Light up wheels, a sleek metal frame, and the color of your choice all contributed to the appeal of the now forgotten Razor scooter.  Back in the early 2000s, every kid either had or relentlessly begged their parents for one of these hot sellers on the market.  The scooter was really memorable for me, and I can still lucidly remember when I unwrapped the box with this shiny, new ride inside.

It was my Mom’s birthday of all occasions.  She was opening some gifts my Dad had bought her from all of us because at this time I was probably about six and my brother about ten.  All of a sudden this gigantic box in the corner was the sole remaining present– except ironically it was not for my Mom.  I still remember how giddy I felt that my brother and I had received a present and it was not even our birthdays. Once we peeled back the layers of wrapping paper, we were ecstatic to see that we could now join the Razor scooter club.  We would now (take turns) riding in style.

I cannot even estimate the countless hours spent outside on our cul-de-sac pedaling at lightening speed on my scooter and whizzing by my brother as he waited for his turn.  The scooter is nostalgic to me because I still vividly recall all the hype surrounding it and how it was such a sought after item. It brings me back to a time when playing outside with my brother was the most important thing in life and also possibly the most gratifying. A time before social media and the obsession with cell phones; a time where people enjoyed interacting with one another and kids were outside in fresh air rather than glued to a screen. The scooter was more than just a means of transportation– it was a way to interact with others through conversation and races down the street.  My Razor scooter carried me all along the streets and sidewalks of our neighborhood.  It brought me the simple joy and happiness of having the wind in my hair and tickling my face as I felt untouchable and cool on its’ glowing wheels.

Now, there are a variety of scooters and knockoffs on the market.  Although the popularity of scooters in general has drastically decreased, my love for the original Razor scooter and the joy it brought me as a child will never be forgotten.

Simply looking at the fluorescent hues of the rainbow splashed across an image of a friendly doe-eyed animal instantly transports me to childhood.  The cycle of back-to-school shopping and begging my mom to purchase all the supplies that were adorned with glitter and bright colors– and most of all, anything by Lisa Frank.  Frank’s backpacks, stickers, and folders were the sole desire of every pre-teen girl growing up in the late 90s and very early 2000s. I can still vividly remember completing assignments at elementary school and stuffing them into my magenta, periwinkle, and teal colored unicorn folder, thinking to myself that this folder was pretty much the coolest thing on the planet. Lisa Frank makes me nostalgic for the simple days of elementary school and the thrill of getting new supplies every August.

Years later, Lisa Frank seems to have essentially vanished from the face of the earth– not even leaving a faint rainbow trail in her wake.  However, right as any hope for a revival seemed fleeting, popular retailer Urban Outfitters released stationary and apparel with Frank’s signature designs for a limited time in 2013. But, nothing gold can stay, and again all thoughts of using her vivid school supplies were swept up just as fast as the goods.

Yet, it seems not everyone is done with Lisa Frank and her giddy and glorified rainbow cartoons.  Recently while scrolling through Twitter, I came across an article by the Huffington Post citing a rebirth of Frank’s designs.  Anxious to read more, I discovered the article focused on a Tumblr blog that revitalized Frank’s original artwork with feminist quotes attached to them.  So now this innocent, vibrant artwork is being used for a cause– women’s rights.

What once signified the start of a new year at elementary school and a deep desire to have something enticing to distract myself with in class, has now become a new platform for the fourth wave of feminism.  If that isn’t utilizing a brand to grow with the consumer base, I don’t know what is then.

Check out some of the feminist artwork on the link:http://feministlisafrank.tumblr.com

Sources: pinterest.com for the photo; feministlisafrank.tumblr.com; Huffington Post:

Gray, Emma. “‘Feminist Lisa Frank’ Is Fighting The Patriarchy With Rainbow Kittens.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 11 May 2015. Web. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/11/feminist-lisa-frank-fights-patriarchy-with-rainbow-kittens_n_7257768.html?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000067>

Welcome to my collection of nostalgia blogs. These posts will explore and reflect on items that instantly transport me to my childhood and also touch upon the current life of the items discussed.  As time goes on, most treasures from childhood become obsolete for the next generation– a sad reality, but it also makes them that much more special.  I think that reflecting and interacting with nostalgic thoughts does not necessarily bring about a pain and longing to go to the past, but rather makes me appreciative of all the experiences and blessings of my childhood.