When Sacha, Hugh, Geoff (Geoffle) and Ali said this year’s Bloggers Bash was going to be bigger and better than ever, they weren’t kidding. Their hard work (and from what I hear some shenanigans too, but I know nothing…) paid off. What a truly wonderful day from start to finish.
My day started out on the train with hubby just after 8am to London. At Waterloo, we went our separate ways, he to wander around some of his old haunts (heading for a pint and some fish and chips) and me on the Underground to King’s Cross Station.
Thankfully, Graeme Cumming had put out a call for a pre-bash gathering at O’Neills pub for those wandering aimlessly with time to kill before the official Bash kick-off at 1pm sharp. I say sharp, because last year I arrived late and missed the meet and greet. Not this year!
Graeme, me, Marje
Turning my little map upside down (I’m left-handed, my excuse), I headed to the pub, relieved to find Graeme there propping up the bar, even if with a glass of water. Me too. It was only 11.30 in the morning after all; we had to pace ourselves.
Then arrived Marje, Esther Newton, Lucy Mitchell, Helen Jones and Julie Lawford. It was lovely to get the chance to chat with them for longer this year.
Esther and me
After some chips (a small bowl and expensive portion, but that’s London for you…), Graeme, being the gentleman he is (thank you…!) led our little group to the venue not far away.
And then…there we were, greeted with wonderful warm hugs from Sacha at the door (wearing killer heels), then Hugh and Geoffle and Ali who, as well as dispensing lovely hugs, was busy registering everyone and handing out name tags.
From then on, I didn’t stop talking. Yep, it’s true. Even for me, who can talk the hind leg off a donkey, by the end of the evening I thought I was going to lose my voice. A relief for some, no doubt.
Lovely to see Hugh again!
It was wonderful to see Suzie Speaks again, and this time chat a little more, joined by Steve (Steve Says), who I remembered as a guest over at Hugh’s blog a while ago. Great at last to meet Judy Martin as well as Christoph Fischer who I’ve only recently started following thanks also to Hugh – book fair here I come! – and Barb Taub.
Did I say lovely hugs with Geoffle?!
There were three things I was determined to achieve at this year’s Bash:
- Arrive early;
- Chat to as many people as I could;
- Take as many photos as I could.
Well, I managed the first, but the second and third I didn’t do so well. It wasn’t until later in the day (too distracted with hugging, talking, laughing…enjoying!), that I realised with horror I hadn’t taken a single photo other than at the Award’s Presentation. Last year I managed one only. Yikes!
Most of the photos shared here were taken in those last few moments which meant sadly I couldn’t get everyone as some had already left. I also didn’t manage to speak to everyone…
But it was great to meet brand-new-to-me bloggers albeit briefly: lovely Ritu, Shelley Wilson, Mary Smith and Emma Kay who is a theatre blogger and really enjoyed getting to know her.
Me, Marje, Emma
And then I met Urszula who came all the way from Poland. It was wonderful to meet her in person; we know each other from Charli Mill’s weekly 99 word flash fiction prompts at Carrot Ranch.
I enjoyed chatting to her and of course getting a few pics, including one of us together with Sacha and Geoff, the four of us ‘Rough Writers’. We’re sending a message to Charli in Northern Idaho of love and support in the face of a crisis which she explains in her latest post . Please read it if you can. When a fellow blogger and wonderful friend who gives to so many needs help, she knows we are here for her sending light and hope her way.
Geoffle, Urszula, Sacha and me. Saying hi to Charli and all our missing friends…
As the afternoon went on with a buffet served and drinks available at the bar, we took seats for the guest speaker Luca Sartoni, Growthketeer at Automattic . He gave a very interesting talk about, among other things:
- Stats (don’t stress, even though ‘numbers are sexy’… they should not be everything…)
- Reblogging (he never uses it and couldn’t believe how many of us bloggers do…’Press This’ is the way to go, he says…)
- Having fun (letting go of those platforms that give you the most stress)
- Following your own blogging path and don’t be distracted by what others are doing.
- Don’t stress (did I say that already? Must be the lesson I need to hear…).
Last, but definitely not least, the committe read out the Awards Presentation throughout the afternoon. Read all about it and see who won in Sacha’s post. Many congratulations to all the nominees and winners!
Hugh, Ali and Sacha handing out Awards
Hugh making sure he gets every last bit recorded…worries me, that…
And so, what more can I say about such a lovely day with so many lovely people? New friendships made, ‘old’ ones deepened, and I even got to play with Geoffle’s magnificent purple beard.
The Purple Beard – now gone sadly – but lovely while it lasted. Until next year…
And then it was time to say goodbye. Hugh kindly walked with me back to King’s Cross Station as I hadn’t paid attention earlier and couldn’t remember how to get back. Thank you Hugh! A couple of tube changes later, met hubby at Waterloo and we caught our train home. He had a lovely day too, although he was still bemused about finding himself in the path of a naked bicycle rally. No kidding.
Thank you so much Sacha, Ali, Geoff and Hugh for a truly memorable day; you made the Annual Bloggers Bash a great success, a day filled with warmth, friendship, fun and joy.
And guess what? The committee is already beginning work on next year’s Bash. So mark the date – June 10th 2017. See you there!
A View From My Summerhouse 
Epic post, Sherri, and I love the pictures!! Lovely to get to talk to you properly this time!!
