1960s: Birthdays, Family Gatherings and a Prom Night to Remember
The second half of 1968 is a time of great disillusionment and frustration for Barbara and her friends in San Sequoia. As the democratic convention concludes with Humphrey as the party's presidential candidate, many of them stand without a viable candidate to vote for. In Barbara's garden, they meet and discuss the issues, complaining about the state of the country.
"It's easy, vote for Eldridge Cleaver," Aileen says. "He won't win, but at least we can make a statement."
"His rhetoric is far too violent. I get the idea, but not the methods."
"If they hadn't shot Kennedy-"
"If he hadn't run in the first place maybe Eugine McCarthy would be on the ticket."
"Or maybe he would be dead. They're not gonna let anyone representing the people win, it's all rigged, man. It's all rigged."
"Well Humphry is at least better than Nixon."
"He's pro war!!!"
In the end they all have to decide for themselves. Many just don't vote, a few votes for Cleaver, Barbara settles for writing Eugine McCarthy on the ticket. No it won't do any good, but at least she's voiced her opinion. It seems a better option than abstaining to vote all together.
Her home is more and more starting to feel like her sanctuary. She loves watching Abby play with Zion in the gardens, or play with the chickens when he's not around. Growing and eating her own vegetables, spending time with people who values the same things she does... it means she can let go a bit of the world outside, and do her bit for nature.
After Abby goes to bed, and the cold winds of the bay blow in, the group of friends gather inside, smoking bubbles and talking - of art, of politics, of peace and music. It's a relaxing lifestyle, even if Barbara sometimes feels that she's not doing enough to help society. But what could she do? She's tried letting her art speak, she's tried protests, be-ins and rallys. Perhaps it's okay to just be? Living in peace and harmony with nature and people and sometimes feel a little closeness to someone. Vincent Farley might be married with two children, but love is free and you can't belong to anyone, and while nothing has happened yet, Barbara cannot deny that she wishes something would.
As Nixon win the election, it's time for Abby to age up to a child. School! Barbara is a bit apprehensive. Will they try to take the freedom from her child? Force her to conform to society? Still, there is no way she's not throwing the most awesome birthday party for her little girl, inviting all their friends. Alice and Cora also make the drive, along with Arthur, Audie and their girls.
But as fun as parties can be, sometimes you just want to play dolls with a cousin you do not see often enough.
Abby is a creative child, who doesn't mind being alone and has no trouble "making friends". However, even Barbara think a dust bunny doesn't make the best company, and vacuums her room as soon as she heads downstairs.
On Thanksgiving, the family gathers for dinner at Josephine and Nash's home, and the grandparents get a chance to spoil their grandchildren. Abby gets an extra long hug, not just because she's not a big girl, but because they miss having her around.
"It was so nice to have a young one in the house again," Josephine tells her daughter. "I wish you lived closer, San Sequoia is so far away. We barely see you and Abby."
"But it's our home. You moved away from your parents too once, and not just to a fairly nearby town, but to the other side of the country. How much did any of us know our grandparents growing up?" Josephine has no good answer to that and calls everyone to dinner instead.
As they sit down around the table, or stand, or sit in the sofas, there is only one topic of conversation among the adults and elder children today. The huge oil spill in Santa Barbara. A blowout on an offshore oil rig, had caused the largest oil spills in U.S. waters, with millions of gallons of oil leaking into the waters and covering the coast with crude oil. For the last few days, the news had been filled with images of bird and other wildlife trying and failing to survive the oil. The new President had visited the sight and called for new legislation, an inquiry was being made.
"They need to be held accountable," Michael argues.
"That is not enough!" Susan, who has been shocked by the images of dying wildlife and wants nothing more than to go to Santa Barbara and help in the cleanup. "We need to stop drilling!"
That spurs a new discussion, where adults tell Susan that she's "naive" and "young", how oil is a necessity and will always be so.
"It will run out one day, you realise that, don't you?" Barbs chimes in. "She's right, we need to stop." But other than the two, no one is really ready to listen to this.
Later that night, as grandma Josephine takes photos of everything and everyone, Susan and Barbara gets the chance to talk properly.
"Don't let anyone convince you that you're wrong just because you are young. Young people see the truth more often than those living in complacency."
