Following the dark, often stormy, winter there couldn’t have been a better time to bring in some light! During the past few weeks I’ve seen several bloggers receive an award that brightens our days as well as theirs. Imagine the surprise, honour and delight when, within a few days, I received the double accolade of The Sunshine Blogger Award!
The Sunshine Blogger Award is a peer appreciation award given to bloggers who are creative, positive, and inspiring, while spreading sunshine to the blogging community.
Thank you so much to the two bloggers for thinking of me for this award. I deeply respect them and I always savour their posts, learning along the way, sharing their enjoyment of life, travels and books and I’m overjoyed for them and their publishing success! If you haven’t visited their blogs before, I highly recommend you head over … you’re in for a treat!
Darlene at Darlene Foster’s Blog mentioned me first. She is the author of numerous children’s books based around the central character of Amanda and she has also had several short story wins and some published in anthologies. She blogs about her books, writing, travels, family. She divides her time between Spain and Canada.
A few days later Brigid at Watching The Daisies also kindly nominated me for The Sunshine Blogger Award. Brigid’s posts resonate with wisdom and calmness, attributes reflected in her hugely successful book Watching The Daisies which is an Amazon no. 1 Inspirational Irish Memoir. On her blog Brigid shares news about her book, as well as articles on travel, health, book reviews, nature, gardening, recipes and healing.
Rules for the award:
- Thank the blogger who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
- Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
- Nominate (at least) 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
- List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog
Here are the questions I received and my answers:
What was the driving force behind the creation of your blog?
First and foremost I wanted to share my experience of writing my first novel!
What was your vision for your future in blogging/writing when you first started this blog? How has that vision evolved?
Within a couple of weeks I realised that this this single-minded focus for my blog was untenable. My blog would quickly become dull and dry. Also there was so much more I wanted to share so I happily started writing about books, travels, nature, traditions, my short stories. Later I shared the journey of the publication of my first book, a collection of short stories, entitled The Storyteller Speaks.
What age were you when you realized you loved writing?
I was at primary school in a small Yorkshire village and think I was about nine-years-old.
How has your life changed as a result of the electronic age? Is it better/worse/the same?
On many levels electronic devices has made life so much easier. As a gadget-nerd I’ve always enjoyed using the latest devices and remember my mother with one of the earliest Apple computers at work, as well as seeing the magic of a fax machine! The internet, although filled with so much dark material, is still a positive force and how many of us don’t ‘google’ something everyday. As soon as I saw the iPad I longed for one and had to wait for prices to fall … it is my go-to device, for news, blogging, reading, writing (with aid of Bluetooth keyboard).
What was the very last website you visited today?
I love the eclectic nature of the blogs I follow and just as I was writing this a I received a notification that GP Cox at Pacific Paratrooper had put on a new post.
If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?
I was dreadfully unhappy in one school (an all-girls) for two years when eleven and twelve-years-old … one day I finally broke down and told my mother just how utterly miserable and depressed I was there and I never returned. I flourished at my next school and am still in touch with my friends from then.
How would your life be different today if that one thing from your past were to change?
To be honest, probably not too much as the warmth and love from home meant I recovered quickly and could see the problem wasn’t with me. It did steer me away from single-sex schools for life and I didn’t want that for my son either.
If you have children, tell me…how did your parenting change from the time you had your first child until the time you had your last?
As I only have one child I can’t really answer this one. I always used to joke that I would be far more relaxed and not so anxious with a second child – but I doubt this would have been the case! What I can say is that being a parent changed me absolutely and I could never imagine my life without my son. Sometimes I have to pinch myself that I am so lucky and it is real!
Tell me about the funniest experience you’ve had in the past month.
Ever since I was a baby I have approached new foods with trepidation … and this is still the case much to the amusement of my family and friends.
Thinking it might be a good idea to go ‘healthy’ I decided to try Benecol and one Sunday morning the little bottle stood eagerly on my placemat. I looked on fearfully, my husband gulping his down enthusiastically, showing me how to do it!
Hmm… I sniffed the white liquid anxiously and still wasn’t convinced. I then went into my default mode and called my mother and told her I had a ‘scary prospect’ ahead of me! Concerned she asked what it involved and when all was revealed she just laughed and said, ‘That’s my daughter’. ‘Could I put it on my cereal,’ I queried? She wasn’t sure. I stared at the bottle and it glared back. The stand-off continued!
