Awesome Blogger Award!!!

Dear Helena of Penable Me Blog, nominated me for a blog award.

Now, as you know, I am most appreciative of these tags, but I operate an Tag Award-free blog.

But…

You knew that was coming, didn’t you?

She wanted me to answer the questions, and, because she’s an AWESOME Bloggerm herself, I thought “Why not? It’s not like I have anywhere to rush off to, right now…!”

So, here goes.

  1. Name three people who have inspired you on WordPress –

There are so many bloggers who have inspired me, for so many reasons, it would be hard to just pin it down to three. From those that have become friends, and sources of mutual support, that’s my blogily, to those who have given me inspiration to actually write, to those that are just amazing individuals! Below are some special peeps who I have met, from the blogging community, who continue to influence me, daily ❤

2. Winter or summer and why

I love summer because I like to feel the warmth on my skin, but equally, I enjoy the coziness of winter.

3. What is your favourite piece of poetry and why

Honestly, I really don’t have one favourite poem. There are such different genres of poetry, as there are books to read. I love the humour in Pam Ayres poems, though!

4. Name three books you remember reading in your childhood

Books were an integral part of my childhood. You’d never find me without something to read in my hands. I loved Enid Blyton, and still have an original set of Noddy books from when I was four years old, complete with Gollywogs still in them! Then there was the A.A. Milne Winnie the Pooh books. They. impacted me so much that my reading corner in my classroom is based on the Hundred Acre Woods! Roald Dahl, and his Revolting Rhymes was another. I can;t get enough of his imaginative world building for younger kids, and the made up words!

5. Tell me something you have cooked/ baked that you are proud of

Cooking is something I really enjoy, but I don’t usually get much of a chance, as my mother in law cooks up a storm, and feeds the family in normal times. Now, however, I have my kitchen, no mother in law, as she lives in a different house, a pandemic and a lockdown, so plenty of time to cook. I’ve been experimenting with plenty, the last few weeks. But in terms of being proud, it has to be cakes I have made and decorated in the past, from my rainbow multi-layer cake, to a Hello Kitty one for Lil Princess, when she was younger.

6. What was the funniest moment of your life?

Too many to choose just one! Oh, my goodness, I am such a procrastinator, aren’t I? 😂😂 One that springs to mind, was when I was presented with an award for gymnastics, and, gracefully as I could, I glided down the centre of the school hall, and unceremoniously tripped up the stairs to the stage, on the way to accepting the award. More embarrassing for me, but hilarious for those watching!

7. Have you ever cried during a film, if so, which one?

I cry at films, soap operas, charity appeal shows, books… you’d be better off asking what I don’t cry at!

8. Give three things your friends would describe you as

Positive, happy, NUTS!

9. Have you ever got late for school when you were younger and made up a ridiculous excuse? If so, what was it?

No, never had a chance to be late, at school, as I lived far away from my school, so my mum used to drop me in the car.

I was, however, late for plenty of university lectures, as I toyed with being a rebel… but it didn’t last past university. I have the punctuality gene ingrained in me by my parents, who were always early for EVERYTHING!

10. Would you rather spend a night in a haunted house or by yourself in the woods??

I think I’d take my chances in the woods… at least I could run if scared. With a haunted house, who knows… could be locked in!

Read Helena’s post at https://penableme.wordpress.com/2020/04/11/awesome-blogger-award/

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 267 – Gratitude

img_00411

“Some painful endings bring the best new beginnings.”

Shae Ross

Well, that is a kinda apt quote for today, and the today the world is living in, Spidey. You’ve obviously got a lot more time on your hands… because, as we all know, the real superheroes of now, are the frontline carers, not you colourfully costumed figures!

I know, we’ll always need, you, but alas, your facemask is not actually medical grade, and therefore not really going to help you stay healthy… and as for Batman, just an eye mask? Really? Did no one tell him he needs to rethink his facial wear for a little while?

Sorry, I digress. Firstly, may I wish all those that celebrate, a very Happy Easter Sunday!

I know it’s a quieter one than usual. There won’t be gatherings of family over an Easter meal, exchanging eggs as per the traditions, after attending a service at church.

But, essentially, Easter is a time for rebirth. Think of new beginnings. And in order for there to be a new beginning, we need to finish the previous chapter.

Now, I know that we are far from finished with the current chapter of this world’s life, but have you noticed the shoots of new beginnings, already trying to burst through into our bubble of lockdown?

