Hugh, another great yarn. Am reading this in Chiba, Japan - a world away from accountants in Annerley or St Joeys, Gregory Terrace! The red head stumbling block puts me in mind of the song Pamela Brown. I'm humming it now.
Has it been that long? Yup. one year ago in a couple of days.
Right now in Tombstone, Arizona, 0015 hrs, Saturday morning. Just had a 90 minute blackout, lightning down-strike during a thunderstorm. Life goes on.....
What is echoing in my brain is David Mack's poignant image of a war helmet, with the wearer's Press Pass tucked in the rim as a sort of pathetic protection for Truth against all the bombs and lies, and, written on the camouflage, that teacher's gentle encouragement to a young man embarking on a life that could go anywhere, or be stopped.
Also Hugh another favourite was I will arise and go now. To the lake isle of Innisfree...nine bean rows I will plant there....thank you..loving your stories
Mine too. I had a brilliant (English) English teacher in England, Miss Jackson. bun and tweedy and absolutely the works...forged my love for all the English poets, Tennyson, Wordsworth....it's all coming back
There was something so sublimely pure about living in safe uncomplicated Brisbane in 1958. The world rotated just that bit slower - a pace befitting time to think and dream. I miss that world. Thank you for your words. I look forward to reading more.
Kathleen, it's not fashionable to talk about the "good old days". Usually when I pine for a more down to earth, less plasticy world people respond in either of three ways. 1. They go into raptures about the past, or 2. They say it was good for me only because I grew up in Australia in luxury compared with/to other places on Earth or 3. They say that every generation capable of the written word has bemoaned how standards are slipping, life isn't as good as it used to be. Being an atavistic soul, I answer that since our DNA goes back to the primordial slime, and we share it with octopuses, fruit flies, chimps and benoboes, it is logical that humanoid mammals should be with, and feel better off with, trees, plants, other mammals and non-mammals. Rather than plastic, polystyrene, petrol etc. That usually shuts them up and they suddenly have an urgent appointment. In short Kathleen, yes.
Yes Peter, I was a fool. And I did hear that one about kissing a girl making her pregnant. But I was younger then.
What I have learned in the past few days is that kissing a girl can also have international implications. In fact, it can throw a Spaniard in the works.
Even I thought it was funny. Yesterday a reader in Indonesia emailed saying "Hugh, I hold you directly responsible for causing me to choke with laughter, eating nasi goreng, while I read the latest....
No Bob, like you I'm still trying to figure it out.... that's why I'm sitting at home writing short stories for hundreds of people I don't know! And most don't bother to comment -- but I know, through the wonders of IT, that they are reading each one of them. So that keeps me going util I can get a day job.
You did it this time Hugh. You hit so many different subjects that it's hard to know what to comment on. So, picking just one, "Rock and Roll". Let's check the memories.
The movie "Rock Around The Clock", from memory, at the Tivoli theater (?), across from City Hall. Then Bill Haley and the Comets performing live at the old boxing arena. Dad wanted to see what all the noise was about so he went with me. He wrote a 'Paragraph' that was published in the "Bulletin", not exactly complimentary. Dad's idea of guitar music was Andres Segovia. (A quick aside. Last time I ate in the Gadsen Hotel in Douglas, AZ, the restaurant manager was a Segovia. I asked her if she was a relative. "A cousin." It's a small world. How many our age [82 in three weeks] even know the name?)
Another 'performer' at the old arena, Stan Freberg. "St George and the Dragon Net" of course. With a twist. When the dragon, played by an Australian, was supposed to yell "What's a 412", he delivered the line in a soft, plaintive voice. Stan's reply, "Under-acting. Let's go." It brought the house down.
Duane Eddy with Buddy Rich, Johnny Cash, Winifred Atwell. Heck, even the Harlem Globe Trotters at the Milton tennis courts. I saw as many shows as I could.
For more personal entertainment, local, from Slim Dusty to Chad Morgan. In 1966 in Darwin I changed my watering hole from the one airconditioned pub to the Bamboo Lounge at the Don Hotel. A 'better' selection on the juke box. At least I got to meet Robert Tudawali there.
Graham have we been following each other around? I saw Johnny Cash at Festival Hall in Brisbane -- where I saw the Beatles in 1964. And I saw the Harlem Globe Trotters at Milton: plus, of course, The Platters and Johnny O'Keeffe. I wrote a profile on Chad Morgan after seeing one of his concerts which discussed his falling out with his family -- andmy story led to them all getting back together again! I saw Slim Dusty sings i a tent at the Ekka where we all stood in front of him and and watched. Sad to say I missed Bill Haley as some of my friends said I look like him when I was 17. AND I remember Segovia -- because when I was a cadet reporter on The CMail Lawrie Kavanagah, the rugby league writer, was a fan and went to see him play the guitar at the City Hall.
RIP: Lawrie, the toughest man I ever me, died the other day.
