Daily Prompt: Shake it Up
You’re 12 years old. It’s your birthday. Write for ten minutes on that memory. GO.
The scariest part is, I have none. How is it possible I have no recollection of my 12th birthday? I was heading into 7th grade, at Seth Low Junior High School in Brooklyn. I was on the young side, and was probably (one must guess when one doesn’t remember) nervous about entering a new school. We just left elementary school as 6th graders, the top ladder rung, the leaders, the senior students. Then, in little over a summer, we were back down to the lowest tier.
New school, new teachers, new kids, compartmentalized subjects, movement between classes. But I digress. My birthday. This entire exercise is conjecture because as I mentioned, I don’t remember it. I was hopeful bits and pieces would circulate and return as I began writing. I was hopeful. At the time, birthday parties were small and in our own homes. Those were not the days of Lazer Tag, or Paintball, or make believe Beauty Queens in businesses existing solely for birthday fantasies. They were at home with a cake and perhaps some festive decorations. The celebration was: you. Not who could make the best party, or give the best present, or wear the nicest clothing.
I think I prefer that time.
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/02/24/daily-prompt-shake-it-up/
Wendy Karasin - Musings of a Boomer 
Don’t feel bad–I don’t remember anything about my 12th birthday either! And our celebrations were as you described, family occasions with a mom-baked cake, usually angelfood, which she excelled at. This post really resonated with me–thanks for sharing.
Funny how I don’t remember the specific birthday, but I do remember the age and the time.
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It is interesting how memories blur as if put in a blender. As a summer birthday, celebrations were limited to summer camp celebrations – never particularly thrilling. And remembering one from another is impossible.
Mine was in September, but I feel the same way. School starts, the Jewish holidays and my birthday. Blurred as if in a blender (except for the really memorable and/or more recent birthdays) sounds quite right!
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I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back down the road.
I want to encourage continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!
Thank you, Salvador for your kind and encouraging words. Feel free to come back and visit (or Follow) at any time!