Hi, Steemit family.
Pete Townsend, the lead guitarist of the iconic rock band "The Who," wrote Talkin' 'bout my Generation on a train ride from London to Southampton on May 19, 1965 – his 20th birthday.
The song encapsulated the angst of being a British teenager known as a “Mod.” 'My Generation' was much about trying to find a place in the society. It expressed the feeling that the older people just don't get.
Fifty-two years later that generation is now known as Baby Boomers. We are still rocking, expressing our feelings, becoming creative genius, flourishing in our sixties, seventies and some into their eighties. Then why are some people, companies, and government still trying to put us down?
I lived in England in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Back then, it was a great time to be young. You never really thought about getting old since your parents had suffered the great depression and the years of war with little money for luxuries. Our generation had new music, new fashion and more disposable income than ever before – and was looking for ways to spend it.
I am one of those 'My Generation’ travelling the road of least resistance while using the few gray dollars I have to find a happy place in life.
The biggest misconception is that we are different from the young people in a significant way. Though our hair and dollars maybe gray we are not different. Some of our heroes and villains have passed on, bringing home our own mortality. But then, it also helps you look back and understand that you still have a lot to offer, learn and share. You see some of this gray generation do get it!
I left school at the age of 15 and went to work in a shoe factory around the corner of the famous Dr Martens boot company. This little rural village, deep in the heart of the English countryside, had a lot going for it. The local pub was run by a larger than life landlord called Big Bob. He hosted some of the biggest bands of the time and had radio one DJ's every week. The Friday John Peel night was a massive hit; Free played their first gig there. Wishbone Ash, Yes, Medicine Head, Status Quo, Uriah Heep, Slade and Rod Stewart and the Faces, just to mention a few performed at the pub. It's funny how years later, I would cross paths with Mr Stewart again. Of course, that's another story for another time.
“No such word as “can’t” with my mother's words ringing in my ears. I moved to London to expand my horizons. I found work and a flat just off Portobello road and enjoyed London life. Then I had the opportunity to live in Tokyo, where I immersed myself in the culture for a few years. Later, I headed to Los Angeles where I put down roots for twenty-two years.
As a child, I fell in love with old Hollywood movies and had a vast collection of movie books. When I found myself in LA and meeting many of the stars I had read about while growing up, I was surprised how friendly and approachable they were. In those days, there weren't paparazzi stalking them. So, I have fond memories of some of the Hollywood greats like Dean Martin, Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner.
On my return to Europe, I wanted to find a project and a home where I can live mortgage-free and enjoy a small community again. I discovered this in rural France, where I have already restored a little cottage and now working on a larger one.
I enjoy interior design, history, culture and the French countryside. Learning new things and passing on the knowledge to others is what I love.
Thank you for reading my introduction, looking forward to sharing and learning.
