Click here to read the first week of this feature, and follow the links at the end of each post.
***
London – December 10th, 1988
My cards have been laid on the table about my feelings for Bob, and the ball is once again well and truly back in his court. It was lovely meeting up with him last night, but a big doubt-cloud now hangs over us.
The teddy bear I gave him broke the ice and he told me that he’s known how much I feel for him since the first days after we met. It just goes to show that people can read me like a book without me saying anything.
I was surprised that he wanted to meet up again today, and when he suggested he came around to the house, I didn’t hesitate in not turning him down. What I didn’t expect was that for the next four hours he’d be pouring out his heart and soul to me.
At first, I thought it was all leading to him telling me that he was already in a relationship, but he isn’t, and that helped boost the hope of us becoming more than just friends. However, he then went into lots of problems he has encountered over the last few years of his life and how they’ve helped him build a big, brick wall around himself. Some have tried to get through but never succeeded, and he went on to tell me that there was no guarantee that I would get through that brick wall either.
He left here very unhappy, on a path he doesn’t want to be on and seems to have no idea how to get off. All I can do now is wait for the next few days to pass and see if he contacts me again. If he doesn’t then I’m going to find Christmas and New Year a sad one without him.
I want Bob a lot, and just wish I knew what to do to win him over.
***
Welcome to this new feature for 2018 on Hugh’s Views and News. In this feature, I’ll be sharing snippets from my diary of 1988. We’ll also take a trip in Hugh’s Music Time machine to hear some songs from the 1980s which have been chosen by some specially invited guests.
This week, I’m delighted to welcome Molly Stevens to my blog for the first time. Molly is somebody who always leaves excellent and rewarding comments on many of my posts. In fact, she is one of those bloggers who always leaves useful and valuable comments on posts around the blogging world. You know the ones I mean. The ones that prove the post has been read.
Molly recently retired after working as a registered nurse for thirty-nine years. She has a lifelong love for the written word, and started her blog, Shallow Reflections, in 2015. She writes mostly humour, believing that laughter is the sandpaper that helps smooth life’s rough patches.
Molly lives in eastern Maine with her long-suffering (her words) husband, Patrick, who lets her write about him, as long as she portrays him as the terrific guy he is in real life.
Her work has appeared in Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, Better After 50, Sixty and Me, Bangor Daily News, Smorgasbord Blog Magazine, and Humor Outcasts. Like me, she is a member of the Carrot Ranch Literary Community where she enjoys participating in flash fiction challenges. Molly was a contributing author for the anthology: These Summer Months: Stories from the Late Orphan Project, edited by Anne Born.
Published in 2017, Molly’s first book is called Boomer On the Ledge.
Boomer on the Ledge – an adult picture book, which features a doll Molly created to accompany the book. You can buy the doll at Molly’s online store by clicking here. However, shipping from the store is only currently available to those in the U.S.A.
The book was inspired by observing her grandsons discover the magic of Christmas by reading a book about an elf that monitors children’s behaviour, keeping them in line so Santa will bring them presents.
In contrast, the Boomer on the Ledge Doll featured in her book helps well-behaved women baby boomers to indulge in some mischief while acknowledging the challenges of ageing. Think of her as a best friend who helps you delight in a daily dose of silliness leading up to Christmas (and beyond.)
Molly is working on a second Boomer on the Ledge book slated for release in 2019.
Click here to buy Boomer on the Ledge on Amazon UK
Click here to buy Boomer on the Ledge on Amazon.Com
Connect With Molly
Molly’s song choice is Love Shack by The B-52s.
Released in 1989, Love Shack is taken from the album Cosmic Thing and is said to be the band’s signature song. Selling over one million copies, Love Shack is the band’s biggest selling hit song. It became a number one hit in Austrailia and Ireland and peaked at number two in the UK, and at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.A.
It looks as if there were no hopes of Bob joining me in my love shack in December 1988. I wonder if anyone else will? Do you have a favourite song connected with a building, or building a relationship? Share a link to it in the comments.
Next week – in the final diary entry for this series, Christmas arrives. Will I get the only gift I really want, or will Santa ignore my wish and put me on course to still be single at the end of 1988? Click here to find out.
