Monday, August 25, 2008

Something Foolish, Something Gay

When my sisters and I were teenagers we read a book called Something Foolish, Something Gay. Now this was the 70's and gay still meant happy. It was a funny story about awkward teenage first love. We practically memorized the book and would (and still do) recall funny passages from the story. Just the mention of "she wore a watermelon pink, scooped-neck, sheath dress" sends my sisters into a fit of laughter. In the beginning of the story, Sammy surprises Laurie at her door with a Cocker Spaniel puppy. That was always my favorite part. Well naturally she falls in love with him. She says that the gift is "something foolish, something gay." She names the puppy Banjo because it keeps everyone awake at night with its howling.
So when a then 17 year old Hubby showed up at my door, and having never read the book, with a beautiful wicker bird cage and a blue parakeet inside I was thrilled to be having my own "something foolish, something gay" moment. I named him Banjo. He followed me into adulthood and lived a long happy life. Over the years I've had a few something foolish, something gay moments. One day after we were first married he came home from work and said he got me something. We went outside and he opened the trunk and tucked inside were two Muscovy ducks. I was thrilled. This man knows my heart.

Yesterday I get a call from my son. He told me he surprised his lovely girlfriend with her first puppy. He put a big bow around the puppy's neck and surprised her. She screamed. She has wanted a puppy since she was a child but with allergies in the family it was impossible.
I told her, "Congratulations.........you have a romantic boyfriend."


Yes, it was foolish, but oh so gay!

13 comments:

Danni said...

I *love* this story! I've never heard of this book, but I'm totally going to look it up now. These sorts of memories are so wonderful and, of course, anything to do with animals is just enough to make a gal swoon. If a wonderfully cooked meal is the way to a man's heart, then I'm certain that lovingly picked, new animal friends are the way to a woman's! An animal loving woman, anyway!
You raised a wonderful son. What kind of dog did he get?

frugalmom said...

What a great story! You have raised a great guy!

Marigold said...

Okay, you raised this one right! Maybe he will get her a goat next? :) By the way, is Cora Belle going to the Fair???

Anonymous said...

Me too, going to look the book up and I am from those long ago 70's also.
That is the cutest picture of the puppy. Is that the one he gave her? What a guy!
I have had some of those something foolish, something gay moments along the years, that not many gals would swoon over. Like a wheel barrow for Valentine's Day, raised beds for Christmas. Makes my head spin now just thinking about it..lol..
Have a great day.

goatgirl said...

Yep, that's her. She is an American Eskimo.

Marigold, We are keeping our fingers crossed that Cora Belle is entered. We were a little late on the entry so am not sure.

Stephanie said...

He is a very sweet and romantic boy! I named my new puppy Chloe. I think it suits her.

goatgirl said...

Ahhhhh Chloe....I love it.

Tracey said...

Awww...you've got a great hubby and raised your son right!!
Very sweet puppy :)

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Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Awwww, your story just touched my heart.

And I'm so happy to read that your son and his girlfriend are starting their new lives in Colorado on a happy note after all of the bad stuff in Vegas.
Puppies bring so much joy and laughter.

Your son seems to be following in his Dad's footsteps, too. How wonderful :)

FoxMeadowsFarmgirl said...

My roommate and I did something foolish and gay today! Rabbits!! Dogs (sadly) are not in the cards for us at the moment, so after weeks of deliberating we finally decided that rabbits are ok! =) So, we high-tailed it to the petstore and immediatly found the best bunnies ever! We named them Bohumil (Milosh for short) and Kuba-Laska. Good Czech names for our Czech bunnies! =)

Anonymous said...

I am a computer teacher in a middle school - a former English teacher. Our media specialist wants us to send her the name of our favorite book that we read when we were 11 or 12, and Something Foolish, Something Gay immediately came to mind. I don't remember much about the story except that it was a wonderful love story, and I reread it about 10 times. Now, that was about 50 years ago, so I have to forgive myself for not remembering details.
I came across your blog when I Googled the title and was delighted to come across your connection with the book. What wonderful family stories you tell. You are truly blessed.

Anonymous said...

soooo, I've read this book a squillion times.

"what's a few lousy watts, you'd think they were emeralds"

thanks for sharing.