Where Do You Begin?

 One of the hardest things I have found about writing down memories is where to begin. I know that sounds ignorant, hell, just start at the beginning. I just don't think that's the way to do it. Storytelling is about the time, the place, the situation. That's what makes makes a good tale even more special. Sometimes it seems like folks are trying to "one up" each other with stories. When I start to see that happening, I just shut up and listen...and observe. That's one thing that I have gotten fairly good at over the years, observing.

 According to the definition, observing is:

ob·serve (əb-zûrv′)

v.ob·served, ob·serv·ing, ob·serves

v.tr.

1. To be or become aware of, especially through careful and directed attention; notice.

2. To watch attentively: observe a child's behavior.

3. To make a systematic or scientific observation of: observe the orbit of the moon.

4. To say casually; remark.

5. To adhere to or abide by: observe the terms of a contract.

6. To keep or celebrate (a holiday, for example): observe an anniversary.

v.intr.

1. To take notice.

2. To say something; make a comment or remark.

3. To watch or be present without participating actively: We were invited to the conference solely to observe.

www.thefreedictionary.com

 

 I have observed a lot, and I'm positive that a lot of people have observed me. At my best and worst. As I have them. When you try to convey those observations into print without the subtext of the "setup" it can be hard. The words do not carry the same resonance as it would sitting around and shooting the sh*t and then seeing a teen with his drawers hanging down. There could be memories told for hours after witnessing that. I guess that's like being a stand-up comedian. It's all about timing. And feeding off the crowds reaction.

 

 I have sort of a list I've compiled in my head of topics I'd like to cover. They are in no particular order, or relevance to each other. They won't make much sense at this point unless you can identify the topic yourself...because you were a participant. I feel like I need to list these to start the structure of, well, I guess my life so far.

 

Family Gatherings

The Cliffs

The Mad Butcher

Klipsch

Jimmy and the Bicycle

Planet of the Apes

Driving the Trash to the Dumpster

Stealing Apples

My Grandma's Pets

Beer on the Back Porch at Grandpa's

My Cousin's Friend From Scotland

Football

Dating a Cheerleader and Getting My Eye Dotted

G/T

Standing on the Porch for Hours After Dark

Basic Training

The Boat Wreck

The '69 Camaro at the Lake

The Horse Farm

The Twin Cinema

Sorghum and a B/W TV

My Brother

How I Met Your Mother

Selling Acetylene to a Person Driving a Car

Straw Market in the Bahamas

Car Wrecks

Mayo

Sickness

Passed Out in the Piggly Wiggly Parking Lot

The Lake/River

THE Ice Storm

Pong,Atari, etc.

Arkadelphia

"Mobile Phones"

The Red Barn

My Dad and Mom

How Far I Got With Each Girl *(I'm just kidding)

 

There are a lot more. It's hard to just sit down and start typing about someones life.

 

Stay Tuned.