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How painful this must have been. Our generation of gay men had so many emotional obstacles to intimacy; I’ve had discussions with my first partner about this: we were raised in a world that called us perverts and criminals, we joined a movement to challenge those assumptions. We wanted ‘normal’ relationships but we had to figure out how to love each other after childhoods that taught us to live in shame. I don’t know if that was going on with Bob, but these are my thoughts in response to your December day in 1988. I hope you have a wonderful Holiday, Hugh.
Thanks, Rob. Bob’s problems were many, with many of them connected with what you said in your comments. At the time, London was a place for many Gay people to go to and to live and work. The city kept us safe, although there were still people who disliked and even hated the way we led our lives. Fortunately, most of the people living in London at the time accepted gay people for who they were, but the scars from living outside of the city came with many of us. I have to say that I had the best times back in the late 1980s when living and working in London. It’s been great to relive those memories in this series.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year, Rob.
Thank you for sharing those memories, Hugh.
Hi Hugh, so great to see Molly here! She is my favorite humor blogger and she takes some nice photos too! Great song choice, and hope the end of 1988 finds you in the Love Shack! 😉
Thanks, Terri. Yes, I enjoy Molly’s humour as well. Her posts always make me laugh. As for the ‘Love Shack’, we’ll find out next week. 😀
I love Molly, love ‘Love Shack’ and love this series! Now that’s a whole lotta love in one post — and it’s completely the truth!
Thanks, Donna. We all appreciate the love. I only wish we could spread the love to all corners of the world, especially at this time of the year.
Can’t believe next week will be the last entry! Will you give us some updates from your 1989 diary? That might ease the withdrawal symptoms 🙂
Great song choice from Molly – and I do like the sound of her book and a doll to encourage me in some mischief. We all need a bit of mischief now and then, don’t we?
I completely agree, Mary. Mischief can be a lot of fun. That’s all I’m saying 😈
Yes, I may do an update post in the New Year in the hope it will tie some loose ends up for this feature.
It is hard to believe this series is coming to an end, Mary. I wonder where Hugh will take it from here? Glad you liked the song choice, and mischief is definitely underrated. 😉
You are leaving us with another cliffhanger Hugh! I really enjoy Molly’s blog. It is always entertaining and thought provoking. Your song choice is fun too Molly.
The last cliffhanger in this series, Brigid. I can’t believe I was writing them even back in 1988. They always stayed with me. I’m glad everyone enjoys them.
It’s been a fun series, hasn’t it, Brigid? Hugh knows how to keep us guessing. Thank you for your kind words and glad you liked the song – it is a fun one!
It sure has Molly. I have really enjoyed it.
I do hope your Christmas had a happy ending, Hugh and Love Shack a catchy old favourite my song and build I did… https://youtu.be/Z4RmgDa5_dI
As you’re aware, Christmas is my favourite time of the year, Carol. Was Christmas 1988 a happy one? We’ll find out next week.
Thanks for your song choice. I thought the drummer in the video was Elvis! To me, he looks very much like him.
I’m hoping for a happy ending, too, Carol. It’s hard to wait to find out what happens! Glad you liked my song and yours is great, too.
Thank you, Molly time will tell methinks 🙂 x
I hope you’ve learned to grow a ‘poker face’ since then Hugh. Not sure what happened after, but I had too much experience staying in loser relationships thinking I could ‘fix’ people. It’s exhausting. 🙂 Live and learn. And great to see Molly here and love her song pick! ❤
Yes, it drains you, doesn’t it, Debby? However, there was always that little bit of hope that I clung on to in the hope I could make things work. Dare I say, a little like Theresa May and her Brexit deal. Ooo! now I’ve said it. 😀
xx
Lollllll. But oh, I’ve been watching. Seems a fine pickle she got herself into. Not sure how that’s gonna play out. ❤
I agree with you, Debby. Taking on a project is not only daunting, but usually doesn’t end well for the ‘fixer.’ Glad you like my song!
Truth Molly, speaking from experience. 🙂
Yes, me, too!
Molly sounds fun, I need to seek her out. The B52s were a fun band too and I had a real crush on Kate Pierson, who is also great in the video for REM’s Shiny Happy People. In keeping with your theme of building a relationship, and your hopes for Bob, can I suggest The Last Worthless Evening, by Don Henley? It’s on his album The End Of The Innocence, and I think it fits how you were feeling – and hoping 😊
The perfect song choice from you, Clive, thank you. I had problems finding it on YouTube but eventually came across a cover version of the song. The lyrics are perfect for this week’s diary entry. Thanks for introducing the song to me.