A while later I took a minuscule sip – it was delicious!! I now look forward to my new morning addition!
What do you have planned for the upcoming holiday season?
My husband and I are soon celebrating our 20th Wedding Anniversary (where did those years go???) and are travelling a few days to the beautiful island of Jersey. The hotel is just on the beach, overlooking the bay and I am already giddy with excitement!
Finally, to the nominations!
I am aware that some of you might have received this award before or have an award-free blog, in that case please view this award as a compliment. There is no obligation whatsoever to respond.
My questions are the same as those posed to me.
My nominees of bloggers who spread sunshine and inspiration are:
- Dr Mary Ann Niemczura
- Charley at booksandbakes1
- Barbara Vitelli at Book Club Mom
- Julie Holmes at Facets of a Muse
- Sue at Dreamswalker’s Sanctuary
- Pamela Wight at roughwighting
- Andrea Stephenson at Harvesting Hecate
- Jennie Fitzkee at A Teacher’s Reflection
- Khaya Ronkainen
- Curt Mekemson at Wandering Through Time and Place
- Mackey at MacsBooks
Annika Perry 
Many congrats! You & your lovely site deserve it 🙂
Bless you for you wonderful comment and support … it means a lot to me, Daal! 😀🌺 xx
❤
wow…congratulations to you Annika…I am a newbie in this blogging world and your blog is one of the first few I hit up…and absolutely loved and adored it…I wish you well…😊😊
Awww…thank you so much, Krittica and welcome to the world of blogging! 😀 I hope you have a great time writing your posts and making lots of new friends – it’s through comments that the real joy of in the blogosphere is found! You’re doing just the right thing. Lovely to meet you here and read your posts.
welcome and thank you…😄 i hope to have a good time… it’s lovely to meet you too…..💗
Congratulations on the award and I’m reading your blogs at the moment as I write this. I like your writing style. Cheers
Thank you so much, James! 😀 It’s a lovley award and I had fun answering the questions. I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog – I likewise am enjoying reading your posts. With strong roots to the Swedish coast and many family members working both as fishermen & captains of ships your posts resonate with me.
Thank you for taking a gander at my blog I have a good time writing them and I’m happy someone is reading them aswell lol. Have a great day
Congrats
Thank you! 😀
Congratulations Annika on this much deserved award. It was lovely finding out more about you. Happy blogging into the future my friend xx
Thank you so much, Miriam! 😀😀 It’s been an honour and surprise to be nominated for this award and the questions were a lot of fun to answer! Blogging has been/is a wonderful journey with most unexpected and positive results … life-changing in many ways! Sorry for the late reply- I had a busy few days before we left for Sweden last week. At the moment happily settled into the peace of the forest and lakes as well as enjoying daily warm sunshine! Heavenly! 😀 hugs, my friend! ❤️
Oh, that sounds wonderful Annika. And no need for apologies. Enjoy it all. xx 💙
Congrats on the double accolade, Annika. Well deserved, and I really enjoyed following your blog. You engage with your audience really well. Electronics did change our lives and the way we write today, and also researching writing ideas and techniques. If in doubt, a quick Google can bring up a heap of information and inspiration for writing. I have never heard of Benecol. But if in doubt, always throw it out…or just don’t try is what I tell myself. If I do try, I make sure I am at home or close to home if I need a bathroom quickly 😀
Mabel, heartfelt thanks for your kind and lovely comment … it means a lot to me! ❤️ The biggest reward in blogging is the friendships made here and it’s only achieved by interaction – I love this side to it! Meeting people such as yourself, learning about you and your part of the world is inspirational.
Haha … was there ever a time before Google?! I feel I say ‘let’s google it’ at least once a day! 😀 Recently I started writing ideas in my notes app if they strike me as out and about – and oddly enough I’ve found this a very creative way to write! Totally unexpected.
Benecol is a yogurt based drink full of good gut bacteria … many say it’s great and doctors recommend it! I’ve been naturally cautious of anything new to eat since a baby!
We’d be so lost without Google these days. Don’t think we’d write half the books we’d written too 😀 You can never be too careful with food, Annika 😀😀
Congratulations, Annika! Well deserved.
Thank you so much, Inese!Hugs 😀🌺
Hugs back at you 🙂
Congratulations on your nomination Annika, the warmth of your posts is always like sunshine 🙂 And thank you for the nomination – although I won’t take part, I much appreciate the thought!
