Like so many, my story began in a pub.
My dad approached my mum as she was scrubbing the pub floor. He extended his hand, looked her in the eye, then uttered the unforgettable words: "How about it?"
It was the late 1960s, a time of anticipation, cultural revolution, and groundbreaking music. The glam couple courted, got married, and, as the 1970s began, became parents to their firstborn… me.
I come from courage, love and kindness.
A line of stoic, secret-keeping Scousers and Scots who took chances, caused chaos and traversed continents. Born to music lovers proud of their roots, my childhood soundtrack was filled with Beatles tunes. Surrounded by books, escaping to Wonderland at night, I lived in magical worlds created by memorable words.
Seeking serenity in poetry, I scribbled unspoken thoughts into my padlocked journal
A child of sensitive, clever souls not fully equipped for early adulthood, I shared my secrets with teddies who woke at night. Seeking serenity in poetry, I scribbled unspoken thoughts into my padlocked journal. Chatting to horses, consulting fairies and climbing trees, I daydreamed and believed in magic.
Childhood summers at my grandma’s house were filled with fun. We played crazy golf, rode the Mersea ferry, devoured Battenburg cake and French Fancies. I fell in love with Liverpool and became obsessed with music. Back at home, nature became my playground. Cycling through Suffolk, feeding ducks and paddling brooks. High on life, intoxicated by my dad’s rose garden.
Laughter has been my medicine as much as writing has.
I was forged from humour and hardship.
At 18, I left home under a cloud, and the self-medicating Wilderness Years began. A lost soul seeking meaning, I emerged from the School of Hard Knocks with stubbornness, resilience, and a lightness that belies the depth of many hard-won scars.
Laughter has been my medicine as much as writing has.
Fast-forward to my fifties…
I follow ancestral threads sown in childhood and find solace by the sea.
Despite recently traversing the Valley of Grief, I still approach life with the open-hearted enthusiasm (and clumsiness) of my inner child.
I daydream, doodle and delight in music. Little Helen leads the way… often. Spotting rainbows, hearts on pavements and animals in clouds. The twinkle in my eye distracts from the wrinkles on my face.
I come from a family who Do Life Differently.
Rooted in nature and appreciating life, I follow ancestral threads sown in childhood and find solace by the sea. Dancing daily, weaving words, and singing for no reason, I finally honour and embrace who I have always been.
I come from courage, love and kindness.
I was forged from humour and hardship.
I love simple pleasures and have huge dreams.
I am alive, aware and wide awake.
With a heart full of hope and a spirit primed for adventure, I am open to magic, possibility and grace.
And to love - always, love.
Over To You…
What was the soundtrack of your childhood?
I'd love to know if you still remember the lyrics, even though you might not recall the amazing idea you had five minutes ago!
I am creating a welcoming community space here, and your voice is so welcome in the comments. If the story of my roots inspires your own post, please return to share it so I can support you.
Thanks for reading, lovely soul. May you always know the power of your roots.
Until next time, go gently and give yourself grace,
Your writing moves along like a joyful dance. I loved every part of it, especially this... Despite recently traversing the Valley of Grief, I still approach life with the open-hearted enthusiasm (and clumsiness) of my inner child. I daydream, doodle and delight in music. Little Helen leads the way… often. Spotting rainbows, hearts on pavements and animals in clouds. The twinkle in my eye distracts from the wrinkles on my face.
We could all learn from your example. Thank you
What a wonderful piece that really brought light to my morning! Thank you.