Sasha wanted some inspiration for a 70's party that she's going to this weekend so last night, we went through some old photos to see if there was anything there that would provide help.
It was ages since I'd looked at them and we spent a very entertaining hour looking at some of the dreadful things my mother wore in the name of fashion, and some of the horrors she dressed me in. In between the laughter though we were both struck at just what a beautiful woman she was (still is, in fact) and how she managed to exude considerable style and glamour even during that fashion drought of a decade!
As I carried on flipping through the albums, waves of nostalgia washed over me. It was lovely.
There was one particular photo that really struck me. It was taken at my parents' 25th anniversary when they had a huge party to celebrate. I was in my early 20s and going out with Lee, the big love of my life. Sasha was impressed:
"Wow! Who's that? He's sooo fit. And look at you. Oh my god Mum, you look amazing! The two of you look like a proper celebrity couple."
It was true. He was gorgeous and we did look amazing together. When that photo was taken, we had been going out together for about a year and all was good and we were happy. I had a very chic black dress on and looking at it now, I looked stunning but I remember so clearly at the time being quite upset because I thought I looked fat. I was a size 10 !!! God, to be as "fat" at that now.
As I gazed at that photo, I thought about my life now and it was as if I was looking at a different person.
So I started to write her a letter. I don't know why and I might abandon it but if I don't, I just may publish it here.
Oh, there's so much to tell her....
Happy Winter Solstice
7 hours ago
Sometimes revisiting the past can act as a positive trigger - remind us of who we were but more importantly the people we wanted to be.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know what I'd say to my younger self either. I have a feeling he'd be terribly disappointed in me. On the other hand, he might just be grateful to know that he'd get past the next few decades in one piece.
ReplyDeleteYou're so lucky to have that reaction, though! God knows I don't get that my from my 6yo (though I've managed to dispose of or avoid ownership of any pictures of me before the age of 30).
(And why is OpenID so rubbish!?)
I agree with Steve. Notsupermum did a blog post recently - a letter to her 16 year old self. An interesting idea that sparked a lot of reactions.
ReplyDeleteI just love that post.
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun, my kids love going thru my old photo albums and I've got so many!!! The fashions over time and seeing their grandparents as younger versions, its a lovely wy to spend the day!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a letter, wasn't sure if you meant write a letter to yourself, your mum or your daughter tho.