First, thank you so much, Andrea – your posts are likewise as sunshine, bringing nature and wisdom straight into my study as I’m reading them.❤️ Hence the nomination but I totally understand about not taking part – just know the compliment and sentiment are there! Hope the real sun is shining for you today! 😀
Congratulations and really interesting and revealing answers to the questions.
Thank you so much, Georgina! 😀 The questions were very good at drawing information out and so glad you enjoyed the post.
Oh, Annika, what an appropriate award for you! Congratulations. 🙂
Ahh… that’s so sweet of you, Carol! Thank you!! Hugs 😀❤️
Yes, Annika, you are sunshine in a blog 😀 Congrats on the award! It’s always fun to read about my fellow writers/bloggers and discover more things about them.
Thank you for nominating me as well 😀
Enjoy your SPRING weekend!
Happy Spring Day to you too, Julie! 😀😀I too have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about bloggers and the award is a lovely way to let people know how much Sunshine their work brings to us! Hope you have a chance to partake.
BTW it’s been fun to see you and your book out on tour! Congratulations once again. Xx
Thank you, Annika!
Congrats on your award, Annika! I truly enjoyed reading your answers…who would’ve thought you’d be a gadget-nerd 🙂 Happy spring!!
Thank you so much, Helen and this is another great side to the awards, learning something new about each other! Oh yes, I’ve always loved gadgets, from my Little Professor, Walkman, first ZX Spectrum computer as very young!To the latest i-everything! What about you? I realise you are very much into your cameras! Hope you are having a magical Sunday! Xx 🌺😀
I like gadgets too, but not to the extreme…I don’t have all the very latest i-somethings – although I’m now thinking in investing in a cleaning crew, you know, the multi-skilled iRobot family 😀 Have a great week ahead!
Haha! 😀😀 I think the iRobot would be a huge success – they should concentrate more on that then bendy phones etc! As for latest, I should have added, latest that I can afford! It was only recenly my trusty iPhone 5c died on me and I upgraded to no. 6!
Hi Annika! I’m so pleased you enjoyed being nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award – twice!! You so deserved it. I loved your answers and it was so great to learn more about you. What was the name of the small Yorkshire village you lived in when you were 9 years old? Hubby is from Yorkshire and we have visited many of the villages in the area. Thanks for mentioning me and my books! Hope you are having a fabulous weekend. xo
Darlene, how wonderful that your husband is from Yorkshire – a county that has my heart! Luckily my brother and family still live there so I have lots of occasions to visit. I went to school at Ilkley Grammar School which is very close to the village I lived in. Have you been to Ilkley and the famous Cow & Calf Rocks – we would walk there in our lunch break just about as the school was on the moors!
Many thanks again for the nomination and so glad you enjoyed learning more about me. Yes, I’m having a wonderful weekend, the sun is shining for the first time in weeks (it feels) and I’ve been out to listen to a book talk as part of the Essex Book Festival. Bridget Collins was very erudite about her book, The Binding, which has an especially appealing cover!
Hope you’re having a great weekend too! 😀🌺
HUbby was raised in the city of York but recalls Ilkley. I can see how Yorkshire inspired you to write. It is such a lovely place.
Ahh… one of my favourite cities and we were there in June … I just never want to leave! 😀 Yorkshire has a great writing culture and Haworth was a regular haunt for us.
Congratulations on this award. It’s always nice when someone takes the time to nominate you!! 🙂 x
Thank you so much, Gill😀 I’m honoured to be nominated and definitely appreciate the time and effort it takes! Xx
Congratulations Annika. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your togetherness. Wishing you and your hubby many many years of happiness and sunshine. You add so much glow to blogosphere with your honest and sincere posts. Love and hugs.
Balroop, thank you so much for your warm and beautiful wishes … I do realise we are lucky to have had so many wonderful years together and it will be special to celebrate the occasion with this trip. Ahh… thank you also for your kind words about me and my blog – honest and sincere is the only way I know how to be! 😀 It has caused problems at times when younger but I am over the moon to have made friends here with you and many others! Your posts are always full of wisdom, thought-provoking and of poetic beauty; your comments always give so much of yourself, sharing emotions, thoughts, life! Hope you’re having a great weekend! hugs ❤️
You must be an affectionate and warm person, as your words convey a lot about your personality Annika. I am delighted and blessed to be connected with you. Many thanks for such beautiful words about me. 🙂
Congrats Annika on the award. Well answered. Happy anniversary to both of you and enjoy your celebrations and time together 💖
Thank you so much, Radhika! 😀 We are so looking forward to the anniversary trip … just time together and hopefully the sun will be shining!
