"Versatile Blogger" Award Ceremony

What a lovely surprise I had recently.

I was quietly looking through the comments on my latest post when I was promptly 'whisked away' by the lovely green eyed, chef extra-ordinaire, prolific cookbook writer, dancing supremo and great bloggy pal, Marguerite at Cajun Delights.  She said she had 'a little something for me to collect' and quite naturally I thought she meant a shrimp or two, or one of her gorgeous culinary creations. 

In fact Marguerite's invitation was to her own special Academy Award Ceremony.  I was thrilled to see a large Supa Trouper spotlight shining brightly on me, along with 9 other bloggers, each hand picked for the ocassion by Marguerite.  I made an appropriate acceptance speech and held aloft my prize, one tenth of this highly prestigious Versatile Blogger Award.  Miraculously at once it reconstituted itself into a complete award without any injection of stem cells. Thank you very much Marguerite, cher - I am highly honoured and I can now tell Mrs Bluelights that folk regard me as versatile LOL, just in case she had not noticed.  So with due ceremony I duly nail the trophy on my side bar with great pride.

Firstly, I congratulate Marguerite on receiving this award from Drick at Drick's Rambling Cafe.

If anyone has not visited Marguerite at her superb blog, Cajun Delights, you don't know what you've been missing.  She provides an endless supply of wonderful mouth watering recipes and she also features great Cajun music which gets yer feet tapping, but I warn you that all the dancing and eating requires a lot of stamina and that gal can sure move like lightning.  Now you see her, now you don't!  Whooosh! - she's off dancing again to her rallying cry, "Let the good times roll, cher! It's party time!"

"What Again!!", we all say, "you've just had one! Where do you get your energy from?"

This award is conditional on me supplying BlogLand with 8 pieces of riveting information about me which the world has been waiting for with baited breath for such a long time, LOL. I wonder if it can it stand all this information all in one go? LOL

1.   I was born with two appendixes and now have none.  I have no idea why the second appendix existed but it, and not my official appendix, was causing me grief. The day after a game of rugby (the English version and not the sissy version played in the States LOL) I awoke with severe abdominal pains after scoring 3 tries and kicking 2 conversions (goals).  I was diagnosed with a severe appendicitis which turned to peritinitis - little Bluelights was almost lost but they operated just in time!!  They removed the infected one and they decided to take the other as well for good measure - a sort of BOGOFF promotion.  By the way I have only one heart and nature has deemed it not necessary to duplicate any other parts of my anatomy - thank God!

2.  Had my dad not supplied the required Y chromosome at my birth I would have been a girl in which case I would have been christened Daphne. Geepers  - thanks Dad for the Y chromosome LOL.

3.  I have recently resumed donating blood again after my total hip relacement. So far I have donated 91 units of blood. I started this when I was 18. I expect I might reach 100 one day. I often wonder who I have helped but will never know, this side of the grave anyway. 90 pints is enough for 11 people. Just imagine there might be clones of Eddie walking around all over the place, so watch out!!  Anyway I am very pleased to be able to donate again.

4.  When an active ambulance man aged 60+ I beat a 26 year old ex paratrooper soldier, also an ambulance man, at arm wrestling. They don't make 'em like they used to! LOL

5.  At 65 I discovered I'd like to be a brain surgeon. Do you think I will succeed? I might cut this one if I can think of something else! No I'll leave it in! LOL

6.  I used to get tonsillitis as a kid so I had them removed, along with my adenoids, whatever they are! Anyone know what they are used for?  Anyway I had a temporary 'cure' for tonsillitis and that was eating tomatoes with vinegar and salt with some piccalilli. Yummy! One for your cook book, Marguerite LOL

7.  Can you believe it? I've NEVER flown! I've lived such a sheltered life you see.

8.  On the same day in BlogLand I was called a "Cool Dude" and by someone else a "Cute Hoot".  This was very touching, almost as cool as being called Canaille, which means fun loving and is a great compliment. Thank you, if you are reading LOL.

Well I could play this game all night but I will stop at that, otherwise someone might steal my identity! But hang on a mo, there are a couple of things I'll add.

9.  Whilst journeying on a bus, a rare occasion for me, I once stood up for a young lady and invited her to sit in my pace, as is customary for a well mannered gent of my ilk.  She retorted, "I'm just as capable at standing as you are!" and looked at me as though I needed a shrink LOL. Perhaps she thought I was old and decrepit! LOL. Perhaps she might be right and I do need a shrink!  Is there one out there who would like to introduce themself? Go on diagnose me!! LOL

10.  I am ambidextrous, except for writing. I can paint equally well with both hands but alas not at the same time which is a shame because the decorating would be done much quicker.

It remains for me to name 10 people who qualify for this award and I take great pleasure in doing so - these are all fabulous and versatile bloggy pals and they all have a good following. Here they are in no particular order:

Retired and Crazy.  Ann has a fantastic sense of humour and I recently roasted her on my Sunday Roast interview.  She certainly qualifies for versatility because her blog posts range from articles about nude men at a car wash to high powered political observations about why Britain is in such a financial mess.  Now that's a measure of 'megga' versatility.

Menopausal Old Bag.  Another of my favs and a Scottish lady who writes some great and funny stuff - I have often been in hysterics reading her posts.  MOB is currently writing her Sunday Roast which will be a real treat for us but I notice she has not posted for a while.

Joanna Jenkins at The Fifty Factor.  Joanna blogs about anything and everything on her high class blog and she is a very popular gal.

TechnoBabe at TechnoBabe's Adventures is certainly a very versatile blogger and highly popular.

Jane at Gaston Studios is a great fav of mine as well.  She has led a very interesting life and her family tree is something to behold.  Oh and she knew Omar Sharif in her youth - how about that!

