Friday, March 09, 2007

Prom Reading (copy)

Window-shopping is best during springtime. The time when new formals, placed in strategic, teenage-alluring displays, set the trend for the season. In one glimpse, prom goers can register whether Easter egg colors, halters, or ruffles will be the hottest look.

Just last week, I drove by my favorite corner shop, when a yellow-sequence number blinded me. Like the brass pendulum of a hypnotist, I was transported to 1982 and my first prom. What joy! I was going to the senior prom with a senior.

So what you say? Well, I was a freshman at the time; making me the first in the group to dance with other seniors as the infamous “Stairway to Heaven” played in the dimly lit high school cafeteria.

Why was I special? My hair was “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” straight; one could take the point of a pencil and drag it from top to bottom without one tangle. My braces seemed to shine like rhinestones and my freckles brought to mind the infinite stars. Mother Nature served as the cruelest jokester, for the Milky Way crossed just above my upper lip.

I know what you are thinking, “Somebody asked me out?” My date was a friend and not a romantic Fabio. At 5’8” and 265 pounds, he more than doubled my weight. Are you getting the picture? I was going to the prom with someone equivalent to a big-boned cousin.

What if you feel some altruistic need to supply your friends with dates before yourself? That is Laura’s dilemma in Blake Nelson’s Prom Anonymous. The obsessive and compulsive prom organizer, Laura, schedules luncheons to go over colors to wear, suitable shoes, and “gaudiless” accessories—including dates. Being caught-up into organizing the perfect prom; she forgets to find a date.

In Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro, Nicki finds herself jilted two days before the big event. What is she to do? She loves her “perfectly magical pink vintage dress,” and even though she will get a nice cash back sum, she just cannot part with it. Get a new date or beg and plead with the ex-boyfriend to take her back, Nicki is feeling the heat.

Both books are set to tickle any young adults’ spine, as they contemplate the biggest night of their high school life with humor. By the way, my 1982 prom date turned out to be super fun. After we made our appearance, we headed out to an all-you-can-eat crab legs shack. We both rolled out of the restaurant laughing.

9 comments:

TinaFerraro said...

Hi, Maggie,

A Google Alert brought me to your site tonight, and I was delighted to read the memories of your prom, and your interest in my book!

My critique partner, Kelly Parra, and I have a blog (www.yafresh@blogspot.com) and since TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS is being released next week, we're giving away a free book to the entrant who describes the most beautiful prom dress. We'd love it if you'd stop by.

Thanks again--you made my evening,

Tina Ferraro

Anonymous said...

Inever went to a prom. :)

maggie moran said...

OMG! A real live author! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

I spent all day trying to scan my prom picture so readers could see it. It's funny what you remember. I totally forgot his ruffled shirt, but remembered the brown butterflies in my corsage.

Ah, Paul, I'm sorry, and I feel real guilty for going to three now. I'll donate my first prom experience to you...

TinaFerraro said...

Maggie,

May I please have one of the other experiences? I never went, either. And look what happened to me...I became so prom-obsessed I had to write a book about it. :)

Tina

jmnlman said...

Just an other reason why I'm happy my high school didn't do a prom. Me a nerd of course not.....I just looked talked and behave like one. It was a sociology experiment I swear.....

Anonymous said...

That looks great! I had bangs that stood 6 inches tall myself. ACK
Tiff
http://www.xanga.com/neuroticfitchmom

maggie moran said...

Man, I've got to get my scanner to work!

Brag Alert: Not only did I attend 3 proms, but I also went to 3 Cotillions. Once as debutante o/c then two times as an officer. That means I strolled through the gaunlet three times where most just do it once.

Tina, love your webpage! Ew, and I think YAs will really dig your covers along with the stories. Chick-lit for teens...

Jmnlman, did you have any dances? Your school sounds very Footloose!

Tiff! Another fellow Mississippian who went to an eighties prom! Hope your hair wasn't taller than your date! ;D

jmnlman said...

There was a banquet at Christmas and graduation that was basically it. Pretty religious community.

Anonymous said...

Hi Maggie...

I always enjoy reading your thoughts and inspirations! How about "Top Ten uses for an unworn bridesmaid dress"...or better yet "Top Ten uses for a worn bridesmaid dress...and still a maiden"...

I have a dear friend, who has been in 20 weddings, collecting 20 bridesmaid dresses...and still single at 35 years old...and gorgeous...

Looking for love in all the ?!#@ places?

Keep on writing!

Becca

Charleston South Carolina Real Estate