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Parenthood is always a challenge, but there’s also no denying that it has varied wildly throughout the ages. Two popular accounts on Instagram gather people’s pictures of their moms and dads to help us take a journey back through time and see the world our parents lived and raised us in.

In addition to the wacky outfits and haircuts, there are some fascinating cultural differences. Some of the parents are, ah, engaged in activities that we might not condone in parents today! Attitudes towards safety have also changed. Do any of these pictures remind you of your own childhood?

#1

"My Excited Grandmother Holding Her Ticket To A Beatles Concert (Australia 1964)."

"My Excited Grandmother Holding Her Ticket To A Beatles Concert (Australia 1964)."

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The two Instagrams are very popular, with 238k and 156k followers respectively. They’re basically like a big online album where people can submit pictures of their oldschool vintage parents and discuss each other’s parents and childhoods.

#4

The Higher The Hair The Tinier The Hare

The Higher The Hair The Tinier The Hare

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#5

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Lauren S
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is this so stinking cute to me!? I think it’s because they are not father and son but are still so close and comfortable with each other. It seems so loving and pure to me, gambling aside! Lol. But it could be just chips and no real money so that’s not real gambling.

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#6

What If The Real Secret Ingredient Is Just The Friends We Make Along The Way?

What If The Real Secret Ingredient Is Just The Friends We Make Along The Way?

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Those of us who look back on our childhoods fondly are lucky, but even if we enjoyed loving parents, there are lots of things that have improved in parenting culture as a whole over time. For all the flack that modern generations get for over-protectiveness and abuse of technology (and some of that criticism is deserved), there are a lot of things that modern parents get right.

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#7

Get A Load Of The Butte On That

Get A Load Of The Butte On That

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Heather Resatz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it looks like January of a calendar and I want to see the rest of the year!!!

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Though influential in the field of child psychology, John B. Watson also had some controversial theories that may have damaged the parents who implemented them and their children. In particular, Watson held the belief that parental affection should be kept to a minimum because it would give children an unrealistic view of the world. However, studies have shown that affection has a significant positive effect on children’s mental wellbeing and emotional balance well into adulthood.

#10

Glad To See The Doobie Brothers Finally Settled Down

Glad To See The Doobie Brothers Finally Settled Down

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#11

Licensed To Impregnate On Sight In All 50 States

Licensed To Impregnate On Sight In All 50 States

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Another once-common parental practice that has fortunately all but disappeared in the West is corporal punishment. Whether or not you think “you turned out fine” after being hit by your parents, the science on this is clear. According to the WHO, “Corporal punishment triggers harmful psychological and physiological responses. Children not only experience pain, sadness, fear, anger, shame and guilt, but feeling threatened also leads to physiological stress and the activation of neural pathways that support dealing with danger. Children who have been physically punished tend to exhibit high hormonal reactivity to stress, overloaded biological systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular and nutritional systems, and changes in brain structure and function.”

#13

My Eyes Are Up Here

My Eyes Are Up Here

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#15

Was Sorry To Hear You Died, Glad To See You Went To Heaven

Was Sorry To Hear You Died, Glad To See You Went To Heaven

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Though parents obsessed with posture may not fall within the scope of this article and the two Instagram accounts it covers, this was also an odd parenting trend that didn’t age well. At one point, a child’s posture was thought to reflect and influence their moral character. Children were evaluated based on their posture and special furniture or classes were provided to correct poor posture.

#18

Damn Dad Save Some Pussy For The Rest Of Us

Damn Dad Save Some Pussy For The Rest Of Us

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Bedwetting, while hygienically undesirable, is a more or less normal problem that many children face for a variety of reasons. However, some parents once believed that bedwetting was the sign of a growing psychopath! This was thanks to the outdated theories of Sigmund Freud, who for some reason considered bedwetting to be an act of repressed sexual frustration. Bedwetting can be caused by stress or other issues, but it can also be the result of simple physiological or neurological imbalances. Could you imagine the stress a bedwetting child must have endured if they caught on to the fact that the adults in their lives believed the child would grow up to be a psychopath?

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#20

That Face When The Frank Kent Cadillac Dealership In Ft. Worth, Texas Calls To Let You Know Your Pink Xt5 Mary Kay Cadillac Is Ready For Pickup

That Face When The Frank Kent Cadillac Dealership In Ft. Worth, Texas Calls To Let You Know Your Pink Xt5 Mary Kay Cadillac Is Ready For Pickup

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#21

Okay But Why Does It Look Like This Pic Was Taken In Nineteen-Eighty-Two-Thousand-Twenty-Three?

