Today, I was going to write a very different post, but after watching Saturday Night Live's 40th Anniversary show and seeing all the old skits, I started to feel kind of nostalgic and a little bit old.
I don't know about you, but I started sneaking around to watch it when I was about ten, which would be 1980. So, except for about the first five years, it's almost always been apart of my life. It's something I take for granted and even though I hadn't watched it in quite awhile, I assumed it would aways be there. Sadly, I got the impression last night that it won't be on much longer.
Anyway, the part that struck me the most was when someone on the show said something about "back when people watched it in real time."
Real time.
Think about that for a minute.
For you those of you that are in your 20s, it might be hard for you to understand, but I remember as a kid, living in California in the 1970s, when we only had five channels.... ABC, CBS NBC, the Spanish channel and PBS.
Everything was real time.
We didn't have VHS, DVDs, or an internet so that we could pick at random any show we wanted to watch.
We had 'Specials' for things like "The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown"
or
"The year Without a Santa Claus".
It was a HUGE deal when shows like those came on. It meant that we got to stay up past 8pm!
We didn't have constant cartoons. They were only on Saturdays.
Our parents didn't have constant news. They had to wait until nighttime or for the morning paper.
We couldn't watch anything past midnight, because this came on:
Those of you that are older than me might remember not having Television at all and listening to radio shows. Maybe you were the first one on your block to get a TV or even the first one in color.
My point is, everything is moving really fast and I remember when life was pretty slow and simple.
And I started thinking.....
I miss it.
I miss that world.
No answering machines.
No cable.
No cellphones.
No internet.
Etc, etc, etc...
It wasn't really that long ago, was it?
Some days it feels like it.
Do I use any of those things?
Obviously yes, but sometimes I wish I could travel back in time and be back in that place.....
Where you had to call back if the phone was busy or they weren't home.
When parents would have dinner parties and grown up conversations, instead of being on their cellphones.
When people grew their own food, like my grandparents.
When the oldies stations played actual oldies.
When everyone dressed up to go out on the town.
When mom kissed you goodnight, before going out to dinner, and her perfume drifted through the air.
It was a time when the world moved at a slower pace.
That's one of the reasons why I live the way I do.
It's not that I don't live in reality, but when I'm in my own home, I can shut out most of the crazy world we live in and slow down. I'm able walk away from the computer, put on some old music, turn off my phone and the tv and just be.
I'm myself.
Living life the way it was.
The way I like it.
Funny how something like a silly tv show can make you think.
xo
rue
Oh yes, "the good ole days..." and they weren't that long ago. I cannot stand seeing folks out to dinner and having everyone engaged on their phone, not on each other. Someday they will regret not taking in those moments...or maybe not....but I hear you loud and clear, Rue!
ReplyDeleteBecky, I can't stand the cellphone thing either. Every time my guy and I go out to dinner, we're usually the only ones not on a cell phone. It's so sad.
Deletexo
My daughter often asks what it was like back when I was a girl and then laughs hysterically at the stories I tell her of phones that had dials, the walk down to the phone box to wait in a queue for a brief conversation, the test card on the tv until about 6pm and then tv finishing with the national anthem. Then there was the going out in the morning and returning before it got dark, dirty, tired, hungry but able to be left to learn common sense rather than being told. Yes, back then if you wanted to find something out, a library with real books was the way to go, or having someone that could tell you rather than 'Google it'. Them were the days, and I miss them so much! xx
ReplyDeleteMe too, Chel. It always amazed me when my kid's friends came over to the house and they didn't know why the phone had a dial on it. It was funny listening to my kids explain it to them though lol
DeleteI have also been feeling very nostalgic about the old days! Maybe it was turning 50 a couple years ago, and also Miranda Lambert's song about the "good old days" (can't think of the title). I want to turn back the clock! And feel like I just don't fit in this tech world.
ReplyDeleteI love that song, Sue :) I don't feel like I belong either.