My apologies for making you search. I subscribe to his YouTube channel and it isn’t even available there! I use Apple Music, which has the original, but I guess other streaming services such as Spotify would have it if you’re interested. I’m glad you liked the choice – it did rather seem to fit how you were feeling back then!
No problems about the search I did on YouTube. I did find an instrumental version on YouTube, but the cover version I found was very good with all the lyrics.
I saw that instrumental version too, and thought it a little odd! I don’t know the cover but can highly recommend the original should you ever find it – I played the album a lot when it was first released and it’s still one I return to.
Thank you, Clive. I love that Don Henley song, and it is appropriate for this week’s diary entry. I’m a big Eagles fan.
Likewise, Molly. The Eagles first album came out just as I started uni and was a big part of the soundtrack to those years. Don’s song seemed a very good fit for Hugh’s feelings.
Very difficult situation indeed!
Oh, that song. It actually reminds me of our year in the US. I heard this song a lot on my favorite channel. Such good memories. Thanks for this choice, Molly!
I’m glad Molly’s choice of song bought back some good memories, Erika. The choice of songs from my guests has been amazing.
A wonderful variety in deed!
I’m happy you enjoyed my choice in song, Erika. This song always makes me smile.
Oh, me and many others too! It is wonderful that you make the community smile. Thank you again 😊
HI Molly – I’m thrilled that Hugh introduced you to us. I’m anxious to follow your humorous writing. I’m the worst person telling jokes and perhaps I can learn from you how to write humor. My latest book I’m working on has humor throughout, but I’m not sure the reader will find it funny. I look forward to following you.
OKAY, Princess, I thought we had this discussion last week. If you keep picking up tricks that break your heart, you are going to be lonely and depressed. Remember, I said don’t walk away—RUN 😲You have to toughen up if you ever want to be a Queen.
This has been a great series and I have had a lot of fun teasing you. I’m going to hate to see it end. Hopefully, you have something for next year to replace it. MERRY CHRISTMAS HUGS around.
Thanks, Chuck, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed this series. I’ve nothing planned as a replacement yet, but that could certainly change. We’ll see how things pan out. I’ll probably make a decision once the final diary entry is published next week.
Merry Christmas to you and Anthony. 🌲
hugs.
Thank you, Chuck. I’m delighted to have you follow my writing. Writing humor is not an easy task, and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor. It is good to read other humor writers to learn tips and tricks or even just to see what works and what doesn’t. I’m going to be sad to see Hugh’s series end, too!
It’s always unnerving to wait for someone to decide especially during the holidays. Boomer on the Edge sounds delightful – love the cover.
It is, Jan. I wonder what it is that keeps us waiting though?
Thank you, JT Twissel! Waiting is difficult, and as a kid I felt like waiting for Christmas was an eternity. Hugh has kept us waiting all year as his story has unfolded. I want to know how it ends, but I’m also going to miss these weekly glances back into his life.
Omg that is one of my favourite songs!!!!!
And you need to be careful with Bob… Baggage!!!
Isn’t it a fun song, Ritu?
It’s a great song!!!
Sounds like Bob was carrying a lot of baggage and we all know that can be a problem sometimes. I hope you don’t have to wait too long to find the happiness you are looking for. I love Molly and her doll. A great tune too.
From what he must have told me (and it taking four hours) I think he must have been, Darlene. I still saw the attraction, though. I’ve said it before in this series – ‘love is blind.’
Thank you, Darlene! And I’m glad you enjoyed the song. I think it is a fun song. I hope Hugh finds love, but I’m not so sure about Bob…
Hummmm. People with troubles. Not an easy breakthrough. Hope you are careful. Great song. Love the lyric, “Car as big as a whale.”
Looking back, I seemed to have attracted a lot of people with problems during 1988, John. Then again, I’ve always been told I’m a great listener.
Thanks for those lyrics from Molly’s song choice. Can you imagine driving a car as big as a whale? I’ve never been a lover of driving big cars. I’m far happier as a passenger.
Ha haha. I like em small myself. Sport coupes mostly.
Glad you liked the song, John!
