June 18, 2024 SHOCK THE MONKEY

 

Took my son to look at UCONN yesterday. Haven't been in that area in forever. I used to work at the Papa Gino's at the East Brook Mall in Mansfield 40 years ago. OMG. Can't believe it was that long ago. Felt a little nostagic so I made a point to stop at the mall on my way home. Talk about a blast to the past. It was like walking into a time warp. Sadly, many of the stores are closed---as most malls have really suffered since COVID--but I was thankful that the PAPA GINO'S was still there--AND it looked exactly the same. It was all I could do not to walk behind the counter and start making a pizza--wipe the counter down--or go the the register to take an order. That was my first REAL job and I loved it. Worked our tails off for $3.00 an hour. Great friends and a tons of memories were made in those restaurants. Who knew then that those were the days.....Speaking of a time warp--I just finished Lisa Grunwald's new book The Evolution of Annabel Craig. This super interesting, well-written historical fiction novel  is set in Dayton, Tennessee, during the Scopes Monkey Trial and is told by the main character, Annabel Craig. Annabel was born and bred in Dayton, a  quiet, conservative town. After her parents die, Annabel meets a new lawyer in town named George Craig and they marry within the year. During this time, the town locals talk John Scopes, a biology teacher, into teaching the theory of evolution, which is prohibited in Tennessee because of the Butler Act. He is arrested and the town is suddenly a hot spot. Famous lawyers and preachers come from all over as witnesses in the trial--it's the Bible and Christianity VS Darwin's Theory of Evolution. The trial not only divides the town and pits neighbor against neighbor, it also sparks Annabel's own evolution and journey of self-discovery. Interestingly, this event from 100 years ago, reminds me a bit of what's happening in our world today and is a reminder that we should all be a little more opened minded and reflective in order to make our world a better place.