60!

'Tis the new 40, apparently!

A bit of a fun, behind the scenes one today, all for a special cause…it’s my birthday! I’m not one for being in the limelight, the frogs and the roses do a much better job of that, but today is kind of different, I’ve reached a new decade and it feels a bit weird, but also a great privilege. It has been an opportunity to look back on how it was, what is missing, what hopes and dreams have yet to be realised.

One thing that has dawned on me is that I am entering a decade that my mother did not. I am sure a lot of people can say that, but I have many friends the same age who still have their mams and I haven’t had mine for over forty years. I wish she could be here to celebrate with me today. Alas, she is not, but she is in my thoughts all the same.

I heard this poem repeatedly growing up…Probably summed me up.

There was a little girl

Who had a little curl

Right in the middle of her forehead.

And when she was good, she was very very good

And when she was bad, she was horrid!

The simple life

I grew up in a time of simplicity compared with today. Telephones had wires attached to them. I, being the youngest, was the household’s remote control, changing channels for the grown ups. We had eiderdowns rather than duvets and coal fires, no central heating. We ate bread with most meals, to fill us up and an outside loo was the norm for most of my childhood. And 60 year olds seemed really old!

England won the world cup, don’t you know?

The best thing to happen in 1966, apparently according to some, was that England won the World Cup. I’ve heard so much about it in the intervening years that I feel like I was almost there. But of course, I was only a month old.

It is interesting that the World Cup has started again a few days ago, the hopes of every one of the 47 countries will be dashed when the winner lifts that trophy. Geoff Hurst (the scorer of three goals in the 1966 final) is the only member of the squad still alive, which seems rather poignant. I wonder if England can do it again? I’m sure it would make Geoff a happy man.

Life as usual

What a lifetime it has been so far. The usual ups and downs as every life has. A wonderful husband, a child, two grandchildren, numerous houses, friends, pets. I know I am wiser, I feel that more than I feel my years. I would probably do some things differently but in the main I am who I am because of my experiences, so no regrets. I am happy being me, happy in my own skin, happy to be 60.

Looking ahead, I just want an easeful life, full of plants and wildlife, with connections to kindred spirits and an end to anything that jars with my inner peace. I yearn for a dog. I would love to see Mount Fuji. I want a book out into the world, as most of you know, but I don’t want to force it before it is ready. It will happen if it is meant to. That feels ok to me at this stage in my life.

UK facts from 1966

The Severn Bridge was opened

Longleat Safari Park was opened

Camberwick Green was first screened

Glasgow Airport was opened

Tragedy struck in Wales with the Aberfan disaster - a horrific loss of young life

Apparently, according to Wikipedia, nothing significant happened on my birth date but the day after The Beatles performed live on Top of the Pops for the first and only time and mimed Paperback Writer.

I share a birthday with:

Noddy Holder (Musician from Slade)

Courtney Cox (Actor)

Justin Fletcher (Mr Tumble)

Rev. W. Awdry 1911-1997 (Author of Thomas the Tank Engine)

Harry Nilsson (1941-1994) (Singer/Songwriter)

Some others who will be turning 60 this year

Ruth Jones (Actor from Gavin and Stacey fame)

Toby Jones (The Detectorists)

Gordon Ramsay (TV Chef)

Janet Jackson (Singer)

David Cameron (Ex Prime Minister)

Rick Astley (Singer)

Paul Hollywood (TV cookery judge)

Mike Tyson (Ex boxer)

Halle Berry (Actor)

Helena Bonham Carter (Actor)

Chris Evans (Broadcaster)

Out and about

I’m off on a little adventure soon as a birthday treat, to be amongst trees, mountains, lakes and waterfalls, a few days to really make my heart sing! I will be taking a small sojourn from Substack, but I will be fully back soon. I’ll tell you about my trip on my return.

I am curious:

What lessons has life given you?

How old seems old to you?

What significant thing happened in your birth year?

Who do you wish celebrated your birthday, who no longer can?

What hopes and dreams do you have for yourself?