ten wonderful memories

I have seen others post similar articles, and enjoyed them so much.  It is such a positive topic, and nice to reflect on the positive things in our lives for a change.  Here are some things that I have wonderful memories in my life.   

1.  My brother Steve plays the guitar.  I enjoy listening to him play so much.  We often sit around as a family and sing songs, while he plays.  I remember when I was really young he used to sing Puff the Magic Dragon for me over and over.  "Do Puff, Steve, do Puff!"

2.   My greatest love, Curtis, was a pilot.  He used to take me flying in his little Cessna.  On my birthday, which is in January, he took me flying through Yosemite.  It was just spectacular.  As we flew home, off into the sunset of course, he turned to me and smiled and looped the plane upside down.  It was one of the best memories of my life.

3.  We went camping every summer growing up.  I saw so many different sights and went on so many adventures.  We sat at campfires and sang songs, roasted marshmallows, and did skits.  It was great fun.  One time we got soaking wet, when a surprise rain storm hit.  My brother tried to dry a pair of jeans to wear next to the fire, and the hem caught on fire.  We laughed so hard. 

4. I went to Silver Lake in the High Sierras with a friend's family when I was about 15.  I met Mark there and we instantly hit it off.  We spent the whole week together hiking, swimming and kissing.  He was my first real love, and my heart was broken when I had to leave.  I can still picture his blond hair and blue eyes. 

5. I lived in Santa Cruz for almost five years in my twenties.  I can just picture myself on the cliffs right now with the smell of the ocean, and the mist in the air.   I wrote my first poem there. 

6.  When I was in High School, I was active in a service club.  My senior year I was president of the club. It was such a wonderful feeling to be giving back to the community.  I learned valuable skills and developed the habit of community service.  It was great fun too!

7.  I used to work for Hewlett Packard as a long term temp.  My two years was almost up, but I had gone for an interview for my position, and told unofficially that I had the job.  Two days later one of their divisions closed in Corvallis, and there was a hiring freeze. I could no longer be hired.  In addition, to rub salt in my wounds, I was required to train my replacement. I know that does not sound like a good memory, but it taught me so much.  I was gracious and kind, and did more than I was expected. I was given a glowing recommendation and some lovely gifts.  The letter my boss wrote me still tugs at my heart.

8.  During high school, I worked at Baskin Robbins.  I loved that job.  It seemed that everyone was happy when they came in for ice cream. 

9.  My brother Jim, who has passed away, used to live in San Francisco.  I would spend several weeks with him every year in the summer in my teen years.  I would take the bus to the business district to have lunch with him.  I spent my days exploring the city, and my nights talking with him.  It was a magical time. 

10.  Thanksgiving dinner before my mother passed away, any year is a wonderful memory.  It is strange, but that is the day that I miss her the most.  It is such a warm feeling of family, love, unity, faith and good food.