July 7th, 1973

Dear Diary,

Today is Thursday and there are six days to go until the concert. Yes, I've come to the point where I am counting down. Sort of crazy, I know, but at least it gives me something to do.

Anyways, today I went to Candice's house and she, Karri, and I went to the park, did a little bit of shopping (I didn't buy anything), and then returned to the park. You're probably thinking the same thing that I was after we returned to the park, why were we going in circles? First to the park and then to downtown, the park, downtown… And I did end up asking about it. I guess I've been a little too caught up in myself and Keith lately to notice that Candice has fallen out of her 'in-love-with-Keith-Partridge' phase and has fallen for this new guy who moved in the week I was away at my Grandparents. His name is Ron Paulson and I've yet to see him yet, but Candice swears he's adorable, but Karri keeps saying he's 'no Keith Partridge'. I'm guessing Karri wants me to know she still thinks Keith is the best guy in the world, but even if she didn't think so, I wouldn't be worried because I know he is!

So, anyhow, our search of Ron Paulson continued. We spent seven hours searching and then finally gave up and headed to my house for a cup of lemonade and some of that Fourth of July cake Mrs. Partridge had sent over. While we were munching away on our snack, Ricky appeared and didn't look the least bit happy. I didn't ask, but rather offered him some of the cake, which he eagerly accepted. He stayed quiet the whole afternoon though and it wasn't until later that I asked and found out why…

Ricky had been over at the Partridge residence, playing with Chris, Tracy and Simone (The Partridge's pet dog). Mom had caught him over there and called him home. I guess then Tracy asked why he couldn't stay if he had been allowed to go to the zoo with them before. My Mom totally lost it and asked Ricky about it. He then got the first tongue lashing of his life, but bless his soul, he had kept me out of it. Also, I think Mom got something out of the entire situation too, because Ricky said, after Mom told him to go inside, Chris called her a 'mean old mother,' took Tracy's hand and went inside. I think Mom was shocked. She stayed silent the whole evening. The only time she said anything to me was when she asked if I knew Ricky had been over at the neighbor's house, which at the time I didn't so I was able to truthfully say 'no'.

I am now more sure then ever that this whole thing has got to stop. Right when I thought Mom was finally coming around, she flipped again. I'm going to have to say something. I don't necessarily have to mention I'm in love with Keith Partridge, but I will let some of my feelings be known. Maybe this time she'll listen to me. Do I ever wish I were as bold as Chris Partridge…

Sadly,

Donna


July 8th, 1973

Dear Diary,

Friday night and I'm stuck home without a date. However, it isn't the first time. Actually, I haven't gone out on a date since Keith took me out earlier this year. Which reminds me…

I reread my first entry in this diary. How happy I was to have gone out with my teen idol! How happy I am now that he is interested in me! It's so strange how everything changes over the course of a month. How strange that I have even changed myself. I mean a month ago I wouldn't have had the strength to talk to my mother about my feelings, but then here I am about to go to her room and fight for my rights. Well, maybe not my rights exactly, but fight for what I believe in.

I think I owe this all to Keith. I think he's helped me become a little bolder. I've sort of broke away from my always-do-what-Mom-says-and-don't-complain realm and have begun thinking more for myself. I mean a total hate of a family just because they fed your kid lunch is really over-doing it. Unless she has more of a reason, which I'm going to ask her about tonight. My mother's going to have a lot to think about. I mean if I were her, I would have been thankful that I didn't have to feed Ricky lunch. It would be one less thing on my to-do list as a mother. If anything, I would be personally thanking Mrs. Partridge for taking care of my child. But then again, I am not her, so who knows?

Anyhow, here I go. Wish me luck, though, as long as I return to my room alive, I think I'll be okay.

Nervously,

Donna