And here you thought I didn’t do holidays!
You’re right.
But this isn’t a holiday.
It’s an excuse to take my dad out to breakfast and eat french toast with wild abandon.
The man had three daughters in a row, all of whom were supposed to be sons, so I buy him some french toast, too, coffee on the side.
My mom continues to live a life of deep gratitude for us girls, and my dad had to be content with a lifetime of Father’s Days expecting the same three gifts: soap-on-a-rope, cheap cologne, and socks.
It never occurred to us to buy him manly things.
A chainsaw. A new TV tray. Conway Twitty records.
The 70s were full of exciting options, but we were completely distracted by Barbies and bicycles.
If you grew up sporting twin hair braids, embroidered peasant blouses, corduroy bell bottoms, and pleather jackets, you rocked the 70s.
If you ever hung beads or curtains instead of doors in your doorways, you rocked the 70s.
If your dad ever had a full afro on his head with a matching mustache…and he’s not a black man…you may have grown up in the 70s.
If your dad finally took out the afro but kept the ‘stache because he “closely resembles Tom Selleck”, well, you had one studly dad, I guess.
The scents of my childhood include English Leather, Old Spice, Noxema Face Cream, and Irish Spring bar soap. The Avon Lady would come around every month or so and leave us lipstick samples and perfumes like ‘Sweet Honesty’ and ‘Hawaiian White Ginger’.
Soap-On-A-Rope came in several options, very attractive in the glossy brochure.
Our job was to clean the guy up apparently, and I think it’s time to honor that tradition today.
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Dad is happy to let someone else…anyone else, really…have the manly soap hang in a shower far, far away.
If you are already a Subscriber (you’re awesome!) you can leave me a comment about the 70s (in this comment area below) to enter the drawing. Write in the box, then click on “Post Comment”.
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You don’t have to admit you were raised in the 70s by Tom Selleck.
But you do have to admit to showering once in a while.
Loved this one.
I’m old enough not to care what my kids think when I say I still love peasant blouses and corduroy.
Pretty glad the 70’s are over!!!
Looking back to the 70s I was married with four kids and still in the process of growing up. It was a special time in my life, a time to remember. Thank you for reminding me.
Wow! Your dad looks great 🙂
I really enjoy your blogs!
I must have rocked the 70s. I remember all of that!
I remember soap on a rope and English Leather!
As Pee Wee would say – I don’t have to talk about the 70’s I lived it. No Fro though. And the three daughters thing, it must run in the family, along with soap on a rope.
Gave my dad soap on a rope and monogrammed handkerchiefs every year. Always from Walker Scott’s.