I know you've been thinking 'Where the hell is Charley?', but I've been a busy little bee recently. Between getting paint on myself more than the walls, knocking down parts of the house and working in the pub, I've not really found the time to write anything which has lead me to being completely lost in the blogging world. I've been through so much in the last few months, so I should have lots to write about but stringing a coherent sentence together has felt like the most impossible of tasks.
Finally, a little inspiration has been thrown my way. A series of 'Throwbacks'. While searching for my NI number, Danny and I came across photos of him and his brother when they were children. I don't know about you, but nothing makes me happier than to reminisce looking through photos. Most of the time I wonder what the hell my parents were thinking putting me in those clothes, but thats the 90's for you, I suppose; a wonderful array of tie-dye, braids, too much denim and dungarees.
This week, I'm going to show you a few photos from my youngest years.
Baby Charley | Young Charley & Nanny P | Older Baby Charley
Back in the day, when technology wasn't as advanced as it is now, everything was recorded via camcorder, a fancy mashup of a camera and a recorder, something that I doubt people born any time after 2000 will know of. I remember being sat in the living room at Christmas, rummaging through the mounds of presents under the tree to find the ones that belonged to me. My dad would grab his huge camera and film us opening our presents. My parents have a video somewhere of me opening a gift, getting cellotape stuck to my finger and I couldn't get it off at all. They joked that they would send it in to You've Been Framed, though the £250 would be lovely.
Little Beth, Little Charley, Baby Dan | Cool Charley
The first picture is of my friend from school, me and my brother. The garden in our old house backed onto a lane where all the garages were, but to us it was a playground. Many a time have there been waterfights, arguements and blood. Dan managed to cut his head open after falling off his bike, I took him up to see mum in the house and she placed her hand on his head to rub it better and sent him on his way, little did she know that her hand was covered in blood. Needless to say, she screamed at us both and took him straight to hospital.
I have so many incredible memories of my childhood, being able to just look at an old photo and be transported back to that memory is amazing. Especially now, as I've moved away from home and get homesick from time to time, looking through these images has made me feel at peace. It's so easy to get caught up in your life now, that you never look back at what you've done, what you've been through. I highly recommend searching for some old photos if you have the time. You never know what memory you'll come across, but be warned, you might not ever forgive your parents for their style choices.
Note To Charley: Don't ever forget where you've come from. Remind yourself of what you've been through and be thankful that you are where you are today.
