Route 66: Fetal Memories
Birthed Memories43 total reviews
Comment from dragonpoet
Hi Jay,
This is a wonderfully told story of what sounds like a good vacation.
That sounds like a good restaurant. I wonder if the waitress laughed.
I don't understand why you were called Junie.
Keep writing and stay healthy
Congrats on second place in the contest,
Have a great day.
Joan
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2023
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Hi Jay,
This is a wonderfully told story of what sounds like a good vacation.
That sounds like a good restaurant. I wonder if the waitress laughed.
I don't understand why you were called Junie.
Keep writing and stay healthy
Congrats on second place in the contest,
Have a great day.
Joan
Comment Written 18-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2023
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Thank you, Joan, for reading this without any reward, but enjoyment. Junie, I'm told has no intrinsic meaning, save the fact that my parents, during the early years of their marriage palled around (yes, that's the past tense of the verb "pal"!) with a man named Junie. Yet they wanted to name me,officially, after my own father, George. So I was birthed as George, but called Junie by everyone ... until I officially changed it to Jay, which I took from the "Jr" after George. See? TMI? There are no innocent questions. LOL,
Jay
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You?re welcome, Jay. Wow, from George to Junie to Jay.. Alt least the same starting sound.
Joan
Comment from K.I. Betancur
Nitpick: "I feel for you, Sweetie-Pie. I know (your/yer) Mama and Daddy's takin' good care of you
I might have to stop reading your stories, you might run me out of Six Stars to give! (your style of writing really brings out the Southern in me, haha.)
Great work!
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2023
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Nitpick: "I feel for you, Sweetie-Pie. I know (your/yer) Mama and Daddy's takin' good care of you
I might have to stop reading your stories, you might run me out of Six Stars to give! (your style of writing really brings out the Southern in me, haha.)
Great work!
Comment Written 16-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2023
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And you found yet another nit -- this one that had a long run, and no one else caught it. Thank you, my friend!
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Hahaha, I was wondering about that myself, it probably blended in for other readers. Not a problem!
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Jay,
In 1949, I wasn't born yet! I came to be on October 17th of 1950.
I like the front grill on those DeSoto models, something like Lincolns of today. But the 1949 DeSoto Woody Wagons are worth over $80,000 now! Isn't that something?
I can't imagine needing to be within reach of a gun to protect my family, even today in these parts. New Brunswick is generally a pretty safe place to live. Now, Halifax in Nova Scotia? That's different. Lots of crime there. Shootings. Gangs. It's a shame, because Halifax is a great city of eastern Canada.
You know, my driving record is almost spotless. I've been driving since 1969, and my first car was a 1966 Ford Falcon Sports Coupe. Oh, I've been stopped, too... twice, and warned twice. But never a ticket! I had one accident when I was sliding on ice towards an intersection. I was almost stopped when I nudged the bumper of a car that was waiting for a green light. It cost me about $200 for a quick settlement.
Oh my... Noxema! One of the worst sunburn itches I ever had resulted from a slathering of Noxema! The only thing that saved me from a complete panicked breakdown was Solarcaine. That healing spray took away the itch as quick as lightning. I wouldn't go on a summer holiday without it.
It's true about the truck-stops, Jay. Up here, in New Brunswick, Irving has restaurants near almost every city. The food is always terrific. Clean washrooms. Great staff and waitresses. Your mother was a wise one!
Wow! Today, a prank like that would land somebody in jail for mischief. He could have caused an accident. Someone could have been killed... easily. I'm sure your father was pissed. No wonder he said, "Hope you brought your most expensive appetites with you."
"inference"... never ran into that word before! ..."working out from evidence"
Well, Jay, what a great ending! ...falling in love with the waitress. I did that on my honeymoon to SkyLodge in Jackman, Maine. We had the nicest waitress for the entire week, and she was at least a "9". I felt so bad for her one night. This couple was dining at the next table. Now this place was a log lodge, a huge log lodge... double staircase, deer heads, stuffed ducks, two fireplaces, 13 bedrooms, a gorgeous bar, and the dining room overlooked mountains to the west that offered outstanding sunsets. Anyway, getting back to this couple.... they wanted beers after their meal. But the owners, Ed and Ruthie Landgraf, didn't serve beer. They had hard liquor and wine. Well, this couple (in their 50's, I think) were so upset when our waitress explained it to them, they demanded retribution! Ed Landgraf had to come and speak with them. My wife and I were flabbergasted. I mean, to dine in this place was like going to Disney World. And these ingrates were picking a fight with the owners! We couldn't believe it. (Yeah, imagine me ogling the waitress on my honeymoon!!!)
