June, 2013
I unplugged for a while and it has left me with so much running through my mind. I selected the above photograph this morning with hopes of writing something profound to match the mood of the image.
But as I was ordering my coffee I heard The Big Bopper singing:
Chantilly lace and a pretty face
And a pony tail hangin' down
A wiggle in the walk and a giggle in the talk
Make the world go 'round.
A presentation of a fairly condescending 1950s female stereotype. Horrible, right?
No. Not for me.
I return to my little girl self for a moment, laughing with my young dad as he walks through our old kitchen singing this song from his childhood. He ridiculously swings one hip and snaps the fingers on his giant hands at lace, his other hip and snap following strong with face. All of it accompanied by a silly grin.
I hear the joy in his voice. I don't think about the lyrics. Or do I? Hmm.
Anyway.
I haven't seen this act of Dad's in a very long time, but the picture in my mind is crystal clear. I wonder if he still swings and snaps. I bet he does, probably post shower, wrapped in a towel, while looking in his bathroom mirror. The same mischievous look on his face.
Oh well. Profound is often tiring, no?
Chantilly Lace (song)
Chantilly Lace (video)
"Oh, baby, you know what I like!"
ReplyDeletemy memories of Chantilly Lace trend to Elvis, but the Big Bopper was the original. forget profound. it's fun and silly and upbeat, you can't help but smile. and dance.
Memories are always profound.
ReplyDeleteoh, profound can be EXHAUSTING sometimes.
ReplyDeletebeautiful image. words and memory brought a smile to my face, darl thank you.
I think it's awesome when a parent peels away the responsibility that comes with childrearing and just enjoys a moment -- human to human -- with their kid. Such moments don't come often, but I have a few from childhood. And when I do this with my children, I can see the delight in their eyes as well as an awakening, a revelation, that I'm someone other than their mom.
ReplyDeleteMy dad was/is very adept at peeling away that responsibility and enjoying the moment as you describe.
DeleteMy dad would often sing that song also. My husband and I now own a classic 1950's Seeburg jukebox with that record among the collection. Beautiufl photograph. Your photography always seems to sing with serenity. Best wishes to you.
ReplyDeleteA jukebox, what fun! Yes, I do enjoy serenity.
DeleteAnd sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
ReplyDeleteyes- it can be tiring, definitely. maybe it's also impossible, all the time.
ReplyDeletei wonder if unplugging for a while is the key to uncovering forgotten childhood moments. i want to try it...
For me, unplugging is the key to many things. I'll be doing it again next month.
Deletethe photo is profound....and the song with such sweet memories is a joy.
ReplyDelete2 things i like you said here:
ReplyDelete1. I unplugged for a while
2. Profound is often tiring, no?
Golden.
ReplyDeleteI love that song. It's so finger snappy.
ReplyDeleteYou describe your dad's playfulness so well I'm visualising him even though I have no idea what he looks like! It makes me smile. Yes, sometimes profound is tiring! One of my goals this year was to let some of my deep thoughts go unanalysed and unwritten - it has been a good thing.
ReplyDeleteNo need to be profound all the time. Great memory.
ReplyDeleteGreat song.
Thanks, everyone! Enjoy your week.
ReplyDeletePoignant - and so nicely written. I'm reminded of Roethke's 'My father's waltz'.
ReplyDelete