Mimi at MimiDublin is a lovely Irish lass who plays the French Horn which she hid behind recently for the Sunday Roast whilst the roving cameraman was trying very hard to take her picture. Oh boy - all hell was let loose when she started playing it - then she lost it!  Can you imagine losing a French Horn. See her roast! HERE LOL.

Jules at The Gravel Farm is another mad Brit ambulance man and writes a highly entertaining and funny blog.

Jazz at Haphazard Life, recently moved from Blogger to Wordpress and she is soon to be roasted.  She'll sing "All That Jazz" to you if you ask her nicely.

Ethel Mae at The Adventures Of Fred And Ethel - Did you know her feet talk to my feet and vice versa! Next installment on it's way, Ethel LOL

Alix at Casa Hice - all sorts there, including taming and 'parenting' wild ducks.

I therefore pass on the resposibility to the above mentioned 10 bloggers to keep these awards going for ever throughout BlogLand - rather like the Olympic Torch which is never extinguished.

So there we have it - thanks again Marguerite for your generous award.

In conclusion I have been persuaded to post The Sunday Roast on Sunday,  not on Saturday.  That seems a great and logical idea Mr London Street and Mimi and others. I wonder why I did not think of that, and it gives me another day in the kitchen to marinate my victims.

The Sunday Roast

Sassy Life with Sassy Scribbles

"Hello World"

This beautiful lady is an architect and lives in beautiful surroundings in the Philippines. I first 'met' Sassy about a year ago and I can tell you she is a very kind and lovely lass and I visit her whenever I can - please call on her regularly - she is very hospitable and has a great blog.

This week's interview is with Sassy
who writes the blog, Sassy Scribbles .

. . . . . . . and I am sure Sassy will not mind me conveying her sheer delight and surprise when she received my invitation to The Sunday Roast. Now from my perspective this sort of wonderful response helps to make the whole enterprise such a delight for me. Just drink in the sheer joy, sincerity and enthusiasm of Sassy's words:

OMG! I have been shrieking while reading your message about the Sunday Roast, OMG! Really? Really?! Are you sure? ... haha... I sound so eager and quite desperate now really, haha ... I'm thrilled but really I'm warning you, beware of angry mobsters spamming your blog for featuring me. Love always, Sassy

I love this sort of thing! I am sure there will be no angry mobsters and it is my pleasure to feature you, Sassy. Thank you for the interview.

A very warm welcome to you and your followers

Here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

(smiles)
I blog because I wanted to capture as much as I can of the things and experiences I go through, it doesn't have to be a milestone but something about everyday. You know, like taking little pictures in my head for each day or a week that passes by, because we tend to forget about the little things but can remember the BIGGER things that happen, so why blog about something that you'll never forget your whole life? I just want to keep record of my thoughts and see if I had gone far when looking back... but most of the time, I get to laugh.

What's the story behind your blog name?

"Sassy" is a word I like...even before I knew what it meant, haha I honestly had to Google it! "Scribbles" is like describing what I do with my blog, it's sassy scribbling ... informal, just plain and simple writing, like talking and sounding like myself with a friend.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

ahh... meeting people from all walks of life from all over the world from my tiny apartment in Manila! Everyone's just amazing, the people I've met here are really good writers...sincere and talented. Some more poetic and artistic in style, some hilarious, some serious, some artsy... everyone's absolutely unique and I appreciate what they share.

(That's absolutely true!  Everyone in BlogLand is unique and everyone is necessary for the community - I think I described it once as a sort of ant's nest with all having an important part to play)

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

(sipping tea)
Funny, when I saw what everyone else is doing with their blogs and what they are into, I got lost. My blog was pulled in so many directions than the way I want it to be, I did bits of fashion, I did bits of crafts, I did photos, it's easy to get lost when you're already out there and you see so many talented people giving you lots of ideas.

Well, FOCUS. Write only about what you love, really LOVE ... if it's about life, fashion, photography, books... something that you're really interested in, I think people are drawn in to people who talks with great sincerity.

(Very true Sassy. I have found I get a much better response when I write about everyday things rather than my usual abstract funny stuff - so I will take your advice - thanks)

What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

hmmn..wow. It's hard to pick one, but I've been deeply engrossed into reading this girl's blog from China and she's Swedish, her blog is SHE in China, sad though that she's on a break now from writing, but her archives will show you how amazing her writing is, it's life in China from a foreign girl's point of view, her blog is a great read :))

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

Oh wow. I honestly don't know which but uh...well, mostly when I write about my husband, my family and my friends. Whenever I write about people, it's really about how I feel about them and it's like me talking to you like a friend, I say what I mean and that's always what's important when I write, write something that's significant to me or write nothing at all.

(I for one have always enjoyed my visits and have always been well entertained - but I can never find the tea pot. Where is it? LOL)

Which two blogs would you recommend for roasting?

SHE in China - 'hope you can get in touch with her now that she's gone on a break, I don't know where she is in China so, get your passports ready and head out on to some great adventure! (don't forget to send photos!) by the way...she doesn't know me, haha ... so yeah, hope her archives will tell you where she is without my help :D

Chloe Conspiracy - she's an awesome, fun girl, her blog is a fashion blog, but every time she writes it's always witty and funny. I like her energy and optimism with lupus and everything she's just a gorgeous girl. Yet again, she doesn't know me, but I follow her *slash* stalk her blog, she's a fun read if you just want to chill and relax.

(Thanks for your recommendations, Sassy. I hope I can locate She In China - I shall certainly try to get both ladies onto the show)

That concludes the formal aspect of the interview but it would be nice to get to know you a little better while you are slowly turning on the roasting spit. So while you are screaming in agony above the open fire here are a few more questions for you.

Pick three things you can't live without.

Three things? only 3? I need a truck-load of stuff to keep me alive! LOL.