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Aww thanks Suzie! I’ll be over to you in a mo…it was really lovely to talk to you too, I was hoping to grab you lol!! 😀 xx
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Haha! I’m glad you did!
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Me too!!! 🙂
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This is so lovely, Sherri. It was a super day and so good to see you. Take care and we must stay in touch 🙂 xx
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Glad you enjoyed it, thank you Esther! It was so lovely to see you again and definitely, I will be in touch, you can count on it! I hope you’ve recovered from your busy but wonderful weekend too! 🙂 xx
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Thanks, Sherri. I really loved your post 🙂 The weekend was great. I made the most of Sunday too but am shattered now! Xx
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Ahh…thanks Esther. Yes, I bet…London weekends will do that to a person! I’ll be in touch… 🙂 xx
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It was lovely to meet you too!
I’m already counting down to next year! !!!!
I was the same with photos. … took hardly any! !!
😊
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It’s so hard taking photos and talking at the same time! I was determined this year but almost forgot even then! Thanks Ritu, and lovely to meet you too! Here’s to next year, armed and dangerous with our cameras, lol 🙂 xx
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Lol! Here’s to next year indeed!!!! 😀😀😀😀
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Yay!!! 😀 😀 xxx
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😊😊😊
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Thanks for the awesome recap, Sherri! It looks like everyone had a great time and you know what, that’s what blogging should be about…not stats and stress. I loved all of the pictures! ❤
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Thank you Jill and you’re absolutely right. It was great to hear Luca talk about blogging in those terms. I wish you could have been there too…think of all the bubbly we could have polished off lol!! It was a really lovely afternoon 🙂 ❤
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A year ago I was fairly certain I would be back in England by June and be able to come. I am back in England but too much has been going on for me to get up to London. Next year prepare yourselves! It looks such fun.
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Next year Sarah, next year! I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to go there for a while either. It’s not always possible, I hope everything is okay, but it would be wonderful to meet you there next year! 🙂 xx
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Everything is particularly fine having removed myself from a highly stressful relationship and I’m delighted to be back in the UK. Looking forward to meeting you and the others next year! 🙂
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I’m glad to hear you are doing well Sarah. Sorry for your recent stress, but it sounds as if you’re back on track in the UK and moving in the right direction with your life. That’s good news indeed. Welcome back to these British Isles my friend…here’s to your new life and cheering to that at the BB next year!! ❤
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Sounds such a chock-full whirlwind day! Thanks for the pictures and the rundown of the day’s events. 😀 ❤ ❤
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It was that Tess, but at just the right pace, not rushed, plenty of time to chill and socialise 🙂 Glad I could bring a slice of the day here to share with you and everyone…wish it could be international 🙂 ❤ 😀
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Fab post Sherri, and it was great to see you again! And a fellow uber-creative (so they say) left-hander too (though maps stay the right way up with me!). Looking forward to next year. And maybe we can work up a photo album between us! 😊
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I love it…another leftie!! And yes, they do say that about us don’t they! My sense of direction is not great though! Thanks so much Jools…and yes, let’s do that, sounds like a wonderful idea for the album…think of the fun we could have! And meanwhile, we’ll hang out here in blogland 🙂 xx
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Looks like a great event and is actually hard to imagine the blogosphere meeting in real life – truly a great idea and I can see why you like it mom Amie – the pics are the best (and I know it is hard to get pics while enjoying an event – but glad you got some)
And I like the list you shared from the guest speaker – the keep it fun one is my fav (and to let go of platforms that drain) and all were good – but bro sure what “press this” is…..hm
Oh and the naked bikers – hah – what timing –
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I think having gone last year and had a ‘warm up’ it was extra nice to go this year and be around such lovely, friendly people. And it is really hard to remember to take photos at such events! I remember thinking early on ‘oh I must get out the camera and snap away’ but the moment is lost. Yes, the speaker was interesting. ‘Press This’ is a button you get off your dashboard and put it into your toolbar so when you go onto any article or blog post, you press it and you can save it or publish it. Like a re-blog but different I think because you incorporate it into your own post and can just add the bits you want – giving credit of course. He said that we shouldn’t reblog as our blogs should be for us and us alone, we don’t need to ‘advertise’ other posts. I’m not sure most of us got that concept really. Food for thought. But yes, putting aside those platforms that drain…sage advice. Ahh mon amie, I wish you could have been there…think of the fun and the wine and the coolies and the flies we would consume, lol 😀 And yes, you couldn’t make it up…a huge group of men and women all ages hubby said totally naked on bikes…definitely not my cup of tea, lol 🙂 😀 ❤ ❤ ❤
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I would have liked it for sure – maybe on if these years – yeah….. Maybe!
And thanks for the info about press this – hmmm – and side note – it annoys me when bloggers re-blog too much!
And side note – hard to believe 2016 is half way gone – yikes!
