Blog Post | But I Smile Anyway...

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 177

08 Jul 2018 59 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Audio, Family, Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Family, Parents, Quote, Serene, Smile, Spidey

“Parents act so strong for us, that we often forget how fragile they are.”

Anon

Thanks, Spidey.

Writing this knowing that Pops is back in hospital after another relapse, and possible infection.

I wanted to go and see him yesterday, but he convinced me he was okay, and under the care of my cousin. There would be nowhere to stay, and it would be a long round trip journey to complete in one day, especially in this heat.

I had reassuring calls from him and my cousins. It was decided that I would go next weekend instead.

Then, at 8:45pm last night I get a call…

They’ve had to take him into A & E again, because the pains were getting bad again.

I am grateful he had been there, at their house. Goodness knows what he would have done if he was at home, alone.

He sounded pretty down again when I spoke to him, but he was on an IV drip, the antibiotics getting ready to kick in.

They’ll be keeping him in under observation for at least 24 hours.

I want to go today.

He tells me, no.

He’s in the hospital, I won’t get to be with him much. Everyone else is there.

I know that.

But it’s a double-edged sword…

I worry about him, and need reassurance myself. I know I am getting calls and updates, but it’s not the same.

Equally, if I was to set off early tomorrow to see him, then drive back the same day, he would worry about me. It was on a journey back from home that my awful accident happened…

I know my mum. She is probably beside herself too, but staying as calm as she can. She really can’t get here, being in Finland.

Still in the throes of deciding what to do… Hubby Dearest is ready to take me as and when I want.

Pray for his speedy recovery, Peeps.

Have a peaceful Sunday ❤

The Sunshine Blogger Award – Art by Rob Goldstein

07 Jul 2018 48 Comments

by Ritu in Awards, Tags Tags: Awards, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Sunshine Blogger Award, Thankful

Thank you so much, Dearest Rob, for nominating me for this award! I have received it before, so as thanks, I am reblogging it!

But, I do like answering questions… so here are my answers!

Why do you blog?

I blog because I enjoy writing, and it fuels my creativity to read what others write too.

What most frustrates you about blogging?

Nothing as such, but I just wish I had more time!

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

I LOVE the interaction with others, and the connections with people across this world of ours.

How do you define success?

In my eyes, success is being satisfied with what you have, fulfilling your goals and feeling at peace.

What is the one thing you most want from your followers?

My followers are wonderful. I couldn’t ask for more from them! But if they want to give more, I always welcome comments!

What is the one thing you most want to give the people you follow.

Support for their writing 🙂 We all have an opinion, and a certain style, and they should all be applauded!

How do you define the difference between positive and negative criticism?

Criticism is all good, as long as you label it constructive!

How do you deal with moments when a blogger you like posts something you don’t like?

If need be, I’ll scroll on. They are entitled to post whatever they want.

Is your blog a journal, a literary experiment, performance art or none of that?

A total mish-mash of all of the above, kind of like me!

What is success as a blogger?

To me, it’s gone beyond figures and stats, which initially it was all about. Success for me, is to get positive feedback on my posts, seeing posts appreciated and shared, and if I am able to help even one person with a post, I’ll be happy!

By your definition, do you consider yourself successful?

I feel that I am successful in my blogging journey. Despite a blogging hiatus, I have still maintained my followers, and notifications have been acted upon. Getting a welcome back from my readers shows, to me, that I was missed, and appreciated!

Source: The Sunshine Blogger Award – Art by Rob Goldstein

#SoCS July 7/18 – Sup

07 Jul 2018 17 Comments

by Ritu in #SoCS, Poems, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: #StreamofConsciousnessSaturday, Blo-Jo, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Socs, Sup, Update

Linda’s prompt for SoCS this week…

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “sup.” Use it as a word or find a word that contains it. Have fun!

‘Sup?

I was on a break, ya know… I needed a time out… lost my spark… my Blo-Jo had totally gone.

So I spent the best part of six weeks doing nothing really creative.

I read.

Even reading took its toll. I was so tired, I was falling asleep partway through pages, but I enjoyed a good few books.

Then there was school.

It’s the last term of the year and there are still 2.5 weeks to go for us… assessment, reports, progress grids… sorting out class lists for next year…

And we converted to part of an Academy. It was supposed to be a simple changeover, and by and large, it has been, but there are always teething problems, and as part of the changeover, I am no longer a Governor. I really enjoyed being part of the governing body, but it is a lot of extra work, so, unless they decide they’d like to reappoint me, I’ll enjoy the breather!

Being mum has been interesting too… Lil Man turned Teenager officially, Lil Princess turned four eyes (part-time, for reading and screen) and all the hormones flying around the house are incredible!

But I’m back now, trying to post regularly, as, despite being exhausted, I really missed my challenges and those little sparks of creativity, well, they keep me sharp for when I begin my novel rewrite in earnest in the summer holidays!

I entered the first 3000 words into a first novel writing competition too… won’t hear (if I do at all) until September so I have to keep myself busy!

I’m also due to become an aunt any time soon too! My 3-year-old nephew will be becoming a big brother, and the world will be gaining another Finndian!

So, there’s my lil #SoCS for today, thought I’d update you on the world of Ritu!

Catch ya later Peeps!

Happy Saturday Peeps!

https://lindaghill.com/2018/07/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-7-18/

July 5– Flash Fiction – Buttons

06 Jul 2018 32 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch, Fiction, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: #CarrotRanch, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Buttons, Charli Mills, Father, Flash Fiction, Hero, war

Charli’s prompt this week:

July 5, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes buttons. You can use the word plural or singular in different expressions, or focus on how buttons relate to a story. Go where the prompt leads.

“Sally, love, can you come over ‘ere and give us a hand? These blasted buttons are giving me gyp again today.”
“It’s alright dad.” Nimble fingers made light work of the buttons on the old uniform jacket Frank Beaumont wore every year on Remembrance Sunday. A job her mother used to do. “There!”
Sally flashed a smile at her father, before turning away, tears welling up.
It had been over sixty years since he was last able to do his own buttons up, having lost the digits of both hands whilst serving his country.
Her dad, a true hero.

https://carrotranch.com/2018/07/05/july-5-flash-fiction-challenge/

#WritePhoto – Crossing

06 Jul 2018 45 Comments

by Ritu in #WritePhoto, Fiction, Poems, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: #WritePhoto, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Bridge, Crossing, Flash Fiction

Sue’s #WritePhoto Prompt this week:

They always talk about a bridge over troubled waters. But that’s not what I am.
Neither am I merely a bridge, nor are my waters troubled.
I am a place for reflecting, for reminiscing, for gathering thoughts.
I am a place for calming, for cleansing, for deciding.
My waters will clear your mind, and let you think straight.
Their soothing ripples will take away your stresses and give you peace.
I am no bridge over troubled waters.
In fact, my waters will wash your troubles away. I am that platform upon which you stand, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated and relieved…

#writephoto