Fry'.

One of my favorite memories of these visits was the summer dusk at my Aunt Marnie's old brick house.  The humidity was unbearable at times, but the sunset brought a coolness and it seemed to illuminate the greenery around her home.

And the fireflies would begin their lightning dances in the shrubs, and the trees, moving along the lawn.

Image via web.

It was like a fairy land.  I would wait all day for the fireflies to emerge, and catch them in mason jars and watch them in wonder, wishing that I could bring them home with me.

I miss fireflies.  They bring a gentle magic to the evening blanket of Spring, and Summer.  They remind me of the days spent in that sleepy town...in the lovely house, filled with antiques...which, incidently, has been restored and is now a Bed & Breakfast called The Veranda.

Someday, I'd love to visit that house again, and sit on the front porch, at dusk, waiting for the fireflies to return.

It will be even sweeter when I have my own children.  I will give them mason jars, and watch them chase the fairies.

Alas, this post is more sentimental than most. 

Have a LOVELY Friday.

Friday Fondness: Captain E-O.

I first visited Disneyland at the age of 6.  That was in 1986. 

One of the things I remember is watching Captain E-O in 3D.  It's funny, because I couldn't remember the plot, or the songs, or even most of the characters.

But, I do remember the little flying butterfly creature, and trying in vain to catch it.

And, I always thought of Captain E-O whenever I would go on Star Tours as an adult, but couldn't figure out why.

So, last month, I was thrilled to discover that Captain E-O had been brought back to Disneyland for a limited engagement.

It was so fun to revisit this blast from the past. 

I still can't believe Michael Jackson is gone.  Regardless of your personal feelings about him, I maintain that he was incredibly talented.  In fact, I'm considering devoting an entire month of Friday Fondness to MJ in the summer, at the one year mark of his passing.

I must admit, however, when MJ spoke his first line in the show, I couldn't help but giggle...a lot. 

We all know he had a very feminine sounding voice, and yet it was still a shock to hear it...

in a theater...

loudly.

One scene in Captain E-O is nearly identical to one of the parts in Star Tours. 

Now I finally understand why I've always associated the two.

I recommend this 3D show, if for no other reason than to see MJ sing and dance in his glory days.

And, also to watch him interact with Jim Henson-esque puppets.

I'm just saying.  It's pretty funny.

Both songs (We Are Here to Change the World and Another Part of Me) featured in Captain E-O are available on i-Tunes.  I bought 'Another Part of Me' and I am enjoying it.

Have a great Friday!

Friday Fondness: Squeeze Its, aka Junk My Mom Would Not Buy.

The other day, I was watching Two and a Half Men, and I saw the TV kid drinking a Squeeze It.

I cannot believe they still exist.  Or, do they?  Hhhmmm...

I remember seeing advertisements for these drinks as a young child, and wanting to try one so badly.  My mom would say no, that they cost too much, or were too sugary, or if I wanted a Kool Aid type drink, she could mix it up at home from the packets.

But I wanted the bottle they came in.  I thought they were the coolest invention and just had to see what the fuss was all about.

In the end, I finally got to try one, only to discover that they did not taste as good as I'd hoped, and weren't really as 'technologically' advanced as they seemed.  Of course, I haven't had one in, say, 20+ years, so maybe they're better, but I do believe the progress of juice bottles/water bottles have come a long way, at least.

I classify this product as 'junk my mom wouldn't buy.'

Have a fabulous Friday!

Friday Fondness: The One Without the Friday Fondness Post.

I'm feeling a little tapped out this week as far as creative thoughts.

Plus, my blog time has been put on the back burner these past few days, anyways.

I will work on some drafts over the weekend to get back on track.

Anybody interested in doing a Friday Fondness guest post someday?  I'm going to pick a few weeks in the spring for that!

Happy Friday!

Friday Fondness: Leg Warmers.

Okay, gals.

Who owned a pair of these lovelies?

Yes, the Leg Warmers. 

Less material and fuss than a pair of pants.  And a tad more work than a basic pair of socks.

I thought they were the greatest thing ever.  Next to the spandex pants you wore them with...

They (as everything eventually does) are making a comeback.  In a hipper, more modern way, mind you.

And have you seen the baby leg warmers?  Too darn cute! 

Unfortunately, many of us have long past the stage where we can wear leg warmers and still look appropriate, but I think kids and teens can pull the look off perfectly.

