Life can be best described for me (thus far), in sporting terms, AS A GAME OF TWO HALVES!!!! A large percentage of them spent, at my parent's house, in Glasgow (pictured above).
Comprehensive details, will follow of my principles, upbringing and experiences, important however, to detail from the outset, regrets are not part of my reflective, deep thinking psyche. My principle aim of my Blog, is to detail, why I believe I am qualified to tackle/discuss, topics mentioned and highlighted in my introduction. I am not intending to create some form of biographical dossier of a life well lived, more so, a precis of important phases and moments experienced, which can be of use to others.
Years 0-10
The first 10 years of my life, were spent at home in Glasgow, enjoying a superbly traditional Scottish upbringing ie warm, communicative, courteous, religiously balanced and informative. My first memories being, of family holidays, to the South Coast of England and, regular trips, at weekends, to easily accessible countryside locations, within a couple of hours of our family home.
Memories of weekly Sunday meals with both sets of grandparents too, my grandfather on my mother's side, a devout Elder of his local parish church, so conversations, rightly on wrongly on his part, revolved around Glasgow life, then identifying whether persons within these stories, were Protestant, Catholic or Jewish in their religious beliefs!!! Did it really matter!!!!! Naturally, growing up as child in Glasgow, can bring particular religious challenges, an accepted way of finding out one's religion, by asking what particular school a boy or girl attended ie which then determined whether the individual concerned, wen't to a solely Protestant or Catholic school. Very sad..... West of Scotland bigotry is well documented, perhaps my grandfather (innocent though he was) was a typical example of how, habitual, ingrained behaviour, can affect generational open mindedness. There is so much work to do still back home by the Scottish Government.
Fond memories, by comparison, to today's breakdown of general community values and, wider family interaction. One particular Easter Sunday, I recall our piano having in excess of 18 large Easter eggs, crammed on display, given, by aunts, uncles and close relatives!!!! Of course demographics and natural wasteage, impacted on that piano, over my teenage years!!!! Facts are though, without doubt, there is also a general breakdown in core family inclination, where generosity and warmth are concerned, especially so, here in the UK.
First ten years, looking back, I classify as setting the scene. Mum and dad, exemplary in their parental execution. Certainly, absolutely no indication at this stage, that teenage years, would prove totally euphoric for yours truly, but testing and ultimately life changing, for my dear younger brother.
Very complex to look back on those early years, our family Summer holidays were, bright shining lights in our life. Vivid images in my mind of laughter, sun tan lotion being rubbed whether you liked it or not, along with collective bond, which, sad to say, that started to erode in teenage years, through a combination of circumstance and diversity of interest.
Ayr, Oban, St Andrews and Eastbourne in particular, places that offered our happiest moments. Important to mention though, comical traumatic orders, given to us, by mum, ordered to wear those horrendous brown plastic sandals (to protect our feet), during summer holidays, which were like walking in wheel clamps!!! Despite claiming to be of benefit to bathers, all they did, was offer a toe section, that looked like a lobster pot ie so small crabs readily found themselves, located at the forefront of your footwear, looking for safe haven!!!!
One thing for sure, during those younger innocent years, I, as the older brother, was far more competitive and active, than my brother Alan. Knowing what I know now, I think this aspect might have been the start of his personal, long standing battle with self esteem and appearance.
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