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How wonderful that would be mon amie…but remember, we always have Paris 🙂 ❤ And yes…it is so hard to believe…yikes indeed! Will be in touch very soon! xoxo
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Yes – Paris is ours! Yes and yes – where on the patios we will have different discussions each day – 😉
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Magnifique mon amie!! 😀 ❤ 🙂
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🙂 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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You look great, Sherri, and it’s lovely to see you wearing such a big smile. I don’t really know anyone other than Geoff and Ula, so I think I’d have felt out of place, but glad you had such a good time. I got a nomination from poor Becky and then she couldn’t be there! 😦 Hugs, lovely! Enjoy and don’t stress. Take the man’s advice 🙂
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Aww…thank you Jo…once upon a time I wouldn’t have dreamed of putting up pics of me like this but now I think, oh what the heck! I don’t like seeing pics of myself to be honest, my hair looks too flat for one thing – it always does that in London lol! Yes, I saw your name on the nominations Jo…congratulations! I thought I know that lovely lady 🙂 Several couldn’t make it I think with things coming up as they do. Sorry about Becky. And I really do need to take Luca’s advice don’t I? It was a lovely time and I don’t think you’d feel out of place…I’d be there for one and you could round up some of your fellow blogging friends. How about Jude! And wouldn’t it be great if Sylvia and Yvette could come too? Too far though…I wish there was a way we could make it international! 🙂 xx
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Nobody ever likes photos of themselves unless they’re supermodel status, Sherri, but a warm, from the heart smile like yours goes a long way. 🙂
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Happy smiles 🙂 xx
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Hi Sherrii!
Lucky you meeting all these fantastic people. Great photos. Looks like you achieved you goals 🙂
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Hi Ilka! Oh how wonderful it would be for you to be there too…I would so love to meet you and take even more pics of us! It’s great that we are in touch here and there, I do hope life is treating you well my ‘old friend’ 🙂 ❤
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It would be a blast to meet you one day. You knows 🙂
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Never say never my friend… 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Sounds like a wonderful celebration to me! So often as bloggers our work is solitary. It’s fun to have the chance to get out, meet people, and make connections. Glad to see you enjoyed the event Sherri!
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Thanks so much Heather, it was so much fun! If only I could pursuade you to come next year…think how much fun you and Matt would have in London and think how many more photos I could take!! 🙂 xo
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Looks like you had a fun time, Sherri!
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It was such a lot of fun Sue, the committee made it such a wonderful time as well as all the other bloggers. Next time would be lovely to see you there…and I hope we get to have that coffee in the not too distant future 🙂
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I’ve never been invited, Sherri!
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No invitations Sue, you just sign up to go when the announcement is made, open to everyone, bloggers far and wide. I’ll be sure to let everyone know when Sacha and the committee put out the posts with all the details for next year so we’ve got plenty of warning 🙂
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Oh, great, thanks Sherri!
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You’re welcome Sue 🙂
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Epic post! Loved it, what a wicked summary of the day 😀 I loved seeing you again, albeit briefly. I think my goals for next year are to actually get to speak to people for more than two minutes!!
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Ahh…thanks so much Sacha!! I loved seeing you again too. Your welcome hug got the party started for us all…here’s to next year, can’t wait! 🙂 ❤
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Sounds like a really fun occasion, Sherri, and such lovely happy photos. I would have loved to have been there too. I’m so glad I’m not the only blonde who gets lost through not paying attention. 😀 I hope that hubby didn’t get jealous when he saw the photo of you fondling that purple beard.
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Oh Sylvia, if only you could come next year, it would be amazing to see you! Haha…yep, that blonde thing going on!! No jealous hubby…he knows how silly I can be lol 😀 xx
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😘🙄
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Fabulous post, Sherri! Great photos from a truly memorable day – look forward to a longer chat next year! 😊
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Thank you so much Shelley! I really wish we could have had more time to talk…next year I’ll be making a beeline for you…watch out, lol 😀 xx Loved watching your delight in receiving your award – once again, many congratulations on a fantastic win!!
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What great photos and a terrific summary of the Bash! I just love that photo of you and Geoffle hugging! It brings sunshine on a cloudy day! Thank you for gathering the Rough Writers, too! Good advice on the blogging…stress-free is the goal, right? Thank you for all your love and support across the miles!
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Haha…yes, Geoffle is very huggable that’s for sure…he was great to hide behind too when Hugh came round with the video lol!! 😀 I’m so glad for the ‘sunshine’ pics – that was the plan, your ears were burning in all the right ways I hope! You very much missed. Rough Writers Unite…and we have, whether in person or online! And yes, stress free. Absolutely. Just need to implement that…deep breath! Always here Charli…just across the other side of the shining sea 🙂 ❤
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YAY!! finally I have permission to let go of FB!! It’s been stressing me no end!
Sorry, all I can think about is The Purple Beard!! I love it! Thanks for posting that pic just for me!
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Great…and I know that feel Melinda!! Haha..Geoffle’s Purple Beard should have a blog all of its own!! Or maybe even a Beard Bash haha!! I thought of you with the colour purple too…knew you would love it!!! 🙂 xx
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Yes! When I saw it, I wanted to go hug it, uh, I mean him!!
Thank you!!
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Haha! You crack me up Melinda 😀 And now you know why I got a bit carried away as per the last pic…that beard took on a life of its own!
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Thanks, Sherri! I love to make people crack! Uh, I mean, laugh!
