Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago · 3 min. reading time · 0 ·

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Memories and What We Make of Them

Memories and What We Make of Them

Sometimes it can take half a lifetime for some of us to realize how lucky we were. I grew up 3 blocks from the shores of Lake Erie and spent my entire late spring and summer on the beach. I took this beautiful body of water for granted, or I thought I did. 

I used to be an early morning person. As soon as I heard the birds chirping and saw the rays of sunshine beaming through my window, I woke up and ran downstairs to greet the day. Life was simple back then and I had no idea how simple it was until I became an adult with adult issues that differ from teen issues.  

I would make sure I made plans the day before each new day arrived to meet with my friends on the beach. We only had a few main goals for a rocking day- bring our radios to listen to our favorite songs (yes, radios- not boom boxes, or Ipods). We would tune into our favorite FM station which always played the most current and popular music. As a teen, my second goal was a tough one, get that tan! We all smelled so good because we used baby oil as our tanning oil. Sunscreen, what was that?!  They didn't make sunscreen when I was growing up. We also made sure we sat on the 'private side' of the beach because, well... we could bring beer and drink! What a great mix, the sun , guys, lake, and beer, eh?  I'm not sure why but the beach wasn't policed back then.  I will admit, beer wasn't my drink of choice and I usually sipped on just one. I savored my pop, others call it soda!

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I still remember my favorite artists we listened to frequently- Aerosmith, Bob Segar and the Silver Bullet band, Ted Nugent (who I can't stand now) Rush, Whitesnake, The Police, Rasberries (yes they were one hit wonders with their song, "Go all the Way), Barry Manilow, Fleetwood Mac , Anita Baker, Many Motown Artists, The OJ's, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson - "cruisin', one of my favorites for some reason. The list goes on... 

When I wasn't swimming and sunning on the beach I would go there alone during off season to write in my journal. It was there, my quiet time near Lake Erie, I wrote poetry and short but true stories. It was cathartic yet I still took this aspect of my life for granted. 

We went to a Car Show this past weekend on the Shores of Lake Erie, it was held at a place called Lake Shore Park. Many good memories of hanging out there with my family as children. I saw this old Cadillac and had to grab a photo of it. There was also a Wine and Walleye Festival going on while we were down there. Memories were abundant. 


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When I had children, the tradition continued, we headed to the beach but this time without thoughts of partying and trying to attract guys. They played in the sand and waded in the water, just like we did as little children. It would have been just a bit weird if I took my kids to the beach with the mindset I had as a teen! 

Then, we moved. It took me quite a few years to understand just how much therapy Lake Erie gave me, it renewed my soul. It's hard to explain if someone didn't grow up near a large body of water but there is definitely an attraction to the water that goes deeper than just the beauty of the water. It's like a spiritual connection that can't be described, it has a calming effect on the mind and spirit. I live near the Allegheny River now and it's refreshing but it doesn't leave me feeling as though my soul has been touched in ways that Lake Erie left me feeling.  Don't get me wrong, I still find solace when I'm hiking along the river but it makes me crave a larger body of water. I guess that's why many of my vacations over the years took me to the Ocean. 

When we were growing up we never visited the Ocean and I decided I would take my daughter each summer to spend time on the Ocean when my husband and son took their annual fishing trips to Bush Country in Canada. It's amazing how youthful the water makes you feel and more importantly, how your worries seem to leave with the tides. My daughter told me her best memories are the times we spent in Myrtle Beach and Panama City Beach Florida. I also took them to Clearwater Beach, Florida - we always drove. I felt so free when I got behind the wheel of the car and further away from the home. 

You can leave your worries behind when you travel, even though traveling is temporary, as they say, so are our worries. I decided it's time to find the child within again and let go of problems I don't have control over. If you aren't able to take a vacation, go for day trips, you're guaranteed to find places that leave you with many memories, along with letting go of adult issues we all have. 

What are your favorite memories when growing up? Do you still feel drawn to those memories?  I learned long ago, I was lucky to have grown up so close to Lake Erie. I've also learned that my sleep cycle sucks now and that's because I became too serious about being a 'grown up.'  Time to let my hair down again, how about you?!




Comments

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #23

#34
Ha, love it Cyndi wilkins, "What the hell were we thinking?" Right?!! I agree, wouldn't trade my life now for the teen years. They were fun and yes, filled with so many memories. Today, teens could not head to that beach with alcohol. I still look back and wonder how we even got away with it.

Cyndi wilkins

7 years ago #22

We would go the 'private side' of the beach because, well... we could bring beer and drink! What a great mix, the sun , guys, lake, and beer, eh? OOOOH man! What a great memory Lisa Gallagher...Then we got married and had kids...What the hell were we thinking? LOL! Just kidding...Best thing that ever happened to me...But I sure do miss the innocence of those days...Thanks for the memories;-)

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #21

#32
Hi Jose Carlos Robles, thanks for taking the time to read my buzz. You are so right, music does stir up many memories! I will listen to songs from a certain time period and feel like I'm transported back to a certain place in time, it's always good!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #20

#30
CityVP Manjit, LOVED the video, the message was a great one and good reminder of life in general. I ended up sharing the video on facebook. Thank you for your kind words!

