On dinosaurs.

It’s been said that clothing fashion returns every 20 years. I think that’s true, considering the number of bell bottom jeans in the windows of vintage clothing stores, and showing up on the non-hips of the young and hip.

There’s been a recent showing of another blast from the past—dinosaurs. If they have a recycle period, it seems to be once every 65 million years. Part of the Science Museum of Minnesota’s “Diggin’ Dino’s” project, they are everywhere – at local businesses, in parks, and near event centers. They stand proud, wearing banners and signs, demonstrating a performance art style that would do Yoko Ono proud. On any given day, they stand for photo shoots, allow kids to climb on them, and wince as the occasional dog mistakes them for a fire hydrant (present company excluded, of course.)

Seeing these critters got me thinking of other things that have returned:

The VW Beetle.
1935 - “People’s Car” prototype on the autobahn.
1960s - Love Bug.
1990s - Car of choice for retro-hipster Internet bubble bursters.

M&Ms.
1941 – Sent to GIs who couldn’t shoot weapons with chocolate on their hands.
1954 – Peanut.
1990s – Peanut butter. Almond. (Does anyone actually eat these?)
2007 – Addams Family dark chocolate (Comfort food has become creepy and kooky.)

Cher.
1965 – Sonny’s hair-flinging, "I Got You Babe"-singing counterpart.
1980s – One word. Moonstruck.
2000 and beyond. – Drag queen. (Wigs. Costumes. Fabulous!)

All of this reminds me.

It reminds me that gone doesn’t always mean forever (although you never know, appreciate while it's here.) It reminds me that, while shiny and new is nice, old and familiar can be even better. I see this every day as houses in our neighborhood are re-worked, as neighbors pull together to restore a sense of community, and as the next generation of world-saving, hip-hugger/bell bottom-wearing college kids takes its place in history. Good stuff.

I wonder what’s next to hit the recycling circuit. Another Police reunion tour? Eight track tapes? Peace, love, and understanding? Time will tell and I'm looking forward to it.

Until next time, I’m Selby, just waiting for Cher’s next farewell tour. Like all good dinosaurs, she will be back. See you on the Avenue.