While reading last night, I was reminded of some of the misconceptions and beliefs I held as a child. The one that prompted the memories was in reference to a:
Window Sash
When I read that someone had opened a window sash, I imagined them lifting up an armful of material (shaped somewhat like a big bow) and wondered why they didn’t have glass windows like we did. The sash would probably look nicer but didn’t the wind, the rain and the snow come in? Didn’t they get cold?
Shirley, Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
I wondered why these three women would want to follow me (or anybody) and if they would ever speak to me. Since this line was in the 23rd Psalm, I thought it must be true but I never saw them (were they ghosts? angels?) nor did they ever speak to me.
I also thought Goodness was a strange name for a girl.
Movies
I used to wonder why people in movies didn’t seem to notice when music started playing. (And it began to play in some pretty unlikely situations.) The people never even stopped what they were doing or saying.
This one has carried over into adulthood. I still find it a bit disconcerting when music begins during a scene unless I happen to be watching a musical.
Frowns
My grandmother used to tell me that if I frowned, my face would stay that way. Ever the curious, doubting child, I finally decided to test this. Frowning, I looked at myself in the mirror for about a minute. It seemed like a very long time - long enough for a test, anyway.
And then I smiled. She was wrong!
(But I still remember her words when frowning.)
I do believe I carry around some adult misconceptions (which have been pointed out to me on numerous occasions) but I’m not sharing any of these. Such things are cute when you’re a child – not so much now.
Photo credit: http://oklo.org/?page_id=9
13 comments:
Shirley, Goodness and Mercy - makes perfect sense to me...what child knows the word "surely"...the only connection possible is to a given name...loved this!
As for music in movies...it drives me nuts...it was one reason I could never watch musicals as a child (and still don't enjoy it now). Who in the world breaks out into song at times of sheer happiness or sorrow and treats it as conversation?!?!
Frowning...my mother was always telilng us when we did that or made faces that our faces would stay that way...I think this is a universal myth (but I like that you gave it a go to test the theory!!).
That second one cracked me up! Brilliant. You know, you've got a way with words Beth. Ever thought about writing for a living? ;-)
"serial killer"...Why would someone want to kill cereal? and how would they do that anyway?
"I have eyes in the back of my head"....totally creeped me out!!!
I loved the Shirley Goodness and Mercy one!!!
I still do wonder about this kind of stuff. I think it's why I've retained a lot of creativity...I still think like a kid.
My Mom used to tell us that if we made a face and the wind changed, it would stay that way. Of course we tested this by twirling madly on any windy day while pulling the freakiest faces we could manage. We must have been quite a sight.
sherry lee:
Next time we meet, I'm going to break into song - I expect you to join me in "conversation." (No crazier than taking pictures in a washroom!)
amc:
If Shirley ever catches up with me, I'll introduce you - don't think you'd hit it off with Goodness. ;)
beth:
I forgot about the "eyes in the back of my head" one. I'm surprised I didn't check my mother's head.
(Go to New York!!)
ve:
I think you do, too - that's what makes you such a pleasure to read.
A sense of wonder = magic & laughter.
oreneta:
I like that one! And it would have been fun to test - again and again and again...
I like the the way children percieve our silliness, I just wish I didn't look so darned dopey when I express myself like one.
I love how children view the world. I love talking to my nieces and nephews and finding out how wise and perceptive they are. I think talking to them can be more interesting than talking to some adults.
It's funny the things we can remember, how confusing they were or how we made them make perfect sense. As an adult I love having those flashbacks, calling up the obscure moment that was triggered by different things. Warm and fuzzy and funny too.
shirley, goodness and mercy? too funny!
i was always told when i made a face that my face might freeze. of course, i didn't think that was true. but now i see that it is.
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Well, there IS something to that frown thing you know . . .
I'm going for laugh lines!
(I had no idea what a sash was either; probably until I was 30, in fact.)
Ha! When I was a child, reciting the Lord's Prayer in church I always wondered who Russ was and why he always needed to be delivered from evil (And lead us not into temptation, but deliver Russ from evil).
I wonder if Russ ever ran into Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy?
What an interesting post. I used to think l-m-n-o was all one letter. :)
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