Yes, I could see that! 😉
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You do crack me up Melinda…not crack LOL!!! But then again, I think I’m already cracked so actually, it’s okay either way!!! Love laughing with you, you make my day!! 🙂
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Great reporting Sher! You looked beautiful acting the social butterfly you are. You managed some great photos. And I couldn’t help but notice how ‘Press This’ is the way to go. Glad to know I was well ahead on that one. Hoping you’ve recovered now and didn’t get caught in too much of the Queen’s celebratory traffic. 🙂 xoxo ❤
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Lol…you are funny Deb (and thank you…blushing…although I really don’t like seeing photos and video of myself, I always want to cringe!). But I do love a good party, you’re right! And yes, I immediately thought of you with ‘Press This’. You are on it Deb!! We were okay for the traffic, no worse than usual. Sunday was the day for the Queen’s street party so it didn’t affect us too much…other than the naked bicycle rally lol!!! 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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LOLLLLLLLLLLL, and how did that go? Lmao 🙂 xoxo
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LOL LOL LOL 😀 😀 😀 Deb…all I can see is I’m glad I didn’t see it!!!! xoxoxox
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Lmaoooooooooooo LOL 🙂 🙂 xoxoxo
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😮 😀 😉 xoxoxoxoxo
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What a fabulous post. Completely, totally, and in all other ways love this post, Sherri. Your recap of the day, those awesome photos… Love it. The guest speaker’s talk sounds perfect. Definitely my kind of guy. I agree with ALL OF THE THINGS! Love all the photos. You look beautiful (and happy). I’m envious of you because I’m honest like that but happy you went. AND socialized. 🙂 Yay, you! I so, so, so wish I could have been there to meet all of you. Hugs across the pond. ❤ Next year?
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Ahh dear Sarah, I’m thrilled you enjoyed it…the closest I could come to sharing the day with you 🙂 Haha…yes, all that socializing…! Yes…you would love Luca (in fact, thinking of it, he did mention he does photography as well as the techhy ‘suff’ and I’m sure ‘ve seen some of his photographic posts for part of the Weekly Photo Challenge that I used to do more regularly and miss doing due to time constraints…but will return!) I would be envious too, it’s really hard to want to be somewhere and you can’t be. And I would have absolutely LOVED it if you could have been there. Next year? That would be so amazing! Oh I hope so!! I won’t be able to stop hugging you LOL…and think of all the pics then!! 😀 Thank you for your really sweet compliment…I’ll be good and won’t start putting myself down 😉 And please come next year…oh please!!!!! 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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If I do go, we both get to hide behind Geoff, right? I mean, that’s a given. I’d hide behind Sacha but she might put a hole through my foot with those spike heels. 😀 I do hope I can meet you all. Soon. Wine and hugs!!! ❤
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Right!!! I think he should start growing his beard now in readiness. LOL…those are killer heels let me tell you, but Sacha wears them amazingly well..unlike me who would topple at the first step I know it… ! Oh me too Sarah…counting on it lovely lady, counting on it! Wine, chocolate and endless hugs at the ready…mean it… gotta happen!!! 🙂 ❤ 😀
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The British “Bloggers’ Bash” could be made into a movie, Sherri! And this year your pictures are a delight. This was so much fun to read! 🙂
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Haha! Yes, it does have a certain ring to it doesn’t it? I love sharing the pics with you Marylin…now if only you could be there next year for The International Bloggers Bash!! 🙂 ❤
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Sounds like fabulous fun, Sherri. How wonderful to be able to match faces and personalities to words on the page. Lucky you! 🙂
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You were missed Norah…so the next best thing is to share pics and Hugh has done a video (I tried to escape lol!!). Wonderful to share the day with you!! 🙂 xx
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I can’t wait to see the video. I remember last year’s. 🙂
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LOL 😀
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Brilliant post, Sherri. I too didn’t get the chance to take many photos. Still, it was wonderful just being there and getting to meet so many of the bloggers that I had been looking forward to seeing. Roll on next year! 🙂
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Thank you Judy! Next year I’ll be on a mission lol!!! It was really lovely to meet you and yes…roll on next year for sure! 🙂 xx
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🙂
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Brilliant write up on The Bloggers Bash, Sherri. You’ve captured all the great moments (especially me with that pouting face pose while videoing). It was so wonderful to see you again and I’m glad I was one of the lucky ones to get to chat to you. Who knows, maybe next year we’ll be able to have a dance? Better get my dancing skills polished up.
Loved that Graeme organised that pre-bash meetup. Sounds like you guys had a great time. If only I could have joined you?
See you at next year’s event, but several times before then as well.
xx
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Thank you so much Hugh, so glad you enjoyed it, but I was the lucky one! You and everyone made the day so very special, like you I’m still buzzing although also missing everyone. Your fantastic video helped with that though…love it!! Haha…yes, you were taking your videoing very seriously as any good cameraman would. And I would love nothing better than to dance with you next year…plenty of time to practice! I have a feeling the pre-bash meet up will grow next year too…you will definitely have to join us! And yes…definitely, see you soon! 🙂 xx
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Great post about the Bash, Sherri. The photos are terrific, the day of hugging! Love Geoff’s beard! Thanks for such a clear summing up and links – I’ll check some out now. I was so sorry not to be able to come owing to loss of my father-in-law. Missed seeing you all so much…hopefully next year.
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Oh Annika, you were missed, so sorry you couldn’t make it but under the circumstances, completely understandable. I’m thrilled to be able to share a taster with you here and yes, very much looking forward to seeing you there next year and the fun we’ll have! 🙂 xx
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What a wonderful day, I wish I could have made it, perhaps next year. It is wonderful to see how happy bloggers together are, it really is a wonderful community that goes far beyond simply blogging.
