But I Smile Anyway…

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

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!!!!