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And isn't this the truth!

(102 Posts)
ferry23 Sun 02-Feb-25 11:56:00

I generally ignore silly "meaningful" posts on Fb - but this just popped up again, and for some reason it really resonated with me today. Perhaps I'm feeling particularly old today!

A Message from the Grandmothers Who Rocked the World
Did you ever stop to think that the grandmothers of today were once rebels, rule-breakers, and icons of a generation that changed the world? To the twenty-somethings of today, let us paint you a picture of who we were—and still are at heart.
We were the ones who wore mini skirts so short they turned heads, tight pants that left little to the imagination, and high boots that made every step feel like a statement. Bras? Who needed them when freedom was the fashion?
Our soundtrack was legendary: Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin. These weren’t just artists; they were the heartbeat of our revolution. We didn’t just listen to their music; we lived it—singing, dancing, and feeling every note like it was part of our soul.
We rode in Mini Coopers and sped off on motorcycles that screamed independence. We smoked, we drank gin tonics, and we didn’t apologize for any of it. Muddy music festivals? We didn’t just go; we danced, we laughed, and we lived those moments to the fullest.
Our days were long, not because of endless scrolling on smartphones or binge-watching TV, but because we didn’t have those things—and we didn’t care. We were out there, in the world, creating memories, stories, and adventures that would last a lifetime.
So, no, you’ll never be like your grandmother. And that’s okay. But remember, someone had to tell you: the grandmothers of today were once the wild hearts who paved the way for the world you know.
Rock on, young ones. We already did. 🎸✨

Skydancer Sun 02-Feb-25 15:26:59

My school report read “Skydancer’s interests are not those in the academic field”. A later one said “Rarely present physically. Never present mentally”. But it was such fun. Those were the days. The fashion, the Mods, the fantastic music. And hitchhiking everywhere with no problems. It really was the best time. Now I’m a pillar of the community. 🤗🤗

MissAdventure Sun 02-Feb-25 15:29:47

smile
I should think so!
I love the comments on your report; teachers were inventive with their phraseology in those days.

Wyllow3 Sun 02-Feb-25 15:37:34

Born in 51, and lucky enough to go to uni from rather conventional home - then the world opened out - I was a hippy/alternative person in the 70's, my 20's, yes hitchhiked, stayed in communes, marched for Womens Lib, partied in the long hippy skirts, saw Bob Marley the first time he came to UK, lived in shared houses, cooking for each other, worked in community whole food bakery, lived on next to nothing - and when I settled, jobs to just walk into -we were fortunate to have those choices.

Shinamae Sun 02-Feb-25 15:44:27

Ferry that is fabulous
I was born in 1953 in North Devon left home at 15 to go and work in Plymouth and from there went to Twickenham and got a job as “mothers help” (live in)
Spent quite a bit of time on Eel pie Island when it was inhabited by a lot of hippies, there was the hotel which was derelict and it’s a wonder it hadn’t fallen down around our ears but back then the health and safety was not so stringent as it is now..
It really doesn’t seem like nearly 55 years ago…

MissAdventure Sun 02-Feb-25 15:54:29

I'm envious.
It sounds so idyllic and relaxed.

pascal30 Sun 02-Feb-25 16:02:11

Such free wonderful days. I lived in a big shared flat in Notting Hill Gate and like Bluebelle could find work really easily.. when I needed money.

We often had complete strangers staying and we would put on loud music in the morning and all dance together.. then wander around Kensington High Street especially Biba, and Bus Stop and maybe go off to see bands in the evening. or The Electric Cinema. I also saw The Doors.. Cat Stephens and The Band

It really was a time of love and peace..

Barleyfields Sun 02-Feb-25 16:10:32

The 60s were in many ways the best years of my life. Wonderful times. Wish I had a time machine!

AGAA4 Sun 02-Feb-25 16:25:06

I was born in 1947. I remember I seemed to shock my mum with my mini skirts, black eyeliner and long white boots as well as attitude. I wasn't the prim miss she had hoped for. I loved the Beatles and the Stones and most of those 60s groups.
The final upset for my mum was me wearing jeans with a zip up the front!

kittylester Sun 02-Feb-25 16:32:58

I was born in 1949 and consider myself really privileged to have lived through the 'Swinging 60s'.

It was a time of innovation, daring and wonderful opportunity.