We had the same path with our blogs, Annika! I started out floundering for a theme and finally (maybe a year later) found my voice. It feels good, doesn’t it?
And GP Cox–love the guy! I learn so much military history from him.
Jacqui, I realise many of us start with one idea for our blogs but this quickly diversifies as we learn more about the nature of blogging, the readers etc. It’s wonderful how each is yet unique.
I agree about GP, I love his articles and I’ve learnt so much as well … particularly from an era of WWII that is not well covered. Some posts are incredibly moving.
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You bring sunshine to my days every time you post, Annika. We have become such good friends, I feel, even though we’ve never met and we live oh so far away. But in reality? Right now you’re right here with me in my home loft office overlooking tight budded trees that are a month away from a slow release. You’re whispering in my ear to keep writing, keep writing, and you’re laughing with me as I take a sip of my Earl Gray tea latte (whatever is Benecol????). I like to taste new things, if they don’t crawl on my plate and if they aren’t the color of swamp. But with a name like Benecol….I think I’d be cautious also.
Many thanks for the nomination. I’m beyond honored. I have an award-free blog, mostly I think because I’m actually too shy…and like Robbie says, I’d have a horrible time of it selecting the nominees – it would give me hives. 🙂 Cheers to you and your writing, your blog, your humor and your ‘You-ness.”
Dear Pam, I’m having a wonderful time in your office, gazing across to budding trees and enjoying a cuppa Earl Grey. Is that a slice of lemon beside it on the saucer? 😀 As for your writing, I hope it is going well … it is fantastic how we all encourage each other! Seriously, I’m realising the nature of friendships is changing in the modern tech world and I too feel as we are true friends … sharing thoughts, laughter, dreams! Many people I meet in everyday life have no time to listen to these. So, pop over for cuppa to my study, ginger tea this time perhaps? The white doves are flocking on the lawn and the buddlehia leaves are nearly all out, the primroses a vivid spot of colour in the borders.
I totally understand about the award and agree with you and Robbie it is hard to choose nominations etc … just take it as a sincere compliment for the sunshine your posts bring to me … and everyone!
Thank you for your amazing heartfelt comment and your last sentence- it means so much to me! Wishing you a magical weekend, my friend! Hugs xx ❤️🌺
Now, this is just uncanny. Yes, when I have my cuppa a slice of lemon bobs on the top. But on my 3rd or 4th cup of tea, I always choose…ginger tea. How did you know? Oh, I know how, that’s what YOU love too. See? Soul Blogging Sisters. xo
Congratulations on winning the Sunshine Blogger award, Annika! It couldn’t have come at a better time, since it’s the first day of spring! You are very deserving of this award, my friend. I enjoyed the questions and answers, it is always great to learn more about you. ❤ xo
Thank you so much, Vashti and it’s been fun answering the questions and sharing them here! I feel so honoured and humbled to receive the award and it brought sunshine to my days as we bade farewell to winter! As always, your comments, support means a lot to me! Xx ❤️
❤ xo
Hi Annika, I always enjoy learning something new about you. So glad you like your new morning beverage – you’re braver than I am! Thanks for the nomination, too! Happy blogging 🙂
Hi Barbara, you’re very welcome and your posts always bring light, news and all about books and publishing to me! It is always a delight to read your posts and lately see you chatting on YouTube videos! 😀 Haha … glad I’m I’m not the only one cautious about the new addition to my breakfast routine! Wishing you a lovely day. 😀🌺
As always, dear Annika, I read your post and my mind and mouse wandered to multiple sites before I returned to yours and read with interest about your award! You can’t imagine my utter surprise to see my name at the top of your list. Congratulations to you and to all the wonderful writers out there. I am humbled by the award. Now, please give me time to respond to the questions. I will mull them over first. Many, many thanks and enjoy the week.
