I can remember a time, before all this. Back around ‘87/’88.

I woke up this morning and there wasn’t any of the usual adult thoughts of “ah, another early morning”. I simply opened my eyes, saw a beautiful blue sky, and wanted to be out in it, even though it was 7:20am.

I was immediately reminded of when my mum and I used to go christmas shopping [at any time of the year], we’d go down to the bus stop and catch an early morning bus into Southampton. I can distinctly remember how the world looked through those bus windows, bright and inviting.

We’d end up in town, start off the morning with a cup of tea in a small cafe somewhere and then get to work, shopping, mum would buy something nice for herself, usually a new pair of sandals or a new jumper or something, and I’d usually end up with a cool little toy from somewhere… then we’d spend a minimum of three hours just going round different places getting small things for people.

Early morning shopping in town… I haven’t done it in about 15 years. Christ.

But yeah, that’s how I felt this morning, none of the usual “shit, what do I have to worry about today…?”, it was replaced by a content and even childlike feeling as I remembered how easy the days used to be.

Mum can’t really get in to town these days, it’s a bit busy for her and she hates being inside the shopping centre/mall… but I’ve got some time off coming up… I’ll try talk her into going early morning shopping with me and sis for ol’ time’s sake