Miranda's questions

Miranda at Little Gold Pocket watch chose me as one of the 10 people to pass on the Liebster tag onto, so I am thanking Miranda (who is very sweet and pretty) and answering her questions.

1) What is your personal style like?

Usually girly. A bit hippy, I like bright colours, patterns but not neon. I like florals and vintage-style but not the whole hog. 

2) What got you interested in blogging?

My friend Rach sent me her blog link and I loved the fun and the dialogue and the fact it was your space to say whatever you wanted to the world.  As a relatively new Christian then, I loved interacting with other young Christians of my age.

3) Any pet peeves?

Are we talking about blogging or generally in life?

Blogging, I had to think about this one- it's a small thing,not even a peeve but I somehow notice certain stock-phrases that repeatedly crop up in sponsored posts- I don't know I'd like to see it said in a different way but that's just me being a pedant.  Admittedly, I am just a trifle hypocritical saying this as I am quite sure I use the word 'lovely'  in blog comments about 10 million times a day, but still, I just notice certain phrases! Anyway, I usually like the rest of the post...

In life- when children repeatedly ask me, "Miss, can I go toilet?"- it REALLY riles me-  I am really picky about it and then make them repeat it with the oh-so-crucial  missing preposition and definite article (and the please if that is also missing), and perhaps substituting Can for May which I understand to be more grammatically correct.

Also, I cannot stand spitting  on the ground. I don't care if you have a mouth full of phlegm, you WAIT until you can find a bin, a piece of tissue, a toilet, something BUT I DO NOT WANT YOUR FILTHY NASTY YELLOW SECRETIONS just spat into my path, you animal! (see, I really don't like it)  I often get really bad mucus, much of the time (sorry TMI) and  I manage to adhere to this conduct and have never spat on the ground so everyone else can manage it.

4) Celebrity crush?

JJ Feild who played Mr Tilney in Northanger Abbey. He was also in Austenland, Ruby in the Smoke, Telstar, Death on the Nile and various other things. He's so cute and has the most gorgeous twinkly eyes when he smiles.  I have had the privilege of meeting him when I went to watch him in a play in London and I met other members of the JJ Feild fan forum. I wonder if it is still going? It was great fun!

5) If you could go back in time, which era would you choose?
Much as I love Regency books and things, I think it would be a tough time to live- if you weren't rich, it would be hard, as a woman you were dependent on the whims and mercies of men.  So, I wouldn't go too far back.  Again, I like the idea of the roaring 20's but not so sure I could do without all the mod cons so I am going to plump for the 1950's as it's a bit further back before all the madness of the 60's but not too far back!

6) Morning hair and makeup routine?

I am always running late! Make up is zero- I do moisturiser and that's it! Hair, is brush it and add a headband!!

7) Favorite movie?

Hmmm, I love lots of films- I love Ever After with Drew Barrymore, The Slipper and the rose, Ella Enchanted, Legally Blonde, Roman Holiday....

As long as it is not gory, scary or too full of gratuitous sex, then I am bound to like it, especially if it is funny or has a romantic plot line (or Anne Hathaway!)

8)Where have you not travelled that you would like to visit and why?

Well, I am off to Croatia soon and I wanted to go there because it looks interesting and relaxing and sunny as well. I'd love to visit Thailand because it sounds interesting and I had some lovely Thai friends who studied with me in Bali.   I'd love to visit  New England in America or St Lucia just because they look gorgeous!

9) Morning person or night owl?
Well, I don't like getting up but I am pretty chirpy once I am up and going.  I am also ok at night, I can keep working. I must say though, I do hate going OUT till late.

10) What's something you're passionate about besides blogging?
Ha, you must know this already unless you only just popped in here (in which case HI!)- music of course- I love my flute, orchestral-playing, reading and of course, as a Christian, I am passionate about Jesus!

11) What is one of your life goals, big or small?

I'd love to have some more music published. At the moment, I only have one piece published and I'd love to publish a song book or orchestral pieces for primary school or even a serious orchestral piece or a flute sonata.

If you want to answer some questions, please feel free to attach a big imaginary shiny pink rosette saying Liebster award winner to your imaginary blog chest and get on and answer Miranda's questions too- I like hers!

