I don’t know how it is now, as we haven’t been there in a couple of years. I get both happy and sad when I think about all the great times we’ve had there. This place is not only a “where everyone knows your name” type of place. It’s where you are welcomed, regardless of social class or political belief. It is where people know your color underwear (if you’re wearing it). It is a place we challenge each other in how to have more fun. Loving our honeys and kiddos, watching our crazy dogs running around.
It is where music is the soundtrack to our feeling the most alive, more a part of a group than anywhere before, and a place that I never want the nights to end. We introduce each other to new songs and belt out the classics with no sound ordinance in place. The place is called “Browntown,” and if you’re lucky enough to experience it, you’ll never forget.
It started out light, with only about ten people. Then it grew to over 40 people, I remember us all floating down a river on tubes and we were ALL hooked together.
I remember karaoke, but with everyone singing, dancing on barstools, even taking a spin-or 20- on the stripper pole my brother-in-law had installed. I remember lots of jello shots…
They have recessed, flashing, twirling lights, so if you didn’t think you were a good dancer before, now you are twinkling in multi color. Hell, he brought in a port-a-potty for the ladies! It has everything…fully stocked bar, ice filled coolers. Beautifully built bar, you could see “them” in each piece. He would do the construction and she would help and create décor and welcoming, fun, upbeat stuff to make for an always -welcoming place. Picking the stools that went perfectly with the marbled bar top, which often gets danced on a rowdy night.
This is where 40-somethings were squirted down in Dawn dish soap, just to turn around and flail down a 50-foot massive slip and slide, on a steep hill. This was three years ago. I still can’t believe no one was injured. Seriously.
It is where adults could be kids, and kids could hang out to see all the “adults” acting goofy and carefree. Did we treat the kids older? We treated them with respect. And they did in return. And we all danced…a lot. It was the first place I’d had fun in a long time, and we were all having that much fun, which made it even better. It was the first place in my life I felt like I could really be me, and there was no judgement.
We made friends we considered “framily,” and people came and went through the years. It was a place where family ties became stronger, drama was left at the door, and everyone was just…happy. Welcome. Loved.
“What are you drinking?” There is the bell, and the buck horns with our bras on it, and the “Shotski.” There are a few signs obtained from over the years from various locations. There are tons of license plates wrapping around the top and yes, even a disco ball. There are constantly pictures being taken, some of them videos to lock those moments in time. It was special. Every time I see one of those pictures, or hear one of those songs, I go right back.
It was the first time I ever jumped off a bridge. I wasn’t panicked about the big iron structures that were sure to be beneath my feet. I had people who loved me, encouraging me to “just do it.” And I did. We all did. And we were okay. I “jumped off the bridge because everyone was doing it,” and it was one of the most exhilarating activities I’ve ever done. I was with people I trusted, and I took a chance. And it was okay.
Browntown became not so much one destination, anymore, it became a state of mind. Anytime we were all together, we made history. Songs that once had no meaning were now permanently engrained in our brains, along with the memories associated with them. We all went skinny-dipping, but the girls were the ones who went first!
It’s where the phrase “challenge accepted,” means something stupid is about to happen. Where you were crossing things off bucket lists…by the day! It was a place everyone could be themselves. I hope for the good of everyone everywhere, I hope they find the people, the place that is “Browntown” for them.
It was a like-minded group of people, all brought together by special moments. Luckily, I remember a lot of those moments frequently. So much laughing, too much drinking, lots of singing, and tons of fun always had by all. I remember fondly the good times and miss you all so much. Their kiddos, he just shakes his head at me, but she is a heck of a good time, just like her Mama!
Then the “pandemic” started and now, for me at least, Browntown is just a memory until we can get there again. I miss our loved ones so very much, but the miles in between are many. Things got messy, but I hope for many more memory opportunities again.
