The Wall of Memories: My Childhood Posters and Enduring Fascinations

When I was a kid, my walls were adorned with a variety of posters and magazines, each one holding a special significance to my youth. From meteorological wonders to natural landscapes, these visual reminders of my childhood continue to stir nostalgia and ignite curiosity even as I grow older.

Early Fascinations with Cloud Formations

My very first poster, or perhaps more accurately, magazine centerfold, was nothing like the typical teenage attraction to gymnastic posters or celebrity images. Instead, it was a scientific treat, a centerfold from Science News magazine. This particular centerfold featured an array of cloud formations and the weather patterns they indicated. For weeks, I pored over these pages, learning about cumulus, stratus, and their corresponding skies. The magazine was tiny, just eight pages, and so thrilling to receive weekly that I kept this one for a long time, even over subsequent relocations where things are often left behind or misplaced. Today, I wonder if I still have this relic from my childhood. However, the knowledge I acquired has stayed with me, even if the specifics of each cloud type have blended together in my long-term memory.

National Geographic's Maps and Topography

Another school of thought among my youthful posters were the free maps sent by my beloved National Geographic magazine. I was enthralled by the diverse and detailed topographical maps of our world, from lunar craters to ocean trenches, to the borders of myriad countries. I have a peculiar affinity for these maps, which I think greatly contributed to my success in geography and related subjects in school. Whenever a teacher would ask a question related to a specific map, my mind would quickly visualize the details, often providing an instant answer. Over the years, this knowledge has likely taken a backseat in the labyrinth of my memories, but it remains a tangible link to my formative years.

A Tree Frog Poster with a Twist

A unique fleeting poster I had was a tree frog illustration complete with a caption: "Homework makes you ugly." Self-sufficient and independent by the time of this poster, I cleverly replaced "home" with "house" to assert my disdain for housework. The message of putting off chores until the last minute had found its way into my room. If you cringed at the thought of clutter, this poster was designed to make you do just that. Curiosity abounds in how many times I played with the idea of applying it to my own life, much to my parents' consternation, of course.

A Framed Island Bliss

Amongst the nostalgic pile of posters and magazines, a framed poster stands out with its unmatched beauty and emotional depth. This poster depicts a breathtaking scene of an island in the Canadian Rockies, enveloped in the mysterious beauty of a sunset. The dark pines are outlined against the sky, while the jagged edges of the mountains reflect in the water below. The photographer captured the essence of the twilight, painting the scene in shades of charcoal dark, aqua blues, mauve, and rose. It is one of those pieces you could stare at for hours, feeling a renewed sense of wonder and tranquility each time you do. This framed piece has endearingly taken a place of honor next to my oil and watercolor paintings, a testament to the enduring impact of these early visual phenomena on my life.

Enduring Lessons from the Wall

Throughout my life, these posters and centerfolds serve as potent symbols of my childhood exploration, curiosity, and the natural world's profound influence on me. Whether it's the weather patterns of my cloud poster, the terrains of my topographical maps, or the mysterious beauty of the treefrog and the island scenes, each has a special place in my heart. These are not just relics from my past but also constant reminders of my journey, the constant thirst for knowledge, and the enduring fascination with the world around us.

What posters were on your walls as a child? Do you still have them or do they lie somewhere in the attic, quietly waiting to be rediscovered?