Awards | But I Smile Anyway...

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 171 – Relax!

27 May 2018 46 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Quote, Relax, Serene, Smile, Spiderman, Spidey, Take A Break

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.“

Sydney J. Harris

Thanks, Spidey!

Did you know I haven’t posted for 4 DAYS!

That is a big thing for me.

I haven’t taken part in any creative challenges, blurted my thoughts out onto screen – NOTHING.

Because I realised that I had to stop, step back and relax up a little.

The quote above is so true.

I am at a crazy time in work, nearing the end of the year, writing reports, preparing for the new cohort who will join in September, Governor’s duties, fundraisers for my School Council and House Captains.

At home, the kids’ demands are increasing.

I need to start my rewrite of the novel. All feedback is in. It has been really good, and productive, but there is big work to be done.

So stepping back from the blog, writing at least, has been good, so far, and I think I need a bit more time away.

I have been physically exhausted, falling asleep way earlier than usual. I needed a break in some part of life, and since I can’t stop working, or being mum, this was where my opportunity came in.

Do you know what I have been doing in the time I’d usually be writing posts?

Mainly… NOTHING! Not even reading, because I fall asleep mid page.

But also being with my children more, and most recently, I have been binge-watching the series Black-ish. Hilarious! I can’t believe I have never watched this before! Nearly finished all 21 episodes of the first series… 3 more series to go!

Recognise when you need a break Peeps, and take it!

Happy Sunday!

The Bloggers Bash 2018 – My take! #BloggersBash #MondayBlogs

21 May 2018 112 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: #bloggersbash, Awards, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Fun, George IV, Mingling, Presentation

Saturday the 19th of May took it’s time to arrive, but equally, it sped its way here, if you know what I mean!

Nominated

The Annual Blogger’s Bash is one of the pinnacles of my year (I can’t say THE pinnacle… family might object lol!) and I always look forward to it immensely!

This year we were in a lovely venue, the George IV in Chiswick, and the weather was glorious!

Of course, we also shared the special day with a couple of other minor events, such as the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan (congrats!) and the FA CUP final, and my best friend’s daughter’s first birthday… certainly chose a popular date!

There were a few notable absences, where certain folk were either unwell, or caught up in the ridiculous traffic that clogged the roads and trains.

But there was a healthy turnout of both familiar faces as well as some new ones (to me, anyway!)

We chatted, mingled, networked, asked questions, gave advice, ate drank and were merry!

The committee was up there, introducing, presenting and generally making merry!

My nerves when I was speaking were evident, as I physically shook when I started, but once I got my groove, all was well! There were even questions at the end, which I’m told is a good thing!

Sacha’s presentation about mailing lists was really enlightening too! I may even start thinking of starting one!

Awards were handed out periodically through the day, as were book prizes for a raffle that had several draws… And I won one of those prizes!

Gotta love a book prize!

And I was also asked to be part of the panel discussion, where I felt just sitting and smiling through would be sufficient, but I did input a little!

And I am honoured to say I was awarded Third place Runner up for Best Overall Blog 2018. There was some tough competition, but what an honour, to get some recognition!

Thank you Voters!

There will be a much better one of this shot out there, but my long-suffering Hubby Dearest, who accompanied me, took a sneaky couple of all the attendees!

I am really grateful to Sacha, Geoff, Hugh, Suzie, Shelley, Graeme, Helen and Adam for taking so much time over the last year, organising such a fantastic get together!

The Fab Committee!

Thank you to all the Committee for creating such a wonderful event for us to be a part of.

Congratulations to all the Winners, Runners Up, and Nominees! You are all stars!

The awards are fun, but the Bash itself, and meeting other bloggers out there – priceless!

I simply can’t wait for next year!!!!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 170 – Happiness in Learning😊

20 May 2018 39 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Learning, Quote, Serene, Smile, Spiderman, Spidey, Winning and Losing

“I never lose – either I win or I learn.“

Anon

Thanks, Spidey!

So, the Annual Bloggers Bash was yesterday, and I was all geared up for my talk, and the Panel Discussion. There was the small case of being nominated for the Best Overall Blogger to look forward to too, but I didn’t let that worry me.

The talk went well, the Panel Discussion passed in a flash, and then the final awards were called.

This time I was awarded Runner Up in the category I had been nominated in.

I was so pleased to be able to ‘pass my crown’ onto the next deserving winner, Linda, of Linda’s Book Bag.

Because, despite all the glory that came with the award last year, I also managed to put myself under immense pressure to be “The Best”.

And that wasn’t easy.

Instead, I have learned that being nominated is an honour, to be placed is a blessing, and to be part of the event is just sheer joy!

So, what do I take from this?

I shan’t pressure myself to be constantly ‘on’.

I will take a step back, breathe, enjoy life, not go AWOL, but not worry if I miss a challenge post, or if a week goes by and I haven’t posted something original. If I can’t reach you all on my reader, I know you’ll understand.

Superwoman needs a break too, sometimes!

And I know I’m still a winner in some eyes. ❤

Keep living and learning Peeps!

Happy Sunday!

The WINNERS of the 2018 Annual Bloggers Bash Awards Are… @bloggersbash – SACHA BLACK

19 May 2018 34 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash Tags: #bloggers bash, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Winners

Here is the full list of winners Peeps!

We Got Runner Up Best Overall Blogger, which I’m more than happy with!

My post on the Bash will follow in the next few days!

THIS IS IT FOLKS, the winners of the 4th Annual Bloggers Bash awards. Thank you to everyone who nominated, voted and promoted the bash. I can’t believe we’re finally at the end of anoth…

Source: The WINNERS of the 2018 Annual Bloggers Bash Awards Are… @bloggersbash – SACHA BLACK

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I Love Ya, Tomorrow! #BloggersBash

18 May 2018 50 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: #bloggers bash, #bloggersbash, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Excited

One more sleep to go!

“What for?”

Seriously? you didn’t know? It’s the BLOGGERS BASH tomorrow!

This is one date I anticipate with ants in my pants. It’s like I’m a child at Christmas, counting the days/sleeps until I get to see everyone again!

Last year was just amazing, with not only the chance to meet so many familiar blog faces, but to also connect and interact with new ones too!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ritu Bhathal ✍🏽📚💜 (@ritubhathalwrites)

And it was a WINNER Of A Day for me, when I carried home the Best Overall Blogger award for 2017!

I’d baked like a dervish the night before, transporting baked goodies via the train to the venue, and got there in plenty of time, and well, what can I say, it was just amazing!

This year is no different. I have been baking, carrot cakes, and this time I have attempted flapjacks – hope they are okay!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ritu Bhathal ✍🏽📚💜 (@ritubhathalwrites)

But actually, this year is a little different.

Yes, I shall be sat at the edge of my seat when awards are announced, but I was also asked to be a guest speaker this year, talking about how to time manage my blog as a busy working parent.

I have written my ‘speech’. I don’t know how I’m going to do it, I hope I don’t stand there reading off a page! And I also hope I don’t go off at a nervous speed, and finish withing 3 minutes, thereby throwing the whole day off Schedule… I’ve been given half an hour for talk and questions…EEEK!

And my Hubby Dearest will be by my side, (or the bar!) to support me this year too, which I am delighted about. Blogging has become such a huge part of my life, I want him to see just how much it means to me, and others!

Oh, and before I forget, I got my special nails done too!