One, I need Love - It's a reason. I always say to my husband that we have lesser of "forever" in everyday that passes by, so we can't preoccupy ourselves with money and distance. Time isn't reversible :)   (Absoluetly true, Sassy but most require more years to grasp that)

Two, I need my hemostan tablet - (for my bleeding problems, I'd die without it!),

(I had no idea of the severity of the problem, Sassy, we all wish you good health and I can feel people, like me, wanting to give you a hug)

and...

Three, my cellphone - for calling people to get me more stuff that I need because I can only get 3 things here!

(You could have had more than three!! You ladies can't count anyway! LOL)

If we were to make a movie about BlogLand, what would it be and who would you cast in the leading roles?

Oh I would make us into a foreign film where everyone gets "badly" dubbed or get a subtitle in Filipino. That would be so awesome eh?! haha...But I'll leave the story telling to you, Eddie. I'm a better audience than do the script or the movie, I have a very uncontrollable laugh, we won't finish a single take! Unless you want everything as a blooper movie!

(OK I'll write it!!! But I warn you, I am expensive!  I was teamed up with Steven Speilberg last week! LOL.  So you have an uncontrollable laugh do you?  That's two of us, then -  so we would not be very productive, unless we did go for a blooper movie.  I have lots of crazy bloggers who could be cast into the roles - if you would take the star leading lady role.  Is it a deal?)

If you could live your life again who would you be, and why?

oooh...I could easily choose myself because I know what I'm like, but the people around me should get another chance at life too and be themselves, I would easily grow into a happy, sassy ME again if that's the case.

(Most people opt for themselves, Sassy)

But if I can't have those people back, I won't be like this so I'm gonna be Hayley Williams of Paramore...I'm not a teenage kid, but I'm like 15 forever!!! So, yes! I'm going to dye my hair firey red, write all those music, rock the stage and be just really, really cool... and I know you probably hoped to hear me say I wanna be a popular hero or president... but uhm, no! I want to be a rockstar! :)

(OK baby, rock on! - you rock and I'll roll! LOL)

You have been given a wonderful talent from above. This causes you to make your mark on humanity and be world famous. In which area would prefer: a best selling novelist, a brilliant artist, a gifted musician, a fantastic singer, a charismatic leader, anything you choose, and why?

A gifted musician. That's always been my frustration, to pick up a guitar and know what to do with it. Well, I play a few but not like I could change the world with it! But if I'm really gifted with a talent like that I'll write songs and influence people through music, it's the best media to share what my thoughts are and music with a perfect rhythm, remains unforgettable.

(Yes, I'd go for a gifted musician. I dabble with the piano and often imagine what it might be like on a concert platform. Eddie's imagination again LOL)

If you were an ice cream cone, which flavour would you prefer and who would you most want to lick you?

Mocha. I'm simple. I like coffee flavoured things ... I want to be an ice cream that bloggers would appreciate on zombie nights! haha

Describe in one sentence your perfect day

A fun day on a paradise island, on solid ground with family and friends. ("solid ground" - I'm not a swimmer that's why) :))

(That question almost sunk you!)

If you were a fictional writer which one would you be and why?I want to be a girl Sidney Sheldon, he's a genius, no one is like him, ever.

(Must read him - never done it yet)

What was your most embarrassing moment?

oh haha! gosh, I have plenty embarrassing moments, I tell you I'm that kind of person who can't have things easily! haha ... but here's one that I can't forget though I try so hard!It's way back in College, I had a speech class in like 5 minutes. I felt very confident and good about myself, this subject is easy and one of my favorites... I mean anyone who can talk can totally do this! I had my white polo on, tucked in my dark denim pants, brown leather belt and beige pointy shoes, I looked awesome, smelled awesome and this class was easy. Apparently, there was a mini-olympics being held on the grounds where my room was close to. I wasn't expecting the huge crowd and the noise, so I thought I should see if the class was canceled and tried to hurry among the crowd, skipping steps at the lobby. The lobby is a few meters away from the badminton court where a bigger crowd was gathered, on the 4th step up the stairs, I slipped, I just felt my world tumbling upside down, I remembered looking at my hands and watching it drop on the floor and my things flying in the air. It's like slo-mo and my goodness, I could hear the crowd gasping ... they saw me?! Nobody laughed, it was that bad, nobody was laughing, they thought I had injured myself so bad that there was silence. My heart was beating so fast, I couldn't breathe.  Oh but there was nothing else to do, so I picked myself up, my hands were shaky but fine, I swung my arms around, dust my shoulders and felt for my head "yup, still there". The moment I stood up, the crowd sighed. I can't believe this! They're still watching! Just like the movies, I turned around and said "I'm Okay!" and walked as fast as I can and tried to get lost in one of the halls. It was the worst. worst day ever!

(Good job they didn't shout, "Encore" but joking aside it must have been a real shaker of an experience as well)

. . . . and if you are really brave, if you awoke to find you had changed gender what would be the first and second things you would do?

First, I will scream and freak out! Second, I will show and tell my husband and have him freak out!

(I think your hubby would probably scream the louder LOL)

Your turn to ask me a question if you wish.

What's the most important ingredient in your sandwich? (that's really my question!)

It's gonna be a jumbo sized sandwich because I am hungry.  It is so large it will house a very self-indulgent, hi calorie and high cholesterol filling.  Housed in a jumbo heavily buttered bap would be a Great British Breakfast comprising three slices of bacon, four sausages, a fried egg, mushrooms and black pudding - all drenched with copious amounts of brown sauce.  It would be impossible not to drip it all down the front of my nice white shirt thus incurring the wrath of Mrs Bluelights.  Gosh I am really hungry now LOL

Thanks Eddie, this was fun. If ever you need to re-heat an already roasted bloggie, mail meeee!