Okay But Why Does It Look Like This Pic Was Taken In Nineteen-Eighty-Two-Thousand-Twenty-Three?

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There are a ton of benefits to letting kids play outside and there always have been, but some older generations like to dismiss modern safety regulations as excessive and overprotective. A healthy and appropriate exposure to risk does help children develop risk management skills, but some risks can be excessive. Things like bicycle helmets, hazardous chemical labeling, and seatbelts have saved countless lives and prevented many more from experiencing life-altering physical traumas.

#22

One For Each Mustache

One For Each Mustache

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#23

I'm Perfectly Happy Thank You Very Much

I'm Perfectly Happy Thank You Very Much

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#24

Is This Tabby Chic Or Meowed Century Pawdern?

Is This Tabby Chic Or Meowed Century Pawdern?

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Let’s learn to appreciate both modern and oldschool parenting. If you’re a parent today, look to the past to take what works and look to modern science to see where we can improve on how we were raised as children!

#28

Me Pulling Up To McDonald's When I Hear About Their Adult Happy Meal

Me Pulling Up To McDonald's When I Hear About Their Adult Happy Meal

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#29

Trickle Down Or Treat!

Trickle Down Or Treat!

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KittyGotClaws
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks dad for scaring the h.e.l.l out of me and causing me a lifetime of anxiety.

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#30

Topsider In The Streets Insider In The Sheets

Topsider In The Streets Insider In The Sheets

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#35

So Tired Of People Saying America Has No Culture

So Tired Of People Saying America Has No Culture

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#36

Some Of Y'all Have Never Met At A Pre-Arranged Spot After A Concert, And It Shows

Some Of Y'all Have Never Met At A Pre-Arranged Spot After A Concert, And It Shows

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#37

Anyone Else Hungry For A Grandwich?

Anyone Else Hungry For A Grandwich?

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#38

High Hair Don't Care

High Hair Don't Care

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#40

Every Room In The House Is A Ballroom If You Pick The Right Outfit

Every Room In The House Is A Ballroom If You Pick The Right Outfit

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#45

I Wouldn't Tell Anyone I Won At Bingo Night, But There Would Be Hints

I Wouldn't Tell Anyone I Won At Bingo Night, But There Would Be Hints

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#46

Tell Me You Already Spent The Drug Money Without Telling Me

Tell Me You Already Spent The Drug Money Without Telling Me

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#48

If The Love Is Not Like This I Don't Want It

If The Love Is Not Like This I Don't Want It

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#49

Can't Spell 'Cypress' Without 'Yess'

Can't Spell 'Cypress' Without 'Yess'

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Kookamunga
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah, the ubiquitous early 80s tube top. She wears it well! But those shoes seem inappropriate for a day of sight-seeing.

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#50

Hey There Sexy. We Noticed You From Across The Room And Dig Your Vibe. Can We Buy You A Drink?

Hey There Sexy. We Noticed You From Across The Room And Dig Your Vibe. Can We Buy You A Drink?

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#51

Bullsh*t, Give Me Another Reading

Bullsh*t, Give Me Another Reading

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#52

Don't Move...i'm Taking A Picture Of An Absolute Babe Of A Person...hold Steady

Don't Move...i'm Taking A Picture Of An Absolute Babe Of A Person...hold Steady

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#53

Still Can't Believe We Lived Through A Spandemic

Still Can't Believe We Lived Through A Spandemic

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#55

Cradle The Balls Support The Shaft. Cradle The Balls Support The Shaft. (Or Whatever The Guy From Karate Kid Says)

Cradle The Balls Support The Shaft. Cradle The Balls Support The Shaft. (Or Whatever The Guy From Karate Kid Says)

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#57

I'm Going To Tell My Kids This Was Fabio

I'm Going To Tell My Kids This Was Fabio

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#58

Doing Hot Girl Thangs

Doing Hot Girl Thangs

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#59

Make Sure You're Boopin Your Man's Snoot

Make Sure You're Boopin Your Man's Snoot

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#60

This Is The Only Kind Of Hiking I'm Interested In

This Is The Only Kind Of Hiking I'm Interested In

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#62

Heard Fireman Congregate Here To Draw Moisture

Heard Fireman Congregate Here To Draw Moisture

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#63

When You Find Out Your Wife Might Be Growing A Penis...⁣ ⁣ Because Shes Pregnant

When You Find Out Your Wife Might Be Growing A Penis...⁣ ⁣ Because Shes Pregnant

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#64

"No, No, No, Baby. This Here's My Lucky Hat, And It's The Only Protection We'll Need Tonight."

"No, No, No, Baby. This Here's My Lucky Hat, And It's The Only Protection We'll Need Tonight."

