Visiting a vintage rally recently reminded me why I love history - and particularly historical fiction. There was an air of nostalgia amongst the polished, painted and perfected motors of the past that evoked a real sense of life in post-war Britain.
Have you ever wondered why some people hang on to relics of the past, nurturing them like small children, trying to keep themselves, as well as their possessions, forever young? It's because we don't want to grow old. Twenty-something are now having botox, thirty-year-olds worry about finding a suitable man to father their children, whilst older women are busy telling everyone that 'fifty is the new forty.'
Meanwhile, we all watch as the world changes, wondering what to expect next. Floods in summer, sunshine instead of snow, seem to have become the norm. Maybe we'll all need to build a Noah's ark, or at least have a van-cum-canoe on the drive. But for now we can wallow in the past - and still look forward to the future.
Meanwhile, we all watch as the world changes, wondering what to expect next. Floods in summer, sunshine instead of snow, seem to have become the norm. Maybe we'll all need to build a Noah's ark, or at least have a van-cum-canoe on the drive. But for now we can wallow in the past - and still look forward to the future.
7 comments:
I'm sure the 'van cum bus' with a very unusual appendage was very innovative in its day! Not only does the era about which you write remind us that we are all growing old, that particular vehicle makes me realise that the owner wouldn't get away with that design now. You see, another sign of the times is our our nanny state nation. Mr Health & Safety wouldn't allow such a contraption to take to the roads these days - what a pity. However, thankfully we can still enjoy our memories, and just as importantly, make some for future generations.
What a pity, indeed, Elaine. I was rather hoping that the Government would insist we all had one as standard issue - then we wouldn't have to worry about the rain...
Hello Guernsey Girl - I'm a fellow writer with a Guernsey background - family lived there until the war, mother from L'Islet, relatives all round the north and west coats. Look me up on my website, or on Authors Electric, where I have a post going up tomorrow. I've written many novels over the years, but it's only now that I'm working on the one I've always wanted to write, which has a Guernsey background.
Last year I was over there at the same time as their literary festival. Have you ever been to it? And do you go back? Where is your family from? Do get in touch.
I always did love cars, they just had such more style :)
After the flooding we had around the village last week, I'm considering getting one of those "frog" buses they have in London (drives around the road and then goes straight into the river and turns into a boat).
I agree - old cars did have much more style. But, as I collect frogs, a frog bus might solve all my problems...
Really enjoyed this very well written post. Found the picture of the canoe fascinating. I really loved the bit about fifty years old ladies saying 50 was the new 40. That is so true.
Post a Comment