Having finished seven years of online studies with the Open University last year, culminating in the pomp and ceremony of a degree ceremony, life became rather dull until the stimulation of Napowrimo 2010 and poetry prompt sites perked me up again.
I’m sometimes known as the silly old bat, potty about poetry, passionate for patchwork, family, friends, music and a quiet life. The pains of age prevent much physicality: gone are the days of riding and roaming, tennis and squash. The gentle walk up to the village is my daily exercise.
I live in rural Normandy in Northwest France with my retired dentist husband and spend my days quilting, writing and blogging.
Hi Viv,
I have been nominated for a Versatile Blogger Award, and one of the conditions is that the recipient then nominates seven other bloggers whose writing they enjoy.
I’ve picked you, because I really enjoy reading your blog and your poetry.
If you’ve won multiple awards already, I am sorry for landing this on you again! It can be a bit time-consuming to compile the response. There doesn’t seem to be any official regulation to the VBA (or any other blog award) so it’s all pretty informal and voluntary.
Here are the ‘rules’ as I understand them:
You thank the person who nominated you and post a link to their site.
You nominate seven other blogs for the same award and link to them.
You tell these people that you’ve nominated them.
You share seven things about yourself.
If you wish to post a VBA logo on your site, there’s one on my blog post, or you can probably find one by searching WordPress. Here’s a link to my post:
http://jowoolf.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/29th-april-roll-of-honour/
Congratulations! And thank you again for hosting such a lovely blog.
With best wishes,
Jo
Jo, this is a great honour – totally undeserved. But I decided a long time ago that I was not going to accept any of these award thingies: they strike me as being not much removed from chain letters. So thank you, but no thanks.
Thanks, Viv – I know where you’re coming from and I am tempted to share your view. That’s why I warn people not to share sensitive information. It’s hard to strike a fine balance!
Nice to meet you! My friend, Les at Time Out For Mom, introduced me to you by posting a poem you wrote – “The Wooing O’t”. It was a brilliant poem! I host a poetry linky every tuesday and Les submitted one where she showcased your poetic talent for all her readers to enjoy!
Anywho, such a beautiful place you live in. Someday, I will visit France. It’s on my bucket list. Until then, I’ll have to satisfy my French longings by visiting your blog often.
How exciting. I don’t think anyone has ever read my poetry like that before. Thank you for your visit.
Hi Viv,
Saw your post on Ulric cross in caribbean Aircrew WW2. Ulric does not use the internet. For his phone number, please contact me via e-mail.
Regards, jerome
That was kind of you. I’ve emailed you.
I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Details at gjscobie.wordpress.com
That’s very kind of you, and I am honoured, but I have long made a point of refusing these awards
which I’ve found are akin to chain letters! So thanks, but no thanks.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year, Viv – not only does your poetry give me as much pleasure and encouragement today as it did when we started out as students but it is my path back to the world of words and writing when I occasionally escape from dirty socks and domesticity!
Susanne, a Happy new year to you too. Thank you so much for visiting – it’s been a long time since there’s been anything on your blog. What are you doing now – apart from washing socks!
Hi Viv, I found your blog via Celi/thekitchensgarden’s blog. I love your way with words! Have bookmarked your site and look forward to reading more of your writing.
Hello Viv,
Happy New Year!
Sorry to be out of touch so long, end of last year was all exhaustion and keeping my head down in Cornwall.
Hoping your writing flourishes – well, I see from the blog that it sure does!
Will keep in touch more now, and looking forward to my visit to Normandie in April with the retreat, hoping to see you then,
can you send me your email,
love,
Pennyx
Your life sounds wonderful! And I so admire you for obtaining a degree at this point in your life. Have added you to my blogroll – hope you don’t mind!
Of course I don’t mind: I am honoured!
All of it sounds wonderful, except the pains of age… I understand that one!
Hello Viv! I enjoy your blog so much and I’ve awarded you with a Liebster http://clsostarich.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/liebster-pile-up/
What a nice blog you have! An congratulations on your graduation!
Your life is what I dream my life will be when I retire. We have so much in common, poetry, patchwork and music, only I’d have to add scrapbooking into that as well. Unfortunately time is lacking for all so I just stick to poetry for now. Love your blog
You sound like one worth knowing!
Big thumbs up – thanks!
I’ve only just noticed this page! It’s about time you had one.
I love your graduation pic.
Where are you from originally? You certainly have chosen a beautiful place to live. Good for you, pursuing that degree and achieving it!
Born in outer London, moved lots of times, but mostly lived in theEnglish countryside. Yes, we are so lucky to be here, with quietness, gorgeous scenery and beaches nearby.
What a beautiful place Viv. Incredible view. Would love to join you on a stroll. Have a wonderful summer!
Dear Viv,
Thank you for your most kind and appreciative comment I read at Poets United for my poem Loneliness’ I feel honored.
Vivienne: Congratulations on your degree, and I can’t think of a better place to enjoy the educated life than Normandy. Bonne chance! RT
I love the look of your house, lots of light I should imagine! and your view is beautiful.
Thank you Peggy. Yes, I moan about the winters a bit, but the rest of the year is gorgeous here: not too hot (heat doesn’t suit me), just right.
Now I see where you live! Lovely home and lovely area. So much green, which is probably going strong right about now. We lived in the Netherlands twice for about a year each time and the weather was quite a shock to this Southern Californian. I did come to realize how very marvelous spring is in places where winters are cold and dull. We visited France several times and I tried to dig out my long buried years of studying
French, which came out hopelessly mixed with Dutch. Enjoy your spring days.