Rhyme and No Reason!

Blogger, author and rhymester who likes to find the humour in life.

Episode 108: Uninspired….. — January 17, 2015

Episode 108: Uninspired…..

My inspiration is lacking

No words want to come out to play

The cursor is static and flashing

I need to find something to say

My head it feels kind of empty

Where have all my thoughts gone?

My laptop is getting bored now

So it has made the screen saver come on

My fingers poised to get started

And are hovering right over the keys

But there is nothing forthcoming

Ideas won’t you come to me PLEASE!

I’m starting to get so frustrated

I really feel I could weep

My laptop, so tired of waiting

Has gone and put itself to sleep!

Episode 96: Posting No 101…. — January 10, 2015

Episode 96: Posting No 101….

I just had a notification that the last post I did was my 100th. It’s typical of me that I didn’t realise, and let it slip by unnoticed so I thought I would celebrate my 101st post instead!

I am very thankful to those that have read my blog; it’s always a pleasure to interact with people, read their comments, and opinions and build up a rapport with them.

I have found a whole new world here in the blogosphere. There are so many wonderful blogs, funny ones, sad ones, informative ones, creative ones,not to mention racy ones (I must have led a sheltered life)!  All of them have something to offer, and had I not started blogging, I would have missed out on all of these.

I have encountered some lovely people as well. Different characters that have cheered me up, made me howl with laughter, brought a tear to my eye, or made me see things in a different way…very inspirational.

Anyway, I am still very much a novice, and am learning all the time, but I feel like I am starting to settle into this wonderful community. Thanks for making me feel welcome.

Episode 93: Four Wheels On My Wagon….. — January 9, 2015

Episode 93: Four Wheels On My Wagon…..

I thought I would give my blog a bit of a make-over. Seeing as this is the start of a new year, in which I hope my blog continues to grow and improve, there is no time like the present to set the wheels in motion…….

Slight problem though! One of the wheels has fallen off, plus the brakes are jammed on! I seem to be incapable of doing what I thought was the simplest of things. I wanted to insert an audio link. Yes, that;s all, a silly little audio link. You would think that it would be easy peasy. Well so it might be for a four-year old , but I can’t bloody do it! Even after 2 hours of trying.

I think I must be missing some sort of  ‘common sense’ gene somewhere along the line! I worked in an office for 10 years for Christ’s sake and I can’t even do a  teeny-weeny link!. It didn’t start well when I couldn’t find an audio programme on my laptop. I didn’t want to use the video as I want to try to GAIN followers not scare them off. Anyway, I did it on my phone and (eventually) managed to send it to my laptop.

Great, so far so good, and it only took about an hour to do it! I had my post all ready and all I needed to do was to insert the audio link and ‘Bob’s your Uncle.’ Sorted! Only no, it was not sorted. WordPress did not like my audio clip (I know my voice is a little deep after years of smoking, but some might find it soothing)! It was the wrong type of file. There was a list of right types of files but of course I couldn’t convert mine to that type, and I think even if I do, then I need to upgrade (story of my life)!!!

So sod it! I will have to rack my brains for some other ideas instead.

Episode 86: Goodbye To 2014! — December 31, 2014

Episode 86: Goodbye To 2014!

Well 2014 has been quite a year for me in more ways than one! The beginning of the year started pretty quietly, nothing untoward. March was a bittersweet month, On the one hand Mr Grump got made redundant from his job,which was a major worry, and on the other, it was my graduation from University, which I was very excited about. It was a wonderful day seeing all of the friends I made, plus sharing the occasion with Mr Grump and my younger sister.

Luckily Mr Grump managed to find a job quite quickly which he loves, so it turned out to be a blessing in disguise that he lost the other one. We also had the results back from the eleven plus test that Miss Hap took. She passed with flying colours, which meant that she was eligible to go to the Grammar School. Everyone was so proud of her, and she herself was thrilled that she actually did it!

May was Miss Hap’s 11th birthday, and after a massive panic getting her a passport on time, she had a wonderful time in Disneyland Paris with her natural father, as well as the celebrations we had for her at home. Not long after this her place was confirmed at the Grammar, and we had all gone to have a look around it.

Then everything came crashing down for me, and I suffered a severe bout of depression which I could not shake off, I was unable to go to work (or even go out) for two months and it was an awful time for us all. Slowly,with a lot of help I got back on an even keel, and things returned to normal.