I should have put a notice at the beginning of the earlier post. "Caution, the name of a deceased aboriginal is given in this post."
Following each other around? Sort of. Annerley in the 1940's, Cadet Corps in the 50's, both finishing up with three stripes, Papua-New Guinea in '67, you on the north shore, I was on the south. Singapore: '67/'69. Worked on a survey ship for six months, then Borneo for 18 months. Same general areas, at the same times. Did we ever meet? I doubt it. In Annerley my favorite shop was the fish and chip joint - close to the Chinese Consul's place. Couldn't afford cake.
Singapore. You were among the movers and shakers, I was at the other end of the social spectrum. Drinking, was mostly at the Champagne Club, close to the waterfront. Did hit the Kangaroo Club for a steak sandwich once in a while. In the arcade leading to the Kangaroo Club, a tailor shop. I walked in. The first question, "Would you like a beer?" They ran up a suit for me to get married in. Wife - American. For two foreigners to get married in Singapore, one had to be a 'resident' for a minimum of 15 days. I'd never spent more than 13 days at a time in town. Then I was gone, working, for six weeks. My wife-to-be established residency. Then, post the Banns in a church. I'm gone for another six weeks. Finally married, January of '69. (We're still together.)
Graham, you were more successful in your Singapore romance than your fellow sergeant here. I just missed marriage there, but then fell in love in 1969 in Indonesia with a Norwegian lass. I wish I had met you in Singapore, but I guess we didn't.
The 'romance' part was in Pasadena, CA, in early '67. I proposed, was accepted. I was headed to New Guinea. "When you get to a civilized location, send me a plane ticket, I'll join you." That happened in late '68, she came to Singapore. Her 'wheels' when we first met - an MG-A.
Maureen, How wonderful to receive a poetic quote from Robert Browning's wife after quoting hi in my story. He was my favourite poet: but obviously getting help from his wife, as I do herewith Helen.
Lots of funnies in this one. Thanks!
Hugh, another great yarn. Am reading this in Chiba, Japan - a world away from accountants in Annerley or St Joeys, Gregory Terrace! The red head stumbling block puts me in mind of the song Pamela Brown. I'm humming it now.
Has it been that long? Yup. one year ago in a couple of days.
Right now in Tombstone, Arizona, 0015 hrs, Saturday morning. Just had a 90 minute blackout, lightning down-strike during a thunderstorm. Life goes on.....
'Doc' Campbell was certainly an inspiring teacher! Interesting how inspiring a few lines of poetry can be.
I remember learning:
The boy stood on the burning deck
Whence all but he had fled; The flame that lit the battle's wreck Shone round him o'er the dead.
Let's keep trying Hugh ..it's just a matter of time...
So loved the poetry!
Keep it up and of course the story telling too. Gay.
What is echoing in my brain is David Mack's poignant image of a war helmet, with the wearer's Press Pass tucked in the rim as a sort of pathetic protection for Truth against all the bombs and lies, and, written on the camouflage, that teacher's gentle encouragement to a young man embarking on a life that could go anywhere, or be stopped.
Also Hugh another favourite was I will arise and go now. To the lake isle of Innisfree...nine bean rows I will plant there....thank you..loving your stories
Mine too. I had a brilliant (English) English teacher in England, Miss Jackson. bun and tweedy and absolutely the works...forged my love for all the English poets, Tennyson, Wordsworth....it's all coming back
There was something so sublimely pure about living in safe uncomplicated Brisbane in 1958. The world rotated just that bit slower - a pace befitting time to think and dream. I miss that world. Thank you for your words. I look forward to reading more.
Hello Kathleen,
That's why I like writing about the past --so that we can clearly see how much things have changed. I miss that world too.
Helen says: "People who grow up today think that what they're living is normal!"
A reader just emailed saying "‘We need a number’ is echoing in my ears."
Hugh
Kathleen, it's not fashionable to talk about the "good old days". Usually when I pine for a more down to earth, less plasticy world people respond in either of three ways. 1. They go into raptures about the past, or 2. They say it was good for me only because I grew up in Australia in luxury compared with/to other places on Earth or 3. They say that every generation capable of the written word has bemoaned how standards are slipping, life isn't as good as it used to be. Being an atavistic soul, I answer that since our DNA goes back to the primordial slime, and we share it with octopuses, fruit flies, chimps and benoboes, it is logical that humanoid mammals should be with, and feel better off with, trees, plants, other mammals and non-mammals. Rather than plastic, polystyrene, petrol etc. That usually shuts them up and they suddenly have an urgent appointment. In short Kathleen, yes.
What a young fool you were, Hugh. Didn't anyone tell you that kissing a girl could make her pregnant?
Yes Peter, I was a fool. And I did hear that one about kissing a girl making her pregnant. But I was younger then.
What I have learned in the past few days is that kissing a girl can also have international implications. In fact, it can throw a Spaniard in the works.
Funny yet poignant. Love David McIntosh's sketches too!
