Wednesday, June 15, 2011

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE JOY!

I am very happy to have guest blogger today. She is someone I admire for many reasons. She is smart, creative, kind, compassionate and she has put up with me for almost 25 years. Todays post is penned by my wife Phyllis, it is kind of  the second part of my Revere Beach to Kokomo post of Monday, but not exactly. Which describes Phyllis's and my personalities, we are identical, hmm but not exactly. Which make for an extremely fun and interesting life together.  I hope you enjoy reading about Phyllis's day/life as much as I have had living it with her.


While Jim and I drove through the Keys, I thought about the beach, my friends and my dad. In 1970, my dad and mom decided I should have a car for college. My parents both worked two jobs so we couldn't afford much but the paper showed some end of the year Ford sales for $1999, so we went. When we got to the lot, my dad and I looked at all the cars outside and even though they were nice, they didn't make my heart race. We decided on a dark navy four door and went inside with the salesman. When we stepped into the showroom, I saw this INCREDIBLY cool car. It was lime green with a black scoop called a Maverick Grabber. My eyes POPPED so wide, I almost fainted.


When my dad came back from the salesman's office, he handed me a set of keys. He said, "I know when we came here, we had a certain thing in mind, but when I saw your eyes light up, there was no way we couldn't make you as happy as you've made us."  He handed me the keys to the shiny green car and I started jumping around like a NUT!!. As soon as the car was ready, I drove to my friend, Ev's house. We picked up a few other girls, drove to Nahant Beach and parked near the changing building because that's where all the kids from Melrose parked.  My friends thought it was so cool for me to have a brand new car and I felt like the BIGGEST kid on the block.


We stayed at the beach all day running back and forth from the parking lot to the blanket, so other kids from high school could see the car. I talked and laughed with kids I never would have spoken to if the car hadn't been there to 'break the ice' and to this day, when I'm at the beach, I think of the freedom and joy of being young.


When Jim and I stopped to photograph these board sailers, I marveled at that same freedom and joy. Each time one of the young men I saw crashed through the surf or flipped off the ramp, I felt the exhilaration of being young again. Even as we age, it's vital to be a part of something spontaneous, exciting and fun. Since we took these images, I've added a few good years to my life. I hope it does the same for you!






                When I saw this image in camera, I wanted to yell, 
                                        "WEEEEEEEE"!
























19 comments:

fantasy in practicality said...

phyllis, i find your write very energetic and very enthusiastic. we all are young at heart at certain stages of life. we must be so to bring in diversities that can keep life full of entertainment. your reflection towards life is unique and positive.

jim, you are very lucky to have such a beautiful better half. an ideal couple. and about your picture, its always my favorite. this time the splashing of waters were captured very prominent.

Ann said...

Hi from another former Melrosian! (Not sure what they call us!) I had ta similar experience--I used to ride the bus past a car dealership in Lawrence going to & from work every day ( after we had moved to Andover) & I saw my dream car --1969 metallic blue Camaro convertible! Saved my $$ and bought it!
Lots of great memories of Nahant!

Anonymous said...

Another batch of amazing photos! You are both such talented writers/photographers! Your photos alone tell a story, the writing you put along with them is simply the gravy over the meat!

Carl and Cheri said...

Hi cous, our first car stories are quite different, except for the color green! Thanks for sharing. Love ya, C

Roy Durham said...

here a thought flying a kite is holding on to god hand there is the joy. remembered of holding my dads hands has he swung me across a a puddle. yes Weeeee thank you and god bless

Kaye said...

Awesome as always :)...so detailed in action...likes the water splashed froze on the air...
God bless always on your works!

Kaye said...

Awesome as always :)...so detailed in action...likes the water splashed froze on the air...
God bless always on your works!

Corinne Rodrigues said...

Phyllis - Wonderful to have such happy memories of parents who made you feel so special! Yes, when we see people living life to the full we are indeed inspired and energized. You and Jim bring so much color and beauty into our lives.
Thank you for sharing!

Nelieta said...

Wow Phyllis what a wonderful story! I bet you will never forget that green car or the beach! Love the photos!!!!

Melissa Tandoc said...

YEY Phyllis! Magical woman's touch and adventures...I could always relate with your posts.Now I'm inspired to paraglide :P

It seems that it's a great place to be to have fun. I like the sun...the splashing of the water... even the smell of the beach... I'd like to add that I love the images you took... they are soft... the colors at the background are very relaxing to the eyes... I like the model :P...

Breathtaking and awesome... YEY!

Did I write I like the model?...geez :P

Melissa Tandoc said...

To Jim...I like the way you wrote the introduction... very mushy but sincere...

Cheers to you and Phyllis! YEY!

charlie nitric said...

Hi Jim and Phyllis -

I was reading and getting excited for you Phyllis. I remember what it's like getting a car at that age, although I never received a new car at all. Back in the day, it was all beaters but I can't tell you how much I loved driving around in a piece of junk, lol. My buddies did also. You reminded of the good old days with you and your girls hanging out. Thank you. :)

Abhisek said...

Jim I read posts written by you many times and I must say she is as magical as you..both with the pen and the camera.You both capture the emotions and actions perfectly and write notes that inspires and touches the heart.

To Phyllis
------------
Age is an issue of mind over matter.If you don't mind,it doesn't matter~Mark Twain

Being so active in your age is an inspiration in itself. :D

Abhisek's Network

sulekkha said...

Phyillis and Jim, I really enjoyed your post. Aren't dads wonderful? I can imagine how happy you must have felt on getting that shiny green car..Great post by a talented couple.

JIM said...

Thanks for sharing your feelings about this post. I'm sure my dad's looking down and smiling!!

Phyllis

डा0 हेमंत कुमार ♠ Dr Hemant Kumar said...

Very nice and attractive action photograph....
Best wishes.
Hemant

Rimly said...

Hi Phyllis great to have you write here. That day must have been a very special day for you, to own a car, to know that your dad just understood what you wanted by seeing the light in your eyes and buying you that car. Hope to see more of your writing. Beautiful pictures both of you. xoxo

denise brandano said...

Hey Auntie Phyl...I just read your blog and thought it was great!!! Not too mention how great the pictures are!! I love how you're both enjoying this stage of your life to it's fullest. I also love how in your marriage/friendship there isn't a "better" half, because you're both GREAT!!! Miss you guys...oxox

Ravenmyth said...

Phyllis...isn't it interesting that a day at the beach can bring back so many memories of our youth. I really enjoyed your memory of your first car...and how lucky you were to get the car you wanted..then the whole world it opened up for you..just as an ice breaker. Just like the young man in your photo's....making his memories...love the shots when the water is spraying up in front of him...what stories will he goes back to the beach in later years...thank you for your take on a day at the beach..lovely...