In October I decided to stop smoking, after 35 years (my entire adult life, plus some of my childhood as well). Although I am still smoke free, I have been tempted on more than one occasion to take it up again, especially as I kept getting throat infections, and other illnesses  I thought I wouldn’t get as often being a ‘non smoker’!

A couple of weeks before I gave up smoking I took up blogging on the suggestion of my younger sister. This has proved to be a massive boost for me. I have really enjoyed writing the posts, although some have been silly, some serious, and one upset the school orchestra (oops), I hope that on the whole they have been funny or amusing which is what I intended them to be when I started.

I am privileged to have ‘met’ some wonderful people in the three months that I have been blogging. I cannot believe how supportive and friendly everyone has been to me. I didn’t know what to expect, so I was pleasantly surprised at the response I have had to my blog, I have also come across so many blogs that have touched me in some way, and I would just like to give some of them a mention, (Thanks to A Momma’s View for the inspiration):

Heels and a Toolbox

Nutsrok

Fourth Generation Farmgirl

The Girl Next Door is Black

Breathing Life

Wendy of the Rock

Once Upon Your Prime

Leila’s Mixtape

Storyshucker

Moco-Choco

Fill Your Own Glass

Storytime With John

The very end of the year has also been a bit of a challenge for me in some ways; I will  be glad that tomorrow is the start of a new year.

I would like to wish you all a Very Happy New Year, and I look forward to continuing to enjoy your blogs inn 2015!

Episode 72: It’s Been A Funny Old Week! — December 11, 2014

Episode 72: It’s Been A Funny Old Week!

This last week has overall, been bittersweet for me. As you know, I have only been blogging since the middle of September, and there are many things I am still ignorant of. The prime reason for me actually doing this blog was a bit of an outlet for me really. I have a wicked sense of humour and love a good laugh, but I also seem to be always making a hash of things.  I thought it would be fun to share some of my stories, in the hope that it would make someone else smile. That, in turn would give me pleasure, and everyone’s a winner!

I have been very lucky indeed since I have started my blog, that people have actually ‘got’ what I am about, which is mainly taking the mickey out of myself, my long-suffering family, and situations that I might find myself in. All of this was written with tongue firmly in cheek, (although of course, these events really did happen)! I have just described them from my viewpoint , which is to try to see the funny side of everything. I have never intended to offend anyone or be malicious in any way. (I deliberately steer clear of politics etc as I want a light-hearted blog, not a heated, raging debate)!

Anyway, a week a go today I wrote a post after going to my daughter’s school concert. I did my usual, in the fact that I wrote about the things that struck me as funny. I did finish the post by saying how much I enjoyed it, and how hard everyone had worked on it,

The very next day, I got a lot more traffic than normal, the day after , even more, and that particular post was getting the most hits. I thought that was a bit strange, but then I received an anonymous comment reprimanding me gently that the musicians had worked very hard. I replied that yes they did and I had acknowledged this. I was more concerned to think they had been at the SAME concert! How the hell did they know I had written that? I have tried to keep myself pretty anonymous, and have never named the town where I live or anything. It then dawned on me that my daughter had told them! She admitted this eventually as she thought it might get me some more traffic!

Too bloody right it did! The kids must have shown each other it, but were really upset about what I had written. I was mortified, and put an apology in the bottom of the article, but still I had another anonymous comment (well I don’t think Santa would have time to write to me just now) making me feel worse, so of course I removed the post completely.

I wanted to be inhibited in what I wrote, but I will certainly be a lot more careful in the future as I don’t want to (unintentionally) hurt anyone’s feelings, It is ironic that the most views I have ever had have been for the post that ended up being the least funny!  I have a lot to learn!

Episode 69: The Harmony and Peace Award. — December 8, 2014

Episode 69: The Harmony and Peace Award.

I would like to thank Tonya, who writes Fourth Generation Farmgirl for nominating me for the Harmony and Peace award. I am very flattered to be considered,and thrilled to accept.

This is a relatively new award created by the Idealistic Rebel

~IN HER OWN WORDS~

“I created this new award to celebrate all those who promote Harmony & Peace, and who add Love & Beauty to the world through their Blogs and through their lives. Their Positivity makes the world a better place for all of us.”

