Thoughts Opinions & Memories | But I Smile Anyway...

#SoCS May 19/18 – Hollow/Empty

19 May 2018 38 Comments

by Ritu in #SoCS, Poems, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: #StreamofConsciousnessSaturday, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Empty/Hollow, Socs

Linda’s prompt for SoCS this week…

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “empty/hollow.” Use one, use both, entirely up to you. Enjoy!

It’s funny isn’t it.

As a parent, you crave that time to be together as a couple, without kids constantly bickering and calling out for your attention.

And when you get that time, you get that empty feeling within. It’s like nothing has any real meaning, because the kids aren’t around.

I’m feeling that at the moment, as I write it, the night before scheduling the post.

On Saturday, we are travelling up to London to the Annual Bloggers Bash, and as we have to leave a little early, we decided that rather than drag the kids up extra early on a Saturday, they can spend the Friday night with their grandparents, where they are staying Saturday night anyway.

So, we’ve dropped them.

And are back home, and it is QUIET!

It’s like the house has lost it’s soul, a hollow shell of a building, with no children in it.

Saturday will be different as we are away, and that is meant to be a treat for the two of us, but this Friday, home definitely doesn’t feel right.

Right, I’m off, can’t ramble today, need to pack!

Catch ya later Peeps!

Happy Saturday Peeps!

https://lindaghill.com/2018/05/18/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-19-18/

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!

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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!

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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!

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

Right, I need to go and pack now, so look out for a Bash related post in the next few days, letting you know all about it!!!!!

Wish me luck Peeps!!! ❤

Interview with Ritu Bhathal from “But I Smile Anyway”

18 May 2018 Leave a comment

by Ritu in Guest Posts, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Posts, Blogger, Blogging, Guest Post, Interview, The Recipe Hunter

Thanks to Esme for featuring me on her blog today!

via Interview with Ritu Bhathal from “But I Smile Anyway”

May 17– Flash Fiction – Property

18 May 2018 29 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch, Fiction, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: #CarrotRanch, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Charli Mills, Flash Fiction, Foreigners, Property

Charli’s prompt this week:

May 17, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about property values. Perhaps its a home, business or pencil museum. What makes them go up or down? Go where the prompt leads.

Them foreigners!

“This neighbourhood is just going to pot!” Sue looked out of her front room window, staring at the new arrivals on the street. “Seriously, I mean, that is the fourth family of foreigners to move in here in the last few months!”
She turned towards her husband. “Jake, I do think we need to seriously consider our options, you know darling. Property prices are plummeting because of them. Have you seen the litter? And the cooking smells?”
Jake looked up from his accounts. “Really, Surinder? Have you looked in the mirror recently? And stop calling me Jake, it’s Jagjit!”

https://carrotranch.com/2018/05/17/may-17-flash-fiction-challenge/

#WritePhoto – Avenue

17 May 2018 42 Comments

by Ritu in #WritePhoto, Fiction, Poems, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: #WritePhoto, Avenue, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Burial, Cinquain, Death, Flash Fiction

Sue’s #WritePhoto Prompt this week:

Edith looked down the avenue of wooden sentries to the solitary, blossom-covered tree at the end.
Twenty years ago, she’d planted that with her young family, it was like nature’s headstone.
A reminder that he was there, waiting for her when her time came.
It would be like walking down the aisle to her beloved once again, but this time she’d be carried in a box, and lowered to the ground.
Her children had already been instructed to plant another sapling there, next to her Peter, so they could grow old together, if not in life, but in death.

#writephoto