The adventures of childhood
I remember when night time would bring with it amazing games in our neighborhood.
"Kick the can" was my favorite. Under the glow of street lights I would make a dash from the side of my house to the front of my house to "kick the can." (Usually a sand bucket for the beach or some sort of small plastic container.) The thrill of running out into the darkness without knowing if the person looking for you was near was exhilarating.
"Flashlight Tag" was a lot of fun as well. We would run and hide and then the person 'it' would search for us sporting a flashlight. If they shined us - we were out.
These are just a few of games we played. The interesting thing is that I felt larger than life - almost more alive - playing these games. The hiding, the running, the heavy breathing, the competition, the on the spot rule making, the friendships, the laughing, the anger, the cheating - all of it sending the sensation of life.
I mourn the loss of games gone by. I miss the ease at which we could gather together. I hope for my children to experience this. But, the world has changed. Oh man - I need to stop this sentimental stuff and just ask you...
BEST YARD GAME WITH FRIENDS GROWING UP?
Tag - you're it,
sd
"Kick the can" was my favorite. Under the glow of street lights I would make a dash from the side of my house to the front of my house to "kick the can." (Usually a sand bucket for the beach or some sort of small plastic container.) The thrill of running out into the darkness without knowing if the person looking for you was near was exhilarating.
"Flashlight Tag" was a lot of fun as well. We would run and hide and then the person 'it' would search for us sporting a flashlight. If they shined us - we were out.
These are just a few of games we played. The interesting thing is that I felt larger than life - almost more alive - playing these games. The hiding, the running, the heavy breathing, the competition, the on the spot rule making, the friendships, the laughing, the anger, the cheating - all of it sending the sensation of life.
I mourn the loss of games gone by. I miss the ease at which we could gather together. I hope for my children to experience this. But, the world has changed. Oh man - I need to stop this sentimental stuff and just ask you...
BEST YARD GAME WITH FRIENDS GROWING UP?
Tag - you're it,
sd
Comments
Bang! I got you!
No you didn't! I dove behind the tree before it hit!
No way! I was using my machine gun! I probably hit you twenty times before you got to the tree!
Yea, but my bullet proof vest stopped those!
etc...
Ahh those were the days. :D
Or playing driveway basketball with my brother and sister,
Takas
In fact one kid's mom used to watch out the screen door to watch her son and make sure everything was going well. This only made us think she was bizarre and way over protective. But, she would be considered an excellent mom nowadays. Times change.
Cheech
I also remember playing countless hours of marbles...especially in the spring. We'd also play baseball, football, miniature tennis, golf with tennis rackets and tennis balls...all without supervision.
Ahhhh...it brings a smile to my face.
On the playground my favorite was football or smear-the-queer. And it was always tackle until someone spotted a playground teacher and then it switched to touch.
My favorite game of all time we only seemed to play at camp, but I loved the commando tactics of Capture the Flag. There is something totally exhilerating about an all out sprint in the pitch black. I once clothes lined myself on an actual clothes line. Luckily it was more in my upper chest because it totally laid me out.
Great thread Deur!
We also did a game called frankenstein. one would hide - he was the monster. one would lead a group around the farm on a tour. then the monster would jump out scaring everyone. it was awesome.