Q&A

***Updated***
Several people have been doing the Liebster tag recently. I was awarded it by Lisa-Jane recently but didn't tag anyone since the last time I did one, everyone was a bit tagged out. SO I've been surprised to see so many people joining in!  Anyway, I quite like the answering of questions so I am going to answer a few here.
If you would like to answer MY questions, please leave me a link as it's cool to read them (and I promise I will leave a comment). Katie has already answered mine, most brilliantly, so has Shamu-boo!

Alex’s questions: www.Oddsocksandprettyfrocks.blogspot.com 

1. What scares you?

The thought of having children.  Accidentally or deliberately. I am not in that place at all!

Many other things scare me, but I wont say here!
2. What is your favourite word?

Ostensibly.  I think it is a super word but I find it remarkably hard to slip into conversations! Serendipitous is a word I like and use a lot also.
3. Who was the last famous person you saw in real life?

Actually, I was at Holland Park tube on Monday night and as a lady stood next to me, I smiled because I thought I knew her and as I ruminated in my mind over who it was, then realised it was Penelope Wilton from Downton Abbey and all manner of other TV programmes. She turned away at this point, probably seeing the question in my mind.

I've frequently seen famous people there- Will Young being the previous.
4. What was the last film you went to see and why did you choose that one?

I went to see Frozen a couple of weeks ago. Why? Because I love Disney and I had heard good things about it, plus CBC wanted to go to the cinema and I had no desire to see anything else, so I plumped for this one!
5. How much cash is in your purse right now?

[runs to check]  2p, 1p, 2p, 2p, 2p, 2p, 10p, 20p, 5p, £1, £10=  £11.46 (I hope!)
6. Which piece of clothing do you most regret buying?

Hmmmm…now that is a difficult question!  I bought a really pretty Coast dress a whole back- it was a dark pale blue (if you know what I mean) and was in ruffly layers with little beads, made out of silk.  It was really pretty but it was a size 10, strapless. It just didn’t fit properly and I paid £47 in the sale (thank goodness I didn’t spend too much!) and I only wore it once as it made me nervous wearing it and it just didn’t suit me too much! 

Oh and an EVIL pair of very pretty platform sandals in the Next sale when I was 18- they were black with beautiful magenta flowers embroidered over the platform wedge. I wore them to walk 5 minutes to the pub and it cut into my feet and left me with sore welts that turned into scars. 5 minutes walk. That’s it! That’s all it took!x

Also, I fell in love with a dress from Doctor Who that Romana number 1 wore and had a family friend make a copy of it in black (she had offered to make a black concert dress for me). Because of the difference in material and colour, it makes me look like Morticia Addams and doesn’t have the lovely curly hem and sleeve ends! I feel so guilty about it- it took her ages and then I’ve only worn it a handful of times!

7. What's the oddest compliment you've ever been paid?

I genuinely cannot think.  My husband comes out with some bizarre things sometimes!
8. Which book do you love so much that you want to buy a million copies and thrust them at people?

Tom’s midnight garden.  In fact, I have bought copies and given them to people.  And anything by Alexander McCall Smith, esp. the 44 Scotland street series!
9. What's your karaoke song?

Well, I have only sung one song by myself at a Karaoke (and wrote an embarrassing blog at 2am in the morning after it)- as I am hideously embarrassed to do it, even though I am a trained musician and have sung solos in front of many people in church or musicals. But on that occasion, at midnight, I sang, All I ask of you, from Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber!  I made my work colleague cry- mwa ha ha!

I’d be game for ‘I’ve got rhythm’.
10. Were you named after anyone?

Nope- I was named after my mum found a fun hippy Cornish name that means ‘love and peace!’
11. If I gave you £1000 right now, what would you spend it on?

Yes please, Alex!  I’ll have a holiday please starting on Saturday.  Anywhere hot but for some reason, after searching online, I am really fancying Lanzarote!

Char’s questions: www.dinoprincesschar.blogspot.co.uk 

1. What is your favourite thing to do on a rainy day? 

Well, it depends. I actually like walking along the seafront.  As long as I have a waterproof coat, warm, dry footwear and gloves! Nice to also be inside making cards though
2. Skirts or shorts? 

