Category Archives: Awards

I have to thank both the lovely Shehanne and Lindsay for gifting me this latest award.  More excellent writery peeps – please do go visit their blogs and not to mention that – go and buy their books!

The Sunshine Award is a sunny flower that bloggers give to other “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere”.  Apparently.  Well, it’s not very sunny here – so every little helps! 

‘The Sunshine Award’ comes with a few simple rules:

(1) Thank the person who gave you the award in your blog post.

(2) Do the Q&A below.

(3) Pass on the award to 10 – 12 deserving and inspiring bloggers, inform them and link to their blogs.

Well cool, I am already ahead of myself with the thanking part.  Now on to the questions…

Favourite Colour:

I have two – purple and turquoise and usually end up buying clothes and or decorating in both colours!

Favourite Animal:

Oh, I’m a total zoo keeper (though not in Incy’s league) and love all animals – but am deeply fond of rats.  Had fancy rats as pets for years, and have 3 currently.

Favourite Number:

4.  Just because, ok?

Favourite Non-Alcoholic Drink:

Diet Coke – more correctly it is probably my poison and is doubtless very bad for me, as it is my own personal rocket fuel despite having no sugar.  Can’t drink the sugary stuff after giving it up about 25 years ago.  When I’m at the Castle though, tea is my tipple.  At the day job I have Peppermint tea every day.

Facebook or Twitter:

Twitter all the way!  I’m just not as keen on Facebook, and chat far more with so many diverse people over on Twitter.  Plus there’s the #TVD Tuesday gang!

Your Passion:

I cannot claim just one – books, writing, history, art, people…pretty, shiny distracting things.  You’ll have to come over and check out my bookshelves to get some idea of my passions.  Or possibly my Pinterest.

Getting Or Giving Presents:

Both, really.  I love surprises more than presents – the last surprise I got was an art postcard of Judith Beheading Holofernes by Lucas Cranach the Elder from a Gallery in Glasgow I haven’t been to yet – and I was thrilled.

I love to find usual/special things to give people too.  Really hate it when people say, I just want some money for my birthday/Christmas etc.  Meh.

Favourite Day:

Any day that makes me happy, and the world seems to be turning ok.  Especially days that have historic houses and art in them.

Favourite Flowers:

I do have a bit of a thing for old fashioned roses, but love any flowers that are scented.

I know I’m supposed to pass this award on, but a) most of the people that would do it have already been tagged and b) the rest of them would probably hunt me down with flaming torches and pitchforks if I tried.  But I do love you all, honest.

I’ve been cursed honoured to receive the Very Inspiring Blogger Award by not one, but two lovely bloggers – Incy Black and Michelle Smart.  Thank you ladies!  Please check out their blogs folks.

The Rules

• Display the award logo on your blog.
• Link back to the person who nominated you.
• State 7 things about yourself.
• Nominate other bloggers for this award and link to them.

Now I’m going to be a tad revolutionary here and not tag anyone new, simply because I don’t think I could think up anyone.  If you want to take this on, please feel free – leave me a comment about your post and I’ll link back to it.

But on to the 7 things about me.  Sorry about that.

1. I’m an aspiring writer – my main focus is on writing historical novels, but I also intend to write non-fiction history books.  I mention this first as it goes some way to explain why Incy and Michelle know of me and tagged me – they both being writers, but with contracts already.  Not that I’m bitter or anything…
2. I’m a bit of a bad blogger these days due to having a lot of commitments.  Not only do I attempt to write, I also study History of Art and manage that around a full time job.  Did I mention I do photography too?  I just got my first DSLR camera back in July 2012 and am attempting to become more professional.  Whether that translates into my doing it professionally is another thing entirely!
3. Most people think I’m insane to take on the work for items 1-2.  It’s ok, I have chocolate.  I may also option Gin.
4. I haunt historical houses, castles, ruins and any other old things – including museums.  I am a history/history of art anorak – which helps when you write about it, it has to be said.  See - Pinterest (obsession).
5. Two different people have randomly told be that I have a) Pre-Raphaelite hair and b) Victorian hands.  I do not see this as A Bad Thing.
6. Hmm, er… did I mention I get very attached to the historical figures I research?  Prince Rupert I salute you, to name but one.  Hot history guys are your friends people.
7. Did I mention that the 7 things about me would be random?  Oh well, now you know.

See – bet you wished you hadn’t asked now…

Normal blog service [intermittent] will now resume. /ends

Eleanor and I have lately been given two lovely, shiny new awards!

Thank you to The Daily Reviewer (click on the link below for the site) for naming us as one of the top 100 genealogy blogs.  Thanks must also go to John who nominated us for the Zombie Chicken Award, and saying lovely things about the blog.

I will be posting some updates, and some important news over the next few days.  As usual, a big thank you to everyone who visits, reads and comments here.  Do say hello if you haven’t already.

Beloved Eleanor

Top genealogy blogs

Ooops! Some of you will have noticed (or are even participating) the widget at the top right showing other blogs, which is a site called Entrecard that I signed up to a couple of months ago. It gives you a chance to check out other great blogs that you may not have seen before, and of course, advertise your own. All for free.

Lady Rose of Entrecard favourites, very kindly picked this little blog as the favourite of the day on the 10 April. Thanks so much again for that!

Here’s our prize: