Tommy James & the Shondells_Crytal Blue Persuasion

Fanette Island Tea house, Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe '80

My friend Linda reminded me of a song I fell in love with as a kid: Crystal Blue Persuasion. I remember EXACTLY where I was when I first fell in love with the song. In the back of my Mom and Dad's '64 White over Aqua Blue Chevy Impala, in the parking lot at Harrah's casino, North Shore Lake Tahoe, with my sketch book, colored pencils, and 3 new issues of some teen horror mystery pocket book I had picked up at the local 5 and dime. I was 13 and didn't have to stay at the Recreation Center (Kids Center) for the first time ~I was truly in my element up there in the higher altitudes -Life was good. :)

I should get back into my art again. Every Winter, I find myself either knee-deep in comtemplations of days gone by, or up to my hooch in snow on the front porch. The quiet serenity that I feel every time I look out the big window facing West, reminds me of Home, of care-free days and Loved Ones now passed. Sometimes my Soul aches to fly out that window, over the hills and trees beyond the pond, toward that beautiful sunset. I yearn to once again visit Yesterday before it disappears forever. But before it goes, it displays it's radiance in such breath-taking colors, I catch my breath and stop to stare. Then I remember where I am, and I'm content in knowing I've made it this far in my Journey, and that is enough to still my heart.

Tomorrow is Dad's birthday-he would be 96, but to me, he will always be that brave soldier who's hand I held until his battle was finally over.

Happy Birthday, Dad~ I love you!! ♥♥♥