Memorable moments from my archives:
When I was a child I got my hands dirty on a regular basis while spending most of my time outdoors. Granted you can get plenty dirty inside too. Germs were of little consequence and dirt was everywhere. A little dirt is good for the soul.
Technology in those days consisted of phonographic records, movie projectors, black and white televisions, three major networks, rotary phones, stick shifts, 8-track tapes, Tonka toys, mini-bikes….the low tech list goes on. Atari’s arrival of Pong was a dream come true and was the first game to compel us to glue ourselves to an illuminated black screen with white lines for hours on end, indoors, out of the sunshine. Unknowingly a premonition of things to come.
Pause.
You see, the invention of the computer chip in 1958 changed everything societally. The world was now able to process data at a significantly faster rate. Today it can do so with mind boggling speed and accuracy. But the creation of the internet on January 1st, 1983 is when things got really juicy. Soon thereafter the world gradually became interconnected with each other in arguably unhealthy ways. In June of 2007 the IPhone was created and soon thereafter everything available in your local library, video store, personal photos, bank accounts and music of all kinds were now available in your back pocket. Behind a secure, unhackable password of course.
Play.
But enough of the way things are, let’s delve into the glorious past. I was privileged to have a low tech childhood. Imagination blossoms best when unencumbered by distraction and excessive comfort. It thrives most effectively in the throws of sheer boredom. Life was never boring as a child for me. What we couldn’t afford to buy, which was almost everything, we attempted to make ourselves, a tree fort being one fondly remembered example. Who needs instructions? Just grab some wood and start nailing things together. Or in my case, a log cabin and a makeshift drum set. Who said it wasn’t possible to do these things. Fortunately I was not in earshot of those who said it couldn’t be done.
My younger self would hate me for saying this and vehemently disagree, but I’m glad my parents did not buy me every desire of my heart. Instead they perhaps unknowingly, forced me to rely on my inner creativity and imagination to feed my desire for “things”.
Fortunately I had a healthy balance of people and relationships in my youth. Loving parents, siblings, and great friends in the neighborhood. At least that’s the way I remember it. A healthy balance refers to my ability to entertain myself alone or participate in a plethora of fun things with anyone else willing and available. Admittedly I enjoyed more alone time than most. I recall spending many hours in my parents basement “hitting things while loud music was playing”. I think it paid off.
Then there were the neighborhood kids who were constantly drawn outdoors like bees to honey. There was often a ball game being played at my neighbors on the weekends or swimming and fishing in the pond and creek, respectively. Winters were even more fun. Ice skating, hockey, sledding, snowmobiling, and of course any manner of skiing. All outdoors in glorious sunshine. Oh, and who could forget biking for candy to our local general store. DoorDash, eat your heart out! Or the fond memories of the Pink Panther and James Bond flicks at our local Jerry Lewis theater for a cool 99 cents.
When the sun went down we found other fun (and free) things to do, like hide and seek over at the neighbors house. I treasure the fond memories of Trick or Treating in our neighborhood. That is before wackos started putting razor blades in unsuspecting candy bags. The world was changing.
I’m positive I’ve left something out. After all, I’m recalling this from memory which is not all that great. Fortunately I’ve not had to change any names or protect anyone’s innocence. We were all guilty and I stand in solidarity with my friends. And we apologize for any damage done.
My final thought is that I think we have robbed a generation of the same pleasures. But perhaps not. You can’t miss what you’ve never experienced yourself. I would think that we all have influence over our destiny anyway. It’s good to recall the past but far better to consider the future which has yet to be written in each of our lives. Let’s make it a good one.
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Jim
Jim, my childhood was like yours. Our TV was the only electronic and we lived in a remote part of town, so neighbors were few and fun was what you made up. You're absolutely right—boredom breeds creativity. Thanks for the memories.
Those were the days! ❤️ I do think my kids also had a pretty great childhood too though…But I don’t know about the current generation of children….