Long Hollow

Tom and I are off to immerse ourselves in 1977.

In other words, we're going to my 35th high school reunion. (That number just slips through my brain without even registering – I can't be old enough to be out of school that long!)

Tonight I'll go on a tour of my old high school to see the changes (I hope there's something I still recognize!) and sit in the stands talking to classmates while a football game plays on the field far below, just like the old days. I get to relive my glory days of a Homecoming halftime (yes, I was Homecoming Queen – save your jokes, I've heard them all!) then head to a friend's house for a huge reunion warm-up party. 

Tomorrow night is the official reunion – a hotel ballroom, catered dinner, DJ, and dancing! Whoo-hoo!

There will be people attending this one who have never attended a reunion before. Facebook has closed the gaps we perceived from our high school days, and helped us see beyond whatever images we projected on each other back then. Now our similarities and shared past bind us together.

Best of all, I'll be seeing my Mama and Daddy, and (I hope) my sweet sister, and my kids are old enough to house-sit so we don't worry about it or the puppies. It will be a great weekend!

That's me, 35 years ago. I never realized they spelled my name wrong. Well, I probably did and just forgot. I'm 53, you know! This brain can only hold so much.

And look… once upon a time I wore a tiara…

Then came real life. 

Actually, as honored as I am to be  DPHS Class of '77's perpetual Homecoming Queen, I think tiara-less real life is pretty dang awesome, too, as you can see from my week of sweet!s  (I've anticipated a few as you can see…)

Monday: progress on your book; finally starting to learn Photoshop Elements; a friend knowing you will help them; a paycheck for your photography; friends who have stuck around for more than 40 years; another beautiful sunset

Tuesday: watching your old puppy run after a rabbit (extra sweet – he doesn't catch it!); water in your pond again; a puppy who is happy just to have you in sight; more progress on your book; a productive meeting

Wednesday: a haircut from Michael; your zoom back home, safe and sound and working again; grocery shopping and dinner with your baby girl; warm focaccia bread dipped in olive oil; a crescent moon hanging above a purple horizon; the detailed medical records you kept when your kids were small coming in handy now that they're grown and buying their own life insurance

Thursday: a pedi/mani and the massage chair you get to sit in; sales racks and 20% off coupons when you need new clothes; friends stepping in when you need help with a project; finally finishing the book you need to review; the birth of new Shallue… Kaitlyn Rose (Congratulations, Tom and Lynn!)

Friday: a road trip with your sweetie; an afternoon with your Mom and Dad; a tour of your old high school; your hometown homecoming football game, surrounded by classmates; a party at Rae's, seeing friends you haven't seen in decades

Saturday: your 35th high school reunion and all of the wonders and joys that holds; dancing; your children taking care of your puppies so you can party and dance without worrying about them

I hope you have a week full of sweet! moments!

P.S If you have a chance to get-together with longtime friends or classmates, even those you didn't know well in high school – or perhaps thought you knew and didn't care for – I hope you grab that opportunity to discover shared memories and rekindle (or plain kindle) friendships!

DPHS Class of '77 ROCKS!