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I wish you could have too Ste…plan on it for next year, I’ll buy you your first pint! And you had my vote…!
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I appreciate it my friend, had I not been holiday planning then I would have gone for it. I will like to be around next time and be able to chat to people and have as much fun as you guys were having. I’ll certainly reciprocate with a round as well.
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I can’t wait…it will be so much fun. Make sure to plan your holidays at a different time next year my friend!!!
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That sounds like it was so fun, Sherri! I guess I should start saving for George and I to be able to attend next year…..he he! 🙂
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Yes Patsy…start saving! I would go crazy if you were there next year…think how much fun you and George would have in London!! 🙂
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Well, I guess the first thing we would have to do is get passports….I have no idea how much it would cost for a trip over there, though! 🙂
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I’m guessing the best thing would be to start looking well ahead of time Patsy…and also for those passports. London is expensive…something to think about though if at all possible. And if it were…oh I’m so excited at the thought of meeting you!!!! 🙂 xo
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Yeah, and I guess the first thing we’d have to do is apply for passports. It would be pretty exciting for sure! Although, I don’t know if George’s and my backs would survive the plane ride! LOL! 🙂
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Exciting but yes, a long plane ride for sure. Fine if you can afford first class and lie down on a bed… I’ve always wanted to do that, but no way can I afford that kind of luxury *sigh* 😉
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I hear you, Sherri! Someday, though, I at least hope we can both have Skype on our laptops! Wouldn’t that be the next best thing? 🙂
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Yes, that would be the next best thing definitely Patsy. Thank goodness for blogging and FB in the meantime! Have a great week my friend – and keep up those wonderful watercolours 🙂 ❤
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Thanks, Sherri! Our computer crashed and the internet slowed down. We do have Wi-Fi now and a new laptop instead of a desktop on order! Sorry it took so long. I am busy painting again! 🙂 You have a great week, too, my friend!
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Hope the computer issues are all sorted out now Patsy. I’m just checking in here, and I’m back to writing while you’re busy painting again! Wonderful news! See you over on FB my friend! Love & hugs 🙂 😎 ❤
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Sherri, I just now saw this message. I saw you were on FB this morning but didn’t get to message you. I hope your writing is going well. And yes it is wonderful news that we are both doing what we love! 🙂 Hugs and much love to you, too, my friend! 🙂
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Hi Patsy, lovely to return to my blog and find your sweet message awaiting. I haven’t been on FB or any social media for a while as I give myself time to recover. Hope you’re enjoying a great summer, will be in touch soon. Love & hugs, Sherri xoxo
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That is totally understandable Sherri! I have been thinking of you and I know it is hard. I went to visit my parents’s grave last weekend because we were in the area for a conference I went to and then had dinner with old friends and I felt immediately overcome with sorrow that I haven’t seen them in so long. I am looking forward to hearing from you! Take your time!! 🙂
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Ahh…how hard that must have been for you Patsy. I wish I could give you a huge hug. I know that feeling of time passing by. The last time I saw my dad was last August for his birthday, which I shared here. I was hoping to visit him soon but he was much more ill then we knew. Bless you my friend, I’ll be in touch. Have a great Lavour Day. Big love & hugs ❤
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It was a little emotional, but I could tell how much I have healed through the years. I cried a little, but went on pretty easily. Healing just takes time. I wish I could give you a big hug, too, Sherri. Hey, can you Facebook me your address again? I may still have it somewhere….where….is the question. I’d like to send you something! 🙂 Much love and hugs to you, too, my friend. I’m sorry you didn’t get to see your dad again. You have a wonderful Labor day, also!
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Ahh dear Patsy, you are such a lovely friend to me, thank you so much. Healing does take time and we just have to let it happen without rushing it. I knew you would understand, but I’m sorry you had to go through the grief too. Sharing with lovely friends like you sure helps a lot. Oooh…exciting! I’ll message you my address, and I would also like yours too. Have a wonderful week my dear friend, much love and hugs to you and I’ll see you over on FB and back here again too when I am able to 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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It sounds like you are doing a little better, Sherri. You are always in my thoughts and prayers, my friend. How is your family? What is Claire up to these days? Does she still have her bunny? Grief is a part of life, and for several years between my two marriages, I experienced it several times over various kinds of losses. At the time I didn’t think it would ever end, but it did. Soon whenever the kids move out, I will go through it again, but until then, life is good! Hopefully, I can a get a little package off to you soon once I have your address. And of course you can have mine, too, Sherri! 🙂 xoxo
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Thank you so much dear Patsy. I know just what you mean about a series of losses, I’m so sorry you experienced so many. And loss comes in many different forms. I too have experienced loss in so many different ways and it takes its toll when it comes close together. I know you’re enjoying your kids now and that is great. I miss my boys so much since they moved out, but now I get to enjoy looking forward to their visits home. It changes, and so do we. The one constant of life: change is here to stay! Even naughty bunnykins, who is quite grumpy these days lol! Will be in touch my friend 🙂 xoxoxox
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I agree Sherri. That’s why we have to learn to enjoy what we have today, because we don’t know how long we will have the ones we love! 🙂 I will miss my kids tremendously when they are gone for sure! I am hoping that my son will be here for at least another year. He said he wishes he could take our house with him. This is the only home he and his sister remember growing up in. She was two and he was four when we moved here.