(OK Sassy - I think she loves me, folks! LOL)

Thank you again, Sassy for your delightful interview

___________________________________________
Today's Sunday Roast with Sassy Scribbles is the 134th
in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world
____________________________________________
This interview will feature in The Roll of Honour
for all published Roasts. To view press HERE
_____________________________________________

Cardio-Vascular Exercise

The older we get the more important it is to incorporate exercise into our daily routine. This is necessary to maintain cardiovascular health and maintain muscle mass.
If you're over 40, you might want to take it easy at first, then do more repetitions as you become more proficient and build stamina. Warning: It may be too strenuous for some.  

Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program!  


SCROLL DOWN.............  





 












NOW SCROLL UP..

That's enough for the first day. Great job.  
Have a glass of wine. 

__________________


Oh I did enjoy that! LOL

And for those who wanted to exercise their brains on my recent Maths problem at the bottom of the post, see HERE, if you haven't quite got it and want to see the answer, see HERE

The Sunday Roast

Jumbo Output By Gumbo Writer - With Still Some Time To Blog

Or. . . perhaps we could say,

"MUMBO JUMBO WIT {WITH} DA GUMBO."

This delightfully funny Cajun gal told me when I invited her onto my roasting spit, "I'd be most honored to appear on your Sunday Roast . . . . as long as you use a pinch of cayenne when putting me on to cook," to which I replied, "It's a done deal."

It's very opportune right now to roast her because she has just celebrated her second anniversary as a blogger. Many congratulations from us all.  And she is one of a small band of brave bloggers mad enough to present Suldog with an award. Jazz is another, Lime is another, plus your's truly.  Giving Suldog an award is like diving into a lion's den.

This week's interview is with Angie Leadbetter

who writes the blog, Gumbo Writer .

I took some info from Angie's blog profile which is of great interest.  She is Co-Publishing Editor of Rose And Thorn Journal. She is a writer, editor and sometime poet. When not wrangling her family life, she enjoys working on her women's fiction novel and other writing projects. She loves communing with others across the Blogosphere.

Thank you for the interview, Angie

A very warm welcome to you and your followers

When I told Angie her roast was ready for posting today she said, "Oh boy! I wish I could send each reader a mini-bottle of Tabasco so they could enjoy the roast in true Cajun style. LOL. Oh and thank you for inviting me - it was a hoot - I've got my asbestos drawers on so fire up the pit!"

Here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?


I blog because I love the connections you can make in the Blogosphere. Yeah, there are some nutballs and alien life forms out there, but the vast majority of bloggers I’ve “met” have been just the best people. They’re willing to learn and share what they know about writing, cooking, whatever interests them. I started blogging when my beloved mom first became ill, and it became like an anchor of normalcy for me. The last six months or so, I’ve dropped down to blogging part time as other writing projects have eaten up my free time, but I still love it and the stories of the people behind the blogs.

(There are some great people in BlogLand and I am fortunate to know some very well)


What's the story behind your blog name?

Gumbo Writer was the name I came up with because it says a lot about how I feel about life. Gumbo, being a hodge podge (a little dis, a little dat) of ingredients that somehow makes a wonderful, hearty meal to satisfy a lot of tastes, is a staple of the Cajun diet. It also represents our Louisiana culture – a great blending of a nice variety of different faiths, tastes, races, abilities, ancestries, etc. And since I’m a writer who wears a lotta different writing hats…Gumbo Writer kinda fits.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?


It’s all about the connections and friendships and interesting stuff served up by others.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Fiddle around with your blog until you find the things that work for you. Read lots of different blogs, learn from others, blog with the idea of what you can share with others, and you won’t be disappointed by what you get in return. Blog about your passions – that way, you’ll always be interested in what you’re posting.

(Great advice, Angie)

What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

Too many to recall or mention, Eddie, but there’s been some real winners (or “wieners” in this case) over at Suldawg’s place, otherwise known as Jim Suldog. (Oh…he’s gonna hurt me for mentioning his name here!)
Friend and fellow writer Kathryn Magendie and Roni Griffin have posted some true nuggets on the writing life too. Here’s a recent post at Rose & Thorn Journal’s blog Kat wrote, if you want an example: Ms. Pickie Persnickity....That's Me by Katie Magendie.
And Roni’s blog: Fiction Groupie .
And who doesn’t know the whackadoo VodkaMom with her 1600+ followers?
Okay, I’ll stop now before I go crazy with mentioning more stellar bloggers out there!

(Thanks for these, Angie, I will approach them plus your other recommendation)

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

Hmmm, don’t know that any I’ve written are really significant, but my author interviews and contests have been popular. Oh, and the Ledbetter Lunacy Chronicles, linked to Episode 14.
My Tasty Tuesday recipes get good responses, as do the Politically Incorrect Jokes (Redneck, Boudreaux & Thibodaux, Blonde, Fun with Photos, etc.) Besides writing/editing, I guess that encapsulates the gist of Gumbo Writer – food, fun, family, friends, faith -- the 5 F’s. (That’s copyrighted, y’all, so don’t steal it!) LOL

(Like the 5 Fs, Angie)

If you were to suggest two blogs for roasting who would you pick, and why?

 Any of those mentioned above would taste great on the Bluelights BBQ. Crazy ol’ Suburban Sanity is another great candidate: an example post being, Where Did I Get That Brain?

(I asked Suburban Sanity once before - must invite her again)



That concludes the formal aspect of the interview but it would be nice to get to know you a little better while you are slowly turning on the roasting spit. So while you are screaming in agony above the open fire here are a few more questions for you.

Pick three things you can't live without.

Coffee, writing, good friends…not necessarily in that order.
(See, I can take the heat, and drink that hot nectar of the gods right along with it!) hehe

(Yes, I see you can take the heat but do you know if these gals can? I wonder if your sister, whom you mention later, blogs! . . . and of course I know another Cajun gal, Marguerite, who is currently on question 2 of her roast after 10 months!! LOL)

If we were to make a movie about blogland, what would it be and who would you cast in the leading roles?