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Spocks's Mom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm trying to figure out the tattoo. What do you guys think? I see a semi-marijuana leaf forming an "ok" sign with a hobo sack that has feathers instead of a bandana with the word "smary" written above it.

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#65

Step Aside. This Is Between Me And The Bird

Step Aside. This Is Between Me And The Bird

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#67

If You Invite Me To Your Kid's Stupid Birthday Party, This Is 100% The Energy I'm Bringing. Just So We're Clear

If You Invite Me To Your Kid's Stupid Birthday Party, This Is 100% The Energy I'm Bringing. Just So We're Clear

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#68

Being Back At The Office Actually Has Some Perks

Being Back At The Office Actually Has Some Perks

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#69

I Can't Talk Right Now I'm Doing Hot Girl Sh*t

I Can't Talk Right Now I'm Doing Hot Girl Sh*t

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#71

Someone's Singing A Slaying Song Tonight

Someone's Singing A Slaying Song Tonight

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#74

The Old Ball And Chain

The Old Ball And Chain

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#75

Someone Call A Toe-Truck For That Pileup Down Around The Junk-Tion

Someone Call A Toe-Truck For That Pileup Down Around The Junk-Tion

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#76

Just Top Er Off

Just Top Er Off

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#77

I Say If They're Old Enough To Walk To The Liquor Store And Buy You A Pack, They're Old Enough To Smoke Around

I Say If They're Old Enough To Walk To The Liquor Store And Buy You A Pack, They're Old Enough To Smoke Around

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#78

I'll Let You Lick The Lollipop

I'll Let You Lick The Lollipop

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Kookamunga
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who can take the sunrise? Sprinkle it with dew? Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two?

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#79

Deface Pennies Or Dis Face In Dem Panties Am I Right?

Deface Pennies Or Dis Face In Dem Panties Am I Right?

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#81

Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devoted Fathers!

Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devoted Fathers!

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#82

This Guy Slides Into Your Dms And Says "You're Alright, Kid" What Do You Do?

This Guy Slides Into Your Dms And Says "You're Alright, Kid" What Do You Do?

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#83

Overall, How You Rate His Fit?

Overall, How You Rate His Fit?

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#85

She Calls You Up About Your Car's Extended Warranty, What Do You Do?

She Calls You Up About Your Car's Extended Warranty, What Do You Do?

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#86

I Like My Wine Bone Dry

I Like My Wine Bone Dry

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Jennifer Johnson
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i had those shoes/boots. forgot about them and now I want them back

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#88

As One Does

As One Does

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funkybluegirl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pre-instagram. Women posed like this even without (potentially) dozens to thousands views.

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#89

Tell Me I Might Want To Avoid Using The Bathroom For A While Without Telling Me I Might Want To Avoid Using The Bathroom For A While

Tell Me I Might Want To Avoid Using The Bathroom For A While Without Telling Me I Might Want To Avoid Using The Bathroom For A While

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#90

When Life Gives You A Whole Lot More Than Just Lemons

When Life Gives You A Whole Lot More Than Just Lemons

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#91

This Is The Only Legit 90s Aesthetic, And If You Don't Know You Don't Know

This Is The Only Legit 90s Aesthetic, And If You Don't Know You Don't Know

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#94

Your Dad's Got Eyes In The Back Of His Head, My Dad Got Head In The Back Of An Iroc, We Are Not The Same

Your Dad's Got Eyes In The Back Of His Head, My Dad Got Head In The Back Of An Iroc, We Are Not The Same

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Christmas love
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seen in the wild….the dad who went to get milk and actually came back!!!

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#95

Too Much Drip. Put Him On America's Moist Wanted

Too Much Drip. Put Him On America's Moist Wanted

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#96

If You Don't Show Up Like This To The Family Gathering, Just Consider Us No Longer Related

If You Don't Show Up Like This To The Family Gathering, Just Consider Us No Longer Related

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MotherofGuineaPigs
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to a friends family reunion and her mother convinced every one that I was her daughter. and we don't discuss where she came from

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#97

Holiday Season Is Mostly Just Repeating "We Don't Do That In Our House" To Dads Who Parented With Smokes In Hand

Holiday Season Is Mostly Just Repeating "We Don't Do That In Our House" To Dads Who Parented With Smokes In Hand

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#101

Lycra And Subscribe For More Fitness Tips

Lycra And Subscribe For More Fitness Tips

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#102

Men, What Is Your Excuse For Not Dressing Like This 365 Days A Year?

Men, What Is Your Excuse For Not Dressing Like This 365 Days A Year?

