Remembering The Unscarred Me - A Song Review

Sometimes, I think about that little girl I used to be—the one who played with dolls and held imaginary tea parties, who believed the world was full of endless possibilities. 

There was a gentle magic in those early years, a quiet wonder that filled my room and the pages of bedtime stories. I remember being unscarred.

A Walking Doll Gift From Dad When I Was Seven

When I was seven, my father had been away for a while, and when he returned, he brought me a gift I still vividly remember: a giant doll, almost half my height, with a name—Shirley. 

I was completely taken aback by this amazing toy. Shirley wasn't just a doll; she was a walking doll. You could hold her hand or arm, and as you walked, her legs would move forward as if she were walking alongside you. 

I remember the awe of watching her move, the sense that she was alive in a way no toy had ever been. That feeling—the magic, the companionship, the sheer possibility—stayed with me for years, and it's exactly what inspired the term "walking doll" when I wrote this song.

As life went on, Shirley stopped walking. I grew taller, my imagination quieted, and somewhere along the way, I stopped letting her talk. Pretend tea parties became memories. She became a decoration, a silent reminder of a part of me I had tucked away.

I Grew Bigger And Stopped Her From Talking

In my twenties, thirties, and forties, I thought I had to leave that little girl behind. I told myself I was practical, independent, and strong.

Dolls were for children, not for grown-ups. But life has a way of nudging you back to what you need most. Every heartbreak, every challenge, every moment that shook me whispered: remember the unscarred me. Remember the one who imagined freely, who believed in possibility, who saw the world as full of magic.

Now, at this stage of my life, I realize I don't have to hide her anymore. I've stopped worrying about what others might think when they see me tap into my creativity, my imagination, my artsy, playful side. What matters is being true to myself. Being free again, as I was when I was little, is my gift to myself.

This Song is About Acknowledging Our Young Imagination

This song, The Living Story (I Remember Being Unscarred), is my ode to that girl in the light pink dress. 

I chose the color pink in these lyrics and in the lyric video for two reasons: one, because when I was a little girl, pink was one of my three favorite colors; and two, most importantly, because my granddaughter's favorite color is pink. 

In the lyric video, I dressed both the grown woman and the young girl in pink to reflect that connection. She's still there on the shelf, waiting patiently for me to remember her, for me to reach for her when the world feels heavy, when life leaves its marks. And now, I do. I drink pretend tea again. I let myself imagine. I let myself create. That girl, that spark, is alive in me, and she always will be.

At 65 Years Old, I'm Acknowledging The Unscarred Me Once Again, as Talked About in the Lyrics I Wrote in this Song

Those who know me know I've been writing for a long time. I started writing poems and song lyrics in 1968, when I was eight years old, and I've written on and off ever since. In 2019, I published a book on Amazon featuring fifty years of my writings. Life often pulled me away from writing. 

Now, at 65, I've made a personal decision: I will honor my spirit and write as much as I can for as long as I live. This is my choice—not to be special, but to be true to who I am, what my soul calls me to do. For me, it's writing. For others, it may be art, music, or building something meaningful. 

The truth is, knowing ourselves is the hardest thing we do. I've come back to my true self, and I plan to live out the last third of my life fully aligned with who I am at heart.

Whether anyone reads or listens to my writings is secondary; it's ok if people don't. It's just something I have to do; I have to get it out. I hope you can release the true you, or maybe you already have!

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Five Minutes of Peace: The Story Behind the Lyrics

It began quietly, the way honest thoughts often do. Almost a follow-up from last week's intense article about self-discovery.

Tucked under the sheets at 3 a.m. last night, phone glowing in the dark, I opened the notes app and started typing. 

I wasn't planning to write anything. I just felt the words pressing in, asking to be let out before sleep could claim them. What came through felt urgent, reflective, and very real — something that needed to be written exactly as it arrived.

At first, the tone felt somber. The questions were heavy. But as the writing continued, something shifted. Without forcing it, a sense of lightness began to weave its way in. Not denial, and not false optimism — just the reminder that even intense questions can exist alongside hope.

These lyrics became Five Minutes of Peace.

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Verse One: Are We Being Tested?

The first verse explores a thought many of us have had in our quieter moments — the feeling that life might be some kind of test. As if unseen forces are watching, placing bets on how much we can handle before we crack, adding weight to already full lives just to see what happens next.

It's not a comfortable idea, but it's an honest one. When challenges stack up without pause, it's natural to wonder whether endurance itself is being measured. This verse lingers with that discomfort rather than rushing past it.

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Verse Two: Did I Choose This Life?

The second verse shifts perspective and asks a different question altogether. What if this life wasn't assigned to us? What if we chose it?

Here, the idea of being an angel on a grand expedition comes into play — willingly stepping into a difficult life for the sake of growth or learning. And then, midway through, I realized just how exhausting that choice feels. There's a hint of humor in the self-awareness, a moment of wondering what we were thinking, and the very human desire for an intermission.

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Verse Three: Is This Karma?

The third verse turns toward karma — the belief that life may be about balancing energies and settling accounts. Are we here to clean up what came before? To answer for past actions, past choices, or even inherited weight we didn't personally create?

This verse doesn't offer judgment or certainty. It simply acknowledges the possibility and complexity of understanding why life unfolds as it does.

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The Chorus: Peace for Everyone I Love

The chorus opens outward. The five minutes of peace being asked for isn't just personal relief — it's a moment that includes my children, my family, my friends, and the wider world all at once. True peace, for me, only exists when the people I love are safe, and when the world they move through feels calm as well.

It's a utopian idea, and I'm aware of that. But that's what makes it meaningful. For five minutes, darkness is defeated not because it's ignored, but because it isn't touching anyone. There's no need to send good vibes or wish things better — everything already is. For those five minutes, everything is right, everywhere, all at once.

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The Ending: Letting Go of the Labels

By the end, the need for answers softens. The lyrics don't land on being a misfit, an angel, or a soul working through karma. Instead, they arrive at something simpler and more forgiving.

I'm just a girl here to learn — from the love, the chaos, the beauty, and the drama that come with being human. No cosmic labels required. No final explanations needed.

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Why I Shared This

This lyric video holds contrast. It asks heavy questions without becoming heavy itself. It allows seriousness to exist alongside brightness, intensity alongside hope. That balance reflects how the lyrics came to life — in the quiet of the night, shaped by curiosity rather than certainty.

Sometimes, five minutes is all we need.

And sometimes, writing it down at 3 a.m. is enough to remind us that we're not alone in asking why life gives us so much to carry.

_____________________

50 Years of My Poems and Lyrics are on Amazon, Where Available.

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🎵 ©DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - Original Lyrics. | Licensed Digital Composition (Commercial Rights Held) for Music and Vocals

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Tripping Into Carl Jung: A Journey of Anger and Tears I Didn't Expect

 

How I Found Carl Jung (Or How He Found Me)

Lately, I've been tripping over Carl Jung videos—or more accurately, the algorithms on my social media seem determined to hand them to me. 

At first, I would scroll past quickly, recognizing the name but not feeling any real connection to it. Then one day, something made me pause. I watched one short, then another, and before I knew it, I was engulfed in the powerful narrative-style video presentations. Snippets of his writings, reflections, and interpretations—layered with voiceovers that somehow went straight to the center of me. 

It felt less like stumbling onto something new and more like something familiar tapping me softly on the shoulder. Something I was meant to hear now, at this time in my life.

Who Was Carl Jung?

I'll be honest: I had to go look up his credentials. We all know the name, but I didn't know the years he lived or the full weight of who he was. 

Carl Jung (1875–1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist and the founder of analytical psychology. His work reached far beyond traditional psychology, exploring dreams, symbols, mythology, spirituality, and the unconscious. 

He gave us concepts like archetypes, the shadow self, synchronicity, and one of his most profound ideas: the journey of individuation. Once I started reading more about him, everything I'd been watching began to connect in a way that felt eerily personal.

Individuation: The Message That Stopped Me Cold

Of all the Jung videos I've watched, the one that stopped me cold was about individuation. 

Jung described it as the lifelong process of becoming your true self—the self you were meant to be before life, expectations, obligations, or other people guided you off course. 

The video explained individuation as a kind of "going home," not to any physical place, but returning to the inner self you were originally designed to grow into. And that struck me deeply. 

At 65, I can feel myself moving in that direction—not in a dramatic way, but in a quiet, profound way. I wish I could remember every word from the video, because the message landed with such force. What stays with me is the recognition that I am finally circling back to who I was meant to be all along. It's a combination of bravery, but not really bravery, and anger.

I found this eBook on Amazon about Carl Jung's "Individuation."  - Note, I haven't read it; I included it for anyone interested.

The Pull Away, and the Pull Back

What unsettled me most was how clearly Jung's message mirrored my own life. 

From childhood onward, it was so easy to be pulled off course—into other people's ideas of who I was, what I should do, who I should become. 

I remember being seen as delicate, even though I knew I was anything but. I wasn't upset by the misunderstanding; I was puzzled by it. I knew that wasn't me, even if I didn't yet know how to show who I truly was. Flash forward to today, my best friend often reminds me how strong I am. She sees me.

And Jung's explanation—that our original direction can be interrupted or reshaped by the world—made me see how far I had drifted without even realizing it. 

Yet here I am, decades later, feeling a powerful pull back toward the girl I was at five—the girl who instinctively knew who she was!

I'm Trying Not to Be Angry - This is Personal, But I Have to Say I'm Dealing With That Feeling Right Now

I'm trying not to be angry, because I'm not an angry person. I don't believe in living in an angry space.

Truly, I don't carry anger or fear around with me. I feel it when it happens, and let it go, as I will with this anger. Psalm 23 repeats in my mind constantly, and it saves me.

But these Jung videos stirred something that surprised me. Not anger toward anyone—not my parents, not the world—but something closer to grief mixed with frustration. 

Anger at myself. And yet, how can I be angry at a five-year-old child who simply loved, and wanted, and felt the need to play the piano?

At five years old, the piano felt natural to me. My teacher made sure to let my mother know that I had a gift. But when we moved away to another province, my parents were focused on building a life. 

When my mother said we couldn't afford a piano—and I couldn't take lessons without one—I felt THEIR stress immediately. We had previously lived with my mother's parents, who had a piano.

So even though the piano awakened my soul, I didn't insist. I didn't plead. It wasn't in my nature to burden anyone. And so the piano-playing version of me slipped quietly out of existence.

But the writing version of me never left. 

From eight years old onward, the poems, lyrics, and lines that arrived in the middle of chores, or in quiet moments, just kept coming. From humor to world events to parents to made-up lyrics, it was all penned to paper.

They're collected in my book We Will Have Morning Smiles—fifty years of my world in words. And now, as I put those words to music—finally allowing them to breathe in the way I now know they were meant to—I can't help but think that if piano had stayed in my life, I might have been doing this decades sooner.

Here's how I'm dealing with lost time: I've created a Time-Traveling version of me (lol, that creative side just won't leave) - You can check out the two "Back to the Future" shorts I've created so far. They're on this playlist from YouTube:

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The next curveball came after high school. 

In high school, I was accepted into three universities for psychology, a field I had long wanted to pursue. But again, I was talked out of it. Steered elsewhere. Redirected. It only lasted a year before life pulled me into yet another path that wasn't mine. 

So yes, I do feel angry at myself for letting others steer me: friends, family, men, expectations, interpretations. I'm legitmately p*ssed.

And yet, through Jung's lens, I now understand that this reckoning is part of the return journey. Part of going home to myself.

I don't want to leave this earth, when it's finally my time, without becoming my truest, most whole self. That self is the one who writes. The one whose words are her spirit and her soul. 

The one who puts those words to music, spoken voice, or anything else that lets them live. I want to leave that behind. Every last piece of who I really am.

I need to return home, to me. And most of all, forgive everything, everyone, especially myself.

If you'd like to listen to my words, put to music, here's a playlist of what I've completed so far of the hundreds of lyrics and poems I've written over nearly 57 years. Every song includes information about when the words were written and the story behind them. "Measures" is my most recent, written at 64. I'm sharing work from 1968 (I was 8 then) til today, and tomorrow's words that are yet to come.

In closing, I'm reminding myself that it is THIS life that I lived, not the one I thought I should have, that inspired these poems and lyrics. And, my children are the best reason I took this path. 

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🎵 ©DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - Original Lyrics. | Licensed Digital Composition (Commercial Rights Held) for Music and Vocals

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What I’d Tell My 30-Year-Old Self (and What Would You Tell Yours?)

I often wonder what my mom would have told her 60-year-old self when she was 80. 

Mom passed at 82, and although we had many conversations, I don't remember us having this one - but I'd venture that we did, and I've simply forgotten.

Now that I'm in my mid-60s, I often think about that. What would I tell my 40 or 30-year-old self?

Because even at this age, I certainly haven't learned nearly all there is to know. I imagine my mom at 80 had realizations and wisdom that didn't resonate when she was my current age. 

It makes me think that no matter how old we are — 20, 40, 60, or 80 — we're always able to look back and see what we didn't know then versus what we know now.

