Tagged

My good friend Lucy at The Smallest Smallholding has tagged me in a meme, and left me a few questions to answer. I haven’t done one of these for ages and to be honest often don't find time for these memes, but this one caught my fancy so...

I also thought it could be good fun and a way for readers learn a bit more about me.

So here are my answers to Lucy’s questions:


1. Who or what first inspired you to set up your own blog?

I honestly cannot remember any one source. It was a general feeling that I was reading other people's blogs and finding them fascinating and realising maybe other people would be interested in my doings as well. I also viewed my blog as a way to communicate all the ideas I am passionate about and a source of useful information to other people. One of my first posts was about composting...(surprise, surprise!)

2. What object could you not live without?

I guess, it would be my glasses! I am very short sighted and without eye correction I wouldn't be able to walk around, never mind grow or write or compost or garden or teach.

I don't really have "objects" that mean that much to me in  a general way. I couldn't live without the support of Compostman though, he is the solid foundation on which I can base all the things I try to achieve. I owe him a lot for his unswerving support and help in all that I have done over the 26 plus years we have been together.


3. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Still living here, still composting, keeping hens, growing stuff, building up my environmental education work and still teaching adults and children how to live a more sustainable lifestyle and have fun in the process!

4. Who or what made you into the person you are today?

Hmm tricky one....

What
Determination to succeed despite the odds. I never give up once I have set my mind to achieve something - I have carried on with my education despite having to curtail my education due to a family breakdown at 17. I left school with O levels instead of carrying on to A levels and Oxbridge as was planned, I had to get a job and support myself very suddenly, as I was without a home  (although my then boyfriend's parents very kindly took me in and let me use the spare room until I found a place of my own). Instead of doing my higher education the conventional way, I did an HNC and Degree on day release and then a paid sabbatical from work.  I have subsequently continued to learn and change and develop. I keep on going despite adversities suffered and try to succeed despite the odds -so I guess I am quite determined!

Who

Compostman . Wouldn't have been able to do so many things if it was not for his support and love.

Lots of other helpful people, some are personal friends, some wrote books or blogs or articles I read, or items I listened to or watched in the media.

One person who I recall with fondness was a teacher at my primary school, in 1969 who told me I could be "anything I wanted to be, if I worked hard enough and didn't give up" She was refering to academic success at a time when being a girl made it harder to do "everything" you wanted, but I have always remembered her words.

My Mum, who always believed in me. I wish she could have seen me achieve the thngs I have, but sadly life is not always how we want it to be.

5. What have your learned from blogging?

Oh so much! Recipes, how to do stuff, make things, answers to questions, thought provoking stuff , knitting tips, cake recipies, wine making tips.the list is endless.I also love the insight it gives into other people's lives and the knowledge that I am not alone in my view of the world and how we should treat the resources we have available.

6. Knowing what you know now, what knowledge would you pass on to your past self?

Don't marry husband number one, it won't work out right and will leave you with all sorts of problems!

7. Sunday roasts - lunchtime or evening meal?

Evening, as there is so much to do here in the daytime! Christmas Day is the one day when we eat at lunchtime. We only feed and tend the animals that day and do no other work.

8. What has been your best blogging-related experience so far?

Being contacted by people from the other side of the world to ask me for composting advice. Making lots of new friends, many of whom I have met in "real life" and found to be as lovely in person as they are in blogland.