Skirts- you can have them in all lengths- shorts are more limited.
3. If you found £10 on the pavement, what would you do with it?

I doubt I’d see it- I am remarkably unobservant in that respect.
4. Favourite colour? 

Turquoise/kingfisher blue
5. Best advice someone has ever given you?

Well, there has been lots but I will always remember my uni friend and my blog introducer, Rach, sent me a Proverbs 4 v11 quote- “Above all, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life”- I always remember and think of that. I have sent that to others in difficult times and it has proved a comfort to them too!
6. Where would you most like to go in the world? 

I think the Galapagos would be amazing! Or I’d like to go to Hawaai!
7. What super-power would you most like to have and why?

I’d love to be able to heal instantly.
8. Who is the last person you sent a text to?

My husband last night.
9. How many times per day do you brush your teeth?

Usually twice- morning and evening. If doing a concert or feel yucks, then more.
10. What is the last blog you followed?

Sarah at amilliondress.co.uk
11. Do you prefer to read e-books or regular books? Library or shop-bought?

I prefer regular books. Not gone in for the ebook apart from the bible app on my phone- that in itself is very useful though! Prefer to have my own as I am sure I have paid the salaries of several librarians in fines in my lifetime!

Lauren's questions: www.someonelikeyou18.blogspot.com

1. What's your dream job?

I would gladly have become a flautist in an orchestra and playing for West-end shows, e.g. Phantom. Just playing my flute daily and getting paid for it regularly would be wonderful!  I used to get a fair few paid gigs at University and I get the odd few nowadays, but I'd be happy doing this all the time!

2. If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be and why?

I'm not sure I'm definite on this one.  I would love to meet Paul McGann and I am cross with myself for not going to a Doctor Who convention that was in Barking a couple of years ago where Paul McGann was there!  He was within miles of my house and I didn't go?!?!! WHY?

I also think I'd love to meet Felicity Jones.  She is just so sweet, I imagine we'd get on really well!  

3. Live without your phone, or live without your computer?

I guess it if was a modern phone, it does most of what a computer does. BUT, even though I love to talk, I somehow feel I'd take the computer over the phone. You can skype of course! I'm allowed to keep my landline aren't I?

4. What's one place in the world you're dying to travel to?

I'd love to go to Hawaai, or one of those amazing islands in the middle of the Pacific or the Maldives.  But I'm not dying to go, I'd just rather like to!

5. If you could only wear one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Easy question- turquoise/kingfisher blue- that's a lot of my wardrobe through my whole life covered!

6. Nutella or peanut butter?

Peanut butter.  Hopefully less likely to rot my teeth. And it's great on a piece of toast. I'd prefer real chocolate to fake hazelnut stuff!

 7. What's one physical trait and one personality trait that you love about yourself?

I like my smile.  I know that this is the thing lots of people have complimented me on and I like the fact that it stretches to my eyes and illuminates my face.  I look a right mardy cow if I don't smile! Personality trait? Hmmmm? I like the fact that I am a bit eccentric.  Unless someone is one of those in-crowd, must-all-be-sheep, condescending types, then most people tend to like my quirky-side and say it makes them smile.  Most people always remember me and am amused by me. It also lets me get away with a lot of things that in other people, people might tolerate less! 

8. What's your favorite season?

Late Spring. When it is almost summer but all the blossom and such-like are still around.  It never ceases to astound me when all the plants, flowers and ground are renewed, bright, beaming and just BEAUTIFUL!

9. What's your favorite drink?

Tea! Particularly Earl Grey.  Of course! I lived by myself for 5 years and I made myself an entire pot of tea to drink when I first came home from work every day.  Now I have to share with CBC.  It sucks ;-)

10. Name someone who inspires you and why.

Well, the person who comprised these questions inspires me.  Her writing is full of vitality, freshness, eyes seeing beauty like I do and in a young person that is very inspiring. I don't see that so much in many 20 year olds. Her link is probably my most-visited non-me site.

