This post is part of a weekly series of 'link-up' Posts which reflect on life's journey, old memories and family nostalgia (see below for more info).
I noticed last week that the Girl Guide movement in the US were celebrating their 100th anniversary. Awesome. And then I remembered that I had IT.
I rummaged around my closet and found the hat. Then, a search was initiated for the shirt. Ransacked and spent, I emerged from the debris triumphant.
What next transpired gave me one of the best giggles I've had for some months.
For some unknown reason (all the more insane given the fact that I have not held the schoolgirl curves which I had at the age of 15 for some decades) I decided to try it on. Let's just say that it was more than a little snug.
I was caught in the act by my five-year-old son who immediately piped up, "Mom! Were you in the Army?!!" His reason for thinking thus was due, in no small part, to the fact that I was, at the moment he entered the room, taking a photograph of myself mid-'DibDibDob' salute. Em. Barrassing...
I decided to embrace the situation and a mini photoshoot followed, featuring me and my over-stretched buttons, mothballed hat, and small child, in various positions, attempting to find the
best angle to display my impressive arm full of badges.
I did find myself thinking that this ridiculous display of stupidity may have had something to do with the reason I never actually made it to Queen's Guide. That, and the fact that no 16-year-old girl in the mid 80s could possibly 'pull' a member of Duran Duran wearing a semi-military uniform and comfy shoes.
I promised, once upon a day, that I would do my best, do my duty to God and to the Queen, help other people and keep the Girl Guide Law. (I haven't even had to Google that - it's indelibly etched on my brain). I have tried to do my best in many things. I have failed miserably with God and her Majestical Majesty, and I can't even remember what the Girl Guide Law is. But I did keep Old Blue, and its memories are a valued part of my family stories to pass on to the next generation. You can see the appalling photos here...
I was also a Brownie. I think I peaked at the age of eight, as Sixer of the Pixies. Nuff said.
NOW, what are your memories of the Girl Guide movement?Join in and share!
Other posts in this series:-
Week 1 - My earliest baby photo
Week 2 - Old School Portrait
Week 3 - Earliest Writings
Week 4 - Bestest Friends
Week 5 - Teenage Crushes
Week 6 - First Movie Memories
Week 7 - The Song You Snogged Your Hand To
Week 8 - Homage to Grandparents
Week 9 - Favourite Childhood Books
Week 10 - Tying the Knot (again)