~The Rules~

  1. Give this award to seven bloggers who have added Harmony & Peace, Love & Beauty and Positivity to the world you live in.
  2. Let them know that you nominated them.
  3. Acknowledge the blogger from whom you received this award
  4. Display your award on your blog, because you have earned it!
  5. Continue to live in Harmony & Peace

These are the blogs that have made an impact in my world:

Breathing Life

A diary of the second half of life. A life that includes parenting, depression, love, humour, faith, and grace. Not necessarily in that order. This lovely lady is also very creative, crafty, intelligent and wise. 

Wendy of the Rock…’Coz No woman’s an Island

This blog is very funny,and honest, and one that I enjoy immensly

Going From Here To There

This lady has a very similar sense of humour to me, and I love the way she can laugh at herself!

Fill Your Own Glass

A realistic approach to an optimistic life. This was one of the first blogs that I followed. I love the way she writes, and her clever use of language. She is a lovely person, whose posts are always a pleasure to read.

Moco-Choco

Moco-Choco is a blog about pretty, rare and unusual things! This blog has loads of beautiful and interesting things to look at, which brings a smile to your face.

Leila’s Mixtape

I like this blog because it very often incorporates a song that reinforces a message. It can make you laugh and cry, but it is always heartfelt and honest.

Storytime with John

pull up and listen…I’ve got a funny one for ya…I have to include this blog even though it is already very popular. It is so funny, original and downright silly!

Episode 68: Standing out! — December 7, 2014

Episode 68: Standing out!

I have always battled with shyness, right from when I was a very little girl, hiding behind my Mum or brothers and sisters.It is one personality trait that I wish I didn’t have and have spent years trying to overcome….

Coming from, and growing up with a large family, you would think that I would be a lot more outgoing and assertive, having had to fight for my share of attention over the years, but no, I was the little mousey one, who in fact, never wanted to draw attention to myself in any way! Unfortunately for me though, I am extremely clumsy, and always have been, so there have been many times in the past when I have unwittingly been the centre of attention.

Once, when I was about 12, some of my siblings and I were visiting my Dad,we went for a walk along the prom. I was linking arms with my older sister, but somehow managed to become separated from her and I tripped and fell 6ft onto the sand below (luckily the tide wasn’t in). My Dad was frantic and came down to get me. Luckily I was unhurt, but of course it caused a bit of a commotion.

Another time  I was swimming in a pool with my little sister who was wearing her inflatable armbands (she was about 5 and I was 7). My Mum and Step-dad were watching from the side as I was bobbing about holding a football to float on, and my sister splashed about nearby. I floated out of my depth and the ball slipped through my grasp, leaving me floundering and going under as I couldn’t swim. My little sister tried to get to me, but the next thing I knew I was being hauled out of the pool and pummeled by an old lady, who had seen what had happened and jumped in fully clothed, sunglasses and all  to hike me out. Again, this caused a bit of a fuss and I cried, not only because of the fright I had just had, but because everyone was looking at me!

It didn’t really get any easier as I got older, especially as my Mum moved around quite a bit with her job and we had to change schools each time and make new friends. I always dreaded it; the worst time was when we moved from north to south England so even our accents made us stand out! My younger sister and older brother who were still school age were much more outgoing so didn’t seem to find it such a pain as I did!

When I was 14, I got a part-time job in a cafe, working weekends. I couldn’t have picked a more unsuitable job for my personality if I tried! I had to approach customers, get their orders and deliver food to them without knocking it all over them. I remember once plonking a plate of fish and chips down a bit heavy handedly in front of a customer and half of it slid off of the plate and onto their lap. I scrabbled about picking it up, putting it back on the plate and apologising. What made it worse was when I took the plate out to the kitchen,  and told the female boss (who terrified me) she just rearranged it back on the plate and told me to take it back out there.! That was dreadful as it had taken ages for them to get their order in the first place and they would know that we had just brought the same food out, Needless to say I did it, and the customer said nothing.

I joined the Army as I thought I would overcome my shyness, plus it was something I really wanted to do. I got humiliated many times during ‘drill’ for cocking it up, but then so did everyone else, so it wasn’t that bad. I hated going into the cookhouse as it was so busy but I loved my food so I did it, rather than go without! The experience helped a bit but I was still quite shy.

Social situations were always a nightmare for me. I would talk to people one-on-one but I could never just go up to someone and start a conversation, so people probably thought I was stuck-up and aloof, but I would have loved to have talked to them if I wasn’t so worried that I would put my foot in it or say something stupid!

