See The Imagining

I made full use of my imagination and was an avid reader even at a young age and at a time when space travel was becoming a definite possibility. By seven years of age, man was on his way to the moon and there was a lot of talk of taking the next step to Mars. Then, not a lot was known about it, and we had some wonderful books (now in paperback), as to what may or may not be there. I had read the H.G. Wells ‘War of the Worlds, and started reading another particular book, based upon the successful BBC radio programme, ‘The Red Planet”, by Charles Chilton. I think the original story, ‘A Journey Into Space’ went on air (and literally into space) in 1953, and the ‘Red Planet’ was the third instalment in the series. I did not ever get to hear the series, but, I had just acquired the small paperback printing from pan publishers. I even remember their logo on the spine of the book. Now the story was written as a novel. I had taken the book down the back garden on a fine day (for Dunedin) and seated myself under the small apple tree, which grew near the back fence. I had read enthralled for about half an hour, “Orders must be obeyed without question’ was instilled in the victims, when the captured people were brainwashed, until, my imagination really kicked in. I started to get worried about being ‘taken’ or being watched (Cue theme music – back then we didn’t have the twilight zone, or X-files yet, so you will have to imagine your own).

I rapidly came back inside the house and sat down in the kitchen. My mother walked into the room and took one look at me and I saw concern fly across her face. “Are you alright?” she asked. “You look white as a sheet.” That was another phrase when people were in shock. Referring of course to the whitest thing in a household, the cotton sheets. This was considered the height of cleanliness to have white cotton sheets. Long before the idea of ‘respectable’ people ever having a coloured sheet in the house (unless you worked in that profession which used black satin ones apparently) or in a bedroom. I looked up at her very frightened and said, “Yes, it just got very scary.” “What did?” She asked looking out the window at the fine sunny day. “The space story.” I said holding up the book. She looked at me and burst out laughing. “Honestly, you and your imagination.” She said.

There was only an imagination that went with an good education and extensive reading. Listening and learning from others, and being interested in all sorts of weird and wonderful things. Even then. Even today. There is so much still to learn in the world. There are so many interesting facts, figures, lessons, crafts and ideas. I have never wanted to stop. A lot of people ask me where I get the ideas I come out with. It’s definitely from reading as much as I do and from my vivid imagination.

(Continued tomorrow)