Also, our old Vicar, Chris, is an amazing person. And his wife Jane.  They have a model marriage, but it's real.  Chris can be very  annoying to live with in some respects, I suspect.  But MY, is he a real and godly person.  I could listen to him preach a sermon all day long. So real, so true, so full of heart and a love for God and so ordinary though. He is himself.  Never pretends to be anything else. Jane is similar in her life in Faith and her patience and tenacity and hard-working spirit is truly inspirational.  And even their daughter too- she is amazing- the whole family in fact is my model of how to live life and be as a family. 

Finally, my Granddad.  He's 92 but he's still so amazing. He knows so much, working and always helping, even though he can barely walk and see.  He STILL helps out teaching bee-keeping in a primary school.  He's been my staunchest supporter in music all my life and has just always been an amazing inspiration.

11. If you could be in any movie, which would it be?

It would have to be Jane Austen. Anything- Northanger Abbey would be amazing!
Or my old favourite- Phantom of the Opera.  I'd love to be in it!

Hazel's questions: http://hazelsworldofjoy.blogspot.co.uk/

1. If you were a cartoon character who would you be?
I'd probably be something really annoying.  But I'd like to say Pink Panther.  However, I'm probably someone who speeds all over the place like Speedy Gonzales2. What's your nickname?
Kezzie, Kez, Kaz, Kezziekins, Kezziewig, Kezziekins, Beethoven, 3. What are you reading at the moment?
Rereading Sanditon by Jane Austen and Another Lady.4. If you could take a year off work with limitless funds, how would you spend your year?Living by the sea, reading, making cards, practising my flute, completing the commission my Grandad set me 16 years ago, writing worship songs, doing a postgraduate performance degree, 5. What is your signature dish?
I guess it would be Spaghetti Bolognaise or Thai Green curry.  These are things I am happy to cook for people and do if people come round for a sit down dinner.6. What is the one thing that everyone should do, at least once, in their lifetime?
Learn to play an instrument! Walk barefoot in grass!7. Have you ever given blood?
No, not quite ever got around to it.8. Do you have any tattoos?
No and it's never going to happen.  I have a mild issue/phobia over ink on skin- mendhi, tattoos, stamps on hand, writing in pen.  Shudder.9. Name a film that you have watched over and over again?
Northanger Abbey, Withnail and I, Ever After, Chitty chitty bang bang, Pollyanna, Pride and Prejudice, 10. What question would you most like to ask me?

11. Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery? What is it, how did it come to be yours?

I'm pretty fond of a tiny Cross necklace I bought from Next some years ago. It's so small, pretty and shiny but not in your face!

Here are my questions for you:

1.  What is the meaning of life?

2. Favourite sweetie?

3.  Princess Jasmine or Belle? Why?

4.  What do you like most about blogging?

5.  And what do you like least?

6.  Who was your favourite childhood stuffed/cuddly toy and why? Do you still have them?

7.  Favourite board game?

8.  Would you rather be a sheep or a cow? Why?

9.  What word do you have issues with spelling?

10.  What pet would you love if you could have something?

11.  What question would you like to answer that you've never been asked?

The Brunette's questions

Lisa-Jane at the Brunette Diaries- she of floaty light-coloured prettiness has nominated me for a Liebster blogger award so I am thanking her graciously for it: "Thank you Lisa-Jane!"

The Rules:

Share 11 things about yourself.

Answer the 11 questions that your tagger gave you.

Choose 11 other blogs to nominate.

Think of 11 questions to ask the bloggers that were nominated. 

Thank the person that nominated you and link back to their blog 

Well, I'm probably not going to nominate anyone- sorry but I can't decide who, computer too slow to find links and you probably have already done it, and probably don't want to, but feel free to nominate yourself!  I always enjoy answering questions so I thought I'd do that bit!

1) Have you already broken a new years resolution?

Well- I didn't formally make new year's resolutions- every day has resolutions in the sense of trying not to do the things wrong that I have done previously and I fail at this regularly.  But, in my mind, I decided a couple of things- which meant phoning family and friends more regularly, particularly my Grandad and Dad every week and whilst I have done that- I haven't actually got to speak to my Dad these past times- I've talked to my stepmum and sister but not caught my Dad. Also, we decided we were going to go Lindyhopping every Wednesday, despite school work and stresses because you have to have something for you. However, we've not managed until this Wednesday- the 29th- we decided to go and I phoned up to check the class was happening and it's not happening at the moment- typical!! Anyway, we went to an East Coast Swing class instead and that was fun!

