On Sunday my mum passed. But let’s preface this by saying she hated being called “mum” and demanded I call her Laura as she felt her identity wasn’t being a “mum”. Which basically sums her up in one sentence.
She was small (barely 5ft) but mighty, and had the ability to cut you down with one look. And while we didn’t always have the easiest relationship, I realize that she did the best she could and she was always supportive of me, whatever decision I made.
She was unconventional and unorthodox and I have childhood stories that people are shocked by, but this was Laura’s way. Ever the anarchist, she taught me to question everything. She encouraged me to be political and to fight for equality.
Growing up, our big old cluttered house was always filled with colourful characters, a soundtrack of soul music and her ever favorite Prince, and countless books on art, design and fashion. And while I longed for a “normal” mum that gave me corn flakes for breakfast instead of homemade muesli, Laura was adored by my friends who found her free-spirited and different.
And she was definitely different. She took me for my first tattoo at 14, let boys stay over at 15 and when I was 17 she moved to Cuba, leaving me to live in a dilapidated house in Hackney with my friends.
The past 5 years had bern marred by ill health- a brain aneurysm in 2020 which she miraculously recovered from and caused her to feel immortal and invincible, and then a stroke in 2023 that was debilitating. Truthfully, I had grieved her 2 years ago when the stroke took away all that she was: fiercely independent, unbelievably clever, witty and fun, and all that she loved: the daily Guardian crossword, dancing to salsa, political commentary and the ability to be free. It was tragic to see this once vivacious woman become someone she never wanted to be and I struggled daily with this.
I suppose there’s comfort in knowing that now she is free. And that somewhere, she’s dancing to Prince, forever.
It’s not easy to say goodbye to your home of 19 years but this week I did just that. LA has not only been my home but a place where I have a community, a place that I have built a career that I’m so proud of, a place of absolute heartbreak and a place of complete joy. But the most important thing I’m taking away from the past 19 years are the incredible people I have made friends with. I’m so lucky to have the most supportive wonderful humans in my life, and without them I wouldn’t be here. So thank you LA, but most of all: thank you friends. I’ll be back soon 💛
And…. We’re back!
After a little facelift we’re back and looking better than ever. Come visit us in our beautiful new space, hang in the VIP room and I’ll bring you a glass of bubbly to the secret patio area….
Not the birthday I had planned but the universe had other ideas and…we pivot.
I love my friends, they are truly the most wonderful, supportive, loving people anyone could ask for. I’d be nothing without you all 💙
