Hanging Out with Gatsby and the Lost Generation

Since she was in high school, Alex always wanted to back in time. Specifically, she wants to go back to the 1920s when life was free and full of passion. Where did she get this fascination? It all started when she was a young teenager reading the “Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. She always imagined what it would be like to live out on Long Island, going around and visiting different places such as East Egg and the Hamptons and mingling with people such as Daisy, Tom, Gatsby, and even Nick. Also, it would be fun to go to the big bashes that Gatsby hosted at his mansion every weekend, according to that famous novel she read and still loves to read. 

Her passion for the 20s was not limited just to Long Island. Her love for Paris during that same time grew after seeing the movie “Midnight in Paris” starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. What would it be like to walk around in the artistic district in that beautiful city, looking at all of the arts, bookstores, and fashion boutiques, only to be picked by one of those lovely old fashion cars at the stroke of midnight and be in the presence with the like of famous artists and writers such as Ernest Hemmingway, Pablo Picasso, T.S. Elliot, Gertrude Stein, and of course, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. This was her big dream. She always said to herself, this is where I belong. I can draw my portraits and create my stories, which I have loved to do since childhood. 

The passion to travel back to the 1920s not only exists in Alex but also her daughters. Alex loves to tell her stories about going back to the Golden Age of Gatsby and the Lost Generation to her daughters, Piper and Lilly, before bedtime many nights. Her daughters, eyes would light up as they imagined, like her mother, what life would be like growing up in that era where artists, writers, fashion, and social gatherings dominated the world. Living in a time where people from all walks of life can enjoy the beautiful city and work on their livelihood and their passion, no matter if they are artists, writers, sculptors, actors, musicians, or just want to live in peace where nothing matters, and the stress was nonexistent. 

On one particular night, after Alex told them a story about a dream she had traveling back to Paris and finding inspiration to work on her drawings, Piper asked, “Mommy, what would be the first thing you would do when we go back there?” After a short pause and thought, Alex said, “We will walk to the artistic district, but first, we will visit the beautiful parks full of flowers, birds, and butterflies and, of course, see the Eiffel Tower.” After we arrive, I would find out where the artists, musicians, and writers hang out during the day, maybe a café, a small restaurant, or even outside at the park.” “I would get as close as possible and listen to their conversations.” “What are they talking about?” “Are they discussing the next idea for their book?” “Are they looking for an image for their painting?” Just imagine the ideas that were exchanged between all of them.” “That would be so fascinating.” 

Piper then asked, “Would you say anything to them?” “Would you ask any questions?” 

“That is a fascinating question, and I am not sure.” I know I will have several questions, but will I want to bother them or try to get in the middle of their conversation?” “I don’t want to be the one that hinders them from creating a masterpiece.” “The world may never forgive me!!” Alex laughed. 

Lilly, with a big smile after hearing her mother’s answers to Piper’s questions, asked, “Is it possible that we can meet the author who loves to talk about Rhinoceroses?” “You know everything that he says is about rhinoceroses.” “I think that he is very funny!!” 

“Oh, I know who you are talking about; that is Salvador Dali.” “Yes, he should be with there also.” “We will make sure that you can meet him.” 

At that very moment, both Piper and Lilly yelled, “Let’s go; what are we waiting for?” Alex let out a little laugh and said, well, unfortunately, we do not have a DeLorean just like the movie “Back to the Future,” or a bicycle that is hooked up to a bunch of equipment just like that show “The Time Machine” that we can use to travel back to the 20s. However, we have our imagination that can take us anywhere we want to go and to any time period we desire to be. So girls, go ahead and close your eyes, and I will close mine. We will go to Paris in 1926 and wait for our nice car to come by to take us to Ms. Gertrude Stein’s house. I believe that when we arrive, we will be able to see Pablo and Hemmingway. Make sure to keep your heart and mind open and listen to the great conversation. Then we will try to find Salvador so Lilly can say hi and have him say Rhinoceroses. 

Afterward, we will all go to Long Island and explore the beautiful houses and scenery. Hopefully, we will see all my friends from the book I love reading and having a picnic in the lovely warm sun. 

When we return from our trip, I want you both to write down and draw everything you see, including all of the people you meet and all of the places in Paris and Long Island you visit. These experiences that you have will bring great inspiration to your friends at school, your family, and even to your dad. Remember, do not hold anything back. Imagine if famous artists and writers did not tell their stories or paint their pictures. Our world will not be the same. One day, someone will want to travel back in time to be close to you while you are creating your masterpiece. What an experience that will be!