Gark! That’s a hard question. Okay, as I’m prone to do, I’ll just take the easy shortcut! I’d cast the bloggers mentioned in the major roles, and put myself and a ton of others (except ol’ Colby Marshal and her love of the nasty feline critters http://colbymarshall.blogspot.com ) in the supporting roles. [See the vid called “Angie Hates Cats” I “won” from Colby here: http://colbymarshall.blogspot.com ]

(Sorry Angie, cannot find the link to the cats mention - I'll amend if you let me know)

How’s that? Said movie would be a crazy conglomeration full of alliteration, strange symbolism, lots of strange people hunched over their keyboards trying desperately to commune with their muses. There’d be flying monkey-cats (a la The Wizard of Oz), frightful zombies, long bouts of hysterical laughter, and in the end…all the hardworking writerly folks would be whisked off to Emerald City to have lunch with the Mad Hatter in Oz, and be awarded superhero-type agents, book contracts with huge publishing houses while the sky rained silvery glitter over their heads. Oh, and all the struggling parents’ children would be in attendance and on best behavior, with love and support shining from their teary eyeballs, as the winners from this season’s Top Chef served them a scrumptious banquet. There’s also a cameo appearance by the divine Gloria Swanson in her Sunset Boulevard garb, asking Max to zoom in for her close-up. *clap clap clap* Eddie Bluelights, natch, would be the producer, and become fast chums with Stephen Spielberg. Together, those two genius men go on to make Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind: Bloggaritaville! And they all live happily ever after…until the star of the movie wakes up…and it’s all been a lovely lovely dream….

( . . . and I thought I was bonkers!!!! LOL What an imagination you have, Angie)

If you could live your life again who would you be, and why?

I’d simply be me, but a little wiser, a little more organized.

(You and me both  - in fact everyone I have asked so far agrees)

You have been given a wonderful talent from above. This causes you to make your mark on humanity and be world famous. In which area would prefer: a best selling novelist, a brilliant artist, a gifted musician, a fantastic singer, a charismatic leader, anything you choose, and why?

I’ll take all of the above for the Daily Double! Well, I already have an identical twin [Alaine] who’s run off to Colorado for an undetermined amount of time *wahhhhhh!*. She’s a fabulous artist. And my daughter and my DH [Deer Hunter] have wonderful singing voices. (He’s got records out and all, y’all); so I’ll take the rest of the categories. Yeah, I know that sounds greedy, but who cares? This is a hypothetical question, so I’m at liberty to choose ‘em all, right? [Here’s a plug for DH: you can listen to Denis Ledbetter's music here , after you make a quick and free account for yourself.  If you’re in a hurry, check out song #7. For some unexplainable reason, it’s my fav! *Mwahahahahahaha!*

(Just been listening!  great music - had my feet tapping and hips swivelling. Great stuff. What a talented lad is Denis Ledbetter)

 

If you were an ice cream cone, which flavour would you prefer and who would you most want to lick you?

Oh lordy! My favorite flavors (spelled the correct Americanized way) are Rocky Road and Pistachio Almond. Yeah, y’all go ahead and take the cheap shots – I’m nutty, full of fudge, and Yo Adrian to you too! Who’d lick that drippy, chunky double scoop? Umm…Sam Elliot? (Shut up, you youngsters, and go google him! Never mind – just go here:  I’m adding him to my imaginary blogger movie!  

Drool!!

Describe in one sentence your perfect day

Coffee served by Sam Elliot, mucho fantastico work done on the WiP, news that all three kidlets are doing supercalifragilistically groovy, more coffee, write a top notch poem, nap, more coffee, time spent in the zone with some Vispo work, supper served by John Besh  whom I stalk, I mean follow on Twitter, after supper coffee, polish up an interview and read lots of the great prose/poetry submission we get in for Rose & Thorn Journal, a few hours with a great book before I drift off to a full night’s sleep, and maybe a dream or two about the coffee-server. Ahhh, zzzzzzzzzzz.

( . . . . and Sam Elliott no doubt LOL)

If you were a fiction writer which one would you be and why?

(Sorry, Angie . . . you are actually a writer so let's hear a little about your work)

I’d be me, but with a reputation as the next Harper Lee. LOL. I’m revising my first womens fiction ms, and although daunting, it’s very satisfying to see a whole manuscript printed out on my desk…even with all the scribble scratch, sticky notes, red ink marks, and such.

What is you most embarrassing moment?

Eddie, there’ve been so many opportunities for embarrassment, it’s hard to pick just one. But I will say, because of my whacky nature, I don’t often feel like hiding in shame. Most of the antics that have filled my life (and by extension, my kids’), have been occasions for laughing at self, being wild and crazy enough not to CARE what others think, and/or just plain fun. Ask my kids about all the times I wore full costume to their high school…and you’ll know what I mean. ;)

. . . . and if you are really brave, if you awoke to find you had changed gender what would be the first and second things you would do?

First, as per my new gender, I'd yawn, let out some nonverbal noises, and maybe scratch a bit. (LOL) Then I'd probably poke the person sleeping next to me and say, "Hey...what's fer breakfast?"
Seriously, I don't think it'd bother me too much to wake up as a man...unless I couldn't keep my OWN brain. *grin*

(Ouch! Angie . . I take it you would not like a man's brain then! LOL)

And finally if you have answered all these questions I invite you to ask me one in return - it's the least I can do. OK fire away!

I blame this question on best friend Kat Magendie, the fabulous author and wild mountain woman, for putting it in my head – “How many licks to the center of a Tootsie Pop?” tootsie roll tootsie pop mr owl how many licks.