I do love people and once I went into nursing I really enjoyed it, I applied for the job I have now and when I was accepted, it meant starting at University plus moving to a different ward in the hospital where I knew no-one. I am determined, even if shy, so I did it. Uni was a real struggle at first as nearly every week we had to get out in front of everyone and either do a presentation, or a discussion about things. It took me nearly the whole 2 years to be able to do it without tripping over my words and going bright red.

That is when I finally turned the corner I think. I love the staff on my ward, and am confident about my job, so will actually talk to doctors now(before I kept out of their way). I have been asked  to give a little talk to the new recruits on their first day that have signed up for the job I do This can be 20 odd people in a room that I don’t know but not only have I done it once, but twice!

Even now I have to psych myself up to go somewhere new or attend a large social gathering and I am still clumsy ,and draw attention to myself. However  now I just make a joke of it, laugh it off, and it will probably end up in my blog to cringe over!

It would be great to know how others deal with their fears or personality traits that hold them back.

A Huge Thank you — December 3, 2014

A Huge Thank you

I just wanted to write a quick post to thank everyone who is following my blog! I am so pleased and excited that I have now got 102 followers. Glad you are enjoying it, and I hope to keep it up!

Episode 61: Goodbye to NaBloPoMo!! — November 30, 2014

Episode 61: Goodbye to NaBloPoMo!!

Well that’s it, I did it! I managed to post every day throughout November. I have to admit that I have struggled at times. The delirium-induced posts written whilst in the throes of a raging fever; the frantic whizzing of ideas going round in my brain, refusing to be caught and plucked out for the next post; Oh yes, it has been pretty tough at times, but I am nothing if not determined, and I did not want to be beaten…

This last month has not only been demanding, but it has been very rewarding as well. I have encountered new people whose blogs have been a wonderful inspiration; I have had lots of support from others in the blogging community, and I’m starting to feel pretty comfy in the big wide blogosphere (I haven’t quite got my feet under the table yet, but hopefully that will come).

The fact that just over two months ago, I decided to take the plunge and start a blog, with no real clue of what the hell I was doing, (I am still only one step up from that actually) to getting a Liebster award and 94 followers, is nothing short of amazing to me. Thank you so much everyone, it’s fantastic to know that people are enjoying my blog.

I had already decided that I would post pretty regularly, but trying to produce something everyday was pretty hard work; however, somehow me and my fellow NaBloPoMoers pulled it off, and now, if we choose to, we can rest up, and recharge. I have found it daunting to write 30 posts that are entertaining (at least mildly), tell a story (even if written in rhyme), and are over a paragraph long!

At the very start of NaBloPoMo, I wrote a post describing what my blog was about and what to expect, which you can see here. I think I have stuck mostly to this theme of cringeworthy embarrassing moments, random silliness, dragging my poor family into my stories, and showing them up, as well as giving you some extra random facts about me that you’d probably rather not know!

All in all, it has been a really wonderful experience. The best thing of all to come out of it is definitely discovering the sense of community amongst bloggers. The support and encouragement they give to each other;  gaining confidence, building a rapport, discovering new concepts. This applies not just to NaBloPoMo but blogging in general. Being such a novice at all this, I am still barging about, trying to get my bearings (as well as understand some of the jargon)!

Well, I braced myself and have dipped my (funny) toe into the shallow end of blogging, then doggy paddled into the deep waters of NaBloPoMo, and although I flailed around a bit, out of my depth, I stayed afloat, bobbing about of the surface. I did not drown!

Episode 60: I’ve Been Liebstered! — November 29, 2014

Episode 60: I’ve Been Liebstered!

I am thrilled and flattered to have been nominated for a Liebster award, by Wendy of the Rock. As a fairly new blogger, it came as a lovely surprise and i am very proud to accept.. Wendy herself was nominated by Mary-Anne of Breathing Life. All three of us set out on the NaBloPoMo journey together, and have supported each other throughout the month, commenting on each other’s posts and sharing ideas. I am particularly proud to be in the good company of these two intelligent, funny and clever ladies, and pleased that we have crossed paths.