"Why are you so different from anyone else. You see things more clearly."
"Well, I freed my mind, and I don't let the media, or politicians or anyone else tell me what is right. I educate myself, and feel it in my heart and let my intuition guide me. Like you do."
"I want to be more like you when I grow up."
"Well you are growing up. Don't let high school ruin you or adults put you down. Once you get to university, you'll be free to do what you want with your thoughts."
That night, as the rest of the family returns home, or as Barbara and Abby, sleeps upstairs, Josephine cuddles close to her husband in bed, thankful that they have a good life and a beautiful family. Life wasn't always easy, but it has always been worth it.
Already the next day, it's time for the family to gather again, this time at Thomas and Betty's house as Susan is turning 15. As not everyone can fit at the same table, the kids are left outside to eat and play while the adults celebrate indoors.
Then it's time to make a wish and blow out the candles. Susan, unlike her brother when it was his turn, has no illusions of people suddenly treating her like an adult. But still, being 15 is a step on the way to independence. A step closer to university and finding her place in the world, and she already knows what she wants to do, what she finds important in live. She has read and reread Rachel Carson's Silent Spring a thousand times, as well as any other book about the environment she can come across. Stopping the war is important, freedom of thought is important, but to Susan, nothing is more important than saving this planet we live on. Her new trait is Eco Fiend.
With preparations for the prom on the way, a small news item in the local paper goes unnoticed by all in the household. "Police raided a known homosexual bar in San Myshuno early last morning, leading to a series of violent clashes with patrons. Several arrests were made, and multiple officers were injured in the disturbance.” Nothing else is reported that day and in the Sinclair household, and Oasis Springs as a whole, no one yet understands the significance of the Stonewall Riots. Instead it's a fairly normal day, Betty and Thomas finds the time to relax by the pool while the kids are swimming, Michael frets over prom, and fights with his brother as he usually does, and the family grill some food and eat it outside in the garden.
But then it's time to leave for prom, and Michael stomach is in knots. Sure it's just a prom, but he's taking Linda, and if they have a good time he's hoping... well he's more than hoping, he's made plans... with a motel room, but first he has to convince her which means that first the prom needs to be perfect. So he's nervous.
And not less so when he sees Linda. She's gorgeous tonight! But also in a very good mood.
And Michael is intent on keeping her in a good mood as they dance, and flirt and watch a fight (notice that even the principal is just watching and not trying to break it up) and watch someone else become prom royalty.
"You'll always be the prom queen for me," he whispers as Patricia Landgraab (of course) lands the crown. It's cheesy, and even for a moment Michael thinks he's ruined everything, but Linda seems to appreciate the cheesiness (wonder if someone spiked the punch).
Best of all, when prom is over Linda agrees to go with him!
"Don't get any ideas! But I suppose we can hang out for a bit, but just hang out!"
Michael promises dearly not to make any assumptions at all, while making a whole lot of assumptions in his head.
But once there, Michael feels odd, and at first he has no idea of what to say or do. It's as any confidence he has vanished when the two of them are alone, sitting on a bed, with no one stopping them from... well anything. How do you start these things?
With some trepidation he glances over at Linda, just as she looks at him as if to say "Well, aren't you going to kiss me?"
"It's easy, vote for Eldridge Cleaver," Aileen says. "He won't win, but at least we can make a statement."
"His rhetoric is far too violent. I get the idea, but not the methods."
"If they hadn't shot Kennedy-"
"If he hadn't run in the first place maybe Eugine McCarthy would be on the ticket."
"Or maybe he would be dead. They're not gonna let anyone representing the people win, it's all rigged, man. It's all rigged."
"Well Humphry is at least better than Nixon."
"He's pro war!!!"
In the end they all have to decide for themselves. Many just don't vote, a few votes for Cleaver, Barbara settles for writing Eugine McCarthy on the ticket. No it won't do any good, but at least she's voiced her opinion. It seems a better option than abstaining to vote all together.
Her home is more and more starting to feel like her sanctuary. She loves watching Abby play with Zion in the gardens, or play with the chickens when he's not around. Growing and eating her own vegetables, spending time with people who values the same things she does... it means she can let go a bit of the world outside, and do her bit for nature.