Mary Ann, I always enjoy reading your, mostly, poetic posts, full of love, life, learning, family, music and the arts. The personal blending with deeper aspects of all our lives. I’m so happy you’re taking it up and there is definitely no rush at all … mull away and I look forward to your post in due course! Happy First Day if Spring … the sun is out and the birds are celebrating in the garden en masse! 😀🌺🌼
Thanks for the lovely comment, Annika. I enjoy weaving stories of all aspects of life and the people and places in it. Happy Spring to you as well. Birds have been singing. At least yesterday. Today rain and tomorrow a big snow storm.
How fun! Congratulations!
Thank you, Raimey and it was enjoyable to answer the questions and put the post together! 😀
Hi Annika – congratulations on the award … they are always nice to get and be acknowledged by others. Enjoy Jersey – looks amazing and I sure hope the weather is kind … but more importantly congratulations on 20 years – enjoy the next many decades … cheers Hilary
Hilary, thank you so much and it is indeed heartwarming to receive such recognition. I must admit I’m terrrible with awards, most of the time not having a chance to take them up but with this double accolade I couldn’t resist! 😀 The trip to Jersey is end June so the weather should be lovely … famous last words! Ahh… thank you for your congratulations on my 20th wedding anniversary and I do look forward to the next decades – just worry slightly as they seem to fly soooo fast! Wishing you a beautiful first day of Spring – The Sunshine outside adding to that in my heart! Xx
wonderful sunshine
and revealing
intimacy, Annika!
you’re worth of all
commendation 🙂
David, thank you so much … as always I write from the heart and wondered if I said too much about myself! 😀
Congratulations, Annika! You truly are a ray of sunshine in my world.
Ahh…Marylee, that’s so wonderful to know! 😀
So much fun reading about you Annika. And congrats on the award, well deserved! ❤ Now I have to ask, what on earth is Benecol? Lol 🙂 x
So glad you enjoyed this, Debby and thank you so much! ❤️ I did wonder how well-known Benecol was … it’s one of those small little drinks which is good for the gut … yogurt based plus all the bacteria etc that is beneficial! Or so I hope! 😀
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh okay. Thanks for the explanation. We do have similar things here, of course with different names. 🙂
Delightful post, Annika. I loved reading more about you. And Happy 20th! My nomination is greatly appreciated, even though I do not participate. Thank you!
No worries, Jennie … your posts are always a delight to read, uplifting and full of joy … thank you so much for your quick share this morning on your blog!😀
So happy you enjoyed my post and learning about me. As for it being my 20th wedding anniversary – I’m having trouble believing it myself!😀
Thank you, Annika! My pleasure to share! I’m so glad that my posts bring you joy. 😊 Your posts do the same for me. And your next 20 years will fly by. Mine have!
Thanks for throwing some sunshine my way, Annika. And I really enjoyed your answers to the questions. Confess I was most surprised about your hesitation when it comes to trying new food, and considerably amused that you called your mother. I would have pictured you as a totally fearless eater, boldly biting where few people have bitten. 🙂 –Curt
Curt, I’m smiling at your vision of me as being bold with my eating! 😀 Compared to twenty years ago I’ve climbed mountains, and now enjoy a full vegetarian diet. Ever since being a baby I could not tolerate meat of any sort and despite endless attempts ate very little. Strange and hard for many to understand. In my twenties, following a serious illness, my mother and I worked on slowly introducing new elements within my diet and with time this has been hugely successful. Her patience, love and understanding saw me through all my life, we are best friends and hence, not at all unusual that I would call her! 😀
So glad to bring some sunshine into your day and hope the sun shines brightly for you!
That’s a nice story relating to your mom, Annika. I was reading yesterday how vegetarians live longer. 🙂 I’ve cut way back on the amount of meat I eat. But I confess to still being something of a carnivore. Sigh. Peggy has a similar relationship with her daughter. –Curt
You added a little sunshine to my day, Annika. 🙂 I’m so glad that you shared your school misery with your mom and that she didn’t make you go back! That’s a wise and wonderful mom. And I enjoyed your story about trying the Benecol. All that worrying and it was delicious! Lol. Have a wonderful day, my friend. ❤
Diana, so happy to bring sunshine to your day! 😀 I can recall the evening I broke down and told my mother about school … and when she asked how would I feel if I never had to go back, I wailed in disbelief and joy. Yep, she is indeed wise and still my rock, and best friend. A blessing indeed.
