Happy Birthday USA, circa 1976

"The year was 1976. Our nation's bicentennial. The parents at Center School in Mattapoisett Massachusetts thought it'd be neat to dress their children up as if it were 1776. That's me, front left, in blue. My mum made that dress for me; it was a little too long and I remember tripping over the hem and falling off the bus at our field trip to the little antique schoolhouse, where we spent the day in cramped little wooden desks, writing on slates." (via)


Our fans are the greatest,
It's really quite clearly,
and this photo I really,
love oh so dearly.

Bicentennial fun,
at least for the teachers,
dressing kids up as colonial creatures.

I also went Bicentennial too
(showing my age,No-I'm not scared to do.)
My school photos, however, were not as much fun,
I only wish they'd been this overdone.

With schooling to match-
chalk boards and a schoolhouse,
All of you dressed up,
as cute as a mouse.

Thank you for sharing, our fun little friend.
For post of the year, you will surely contend.

Happy Graduation Day

"Lower School Graduation. I swear my mom made me wear that dress. I HATE IT" (via)

On the verge of teen

Body set to grow up soon

Mom still picks your dress

You look like you are

Terrified of seventh grade

Now that Six is done

Shell Shock on your face

No room for you to smile

Teacher peeks around

Thank you Mom and Dad

"Oh sure, laugh it up!

Here I am, five years old at my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary with my sister having a little fun at my expense.

Some of my friends marvel how I can be so casual about getting all dressed up in my outlandish Halloween costumes and going out in public. All I can say is that it looks like my parents may have gotten me an early jump on getting over that little hurdle.

My GOD. Just LOOK at that suit. I mean, the 70s were hard on everyone, but if I saw that one a five year old I'd be calling in child services." (via)

Dear Mom and Dad,

Now that I'm a big boy, I can thank you for the humiliation of my younger years. Who knew that the suit I wore at Nonni and Poppi's anniversary party would lead to a life as an entertainer?

There's always Halloween, of course, and my Christmas Santa Work at that Mall in Indianapolis. But let's not overlook that gig where I had to dress up as a Hot Dog outside that new shop on Burbank and shake my bun. And who could forget my Liberace look-a-like phase?

It all goes back to you two. Big sis, with her big deal career as a Neuroscientist? Ha! What about Friday night improv at that club in the Strip Mall down by the freeway?

My fans and I, all these years later, just thank you for the plaid. You made me what I am today.

Love and Kisses,

Your baby boy.