Going everywhere and nowhere at 50…
When I was 17 years old my dad purchased a big ol’ black Cadillac. At the time I didn’t know how much this car would change my life. The 1989 Cadillac Brougham was in mint condition with white wall tires, interior of crushed blue velour and wood grain accents, original thank-you for purchasing your Cadillac cassette tape, more Cadillac symbols than you can count and even enough room to comfortably fit all six foot three of me in the trunk. Now that’s cruising in luxury style, or so it was approaching the 1990s. The car was originally powder blue, but was painted when it was used to drive families in funeral processions.
I remember when my dad first brought this car home, I legit thought he was crazy (crazier than his usual baseline crazy).I was thinking why the heck would we need a car to cruise around in when we all had perfectly good reliable vehicles. I remember how intimidating it was when I first got behind the wheel. At the time I owned a beautiful two toned purple glitter Honda Civic hatch back. This compact car was as long as the front hood of the Cadillac. I wasn’t used to driving such a gigantic car. I was worried I would be the one to get into a car accident. I have had my share of accidents over the years.
In my everyday car I struggle to drive the speed limit and I have been pulled over a few times for traveling above the posted speed limit. I admit I crank my tunes and I sing my heart out and oh goodness I drive my car like I stole it. I think I would have made an amazing race car driver! I have a need for speed it and it makes me feel alive. My current car is a standard and I love shifting through the gears. However, something crazy happens to me when I get behind the wheel of the Cadillac and I end up driving everywhere and nowhere at 50 kilometers an hour. Traffic backs up behind me, people pass me staring in like “lady you’re going so damn slow”. Time stands still when I am cruising. There is something about this beautiful car staring out the hood that goes on forever and watching the big “caddy” hood ornament dance on the horizon, it just soothes my soul. This car makes me wanna slow down and enjoy every kilometer of cruising. Don’t get me wrong I still crank the tunes but I am not driving, I am cruising. I can be found behind the wheel of the Cadillac between April and October, with the biggest smile on my face. I am always the driver, never the passenger. My Cadillac song to crank up and sing my heart out to is Steppenwolf’s magic carpet ride. I feel like I am floating right along with the song. Yes it’s on a cassette tape with the big improvement of ‘89 being the sliding treble and bass feature. If you haven’t heard this Steppenwolf song I encourage you to rock out. I can speak from experience it’s not the same in my Volkswagen. It’s a Cadillac song.
This car has an instant way of cheering me up. I swear when my butt hits that crushed velour driver’s seat all my problems just melt away. When I’m upset or feeling down it’s easier into cry in comfort LOL Crushed velour really soaks up the tears. When you gaze out the long endless hood at the Cadillac , when you see the symbol floating in the sunshine and truly enjoy the cruise, you forget whatever is going on in your life, everything in that moment is that of pure joy. I am grateful for how this car has taught me to slow down in life and enjoy the little things you discover along the way. It has taught me to me to not be afraid to try a road less traveled. I have been lost many times in this beautiful car but I think that’s half the fun of discovering somewhere new.
The Cadillac came with a set of original gold keys, granted most of the gold has worn off they are still a thing of beauty. After owning the car for 10 years my dad and I made a bet whoever gets a Cadillac tattoo first can have the original gold keys. Let me tell you I happily have those gold beauties hanging on my key rack. I got the tattoo but first I made my dad in the dead of winter, go out to the garage of course in a snow storm to un-tarp the car and measure the hood ornament, so I could get the exact measurements of the hood ornament on me. Funny story being the tall girl I am when my tattoo artist drew it up with the exact measurements and placed it upon my right side where I had chosen to get tattooed it look straight up misplaced and awkward. This tiny tattoo on my big side would not work so I said “blow it up and make it a side piece” and side piece I have. My whole right side is a Cadillac tattoo. (Don’t tell my Opa he’s not a tattoo fan). With the gold keys in my hand and a tattoo for the win, my dad lost this beautiful car, if you ask anyone who knows us who owns the car? ME.
I have had the pleasure of cruising with so many friends and family over the last 20 years. My Corgi dog, Charleston, also loves a good cruise in his royal ride. My son has been Caddy cruising since he was a baby. I used to think I was the most excited for April when the car comes out but now my son is along for the ride with a huge smile on his face. He recently asked his papa to hold onto the Caddy until he can drive, only another 10 years. I cannot wait to see my sons face light up as he drives the big ol’ black Cadillac.
This car holds so many amazing memories near and dear to my heart. Thank-you to everyone, who has cruised around with me going everywhere and nowhere…Here’s too many more cruises and many more memories in the years to come.
Good post. I am going through some of these issues as well..
Glad you enjoyed my post. Sorry to hear you are going through some issues. Know you are not alone. Reach out via my contact page if you would like to talk.
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