I am sorry your Bunnykins is being grumpy and naughty! Brownie is grumpy but she is 14 so we give let her use the “grumpy old lady” excuse! LOL! 🙂 I am glad you are staying in touch, my friend! I have not gotten to town yet so I am not sure when I’ll be sending you something! Have a wonderful day. Big hugs to you. 🙂 xoxoxo
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Absolutely Patsy, make the most of every minute 🙂 That’s wonderful that your children have grown up in the same house. Such happy memories for you all that will remain always. Bunnykins is still a loveable bunny despite his grumpy moments. He is a real character and so intelligent. Who knew? We didn’t!! He is a sweetie really 😉 Ahh…your Brownie is doing well at 14, bless her! And no worries about sending something…It’s just so sweet that you thought about it! A lovely surprise no matter what day or month, or year even! It really is the thought that counts! Take care my friend, I’ll be in touch re Messenger soon. Sending love and hugs in the meantime and hoping you’re enjoying your new schedule and able to get back to your beautiful art! 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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Actually, I wish I had thought to do something for you sooner and send it in the mail! I didn’t realize it was going to be your birthday last week! Sorry! 🙂 Well, I know we will keep in touch anyway! 🙂 Take care and give little Bunnykins a hug for me! xoxo
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Hello Patsy! So sorry for my late reply, hubby and I were away for 10 days, got back on Saturday. A long ago booked vacation (before Mum had her stroke in March and my dad died in July) to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary back in March. First time we’ve been away for years, the two of us, and it was touch and go whether we would be able to go. But we made it and it was just the break we needed. I’ll be posting about it with pics. And no worries about my birthday…any day is a lovely surprise to hear from you my lovely friend! I’ll be in touch very soon, and hope you and your family are all well. Thanks so much for being such a great friend to me Patsy. And I gave Bunnykins a hug from you…at least he didn’t thump his back leg, haha 🙂 Love & hugs to you 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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Hi Sherri! No worries about when you reply. It sounds like you had a lovely anniversary which is always important. We will be celebrating our 22nd this year which is incomprehensible! We never can afford to go anywhere though because it is four days after my birthday and one week before Christmas.
I have had bronchitis for almost two weeks now so I have not been blogging or doing any art. It is so frustrating coughing all the time! I got an anti-biotic which I have one more dose of tomorrow, but I am not sure it is helping. He said he didn’t know if it was viral or bacteria so he gave to me in case it was bacteria. I also have cough medicine and an inhaler. My chest was really tight when I went to the doctor on Thursday. So hopefully I am on the mend.
I have been doing a lot of reading, though, and just finished a book today. I may or may not do a blog post about it – it is extremely disturbing – the first installment of J. D. Stockholm’s “Teddy” series. He was abused in horrific ways which is almost unbelievable, but apparently it is his real story. I think there are four or five books in all. I may have to read something really light now.
Anyway, so I haven’t gotten to the post office with a letter or anything for you yet. I am just too out of it right now. All my stomach and back muscles are so sore! I haven’t worked out in many days and just feel weak. I cannot remember the last time I was this sick!! It has been at least 10 years I bet. Thanks for hugging Bunnykins for me! That was sweet. You are a wonderful friend to me, too, Sherri, and it means a great deal to me. Jill called me the other day, but I felt bad for her having to hear my voice the way it is for the first time! We had a nice chat, though, and I told her when I get better, I’ll call her so she doesn’t have to hear me so hoarse and coughing!!! HA! You both have been so sweet to me, and I am glad we are all friends. Love you!! Hugs to you and Bunnykins! Love, Patsy. xoxo
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Ahh dear Patsy, I do hope you’re well on the mend now, what a horrible time of it you’ve had. No worries on anything, you take your time and get well, that’s most important. Boy, that book series ‘Teddy’ does sound heavy. I’m reading ‘Girl on a Train’ at the moment, I love psychological thrillers. I would love to try and write one after my memoir…but no idea how, yet! That’s amazing, 22 years of marriage, many early congratulations! I’m so glad you and Jill got to talk. I’ve since read your message on FB, so I’ll try and get to your blog as soon as I can. I’ve just put up my post about my dad at long last, cried when writing it. But I had to share what was on my heart and think it helps sharing, especially as I’ve shared so much about my dad on my blog, I feel it’s a safe place to do so. You take care my dear friend, and have a lovely, healthy weekend! Bunnykins send a nose wiggle and I’ve told him off for thumping his back leg when I didn’t give him his food on time lol! Love you Patsy, be in touch soon and huge hugs until then 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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Thanks Sherri. The Girl on the Train is the one the new movie coming out is based on right? I read it a long time ago and couldn’t put it down. I think the woman they have playing that character in the movie will be good. I like her; just can’t think of her name right now. I have always loved psychological thrillers. I read them all the time! I started In a Dark, Dark Wood two nights ago I think and I’m half way through it. It’s a good one, too, and written by a British author.
I will check out your post about your dad. I think the blog is a safe place to share yourself; I have found that to be true for myself also. Maybe you should have named ole Bunnykins “Thumper!!” You have a great weekend too Sherri and I love you too! xoxo 🙂
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Well done for taking so many photos Sherri, you put me to shame! It was so lovely to see you again enjoyed chatting so much… can’t wait for next year!