So, this piece is about being in my mid-60s and reflecting on how every decade carries its own lessons. I'm sure if I'm blessed enough to reach my mid-80s, I'll see life through an even more seasoned lens — maybe not entirely different, but definitely deeper. That's how I tend to live: tracking the markers, assessing the growth, and asking myself what stuck, what didn't, and what I still need to learn.

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What I'd Tell My 30-Year-Old Self - I'd Have to Laugh Mid-Conversation!

If I could go back and whisper something to my 30-year-old self, I think the first thing I'd do is laugh — because she would've never believed we'd make it through half of what was coming!

There was a time when I used to say, "If I could go back, I'd change schools, or take a different major, or move to a different city." And while that sounds practical, it's also impossible — because those kinds of changes would have altered everything. I wouldn't have the kids I have, the family I have, or even the same path that shaped me.

So I've grown past that kind of thinking. That was the younger me talking. The version that thought life was supposed to go according to plan. 

Today, I understand that my life unfolded the way it was meant to — not easily, but meaningfully. I accept that I chose this life for a reason. My spirit wanted growth, and, well, it got it!

Sometimes I joke that before we’re born — if that’s how it works — maybe we’re up there somewhere making our life plans like a bunch of overachievers. And there I was, hand in the air, saying, “Give me all the lessons. I can handle it. I’ll do a thousand lifetimes in one. Let’s go!” Honestly, that's my character, so I can legitimately believe I would do this!

And then somewhere around my 50s, I did yell back, "Okay, that's enough now — who approved this plan?!" Because honestly, I think I signed up for a little too much growth. 

Still, I can laugh about it now, and that's a kind of wisdom all on its own. Laugh, cry, feel it all.

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What 65-Year-Old Me Would Tell Me 30-Year-Old Me:

If I could actually sit across from my 30-year-old self, I'd say this:

“It feels insurmountable right now, but you’ve chosen this path for a reason. Keep moving forward. Speak up more often. You’re going to discover strength beyond your wildest imagination. You think you know what strength is now — just wait. You’re about to master it, my Queen. Hold onto love, and you'll survive it all.”

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I wrote the song lyrics in the above video in my late 30s, possibly early 40s. I was struggling then, deeply. And that struggle, as hard as it was, gave me this creative voice that I've used before and ever since. 

I've written countless things since then — including a book of poetry that spans fifty years of my life. 

Most of those poems mirror the ups and downs, the lessons, and the love I've found along the way. I originally published that book for my children, so when my time here is done, they'll still have a piece of me to hold onto, if they need it.

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What Would You Tell Your 30-Year-Old Self?

Now, what about you? Have you ever asked yourself that question?

Would you tell your 30-year-old self to make this turn instead of that turn? To choose a different path, or avoid certain detours? Or would you simply congratulate yourself for surviving it all — for learning what you needed to learn, even if it came the hard way?

We all have our own version of that conversation. Maybe that's what life really is — a series of quiet talks between who we were and who we're becoming.

Closing Thought

So, here's to every version of us: the 30-year-old who was trying to figure it out, the 60-year-old who's still learning, and the future self who will someday look back and smile, realizing that somehow, through it all, we did okay.

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Finding Strength in Struggles: Everything Must Go – A Five Star Movie Review

The Storyline of "Everything Must Go"

"Everything Must Go" tells the story of Nick Halsey, a man whose life falls apart. He loses his job, his wife leaves him, and she locks him out of their house, throwing all his belongings onto the front lawn. 

Instead of picking himself up right away, Nick chooses to live on the lawn and starts selling everything he owns in a yard sale. 

As the days pass, he learns important life lessons about himself and what's truly valuable.

The movie is about hitting rock bottom, facing harsh realities, and figuring out how to rebuild when life takes a hard turn. 

It's a simple yet impactful story that hits home for many who have faced unspeakable challenges.

An Excellent Cast

Will Ferrell plays Nick Halsey, and it's not the usual comedy role you'd expect from him. 

I was surprised by how serious and believable he was in this part. I got so drawn into the story that I stopped seeing him as Will Ferrell, the comedian. He became Nick, a guy struggling with his life falling apart, and it was easy to forget his other famous roles.

Another standout in the movie is Rebecca Hall, who plays Samantha, Nick's new neighbor. She brings warmth and depth to her character and helps push Nick toward figuring out what he wants and maybe needs. 

Christopher Jordan Wallace plays Kenny, a young kid who helps Nick with his yard sale, and I really enjoyed his performance. He was so effective in his role, and his character was a nice reminder that friendships can form in unexpected ways. 

