Letters to Elizabeth,Libby, Lizzie, Mabes, Liz, etc etc

So I feel the need to blog but I haven't done anything today that warrants writing about .

 It's 5 years on Wednesday since my Dad died and I woke up with an overwhelming sense of grief which I have found difficult to shake off. I miss him lots and this time of year is particularly difficult. I have a huge photo of him on the wall in my lounge and today, I can't even look at it.

 

But I want to write so I threw a comment on Facebook  asking for suggestions on a subject and the best one ( some were very silly! ) was a....'' letter to my younger self''

 

 

Dear Elizabeth,

 

You are only 10 - stop worrying about stuff. You've only got one year left at junior school and make the most of it. Mr Beardmore, your teacher is lovely and please ignore the fact that he goes into the store cupboard for a crafty Woodbine - he's only human. You may want to think about saying no next time your mother wants to cut your hair though. There are a couple of hairdressing salons in Alnwick and I am sure that they will do a better ob than her and the trifle bowl. Lighten up a bit - it's 1978 and you'll have a blast in the 80's.

xxx

 

 

 

Dear Elizabeth,

Why did you buy that 'Hint of a Tint' hair dye. Did  you not for one moment think when you locked yourself in your bathroom whilst your mother was banging on the door that people at school would call you 'Duracell - the battery with the copper coloured top'? You've had a lovely time at middle school - only 120 pupils in a beautiful gothic building but remember - the 'big' school is very different. Stop thinking that the Russians are going to blow us up - they're not, Adam and the Ants are a good band but they wont last, and you really must try not to have a crush on Sebastian Coe - he turns into a tory weirdo. Oh and enjoy your first snog.

xxx

 

 

 

Dear Libby,

Your fashion sense has improved and your hair has settled down - a bit. Frilly collars suit you and your arty pics taken by a friend are very nice. You may want to lay off the cider at parties and lovebites are not cool even if you think they are. Have a bit more repsect for your parents - they're not perfect but they're still your Mum and Dad and one day you may have teenage daughters and karma can bite you on the arse. Oh, and also, you are in your last year of school - revise a bit harder for those 'o' levels. Seriously.

xxx

 

 

Dear Liz,

The blonde looks good so stop messing with it - the plastic earrings don't so you may want to try distressed silver when you're older. Your 'a' levels are important if you want to go to college -  so stop messing about and buckle down. By missing one pill you will not get pregnant, Libya is not going to blow us up ( only aircraft ) and the person with you here will still be your friend in nearly 30 years time.

 

xxx

 

 

 

Dear Liz,

 

EAT for god's sake! You may enjoy being skinny but you will never ever be truly skinny without starving yourself. It's not worth it and when you are 45 you will spend your life trying silly diets but will secretly be happy that you have a bum and boobs! That perm is going to take years to grow out - really - years and years but your taste in earrings is nearly there. Keep going - you're going to be having babies and buying houses soon so you need a bit of meat on those bones.

 

xxx

 

 

Dear Lizzy,

 

ok, so life hasn't been a box of chocolates but you've certainly tucked into a fair few. Embrace yourself as you are here - a few rocky times ahead but you do look happy. Life has its' ups and downs and you are surrounded by funny and lovely people that like you for what you are. Oh and don't have that last glass of wine tonight - you know where it will end.

 

xxx

 

 

Dear Mabes,

 

the two young ladies either side of you will be your pride and joy but also the cause of many a hormone fuelled scrap, a sleepless night and pleny of tears. They are both half of you and you will see things in them of yourself that you like and other bits that you think, 'karma' - as mentioned above. Remember you were a teenager once so cut them a bit of slack and also bear in mind that they will be the ones looking after you when you are old and wrinkly.

 

xxx