Right now it is almost 11:30 PM, listening to my iPod that now plays in an under the counter unit, and typing on my laptop computer with a wireless mouse, of course. Ah, modern technology. What a blessing, or is it a curse?
For some reason, I have been going down memory lane remembering all that we did as brothers and a sister when we were younger. Life was different back then. The back door was always unlocked, and in the summer time the wooden door was open and the screen door let in some beautiful fresh air. Not only did it let in the fresh air, the door was always open to friends that happened to "just be in the neighborhood" or "just in need of a visit with my mom or dad".
When we moved from Uniondale, NY to Seaford, NY on Long Island, both the front door and the back door were open to all who wanted to visit. But, times had changed; and it was time for the doors to stay locked. In the summer, the screen doors were even locked; but they were still open to let in the fresh air and friends that happened to drop by. These were fun times for us because if mom's friend happened to bring her children, outside we went to play, ride bikes, rollerskate; it was just plain fun.
If someone came over to visit my mom, the TV was never on. She wasn't into soap operas. She was into music. Music was always playing in our house, whether it was show tunes, easy listening or yep, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Our neighbor loved it when the kitchen window was open, music was playing and my mom would sing along. My mom has a beautiful voice and when she would sing, it made my neighbor cry because his heart was so touched by her amazing music.
In the evening, the TV might be on because of Red Skelton, I Love Lucy, or Carol Burnett. My mom used to laugh so hard, she would cry. The TV wasn't on just for the sake of having something to stare at. If there was nothing worth watching, we knitted together, baked together, or we read books and magazines.
Now because of modern technology, we have been suckered in and our priorities have truly been messed up. We visit, and before you know it the conversation goes like this...what did you think of The Office last night...who do you think is going to win the Amazing Race...who do you like on Survivor...can you believe so and so got voted off American Idol...did you hear what Glen Beck said on Fox News...what about Harranity (sp?) or the O"Reilly Factor...and you can't forget Oprah or Dr. Oz (we watched the Wizard of Oz). Our lives are controlled by a box with pictures in it that move and a little black thing with buttons on it that turns us into couch potatoes.
Friendly visits have turned into a big annoyance because our friends or even family have interrupted the best show of the week. We no longer sit and visit, chat (and I don't mean on a computer or iPhone), enjoy each other's company, laugh, cry, and other wonderful warm fuzzies. TV has overtaken the comfort and enjoyment of family and friends.
I admit, I have certain shows that, because of modern technology, I can watch whenever I want to. Usually, I am behind in watching my shows because I am too busy doing other things thanks to modern technology--texting family and friends, cleaning up the kitchen listening to my iPod so conveniently in my kitchen. Modern technology can be a good thing and a bad thing. What would I do if I could not talk to my parents, or brothers and my dear sister when I wanted to? I would truly miss those precious conversations. And the web cam...oh, my goodness. My parents were able to see some of their great grandchildren because of modern technology. They were so shocked to see them and talk to them over the computer. What a great blessing!
But, modern technology has ruined the open door policy. We think of people's visits as an intrusion into our so important movie or TV show. How many times have you been watching something, somebody visits and you sit there thinking...how long are they going to be here? Wish they would go home so I can finish my show.
I guess I am old fashioned. During the day, the TV is never on. You can ask any of my children or Eric...they never walk in the house during the day and the TV is on. There is music playing in my kitchen as I clean, pay bills, or fold laundry.
I love Marshall and Jill Hayes who faithfully practice the Open Door Policy. In all the years I have known them, they welcome anybody who drops by to say hello. I can guarantee you that 9 times out of 10, and it could be more like 99.9% of the time there is music playing in their home and the TV is off no matter what the time of day. OK, they do watch BYU games; but I do know that whoever happened to just drop by would be welcomed and probably even given an apple or banana to eat.
Give me the good ol' Olden Days when our doors were open to all who came to visit, when music played from morning til night, and the TV was a once in awhile treat. I want the days back when my mom would sing, when my dad would play the piano, when we all would gather 'round the baby grand and sing in four part harmony, when we would drink Kool-Aid with our friends who visited, and when every meal was homemade with ice cream covered in Hershey's syrup for dessert.
It's too bad that the "Open Door Policy" seems to be going "out the door" and "call before you come over" has replaced its friendliness. As for me, give me back my "Olden Days". I really miss them. Thanks for letting me go down memory lane.
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4 comments:
i totally agree!
but can you believe they voted Tyson off!
Meredith, that's what he gets for not following the smart people!! Now I am waiting for Rob to outsmart Russell. Yes we record Survivor and we watch it that night no matter what time Eric comes home from meetings. Is that considered an addiction?!
The church has a program for addiction, in case you need it.
I love your blog entry Rondi - as always I thank you for sharing your memories.
I too remember those days of yesterday. I even remember sleeping with my bedroom window open, so the crisp cool air could flow inside. I remember the smell of fresh flowers, oh my, I really loved the smell of honeysuckle!
My parents never locked their doors either ...
I grew up in Lufkin ...
It's interesting to think back on how things were 40 yrs ago - our children would be so amazed if they could see.
There weren't any fast food options ("a few" eating places sure - but nothing "fast") - and for sure retail/shopping options were to be found "down town"
Life seemed slower paced back then - because it was slower. Today it's all about the rush - rushing here, there and every where - and often feeling as if we're never going anywhere. Strange isn't it?
We live in "a time" when no one has "time" to visit anymore. There never seems to be enough hours in a day - and the clock seems to always have a power to race us - and we run the race, but often times the clock wins! So we start again and again with each new day.
I'm not a TV person either. I like it when the TV is off. Now do I spend too much time on this computer? Indeed I do! :)
And I love music! :)
As for Survivor! I don't watch it. The only reality show I'm watching this season is "The Biggest Loser" and I rarely watch it "in the now" - I record it on our DVR (that way I can fast forward all the commericals).
During my childhood days - families and friends were very close. Homes were busy places, full of lots of folks (at least that's the way it was at my parents home). Neighbors became as family - our friends at school became as family too.
I'll stop typing now - I'm just thinking back to another day and another time.
But you know what? I wouldn't go back. :) Oh I might go back and feel my Mom's arms holding me ever so tight (I deeply sincerely loved my Mother - and I've been missing her for 26 yrs!) I might go back just to look once again at my young Father (who is now aged and has a difficult time moving around).
Memories - we hold them dear within ourselves - and in our thoughts of memory - we may feel we have traveled on a time machine after all. :)
Treasure always, hold dear always, never take the present for granted ever, because what we long for in the future, comes about too quick, and brings about a past. And so the circle turns round and round. That's marvelous precious "Eternal Round"
Love, Thereasa
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