Those were the days...

     I find myself filled with nostalgia for the bygone days of my early twenties. As the another impending snow storm approaches, I sit in front of the electric fire place and think of the few years I lived in Manhattan, Kansas. So much happened in such a short time span, and a particular birthday party has my heart filled with warm fuzzies.
   It was the eve of the notorious 21st birthday bash. Do you remember where you were on that milestone? I bought several brown bags full of liquor, a cake, and all the cheap snackies I could afford and asked everyone to come help me celebrate. In total, if memory serves me correctly, about 10 brave souls showed up. Those were the days before everyone had a cell phone, and no one had even dreamed of social media yet. It was word of mouth. The few pictures I had have since been lost in one of my many moves. 
     I remember at least one feather boa and a few cheap plastic Mardi Gras masks. There was laughter and music and a feeling that these few hours of our lives would last forever. Here I am 16 years later looking back on what seems like another life. Many of those party goers have long since been lost to the sands of time and I wonder where life took them. I can only hope that they are happy. Too the friends of yesteryear, here's to you. I hope fortune has smiled upon you.