Even I thought it was funny. Yesterday a reader in Indonesia emailed saying "Hugh, I hold you directly responsible for causing me to choke with laughter, eating nasi goreng, while I read the latest....
Have you decided yet what you are going to be when you grow up Hugh ?? ..80 soon,, and still haven't decided.. great story as usual.. Cheers, Bob.
No Bob, like you I'm still trying to figure it out.... that's why I'm sitting at home writing short stories for hundreds of people I don't know! And most don't bother to comment -- but I know, through the wonders of IT, that they are reading each one of them. So that keeps me going util I can get a day job.
You did it this time Hugh. You hit so many different subjects that it's hard to know what to comment on. So, picking just one, "Rock and Roll". Let's check the memories.
The movie "Rock Around The Clock", from memory, at the Tivoli theater (?), across from City Hall. Then Bill Haley and the Comets performing live at the old boxing arena. Dad wanted to see what all the noise was about so he went with me. He wrote a 'Paragraph' that was published in the "Bulletin", not exactly complimentary. Dad's idea of guitar music was Andres Segovia. (A quick aside. Last time I ate in the Gadsen Hotel in Douglas, AZ, the restaurant manager was a Segovia. I asked her if she was a relative. "A cousin." It's a small world. How many our age [82 in three weeks] even know the name?)
Another 'performer' at the old arena, Stan Freberg. "St George and the Dragon Net" of course. With a twist. When the dragon, played by an Australian, was supposed to yell "What's a 412", he delivered the line in a soft, plaintive voice. Stan's reply, "Under-acting. Let's go." It brought the house down.
Duane Eddy with Buddy Rich, Johnny Cash, Winifred Atwell. Heck, even the Harlem Globe Trotters at the Milton tennis courts. I saw as many shows as I could.
For more personal entertainment, local, from Slim Dusty to Chad Morgan. In 1966 in Darwin I changed my watering hole from the one airconditioned pub to the Bamboo Lounge at the Don Hotel. A 'better' selection on the juke box. At least I got to meet Robert Tudawali there.
'Things' sure have changed. For the better?
Graham have we been following each other around? I saw Johnny Cash at Festival Hall in Brisbane -- where I saw the Beatles in 1964. And I saw the Harlem Globe Trotters at Milton: plus, of course, The Platters and Johnny O'Keeffe. I wrote a profile on Chad Morgan after seeing one of his concerts which discussed his falling out with his family -- andmy story led to them all getting back together again! I saw Slim Dusty sings i a tent at the Ekka where we all stood in front of him and and watched. Sad to say I missed Bill Haley as some of my friends said I look like him when I was 17. AND I remember Segovia -- because when I was a cadet reporter on The CMail Lawrie Kavanagah, the rugby league writer, was a fan and went to see him play the guitar at the City Hall.
RIP: Lawrie, the toughest man I ever me, died the other day.
I should have put a notice at the beginning of the earlier post. "Caution, the name of a deceased aboriginal is given in this post."
Following each other around? Sort of. Annerley in the 1940's, Cadet Corps in the 50's, both finishing up with three stripes, Papua-New Guinea in '67, you on the north shore, I was on the south. Singapore: '67/'69. Worked on a survey ship for six months, then Borneo for 18 months. Same general areas, at the same times. Did we ever meet? I doubt it. In Annerley my favorite shop was the fish and chip joint - close to the Chinese Consul's place. Couldn't afford cake.
Singapore. You were among the movers and shakers, I was at the other end of the social spectrum. Drinking, was mostly at the Champagne Club, close to the waterfront. Did hit the Kangaroo Club for a steak sandwich once in a while. In the arcade leading to the Kangaroo Club, a tailor shop. I walked in. The first question, "Would you like a beer?" They ran up a suit for me to get married in. Wife - American. For two foreigners to get married in Singapore, one had to be a 'resident' for a minimum of 15 days. I'd never spent more than 13 days at a time in town. Then I was gone, working, for six weeks. My wife-to-be established residency. Then, post the Banns in a church. I'm gone for another six weeks. Finally married, January of '69. (We're still together.)
Keep 'em coming mate. Cheers.
Graham, you were more successful in your Singapore romance than your fellow sergeant here. I just missed marriage there, but then fell in love in 1969 in Indonesia with a Norwegian lass. I wish I had met you in Singapore, but I guess we didn't.
Hugh
The 'romance' part was in Pasadena, CA, in early '67. I proposed, was accepted. I was headed to New Guinea. "When you get to a civilized location, send me a plane ticket, I'll join you." That happened in late '68, she came to Singapore. Her 'wheels' when we first met - an MG-A.
Absolutely classic
When you write something it's always wonderful to find someone really really appreciates it!
How do I love thee
Let me count the ways
Maureen, How wonderful to receive a poetic quote from Robert Browning's wife after quoting hi in my story. He was my favourite poet: but obviously getting help from his wife, as I do herewith Helen.