Skies are beginning to clear of the clouds of pollution that hung heavy for many years. Animals that feared the open, are beginning to venture out into the world that was once theirs, before humankind began to destroy their natural habitat to build upon it. Gardens are beginning to bloom with the signs of spring. Each morning, and throughout the day, due to less traffic on roads, the chorus of birdsong is audible to all.

And that’s just nature.

Within our humankind, people are reaching out to others, in various ways, be it shopping for vulnerable family members, or neighbours, or making a phone or video call, to catch up with someone you haven’t spoken to in forever. We are appreciating, more than ever, those folk who do the jobs that keep the world as we know it, spinning smoothly, while we go about our very important lives.

Who knew, Mr Dustbin Man is far more important to me than an overpaid lawyer. A supermarket worker holds higher regard than Mr Business Man who travels to the office daily to spin money from deals. Thank you Delivery Drivers, for making sure we have all we need. Mrs Teacher, after spending so many months with my own children, I think you must be a saint to want to do that for a living! (Sorry, had to nod at my own profession!)

And those health workers. I doff my cap to you all, I clap every Thursday at 8pm with the rest of the nation, but inside, I’m clapping 24/7. From the nurses and doctors, to the orderlies and hospital cleaners, the paramedics and the pharmasists, to the carers visiting vulderable folk at home. Thank you.

I truly hope that after this awful time is over, the new beginnings that emerge include much, much, much more appreciation for all you do.

So… tell me, what will you appreciate more, when this pandemic is done with us?

Have a peaceful Sunday, Peeps  And enjoy your week! ❤ 

April 9: Flash Fiction Challenge – Unveiled

Charli’s Carrot Ranch prompt this week:

April 9, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that declares, shield your face. It can be a knight of old, a doctor, or a senior citizen. What is the circumstance? Who makes the declaration? Go where the prompt leads!

Unveiled

I stepped outside, onto our rooftop veranda.
The sun, still warm, was beginning to set.
I needed to collect the clothes from the line, but first, I just had to make the most of this moment.
As far as the eye could see, roof terraces were visible, but, unlike other days, no one was out on them.
This virus had scared everyone.
Slowly, I unhooked my veil, allowing the warm rays to touch my face.
This was a bliss I was rarely allowed to experience.
“Shield your face!” My father appeared.
I scrambled to reinstate the veil. “Sorry Abba.”

#SoCS April 11/2020 – Joint

Linda’s #SOCS prompt this week:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “joint.” Use it as a noun, an adjective, or a verb–use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

Firstly, can I apologise for not taking part in the recent #SOCS challenges. What with the whole situation we have around us at the moment, life is somewhat, topsy turvy, to say the least!

Now, where was I? Joint.

Ahhh. Can I be honest?

The first thing that came to mind was a joint of the smoking variety.

Not to say I am a smoker, but that was the first thing. Jus’ sayin’.

But, thinking about joints, I should really be talking about mine!

If you remember, in October (Seems so long ago, that time of freedom of movement…) I had an awful time, where I was experiencing terrible pains.

They did all sorts of tests, but nothing was coming up. In the end, the GP sent me a referral to see a specialist, and the earliest I could get an appointment was… April.

Yup, over four months, I had to wait.

Since October, the pains haven’t been as bad, but I am getting twinges, and one knee is painful regularly.

I looked forward to this appointment. Maybe someone could let me know what was causing the pains…

Then, the pandemic arrived. And lockdown.

Guess whose appointment wasn’t going to happen?

Well, it kinda did. I got a phone consultation instead, and now I have to go to the local hospital (I’m dreading that) for blood tests, before a follow up appointment in AUGUST!

You know, I might just need that other kinda joint to sort the pains out…

Bitmoji Image

Speaking with Writers: Ritu Bhathal

Pop over to Liesl’s website where I have been interviewed!

Chapterccino's avatar

Hello everyone, and welcome to today’s episode of ‘Speaking with Writers’! If you’re new around here, I like to conduct Q&A sessions with my fellow writers – published or not – so that we can all learn more about their experiences.

I have had the pleasure of speaking to Ritu Bhathal. I hope you enjoy the Q&A!

Ritu Bhathal

Who are you, and where are you from?

Hello! My name is Ritu Bhathal. I am a teacher and author from the UK.

What’s an interesting or unusual fact about yourself?

My heritage is rather colourful… I am a British Born Indian, born to Kenyan born Indian parents, whose own parents were born in India! So plenty of culture there to colour my writing.

When did your ‘writing journey’ begin?

I have enjoyed writing since I was a young girl, but the journey to actually publish a book started in the year 2000…

View original post 457 more words

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries

My interactive peeps!

  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar
  • Unknown's avatar