JamesandJon33 Sun 02-Feb-25 16:33:08

Born in 1944, and went to art school in 1960. From a school girl to a beatnik in a few weeks. Brilliant.

NonGrannyMoll Sun 02-Feb-25 16:35:07

And somehow, in everything we did to advance the ideal of equality for women, we managed to resist turning ourselves into "ladettes" (crude female equivalents of everything we detested in the pathetic, inadequate behaviour we saw in so many males...).

Astitchintime Sun 02-Feb-25 16:35:46

Somehow I don't feel quite so old when the grandkids admit to preferring the music from the 60's and 70's........just saying smile

Crossstitchfan Sun 02-Feb-25 16:38:50

Love this!

Crossstitchfan Sun 02-Feb-25 16:41:43

Wyllow3

Born in 51, and lucky enough to go to uni from rather conventional home - then the world opened out - I was a hippy/alternative person in the 70's, my 20's, yes hitchhiked, stayed in communes, marched for Womens Lib, partied in the long hippy skirts, saw Bob Marley the first time he came to UK, lived in shared houses, cooking for each other, worked in community whole food bakery, lived on next to nothing - and when I settled, jobs to just walk into -we were fortunate to have those choices.

Ye gods! I’ve lived a sheltered life! I envy you and others like you who had the guts to live like this at such a young age. I never had the nerve.

Shinamae Sun 02-Feb-25 16:42:04

And…..
No false tan, no hair extensions and no false nails
And certainly no Botox or fillers…😳
We were just naturally awesome….

Barleyfields Sun 02-Feb-25 16:50:01

I did wear false eyelashes though!

Indigo8 Sun 02-Feb-25 16:59:40

I remember going to Eel Pie Island. It was somewhere near Richmond and I travelled up from the East End of London on the Underground. It was a well known music venue then and loads of people played there who later became famous. This would have been the late 60s when I went but I believe it started in the early 60s. The venue was big old hotel.

ferry23 Sun 02-Feb-25 17:12:22

I saved up for a feather boa from Biba but got sidetracked while I was there and bought a pair of grey suede over the knee boots instead.

I think we went on from Kensington to Carnaby Street, and then when we got ultra sophisticated we progressed to South Molton Street, because we read in Honey magazine that Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton went shopping there, but I don't think we could actually afford anything.

And then I saved for AGES for a Jeff Banks blouse with those huge balloon sleeves.

I also distinctly remember getting the bus to Allders in Croydon where I bought pair of TIGHTS - and said goodbye to stockings. I think they were 3s/11d.

Calendargirl Sun 02-Feb-25 17:16:47

Kate1949

Grandmothers

Great legs, no wonder we wore mini skirts!

Slim, lovely hair, no plumped up lips ……

ferry23 Sun 02-Feb-25 17:19:37

And following on from my last post...just looked to see if there's anything on real time TV tonight and now excited as it's Pottery Throwdown and Call the Midwife night.

Says the girl with the knee high boots and Jeff Banks blouse - surely I can't be the same person? grin

LovesBach Sun 02-Feb-25 17:21:43

I was thirteen as the decade began. A quiet and unadventurous soul, with a strict Father, I missed the drugs and many of the parties, but loved the music and the clothes. A young relative found some photos that I had never seen, in a family collection, and remarked with amazement that I was a real 'rock chick', with waist length hair , false eyelashes and Mary Quant clothes. I hardly recognised myself - where did she go? (Shirley Valentine moment!)

Indigo8 Sun 02-Feb-25 17:27:14

I remember going into a shop in either Carnaby Street or Kings Road and trying on some dresses.

They were all too tight around the bust so I asked the (male) assistant if they had any bigger sizes. He replied that they stocked clothes for chicks not cows.grin

I weighed just over seven stone, had 32 inch hips and my "huge" bosom was 34C. It was definitely the era of the skinny body.

Kate1949 Sun 02-Feb-25 17:53:54

I agree kitty and we are the same age!

MissAdventure Sun 02-Feb-25 18:16:23

What jobs did you all have?
They seemed to allow plenty of leisure time in which to be groovy. smile

Wyllow3 Sun 02-Feb-25 18:30:27

70's. Bits and pieces. I didn't want to teach, so I was a van delivery girl, I worked in a factory, worked in the community bakery, I did some community work. But in those days was able to get what mum called (at last) a permanent "proper job" at 30.