After Abby goes to bed, and the cold winds of the bay blow in, the group of friends gather inside, smoking bubbles and talking - of art, of politics, of peace and music. It's a relaxing lifestyle, even if Barbara sometimes feels that she's not doing enough to help society. But what could she do? She's tried letting her art speak, she's tried protests, be-ins and rallys. Perhaps it's okay to just be? Living in peace and harmony with nature and people and sometimes feel a little closeness to someone. Vincent Farley might be married with two children, but love is free and you can't belong to anyone, and while nothing has happened yet, Barbara cannot deny that she wishes something would.
As Nixon win the election, it's time for Abby to age up to a child. School! Barbara is a bit apprehensive. Will they try to take the freedom from her child? Force her to conform to society? Still, there is no way she's not throwing the most awesome birthday party for her little girl, inviting all their friends. Alice and Cora also make the drive, along with Arthur, Audie and their girls.
But as fun as parties can be, sometimes you just want to play dolls with a cousin you do not see often enough.
Abby is a creative child, who doesn't mind being alone and has no trouble "making friends". However, even Barbara think a dust bunny doesn't make the best company, and vacuums her room as soon as she heads downstairs.
On Thanksgiving, the family gathers for dinner at Josephine and Nash's home, and the grandparents get a chance to spoil their grandchildren. Abby gets an extra long hug, not just because she's not a big girl, but because they miss having her around.
"It was so nice to have a young one in the house again," Josephine tells her daughter. "I wish you lived closer, San Sequoia is so far away. We barely see you and Abby."
"But it's our home. You moved away from your parents too once, and not just to a fairly nearby town, but to the other side of the country. How much did any of us know our grandparents growing up?" Josephine has no good answer to that and calls everyone to dinner instead.
As they sit down around the table, or stand, or sit in the sofas, there is only one topic of conversation among the adults and elder children today. The huge oil spill in Santa Barbara. A blowout on an offshore oil rig, had caused the largest oil spills in U.S. waters, with millions of gallons of oil leaking into the waters and covering the coast with crude oil. For the last few days, the news had been filled with images of bird and other wildlife trying and failing to survive the oil. The new President had visited the sight and called for new legislation, an inquiry was being made.
"They need to be held accountable," Michael argues.
"That is not enough!" Susan, who has been shocked by the images of dying wildlife and wants nothing more than to go to Santa Barbara and help in the cleanup. "We need to stop drilling!"
That spurs a new discussion, where adults tell Susan that she's "naive" and "young", how oil is a necessity and will always be so.
"It will run out one day, you realise that, don't you?" Barbs chimes in. "She's right, we need to stop." But other than the two, no one is really ready to listen to this.
Later that night, as grandma Josephine takes photos of everything and everyone, Susan and Barbara gets the chance to talk properly.
"Don't let anyone convince you that you're wrong just because you are young. Young people see the truth more often than those living in complacency."
"Why are you so different from anyone else. You see things more clearly."
"Well, I freed my mind, and I don't let the media, or politicians or anyone else tell me what is right. I educate myself, and feel it in my heart and let my intuition guide me. Like you do."
"I want to be more like you when I grow up."
"Well you are growing up. Don't let high school ruin you or adults put you down. Once you get to university, you'll be free to do what you want with your thoughts."
That night, as the rest of the family returns home, or as Barbara and Abby, sleeps upstairs, Josephine cuddles close to her husband in bed, thankful that they have a good life and a beautiful family. Life wasn't always easy, but it has always been worth it.
Already the next day, it's time for the family to gather again, this time at Thomas and Betty's house as Susan is turning 15. As not everyone can fit at the same table, the kids are left outside to eat and play while the adults celebrate indoors.
Then it's time to make a wish and blow out the candles. Susan, unlike her brother when it was his turn, has no illusions of people suddenly treating her like an adult. But still, being 15 is a step on the way to independence. A step closer to university and finding her place in the world, and she already knows what she wants to do, what she finds important in live. She has read and reread Rachel Carson's Silent Spring a thousand times, as well as any other book about the environment she can come across. Stopping the war is important, freedom of thought is important, but to Susan, nothing is more important than saving this planet we live on. Her new trait is Eco Fiend.
