PS We played Snakes and Ladders a lot as children. I HATED the snakes (I've always been very competitive, and I HATE losing), and would (over)react terribly whenever I landed on the head of one. The squares on our board were illustrated with mostly okay pictures, although there was one pair of images which had to be covered up with squares of paper because their subject matter always upset me so much!
Gosh, reading this comment back makes me think what an absolute nightmare I must have always been to play with! 🤣
Something very charming about being competitive over Snakes and Ladders lol - also, so sad that some of the pics were disturbing. Sensitive, yet a 'real' player - I love that xo
I can still remember those two squares now, Sue. At the top of one of the snakes was a picture of a little girl shaking her teddy bear… and at the bottom of that snake, well, I can’t bring myself to tell you! 🫣
Hi Sue. I don’t mean to intrude, but as an enjoyer of serendipity I want to share a detail or two. I know your face, a bit impish, and waving a paintbrush (of the house painting variety?) from
your avatar.
The thing is I see your avatar quite frequently as I’m a regular reader of Mary B’s Thrivin’ not Drivin’. On impulse I peeked at who liked or commented on Sunday night’s post. Yup! The fickle finger of fate pointed to you. People fascinate me, usually, and from my penpal activities in high school, Substack has opened a new window on digital penpals.
How would I know more about you than from reading your bio? Read one of your posts. Of course the fickle finger next pointed to this post so here I am! Let me say that how and what you wrote was delightful. Words like “attuned” and “grounded” and “connected” all seem to characterize you. I’ll scurry out of your inbox Sue. “I’ve miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.”
Our lives are made up of bit players. Whether just meeting, engaging or colliding with us they are all part of creating our narrative. It made me wonder how many or these characters could be excavated from our memories following this example. Short and meaningful. After reading this I started thinking and what an array of friends and freaks comprise the B roll of unwitting actors in my life….and worse…who has me in their movie. Beautiful and evocative as always Sue. . Gratis tibi ago!
So grateful to be in your movie, Annie. Your comments here are always thought provoking. (And incidentally, "Our lives are made up of bit players" is pretty Shakespearean, I'd say ...)
Just loved reading this, Sue! I felt like I was right there, reliving those memories with you. I find these kinds of remembrances often so comforting, as they bring me closer to my younger self. Wonderful stories Sue! ❤️
I absolutely loved this, Sue! So vivid and engaging 😊 Like many of your other readers, it’s got me remembering the minor “characters” in my own past life.
I’m so very glad Prue Batten linked to this post! I am subscribed to “Everyone Else…” but have not been getting any emails. I was getting worried that you were still ill with lingering Covid, but now relieved you’re not! I’m checking your main page for anything I might have missed!
Thank you so much for this and yes, Prue is the best! I will double check your subscription deets for you but I think I have just been a bit slow in my postings since having The 'Vid. Such cheering remarks - much appreciated xo
These are the characters that give life dimension. Like Annie below, I started thinking of idiosyncratic folk through my own life and knew I could fill a journal with the recall. A lovely thing to do one day when I discover a Time-Turner (Harry Potter) in the bottom of the sea chest...
I adored reading this post, Sue. We had the same/similar game, but called Chutes and Ladders-- you'd go up the ladder and have to slide down the chute. I guess children in the US were considered too wimpy for snakes, or something. In any case.. this is such a wonderfully written reminiscence of people from your past, along with terrific illustrative images. As I've hinted before-- I would so love to see your writings collected in a book... you never know!
I wonder if I have this to look forward to, seemingly odd memories percolating to the surface for no apparent reason. Sounds good to me! That being said, you attention to details is what helps us be right there with you. I'm not a detail person myself, so I admire this quality. At first I thought you were remembering positive warm memories, but then you mentioned the Latin French and Hell tutor, but then, he did you a "favor" by helping you along your academic journey! xo
Lani, remember me when it starts -many years from now!! Your life seems super busy at the moment but I hope the time for thought "settling" will present itself. You young flower, you!
Oh, such a beautiful account of fabulous memories, Sue. Wonderful words.
(Mr Johnson doesn't sound like my cup of tea, either. I'm enjoying imagining him on (off!) that penny farthing! 🤣)
I am reminded of one of my favorite songs by the Beatles, In My Life. "There are places I remember...". People, too.
Yes! Thank you!
PS We played Snakes and Ladders a lot as children. I HATED the snakes (I've always been very competitive, and I HATE losing), and would (over)react terribly whenever I landed on the head of one. The squares on our board were illustrated with mostly okay pictures, although there was one pair of images which had to be covered up with squares of paper because their subject matter always upset me so much!
