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Julie Dee's avatar

I’m not really sure what you’d call this. if I’d call it a story, musing, what. It tells a small story but from a sense of looking back from now. Like a reflection. Fuck knows. That’s why I dislike categories 😂

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Rachel Mardle's avatar

Wonderful. I particularly loved the analogy with the dying fire, right on point (as always!). I don't often look back as I tend to think 'it's not the direction you are travelling in Rachel - you are going forward my love!' but when I do I can see myself prodding that fire to try to re-kindle it only to watch it die out anyway! :)

Re: looking back, I love a quote from Bridget Jones 'must not keep making the same old mistakes... must forge ahead and make new ones' :D

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Julie Dee's avatar

Ta. X

Ha that’s a great quote. Love a bit of Bridget!

I did find myself getting slightly teary eyed over the brief Gallagher hug, saddo that I am😂

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Rachel Mardle's avatar

lol, ah hugging a hero! Good that it is a happy memory x

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Julie Dee's avatar

No - I mean those two last night on the stage. I’ve been reading too much ‘News’ clearly 😂😂

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Rachel Mardle's avatar

ah! I missed that one by a mile!

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Christian Thompson's avatar

I love these vignettes from your youth. They seem so relatable but I hope that’s not just for people of a certain age - I like to think the younger readers too might share the same sense of possibility, like a blossoming exploration behind the boundaries of childhood, which might well contain moments that drag us kicking and screaming into adulthood, but we choose to take that risk rather than being powerless. It does seem that young people have less agency these days and it seems a shame.

It made me go back and reread “Falling for Texas” and also “Flying Through the Air” (the one about the chance encounter with a skateboarder in London).

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Julie Dee's avatar

Thank you. Both of those are nice memories for me but the skateboarder one because I love those little mini romances that never had chance to go pear shaped because you didn’t try to take it elsewhere. There’s definitely a lesson there. Sometimes it’s good to end something on a high.

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Deborah T. Hewitt's avatar

This reads like a scene out of a movie! You're such a great writer Julie -- and, of course, the music. I love how you tied the music all into it with such meaning. ox

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Julie Dee's avatar

Thank you, lovely x

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Bettina's avatar

It will always be Ringway to me 🙃

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Julie Dee's avatar

That’s what she says “I’m not going to suddenly start calling it something different when that’s what I’ve always known it as”😂😂

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Bettina's avatar

Exactly! I lived much of my youth in that part of Cheshire / Manchester and it was always Ringway Airport. That comment brought back memories for me, living far away as I do, and knowing no-one now who would use that name. Thanks for that!

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SGH's avatar

Another lovely though provoking article Julie. Oasis were a favourite of eldest son at that time, so I'm familiar with the songs!

I have memories with the song "I'm not in love" 10cc, way back in 1975, and hearing it immediately takes me back.

Love the photo. Thank you for your lovely stories and reflections xx

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Julie Dee's avatar

So many songs evoke memories for me. There are some I just can’t play, they’re too much. So much water gone under the bridge that this one feels very neutralised now.

The song you mention is a classic isn’t it? Can’t beat a bit of 10cc.

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Sue Crampton's avatar

Enjoyed this.Very poetic and descriptive without over sentimentality.I had a similar experience but with a different outcome unfortunately. Wonder if it was because I am older and the expectations and potential for women were still along rather rigid lines? Anyway thanks lot.

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Julie Dee's avatar

Thank you.

Well this particular situation had a lot of to-ing and fro-ing for many years . Both good and bad memories.

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M H's avatar

Yes songs bring people who were in your life back, Then was always looking for love from the wrong person .l like your story Julie it was interesting and innocent and you don't settle for,a partner just to have someone.You are your own person.I get that .My song is "No Woman No Cry" Bob Marley.Good memory there.Julie thanks for your memory 😊x.

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Julie Dee's avatar

Thank you.

Oh there are songs I just can’t listen to. This particular situation is so, so far in the way back machine for me that it doesn’t bother me in any way.

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Trudi Nicola's avatar

I love this and the photo of you, Julie! You are still flying.❤️

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Julie Dee's avatar

Well sometimes I’m more hovering 😂😂

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Trudi Nicola's avatar

That’ll do!😆

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