Terrific piece, Jay! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I wish you Good Luck in the "Share Your Story" contest! Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2023
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Hi Jay,
In 1949, I wasn't born yet! I came to be on October 17th of 1950.
I like the front grill on those DeSoto models, something like Lincolns of today. But the 1949 DeSoto Woody Wagons are worth over $80,000 now! Isn't that something?
I can't imagine needing to be within reach of a gun to protect my family, even today in these parts. New Brunswick is generally a pretty safe place to live. Now, Halifax in Nova Scotia? That's different. Lots of crime there. Shootings. Gangs. It's a shame, because Halifax is a great city of eastern Canada.
You know, my driving record is almost spotless. I've been driving since 1969, and my first car was a 1966 Ford Falcon Sports Coupe. Oh, I've been stopped, too... twice, and warned twice. But never a ticket! I had one accident when I was sliding on ice towards an intersection. I was almost stopped when I nudged the bumper of a car that was waiting for a green light. It cost me about $200 for a quick settlement.
Oh my... Noxema! One of the worst sunburn itches I ever had resulted from a slathering of Noxema! The only thing that saved me from a complete panicked breakdown was Solarcaine. That healing spray took away the itch as quick as lightning. I wouldn't go on a summer holiday without it.
It's true about the truck-stops, Jay. Up here, in New Brunswick, Irving has restaurants near almost every city. The food is always terrific. Clean washrooms. Great staff and waitresses. Your mother was a wise one!
Wow! Today, a prank like that would land somebody in jail for mischief. He could have caused an accident. Someone could have been killed... easily. I'm sure your father was pissed. No wonder he said, "Hope you brought your most expensive appetites with you."
"inference"... never ran into that word before! ..."working out from evidence"
Well, Jay, what a great ending! ...falling in love with the waitress. I did that on my honeymoon to SkyLodge in Jackman, Maine. We had the nicest waitress for the entire week, and she was at least a "9". I felt so bad for her one night. This couple was dining at the next table. Now this place was a log lodge, a huge log lodge... double staircase, deer heads, stuffed ducks, two fireplaces, 13 bedrooms, a gorgeous bar, and the dining room overlooked mountains to the west that offered outstanding sunsets. Anyway, getting back to this couple.... they wanted beers after their meal. But the owners, Ed and Ruthie Landgraf, didn't serve beer. They had hard liquor and wine. Well, this couple (in their 50's, I think) were so upset when our waitress explained it to them, they demanded retribution! Ed Landgraf had to come and speak with them. My wife and I were flabbergasted. I mean, to dine in this place was like going to Disney World. And these ingrates were picking a fight with the owners! We couldn't believe it. (Yeah, imagine me ogling the waitress on my honeymoon!!!)
Terrific piece, Jay! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I wish you Good Luck in the "Share Your Story" contest! Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Kimbob
Comment Written 03-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2023
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Thank you, Kimbob. I ALWAYS enjoy the way you find personal touchpoints as you progress through my writing. It's so validating and fun. Your reviews often tell a story. With the one you left me today, you can count as your daily stint in creating. Take the rest of the day off, my friend. You've earned it. Drop the mike!
Jay
Comment from Olivanne Marsh
That must have been such a fun trip for an astute 10-year-old. I've heard many tales of Route 66 and most of them have made me smile, but this one was especially evocative. I'm not sure how to handle it, but I found a little awkwardness in the narration between the 10-year-old boy and the writer he became. Maybe, it was just me, but... Other than that, a few minor quibbles listed below:
"Route 66, stretches like a diagonal caesarian slice across the hot belly of America; out of that incision, these restless fetal memories rise:" ***Quite the transition from Dad back to Route 66. I wondered if this should be your first sentence? It does grab! Cesearean or caesarian?
"It was a good run, I guess, but even good runs run out of gas." Good simile, too many "run"(s). Keep it but use gas tank goes dry or something like that.
A good story and what a great memory.
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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That must have been such a fun trip for an astute 10-year-old. I've heard many tales of Route 66 and most of them have made me smile, but this one was especially evocative. I'm not sure how to handle it, but I found a little awkwardness in the narration between the 10-year-old boy and the writer he became. Maybe, it was just me, but... Other than that, a few minor quibbles listed below:
"Route 66, stretches like a diagonal caesarian slice across the hot belly of America; out of that incision, these restless fetal memories rise:" ***Quite the transition from Dad back to Route 66. I wondered if this should be your first sentence? It does grab! Cesearean or caesarian?
