Helen, my pamperer-beautician welcomed me back with open arms, wax, oils, potions and lotions at the ready. Sinking onto her couch. snuggling down under thick, fluffy towels, lulled by softly indeterminate music, I gave myself over to bliss!
We hadn’t seen each other for months, we had a lot to catch up on. Not exactly the ideal way to spend an hour’s facial treatment, but we are fond of each other. Helen sees me as something like an auntie, or maybe a mum substitute and I am very happy for her to open up to me, and I have sometimes got a blog post out of her.
This time she had a tale about her two boys. Her flamboyant daughter is a budding actress and singer, gone off to find fame and fortune. The boys are fourteen and eighteen, and live at home. Lately, Bryn, the fourteen year old, has been walking around with his chin scraping the floor. His girlfriend just finished with him. Her mum doesn’t allow her to go out on weekdays; as they also live more than 10 miles apart and go to different schools, young love does not have an easy ride. Bryn is heartbroken. Helen is sympathetic, “I am sorry it’s not working out,” she said, “but what can be done?" Thinking she’d cheer him up by offering him a present she said: " What can I do to make you feel better?”, expecting him to ask for some digital gadget, money for an outing or a new pair of trainers; Bryn’s reply was: “Mum, could you have me transferred to my girlfriend’s school?” At fourteen true love runs deep!
Now, Liam, the other boy, at eighteen, has no girlfriend and has never had one. With Bryn’s despondency on her mind she got hold of Liam at a quiet moment. “Poor Bryn,” she started out, “he’s got it bad. What about you? Isn’t it time you told me about your girlfriend/s?”
“Me mum? What would I do with girlfriends? I don’t want a girlfriend. She’d only get in the way for rugby or football. Besides, my mates wouldn’t like me mooning after some girl, when we’re out clubbing.” (I always thought the point of going out clubbing [known as dancing in my time] was to get closer to the opposite sex?) Apparently, Liam is a keen party animal and an even greater sports fanatic, belonging to a number of clubs and frequently playing at away matches and competitions. It seems that neither activity has so far brought him into contact with a suitable love object. I wonder what will happen when he finally does fall?
Come to think of it, their sister, the actress, is still gloriously unencumbered at twenty one. What is wrong with the little one? Perhaps he got the other two’s share of romantic muscle?
I always enjoy these glimpses of life in your corner of the world, Friko. So glad you were able to take advantage of some time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteGut gemacht, Friko, lass' Dich verwöhnen, Du hast es verdient!
ReplyDeleteI like Liam's reasonable point of view... and guess one day a young (or not so young) lady will turn up and turn his head and heart. For now, it's so much easier for him to pursue his sporty and other interests without worrying about a girl in his life. Same goes for the young actress; her mind and body are free to focus on her quest for fame and fortune. Won't last forever, probably, but it is good to make the most of it while it lasts.
The very best part of this post is the beginning, where you so offhandedly mention being out and about, and being pampered. I suspect that was as delightful as any tale you heard -- probably moreso!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to hear of young ones who have real-world interests, whether in sports or the arts. That ability to focus on something other than themselves will make them far more attractive to interesting people in the future. In the meantime, they seem to be having a good bit of fun. Here's to more fun for you and beloved, too!
You had me when you mentioned the pampering. I'm not so big on the facials, but I do regularly schedule a massage with the best massage person in the world. If she goes on to bigger and better things or her hands give out, I will be very sad.
ReplyDeleteI too get a regular massage and simply adore my therapist. But we don't talk much at all, since that would mean part of the time when she would be ministering to me, she'd be talking! I sure enjoyed this look into Helen's life, though. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am so delighted you finally got pampered and that I read the word "Bliss!" Long overdue, greatly deserved!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking the older two are so busy having their lives that either they will fall hard when it happens or at least be individuals who have a life outside "the other," which I think is hugely healthy. Little Bryn will discover that his heart will break now and then but if he has the fun or passions (whatever they may be) close to the intensity of his siblings, he will heal and have a darned good time till he falls again!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful slice of life for your world. It makes me smile!
Hi Friko - yes ... so pleased you had some time by yourself and enjoyed all the pampering ... so easy to enjoy and then to decide a few extra hours would be great and a sleep?! But must have made such a difference for you.
ReplyDeleteFunny old stories ... they two older kids have one big advantage they're off doing what they want with a passion and apparently with few distractions. Hope Bryn will settle down easily for Helen's sake ...
Lovely to read the stories ... cheers Hilary
It's amazing how different kids in the same family can be. Life wouldn't be very interesting if we were all the same. Sounds like you had a wonderful relaxing time. You needed that! I hope you get back sooner next time. :):)
ReplyDeletekids aren't so keen to find love and a partner these days. when I was growing up, love and early marriage was just about the only path allowed girls. my children, while they were still interested in the opposite sex never went on a car date with a boy/girlfriend. they would go on group outings with their friends. My grandchildren are even further removed. my 18 year old grandson has never been on a date, group or otherwise. my 17 year old granddaughters are too busy with making good grades and doing volunteer work and working at their job to have time to be bothered with boys. they are all stupid anyway, they say. they also have never been on a date, group or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest grandson at 13 has admitted an interest in girls but is busy participating in football, martial arts and his school's wrestling team. And I am glad for delay in the girl-boy relationship arena. Enjoyed your post and the conversations it sparked. It also makes me consider scheduling some pamper time for myself!
ReplyDeleteWhat is that pink frothy bush - meadow rue? Luckily, my Grands are still too young, though at 12, I guess love will soon make an appearance.
ReplyDeleteI knew boys like Liam when I was a young woman. I got involved with one for a short time. I knew his sports and mates were more important than me. I moved on. Boys like that seldom grow up and will never change.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you got some time for yourself. It is glorious, isn't it?
Lovely to be able to switch off for an hour or two and relax
ReplyDelete.
Perhaps young Bryn and his girlfriend will be like my parents-in-law and celebrate their 60th. wedding anniversary . Father-in-law always said , "The minute I saw her , I knew I'd marry her ."
It is utter delight to see this post on so many levels. Pamper yourself, that's the ticket, and so well earned!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had some pampering - AND got a post out of it!
ReplyDeleteALOHA
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=
I thought of my brother, who said similar , who at 25yo met someone really for the first time - and got married now with two teens, a staid old couple.
ReplyDeleteI thought of myself at that age, I said the same things - which as 'code' for I'm gay but too timid to tell you that.
Eh, bottom line is not to be worried about Liam as he sounds content.
Well now I feel like I know Helen's family. You always draw me in with your writing, Friko. You make the typed word come to life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words on my recent post. I agree with what you said about there being a lot of kindness out here in the blogging community. Some people are just wonderful.. and you are certainly among them. Thanks for that.
We worry if our children are 'too' involved with love interests and we worry if they aren't. Ah, the human condition.
ReplyDeleteYoung love is a powerful thing.
ReplyDeleteMaybe her other son isn't actually interested in girls?
Complete spectrum of love in the young. Glad you had the pampering, you needed a day like that :)
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Goodness, it's like your own personal soap opera. Your post reminded how much I used to love being pampered. Good to see you up and out and about. Me next?
ReplyDeleteNothing like an hour of pampering. I prefer whole bodt massage rather than facials. Ans chatting with sue is alo a delight. She has only onr daughter who has opted for a tattooing career as has my own. It's becoming more mainstrean than ever! And the good ones need to be excellent artists first.
ReplyDeleteLove that you are more upbeat:)
Pampering and story telling seem to go well together.
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