In my youth I always wished for longer legs.
(As if miraculously they would just lengthen overnight!) I felt quite certain that if I had longer legs I would be much happier. Looking back through the years I realize how silly that was. But as a young teenage girl I always felt inadequate because of my short legs. I don't think it helped my self esteem that my Mom always told me I had football legs! I know that this is random. It's not even a shocking revelation of my youth or even fascinating but it is a memory that I have. Brought back today after trying on summer wear at the mall today! Lately I feel the need to write my life. To pen the feelings and memories before they escape me completely. How I wish with all my heart that I had a book of stories from my parents, a personal memoir of their lives. Memories fade and the stories of our lives become tough to recall. Just today my daughter asked me the question "Mom, do you remember when?" For the life of me I could not place that memory that she recalled so vividly. Many times I have started a journal only to tuck in in a drawer incomplete ... soon forgotton. I hope to do better. We all have a story to tell and no matter how silly or unexciting- someday our children will want to read them!
I found these pictures of days long gone by when I wore shorty shorts at cheerleading camp. My Mom was right- I did have football legs! I am the third one down from the top.
(Me on the bottom trying to fake the splits!)
About my legs.
I still wish I had longer legs. I am always looking for that miracle pill! After complainging to one of my friends about my short legs she told me that I didn't make that pact with the devil- she told me I must have stood in line for the hair. Dangit what was I thinking, I want those long legs!
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Lorraine you make me laugh! Those are sexy legs girl! My mom is 5 feet tall on a good day and her secret wish is that in the eternities she can be a big, giant black man! When I asked her why she said. When I walk down the street no one notices me--I would love to have physical presence.... whatever mom.
Posted by: Amanda Elton | May 05, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Lorraine, you look beautiful in those photos! Girl, we have got to love the legs that God has given us. I have always hated my big legs. My oldest daughter has super long legs and I do envy her a little bit, but she also has huge feet whereas I have small feet :) Now, I'm trying more to think of the positives and work on the things that I can change. p.s. love that you are making an effort to write your memories down
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | May 05, 2011 at 05:49 AM
..and we all want your beautiful hair!!!!!!
Over this last year I have asked my Mom different questions about her life before her daughters. Who knew she spent a whole summer in highschool years barefoot? I have found out the most fun information or just information that mattered. So I appreciate that you are writing your memories down. One day it will mean so much!!!!
Happy, beautiful day to you sweet Lorraine!
Posted by: kristin | May 04, 2011 at 08:17 AM
you couldn't be any more adorable than you already are. I love the pictures, they are classic. Please please show us your fake splits at our next art group......
Posted by: Candice Elton | May 03, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Just think of
where those lovely
legs have taken you,
my friend....and
where you will still
travel together : )
Strong and beautiful
and so willing to
take you where you
need to go! I'd call
that very lucky, indeed!
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Privet and Holly | May 02, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Dont we always want what others have? Hey, I guess we should be happy that we stood in a line and got somethin', right?? :) Everyone always gives me lovely comments about my long straight hair and all I ever wanted was CURLS! It takes awhile to appreciate what god gave us...
Love these lil snippets of memories. I must do the same too - cuz come on, our memories are fadin and our legs aint get any longer.....
:)
XOX
Posted by: Lolo | May 02, 2011 at 09:07 AM
love your post today my friend...love your idea of writing down your memories! I always wanted thick hair...mine is so fine..trade you!
Hugs. xoxoxoxoo
Posted by: koralee | May 02, 2011 at 07:21 AM
Okay! That post made me laugh. I DID have the long legs. Being 5'10" wasn't the dream it should have been. I towered over everyone in jr.hi.( Red hair, white irish-influenced skin & freckles). I've finally owned my tallness and love it but it was quite a journey getting here. (And I DO wear heels regardless of how tall they make me! lol) Having four daughters, I try to show them all the ways they are beautiful - their bodies being just a part of that total beauty. Everyone has a way that they uniquely shine. Hey! Having great hair is something to embrace, too, Lorraine.
Posted by: Marcia | May 01, 2011 at 05:34 PM
You are so funny!!! I also wish I had a journal of all the funny things my Mom said and told me as she was someone who could make me laugh at the most simplest of things. I always liked my height until my two kids passed me up by way too many inches!!! My husband is 6'9" my son 6' 4" and my Lulu is 5'!0 with very long legs and I now feel like I am shrinking everyday, I am 5' 51/2" but PROUD OF IT! and I think your legs are great, even in a half split lol!
Posted by: Sandra Lee | May 01, 2011 at 07:18 AM
Oh dearest, you are wonderful, short or long gammes!!!! As a dancer, I had perfect legs. As a model, TOO SHORT! All things are relative, that is for sure. As a model, I was too short. As a dancer, PERFECT HEIGHT! SHEESH! You just can't please everyone! But we can make the difference in how we create. Write on.....change the world around you!!!! Anita
Posted by: anita rivera | May 01, 2011 at 05:00 AM
I am the same - a great starter of journals but not so flash at completing them. You have motivated me to try again!
Posted by: Michele from Pipi La La | May 01, 2011 at 12:32 AM
Hi Lorraine,
Love it that you are writing your memories down and will be wonderful for your children and grandchildren to learn more about you.
I enjoyed seeing your cheerleading camp photographs and you look beautiful just the way you are.
Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn | April 30, 2011 at 08:50 PM
My daughter got those long legs! She looks like that first photo...well her legs and thin body. I like that you are writing in journal form. I have kept journals since H.S and I know my children and grandchildren will enjoy reading them one day. I still keep them, but find I don't write in them as often now that I blog. I was just thinking about my Great Grandma while in the shower this morning...I was thinking I need to share about her in a post someday. I will look forward to reading more of your memories and thoughts. BTW I think your legs are a perfect size. If they were longer you would be tall rather than petite. You are so beautiful just the way you are. ox
Posted by: kerrie | April 30, 2011 at 09:37 AM
I wanted longer legs too...I was such a chubby little girl, I was told I could pull a plow! And once my mom told me I couldn't wear shorts because my knees were too big! Your legs look just like all the other girls here and you are beautiful! ;D
Posted by: Julie Harward | April 30, 2011 at 09:06 AM
I always wanted the thick long hair! but I guess someone else got it---. Write down your memories as they come to you, your daughter will someday love it. I know that some things just pop into my mind unaware be always ready you never know when the memory will come.
Posted by: lilylovekin | April 30, 2011 at 07:28 AM