It’s raining today. I don’t hate the rain, but it does tend to keep me inside. But hey, I have plenty of coffee and lots of things to accomplish today. Writing, writing, and writing!

Sometimes you just need to let your imagination run free. I read a recent post about “our” childhood–specific to the boomers–when being inside was a punishment. We spent our days running free, only going in the house when we had to. Stayed out till the streetlights came on, if you lived in the city. Stayed out till the fireflies rested in the country.

Voices carried from numerous front porches where folks sat and whiled away the final hours of daylight before they “stepped inside” to watch their favorite show. Chuckled at Hoss and Little Joe on Bonanza. Laughed out loud at Red Skelton, Lucy, and Carol Burnett. Sat on the edge of their seats to see if Perry Mason would win his latest case.

Paladin. Sheriff Andy Taylor. Gunsmoke. The list goes on. Watched for an hour, then to bed.

Vacations for our family usually meant piling in the car and heading west. Most of Dad’s family lived in Tennessee. Mom’s family…well, they were spread out all across the west. Many lived in Texas, a few in Arizona. Grandpa lived in L.A., and others lived up the coast in Seattle.

Having family along the way helped with lodging as we headed to Southern California to see Grandpa. Dad drove long hours, stopping only when necessary. Mom shooed us out of the car and encouraged us to run and rid ourselves of pent-up energy. We weren’t used to sitting for long hours.

I saw a lot of the West. Route 66, old boom towns, last gas stations for 100 miles.

I still remember those times, spent close to our loved ones (sometimes a little too close!). Did I pass the wonder along to my sons? I hope so. It’s a thing that should never be lost, that wonder. The fascination with new places. The desire to spend time with family, those who are near, and those we’ve only known from letters, long ago.

So, I suppose the rainy day has brought on this nostalgia. If you’re still reading, thank you so much for your time. If you have a favorite childhood memory, please feel free to share it in the comments below.

I’m getting ready for the release of my next book–it’s a mystery! I don’t have an official title, cover, or release date yet. Just September. I’ll keep you posted. Meanwhile, enjoy your time this summer. May God bless you as you gather with your loved ones. May we never take that for granted.

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…have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations.

Red Skelton