The Free Spirit

Helter Skelter and Counterculture, 1969 (Part Three)

"Those who see the beauty in war have failed to see the beauty that is peace..."

Counterculture is defined as the reaction to war, to bad racial relations, to gender inequality, to homophobia and more. The psychedelic age was born of counterculture, and the beatnik movement of the late fifties was the father to counterculture. The people of counterculture called themselves flower children and embraced flower power, calling for peace and love, and nothing more. All they wanted to see was unity, harmony and love of all people, especially those in need of love the most. Some like to say that hippie culture was centred around drugs and sex, but that isn't true at all. The true heart of counterculture was peace and love, but some took it just a bit too far.

The year 1969 was a revolutionary year for music. The Beatles released their final album together, Abbey Road, in September. In July, the Noble Steeds released their final album, Reynardine, and announced their breakup later in the year. Ginger McAllistor released a solo album that same year in December called Nocturne, Elton Macfadyen moved to America and became a record producer in Los Angeles, Murphy MacPhearson retired from music for a few years to be with his family, Charlie Williams launched a solo career, and James Knight retired from music completely.

In late April, my husband and I were attending a party for a woman I met at a protest when we met a friend of hers, actress Joanna Pettet, whom I formed a rather strong friendship with quickly. I mentioned to her that I had previously been a midwife when she asked what I did before I became a protestor and she said to me, "A very dear friend of mine is five months pregnant. Sharon Tate, have you heard of her?"

"I've heard of her films, yes, although I'm afraid I can't recall if I've been to see them," I replied. "I've heard some good things about her, though, and I know she's positively gorgeous."

"Oh, she'll thank you for that right now! She's been a little apprehensive about being a mother, but she adores this baby very much! Maybe you could talk some sense into her sometime," said Joanna to me.

"Well, I've talked many a mother through their nerves in my time as a midwife. I'd be happy to sit down with her not only as a midwife, but as a mother myself and share my experiences. I've got three children," I replied.

"Oh, bless you! That must have been painful!" said Joanna with a laugh.

"Only very much so, right, Don?" I asked my husband, who chuckled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

"I don't think I'm qualified to comment, baby," he said to me.

"My husband was present for all of my births. He's been a real rock, this one, and if Sharon's husband is up to it, I think him being present in the delivery room might settle everyone's minds," I said.

"That Roman Polanski... I'm not sure what marriage vows mean to him, but he really loves Sharon," said Joanna with a note of sarcasm. I would eventually come to meet Sharon Tate herself, who was very impressed with my midwifery background. I invited both her and Joanna over to my home one weekend when Don was away on tour and had them over for tea.

"It's very nice to meet you, Catherine," Sharon said to me sweetly. "I'm actually a big fan of you, especially your songs with the Noble Steeds. 'Renaissance' was beautiful! Now, Joanna told me that you used to be a midwife?"

"Thank you! And yes, I was, for almost ten full years before I was forced to retire. Fame really does bring public attention to you, doesn't it?" I said with a chuckle as I poured three cups of tea.

"You've inspired me so much as a woman, Catherine. You've inspired so many women," Sharon replied, and I smiled.

"You're too kind, love. I'm only out there using my experiences to bring attention to problems that need to be solved. As a midwife, I know the problems associated with women's health. As a child of war, I know how devastating it can be. As a minority, I know the hardships of wanting to be treated like an equal," I told her. As I sat down, Stacey ran into the kitchen and stopped by my side.