M is for Movies, Magic and Memories

 I don't know the date on this photo; but this is what motion pictures use to run on. There were two huge projectors. The film reel would run out on one;  there would be a change over to the other machine. You had to manually switch the film reels with a foot pedal.  I can still spot changes over on older film. Times sure have changed~

I grew up in a theatre;magic arrived, when my Dad told me, it was almost show time. I would head downstairs, to get a good seat. Sometimes I had friends save one for me. Magic arrived when I heard one of the movie logos. YOU know you the anticipation that builds as you gear up for the main feature. My Dad was a projectionist at the Colonial Theatre; my Mom the candy girl at the concession stand. I grew up with movies. I can't remember a week, I didn't go, unless it wasn't age appropriate. This theatre did feature a children's matinee if their main feature was rated R. My Dad wore a star by day(Texaco Man), by night he played them on the silver screen. When I think of my life, there have been a lot of M's. My parents met at this theatre, fell in love and were married. I made my debut three years later in May.

Music was huge part of growing up;  guitar parties almost every weekend. Their would be a house full. My Dad invited the carpenters doing our new addition, to come. He later convinced two of the to buy guitars. They would come by the house, for lessons. My Dad played by ear; he wasn't much for teaching. My Mom and I also were learning and helped them out. It seemed like there was always a parade with my father; an entourage if you will. He had this guy to help him do that, this one at the station, he also was selling cars from a local dealership, and sound systems from another store in the garage. He would play music for the customers. He was  always wheeling n' dealing.  

He was a magician of sorts; he could make money disappear fast. I remember one time we lost the power. I looked out the window into the neighborhood; everyone else had lights.This was when my Mom would get creative and tell us there was something else wrong. She would make  magic muffins to keep us busy. Mystery muffins, each one had a different flavor. She would make plain muffins and add nuts to some, chocolate chips, or cherries or blueberries. (we had a gas oven). My father then would be creative enough to call the electric company and tell them they also owed him money and maybe he wouldn't deliver their oil, if the didn't turn his electricity back on. His words, "I can't pay you if you don't pay me".  Tah Dah, the lights came back on; he was a magician, alright.

I sort of did become a gypsy marrying a guy in the Navy..  I have roots in Maine, with movies, musical ties, and moving has been my life.  I have moved 17x in 27yrs.  Magical, some of it yes, but the real magic lies in the memories you create, the moments that define you, and making soulful connections. 

And for some famous last words, from my Dad and Porky Pig, "That's All Folks"~