Transcript In Sentences
She asked a question on the test and he got an A while I got a B because I did not know the formula. I was so stubborn that I refused to memorize it, but everything I memorized I could recall well, yet I did not put in the effort to memorize that formula. My brother was actually smarter than me in that he had a better memory. I would think that being an actor would help develop your memory since memorizing lines is so crucial, but while I could memorize scripts and dialog to tell a story and know my part, I was horrible at spelling. I still cannot spell very well because spelling is just memorizing vocabulary, and I never retained that well. To this day I still cannot spell receipt properly. There is a p in it that I can never recall. I go back and forth on whether there is a p.
You did ask if I have a good memory – I was able to memorize lines because it involved telling a story. Had I known back then that making up stories would help memorize things like vocabulary, I would have done that. Instead, I associated one line leading logically to the next line, connecting emotionally rather than just memorizing spelling without any connection or investment.
How about you Grace? Were you always pretty good at memorization? I also started performing at a younger age, around 5 years old I think, doing speeches, so I always loved English, language, etc. I did have a harder time with math – the numbers and formulas did not make sense in my brain so I could not memorize them as well. But subjects like English, history and philosophy that involved language I loved and could memorize very well, unlike formulas. Still, you did do well in math, better than anyone else in the family. You seem to like the basic arithmetic and applications but not the advanced theoretical concepts like algebra and trigonometry.
Well that reminds me that you are going to nursing school. When I call the nurses on the phone they have to know every drug – what it does, what it treats, what you should avoid, side effects, etc. How do they memorize all those drug names and uses? I know you love science and find pharmacology fun, noting how your mom still looks over the actual prescription info for every medicine. Was Aunt Donna an influence that got you interested in nursing since you loved asking her medical questions over the years? Or did you rediscover that interest more recently when you were exploring other fields like acting during COVID and found medicine very compelling? Even though you focused more on arts and humanities growing up, it seems you are now drawn to science.
Too bad you never got to spend time with my brother Mike – he was a brilliant scientist and definitely an influence on me regarding science. I used to play tennis with him and his dad – that’s how your mom and I met later, through that connection. We figured out after meeting that we used to go to the same tennis courts near the psychiatric hospital where Aunt Donna worked. I did not realize when I knew Mike that he was an academic standout. Your aunt just tells so many stories about explosions in his home labexperiments and things he created that provoked jealousy in others. He had a PhD in psychology but was exceptionally skilled in science as well. He and his father were physically imposing too – like weightlifters. I do not actually recall getting upset with Mike when playing tennis, though your aunt claims we had some heated battles.
For many years I did not know how to play proper tennis with formal strokes.
I would just hit the ball however I could. But in tournaments more skilled opponents could move the ball around strategically. I made up for lack of form with running speed and determination, which allowed me to beat almost everyone, though I would lose to anyone with real technique. Finally a few years ago I taught myself how to chip and put backspin on returns, which helped compensate. And over time I developed effective methods and theories even without traditional instruction. I could teach the sport by understanding the books on grips and footwork without having lived that training personally.
For example, one student I taught here could not hit the ball at all at first. After many lessons he could finally make contact. But when his son tried, the boy could hit the ball cleanly on the first try, indicating natural athletic talent unlike his father. This exemplifies the difference between those I taught, who had some interest or ability, versus myself who came to the game quite raw. In retrospect, proper coaching on groundstrokes would have helped my game immensely. If I return to tennis now, my approach will need to adjust for declining physical skills – I will have to chip and chop returns back delicately rather than hitting forcefully like I imagine I could execute flawlessly in my prime with formal training.
Have you gotten to play tennis yet yourself? We should go hit some balls so I can share more tips with you. The sport is great lifelong exercise physically and mentally. I spent so much time around the courts and pool growing up, frequently just sitting there all day. Your mom and I would take you when you were very young as well – maybe 8 or 10 years old. I associates that club Lock and Tera with happy days lounging around snacking and watching people play, imagining myself out there. Do you recall going there ever? It sadly burned down recently after over 50 years of memories. We knew so many wonderful people there like coaches, members, workers at the snack bar who felt like family. All gone now with the land sold, though the school across the street still operates, reminding me of past times. If only we could bring back one day again to replay all the joy. But I try to hold onto nostalgia while creating new moments with you like our chatting now.
I saw Jennifer Hoster from the tennis club just this past weekend. She was a couple years older than me but was around the courts even back when I was there in junior high and high school. Of course Erin Morales is still working in the snack bar decades later! I remember her first day on the job when I was too short to see over the counter. They would have to open the door to show me the candy options.