For scientific research on the topic, surf here: http://www.tootsie.com/gal_licks.php then please return to Angie's roast before it gets cold. LOL

('n' where n equals infinity! I think I'd better ask the owl.  I'd love to taste a Tootsie Pop but I don't think we have them in UK. I'll ask next time I'm in an ice cream type place and see if I get a 'funny look')

Well that's it Angie - thank you again for your fun and informative interview

______________________________________________

Today's Sunday Roast with Gumbo Writer is the 133rd in a weekly
series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.
______________________________________________

This interview will feature in The Roll of Honour
for all published Roasts. To view press HERE
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Cooker Malfunction - Late Roast

Hi Folks,

No it's not actually a cooker malfunction or a problem with my roasting spit.

I have been very busy all week and I have not been able to complete the Sunday Roast in time for my normal publication on Saturday.

So I hope to post on Sunday at 10am GMT.

I have a real treat for you.

This week Angie Ledbetter is featuring who writes the blog, Gumbo Writer

She is a real hoot and a lovely Cajun gal.

The Sunday Roast

Quick Folks - Let's Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree

Ah! . . . . I know this familiar graphic calling card. Yes, this lady lives in Australia.

 Our roving Sunday Roast camera man failed us miserably yet again because he did not show up for the interview, hence no photograph. His excuse was he got lost in the outback and could not make it. Anyway the lady lives somewhere on this map LOL

This week's interview is with Robyn, of Ribbon fame,
who writes the blog, fragments treasures memory .

Thank you for the interview, Robyn


A very warm welcome to you and your followers

Here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

I blog to share and I share to learn.
One of the reasons I continue to blog is due to the heartfelt connections I have made with people from around the world. I also enjoy the creativity of it all and the ongoing learning experience.

What's the story behind your blog name?

fragments treasures memory are three words that can sum up a life.
At any one time it can be fragments treasures and a memory.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

Off the top of my head... one of the best things about being a blogger is having a voice. It's a voice that you can use without fear of disturbing others. It's also a wonderful creative tool that you can use for sharing your concepts.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

All the rules that you read about blogging are only guidelines and there is always room for improvement. Be yourself and enjoy the adventure as it is a creative tool where nothing is set in concrete.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

There are many, but two come to mind in this moment that have left an impression on me and excited my senses when viewing them.

You can click Lori Times Five to view a breathtaking post 'wild california~the carrizo plain' and I know you won't be disappointed.

The other is a post that I read a long while ago by Tessa Edwards titled An Audience with Ancestors. In my opinion they are both stunning posts.

I would also like to mention that I always loved to read
Circling My Head by Renee, as every post she wrote touched my heart.

(I loved Renee very much and visited her blog often. I will contact Lori and Tessa and invite them onto the column. Thanks)

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

Eddie, I'm not sure that there is any one blog post of mine that shines in the crowd. Sorry I can't come up with a clear answer to this one.

(Perhaps you are a little modest)

Which two blogs would you recommend for roasting?

sixtyfivewhatnow and OPTIONS FOR A BETTER WORLD

(Rosaria, your former choice has been roasted - see HERE.

I will contact "Options" in due course - thank you)

That concludes the formal aspect of the interview but it would be nice to get to know you a little better while you are slowly turning on the roasting spit. So while you are screaming in agony above the open fire here are a few more questions for you.

Pick three things you can't live without.

As you have said things I'm taking you literally and naming things as I'm hoping that it is obvious that I would not choose to be without my family and much loved friends.
This is what I would not like to be without at this point in time and I try not to live with the word can't.

My car. (I don't like to be without wheels)
A computer (I'm happy to share one)
A digital camera (which mostly I'm happy to share too)

. . . and I would never choose to live without the ability to give and receive hugs.

Choosing just three is proving to be difficult for me :)

(Glad you chose more, Robyn - you have a big heart . . . . oh and please have a hug))

If we were to make a movie about BlogLand, what would it be and who would you cast in the leading roles?

That's a tricky question Eddie.
Possibly the movie Truely Madly Deeply, the love for a ghost, as often your fellow bloggers are a bit like imaginary friends or ghosts as you can't reach out and touch them. You love them and to you they are very real, but to others they just live in your mind.  As to who would play who, I have no idea.

(BlogLand is in some ways and imaginary planet with imaginary people, our blogging friends - but after a while they become real people and good friends.  We email each other sometimes and it has been known for people to meet.

If you could live your life again who would you be, and why?

I would be more of me. I would be more of myself rather than spending years seeking to be myself and make my own heart sing. I'd like a wise head on young shoulders.

(Wouldn't we all LOL)

You have been given a wonderful talent from above. This causes you to make your mark on humanity and be world famous. In which area would prefer: a best selling novelist, a brilliant artist, a gifted musician, a fantastic singer, a charismatic leader, anything you choose, and why?

From my perspective Eddie this is a tough question. As human beings we are capable of being many things at any one time. Maybe I would just like to be all of the above at different times. Sometimes I want it all, but I actually often want for nothing.

Describe in one sentence your perfect day...

The warmth of good company or solitude in sunshine can make my heart sing.

If you were a fiction writer which one would you be and why?

I admire them, but I don't want to be any of them. Mostly I just like being me.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

There's been a few and my memory tells me they were mostly in my youth. Thinking about this question Eddie makes me consider how much we need to embarrass ourselves sometimes in order to learn new tricks. Sorry but I'm not going to share a particular event here today.

(I don't blame you Robyn and I've cut the Ice Cream question as well which you nicely side stepped.  I do think we learn by our embarrassing moments but somehow as we get more brad minded they seem to be less embarrassing - methinks)

Your turn to ask me a question if you wish.

Would you like to be famous Eddie and if so what would you like to be famous for?

(Well, my nick-name at school was Sir Ed for some reason. I wonder sometimes whether this might have been in some way prophetic.  However I am a fairly modest guy . . . . naturally quite shy! retiring! introverted! . . . . . . you must have noticed! So modesty dictates that I would not crave for being famous . . . . infamous, maybe! 
However, to answer your question sensibly, I would like to do something worthy of fame and succeed in it but be totally unnoticed and in the background. Only me and my maker would know about it.)

