Hi, this is my first blog, so be gentle with me!
My name is Karen and I live in the South of England, I’m married with 3 children, 6 grandchildren , 2 dogs and 14 guinea pigs! Yes, 14 guinea pigs ( I rescue them)
The reason I’ve chosen to title my blog, The School of Hard Knocks, is simply because I feel so often through people I meet that if you come from a less than affluent background your chances in life may be less than that of someone who does. In truth I have probably wondered that myself from time to time, as I myself came from the school of hard knocks.
I grew up on a council estate which to say had a bad reputation would be sugar-coating it, although by todays standards there are far worse places. If I’m honest I could have done better at school, I certainly had the ability, but unfortunately the encouragement was not forthcoming. Despite having wonderful, decent, hardworking parents the emphasis back in the 70’s was to start work the moment you left school. Unlike today jobs for under achievers like me where plentiful. I started working in a local factory, within days of leaving school. I have always worked hard, however I was determined to have a better life than many of the people I grew up with. I didn’t want the drunken husband that came home and blacked my eyes or spent all our money on the horses! My mum was a huge influence in my life as was my dad. I remember something she said to me when I was about 13 after I’d told her that a girl at schools mother had told her not to be my friend because where I lived they were all thugs and generally bad people. My mum instantly said, ‘let this shallow lady think whatever she likes, but just remember never to prove her right”.It was the best advice I could ever have been given, and I know mum and dad were proud of the fact that I never got into trouble with the police, despite having friends who did.
Do I think that where I lived and the people around me has made me the person I am today? I like to think yes. Do I think we make our own destinies? Yes I do. Would I want to change anything? No I would not. But would i want to go back? No I wouldn’t!
I feel blessed that I live in a lovely house which has been a really happy family home to many, yet despite the fact that we could have bought a house in any area I still live within walking distance of where I grew up, and still have many of my childhood friends
Karen Clow - My Blog 