DeleteGreat post Rue! I've never enjoyed cell phones and only have a flip phone that I keep in case of an emergency.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Catherine :)
DeleteI was talked into a newer phone, but the only thing I use it for besides texting (which I hate) and calling, is checking the weather.
xo
Oh, so true! I remember it was a huge deal at our house to watch The Wizard of Oz every Fall, then all the Christmas shows. And, my mom would take us to the grand old Fox Theater, with it's beautiful painted murals and red velvet seats, when new musicals or Walt Disney films would open. It was a BIG deal! Then, later we'd go buy the soundtrack LP of the musical and listen to it over and over again until we knew every single song by heart. I do have a cell phone, an old flip style but I don't know how to text. I keep it for emergencies, and that is perfect for me. Thanks for the great post down memory lane, Rue. I hope you have a wonderful day! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Wizard of Oz and also Gone With The Wind..... I looked forward to them every year :)
DeleteI hope you have a wonderful day too, Ms G :)
I purchased an adorable kitchen set for my grandchildren. It came with an attached wall phone. They find it hysterical when I use it as a phone. I don't know what they think it is, but it doesn't look like a phone to them! Meanwhile - what I wouldn't give to be seated on that moon!
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny, Miss Merry! I can only imagine what they must think.
DeleteI'd love to sit on that moon too :)
After having trouble sleeping, I realized that life was just to hectic. We now watch shows with so much excitement and violence. And no one thinks anything about it. But we have way to much electronic stimulation these days and it becomes hard to just unwind and sleep peacefully. When you go out to eat, there are tv's in the restaurant and they are also playing music. It's like we've become afraid of silence ! So I too feel nostalgic. And I'm always trying to bring more peace and silence into my home. Barbara
ReplyDeleteI think that's exactly what it is... a fear of silence. I can't stand all the noise! Personally I like having everything off so all I can hear is the ticking of the clocks, the dogs snoozing and the birds outside chirping. In fact, aside from me typing this, it's what I'm listening to now :)
DeleteI totally understand what you mean. Life is very fast paced and intrusive now. I was born in 1953 and my childhood consisted of fishing, swimming, climbing trees, ice skating, sledding, hiking in the woods etc. I hate seeing kids glued to machines....
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a lovely childhood, Penny :) Although we lived in the suburbs when I was a kid, I was able to experience those things myself at a cabin in the woods that some friends had.
Deletexo
Oh Rue, these words could be from my own mouth! I think it is good to stay home and shut out some of the world. I do wish we could go back to a simpler time of life.... but I realize that probably won't happen. unless we make that choice in our own life and choose to keep things simpler. We definitely try too... but the world has a way of creeping right in.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Amy Jo
Yes, the world does have a way of creeping in, but I do my best to keep it out, just like you, Amy Jo :)
DeleteI really enjoyed this post (and I watched SNL last night, too) and totally agree with you! I've told my son (age 24) about all the things I used to do when I was little...how we played outside all day and used our imaginations to play school, house, and vet. We played Barbies and Four Square and Kick the Can. We roller skated and jumped around on our pogo sticks. We even made up a neighborhood Olympics. We played baseball. No cable TV, video games, computers, or cell phones. Even he said he wishes he could go back to that time and live like that. Just the other day, we were in a restaurant where an extended family was dining at a table by ours. There were two little kids (maybe 3 & 4) and immediately the parents propped up tablets in front of both of them. The kids were ignored the entire time before the food came while the grown-ups were all talking. Even our son was appalled. He said, "Jeez, can't people even talk to their kids anymore these days?!" We talked about how we lived in a society that can't do without its screens - anywhere. The kids then get in the mini van to head home and probably watch a movie in the van from those hanging screens they have now. Ugh. Off my soapbox! ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt's okay... I was right with you on that soapbox, Melanie ;)
DeleteI'm so old that I remember when SNL used to be funny. No one has come close to the original gang. And I think you're right about things moving so fast - and not always in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI agree on both counts!
