Mom works in mysterious ways

So yesterday was the 10th anniversary of my Mom's passing. From time to time, Mom loves to show up and remind me that she's never far away. So on this auspicious occasion, I knew Mom would show up in her usual subtle way: a cardinal in the tree just outside my window, meeting a gentle dog while walking Ivy. That sort of thing. Well, apparently Mom really wanted to make sure that she knows I think about her everyday because yesterday was jam-packed with her subtle and not-so-subtle messages. And they came in a set of three. Mom used to show herself aftger her passing by having things happen in "threes". But as the months and then years went by, Mom would simply show up once in a while. But for this anniversary, Mom let 'er roll.

1. While writing yesterday's blogpost, two songs came on the radio: "In My Life" and "Golden Slumbers" (a lullaby version). Both very evocative of my Mom's energy, about remembering those you've lost, about maternal love. Subtle and very "Mom".

2. Ivy never takes her toys into her bed. It's just not her thing. But yesterday, when Ben threw her toy and she ran to get it, she took it straight to her bed and curled up with it. What is this toy, you ask? Her bee. Sounds suspiciously like Mom's name, Bea. So you've got that.

But Number Three on the list is the one I'm particularly moved by. And shocked and thrilled with. Because you can chalk it up to happenstance, but then you'd be narrow-minded and just plain wrong.

3. Decided to hit Youtube in search of an elusive video from Fairyland Park. I venture there every so often, about every month or so, in search of the super-rare, nearly impossible to find Super 8 movie-transferred to video-uploaded to Youtube. Expecting to find nothing, I did this later in the evening, so I'd be ready to sign off and toddle to bed. But after entering in "Fairyland Park, Lyons, IL" into the search engine, up popped the Holy Grail:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOq8XeqMmpU

A family film taken back in 1974, toward the end of Fairyland's reign of the southwestern suburbs. Features some of the kiddie rides which lived under the canopy of the open air building which housed my carousel. Footage of the Ferris wheel (my Ferris wheel). And the octopus (not mine, because I got sick on it once), with MY beloved Paratrooper ride in the background.

Mom, this time you outdid yourself.

Almost fits the bill...

Yet not quite. It's a sticky wicket, really. Many of the early Six Flags parks date back to 1971. For my project, I'm looking at parks which opened prior to 1970, so they don't fit, yet they almost do. But... would I include them even if they did?

I feel like I just shook the hand of a dirty dealer, realizing my mistake in the nick of time.

I recall Fairyland Park closing back in the 70s. I also recall folks saying, "Well, it was its time -- and it certainly ISN'T Six Flags!" which meant it certainly didn't have the thriller rollercoaster and the double-decker merry-go-'round and the Warner Brothers characters greeting you at the gate.

True. It also didn't have charm and heart. You couldn't park on the street and walk right in, buy as many tickets as you liked rather than an exorbitant fee, buy your popcorn and cotton candy for pennies, or sit quietly under the grandfather trees which used to canopy the area when it was a gypsy camp. Six Flags had concrete and steel, not shade and wood and sugar-scented air.

As tempting as it might be for me to include one of the early Six Flags parks (it may conveniently be on the return route of one of my Roadtrips), it just feels wrong. When Six Flags came to Gurnee, IL, it took over the amusement park atmosphere much like a Walmart takes over a small town, nudging out the little guy. The Mr. Potter of amusement parks.

"You're nothing but a warped, frustrated old man," said George Bailey, after refusing the offer he was almost tempted to take from Potter, which would've compromised his integrity, turning over the Building and Loan to a snake.

Thanks, George. You saved me an empty gesture.

Sunday on the Blog with Photos -- and a very important link!

Firstly -- a wonderful bit of Conneaut Lake Park history: one of the colorful animals that inhabit the carousel -- enjoy.

Secondly -- I'm thrilled to announce the Chicago Tribune did an article on my childhood park, Fairyland. Please follow the link below to learn more (a special thanks to my fellow Chicago area amusement park enthusiast, Mark Yurkiw).

Peace and hope on this historic Health Care Sunday!!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/ct-x-w-0319-wht-fairyland-20100319,0,4969147.story

Long ago, far away...

A snowy Saturday morning can turn one's thoughts to the reasons and inspirations for things. Today's no exception, so I share with you a bit of nostalgia from the childhood park closest to my heart, Fairyland Park, which was situated on south Harlem Avenue in Lyons, IL until the mid-1970s. Our "neighborhood" park, it felt like an extension of my backyard, only cooler, since it had rides and cotton candy (made fresh!) and I played my first video game (Pong) there.