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things past
In the past week I’ve been reading some comic trade paper backs between novels. I’m working my way through a series called Starman by James Robinson published by DC comics. They are not about the Starman of the forties in red and green tights. They are about his son, Jack Knight, who has taken over the mantle of this hero. But Jack did so reluctantly. He doesn’t wear a costume, instead opting for just a leather jacket and t-shirts with jeans. They are extremely well written stories and the art is wonderful. But that isn’t what this column is about. Jack Knight when not flying around Opal City making it a safer place to live, sells collectibles. The kind of things people remember from their past. And so naturally the series is full of references to clothes and objects and music of the past. And it’s this part of the reading that got me thinking and made me want to write. You see, I have a bit of a collectors Jones. I have gone and bought things that remind me of my past because it makes me feel god to have them around. The things I’m hanging onto are as varied as the reasons why I have them. I have a lot of toys that I played with as a youngster. From Lego to Lincoln Logs (which I got from my folks house) to Tonka Trucks that I’ve bought in thrift stores. I also buy old records because I have a lot of memories that are intertwined with music. From Herb Albert records to Musical Soundtracks I’ve filled shelves and shelves with vinyl. This also stretches into my book buying, and my magazine buying as well as my video collection. Now, I know that living in the past is not really a healthy thing, and I don’t live there. I love new music and movies and books. But I do embrace my past. It makes me who I am. Every body is the some of their parts. The same is true with music and movies genres and books. Where would the modern mysteries of today be with out Chandler and Gardner, Christie and Sayers? Or how about McGivern and Parrish? So as a kind of resolution for the new year I am going to endeavor to read at least one older mystery for every three or four modern ones. I want to know Ross MacDonald ’s work as well as I know Michael Connelly’s work. And the truth is, there are so many great authors that seem to be forgotten it is kind of a shame. I’m hoping I don’t become one of those people who dismiss all things new and can only start conversations with remember when. Because while I’m listening to the latest CD by Incubus, I may be reading Life magazine from 1965. I want the past and present to live together in my life. So the next time you are going through a basement or garage or attic, maybe stop and pause before you throw something away. It may actually be worth keeping. Or you could always send it to me!!!! Jon
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