DeleteI watched SNL last night too. It definitely showed the stark contrast between casts of previous seasons, and the current cast. Changes must be made.
ReplyDeleteSome changes are necessary. Especially that new cast LOL
DeleteHi Rue, I know just what you mean. I often think back on the days of no electronics devices and how much more relaxing it was. As kids we played outside and as young adults we lived at a slower pace. Today we are too attached to cell phones, computers and more. Remember when we actually got up to change the TV channel?? We had one phone on the main level of the house. LOL I didn't have a computer till 1995 and cell phone in 1997. That's not that long ago.
ReplyDeleteLove your Valentine post too and your beautiful table set for dinner. The roses are lovely. Looks like a delicious dinner too.
Enjoy the week.
Hugs, CM
I do remember having to get up to change the channel! In fact, we lost the controller to the tv and everyone was upset they had to get up to change it. I just laughed.... we've gotten so silly.
DeleteThank you, Celestina. It was delicious :)
xo
I so miss those days so much. The way it was also included that once SNL was funny. I I remember when we gathered around the tv and watch tv as a family, with good clean shows to choose from. I remember when we left our doors unlocked overnight. I remember Mom taking us to the movie theaters that were beautiful in side with comfortable seats. I remember walking through the park at night and not be afraid to be mugged. Or could say God Bless you and not be afraid of being beheaded? I miss the simple life of then, where morals were the norm and hard work was highly respected, and taking government help was an embarrassment?
ReplyDeleteI remember all of that too, Cathy. Amazing how much has changed....
DeleteI was too busy last night to watch SNL in real time so I set up my DVR and recorded both SNL and Downton Abbey ready for tonight! There are advantages and disadvantages to technology. I agree the big TVs on the walls in restaurants are intrusive. Love to text my grown sons living across the country, although I just have an old flip phone for emergency, too, When I think about the good old days I think about the unequal salaries between men and women,
ReplyDeleteI loved your post today. It really made me think!
I text if it's something quick, like "get milk", but I really would just rather pick up the phone :)
DeleteI'm sorry Rue. I watched SNL last night from my DVR and felt so much nostalgia for what it was back then, I see what you were talking about in your post now
DeleteWell said. I'm glad we had the things we did. Playing outside under the street light, having best friends and secrets and no one recording everything we did wrong!! I guess the strangest things is that people don't know what they are missing by being so connected.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they know what they're missing out on either, Barbara. Sad isn't it?
DeleteOh, Rue, I love this post! Whenever we have a few extra minutes left in class, my junior high students always ask me to tell them about when I was growing up. They may guffaw or poke fun but I know without a doubt, every last one of them would trade their latest-greatest smart phone for a chance to live a "fun" life like that. Minimal extracurricular activities, conversations at the dinner table, parents who really parented. Kids who never experienced the simpler days yearn for them as well....
ReplyDeleteSitting at the dinner table.... that's another one. My kid's friends always found it odd that we ate together as a family. I think it's odd that they didn't. It's the one time of the day where you hear about what's going on in their lives.
DeleteI only just came across your blog this evening - and so enjoyed reading your post. I can identify with what you are saying and will definitely visit again.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you, Jan :)
DeleteYour post is so thoughtful and though-inspiring, Rue! It brings me back to a much simpler time, too...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda :)
DeleteI think about the good old days often and miss them so much. Of course, I love my cell phone and Internet, but I really loved the simpler life I grew up with and even raised my kids in for a few years. Everyone is constantly entertained these days...with their phone, or computers, tablets, or video games, and so on. I miss the slower pace life used to have and try to recapture it some days. I have been trying to achieve a simpler life lately and I love it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and have a lovely week!
ReplyDeleteThe internet and a phone, especially for emergencies are really nice, but I think there's a time and a place for them. Certainly not at the dinner table or in the middle of a conversation though.
