Wednesday, July 20, 2011

I remember...

pruny toes

What is it about summer time that makes me remember so much?

I remember that when we would visit Mamaw and Aunt Rita we would always go shopping. Mamaw could always be counted on to say, "Ya'll ready for a Coke? Come on. Let's set down and rest our feet a minute." I loved that about her. We would sit and sip cold Cokes and rest a little. And laugh. And tell stories. And jokes. And laugh. And just be happy to be together.

I remember the particular smell of a Texas-hot car; the creak of metal as the door was opened and the way that the heat would roll out in shimmering waves. I'd always look for a genie as if that hot car were the bottle in which he was imprisoned.

I remember sticking to the car seats and the squelchy, horribly wonderful sound your bare legs would make as you pulled them up.

I remember hours and hours with nothing but the hum of a ceiling fan, the turn of a page, and the cold sweetness of an orange Popsicle. Days spent sleuthing with Trixie, Honey, and the Bobwhite gang.

I remember choosing the grape Popsicle even though I loved orange best because I was going outside where Kenny was playing baseball. I remember thinking he might notice me since the grape-y stain on my lips would surely make me prettier.

I remember the smell of coconuts and chlorine and all the pretty older girls in their bikinis. I remember thinking that they sure would have a lot more fun if they'd actually get in the pool. What could be better than a tea party at the pool bottom? Except maybe a jump from the high dive.

I remember dragging my cousins' trampoline under their tree house and jumping off. I swear we bounced higher than the house roof. While we jumped, the boys played some version of war. I never told them I was pretending to be the cheerleader at the top of the standing pyramid.

I remember...
I remember...

19 comments:

Amy said...

What a fun meander down memory lane. I love it!

Marilyn Miller said...

Childhood memories can be such a treasure tucked in that little treasure box and opened on occasion to share and enjoy. Thanks for your sharing. I am still planning on a purple snowcone very soon.

Suz said...

ah summertime and childhood

It's just a magic time
where we are free (from school and homework and obligations) and just live the moments as they come
and we never knew what little Buddhas we were....
just giggles fresh air and oh so much fun
then home..always home
loved this Relyn....
I feel the same way about summer
heat and all

Claire said...

Oh, this gave me an attack of the happy sighs! Great post.

Cxx

Debby said...

Oh the memories.....
I meant to comment yesterday on your cousins post. Cousins are so important.....they are our first friends.
After loosing mine this year.....those old memories are what I hold onto. Having all of my grandkids together for the first time. I was near tears of joy watching them be such good friends. So exciting to see this happen.

KTW said...

Love. This. Post. :)

Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who spends time 'living in the past' and reveling in all those wonderful memories of my childhood. So many of yours struck me. So many happy memories. And I hope I NEVER stop enjoying them.

spread your wings said...

summer childhood memories are the best. i can remember many of the same things as you speak of them. a lot of my special memories center around camping.

Sweet Tea said...

That was beautiful!
It really is the simple things that rest so sweetly in our memory.

Kirsten Steen said...

Those are lovely, Relyn! Great bit about the grape popsicle, too. And how you brought it all back with the scent of coconut oil and chlorine. And being in awe of those older girls. And the cute lifeguards!! Oh my, you make me want to write! So inspiring, you are.
xoxo~Kirsten

Cindy said...

Those memories are just wonderful. yes the things we remember just out of the blue.hope your summer is wonderful.

Jennifer Richardson said...

lovely summer reverie
(and this heat never bothered
me then...it was all goodness)
-Jen

alexa said...

Wonderful summer reading! You write so evocatively.

Chris Graham said...

Summertime, even with all the frenzy of life, helps us remember to PLAY!!!

Tracy said...

Sweet summer memories... So glad to hear about yours, Relyn! Summer tends to make the mind wander, and walk down memory lane doesn't it. Just today I was remembering the old library I used to love going to as a child even more during summer--it was an old farmhouse, creeky close, squeaky screen door, musty... wonderful! :o) Happy Days, my friend ((HUGS))

Sue said...

Different girls, different decades and different places and yet we share so many similar memories. I do think life was more simple when we could just play and read and eat popsicles.

Rita said...

I love all these memories you shared, but mostly I love you! I love all the memories we had together. Have a great time this summer and enjoy every moment of it. Auntie!

susanna said...

*grin* Well, this post makes me happy, Relyn. I hope you keep these posts saved or written somewhere. Sloane will cherish your memories and stories when she grows up. I think these are the family stories that future generations will want to read, don't you?

Also, if your grandma or aunt are still alive, they'd love to read this post. To know how the little things they did meant so much to you.

Ragamuffin Gal said...

These are wonderfully written memories ~ I felt as if I were right beside you sticking, sliding, slurping, and jumping!
Blessings dear one!

Jaime said...

I love your grape lips story.
Personally, I love the lime green ones best...but I'm so glad I didn't use your same tactics...green lips, hmmm...not so attractive.

Oldies, but Goodies