The way you were raised...

I spent much of the weekend thinking of myself as a parent. Reflecting on how and why I did things, what was important to me and how I tried to guide and influence my daughter, in ways I thought were best for her.

That's a difficult job when - amongst it all - I wanted to share as much love, life and laughter with her as I could.

But today I've been thinking of me as just me. Where did I come from, how was I brought up, what did my parents give me that shaped me....?

My blip is one of the remnants of a town, steeped in work connected to the river. As is my family. This magnificent piece of shipbuilding equipment was operated by my uncle. Every time I pass it, I think of him. My grandfather - long since an Australian citizen - was a foreman plumber and helped build the very last ship that was launched from his yard on the Clyde. My cousin is one of the current Captains of the Waverley - one of the last paddle steamers in operation and a wonderful part of our heritage.

I have a fondness for the river that must be part of my DNA. And I can see some of my parents in the adult that I've become.

Some, but not all. I wonder if, as families, we too evolve. The parts of my childhood and adolescence that I would rather forget, I've tried my hardest not to repeat with my own child. I know I'm quite different, in many ways, from what's expected of me and sometimes I find myself justifying my position, my beliefs and my values.

But I've finally found the courage to be who I believe I should be. Mostly..

Admiral Fallow say it much better than me..

Today ourof10? An evolving 8.6 ❤️