DeleteI hope you have a lovely week too, Vicky :)
Sigh... so true. We still don't have cable or local channels. However, I did break down and get Netflix and Amazon Prime. So I have to admit that I was extremely happy that I was able to hop on amazon and buy the first episode of Once Upon A Time after I just now finished binge watching 3 seasons on Netflix, lol! But at the same time, I wish that I had to wait for it to come on once a week like we used to, I think I would actually enjoy it more.
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched that show yet, Nikki! I might just check it out :)
Deletexo
If you do, be sure to go in order. Lots of back story!! LOVE it. And it makes you think. Kevin loves it too, and it gives us something fun to talk about. Some of the acting can be a bit hoakie but you forget about it, the story line is so good. Rumpelstiltskin is awesome!
DeleteIt is interesting how these things can lead your thoughts to other places isn't it. In England as a child we had three channels, BBC 1, BBC2 and ITV. When a fourth came - called, Channel Four (!) there was great excitement. Then another Channel Five (talk about predictable!) arrived, and now there are loads of them! Far more than you could ever watch. I have recorded shows stacked up on the recorder box thingy and DVD's to watch and goodness knows what else. We sure had more time and enjoyed things more back in the old days I think, but perhaps that is just nostalgia! xx
ReplyDeleteWell, since I only have basic cable and netflix, with no device to record anything, I know its not nostalgia to me lol
DeleteThere is always a price to pay for technology. Sometimes the price is a high one.
ReplyDeleteI am probably the only person in the Western Hemisphere who didn't watch SNL the other night, but I did see it from the first and remember when it was funny, creative and entertaining. You mentioned you felt it might be coming to an end. That doesn't surprise me as I think it should have ended two decades ago!
It's nice that you have created an atmosphere inside your home that allows you to shut out the world Rue. After all, that's exactly what our homes should be.
To be honest, I didn't even know it was on until my mom told me to tune in. She was shocked at how old everyone was lol
DeleteI agree, Doreen :)
When you had to adjust the antennae and hit the top of the black and white TV for reception...( that might be before your time ) but this brought me back to the black and white TV in my parent's room and settling in to watch "Bewitched ". :)
ReplyDeleteNope! Not entirely before my time. My grandparents had one of those old antennas.
DeleteI love Bewitched! :)
You got 5 channels? We only got 4. We played outside all day instead of sitting in front of the TV. Yes, sometimes I would love to throw my cell phone in the lake. But, then again if not for the Internet how would we meet lovely people like you?
ReplyDeleteWell, in California the Spanish channel was kinda important LOL
DeleteYou have a good point, Tina ;)
xoxo
How cool that you grew up in California in the 70's! I was born there in the 60's and lived there until I was 10 (1972) when we moved out of state due to my dad's job. I was in Simi Valley. Any chance you were anywhere nearby?
ReplyDeleteYour feelings about the past are my own. Maybe because our generation has had such a rapid transition, it's hard to adjust. I loathe cell phones sometimes. The convenience is wonderful if you need it, but it's annoying to see people using them a lot. I think it's gotten better where less people are on them all the time in public than when they first came out, but it kind of creeps me out that you can do so much through that one device. I guess I'm that makes me a fuddy-duddy, eh? ;)
Girl, I miss it also. I remember that we had one phone, that's right ONE, in our house. The cord on that phone stretched through the entire house and it was a rotary dial!...LOL. I remember sneaking down the hallway to watch Summer of '42...it was risque because of the subject matter and my parents wouldn't let me watch it. Thank you for sharing these thoughts. We watched some of the episodes leading up to the anniversary show...don't know how we watched them back in the day! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis post really hit home for me. Born in 1949, I know exactly how you feel. The thing is, the good old days might become the here and now days soon. Our lives are spinning out of control. Knowing how to grow our food, sew our clothes , cook from scratch, and to listen TO each other and not just AT each other just might be in our future. They say what goes around comes around.
ReplyDelete