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

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 351 – Anniversary Of A Different Kind #Blogiversary #7years

28 Nov 2021 51 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, blogiversary, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“If you keep a thing for seven years, you are sure to find a use for it.”
Walter Scott

Thanks, Spidey, for that one!

Oh, my goodness!

Seven years. I’ve been blogging seven years.

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

Where did that time go? I remember it well, that morning I opened Facebook and a friend had posted that she had started writing about he depression, to help her, and here was a post. Would we like to read it?

Why, yes. Yes, I would love to read and support her.

So off I went, and read her post, and began to comment, when I was asked to create an account. Fine. I did that.

Then a little thing pinged up saying ‘Why not start a blog!’

The thing is, I actually had no idea what a blog was. However, in my infinite wisdom, I decided that yes, I would like to. I’d learn, and muddle along, and probably give up after a few days.

Name? But I Smile Anyway was the first thing I thought of, because it is, pretty much, me.

What was I going to write? Who knew? I certainly didn’t!

But, over the years, I have posted thousands of times, thought pieces, humour, poetry, fiction, reviews, life… And with those posts came you wonderful readers.

Some of you have been with me since the beginning, some joined in along the way. And I love my (not so little) blogily. I have been fortunate to have met some of the awesome bloggers I befriended, over the years, and honestly, you guys are genuine friends (and, some, like family).

You have encouraged me, laughed with me, cried with me, and generally put up with my nonsense for SEVEN years!

If it wasn’t for you, I would have never thought to publish a poetry book. I don’t think my debut novel would have ever come to life. And book two would absolutely not have been in the pipeline!

Oh, and I wouldn’t have had a second (not so used) blog, either!

You guys.

Thank you so much for being with me on this journey. Long may it continue!

“We’ve been together seven years. We’re pretty much like family.”
Shane Filan

So, do you know how long you have been following me? How long have you been blogging?

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!

Guest Writer Spot – @RituBhathal

26 Nov 2021 1 Comment

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories

Thank you for featuring me on your blog, Esther!
If you fancy a little story, pop over to Esther’s blog to have a little read!

https://esthernewtonblog.wordpress.com/2021/11/26/guest-writer-spot-129/

Esther Chilton

How’s your week been? I’m sure it’s been hectic, if it’s been anything like mine. Well, it’s time for my Guest Writer Spot, so sit back and enjoy an entertaining story from the lovely Ritu Bhathal.

Where do the Colours Come From?

Ritu Bhathal

“Oh, Matty, not again!” I placed my cup of tea on the dining table and hand on hips, tried to send a look of stern disappointment to my child.

I’d only popped into the kitchen to flick the kettle on, leaving the mischievous three-year-old for a moment.

Yes, that minute was a little longer, as I chose my mug for the day and dropped a teabag in, ready for my morning cuppa.

Oh, then I had to load the tumble dryer with the wet clothes I’d forgotten to decant from the washing machine last night. Praying they wouldn’t have that awful damp smell…

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Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 350 – Anniversary Love

21 Nov 2021 40 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday, Wedding Anniversary

“And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you.”
Kiersten White, The Chaos of Stars

Thanks, Spidey, for another lovely, apt quote.

If you read Thursday’s blog, you’ll know that Hubby Dearest and I celebrated our twentieth anniversary, this week.

We went out for dinner on the day, with our grumpy teens, and I had Friday off, so we could spend time together. After a lovely surprise from him (more below), we popped to Bluewater for a little amble around and something to eat, before heading off to the in-laws to pick up the kids.

It wasn’t anything spectacular in the form of what we did, but just time together was wonderful.

Now, the surprises… so, I know gifting isn’t the be-all and end-all of a celebration, but it is lovely to be spoiled, and I think (hope!) we both were, in our own ways!

I commissioned artist Inkwisitive to create a piece of artwork from one of our favourite images from our wedding, for my present to Hubby Dearest. The children clubbed together with me to get Daddy a coffee machine that he wanted.

And him?

Well, that man excelled himself! On Thursday, I was gifted some pink champagne and a bouquet of roses so big I could barely hold it, and needed three vases at least, to hold them! Then on Friday, a delivery arrived, in the shape of a new (to me) car! The country roads, and driving in inclement weather is only going to get tougher, and he wanted to upgrade my current ride for a safer one.

See, I told you. Spoilt, rotten! I never married him for material gain. That has never been important to me. But he really does spoil me, and treat me like a queen.

I love him so, so much. Always and Forever, my love 💜

P.S. I really don’t need gifts, only him…

So, have you celebrated any big anniversaries? If so, how did you mark them?

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 349 – Remembrance

14 Nov 2021 17 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Remembrance Day, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“If we are to create peace in our world, we must begin with our children”
Mahatma Gandhi

Thanks, Spidey, for another lovely, apt quote.

Today is Sunday, and Remembrance Sunday, at that. A time when we remember those fallen heroes whose sacrifices gave us the world we live in today.

I sit and wonder, sometimes, looking at the way of the world, right now, with the way politics is so messed up, Covid, the state of the environment, etc. What would those heroes be thinking?

Is the world we live in right now, so much better than what it was?

Sure we have new gadgets and technology. We can get from one place to another with speed. We’re more likely to have access to a much wider choice of diet and cuisine. Education is more accessible across the majority of the world.

However, community spirit, which seemed to lift, through the first lockdown, is lacking. You’re less likely to know your neighbours. Fast food is more affordable than good food. You can live a longer life but struggle with poverty…

So much thinking needs to change, to make those lives sacrificed, worthy.

And, as the quote says, it needs to start with the children, and how we educate them. Education, not only in schools but how they are taught at home, too.

Yesterday was World Kindness Day. Did you ensure your children were aware? Do you talk to your children about their behaviours and actions?

Sometimes, something seemingly small can make such a difference.

We spoke about Remembrance day, at school, on Thursday, showing my class of 4-5-year-olds a very simple film about Flanders Field, and the poppies, and then talked a little about why we mark the 11th November as so important.

It’s a bit beyond their thinking, but it did make some of them wonder.

And I hope the wonder keeps alive, and that they ask questions. Lots of questions, so we can guide them in a peaceful direction.

So, how do you think we could help our future generations to find peace instead of war?

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!