If you woke up and found you had changed gender what would be the first thing you would do, and the second thing.

First up I'd probably scream.
The second thing that I would do is go and get myself some new clothes as I don't think that I would cope being a cross dresser, though I don't have a problem with people who choose to live that way.

(Very brave of you to come to terms with such a drastic transformation.  I agree I would certainly scream and then march to the nearest lost property office. You may wonder who inspired me to think of this question? None other than Kimber at Fragrant Liar LOL)

Well, that's it for this week. Thank you Robyn for your interview and great to have you on the show.

__________________________________________

Today's Sunday Roast with Robyn is the 132nd in a
weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world ___________________________________________

This interview will feature in The Roll of Honour

for all published Roasts. To view press HERE

________________________________________________

The Official Euro Language

The European Commission, well known for its ridiculous directives, has just announced yet another.

Folk will no doubt remember the 'knomes in Brussels' telling us what shape bananas we might buy, which colour tomatoes shop owners can sell,  that eggs must be purchased by weight and no longer by the now taboo word, dozen, that pounds and ounces are soon to be phased out in favour of kilogrammes and that Brussels does not like the gallon - soon to be forbidden. 

It is curious isn't it that Brussels have not meddled with the unit of issue, colour or shape of Brussel Sprouts, widely expected by most Euro citizens.

The latest directive from Brussels is that English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.

Do I hear a cheer?
Well, this is a partial victory . . . but read on.

As part of these negotiations, the British Government conceded that

English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5-
Year  phase-in plan for the eventual officially adopted language, known as "Euro-English".

In the first year, "s" will replace the soft "c".
Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy.  
The hard "c" will be dropped in favour of "k".
This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one
less letter.

In the second year there will be growing publik enthusiasm when
the troublesome "ph" will be replased with "f". This will make words
like fotograf 20% shorter.

In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be
expekted to reach the stage where more komplikated changes are possible.

Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters that have always
ben a deterent to akurate speling.  Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of
the silent "e" in the language is disgrasful and it should go away.


By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing
"th" with "z" and "w" with "v".

During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary "o" kan be dropd from vords kontaining "ou"

and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensibl riten styl.  Zer vil be no
mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech oza.
Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru.

Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in ze
forst plas.

If zis mad you smil, pleas pas on to oza pepl.

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Only kidding folks! LOL
Although nothing would surprise me.

The Sunday Roast

Retired? Crazy? That’s a maybe? To both!

When I saw this lady had agreed to appear on this highly prestigious interview column, to which everyone in BlogLand is falling over themselves and madly queuing in droves to participate, my heart leapt a little because this photo reminded me of an old flame of mine . . . . . .

There she is! Golly that goes back a few years! So immediately I rushed into town to buy myself a nice new attractive pair of lounge pants, just for the occasion - never know it might just be my lucky day LOL . . .

Well, what do you think? At least I feel a bit brighter now. So enough of the banter and time for the roast LOL.

This week's interview is with Ann
who writes the blog, Retired And Crazy

Thank you for the interview, Ann


A very warm welcome to you and your followers

Here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

You ask, "Why do I blog?".  Because I feel like the lady on the left on the outside, the lady in the middle on the inside but I am actually the fat lady on the right with all the jewellery.  I thought that blogging might resolve my confusion.

(If I wear my new lounge pants do you think your inner self version might be persuaded to surface? LOL)

No you naughty boy! . . . . not a chance! . . .   and sorry, I was being very flippant.  The real reason for my blogging is described in my very first blog on Friday 23rd February 2007 Politically Incorrect And Ungreen in which I set out ideas to help ease me into retirement, my final statement being that if I followed my plan “I MAY keep myself out of trouble for a while”.

How wrong was that, but that’s another story.

What's the story behind your blog name?

Again, I refer you to that original blog post. 

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

Blogging had many, many added benefits that I never dreamed of in the beginning.  I started off being quite secretive but people found out and before I knew it friends, family and colleagues were following my/our escapades.  My late husband Davy had always encouraged me to write a diary, which I did from time to time, but my online web blog keeps me disciplined.

And of course one of the main benefits turned out to be that we could keep in touch with distant friends and when Davy was so ill he found it a godsend because he didn’t have to keep going over his symptoms and treatment all the time.  He would simply refer everyone to the latest information posted online.

Another enormous benefit was that I made new friends, including you, Eddie and your sister Maggie, who supported us with prayer and good wishes throughout his dreadful illness and then continued to support me after he died last Christmas.

(This was an extremely sad time, Ann)

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Go with the flow and try not to piss too many people off.  I made this mistake in the beginning and we had a “Blog-gate incident” when I called my colleagues “the bloodless bottom line committee”.  This resulted in Davy telling our IT department to take the blog post off line until he could think about what should be done!  Imagine the impudence of that! It was actually a strategic decision to give him thinking time.  I had always read the blog post to him and he understood my sense of humour.  After a few days he decreed that it if they didn’t understand my sense of humour and madness by now they never would.  This calmed things down for a while but I became more cautious with my comments, which is actually a pity because I think the full essence of me is missing!

(Yes, I have found this too, Ann.  I often like to make witty and humorous comments and 99.9% of people accept it in the innocent and harmless spirit in which it is meant. The tiny remainder think I should go to a shrink or something like that and this spoils it for the majority who like a good laugh)

What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

Probably the one that got me blogging to start with.  I read about Wife In The North in the newspaper and started reading her fascinating story.  Every blog post was so brilliant it would be hard to select one in particular. Unfortunately for us, but fortunately for her, she now seems to have starting living life in the fast lane again and her blog posts are spasmodic.