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I was determined if nothing else Marje! And even then, I almost forgot!! I enjoyed chatting with you so much too, we had a lot of fun didn’t we? Got the photos to prove it lol!! Here’s to next year…bring it on! 🙂 xx
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What a fabulous event. You are so blessed to have this community near enough for you to attend! It sounds like you really enjoyed yourself!!!!
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Thanks Luanne, it really was wonderful. I don’t know any writers or bloggers locally, so having this annual Bash is a fantastic opportunity to meet some of the lovely people I know through blogging. But there are so many others I would also love to meet – you included – but who live too far away. We need an Internatonal Bloggers Bash but quite how the logistics of that would work, I’m not sure! xoxo
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We need to figure out a way to meet some day.
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Yes we do… 🙂
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As I read this and now write I cannot stop smiling from the glow of your lovely meet. What a great group of people! 🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤
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Love sharing the joy with you dear Diane…it was wonderful reprieve, a tonic for sure. Lovely people. Now if only you were there too…think of the fun we would have had with Geoffle’s purple beard LOL!!! 😀 😉 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤
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Great post, Sherri. Brings back happy memories, though I think the buzz will take a while to wear off. I do think any pre-Bash event will have to be planned better next time, though. (Note to self: check out all sporting fixtures on the day.) As for my gentlemanly behaviour, I can think of a few that might be surprised about that. Besides, it was more of a joint effort with Helen. And I didn’t twig the left-hander reference, but (of course) I’m left-handed too. Us creatives need to stick together
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Ah-ha…both lefties!! Well, that explains the map reading references then! Happy to stick together in the creative camp. And I’ll say thanks here to Helen too…no matter what some might say, I’m sure she would agree with me about your gentlemanly behaviour 🙂 Yes…shame about the racket in the bar, but at least we were away from the thick of it and I was so grateful not to have to walk into the venue alone this time…that helped a lot! Happy memories indeed, thanks Graeme…looking forward to seeing what pre-Bash plans you come up with for next year!
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Nothing planned yet – just need to find out what Sacha’s plan will be and work around it!
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Looking forward to watching the plan unfold!
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No pressure then. I’m beginning to wish I’d kept my mouth shut…
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Haha…maybe an informal gathering at the pub sounds like a good idea after all…sport or no sport…!
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So lovely to see you again! Glad the BB makes so many people happy!
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You too Ali, so lovely! BB is the best!! 🙂 xx
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Sounds like a great day Sherri, I’m sure it was good to meet up with so many bloggers you’ve met and never met before!
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It was a lot of fun Andrea. Now…any chance I could pursuade you to go next year? It would be really wonderful to meet you 🙂
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My introvert cringes at the thought Sherri!!! But never say never…
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Ha…never say never Andrea, you just never know!! I understand, although I think I’m an extrovert to a point…but I crash and burn afterwards and desperately need that time alone to recover! 😉
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What a great synopsis of what sounds like a fun day. One day…..
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One day, dear Irene…one day…and counting on it… 🙂 ❤ 🙂
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Absolutely love this post and it was amazing meeting you! I can’t wait to explore your blog more 🙂
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Ahh…thanks so much Emma…I loved meeting you too and I love your blog! The Summerhouse is always open – I’ll keep the kettle simmering and the wine chilled, morning or night, rain or shine 😀 😉 🙂 xx
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It looks great fun, Sherri, but I’d need to find a teleportation device to transport me there as I’m not into crowds and haven’t been to London for the last 20 years! This recluse prefers her own patch. Pathetic, I know, but being progressively more reclusive with age runs in my family. Well, that’s my excuse anyway. Am glad you had a fab and happy time 🙂 xxxx
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20 years since London? Well, I don’t blame you then Sarah – you would hate how busy it is now. Besides, your patch sounds like a wonderful place in which to retreat, not pathetic at all! I’m glad to be able to share the pics here with you…and you know, I just visited your blog (at long last…) so we are on the same blogging wavelength today my friend! I hope you’re having a good week…will be in touch 🙂 xxxx
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My week is going well, Sherri, although I won’t say that too loudly lest a gremlin hears me! I’m halfway through working through Leigh’s edits on my novel number two. She is a very thorough and observant editor, so I’m very lucky to have her doing this for me.
Voting day today. Phew, the polls have it so close. I wonder what result we will wake up to tomorrow!