2) Did you celebrate on new years eve?

I'm not really that bothered by the new year, since every day is a new year technically but this year, we did actually do some fun things- we drove out to Mersey Island in Essex and went to the Company Shed for dinner- we had fishcakes, baked oysters and salt and black pepper tiger prawns and they were delicious!! Nice location too.  Pity the weather was awful! Must go back.

We then went round to CBC's old flatmate's house and we ordered pizzas from Papajos and then played Cranium, drank some prosecco (I didn't) and I slept in a chair whilst they watched the fireworks on TV etc!!! Get me- such a party animal!

3) Do you worry about what the New Year will bring?

No- why worry about tomorrow- tomorrow takes care of itself- just look at the birds in the air, they don't worry and they cope and find all they need (paraphrasing Jesus!) - I worry when worries occur- not about what might be.  Always happy to plod along in my life and have sudden stresses rather than a long-term anxiety.

4) Are you booking a holiday sometime soon and where to?

CBC and I contemplated Spain- maybe Barcelona at Easter or May, but not sure.  We'd like to visit a Greek island in the summer maybe.  Oh, and applying for Music Camp!

5) Was 2013 a good/bad year for you?

2013 was an excellent year for me- I got married in August, moved into a rented house with my husband and obviously planned a wedding. The house finding was ideal- we didn't have to look as our friends were moving out of this house, round the corner from CBC's current house and the dates lined up perfectly with ours.  I wont deny that wedding planning was very stressful- in the sense of agreeing on budgets and things but the year was great. School was also very successful and I enjoyed many occasions, a wonderful honeymoon in Die Schweiz and lots of fun.  Moving house- the actual process- not so fun and I still have a black lumpy toenail from the bookcase that was dropped on it accidently!

6) If you could buy one thing now with £20.00 what would it be?

Accck- can I have £35 please and I'll buy one of the lindybop dresses on EBay! With £20.00, maybe I'd buy a knee-length tulle petticoat- a black one or a blue, to go with my swing dresses.  Wish I could buy a more expensive one though, so it's not itchy! (ha- edited since beginning: And now, I'll have the Greater Plains Velo dress that Char wickedly put into a blog post!)

7) If you could buy one thing now for £500.00 what would it be?

Not a clue- I never spend that much on one thing! If it were school, I'd buy a really nice Bass Metallophone chromatic and diatonic sets combined- they cost about £500 or more! 
(Ha- also edited because I just ordered one from Music Village in their special offer section for £138!!! Hope it's a good one and not some rubbish!)

8) What month is your birthday?

In the month of leaps

9) Have you ever been to Devon/Cornwall?

Yes, been to Cornwall- Penzance to IMS Prussia Cove with my orchestra and family holidays when I was young- that's where my name comes from.

10) Have you got a best friend and why are they your best friend?

Sadly, I don't have a best friend currently, not had one since I was at Uni really. I just have friends. I guess CBC is like my best friend, but I'd love to have one again. I adore my Uni friend Kathy and wish she lived nearer as she's my ideal best friend. Also my church friend Margaret is a good friend I value highly!

11) Do you like your job?

I count my blessings every day that I work in the school I work in, with (most of) the colleagues I work with, with my unique job.  I love so many aspect of it- my choir, orchestra now the children behave, my recorders, my lovely year 6 recorders. I get so much delight from my job.  And yet, despite all that, I still dread going back after the holidays, wish I didn't have to, and count the wake-ups until the next holiday!  Funny, isn't it!

If you'd like to answer my questions, please do and leave me a comment with a link, saying you've answered them:

1.  What is the meaning of life?

2. Favourite sweetie?

3.  Princess Jasmine or Belle? Why?

4.  What do you like most about blogging?

5.  And what do you like least?

6.  Who was your favourite childhood stuffed/cuddly toy and why? Do you still have them?

7.  Favourite board game?

8.  Would you rather be a sheep or a cow? Why?

9.  What word do you have issues with spelling?

10.  What pet would you love if you could have something?

11.  What question would you like to answer that you've never been asked?