You asked if I have been back to Lock and Tera recently. I maybe went once or twice but the facilities are closed now after a fire burned down the original buildings. I believe they sold the land to the school district for potential future use, though no current construction plans. They removed the swimming pool and all remnants of the old athletic club where your mom Shelly essentially grew up. Her father managed the venue so she constantly hung out there from a very young age. It is shocking for me to return and see an empty field instead of the bustling campus filled with friends that felt like a second home. The school itself still operates across the street at least, Selector Middle School that you attended briefly.
As for people we knew from the club, do you remember if any of the Mitchell family might still be around town? There was a nice man named Steve Mitchell but more likely his wife or other female Mitchells you might recall. When I visit the area now, some greet me as if we are long lost friends, but so many faces I no longer recognize or names I cannot place. One familiar face is Mike Hoy - I see him still playing tennis regularly, and his ex-wife Marilyn Hoy who remarried years ago. Mike sadly lost his second wife too after she fell. It is alarming how accidents can happen so suddenly. We really do need to appreciate each day.
Some other names you may know from my stories include the boys Patrick, Tim and Robert Mitchell, the Andersons, Dave Cooper whose dad worked for the FBI, Joe Seel who visited at Christmas, Dan Magnuson who became a pro tennis player and now excels at pickleball in retirement, and various folks your mom keeps up with from her childhood there. I typically sat on the hill watching matches, less focused on who was playing than just absorbing the atmosphere I loved of games in action below me. One vivid memory stands out involving some red-haired tennis opponent of mine you watched me duel apparently - but no name comes to mind. Again, I wish I could relive just one summer tournament or team banquet to reconnect with all those recognizable yet forgotten faces who made that place so warm and festive.
A Lifetime of Memories
John Olmsted Recounts His Past While Enjoying the Present
On January 20, 2024, sitting in his Santa Rosa, CA home on his 93rd birthday, John Olmsted engages in a lively conversation with his daughter Shelly, son Rik and granddaughter Grace and reminisced about years gone by. As they chat in the TV room, memories come flooding back about John's childhood, family, career, and passion for sports like tennis.
With a sharp mind, keen sense of humor, and clear recollection of names, places, and events from decades earlier, John transports himself and the family back in time. He vividly describes his talents and struggles with memorization in school, the influence his scientist uncle had on him, special times spent with his late wife, and so much more.
Early Love of Acting and Entertainment
From a young age, John felt drawn to acting and entertaining. He reflects on being on stage at just 5 years old and realizing he "could tell a story and what my part was in that." While academic topics like spelling and vocabulary were tougher for him to retain, John demonstrated a superb ability to memorize scripts and theater lines. He emphasizes, "It was telling a story" that enabled him to successfully "memorize lines" for performances.
John also shares lively accounts of his time spent at the local tennis club his dad worked at, aptly named "Lock and Tera." He humorously recalls, "I would take beef jerky and a Coke or an iced tea and I dip my beef jerky in the iced tea" as a young boy whiling away the hours there. John would entertain himself "sitting in front of the TV till the sun came out" after his dad brought him along to teach tennis lessons in the early morning.
Close Family Ties
Throughout the discussion, John warmly speaks about various family members who had an impact on him over his many years. This includes his brilliant scientist uncle Mike who fueled his interest in science and tragically passed away too soon from stomach cancer.
John also has high praise for his daughter Shelly's intelligence and her talent for memorization at a very young age.
Lifelong Love of Tennis
Another theme running strongly throughout the discussion is John's immense passion for tennis - playing it, teaching it, and thinking constantly about how to improve at it. He talks about playing casual tennis initially as a kid without formal training and then progressing over the years to truly understanding technique like proper stroking.
John humorously relays an early memory of being baffled by an opponent's strategic play, not knowing how to hit the crucial backhand shot up the line at first. He proudly shares how much he ended up teaching others the sport and the methods he would use back then versus how he would adjust his game today at age 93.
And it's clear John's love of tennis still burns brightly when he enthusiastically invites his daughter Shelly to start playing with him, saying "if you ever want to try playing at all let me know, we'll go to the tennis club!" John is keen to share more treasured memories and life lessons with Shelly on and off the court in their golden years together.
Lasting Impact
In his ninth decade of life, John Olmsted continues passing on his wit, wisdom, and zest for living to daughter Shelly and everyone else fortunate enough to spend time with him.
Whether conveying humorous childhood exploits, poignant family memories, or future plans to return to the tennis court, John truly cherishes all the special moments life affords him. His uplifting outlook and playful interaction with Shelly endlessly warm the heart.
It's clear the unique experiences, interesting individuals, loving family members, and even setbacks John has encountered throughout his long life all shaped him into the vibrant person he remains today. With an impeccable ability to recall the many milestones and adventures of his past, it seems John Olmsted will never stop making magical new memories as he embraces the present and looks to the future.