Um...yeah...I still think they are sort of cool...I said sort of.  It's not like I'm going to run out and buy a pair to wear with, say, purple tights or anything.  {wink}

Happy Friday!

Friday Fondness: The Last Unicorn

The Last Unicorn.

Oh, this movie was the greatest.

I recently purchased it on DVD.  I still love it.

Only, now, as an adult, I can clearly see how dark it is.  Some of the creatures, the undertones of adult themes, the language:

Yes, you heard her.

But, it was so magical.  The story of the last unicorn, called to save the other unicorns from extinction, to rescue them from the Red Bull.  Accidently transformed into a human, who falls in love, and, in experiencing true human emotion, loses the purity of her species.  Finally being changed back into a unicorn, different than before, having experienced love, loss, and regret.

I'm a sucker for romance and emotionally drawn out movie themes.

I also loved mythical creatures as a child:  unicorns, fairies, mermaids, dragons, and the like.

I know, I know...totally strange.  Oh well.

This movie is based on a novel by Peter S. Beagle, which I read a number of years ago, and found quite enjoyable.

If you are able to get rent this movie, I would love to hear your opinion about it!

Happy Friday!

Friday Fondness: Cabbage Patch Kids Are Safer in a Closet

I remember getting my first (and only) Cabbage Patch Kid doll when I was 5 years old. 

While most children happily sleep with their dolls, mine was securely put away in my closet when the sun went down...

I wanted one that was blond (like me, obviously), and wore a pretty dress, like this:

I got one with red pigtails, freckles, and she wore a yellow t-shirt with jeans and tennis shoes.  I don't even remember what her name was.

She looked similar to the redhead in this ad, only without the overalls.

Sigh.  I learned much later on the whole story of 'supply and demand' when it came to these dolls, so my parents did their very best.

Then, one simple day at Kindergarten Recess, some of my pals and I began to talk about our Cabbage Patch Kids, what they looked like, and what not.

A little boy overheard us, and thus begins the reason why my doll stayed in my closet at night:

This snotty little boy told all of us little girls that if you leave your Cabbage Patch Kid doll outside at night, it would come to life and eat you.

I.Kid.You.NOT.

Not wanting ANY risk of being eaten by my monster doll at night, I decided the closet was the only place it would stay away from me at sundown.  A CLOSED closet.

This is one of those childhood trauma stories that stick with you. 

Sure, I know better now, but try convincing my 5 year old self that her doll wasn't going to eat her dead in the middle of the night. 

But, not being one to take things at face value all the time, I went home and told my sister this newly discovered Cabbage Patch Kid Myth. 

Then, I took her doll and threw it outside, as a kind of joke. 

(Chuckle).

And my mom got mad and made me go outside and get it.  As the sun went down.

That was a joke that backfired, because I was SCARED.  Got that doll fast, and into the closet it went.

Darn those flesh eating Cabbage Patch Kids. 

Happy Friday!

Friday Fondness: It's All Right, 'Cuz I'm Saved by the Bell

I still, as an adult, willingly watch this show if I happen to have a moment and catch it on TV. 

Seriously.

Saved By The Bell, people.

It was like the Friends before there was Friends.

(However cheesy it may have been).

This is still one of my favorite clips EVER.  I think it.is.HILARIOUS. 

Yes, yes, it's touching on the sensitive issue of addiction...to caffeine pills... 

But, seriously Jessie.  Get a GRIP on yourself, woman!  You've got your friends to help you!  Zack will devise a plan to wean you off those pills, Mr. Belding will find some way to see the plan through, Slater will take you on a date to keep your mind off of them, Lisa will take you shopping, Kelly will lend a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, and Screech will...um...be the raging dork that grew up to be a flaming jerk who went on to star and practically destroy Celebrity Fit Club by his crude attitude your friend.

Sheesh.

Anyways...

Does anyone else remember the Saved by the Bell-ish knock off,  California Dreams? 

It was the same premise, only with singing.

Good times, my friends.  Good times.

Friday Fondness: A Strange Childhood Book...

My favorite childhood book would be considered very disturbing today. 

However, I will read this story to my children someday, disturbing or not.  I loved it.  I am so, utterly pleased that I found a used copy for a mere quarter at the library bookstore. 

This book is, after all, out of print.

I give you...

Bony Legs.

Check out the cover:

Scary, huh?

Bony Legs is about a witch named (duh) Bony Legs.  Her bony legs could make her run very fast.  And she liked to eat children.  (Come on, now, I told you this was a DISTURBING book)!  She lived in a hut in the woods.

