In Praise of Cool Aunties

Our society is full of images of motherhood and we, as women, grow up with clear images and expectations of being a mum.  As one who has not gone down that route, I would like to sing the praises of cool auntiehood.

No, I'm not thinking about my own lovely aunties who were good sorts in a kindly, grown up/old lady kind of way (and there's nothing wrong with that). But I think more of the tribes of cool aunties in the world, the independent ones who feel like part of the family whether they are blood relatives or not.  Thinking about my own incarnation of auntiehood:

- This auntie used to be a punk rocker and dances/sings to Siouxsie and the Banshees during childrens bath time. She also has some rather racy stories from her rock chick past.

- This auntie tells rude jokes and is not apologetic when the odd swear word slips through...

- This auntie tells stories and makes up new endings (often in line with feminist ideologies - bugger the prince...)

- This auntie is a seriously good cook and often turns up with cakes, pies, puddings for the sweet toothed.

- This auntie has a cracking garden which provides both potatoes for the pot and flowers for posies and weaving into little girls hair.

- This auntie can bbq better than most men.

- This auntie is a straight talker and is impressively good at homework, projects and school fundraiser pub quizzes.

- This auntie can give you pointers on your golf swing.

- This auntie rocks a pirate hat at a childrens party (especially after a few red wines with the cool uncles).

- This auntie can listen to secrets and proffer advise without ratting you out to Mum.

- This auntie has had a career and travelled the world.

- This auntie wears push up bras and low necklines (and doesn't have a moustache or seniors bus pass).

So let's hear it for Cool Aunties!! God Bless'em every one....