There is a lot of time for introspection right now, looking at old photos and wondering about things like - Am I still the same person I was 50 years ago? That was 1970 and I had turned 13. I had learned to play the guitar, as several of my classmates did, and it became an important thing in my life to do. It has become much less so now, sadly, but I do take my current guitar out occasionally. No callouses; I should play more often. The folk and folk rock songs of the time were my staple. I still love them.
What other threads of my youth can I bring up through the years? I became craftsy in the '60's and '70's, crocheting and knitting especially. I still do those. I just finished a blanket composed of different colored knitted squares, crocheted together and with a crocheted border. I plan to line one side with cotton flannel, hand-sewn on. So, yeah that thread continues.
My family went on road trips almost every summer, to either a beach or the mountains, the less touristy the better. I got a lot of exposure to nature and archaeology. I remember Ranger talks fondly. That primed me for the ecology movement of the '70's, and yes, that is still me. The road trip vacations have continued in my own family and are some of my favorite memorable times.
I had a little camera from about age 6 or 7, and I took a lot of pictures, and liked making scrapbooks. I have not outgrown that. I just got caught up putting all our pre-digital photos in albums. Our checking account should experience some relief now.
I got into "natural" foods in the '70's, a trend that continued well into my adult years and continues to be improved upon as I learn more about the story behind how food is grown and produced. Sustainability is an ideal I strive for, though not always consistently. So there's another thread.
Books, books, books. My mother and father both loved books and there were always good story books in our house and regular trips to the public library especially in the summer. I went crazy for children's books for my own children, and we spent many happy hours at our local library and book stores. I haven't skipped a beat there.
During this time opportunities were opening up to women like never before. In my family, I was encouraged in my education as much as my brothers were. There was no chauvinism there. I tried out many different careers, adventures, ambitions in my own mind, but nothing stood out strongly. I had many interests, hobbies, loved learning, but career? I wanted romance and family. I felt down on myself often because I did not know where I would fit in occupationally. Thankfully, my parents nudged me towards taking some computer science courses. Otherwise, I might have majored in Philosophy, which I loved, and lived with them indefinitely. I don't think any of us wanted that.
Much of my volunteer work has also been office-related, and I have come to realize that I like that environment. It was where I once worked, and I hope to get back to it post-pandemic, at least on a volunteer basis.
Music, crafts, nature, photography, books, gardening, dogs, walks, swimming, camping, movies, bread baking, whole foods cooking, journaling, computer technology, babies, and daydreaming. All threads of me. I suspect many people my age can relate. This is not a second childhood. It is a forced opportunity to remember and influence the future.
How will I remember this particular time, I wonder?
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