The Family Business
I visit my parents in my hometown of Hull, Massachusetts, about once a year. The room I stay in is on the 3rd floor. There are wall to wall bookcases filled with movie videos and movie posters hanging on the walls
It may seem fitting for me as a writer – but it’s not exactly relaxing – to spend so much time in a room surrounded by words to read. Over the years, I’ve been disciplining myself not to even start reading the titles on the outside of the video boxes or the bold printed words on the posters (My Left Foot…Driving Miss Daisy…Steel Magnolias) that I already know by heart.
It’s not unusual in my parent’s house for a room to be full of videos. My father’s hobby for the past 20 years has been making copies of movies for family members to watch, and his collection is at least as large as what the local town video store has. They start in the garage and fill up the cellar. They’re stacked into bookcases of every shape and size on all 3 floors of the house – even in the hallways.
I once decided to document my dad’s video hobby. He’s a little shy about it, probably remembering that ominous message at the beginning of the movies that has something to do with the FBI. Even so, he allowed me to follow him around with a camcorder while he gave a tour.
“Dad, this is incredible! You should be in the Guinness Book of World Records for all these videos!” I exclaimed, after seeing the extent of his collection.
He turned and faced the camera, not missing a beat, “I just want the pain, not the fame!” he answered.
To be continued…
Comments
What is this a cliff hanger??
Posted by: Sherry | July 9, 2005 6:08 PM
Colleen, I knew a guy who did this and went to jail for it. I guess your Dad doesn't charge for the movies, right?
Posted by: kenju | July 9, 2005 8:52 PM
no charge...only for the family.
Posted by: colleen | July 9, 2005 10:41 PM
I love a good cliff hanger....I will have to come back to read the rest of the story.
I am here via Michele tonight.
Posted by: dawn | July 9, 2005 10:56 PM
Hey Colleen & Sherry!! You guys are so sweet. I got the biggest kick out of your comments tonight. I am sure you are having the best time together.
Colleen, could you do me a favor and hug Sherry for me?
And Sherry, could you do me a favor and hug Colleen for me? Thanks:-)
Posted by: MommaK | July 9, 2005 10:56 PM
I think I'm writing about the sea right now because it's been almost a year since I've been to the ocean. I miss it.
Being in a room with that many videos would be overwhelming for me, sort of like the times when I walk into a bookstore, and am surrounded by books, but can't find anything to read.
I hope your visit is enjoyable.
Posted by: MissMeliss | July 9, 2005 11:37 PM
Colleen, Terrilynn posted her alphabet meme on June 25th. She took it from True Jersey Girl, so I guess it is making the rounds.
Posted by: kenju | July 10, 2005 2:27 AM
I can see the headline now "Father Indicted for Federal Crime Due to Incriminating Evidence Discovered on Daughter's Weblog"
Thanks for you complements, I really have a lot of fun fiddling with the template.
Posted by: Lora | July 10, 2005 2:31 AM
So for Xmas he wants a DVD recorder so that he can transfer tape to DVD then get half his house back, yes?
Posted by: Ian | July 10, 2005 5:22 AM
My parents have sold the house where I grew up, and have been systematically dismantling 40+ years of accumulation. Soon, only the memories will persist, which makes entries like this one so treasured.
Michele sent me...again!
Posted by: Carmi | July 10, 2005 11:29 AM