MEMORIES

Okay gang I know I'll be dating myself, but I can't help it. Last night my Brother and I watched episodes of "The Smothers Brothers", courtesy of youtube. Now does anyone else recall them? I know I sure do. In fact I not only remember them, but, uh-I can't believe it but I have to tell this story.

You see there was this performer that was on their show when I was 6-7 years old by the name of Jim Stafford (hope I spelled that right). After seeing that show I then decided that he was my imaginary boyfriend. Stupid I know, but heck I was a stupid kid. It was this way until I recieved, for Christmas one of those life size dolls. She was about my height with dark hair like mine and the box said that if you held her hands and walked she would walk with you. Well, her name was Julie and we became best friends. Yes, we were the best of imaginary friends for a while, that is until that Imaginary HUSSY, STOLE my Imaginary CHEATING, BOYFRIEND from me.

We didn't speak for a long time as you can imagine. The next Christmas I got a knock-off of the Barbie Cruise Ship and by then I had made nice with Julie & Jim, was invited to be her Matron of honor at their Wedding (It was a beautiful ceremony). As a wedding present I gave them the first (and only) tickets for the maiden voyage of the S.S. Patmore. We were at the beach the following summer, I with ship in hand waded into the water. The ship sank like a rock.  Some say it was defective, others that it was just not ready for the waters of Ozzy Bottoms. Only I know the truth, I sank the back stabbers and went on with my day.

Now, I know that might scare some of you, but you must remember two things; First-I AM A FICTION WRITER and Second-THAT THEY WERE IMAGINARY FRIENDS.  No real people were harmed in the comision of this crime. Trust me if any of it had been real my Mom would have had me in therapy for the rest of my life. That is if she didn't kill me first.

Watching those old "Smothers Brothers" shows reminded me of the fact that I'm not young any more, that I put my imagination on paper now and that it's not just in my head, but most importantly that...................The more things change-The more they stay the same.  "The Smothers Brothers Show" was somewhat controversial  in that they fought against censorship and that they spoke the truth when the truth was being smashed down and hidden.  It was Freedom of speach at it's best. After watching an interview with the Brothers, I realized that they wouldn't have been such a big deal if not for the censorship and the CBS faux pas of firing them when all they wanted to do is play to their audience. Americans have always been smart enough to think for themselves and do what they felt best, but now just as then the Government thinks it knows best. Sometimes they should just but out and leave it up to WE THE PEOPLE.

Well, that's my trip down MEMORY LANE and my small rant about politics....................what's yours?