Open Thread Update: Share Your Wayback Machine
Last time we talked about our personal “Wayback Machines” – the things or activities that make us feel young again. And the consensus seems to be that there really is a Wayback Machine: It’s called…
..a jukebox.
Music was at the top of the charts, number one with a bullet for dropping the years and entering the time machine. Readers Dee, L. Brown, Valerie R., Roselle, Pat. B and many others cited Motown, the 60’s 70’s and 80’s, with a special shoutout to Janice S., whose playlist goes back to the 40’s and 50’s.
…and for some readers, it’s specifically the Rhythm Revue at WBGO at 88.3, recommended by readers Cleta B. and Valerie R.
Streaming The Rhythm Review every Saturday and Sunday (wbgo.org); it’s “classic” R&B and I am dancing most of the show.
-Cleta B.
Other must haves that resonate, she continues…
Cooking, wine in hand of course, and dancing around the kitchen reminds me of when I entertained almost every weekend. I miss taking long road trips alone. Yes, of course, class reunions. My class celebrates every five years. Line dancing at a family celebration and hearing my grand niece and nephew say, “Auntie is killing it!” (Those not knowing that slang, it’s a good thing.)
-Cleta B.
I’ll be 74 soon and what makes me feel young and happy is dancing to disco, listening to Motown, singing (have auditioned for The Voice several times now), stock car racing (as a driver), whitewater river rafting, jet-skiing, and photo hikes. Might as well live life to the fullest for as long as you can!
-Pat B.
The former pianist attends our church, I am the pianist now. She is 85. I’m 72. She always smells so good!!!!!!! I kept telling her It reminds me of something from way back. This past Sunday she brought in a small bottle of Clinique Aromatics that is almost empty but she wanted to give it to me so I could find it in the store. I asked her, “Wait, did you say Belk’s?” She replied yes. I said “NOW I know! My Mama used to wear that!!! I wear it on my hands now, especially at bedtime!
Car Culture
When I want to revisit the early years of the 60s and 70s . I spin vinyl. I like to hear Johnny Rivers , Rod Stewart, and many others…I can remember the days too, of riding around with friends in a Mustang, with no air of course.-Reba
When I drive alone, I listen to 60s 70s 80s music and I go back in time. So many good memories!!! I also sing without worry – no one hears! Also, I love looking at old cookbooks. Especially when I find my mom’s handwriting, and instructions, or a star next to her favorites.
-Roselle
...It was always a blast to go cruising on Main Street on Friday nights.
-Dee
And of course…
Making love with my sweetie makes me feel pretty ageless…even if there are some positions that we wouldn’t attempt now. :-)
-Ali
Finally…
There’s nothing that makes me feel bad and mad than “music” from back in the day. Let it stay back in the day. Who are you trying to kid? You’re old, baby!
Ever try Mozart?-Keith P.
To whom I say, “Hey you, get off my lawn.”
The rest of you….check out the comments and get some fun new ideas, and share your own. We’re waiting for you!
Original Column:
A lovely young gal named Noelle from my local Department of Aging paid me a visit recently. I opened my door to welcome her just as she came up the stairway. (I live on the top floor of a walkup.) She hiked up those stairs effortlessly.
I admit I was jealous.
I used not care if there was an elevator anywhere. Or comfortable seating. Or needing captions on TV. Or if the bar was really loud. And I got disappointed when the band or DJ took a break. (Now I’m relieved!)
The Wayback Machine
Face it, there are plenty of things that remind us we’re getting older – so we should explore and cherish the things that make us feel…young. Watching cartoons is a big one for me. Of course the Looney Tunes classics, but I also loved me some Rocky and Bullwinkle. (I’m not alone, my pal Susan has a R&B watch!) I love history so I really liked Mr. Peabody and Sherman and how they went back in time to witness important historical events thanks to their “Wayback Machine.”
Now the Wayback Machine is an archive of the Internet with some 916 billion pages of websites from the past…but in my personal Wayback machine, TV cartoons figure prominently – but not exclusively. It also includes:
Going for a run (or at least a brisk walk) with good music.
Dancing, especially to old school disco.
Music from Motown during the golden years.
High School reunions.
Playing with friendly dogs and puppies.
Going to pub trivia events.
…you get the idea.
YOUR TURN
But that’s me. What’s in your Wayback Machine? Cartoons? Music? Share your faves in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
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Comments
Nothing makes me feel more “way back” than a road trip with my hubby playing old CD’s in the car, listening to music from the 50s-60s and 70s – we especially like the early Bee Gees (though I also love the Beetles, Beach Boys, Four Seasons, CCR, the Eagles, Johnny Rivers, etc.) Talk about a melancholy vibe! Brings back those memories when we would tool around town, sitting close (only bench seats back then!). I still have all my albums and 45s, and even some of my mom’s easy-listening music.
I loved Saturday morning Bugs Bunny. Simple things like playing out in the rain. It was always a blast to go cruising on Main Street on Friday nights. It really lifts my spirits to listen to 50’s – 70’s rock and roll.
I was a disco kid in the 70s.
A new waver in the 80s.
And a blues man since the 00s.
I listen to all of it now.
Sock hops, Friday night football games and drive-in movies. Those were the days an I am little sad my great-grand kids won’t get to experience those wonderful times.
I’ll be 74 soon and what makes me feel young and happy is dancing to disco, listening to Motown, singing (have auditioned for The Voice several times now), stock car racing (as a driver), whitewater river rafting, jet-skiing, and photo hikes. Might as well live life to the fullest for as long as you can!