Gosh, reading this comment back makes me think what an absolute nightmare I must have always been to play with! 🤣
Something very charming about being competitive over Snakes and Ladders lol - also, so sad that some of the pics were disturbing. Sensitive, yet a 'real' player - I love that xo
I can still remember those two squares now, Sue. At the top of one of the snakes was a picture of a little girl shaking her teddy bear… and at the bottom of that snake, well, I can’t bring myself to tell you! 🫣
Oh no - I am sorry to bring all this back Rebecca, LOL! (Also, don't really "like" this at all but emoji selection is limited here, ha!)
Let us not speak of those two squares again ...
My lips are forever sealed on the subject! Thanks for the support! xxx
Hi Sue. I don’t mean to intrude, but as an enjoyer of serendipity I want to share a detail or two. I know your face, a bit impish, and waving a paintbrush (of the house painting variety?) from
your avatar.
The thing is I see your avatar quite frequently as I’m a regular reader of Mary B’s Thrivin’ not Drivin’. On impulse I peeked at who liked or commented on Sunday night’s post. Yup! The fickle finger of fate pointed to you. People fascinate me, usually, and from my penpal activities in high school, Substack has opened a new window on digital penpals.
How would I know more about you than from reading your bio? Read one of your posts. Of course the fickle finger next pointed to this post so here I am! Let me say that how and what you wrote was delightful. Words like “attuned” and “grounded” and “connected” all seem to characterize you. I’ll scurry out of your inbox Sue. “I’ve miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.”
Welcome Gary - so glad that you enjoy my writing :)
Our lives are made up of bit players. Whether just meeting, engaging or colliding with us they are all part of creating our narrative. It made me wonder how many or these characters could be excavated from our memories following this example. Short and meaningful. After reading this I started thinking and what an array of friends and freaks comprise the B roll of unwitting actors in my life….and worse…who has me in their movie. Beautiful and evocative as always Sue. . Gratis tibi ago!
So grateful to be in your movie, Annie. Your comments here are always thought provoking. (And incidentally, "Our lives are made up of bit players" is pretty Shakespearean, I'd say ...)
Completely fascinating memories! And you enjoyed Latin! I loved this piece.
Thanks for this! xo
Just loved reading this, Sue! I felt like I was right there, reliving those memories with you. I find these kinds of remembrances often so comforting, as they bring me closer to my younger self. Wonderful stories Sue! ❤️
Thanks Lor for making my day - talk very soon!
I absolutely loved this, Sue! So vivid and engaging 😊 Like many of your other readers, it’s got me remembering the minor “characters” in my own past life.
I’m so very glad Prue Batten linked to this post! I am subscribed to “Everyone Else…” but have not been getting any emails. I was getting worried that you were still ill with lingering Covid, but now relieved you’re not! I’m checking your main page for anything I might have missed!
Thank you so much for this and yes, Prue is the best! I will double check your subscription deets for you but I think I have just been a bit slow in my postings since having The 'Vid. Such cheering remarks - much appreciated xo
I appreciate your checking! I did check your page and discovered this post was the only one I missed. Take care!
These are the characters that give life dimension. Like Annie below, I started thinking of idiosyncratic folk through my own life and knew I could fill a journal with the recall. A lovely thing to do one day when I discover a Time-Turner (Harry Potter) in the bottom of the sea chest...
Yes, quite! Although if anyone is likely to come across a sea chest it's YOU ha!
I adored reading this post, Sue. We had the same/similar game, but called Chutes and Ladders-- you'd go up the ladder and have to slide down the chute. I guess children in the US were considered too wimpy for snakes, or something. In any case.. this is such a wonderfully written reminiscence of people from your past, along with terrific illustrative images. As I've hinted before-- I would so love to see your writings collected in a book... you never know!
I appreciate this so much, Karen - thanks for making my day xo
I wonder if I have this to look forward to, seemingly odd memories percolating to the surface for no apparent reason. Sounds good to me! That being said, you attention to details is what helps us be right there with you. I'm not a detail person myself, so I admire this quality. At first I thought you were remembering positive warm memories, but then you mentioned the Latin French and Hell tutor, but then, he did you a "favor" by helping you along your academic journey! xo
Lani, remember me when it starts -many years from now!! Your life seems super busy at the moment but I hope the time for thought "settling" will present itself. You young flower, you!
😂 That’s nice to hear because I work with so many younger folks. I’ll remember you. Sniff, sniff. xo