This image was taken on the beach by my dad – probably Bournemouth, with the family box Brownie. Like my memories from the time, it is aptly out of focus. I remember the feel of the jersey bib shorts, the bucket which was soft rubber and a vague sense of my mother’s touch. It is probably 1954.
The relationship was not always close, especially in my teenage years. Prone to be judgemental, I wonder what my mother would have made of my elevation to ‘celebrity’, the star of a podcast. He/she has got too big for his/her own boots; it is sure to end in tears; he/she likes the sound of his/her own voice. Well, actually mum, I am not sure I do – there is too much the hint of nowhere man and middle England. It betrays a sense of not really belonging anywhere and it doesn’t go down well in all quarters. All that apart, I am also not sure she would have entirely seen the funny side of publicising our strained relationship. I am sad she is no longer around to pass judgement – we are not amused, or just maybe, we are.
northumbrian : light 
Robin, I like your comparison between the slightly out-of-focus photo and your memories. It’s so apt. As for what your mom might think, you may be right but she might have surprised you. Parents sometimes do that. 😉
janet
I think you are right, Janet – my dear mum was always a constant source of invention and surprise 🙂
Congratulations on the podcast, Robin. May you inspire many to go wild. 😎
Thanks Julie – I am more concerned that they should be inspired to buy some books 😀
Hope you are keeping ok – how is the book publication progressing?
All the best
R
I think we all have at least one of those blurred but memorable pictures hidden away somewhere in a box. As time passes they gain more meaning especially once those loved one are no longer with us.
Indeed they do – I wonder if the ubiquity of modern family photos/videos will somehow dilute their power.
Somehow I think they will. What worries me is that people (me included) now use online storage rather than physical albums; what will happen to those once we pass on and they are not accessible or maintained. Lots of memories will sadly be lost forever.