"It was a good run, I guess, but even good runs run out of gas." Good simile, too many "run"(s). Keep it but use gas tank goes dry or something like that.
A good story and what a great memory.
Comment Written 01-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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Many thanks, Olivianne. It's a thought, making that caesarian section part the first sentence. I'll have to give it some thought. About the double use of "run", that was done with my eyes wide open, kind of as a repetition. But I do appreciate your thought on it. For my part, when reviewing others' posts, I also note their "annoying echoes" myself.
Jay
Comment from Spitfire
What a hoot. I remember 'pickaninny' as being a slang word for Negro children. Great writing style and so like a kid to milk a line forever when it elicits laughter from the adult. Congratulations on your recognition.
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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What a hoot. I remember 'pickaninny' as being a slang word for Negro children. Great writing style and so like a kid to milk a line forever when it elicits laughter from the adult. Congratulations on your recognition.
Comment Written 01-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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I'm so happy you enjoyed this, Shari. That means a lot to me. Your six stars is the cherry on top!
Jay
Comment from Julie G1
So well done. This story conveys clearly the writer's message in an evocative word picture. The choice of language and imagery builds an intriguing tale for the reader. Nice twist at the conclusion. Keep on writing.
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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So well done. This story conveys clearly the writer's message in an evocative word picture. The choice of language and imagery builds an intriguing tale for the reader. Nice twist at the conclusion. Keep on writing.
Comment Written 01-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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Thank you, Julie. I'm happy you enjoyed reading this and treasure your kind words.
Jay
Comment from BethShelby
I enjoyed your story told from the memory of a ten year old. I'm wondering if that waitress was as impressed with you not being a pickaninny as your parents were. Actually, I surprised California folks knew the word. Down south it meant a black baby likely born into slavery. I can't imagine a man laying in the road as a way to put his restaurant on the map. Couldn't he have been hit by a car? I'm sure the golden awards plus your fifteen minutes of fame would have made a lasting memory for any kid. I remember the TV show Route 66. There was always adventures along that route. I love the way you ended the story by embarassing you family by declaring your fantastic laugh line.
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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I enjoyed your story told from the memory of a ten year old. I'm wondering if that waitress was as impressed with you not being a pickaninny as your parents were. Actually, I surprised California folks knew the word. Down south it meant a black baby likely born into slavery. I can't imagine a man laying in the road as a way to put his restaurant on the map. Couldn't he have been hit by a car? I'm sure the golden awards plus your fifteen minutes of fame would have made a lasting memory for any kid. I remember the TV show Route 66. There was always adventures along that route. I love the way you ended the story by embarassing you family by declaring your fantastic laugh line.
Comment Written 01-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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Thank you for reading, Beth. I'm glad you found it enjoyable.
Jay
Comment from eliz100
I enjoyed reading your story. It was very entertaining. I find it interesting that some special memories remain in our memory. I do not see any need for improvement. Have a blessed day.
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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I enjoyed reading your story. It was very entertaining. I find it interesting that some special memories remain in our memory. I do not see any need for improvement. Have a blessed day.
Comment Written 28-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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Thank you, Elizabeth (I assume), for reading. I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
Jay
Comment from Lady MJ
Well written. Good imagery. What an exciting road trip. As a kid, excitement is needed on long trips and the more excitement, the better the journey. I enjoyed reading this.
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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Well written. Good imagery. What an exciting road trip. As a kid, excitement is needed on long trips and the more excitement, the better the journey. I enjoyed reading this.
Comment Written 28-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2023
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I'm so happy you found reading my story worthwhile. Thank you so much for stopping by.
Jay
Comment from Kingsrookviii
Wow, love I this because it reminds me so much of a vacation in 1970 with my Grandad and folks. We hit Route 66 and an incident on California was brought to mind from your story. I really got caught up in the nostalgia. Great work.
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2023
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Wow, love I this because it reminds me so much of a vacation in 1970 with my Grandad and folks. We hit Route 66 and an incident on California was brought to mind from your story. I really got caught up in the nostalgia. Great work.
Comment Written 27-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2023
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Thank you so much Kingsrook. Wow, you were either at the very beginning or end of your journey if you were on 66 in California. I'm pleased it helped some memories to spring up, though. Your six-star rating is special to me, Sir.
Jay