Hope you’re having a wonderful and productive week, too, Sherri 🙂 xxxx
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So glad you had a good week and hope you are this week too. Great news with your edits. I’m going to be taking a blogging hiatus after this week…I’ve made the decision, after tomorrow’s post. Really need to finish my memior. As for the vote…well, we certainly woke up to a different Britain to the one we said goodnight to…I just hope that calm and healing will prevail and we can move forward… Have a lovely evening my friend… xxxx
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I should take a blogging hiatus but probably won’t, as I have a couple of guest posts due and so can’t disappear! But I think you’ve made the right decision, re finishing your memoir. As you’ve proved in the past, most people haven’t gone anywhere whilst you’ve been away. As for the referendum results, all I can say is blaaagh! …and wish I had a crystal ball. I think it would have gone better for the remain side if they’d conducted a less negative campaign. It’s a really British thing to focus on the negatives and this needs to change D: Anyway, we will focus on the positives, my dear friend, won’t we? Have a lovely productive week xxxx
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Thanks so much Sarah, you always bring me the voice of calm and reason 🙂 And yes, blaaagh is right, and yes, I totally agree. I don’t understand the remain side for such a terrible campaign. I was still undecided at the very end for so many reasons. Yes, why do we Brits focus so much on the negative? And now look, Boris stepping down after all that…and as for Farage and the Labour party…well…let’s not go there!! Oh my dear friend, we will indeed look to the positives…such as your beautiful garden, the photos of which I’ve seen this morning. I hope your week has gone well. Mine has been okay, but I’m chomping at the bit now to get to my memoir at long last. Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll drop you a very quick email today or tomorrow…much love & hugs… 🙂 xxxx
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Dearest Sherri, if only it would stop raining. It’s as if the country is shrouded in grey, both weather-wise and politically. I saw a picture of Farage yesterday, taken in the early 80s dressed as a punk and doing a V-sign at a policeman! My week is going okay, but I’m feeling very unsettled by all the political back-stabbing that’s going on. Whatever next? The only person who seems to have talked sense in the last 24 hours is Tony Blair. I tried writing a Friday Fictioneers story today, but couldn’t get my head around it, so gave up. You have a wonderful weekend, my dear friend. Love and hugs :-)xxxx
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Now why does that not surprise me about Farage… say no more! Ahh…I wish I could give you a hug. I feel just the same. At least today (Sunday) the sun is shining and hope where you are too. The back-stabbing is outrageous and sets a pall over our entire country. And it’s all happened so fast. We can only hope that some of the dust settles soon and at least we’ll have a new leader soon…someone equipped to take on this mammouth task of getting us back on track. Who indeed? I hope you are enjoying a lovely, peaceful and calm weekend and return feeling a bit better to get back to your blogging. I’ve sent you a very quick email and will catch up with you very soon. Take heart my dear friend…love and hugs right back to you… 🙂 xxxx
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I see that Farage has just resigned from his position as leader of the party, now he has got what he has spent 20 years campaigning for. That’s sort of laudable, as it meant that his campaigning wasn’t about personal ambition but for what he believed in. You don’t watch Game of Thrones, I know, but what’s happening in Parliament just now (the wielding of knives in particular), has certain parallels with the series. Thank you for your email, my dear friend. Will reply soon. Have a wonderful week. It’s lovely and sunny here, today. Hope it is for you, too. Love and hugs 🙂 xxxx
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Ahh, dearest Sarah, but I am indeed a huge fan of GOT, and up to date with it all, so I am very much of the same thinking as you! 🙂 It is my turn to reply to your lovely email now, and I will do so very shortly. Hope the sun is continuing to shine on you, it is here, on and off…let’s hope we get more as the days go by…and I hope you’re having a wonderful, productive week. Love & hugs back to you my dear friend 🙂 xxxx
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I’m not up-to-date with GOT, as I don’t have Sky. I have to wait until the latest series is available on Amazon, then it will be big catch-up time. How many episodes are there to go on Sky, so I can put it in my diary when my catch-up will begin?
Thank you for your email (received today). Having heard your latest news, I’m thinking of you and sending you an especially big virtual hug. Be strong, my dear friend xxxx
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This gives me such an insight to your event and I will make sure I get there next year!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thank you and I hope to see you there next year!
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What a fabulous post! 😊
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Thank you so much Kev, I’m thrilled you enjoyed it! 🙂
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This sounds so delightful. I wish there was one like it in the States–specifically California. What fun it was!
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It was so much fun Jacqui! I would love to go to one in California if I could (I lived there for almost 20 years). How wonderful it would be!
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Sherri it looked like such a fun day, I live in a rural area where I rarely meet anyone who blogs. I have been blogging for more than two years and only recently met a woman who lives near by, who blogs. Maybe I should look at bigger cities to see if they have anything like this.
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Hi Kath. I’m so sorry I haven’t replied to your comments before now. I signed off my blog at the end of June to focus on finishing the edits and revisions of my memoir and spending time with my family through the summer. Sadly, two weeks in I took a call about my dad being seriously ill and five days later he died. It was a huge shock. I was with him to the end which was a wondeful blessing, knowing he was surrounded with the love of his family and in peace, but I am grieving. I adored my dad. After the funeral I crashed emotionally and have been lying low, away from all social media as I haven’t been able to cope with it. Today is the first day I’ve visited my blog since signing off, and I wanted to reply to your message to explain why I haven’t been to your blog for so long and to say I miss you and am thinking of you and hoping all is well with you and your publishing dreams. I’ll be back as soon as I can, one step at a time. Take care my friend ❤ xxx
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Sorry to hear of your loss Sherri, time away from blogging is necessary and I hope you find comfort in the knowledge you were there for him. I know it helped me with the loss when we all sat by my dad until the end. Taking it in turns to hold his hand and talk to him. Take the days as they come, some good, some a bit more of a challenge. Big hugs from afar xxxxx
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Thank you so much dear Kath. I do find great comfort from being with dad to the very end, holding his hand, talking to him, letting him know how very loved he was. He was so peaceful. I am so glad you were able to be with your dad at the end too. Your hugs help a lot too, I’m hugging right back xxxxxxx
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