The best birthday present she gets are Rachel Carson's two other books: The Sea Around Us and The Edge of the Sea. With the Santa Barbara oil spill, these feel more relevant than ever.
The next morning at breakfast there are three teenagers around the breakfast table. It's a strange feeling, as they all grow up so fast, and soon, Michael is not even a teenager - but a young adult. Today is the first step in that direction, as it's time for his senior prom.
With preparations for the prom on the way, a small news item in the local paper goes unnoticed by all in the household. "Police raided a known homosexual bar in San Myshuno early last morning, leading to a series of violent clashes with patrons. Several arrests were made, and multiple officers were injured in the disturbance.” Nothing else is reported that day and in the Sinclair household, and Oasis Springs as a whole, no one yet understands the significance of the Stonewall Riots. Instead it's a fairly normal day, Betty and Thomas finds the time to relax by the pool while the kids are swimming, Michael frets over prom, and fights with his brother as he usually does, and the family grill some food and eat it outside in the garden.
But then it's time to leave for prom, and Michael stomach is in knots. Sure it's just a prom, but he's taking Linda, and if they have a good time he's hoping... well he's more than hoping, he's made plans... with a motel room, but first he has to convince her which means that first the prom needs to be perfect. So he's nervous.
And not less so when he sees Linda. She's gorgeous tonight! But also in a very good mood.
And Michael is intent on keeping her in a good mood as they dance, and flirt and watch a fight (notice that even the principal is just watching and not trying to break it up) and watch someone else become prom royalty.
"You'll always be the prom queen for me," he whispers as Patricia Landgraab (of course) lands the crown. It's cheesy, and even for a moment Michael thinks he's ruined everything, but Linda seems to appreciate the cheesiness (wonder if someone spiked the punch).
Best of all, when prom is over Linda agrees to go with him!
"Don't get any ideas! But I suppose we can hang out for a bit, but just hang out!"
Michael promises dearly not to make any assumptions at all, while making a whole lot of assumptions in his head.
But once there, Michael feels odd, and at first he has no idea of what to say or do. It's as any confidence he has vanished when the two of them are alone, sitting on a bed, with no one stopping them from... well anything. How do you start these things?
With some trepidation he glances over at Linda, just as she looks at him as if to say "Well, aren't you going to kiss me?"
That's all it takes, and the next moment they're kissing, and then touching and for once Linda isn't pushing his hand away and Michael knows this is it and that this will be the best night of his life so far.
After, which is sooner than he would have expected and definitely a lot sooner than Linda hoped for, he takes her home, unwilling to let her go just yet. But this time, Linda is back to pushing his hand way. "My parents are just inside!" she whispers just as said parent, her mother, opens the door. Two young people might never have been faster at moving apart.
Mrs Moore just raises an eyebrow, waits for Michael to introduce himself properly, then sends Linda to bed. "You were expected home some time ago, young lady, your father will be wanting to talk to you in the morning. So Linda tells me you are aspiring to become a lawyer?"
Michael stutters something affirmative and that he has applied to Britechester.
"Quite far away from here, then?"
"It's the best law school in the country."
"So I hear. Personally I'd miss Linda far too much, and her father would never allow her to go to a school so far away."
"Erm.... right..." Michael isn't sure what to say to that, so he stands there awkwardly for a moment before saying good bye and returning home to where everyone is fast asleep. Sneaking in, he goes to bed, a bit confused, a bit embarrassed, but very happy.
Mrs Moore just raises an eyebrow, waits for Michael to introduce himself properly, then sends Linda to bed. "You were expected home some time ago, young lady, your father will be wanting to talk to you in the morning. So Linda tells me you are aspiring to become a lawyer?"
Michael stutters something affirmative and that he has applied to Britechester.
"Quite far away from here, then?"
"It's the best law school in the country."
"So I hear. Personally I'd miss Linda far too much, and her father would never allow her to go to a school so far away."
"Erm.... right..." Michael isn't sure what to say to that, so he stands there awkwardly for a moment before saying good bye and returning home to where everyone is fast asleep. Sneaking in, he goes to bed, a bit confused, a bit embarrassed, but very happy.
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