Lastly, I've always liked Laura Dern. Her small role as Nick's high school friend added believability and heart to the movie. Her presence brought extra star power, making her character feel real and relatable.

Why I Enjoyed This Movie

What I liked most about "Everything Must Go" was how, unfortunately, it would be relatable to some.

This character-driven movie delivers some important messages about life—sometimes, everything falls apart, and we must figure out how to rebuild. 

It resonated with me because it shows that even when life hits hard, there's always a way forward, even if it takes time to see it. 

Will Ferrell's performance was a huge surprise. I didn't expect him to be so convincing in a serious role, but he made me forget I was watching the same actor from all those comedies. 

I also really enjoyed Christopher Jordan Wallace as the young boy Kenny. He brought a lot of heart to the story, and his character was more than just a sidekick—he was a big part of Nick's journey. 

Oh, and the movie does offer an unexpected twist - I didn't see that coming!

The Tone of the Movie

The tone of Everything Must Go is a mix of raw realism and subtle hope. 

It shows life's harsh realities—flaws, failures, and the messes we make—but it also leaves you feeling like there's a way forward, even when things seem broken. 

The movie doesn't sugarcoat the struggles, yet it sprinkles in moments of light, reminding us that no matter how flawed we are, we can find a path toward rebuilding if we're willing. 

It's a reflective, grounded story that feels real yet offers small glimmers of hope.

If you're into a serious movie about life lessons that doesn't leave you feeling like there's absolutely no hope, this is your movie. Despite the struggles of the main character, some light shines through.

Check out the trailer:

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Why I Loved The Movie, An Unfinished Life - A Five Star Review

"An Unfinished Life" follows the story of Einar Gilkyson, a Wyoming rancher portrayed by Robert Redford, whose life is shadowed by grief and guilt following the death of his son.

Estranged from his daughter-in-law, Jean (played by Jennifer Lopez), and his granddaughter, Griff (Becca Gardner), Einar lives a solitary existence until Jean unexpectedly arrives seeking refuge. 

As Jean and Griff settle into Einar's home, old wounds resurface, forcing all three to confront their painful pasts and find a way to heal their fractured family bonds. 

Set against the majestic backdrop of rural Wyoming, the film unfolds as a poignant narrative that can resonate deeply.

Setting the Scene of An Unfinished Life: Wyoming's Landscape

The rugged beauty of Wyoming serves not only as a picturesque setting but also as a metaphor for the characters' emotional landscapes. Hallström's direction captures the vast expanse and raw beauty of the countryside, enhancing the film's exploration of inner turmoil and external resilience.

Characters and Relationships

At the heart of "An Unfinished Life" are its compelling characters: Einar (played by Robert Redford), a stoic rancher haunted by past tragedies; Jean (Jennifer Lopez), his estranged daughter-in-law seeking refuge; Griff (Becca Gardner), Jean's daughter caught in the aftermath; and Mitch (Morgan Freeman), Einar's loyal friend and moral compass. 

Their intertwined lives unfold with layers of unresolved conflicts and deeply rooted emotions. These complex feelings resonate with all of us in one way or another.

Themes Explored

The film navigates through themes of forgiveness and redemption with grace and nuance. Einar's journey towards reconciliation with Jean and Griff serves as a focal point, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness in healing old wounds. 

The narrative also delves into the complexities of family bonds, portraying love, loss, and resilience amidst adversity.

Gorgeous Cinematography

Lasse Hallström's directorial prowess shines through in his portrayal of emotional depth and character development. The use of sweeping cinematography not only captures the grandeur of Wyoming's landscapes but also underscores the characters' internal struggles and personal growth. Each frame seems crafted to evoke empathy and contemplation— for me, especially contemplation.

Impact and Reflection

"An Unfinished Life" leaves a lasting impact on viewers, prompting introspection on themes of forgiveness and the unfinished aspects of life. It encourages audiences to reflect on their own experiences of healing and renewal, resonating long after the credits roll. The film's narrative poignantly reminds us that life's unfinished moments offer opportunities for growth, redemption, and the forging of deeper connections.

Why I Loved This Movie

In conclusion, "An Unfinished Life" transcends the boundaries of a conventional drama, offering a profound meditation on the human spirit's capacity for forgiveness and starting over.

Through its richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, the film reminds us that while life may present us with unfinished chapters, it also allows us to rewrite our stories with courage and compassion.

A healing movie, for a time that needs much healing (in my opinion).

