What would they say, if they could?
Coming out of the woodwork...
Preface
I have a thing for old buildings. Not the famous sort that other people go out of their way to see, like Windsor Castle or the Blue Mosque. I’m drawn to the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed. Simple structures, some on the cusp of being reclaimed by the elements, that have stood unpretentiously for much longer than anyone who’s still alive. If they were able to talk, they’d surely tell me a thing or two. I hope I’d listen well.
Here are a few I’ve met along the way, and some of what I imagine they might say.
Tizzy
My goodness! Hi! Hiii! I almost didn’t recognize you! I haven’t seen you in...how long has it been? A long time. Years, maybe! Who even knows, right? Everything is wild. So wild. But, I can’t complain. Well I mean, I could, but I shouldn’t. We shouldn’t, right? It could be worse. So much worse. Yes, plugging along, trying to stay positive. Some days, it’s easier than others, you know? You know what I’m saying? I know you do. Some days, though. I really just don’t know anymore. Anyway, enough about me. How are you holding up?
Will
Hey, lady, how’s it going? Me? Eh. Been better. Times have changed, that’s all. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to keep going here. If they’d just let me do what I know how to do, everything would be fine. But they’ve got a whole new management deal going on, and they’re all talking about efficiency and ROI. They’re so damn far up in my business they might as well pick my nose! So I don’t know. This might be my last year here. Do? Not sure what I’d do, to be honest. Wife wants to go visit the kids more, but I’m not much for traveling. We’ll see. What brings you out this way?
Pearl
Well, hello! Fancy seeing you here. Guess it’s the place to be today. You’ve got quite the…uh…selection there. You’re not drinking alone or anything, right? I’m kidding, of course. Kid-ding! Yeah, just the white zin for us. That’s about all I can handle. Never really built up much tolerance, and anyway, I don’t need the calories. A cheap date, that’s me! Yep, we’re all set. Actually, we’re on our way to the dermatologist’s. Can’t be too careful, right? And then we’re taking the in-laws for lunch. They moved to that place over off the highway last year, and they don’t drive. So we take them to Applebee’s once a month. Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. What was I thinking? Let me introduce you to my other half!
Chance
Oh hey, Ms. B., what’s going on? Been a while, for sure. How are the girls? Still living their best lives out there? Good, good. Do they ever get back this way? It’d be great to see them. Yeah, thanks, I’m doing well. Still working, playing gigs when I can. Oh this? It’s fun, right? Got it from a guy who knows my brother. Sweet deal. Needs a little love, but it runs good. Once I get the body work done I’m starting on the inside. I’ll have room for a double bed in the back and some storage, a kitchen area. I know, so cool! Where? Michigan. Upper Peninsula, I think. I’m not much of a desert person, and I’ve got a cousin up that way. So, yeah…that’s the big plan. Here’s hoping. Look, I’d better hit the road, but it was great to see you. Tell Mr. B. I said hello!
Chuck
Hey. Thanks for stopping over. I’m really sorry to trouble you. I didn’t know who else to call. I’m just so…frustrated. I thought I knew where things stood, but the last few days have been terrible, like it’s all coming undone. Everything we worked so hard to create. Discuss? Nah. Not like a whole conversation anyway. Nothing I say makes any difference, anyway. I’m sick and tired of being the one who always has to compromise. It’s exhausting. Meet me halfway, for god’s sake! Is that too much to ask? Apparently, yes. So, what am I supposed to do? I’m a reasonable person. Right? Wouldn’t you say that? Ah, hell, there goes my phone. Sorry, I’ve got to take this call. Could you give me a minute?
June
Would you look who’s here!? Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes! Your ears must’ve been burning, ‘cause I was just talking about you yesterday. How arrre you? How is everything? You look great. I love that color on you. You’re still writing, I know. I don’t get to it every week, but I read a lot of it. You must love doing it. It’s something, I tell you. Frogs, chickens, and that one about the wacky neighbor. Cheese sure slid off that one’s cracker, didn’t it? Yes, yes, I’m still painting. In fact, I just came out here to look for a metal bucket. I’ve got a mess of wildflowers hollering at me, and I thought a bucket might…ah, here we go! Hey, why don’t you walk down to the house with me? I have something to show you, and I just made zucchini bread. Come on. We’ll catch up.
Not quite the end…
Who, or what, will you be listening for today?
~Elizabeth
I love old buildings! My dad had the eye to view old train stations and warehouses and see them through their next lives. He did some marvelous renovations and kept their histories alive at the same time.
I now live in the Midwest and am drawn to the old brick school houses that dot the more rural areas. When I was a young child, my folks bought one and added on a wing. It was lovely and we had huge trees, a large flag pole / lightening rod(lol) in front and the sturdy remains of the enormous swings, and teetertotter in back. My dad moved the outhouse, cut the bottom off and made us a wonderful playhouse.
When I see those old schoolhouses or empty country churches, I long to move them and give them new life...the stories they might tell!
I've got a mess of old buildings on my camera roll, so I just loved this. They absolutely have personalities, and it must have been good fun to channel each of these. My husband and I spent last summer renovating an old house in Louisiana, and if she could talk she'd have said plenty! Would love to know more about how you came upon each of these.