31 Comments
User's avatar
Kate Henry's avatar

Good,sort of innocent silliness. Missed that whole thing. Ah well. Took till 45 to find the right one. Keeping him now. ))

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

You were a good girl, Kate, and didn't get yourself in any trouble. As for me? Not talking.

Expand full comment
Linda Brown's avatar

One of your classic pieces, great writing!

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks for taking a second look. I had originally written it in the first person and it sounded like a memoir. I switched it to third person for this posting and liked it better.

Expand full comment
Jim Cummings's avatar

California to Connecticut and everywhere in between--a rite of passage. Great west coast vibe here, Sharron!

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Oh, thanks, Jim for taking a second look. I edited it quite a bit for this second posting. I look forward to hearing what YOU are working on now.

Expand full comment
James Ron's avatar

You know your cars, Sharron! Galveston was my Santa Cruz with "smells like Coppertone and cotton candy". What great times. I don't remember what we called our "Spolie", I do remember its aftereffects. Thanks for the ride down Memory Lane!

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

I remember more than I want to sometimes! Sometimes I write memories that belong to someone else. And sometimes I remember things that never even happened. You know how it is.

Expand full comment
Heather Brebaugh's avatar

Good vibes, Sharron. Although I was back in the Midwest during ritual time, we did have something similar to a Spoilie and yes, it was made in a trash can. To this day, I don't drink vodka!

Love those 50's cars!

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Ha Ha Ha! I understand completely. I smell tequila and get queasy...

Expand full comment
David Perlmutter's avatar

My father owns a Chevrolet Bel-Air from that era, but it's a '54 rather than a '55.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

A real beauty. I sure hope he takes it out for a ride once in a while. A great car.

Expand full comment
Switter’s World's avatar

In addition to interests in baroque and world music, literature and writing, I also restore and update classic cars for friends. I research and restore systems and components, and am intimately familiar with the Triple 5 Chevrolets. What I’m not so familiar with is the hormone fueled pleasures enjoyed in those cars. Thanks for adding to my knowledge, Sharron.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Regarding thought #1, my boy does the same thing. He LOVES to clean up classic cars. Always tinkering out in his shop making things beautiful. Regarding thought #2 - It is never too late! You need to take Mrs Switter out for a moonlight drive to the lake,my friend!

Expand full comment
Penny's avatar

I remember Submarine Races. Enough said

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes. We don't need details, we will use our imaginations...

Expand full comment
Sue Cauhape's avatar

...or so I'm told. Ah, the vicarious thrills of imagining others' debaucheries. Salt of the earth girls, most of us really, who sinned just a bit ... just enough to give us the giggles if not that sly smile our husbands will always wonder about.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes. You've pegged that exactly right. Just naughty enough to have a few "thrilling" memories...

Expand full comment
T. D. Wolf's avatar

That reads like a Springsteen song, Sharron. Something from one of his first couple of albums, if he had lived on the West Coast instead of the East Coast.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Well old Bruce is about 75 years old, so that would make it about right. Still rocking out, though. I understand he is currently on tour, ten countries, seventeen concerts! Good god! He makes me feel ashamed of myself the way I have let everything go...

Expand full comment
Kate Henry's avatar

I lived too far out in the country to get into any trouble. Besides it was my JOB to get straight A's. That left no time for anything but homework. Enough rowdyness happened after 40... but nothing to scare the authorities. Not even a hangover. Such restraint! You were the perfect angel as well. Just ask Mom.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Angel!? Oh, you betcha.

Expand full comment
Forkbeard Jon's avatar

'Watching the submarine races' is a beautiful piece of slang :)

I've been to San Diego once, Santa Cruz never. Until now.

Expand full comment
Kate Henry's avatar

I knew it. ))))

Expand full comment
Linda Cardillo's avatar

Wonderful brought me back, as if you where there!

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Well, I confess, Linda. I was.... but keep it to yourself

Expand full comment
Rebecca Holden's avatar

Sharron, how do you do this? Turn a story involving 'cheap, salacious entertainment', 'inappropriate liaisons' and 'vehicular mating rituals' into such a gripping, complex and elegant read? Absolutely wonderful!

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank for your encouragement, my friend. You know, I am guessing this youthful mating ritual as been mostly replaced with texting and online dating sites. Such a shame!

Expand full comment
Dr. Barbara Franklin's avatar

Sharron is this you? I’ve been looking for you for such a long time. Until pretty recently it was hard to find people. I’ve bweb living in Southeast Asia but I’m visiting in Santa Cruz now and am looking to meet you!!! Barbara your friend and neighbor from 9th avenue. Can I leave an email? Barbaraakfranklin@gmail.com

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

It IS me, indeed! Still over here on 7th Avenue where you met me last time. email me therookery@baymoon.com . If you are free - Saturday or Sunday would be good.

Expand full comment
Dr. Barbara Franklin's avatar

Hooray!!!!!!! OK, I am trying to figure out a good time. Will email you! Remember when you made me all my clothes? I always think of you! xoxo

Expand full comment