As I mentioned during the intro to this memoir, 1971 was the first year I began buying my own records. It is rather curious that an 8-year old would choose the Carpenters’ Rainy Days and Mondays as one of the first 45s he ever bought though! Of course, I was falling big time for the music of the Carpenters, I didn’t like rain or storms, and well, I guess I didn’t like Mondays. This latter detail really didn’t hit me until sometime later. I actually enjoyed school for a while at the time. I remember only missing two days of classes during my entire second grade. I had a wonderfully nice teacher named Mrs. Ryan and had many friends in my class. It was also a pleasure coming to school after those long weekends we’d spend up at my future stepfather John’s family’s farm. Don’t get me wrong, they were nice people up there near Ashland, Wisconsin. I just wasn’t into the whole scene. Everyone seemed happy in the home movies, feeding cows and cavorting for the camera:
I really enjoyed reading your story if what you were experiencing as a kid that framed the music you chose. I’m so curious about how “Dan” feels about “Danny,” the vulnerable, scared boy who skipped school, and which one of you, Danny or Dan, picked those Top Ten songs. I hope you’ll continue you exploring and sharing, Dan.
Similarly, I’m still wondering about the “bumpy road” and what lay down on that end of the road. . . What does adult Dan see looking at that road now vs when he was a kid?
It’s really fun to watch all the videos and reminisce about where/when I first heard these songs, too. My friend, Meg, loved “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves,” and I see us in her house playing and hearing that music. Did we dance? I don’t recall. We were only 6. As I watched the video you included, I see Jan Heiteen and hear her story about meeting Cher while working at Mill Race Inn. So fascinating what memories your songs evoke for me.
One more reason you need to make that documentary. . . .
Wow! I have friends who are school social workers and I just think about how much school support systems for kids have changed in the last ?? Years. Now days, such a major behavior shift … such as skipping so much school … would definitely raise flags and, rightly so, be tied to major shifts in the home environment (remember, that, before I sold out to College of Business, I was a Psych/Pre-Social Work Major). I’m glad there has been so many advances in psychological care for students; but equally bummed that it still has, in certain generations’ views, A VERY UNDESERVED, veil of that being a weakness.
Rainy Days. Paul/Uncle Arthur. Feeling like you’re from Mars in your family. Wow. I can relate.
I really enjoyed reading your story if what you were experiencing as a kid that framed the music you chose. I’m so curious about how “Dan” feels about “Danny,” the vulnerable, scared boy who skipped school, and which one of you, Danny or Dan, picked those Top Ten songs. I hope you’ll continue you exploring and sharing, Dan.
Similarly, I’m still wondering about the “bumpy road” and what lay down on that end of the road. . . What does adult Dan see looking at that road now vs when he was a kid?
It’s really fun to watch all the videos and reminisce about where/when I first heard these songs, too. My friend, Meg, loved “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves,” and I see us in her house playing and hearing that music. Did we dance? I don’t recall. We were only 6. As I watched the video you included, I see Jan Heiteen and hear her story about meeting Cher while working at Mill Race Inn. So fascinating what memories your songs evoke for me.
One more reason you need to make that documentary. . . .
Wow! I have friends who are school social workers and I just think about how much school support systems for kids have changed in the last ?? Years. Now days, such a major behavior shift … such as skipping so much school … would definitely raise flags and, rightly so, be tied to major shifts in the home environment (remember, that, before I sold out to College of Business, I was a Psych/Pre-Social Work Major). I’m glad there has been so many advances in psychological care for students; but equally bummed that it still has, in certain generations’ views, A VERY UNDESERVED, veil of that being a weakness.
You were quite creative with your skipping school plots. I had no idea nor do I remember this happening. Too busy dancing with my friends!