I have gleaned from various sources (Google being the winner) certain rules associated with the Liebster Award, and although they do differ slightly, the main points that I am going with are these:

1: Acknowledge and accept the Liebster Award by leaving a comment on the blog where you were nominated.
2: Copy and paste the Liebster logo onto your own blog.
3: Link back to the blogger who awarded you.
4: Answer the 11 questions put to you by the person who nominated you.
5: List 11 random facts about yourself.
6: Nominate and link to 3—11 other blogs you enjoy that have less than 3000 followers
7: List 11 questions for your Liebster Award nominees on your blog.
8: Inform your nominees by leaving a comment on their blog.

So here are the 11 questions I was asked:

Why did you start to blog?

My sister suggested it actually. She has mentioned many times that she thinks I have a way with words and can tell a good story. I was reluctant  to do it as I am not a writer, and had only previously written poems (or ditties) for families on special occasions, However, one day I sat down and typed, loved it, and have become a little addicted to it !!

How did you decide upon your blog’s name?

Well I wanted to be anonymous, as I didn’t know what to expect, and I’m quite a shy person really so I used Edwina which is my middle name. I wanted something to go with it, that I liked the sound of, and would describe little snippets of my life, so I chose Episodes; it not only suggests a sequence of events, but  regular instalments, which is what I wanted to convey.

What other talent/s do you have apart from blogging?

God, this is a tricky question as most things I have a go at fail miserably: The only thing I can think of is the poems! 

Which three words best describe you?

Caring, clumsy,kind.

Where is your happy place?

By the sea somewhere, preferably on the beach with a load of my family, and a huge picnic! Chilling out, swimming, having a laugh, running around.

What movies have you watched over and over?

I am pretty rubbish with Movies, as I tend to nod off halfway through! I do love ‘Grease’ though, I’ve seen it so many times, singing along to all the songs. It just cheers me up and lifts my mood.
Who is your favourite fictional character? Why?

I think it is Bridget Jones. It is so refreshing to have a clumsy, awkward, chunky, gauche character being the heroine for once! Someone who I can definitely identify with! 

What would you tell your 10-year-old self?

This really is a cliche,but to make the most of the opportunities given to me at school, as it is so much easier getting it right first time around!
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose? Why?

It has to be Florence Nightingale! I would love to have a chat with her about how nursing has changed so much over the years, and to get her thoughts  on how she perceives modern nursing to be.

What is your most cherished possession?

My wedding rings! For what they symbolise, and what they mean to me.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by so many people, those living in appalling conditions, those living with serious illness/disease but still keep positive, people that go out of their way to help others,inventors, artists, writers,crafters, triers,and entertainers to name but a few! 

11 Random Facts About me!

  1. I have funny toes! The shape of my foot is pointed at the front due to this, and I sometimes have a job finding shoes that fit properly.
  2. I am terrified of heights. I hate even standing on chairs!
  3. I HATE driving. To me it is a means to an end, and that is it! I’m pleased I passed my test finally, but now I have, I have discovered that I don’t like it!
  4. I am a real early bird! I can’t seem to stop myself getting up between 5 and 6am!
  5. I love 1950’s style dresses, They are so beautiful and flattering, as well as being feminine and girly.
  6. Yellow roses are my favourite flowers, especially if they are scented. Gorgeous.
  7. I can’t sing a note but I love karaoke, especially when it is just family who have to endure my croaking!
  8. I love my goggly-eyed fish! They are very pretty, and it cheers me up seeing them swimming about in their fish tank.
  9. I love walking along the beach when there is a brisk wind, invigorating!
  10. I am a useless dancer! I have 2 left feet (as well as the funny toes)!
  11. My birthday is on the same day as my sister (she is 2 years younger).

Now this is the bit where I nominate some blogs that I enjoy. Although I have only been blogging for 2 months, I do have a few favourites already (Most are listed on my blog). However,  It has been very difficult nominating due to the fact that some have only recently been nominated themselves,  some have way too many followers. and others would not want to participate. The following blogs are some of the ones that have made an impact on me in one way or another:

Heels and A Toolbox

Zoe’s Clothes

Rachel Being Chatty 

Vitamin BS

Fourth Generation Farmgirl

These Are Your 11 Questions:

  1. Why did you start blogging?
  2. When do you produce your best work?
  3. Name something that annoys you
  4. What makes you happy?
  5. If you could live in a different era, which one would you choose and why?
  6. What is your biggest regret?
  7. What other talents do you have?
  8. What is your biggest achievement?
  9. Sunshine or snow?
  10. What is your biggest vice?
  11. What song sums you up?

Thanks again Wendy!

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