I have been very naughty, not posting on here properly for the last six weeks or so, thanks to this ‘thing’ that is happening around the world.
What thing?
Oh, come on, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
That coronavirus, or more specifically, COVID-19.
It sure is a surreal world we are living in right now.
Who would have thought that something regarded as a flu of sorts, would bring pretty much all of the world to a standstill? (I know it isn’t like the flu at all, but that is what most people thought at first.)
As reality slowly hits, people you know become affected, infected, and either recover, or the other option. I, personally know of at least two people who have passed away, including a member of our family.
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.
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!
Pop over to Liesl’s website where I have been interviewed!
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!
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…
But I Smile Anyway... 