A friend who I haven’t seen since I left school recently posted this photo on Facebook. This is me (with the sunglasses) and my friend Ros at Glastonbury in 1995.
We were 16 and that morning we’d sat our last GCSE exam. Eight of my best friends drove down to the festival from Stratford in two cars. This was the first weekend of the long summer which was probably the last time we all truly had nothing to worry about. No husbands, kids or houses. No studying to do or ‘proper’ jobs. Most importantly, no concept that we might get anything less than everything we wanted from the lives that lay ahead of us. We danced and drank and chatted and met up with more friends. We smoked and got sunburnt and lost in the dark with the complete disregard for our own safety that only a teenager can pull off.
Since then life’s got real. As well as the husbands, kids and jobs this group has also had to deal with redundancy, serious illness, infertility, negative equity, the loss of parents and depression to name but a few. We didn’t see that coming when we were lying on the grass listening to Pulp and eating a Pot Noodle.
I’m not complaining. I think we’d all say we’re happy in our own ways. This photo brings back such amazing memories but it just makes me a little sad that it’s not really possible to maintain that level of crazy confidence and positivity once you get out into the real world.
Want to take part in Flashback Friday? Just pop over here.
@somethingblue_2 says
It’s lovely to have those memories of when life was simple and easy. But in all honesty I wouldn’t swap what I have now for those days. The hard times make me appreciate the good times so much more x
catparrott says
Absolutely, there’s some great things about being 32 as well. Maybe I’ll save that for another post. 😉
Funky Wellies says
Lovely pic and your post started me thinking… I still believe than ANYTHING is possible, and the recent changes in my life seem to be proving me right! 😉
catparrott says
I certainly didn’t expect to be blogging so I guess you’re right! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Karin @ Cafe Bebe says
Isn’t it amazing to look back?? Thank you so much for sharing this memory with us! Hope it was as good for you! 😉
Karin
catparrott says
Thanks for giving us the idea. I was just on my way over to your blog to see everyone else’s.
SAHMlovingit says
It is so fab to get one picture and just remember so much from it. Just shows how life can change dramatically.
“lying on the grass listening to Pulp and eating a Pot Noodle.” It doesn’t get much better than that 😉
Mama Says says
Ahh to be that young and carefree again. I just wish I could go back to my mid-90s festival-going self and tell myself to appreciate that lifestyle a bit more… especially those long, lazy lie-ins. Really enjoyed your post, thank you.
catparrott says
Those were the days *sigh*. Thanks for stopping by.
Mari says
Thank God we had those teenage years where there were no thoughts other than what’s for eating or drinking? That attitude maybe is what helped us get through all the hard stuff later in life.
Loved your post, loved your thoughts past and present and feeling for those friends who have had tough times.
May they be happier asap 🙂
catparrott says
Thanks so much. It’s so lovely that people have taken the time to read it.
Alexander Residence says
Oh I was there! Just about to go to uni. Those were the days. I have been thinking so much recently about life at this age. it’s easy to forget who you once were. Thank you for a fab reminder. What a brilliant post.
catparrott says
I’ve just been over enjoying your picnic post. Thanks for popping by.
Purplemum. says
Ah you took me right back. Glastonbury 97 dancing in the mud, that Radiohead gig and the smell of smoky wood fire. Yes I was young and carefree, but my life didn’t have the depth it has now. Thanks for reminding me.