Wishing you a lovely day too … I’m soon off to listen to a book talk as part of the Essex Book Festival! Should be fun and hoping to pick up some tips!😀❤️
What a lovely post, Annika. I like receiving awards but I don’t like doing the nominations simply because it takes me so long to think about it. You do have a talented son. You would be surprised how even very stressed people are more relaxed the second time around. I found Michael easier than Gregory although he had just as many health problems.
Robbie, I must admit award nominations do take quite a bit of time for me too, finding the links and putting them all in especially … but with these two mentions I couldn’t resist! So it is true that even stressed first-time parents are a lot more relaxed second time and I’m glad this is the case for you, Robbie. I suppose it must help that the boys have each other as well. You have a wonderful and close family, and as well a successful career and writer! Well done! Thank you for your comment about my son … not only is he talented but also importantly happy and content with life with all the elements in harmony. Something I’m still trying to achieve! 😀
Yes, Annika, sometimes we can learn from our children. Maybe Perry is like that because he is entirely happy in what he is doing. I have not been that happy in my job for years but I am happy when I write. If I could write all the time I would be happier all the time too.
Congratulations and well deserved. I enjoyed reading your answers to the questions. I hope you have a wonderful time on Jersey. I’ve been to Guernsey next door but haven’t made it to Jersey so look forward to reading about it and seeing your photos.
Mary, I hadn’t yet thought about writing a post with photos about my trip to Jersey, but of course I will! 😀 Great idea! I’ve been to Guernsey for a week when much younger and liked it very much. For some reason I particularly remember a visit to a candle craft place and being in awe of the spectacular statuesque candles – one of which we brought home! Thank you so much for your lovely comment and hope you’re having a good week.
Congrats on your double nomination! I loved reading your answers, and the Benecol stand-off made me chuckle. It’s quite nice stuff, my father drinks that most mornings too. Strangely enough, my parents actually had their honeymoon in Jersey too (over 40 years ago, eek!) Congratulations in advance for your 20th Wedding Anniversary, the trip is definitely something to look forward to 🙂
Caz xx
Thank you so much, Caz! 😀 I’m smiling at your lovely comment and how your parents celebrated their honeymoon on Jersey. I bet if you ask them it doesn’t feel forty years ago! I’ve ever only been once to the island and that was on business so didn’t get a chance to enjoy its beautiful beaches etc. I’m so looking forward to it – and the sun better shine!! 😀
They talk about Jersey like it was yesterday, whereas I’ve forgotten what I’ve even eaten yesterday! This time you’ll get to explore, enjoy the beaches and soak up the atmosphere; when are you going? xx
We’re going end of June so hopefully it should be warm and sunny!😀 Ahh… I’m not surprised your parents remember it so clearly — honeymoons are special and I recall our days in Stockholm vividly!
Congratulations, Annika, on this well-deserved recognition and award! Oh my gosh… how exciting to be celebrating your 20th anniversary in such a lovely destination. Many cheers and best wishes to you. XO
Natalie, thank you so much … it means a lot to me and the timing was perfect, I felt … we really needs lots of sunshine.If we can’t have it literally for now, so many bloggers here are giving us exactly that! I honestly cannot believe it’s been so long since I got married, those years have flown by compared to the twenty years earlier! So odd … I just go with the flow and can’t wait for our special break. hugs xx
Many thanks for your wonderful answers Annika. I used to hate the smell of yoghurt and never tried it until my late twenties. I am a big fan now!
Wishing you a beautiful holiday in Jersey. It sounds idyllic.
Me too, Brigid!! I’ve only liked yogurt (especially with honey in it) for a few years but I wasn’t convinced benecol was quite like yogurt! 😀 I’ve only spent a day before on Jersey on business but it looked heavenly … the bays are so idyllic and I can’t wait to enjoy relaxing there. Many thanks again for the nomination, Brigid! xx
Benecol, ay, i should try that too.
I enjoyed reading all your asnwer, Annika.
I have three kids, and i’m still experimenting methods to raise (i’m not having the fourth though).
Fine, I had not idea you had three children! And you have time to write books, blog and goodness knows what else!? 😀 I like the idea of ‘experimenting methods to raise them’! Are you more relaxed and stressed than with the first one? Do they help each other? Thank you so much for reading and your lovely comment! Have a great day, Jina. hugs xx
They help each other – when they aren’t bickering.
And i can’t say i’m more relaxed with the 3rd, they’re each different experiences! ! I’d say the first got spoiled, he was the first and i so had time for him. The 3rd – just turned five a few days ago – got spoiled because he’s the youngest and oh, so adorable. And the middle one, well, she got spoiled because she’s my only daughter! haha.
