~ Shallow ~
- Eyes up Here -
~ Spaghetti Straps & Curly-Perm ~
By Luck, we met at the .25 Cent car wash — probably not a quarter anymore? It is such a vivid memory. I was on my knees with a white plastic-tip Tiparillo cigar between my teeth (cool at the time) and no shirt while polishing my 'Chrome' wheels. I looked up to see this totally lovely woman with the Hottest looking Fluffy-Perm - wearing a 'Spaghetti-Strap' Sundress, that was quite transparent, I just couldn't stop staring! Let the Sunshine-In..!
The Hook ~ No question that I'm a Girl-Parts, Eyes-Down-Here 'Shallow' man. Guys like me, in our defense, you Girls often DO use your 'Gots' as a calling card - My weakness! She had me at the sites 1st sight!
There she was, I knew she was my 'IT' from that glance! I know, My Bad, Mr. Shallow! She pulled up right next to my car. Believe it or not, we had almost identical 'Twin' Chevy's, a sure conversation starter. She started talking first. The "Eyes up here" didn't work that day; I was still in awe just looking at her. Soppy-Sentimental, still am!
Rita's Mother and Father died at a very early age. She became an integral part of our immediate family, especially when I was deployed overseas in the service. She and Sis, Vicki Lynn, would short-drive to L.V. for the popular 'Pan' card-playing. This is a fast Rummy game dealt out of a table shoe that was, according to Hoyle, legal to cheat by sitting on your extra cards if you didn't get caught. Rumor was the game was invented in a house of prostitution while waiting for Johns! As evidenced by the games 'Table-Talk-Dialogue' that are in the rule-book, or lack thereof!
Both were so into Elvis shows that they would certainly combine their card playing to repeat performances when Elvis was in town; a girl crush by many in those days: I was actually a little jealous; I know, a Guy-Thing! Women (and probably a few men?) actually threw their unmentionables and undies (covering the stage) during his performances. Elvis would say, "You gotta a lotta nerve ladies."
— As most little boys we were fascinated by cars —
Vicki Lynn had a Kaiser-Frazer: A very large, odd-looking, post ww-2 car that was made out of salvaged tank parts. Dad gave her this unbendable armored sheet metal car for her 16th Birthday; a former war tank's protection for his Daughter.
When we went to the Drive-In Theater, Sis and her incredibly chatty girlfriends would pack us up into the huge trunk, along with most of the neighborhood. She would overly-instruct us not to move or make a sound, so that we wouldn't have to pay for admission to the ticket-taker: This way of entering the drive-in became so popular, and dangerous breathing fumes, that most of the theaters started just charging by the car.
Certainly Drive-in theaters are not around so much these days since the land usage is more profitable for other building projects. But they were around every corner in the 70's. While NOT a lot of movie watching went on, it was the best-kissin' venue ever!
Just wanted to think about that again — Now I Have.
This puts a smile on my face just reflecting on it! Vic always went out of her way to be kind to everyone and made them feel important; always doting on her little twin brothers.
I love hearing people’s stories, what inspires them, and the small details that make them who they are: We all have something to say. Life feels more meaningful when you can share it with someone who listens and cares, and I think that’s what makes even the simplest conversations special.
— Is it 'Spaghetti-Strap' Weather Yet? —
Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California
'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community -
About the Creator
Jay Kantor
'For The Kids Someday'
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Comments (28)
So vivid and nostalgic...made me smile.
The way you paint old memories with such clarity makes them feel alive again. I could see the cars the perm, the sunshine all of it.
Wow. I am glad I sat alone tonight and decided to write then read. Wonderfully crafted and lyrical. It is a poem to my eyes.
Wow!! That was a real trip down memory lane - I was lucky to have grown up on a farm near a town with a Drive-In theatre. I love your illustrations and the way you write - the style fits my brain. Thanks for the read.
Your drawing is fabulous as usual. I like the detail on the dress and the smile. Always love to see a smile. I am enjoying your cool show of masculinity with the mention of the Tiparillo Cigar. I see the humour in you being on your knees and then noticing this totally lovely woman. Your self-deprecating humor is working beautifully, along with your colloquialism and neologisms in some of your phrases like, "eyes down here shallow man." The humor works perfectly when you use bathos to suddenly shift the focus and explain the cheeky, questionable rules of the game 'Pan.'
Fascinating to read Mr K! In the UK the American drive through theatres seem so exotic and different from anything we have. Including all night diners! 🤭☕
This is such an evocative blast from the past. For a moment there I forgot how old I am now. Congrats on the TS. Richly deserved! - JC in MD
Congratulations
Cute stuff Jay! Thx 4 sharing! 🥰
I miss drive-in movie theatres, but I saw Lana's comment; here I come, Ohio, Pennsylvania! A humorous read with a lovely throwback. Spaghetti strap season is a few months away, unless one doesn't mind the cold. 😁
The small details mean the most, love your vignettes !
This was both charming and funny, Jay. BTW, there are still operational drive-in theaters in rural Ohio and Pennsylvania. They are fun!
JiB, Truly delightful! Vicky would be proud. Mart
I love how detailed and personal this is, Jay. it really makes me feel like I’m there with you! As always, I enjoyed the spendor of your unique language :)
I wonder how many people have a speaker somewhere in their basement, ripped away when the exited the drive-in without unhooking it?
There are still a few drive in theaters in this area. Car hops, mustangs, chargers, grandAms… no car washes except the driveway….good times.
JB - Loved reading your meet-cute 'Shallow Guy' - Your stories always make me smile. Your loving tribute to Vicki is a blessing to both you and her. Thank you for sharing with us - Kathy
I adored this story about two of the most important women in your life. Sending hugs because I know how much you miss them. Even though in other stories, your dad sounded gruff and a true man of those days, it is wonderful how much he protected his kids. That's what dads did back then even if they weren't hug-ey or complimentary. Sounds like you were a blessed man in your lifetime, Jay!
Very well-written! Enjoyed the introduction to the 'tank car' and walk down memory land.
Never realized I needed a car made of salvaged tank parts until now
That old car brought back memories. Our family had a 1950 Willie’s 2door sedan that road like a tank . Entertaining story, Jay.
It is thermal underwear and bobble hat weather where I am! Love your nostalgia, and I am getting serious Grease Lightening vibes here. One of my all time favourite films. I used to dream of being a Pink Lady!
This was fun to read. That unbendable armored sheet metal car, shallow man! Haha. Love it. Sweet memories.
What a fantastic dive into nostalgia! I absolutely loved reading all these vivid, personal memories from the hilarious "shallow man" confession at the car wash to the adventures in the trunk of the armored Kaiser-Frazer.
An enjoyable trip down memory lane, as usual, my friend Jay. It is 20 degree here in Delaware this morning, and yes, drive ins, disappeared with the economy dip. Although I hear there is one in Milford Delaware. We don't even have a movie theater of any type here in Dover. And yes, I think it was called "making out", and it was part of the "drive in experience. Not spaghetti strap weather that is for sure. I love your sketch but we always do. This will get top story, because everyone enjoys your articles, -Me too. And they are well deserved. Another great article.