Childhood: Parallel Parking
Most of my little quilts have something to do with my childhood and I didn’t want to repeat them. This quilt represents learning to parallel park which takes you from childhood into the big world where adults let you go out on your own sometimes.
Childhood in the country means that you are miles away from town. So, when you turn 15 you get a driving permit and at 16 you are free to drive to town or school on your own. Not riding the school bus is a big deal!
To teach me how to parallel park my brave sister, Susan took me to the small town of Vandalia, Missouri where I wouldn’t know anyone and they had a lot of parallel parking. I don’t know how long she had me drive around the block and try it again and again, but possibly 2 hours. I had to do it between real cars so that I could get the process down.
The treat was being able to go into the fabulous candy store afterwards. As you stepped into the store you were greeted by the old fashion glass counter where they would scoop out the candy you wanted and place it in the white paper bag. Oh my gosh! The coconut bonbons, bridge mix, and so many others to choose from. Childhood at it’s best!
Now I take quilting friends on retreats or outings and sometimes I have to parallel park in McKinney, Texas. I have discovered that I really do a great job parking on the left side of the street.
The funny thing about parallel parking is that when I did it for my drivers license test I was horrible! They only had poles set up to park between (for obvious reasons), but I couldn’t line up with the tires, gauge the distance I would be beside the other car, and visualize how to match up with the other car as I turned into the space. As I park downtown in Waco, Texas those things are always running through my mind so that I can just slide into the parallel space. Thank you, Susan!
Judy, what a great idea for the theme of this quilt! I'm sure that it brought back many memories for all of us of learning to drive. Your quilt is so ingenious. I love the tiny car! As is usual for you, you thought of an idea that is unique and clever!
ReplyDeleteTee hee, Judy. I DO so remember learning how to parallel park. I thought I had it down pat until I failed that part of my driving test! Alas, once I moved to Frisco I had to actually parallel park every day. Now I am proficient at this unparalleled task! What a great little quilt! Carolyn
ReplyDeleteOh Judy...once again you have created a most clever & whimsical quilt with a completely different perspective, literally and figuratively!
ReplyDeleteI expect your sister will be honored see how you have 'documented' your parallel parking lessons, including the candy store treat. How brilliant (and thoughtful) of her to bring you to a town where you did not know anyone for you lessons!
Great story, adorable quilt!
Andrea
It's interesting to me that you chose parallel parking for childhood!!! I began driving my Dad's Volkswagon when I was around 13 with my sister. Back and forth I would go in my driveway until I had that mastered and then would go a little farther to the neighbor's drive and do the same!! We were able to get a driver's permit at 14 1/2 and a license at 15 at that time in Louisiana!!!! However it wasn't until I met my husband that I really learned to parallet park properly!!
ReplyDeleteFun and colorful and very cute piece!! Love the tiny cars and prints!! Nedra