In the space of two weeks my Bella has started a new job, official title (assistant designer), completed her her final year work and had it marked (this time next week she'll have a degree), last night we all went to the opening of the university's final year work exhibition and really enjoyed it with all the students buzzing around with excitement at showing the culmination of their university toil.
bella exhibits

Today she came home to take receipt of her very first car. She didn't get a little Clio after all 'cos when we went "window shopping" she spotted a 2 year old flame red Nissan Micra and fell in love with it instantly.
New car
She was so nervous when the salesman handed her the keys as she hasn't driven since passing her test last November and had been so worried about collecting the car on a busy Saturday afternoon, but fate was kind as the roads were relatively quiet thanks to "some" football match which was being televised at the same time ;)

In three weeks time she will be leaving her university lodgings and will be setting up home in a new town and "real life" begins.
She physically resembles me so much from when I was 22 (as those who have seen my 1972 photo will acknowledge) but her life is so much different. At her age, I too was living in a city far from home but with no career prospects,a wayward husband, new baby and not a bean to my name.
It is hard for me to let go of my youngest child but at least I know that she has reached womanhood with a fair chance and that despite all the pitfalls of my youth I ended up reasonably "sound"
She will be fine :)