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PicnicsEverywhere
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That they most likely will want to have sex with someone during those 365 days. Just sayin'

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#103

...but It Takes A Reel Man To Be A Daddy

...but It Takes A Reel Man To Be A Daddy

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Spocks's Mom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw so many hanging brains in the 80's. I am glad those times are past us and may we never have to deal with ball showing shorts again.

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#106

Is That A Hard And Fast Rule?

Is That A Hard And Fast Rule?

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M O'Connell
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's definitely a hard rule. This is a railcar, and cars marked "Do not hump" need to be shunted under power. They usually contain hazardous or delicate materials or sleeping track maintenance crews.

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#108

Me When They Said "It's My Way Or The Highway"

Me When They Said "It's My Way Or The Highway"

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#109

Put My Thang Down Flip It And Inverse It

Put My Thang Down Flip It And Inverse It

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#110

And I'll Throw In A Pair Of Dry Panties With Every Purchase, What Do You Say?

And I'll Throw In A Pair Of Dry Panties With Every Purchase, What Do You Say?

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#111

Everyone's Grandma Had This Couch, It Always Smelled Funny, And Now We Know Why

Everyone's Grandma Had This Couch, It Always Smelled Funny, And Now We Know Why

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#112

It's Called A Hankering, Sweetie. Look It Up

It's Called A Hankering, Sweetie. Look It Up

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#113

My Neck, My Back, Now I Need A Straw To Drink My Six Pack

My Neck, My Back, Now I Need A Straw To Drink My Six Pack

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#114

Revolver?! I Hardly Know Er!!

Revolver?! I Hardly Know Er!!

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#115

Hurricane In The Streets Her A Came In The Sheets

Hurricane In The Streets Her A Came In The Sheets

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#116

Dads: Put It Back, It's Not In The Budget. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The Budget: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Mortgage: $800 Car Payment: $65 Utilities: $40 Cigs, Beer, Go-Kart Parts: $4,355

Dads: Put It Back, It's Not In The Budget. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The Budget: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Mortgage: $800 Car Payment: $65 Utilities: $40 Cigs, Beer, Go-Kart Parts: $4,355

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#117

Original Recipe

Original Recipe

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Spocks's Mom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg. This guy. He looks like all of my high school friends all combined into one cocaine loving foo.

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#118

Always A Blueberry Never A Bride

Always A Blueberry Never A Bride

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#121

You: I'm Craving Lobster Me:

You: I'm Craving Lobster Me:

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#123

Hop In Loser, We're Going To Find Out How Hard It Really Is Being Green

Hop In Loser, We're Going To Find Out How Hard It Really Is Being Green

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#124

Bussssniff In The Front Party In The Back

Bussssniff In The Front Party In The Back

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#125

Your Lovers Only Want One Thing And It's A 4" Inseam

Your Lovers Only Want One Thing And It's A 4" Inseam

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VonBlade
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"What? These shorts fit me as good as they did twenty years ago"

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#127

Not Too Late For You And Your Diabesties To Commit To A Balanced Diet In 2023

Not Too Late For You And Your Diabesties To Commit To A Balanced Diet In 2023

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#128

"Well Would Ya Look What The Cat Drug In"

"Well Would Ya Look What The Cat Drug In"

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#129

Nothing Personal, I've Just Got A Multi-Tier Snack Basket And I Intend For It Always To Be Full

Nothing Personal, I've Just Got A Multi-Tier Snack Basket And I Intend For It Always To Be Full

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#130

She Slides Into Your Dms And Asks For That 8-Inch Floppy, What Do You Do?

She Slides Into Your Dms And Asks For That 8-Inch Floppy, What Do You Do?

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#133

If You Like Ukulele Lady Ukulele Lady Like A'you

If You Like Ukulele Lady Ukulele Lady Like A'you

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#134

Cleopatra Comin Atcha

Cleopatra Comin Atcha

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#135

If The Love Isn't Like This, Then I'm Not Interested

If The Love Isn't Like This, Then I'm Not Interested

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#136

Goes To Hell Once

Goes To Hell Once

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#137

Gobbler?! I Hardly Know Er!

Gobbler?! I Hardly Know Er!

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#139

Felt Cute, Might Record Over A Kindergarten Graduation Later Idk

Felt Cute, Might Record Over A Kindergarten Graduation Later Idk

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#140

You've Heard Of Elf On A Shelf, Now Get Ready For

You've Heard Of Elf On A Shelf, Now Get Ready For

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#142

Waiting For All The Dumb Holidays To Be Over So We Can Focus On Christmas Like

Waiting For All The Dumb Holidays To Be Over So We Can Focus On Christmas Like

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