I was 85% of the way through writing a blog post about the nostalgic games of my childhood – specifically Candyland – when I got stuck and then subsequently struck. By the inspiration to write something entirely different, that is.
So I threw out my original post and now we’re talking about Simon Says!
Simon Says Buckle Up….
There were two distinctly different versions of this game in my childhood. I’m sure you know the ones.
The first “Simon Says” was generally played in the classroom or on the playground. I can still feel the spring air across the blacktop and hear the echoes of some kid saying, “But I didn’t say Simon Saaaays” when they successfully tricked someone into following the wrong orders.
The second Simon Says – apparently just called “Simon,” as I just learned – is that plastic hand-held toy from the eighties that was really a test of memory more than anything. This 90’s child ate that up. I was riding the high of keeping a long streak going with each seemingly high-stakes press of a light-up button. That was probably the most focused I’ve ever been or ever will be again.
My favorite thing about Simon, though, was the “freestyle mode”. I honestly don’t know if that’s what it was called and there’s a possibility that I’m remembering it wrong and it doesn’t actually exist, but I swear I remember being able to switch it over so that YOU were now the one calling the shots. You could play any series of the four buttons and it would play it back for you. Which, may in some ways be my songwriter origin story, because it basically chalked up to a very simplified songwriting tool.
Simon Says… Well a lot About Me, Actually.
Thinking about this game, especially remembering freestyle mode made me shift gears from trying to write about Candyland. The more I thought about Simon Says, the more I realized it’s the perfect game to help you get to know a little about me AND Lucky Gnome Empire.
How so?
Well first of all, I have a VERY different perspective of both types of Simon Says now that I have several more decades and an ADHD diagnosis under my belt. Sure, I was good enough at these games as a kid. But they were just occasional isolated games, which made them fun and manageable. When you look at what these games represent- Simon Says being a practice in not just obedience, but perfect obedience (only doing exactly what one specific authority figure says when they say it) and the handheld Simon basically just being one long test of working memory – I’m not the hugest fan. These are both things that my ADHD brain is TERRIBLE at. Especially when applied to the bigger picture of my life.
And might I just add that in hindsight it’s also quite unfortunate that a game that’s all about practicing obedience is also from the perspective of a man – this unknown Simon – being the absolute authority. Which just really rubs me the wrong way even more.
But Simon can’t tell me what I value.
In light of these new found perspectives, I think my experience with these games says a lot about me.
I value AUTONOMY, so I’m not a huge fan of obedience for obedience’s sake. I don’t subscribe to following someone just because you’re told they’re an authority. Informed decisions and the power to make my life my own is what I’m all about.
I value MEMORY. But not the kind of working memory it takes complete a correct sequence. I have nothing to prove there. I care about the kind of memories that made the dementia patients’ faces light up that I used to work with. The kind of memories that remind me of who I am, who I love and the rich life that I’ve lived.
I value CREATIVITY. So being able to press my own buttons, create my own tune? Delightful. I love to express creativity through many mediums- but songwriting is my most cherished.
Altogether, that’s why I resonated with “freestyle mode”. I enjoyed being able to choose for myself and create something new (no matter how simple). Doing that is still my fondest memory of any version of Simon Says.
As for our company – it’s a similar story.
We’re starting this company because we want a way to have more freedom in our lives and a creative outlet. Lucky Gnome Empire may still be growing into it’s values and vision, but we’re already imbuing it with that kind of magic. Making something your own, seeing something in a new way, exploring with a sense of wonder – these are all things we hope to bring to life. So many adventures await in the games, products and community we hope to grow. And adventures are all about exercising autonomy, looking at things creatively, and making memories along the way.
So ultimately? I don’t give a single gumdrop about who this Simon is or why he has so much to say. I’m going to be off on my own adventure, writing my own songs and creating my own destiny.
This is Mirna Says Now.
Mirna says to throw out the original idea for this blog post and write what she really wants to.
Okay, done.
Mirna says to quit the job that was unhealthy for her and find a way to live a life that’s both actually sustainable and fulfilling.
Alright, attempting to do it.
Mirna says to start a company full of whimsy, fun and mystery with her two siblings/best friends Melody and MJ.
Guess what I’m doing right now?
So I hope you’ll stick around to see how our empire grows.
(I would say “Mirna Says stick around”… but unlike Simon I’m not here to tell you what to do. I just hope you’ll come along for the adventure.)
