Blog Your Heart Out.

I ONLY started blogging on January 1 this year but already it's been a roller coaster of a ride with more highs than lows. I've met some great people- some in real life and some just online but have made some great friendships which I hope will not be bound by the blogosphere.

I am very enthusiastic about blogging, possibly to the point of being a zealot and have helped a couple of other people start their blogs too. We are all looking forward to Britmums Live 2014 next year!

One of these people carried away by my enthusiasm was my eldest son's's girlfriend, known on my blog and social networks as FDIL - Future Daughter In Law. I know, I'm jumping the gun a bit but we get on very well and are at times scarily alike so this is one potential MIL with her fingers crossed for a big hat and confetti-chucking day in the future.

FDIL blogs about Surviving University One Day at a Time and, bless her, recently nominated me for the Blog Your Heart Out Award.
The rules of the "award" are simple - each nominated blogger answers five questions then nominates another five deserving bloggers.

So here I go:

What/Who encouraged you to start blogging?
I sat on January 1 this year contemplating the year ahead and upon realising that finally, my youngest child would be starting full time school thought:"Oh B*gger! I'm going to have to get a proper job!"
Previously I have been a journalist and news editor and love writing so decided to start blogging right there and then and hope somehow it would turn into a proper job.
I was greatly helped at first by an old friend from my teenage years, Jon Hunt, who blogs at e-clectism. Over a fab Sunday lunch he showed me how to add gadgets, social networking buttons and gave me some top tips on the do's and don'ts of blogging. Once again Jonno - thanks!

How did you choose what topics to blog about?
I'll let you know when I have! No, in truth my head is full of random thoughts and memories and I spew those out along with my views and opinions on stuff. Oh, and I review biscuits a lot.

What is something most people don't know about you?
I have a licence to drive steam trains. Earned properly for the purposes of writing a feature piece (which actually won an award) many years ago when I was a print journalist.

What 3 words describe your style?
WTF?

What do you like to do when you are not blogging?
Eat, Pray, Love.
I love to eat, and cook, and especially enjoy planning meals to share with friends. I pray a lot - my faith is very important to me. And love? I love my husband of 21 years very very much, and of course our 7 amazing children. My friends are also very important to me - Love ya guys!

So that's my five questions answered. If you are still awake then thanks for reading. And my nominations for the award go to:

Claire at Laid Back Mum of 4- pic from Facebook.