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!