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Life's Changing Perspectives - A Twenty Year Review Through Poems

How have you changed in twenty years?

I've declared 2020 the year of Body, Mind, and Spirit, with the main focus on feeding my spirit to balance all aspects of my life.

Remember Who I Am - Life Reflections Then and Now

Nearly twenty years ago, I wrote a poem called "Remember Who I Am." The poem isn't about begging to be remembered but rather about acknowledging the mistakes I made in life and how, ultimately, I learned from those mistakes.

Looking back to twenty years ago, when the video poem featured below was written, I can see my personal growth.

I'm a different person at 59 years old than I was in my 30s. I suspect that's quite normal. God willing, if I get to 80, I imagine my outlook will change further.

The most significant change inside me is a grander understanding of inner peace and what inner peace truly is.

There's so much I want to type about inner peace right now, but honestly, I don't think I can explain it? Let me say it this way with these powerful words:

 "In the end, everything WILL be O.K."  - I get this now.

We're still dealing with some of the same life struggles we faced when I was in my thirties. Even though those struggles are still quite significant, I now see how mundane they are and rarely pray about them. In the grand scheme of life, they don't rate.

When I was in church last week, I started thinking about my prayers from those times and how I've grown to understand that the secret to solutions is within us - and that prayers for souls, the human condition, our community, those we love, and visualizing the good, is where ultimate peace rests.

I feel I'm awake now. 

As though I'd been handed a book with some of life's secrets in it. If I'm so blessed, I'm looking forward to the next book in twenty more years.

I've mastered forgiveness.

I can unequivocally state that I've got this one down without giving away anything overtly personal. What I understand most about forgiveness is that it's not up to me to 'forgive' others. It's lessons learned from all sides.

I approach the mistakes others make that hurt me, family, friends, or strangers as people who are either lost, dark, or learning at their own pace. Life is school; some of us are in pre-school while others have PhDs. No judging. Letting go.

Also, I disagree with the saying, "I forgive, but I'll never forget."  If I have to hold any grudge, including 'never forgetting,' it's not forgiveness. You can read more about this in an article I wrote many years ago called "The Secret to Life."

Despite life's changes over the past twenty years, the words to this poem I wrote so long ago still stand.

Angels on Duty - Starting Our Day with a Helping Hand

Again, I wrote this one about twenty years ago. Of all the poems I've written over the past fifty years, this is one of my favorites.

The poem was written to visualize how Angels begin their daily work, helping us as soon as we wake up.

It's about waking up in the morning, swinging your legs over the edge of the bed, bending over with your hands over your face as you pause, thinking about the challenges you face today, and wondering if you have the strength to do it. Without knowing, there's an Angel present, whispering affirmations and confirmations that 'everything will be okay' and that you're not alone, and yes, you can do it.

Towards the end of last year, I achieved a bucket list item: I published a book featuring 50 years of my poems. Change, perspective, growth - it's all good. #bethechange #spreadthewordofgood

We Will Have Morning Smiles by Barbara Tremblay Cipak

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Reviewing - Will That Be Regular or Ethyl?

My cousin's  husband grew up in a small town in mid Missouri.  He recently published a book he wrote about his growing up years.

Growing Up Along Route 66 in 1950's Missouri

This is a delightful book filled with anecdotes about life in a small town in the 1950's.  Remember when: 

•  Kids rode their bikes all over town
•  Members of the opposite sex had "Cooties"
•  Students got their vaccinations at school
• To research a subject you used the Encyclopedia
• Some teachers resorted to paddling to keep kids in line
• Gas for your vehicle was filled by the attendant who also would sell you needed repairs for the car

Lessons for Life

Small town living gave DeWayne many lessons that were to last throughout his life.  Some of these included a strong work ethic built while working in the family chicken hatchery, a church community that is a big part of every day life, and a large family that looked out for each other. 

DeWayne's father also gained some great insights from his father who was a rather quiet man, but taught through his examples.

A job at a gas station on Route 66 was also full of lots of humorous incidents and some good life lessons.

Humorous Incidents

There are many humorous incidents scattered throughout the book as DeWayne gives us a glimpse into his childhood.  Here are just few of the many you won't want to miss.

•  Cow Patty Softball
•  Mishap while fishing in frozen pond
•  Church organist falling asleep when time to play
•  Mishaps at the service station on Route 66

So, if you are looking for a walk down memory lane and you want to read a book that is sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, but always realistic be sure to pick up "Will that be Regular or Ethyl?".

Book Available on Amazon

   

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