(I must 'take a gander! - her work sounds very interesting)

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

I don’t think that any of my blogs have been particularly significant, although they appeared to be so at the time!  I’m old enough to know that my time on this planet has very little impact on anyone.

(Not true! Not true at all, Ann. I for one love to visit and read your posts when I am able to pop round for a cuppa.)

Which two blogs would you recommend for roasting?

I’m not sure if she has done a Sunday Roast or not, but I have become quite close to Addy who writes Alcoholic Daze.  She writes with total honesty and I empathise with many of her experiences because Davy was a recovering alcoholic with 36 years sobriety.

Another blog I love is Carmen’s Chronicles.  She lives life to the full and is so inspirational.

(Neither lady has been roasted as yet and I will certainly contact them both. Thank you)

That concludes the formal aspect of the interview but it would be nice to get to know you a little better while you are slowly turning on the roasting spit.  So while you are screaming in agony above the open fire here are a few more questions for you.

Pick three things you can't live without.

My family and friends, my computer, my memories.

(Can't better these answers, Ann, methinks)

If we were to make a movie about BlogLand, what would it be and who would you cast in the leading roles?

Gone to BlogLand With The Wind - the story of Scarlet (played by me, of course) the beautiful, wise and generous heroine. 

(Who has the wind? . . . . but carry on)

Depicting her amazing insight, good humour and fortitude in dealing with the hardships of war and the incredibly handsome but difficult hero Rhett (played by any number of impossibly fanciable actors – George Clooney? Johnny Depp? Andy Garcia? . . . . . and Eddie Bluelights)

(I've taken the liberty of adding  my name to your list in order to boost my flagging ego and in hope that your inner self, just like the central photo of the lady who cannot afford a belt to hold up her jeans, will surface. Notice I have not added a question mark beside my name like the others, which makes me outright favourite. LOL)

If you could live your life again who would you be, and why?

I will say the yukky thing that you would expect me to say – I wouldn’t want to be anyone but me. Now for the truth.  I would like to be Cleopatra on one of her good days.  You know, a peel me a grape and bathe me in milk sort of day.  She seemed like a gal that was in tune with her sensual side.

(It would be great if you could - and if so I would be Anthony, of course LOL - forget Clooney and Co!)

You have been given a wonderful talent from above.  This causes you to make your mark on humanity and be world famous. In which area would prefer: a best selling novelist, a brilliant artist, a gifted musician, a fantastic singer, a charismatic leader, anything you choose, and why? 

I excel at all of these anyway.  Well, maybe not so much the singing. Not my strong suite. And come to think of it I’m not so hot at drawing either.  Musician? Nah! Writing? So, so! But, tell you what, I am a charismatic leader!

(And I can believe that!)

If you were an ice cream cone, which flavour would you prefer and who would you most want to lick you?

Any flavour and any of the guys from my movie!- including Eddie, of course!

(Just thought I'd add Eddie again LOL)

Describe in one sentence your perfect day

Chocolate and any of the guys from my movie! Especially Eddie

(me again!)

If you were a fiction writer which one would you be and why?

What do you mean “if I were”, I am!

(whooooo!)

What was your most embarrassing moment?

When I was 16 I used to commute to the City of London by train.  Those were the days of stockings and suspender belts (now don’t get hot under the collar Eddie!).  As I walked along Waterloo station I suddenly felt my suspender belt snap and to my horror with each step I took the offending belt and accompanying knickers and stockings slid slowly down my legs until they were finally dangling around my ankles. I had no alternative but to step out of my shoes, bend down, gather up the paraphernalia and stuff it all into my handbag.  Now, trust me, at the tender age of 16 embarrassing moments don’t come more embarrassing that that.

(This must have been very embarassing for you.
It's a great shame suspender belts and stockings have gone out of vogue - they caused us menfolk to get hot under the collar much more frequently - young bucks of today don't know what they're missing! LOL)

. . . . and if you are really brave . . . . 

If you awoke to find you had changed gender what would be the first and second things you would do?

That one gave me a sleepless night Eddie but after the initial shock I would think that, as it's a "done job", I'd cut my hair and buy new clothes.


(Golly, I admire the way you accepted this situation as final! LOL. You must be highly adaptable.)

Your turn to ask me a question if you wish.

Oh yes, I wish but I’ll be very, very easy on you. Are you still in touch with the originator of The Sunday Roast, David McMahon?  If you are please give him my kind regards.
Finally Eddie, thank you so much for inviting me to lunch, it was great fun.

(Thank you for being gentle with me! LOL I don't contact David often, Ann, but next time I email him I will do as you ask. I am sure he will be delighted to receive the message from you)

. . . and finally, Ann, am I forgiven?

I had a Grand National horse race in May 2009 where all the horses were blog names. It was great fun but poor Retired and Crazy fell at the ninth fence . . . . oh dear, she was out of the race and I received the following sharp bebuff!

Eddie, don't you realise that I'm trying to retire and now you have me running around like a two year old again! Shame on you!! Be prepared to be hit over the bonce by my mood ring Eddie. I think I should have been given a head start because of my age, so there. (I stick my tongue out at you) I didn't stand a chance against the youngsters.  

Oh dear I must scramble for cover!  Obviously she's after me with a rolling pin brandished aloft!  Wasn't the race fun though? Must have another one day to include some new bloggy pals as well as seasoned runners like you . . . and, Ann my love, you will be given a head start next time, I promise along with Mernopausal Old Bag (soon to be featured on the roast) and Grumpy Old Ken (already roasted).

Thank you again for all the fun and your interview which I enjoyed very much.

____________________________________________

Today's Sunday Roast with Retired And Crazy is the 131st
in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world

_____________________________________________

This interview will feature in The Roll of Honour

for all published Roasts. To view press  HERE
_________________________________________
Finally, if anyone wouldlike to see the solution to my sticky maths problem it is posted on my blog, Socrates' Soliloquies LOL See HERE

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