Today I made one of my solo forays to the movies.  Since my husband doesn't appreciate the movie theatre experience - at all - I have been going solo for several years and have developed certain "obsessions," if you will.  I need to arrive while the lights are up and nothing is happening yet.  I purchase a small popcorn - no butter - and a cherry Coke.  Then I carefully select my seat:  "I want to be alone."  I need to simply enjoy MYSELF - which no doubt stems from the mother and service worker mentality of always worrying about others' reactions and level of satisfaction.  I particularly like the little single seat in the rear of some modern theatres, but today's show was Mama Mia and the theatre was as full as I've seen it in years!  Anyway, back to my quirks.  When the lights finally dim and the sound comes on loud enough to ruin your hearing, I'm in movie heaven.

For some reason (the crowd?) today's experience brought back a vivid childhood memory.  We used to spend a quarter for admission to a double-feature at the Butler and/or Penn Theatres in Butler, Pennsylvania.  On this occasion, I lurked around the candy counter before showtime, lusting after something so unique and amazing . . . I was totally mesmerized.  But I decided to pass on it, and went in to the movie.  However, part-way through the show, my want became a need and I returned to the candy counter.  I parted with 35 cents to purchase a perfect row of small Dutch wooden shoes crafted from chocolate.  They were enchanting!  And I held on to them until my childish hands began the melting process.  I almost hated to eat them, but there were delicious.  I have never again seen such a treat!

It was a perfect childhood confection, and created one of my happiest memories.