On the edge of the woods lived a little girl named Sasha.  Her aunt sent her out to borrow thread. 

Sasha came to a hut in the woods.  (See where this is all going?)

Well, without pretty much telling you the entire story, lets put it this way:  Sasha is kind and generous to some creatures she meets along the way, and the creatures help her in return.  They help her escape from Bony Legs. 

In essence, it is a fable about good vs. evil, and good winning in the end.

Yes, I realize it is somewhat frightening, and the illustrations of Bony Legs are pretty freaky, but the overall moral is worthwhile.

This book is unique.  To say the least.  ;) 

And I still love it!

Have a great Friday!

Friday Fondness: Pee Wee's Playhouse (Plus a Bonus PSA)

Hanging my head in slight shame, I willingly admit to you that I watched this program:

Pee Wee's Playhouse.

I thought it was so clever and funny. 

Of course, this was long before Paul Rueben's own 'pee wee' scandal. 

I remember liking some of the regular segments and reoccuring characters of the show: 

Jambi the Genie, Pterry the pterodactyl, Penny, Conky the Robot, just to name a few.

And of course, the day's Secret Word issued by Conky. 

And for some reason, the giant foil ball really sticks out in my mind.

However, as time has passed, I don't remember the plots of the episodes as much as these key characters.

It was a silly show, like Blues Clues amped up on hallucinogenics, while the main character wears about an inch of cover up, and appears to have some form of ADHD. 

Still...if you were a child of the 80s, I would bet you saw at least one episode of Pee Wee's Playhouse.  At least one.

Your Secret Word today is:  snaggle.  You know what to do.

Remember the theme song? 

Oh, and the Pee Wee PSA!  This is so funny! 

While I appreciate the 'effort' and all, doesn't this kind of make it sound like he's saying crack is bad, but implying that cocaine isn't?  Or is it just me?  Either way, there is something about a serious Pee Wee Herman emerging from the darkness holding some crack that makes me chuckle. 

Pee Wee, maybe you should have done a PSA on certain other issues:

Let's be real:  if you do anything that will equal a mugshot, then you probably shouldn't be doing it, regardless. 

Right Pee Wee?

Happy Friday!

Friday Fondness: An Album for...Stickers?

Sticker albums.  I was in love with the whole concept of sticker albums back in the day.  Did anyone else keep one?  Mine was white, with the self adhesive pages.  You know the kind, you pulled back the clear plastic sheet, stuck your pictures (or stickers) on the page, and replaced the plastic to protect them?  And the time spent arranging those stickers, and comparing them to friends, and even the occasional trading.  Such a simple concept to keep a kid quiet occupied, really. 
I could start one now, if I wanted to.  I don't, nor will I.  I'm just stating a fact...
And, of course,  the stickers!  I still occasionally buy stickers for scrapbooking purposes, but they've come a long way since my childhood in the awesome 80s.  As in, they've matured in the past couple of decades. 
In my collection there were:

Scratch and Sniff

Cabbage Patch Kids

Unicorns and other animals

And I vaguely remember having a couple of Cabbage Pail Kids, too.

Oh, those 80s stickers.  In honor of all those stickers, in a garbage heap somewhere, I dedicate to them this edition of Friday Fondness.  Gotta love them!

Friday Fondness: Nintendo, Original

Old school Nintendo.  Super Mario Bros and Duck Hunt.  Ah, nostalgia.  The first time I ever played SMB was at a friends house after they got it.  I was...9? 

Does anyone remember the game with the mat you put on the floor?  It was some type of racing game, track meet style, and you ran in place?  The faster you ran, the faster your player went.  Let's face it, that was some really cutting edge gaming right there.
My all time favorite Nintendo game was Kid Icarus.  Holy smokes, was that hard.  Now, most games give you a halfway point if your player dies.  But you could be at the very end of one of the oddly long levels of Kid, and die, and have to start all over at that level again.  Oh, but the mythical creatures, the flying eyes, the grim reaper character, battling Medusa at the end. 

Those were some good times.
When your Nintendo system got old, and the games wouldn't play well, did you blow into the bottom of the game cartridge?  I did.  Apparently under the assumption that it was dust or grime that caused the system to crack out on me.  Most likely it was just wear and tear of a well loved game.
If you ever have enough spare time and want to experience these vintage games of the NES, visit http://www.nintendo8.com/ for a free flashback experience.
Or, just go play your Wii.  Which, believe it or not, I've yet to play.  Whatever.