CityVP Manjit

7 years ago #19

Memories are indeed what we make of them and the song made famous by Buzz Luhrman underscores this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI There is a great sense of personal freedom when I sit watching a large body of water, especially on a bright sunny day. The freedom is in being open to a beautiful construct of nature. To be present to nature is a tremendous form of life appreciation.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #18

#28
Hope it was a happier feeling than sad Margaret Aranda, MD, PhD! I still miss my dad on rare occasions and he passed away in the 70's. I think I miss the man I didn't get to know as I grew older. But, when I think of him it always brings a smile to my face. We never forget, no matter how long they've been gone. We just move on and replace the sadness with happy memories, thank goodness.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #17

#25
What great memories your father left you with David Grinberg! How much fun that must have been to run on Shea Field and taking home a part of it. Are you still a jets fan? Yes, I bet you will always cherish your father-son bonding, nothing like it!!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #16

#24
Thanks Kevin Pashuk, glad you enjoyed this! I have noticed water in your photos and I'm sure I've missed some too! I never tire of viewing other's photos of the water. How nice that you work near Lake Ontario. I saw the photo you posted a few days ago, very nice!! Being near the water does clear the mind and help to refocus, doesn't it?

David B. Grinberg

7 years ago #15

What a wonderful read, Lisa Gallagher. My late father had season tickets for the NFL NY Jets football team when I was a kid. Thus, I have many fond memories of going to Shea Stadium in Queens with my dad for Sunday home games. I also recall running on the field and taking home part of the 50-yard line after the very last game the Jets played at Shea Stadium (prior to moving to Metlife Stadium in NJ). And while the Jets usually lost more than they won, the father-son bonding was always a winning experience I will always cherish.

Kevin Pashuk

7 years ago #14

Enjoyed the read Lisa Gallagher. As a certified 'water person' I can fully identify. You will notice that many of my photos have water in them. I live and work near Lake Ontario and often retreat there when I have quiet work (reading or planning) to do, or just need a soul refresh.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #13

#17
Hi Lada Prkic, such beautiful memories! You reminded me how romantic it was to be alone with 'a first love' near the water! I enjoy looking for seashells. I still do it. I took a photo last year of some shells I found in North Carolina, maybe I'll post it just for fun. Enjoy your trip, I'm sure it will be SO relaxing and thanks for sharing!!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #12

#16
Hi Nicole Chardenet, what a great experience you shared! I bet you did have a lot of good and not so good memories come flooding back. The good old days of going from being an older teen to a young adult, the transition can be very tough. Cleveland has changed a lot, hasn't it?! I love the 4th St. district and Playhouse Square. Ah, you reminded me of yes, one of a gals bigger worries back then- guys and feeling like a dork. I bet so many of us felt that way!! Thanks for sharing. Where did you go to school in Cleveland?

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #11

#15
Hi Savvy Raj, thanks for reading and couldn't agree more, getting away is so good for the mind!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #10

#14
So true Pascal Derrien, some memories which we all carry aren't so nice. It felt good to share a happier place in time. There are many when I look back, including the many moments shared with my children as they grew up! Thanks for reading.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #9

#13
I had no idea sharing memories used to be discouraged Margaret Aranda, MD, PhD, I'm glad that's encouraged now. Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed!

Lada 🏡 Prkic

7 years ago #8

I agree with you dear Lisa Gallagher. I was born and live my entire life by the sea. My all memories are tied to a large body of water. Reminiscence on family walks in the winter and collecting the seashells washed up on the beach, the memories of the first love…… I think I couldn't live someplace where there's no view of the sunset behind the sea horizon. Am looking forward to tomorrow's outing with friends and family on a nearby island and making more memories for my book of life. :-)

Pascal Derrien

7 years ago #7

C'est la vie Lisa Gallagher I have a lot of nice memories (and not so nice too) I suppose they help us building an identity or terms of reference :-)

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #6

#10
I will be going back Mid-September Aurorasa Sima. I always get excited to see my siblings, since we don't see each other as often as I'd like. So, yes!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #5

#8
Thanks Aurorasa Sima, we had a great time, minus the heat index being 97 degs F. on Sunday ;-) It was the first time I rode in my step dad's 67 Mustang too, he was happy and proud!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #4

#3
HI David Grinberg, thanks for reading! Everytime I go back to visit, I'm reminded just how beautiful Lake Erie is. I'm glad you enjoyed, and thanks for sharing, appreciated!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #3

#2
LOL, good question to ask if they are laughing when you talk about 'the old days" Tony Brandstetter! I'll never forget, I got that dreaded question long ago when my daughter was about 10 years old, "Mom, back in the old days what did you have 'such and such?" I remember thinking when I had kids, oh boy if I hear that, I will know I'm old. Funny thing, I wasn't old, and it was cute. We used to use that phrase with my mom too.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #2

#1
Hi Sharon Fulgenzi, I'm glad you have wonderful memories of spending time at the beach too! I think our memories can help shape our lives (good, bad or otherwise). You know, I wish I would have planned early in life for that beach house too :))!

David B. Grinberg

7 years ago #1

Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful and inspirational post, Lisa Gallagher. Lake Erie is beautiful, as are beaches. I likewise have always found peace and tranquility in nature. FYI - I'm sharing this on several hives. Great read!

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