Hope you have a nice week too!
huge congratulations on your award, Annika. very well deserved.
Ahh…thank you so much, Libby! 😀 That means a lot to me. Btw. Your last post has stayed with me and given me a lot to think about.
fantastic, Annika. thank you so much for sharing that with me. makes the whole blogging thing worthwhile.
Congratulations on this award, Annika. It suits you perfectly.
Shari, bless you for your lovely comment! 😀 I’ll be smiling all day! ❤️
Congratulations on your nomination and on 20 years of marriage! You’re right…where does the time go? I enjoyed reading all of your answers and now you have me wondering if I should try Benecol. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us! ❤
Jill, first yes, definitely try the benecol or equivalent … I already feel better but that is probably the placebo effect! I’ve heard such good things about it but had to build up the courage to try it! 😀😀
I honestly can’t belive how the twenty years have flown by, at times it feels as if another has lived the life … amazing times! Reckon this must mean I’m a grown-up! 😀❤️
Wow, Annika! Thank you so much for your kind nomination. I’m honoured to hear that I spread sunshine and inspiration in my small way. 🙂 And I couldn’t agree more, after long Nordic winters, what better time to bring in some light.
I shall…I promise answer your questions in the near future. 😀 Thanks once again, much appreciated!
And yes, I’ve enjoyed reading your answers. It’s good to learn that you are a gadget nerd too. That made me smile. Keep spreading the light! 🙂
Yeah, lovely to meet another gadget nerd! 😀 I think my brother’s interest in these things got me started … I’ve had mostly positive experiences apart from the psions!I lost so much data in one of these!
Khaya, I’m so happy you will be taking up the award and I can’t wait to read your answers! 😀 No stress though, whenever you have time! Your posts are always inspiring, full of light and thought-provoking! I hope you are coming out of winter soon … Spring is in the air here, between all the rain, wind, storms, hail … you get the picture! I’m off to Sweden for Easter and can’t wait now!
Yes, spring has arrived! Mornings are lighter and brighter, though the weather is crappy at this point, and as you’ve mentioned. I totally get the picture. But here’s to hoping to sunny days ahead and a lovely trip to Sweden. 🙂
And here’s a link to my answers, I had fun with your questions!
https://www.khayaronkainen.fi/the-sunshine-blogger-award/
Khaya, I think the sun must have heard it’s Spring and is briefly popping by to say hello and the birds are celebrating with a meet in the garden! I hope it’s soon better for you too!
So glad you enjoyed the questions … I don’t know who set them first but they are so good nobody seems to have changed them for a while. Popping over to read your answers and learn more about you! 😀❤️
First of all, Congratultions to the Sunshine Award. My first thought was, Annika is a perfect
choice for this award. Your posts are always positive and full of warmth and yes … sun.
I do enjoy the wonderful answers to the questions, they give away so much of who the authour behind your blog is. A sweet girl with dreams, school drama, warm home, and … lasting suspicion of new food. 😊 . Your Benecol had me laugh and the photo from Yorkshire and Jersey are beautiful.
Above all, the interview shines with sunshine. 🤗 .
Miriam
Miriam, bless you for your kind words; they’ve had me smiling all day and are themselves a ray of (very bright) sunlight! 😀
Haha…I’ll never live down my suspicion of new foods … so I just make the most of it instead! I honestly can’t help my first initial cautious approach, it just seem in-built but does raise a lot of laughs / frustration. Even my son, who as young was a ‘fussy’ eater, happily tucks into most things and always willing to give something a go. Recently he enjoyed his first Japanese meal – I’m not sure I would be so daring!
The photos of Jersey and the Yorkshire Dales are from Pixaby but they capture the beauty and magic of the landscape perfectly!
Thank you so much for you sunny comment that rests like a balm on a busy mind and heart! ❤️
Hearty congratulations for this beautiful award, Annika and loved your interview. Keep it going.
Kamal, warmest thanks for your lovely comment! 😀 It was a wonderful surprise to be awarded this and means so much to me! Oh, I’m definitely going to keep going … I have lots I want to share, it’s finding the time to write them all!
Yes, yes of course this WordPress Platform is awesome in giving each and everyone of us a chance to portray our works of arts and keeps us busy too. Welcome dear. Love and hugs to you.