Liked your book idea as well.
Thank you!
Aww… I hope it wasn’t a blue Christmas, Hugh. Re your other comment, I think there is definitely an appetite to know more. I’ve really enjoyed this series. Thanks for the intro to Molly. Such fun! And Love Shack is one of my forever favorites. Mega hugs.
Thanks, Teagan. The end of the road for this feature is now in sight, but maybe there could be a book on the horizon. I’ll keep you all posted.
Hugs to you.
Thank you, Teagan. Glad you like my song – it never fails to make me smile and take a dancing break!
Uh-oh, Hugh. Is that a red flag or not to desire a relationship with Bob, who seems to have his own problems and demons. Of course, love has no boundaries or reason… I hope you won’t end up with a broken heart and single over the 1988 holiday period!
Nice to meet Molly. I like the Boomer on the Ledge doll and book idea. I’ve read a lot about Molly’s humor and fun posts on other people’s blogs. I think it’s time to check out her blog and fit in a smile or two a week. 🙂
It’s always great to introduce bloggers to each other, Liesbet. If only there was an easy way to get you all in a room together and to introduce you to each other. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Molly’s blog. Her humour is infectious and never fails to make me laugh.
As for Bob, we’ll find out more next week. He did have a big effect on my life in late 1988 and was somebody who I certainly had eyes for, even with all his life problems attached.
Thank you, Liesbet. I’ve seen you on some of the blogging groups. So nice to meet you here on Hugh’s blog!
Thank you for including me in your diary series, Hugh. You’ve taught me a lot (by example) about supporting other bloggers and I so appreciate your generosity. I’m wondering about Bob. I’m sorry he is having a hard time, but is he right for you? He seems like a project. We’ll see…..
You’re very welcome, Molly. Thank you so much for being my guest onboard my music time machine and for giving us a fantastic song choice this week. I can’t get that song out of my head now. 😀
As for Bob, we’ll hear a little more about him in next week’s diary entry. Let’s just say he had a big effect on my life in late 1988.
I really wish I hadn’t waited until 2014 to start a journal, as I now cannot remember what I was doing in 1988. I know which house I was living in – so that’s a start 🙂 How long have you kept a diary/journal, Hugh?
Oh, I only kept one in 1988 and one in 1989, Eileen. However, who knows, I may find another one lurking somewhere, although I don’t remember keeping any others. I’ve also found a scrapbook I put together in 1988 and can clearly see how it matches up very well with the diary from 1988. It evens contains a photo of Bob!
I don’t feel so guilty now 🙂 Will we get to see Bob?
I’m afraid not. Those photos are for my 👀 only. 😂
I am going to prove I read your posts, Hugh, but saying that I always read your posts just like Molly. A lovely song choice and an most interesting romantic conundrum.
Hugh is the best, isn’t he Robbie? He is very generous in his interaction with and support of other bloggers.
Yes, Molly. Hugh is one of the first bloggers I met when I started blogging and his book was the first I ever reviewed on my blog.
Thanks, Robbie. I know you do. Your comments are always welcomed.
Yes, Molly has chosen a fantastic song. One I think everyone will know and will probably want to sing along to. Although nobody would want to hear me singing. 😀
I was singing in Church today (at a memorial service) and I thought I sounded like a frog.
You may like this song, then, Robbie. I know I do. It’s from 1984, so would have fitted as a song choice for this series. I hope it plays for you.
I wonder how your year will end and if you’ll get through Bob’s wall? Your 1988 was definitely more eventful than mine was!!
It’s nice to meet Molly. I’m intrigued by her book!!
Love Shack is a favorite with my grandsons. It plays on some of their Little Tikes musical toys so they were thrilled when I showed them the video with the entire song on it. 🙂
We may find out in the final episode of this feature, Kat. Note I said ‘May.’ I’ll see what happens after next weeks diary extract is published. If there’s enough appetite to know more, I may pen another post in the New Year to tie up any answered questions.
I’m glad your Grandsons enjoyed the video for the song. The song is one I think just about everyone will know. It’s another classic in this series.
I certainly hope to hear more about how it ends! 🙂
Thank you, Kat! And glad your grandsons like my song choice. It is a fun song and I’m hoping Hugh will find that right someone to share his ‘love shack.’
Me too! 🙂