Once again I am delighted to have received two more blog awards, and am very grateful to the wonderful bloggers who nominated me. I’ll respond to the first one I received in this post and the second one in another.
This is the first one. Now isn’t that pretty. . . ?
I was nominated for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award by the amazing blogger Aquileana. For anyone who loves Greek Mythology, Aquileana’s blog is an absolute must. Her posts are incredible, so informative and visually brilliant. Aquileana is extremely knowledgeable in her subject and I’ve learnt so much from reading her posts. I’m so glad I found her and recommend you all to take a look at her site. Thank you so much for the nomination, Aquileana!
So here are the Rules:
1. Display the award on your blog. Done
2. Announce your win with a post and link to the blogger who nominated you. Partly done
3. Present 6 deserving bloggers with the award.
4. Link to your awardees in the post.
5. Write 7 things about you.
Before I do Q’s. 3 and 4, I’ll answer Q.5 – Facts/things about me (if I can think of anything remotely interesting that I haven’t already shared in previous award posts!).
Well, here goes…
1. I detest snakes. I’ve written about my great fear of sharks in previous posts, but this phobia is a little different. My fear of sharks makes me very nervous when I’m swimming in the sea – and I love to swim and go out snorkelling. With snakes it’s more of a visual thing . . . something about the way they slither along, and those forked tongues that flick in and out! It’s more of a revulsion with snakes than the great fear of being eaten by a shark. They just make me shudder – especially when there are a lot of them, all writhing and slithering about (as in that Indiana Jones film (youtube scene shown here – I did note the spelling of Indiana in the title):
It’s a pity they don’t all look like this little fellow who just popped over from Pixabay.
2. The Blue Danube Waltz, composed in 1866 by Austrian composer Johann II, is one of my favourite pieces of music. I love the whole, dreamy sound of it, as it conjures up images of that magnificent river. I’ve even inflicted the music on my Year 8 students on several occasions. It’s an ideal piece to use in geography lessons to illustrate the characteristic features of the three sections of a river: upper, middle and lower courses. Geography lesson ends here, but here is a video I found for anyone who hasn’t heard of The Blue Danube Waltz. I specifically picked this one from amongst many because it has views of the beautiful River Danube:
3. I’m waiting impatiently for the return of Poldark, the BBC TV series set in 18th century Cornwall. I watched the first version of the serialisation of the novels – written by Winston Graham – in the mid 1970’s. and in black and white. We had no colour TV in those days. Still, I loved it, and was sure I really wouldn’t like this new version when Series One came on last year. But I found this new version excellent and have been longing for Series Two. Not long now . . .
4. One of my favourite genres is Crime/Murder Mystery, and I like it even better when it has an historical setting. There are many authors I like who write Historical Who-Done-Its, and I don’t have any preference for time period, or country of setting. Most of the ones I read tend to be set inBrtain, but I’ve enjoyed some set in many other places as well. Most are a very light read, which is fine, considering my only reading time tends to be last thing at night.
5. One of the books I really want to write (amongst several others!) is one set in the 1950s. You know . . . the time period of the novel and TV series, Call the Midwife (post WW2). Advice to authors is often to ‘write about what you know’. Well, I was a child in that decade, and remember a lot about it. Whether I’ll base the book on memoirs, or go for something purely fictional, I don’t know. Right now, I think it’s likely to be the latter. But images and smells of school dinners of that time will never disappear.
6. I’d much rather sail than fly when going on holiday. I have no fear of flying or anything, I just prefer the freedom of being able to walk around on a ship instead of being seated all the time. I’m the restless type, you see. I’ve never been on a long cruise, and am not sure I’d want to. But we’ve been to Ireland, Denmark and across the English Channel to France on ferries, which I really enjoyed. But… flying is so much quicker.
7. Last one… I’m struggling here. I hate getting ‘dressed up’, and make up is a no-no. It’s really not me. I’ve had to dress up on occassion, of course, but I usually can’t wait to get back into my jeans and go out for a long walk. Yes, I’m a real party pooper.
These are my 6 nominees:
I. Joy Pixley – a great fantasy writer. Joy is currently finishing off her book, set in Eneana, right now. She did brilliantly in NaNoWriMo, and I have every admiration for her hard work and determination. The book promises to be fascinating.
2. Lina – who has a great cookery blog, but who also writes lovely short stories and has recently started to participate in flash fiction (FFFAW).
3. Yinglan – a prolific and successful blogger, who mostly participates in writing challenges. Her stories are always interesting and show great imagination. I believe Yinglan also aims to write her own book one day.
4. Tracey-Lynne – an talented aspiring author, who has recently returned to Blogland after a short break. Tracey is now taking part in falsh fiction challenges as well as continuing to write her own short poems and stories.
5. Gavin Zanker – another talented writer who will be publishing his first book early this year. How exciting is that!
Millie Thom 
Thank you so much for nominating me. I’ve been longing to get this award. It’s the only one I have not gotten and my wall of achievement is now complete with this award. 🙂
I enjoyed your answers and the show Poldark too. I didn’t think they’ll come back but after that abrupt ending, I really hope they do. I also like crime solving dramas too. Anyway, thanks again for the nomination.
You’re welcome! I didn’t think you had this one. I couldn’t see it in your Wall of Achievement – but you have so many awards (and rightly so!) I wondered whether you had some displayed somewhere else. 🙂
Ha ha, I think this is the only one I am missing.
you are so very deserving and have done such a fine acceptance. Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you, Holly! Your lovely comment is much appreciated. 🙂
Congratulations on the award, Millie! I must say, l also detest snakes, if l see one on tv, l close my eyes and quickly change the channel, it must be my biggest fear in life.
Now, about nicer things, l absolutely loved Poldark and can’t wait for the new series, the actors are brilliant (and Ross is handsome 😁).
Congrats to you!!
You are very deserving!!
Thank you, Faraday – much appreciated
Have a wonderful weekend!!
Congratulations Millie! What a pretty award, thank you for passing it on to me! Although I must admit that you give me too much credit when you say I am “finishing off” my book. More like, I am finishing off the _first draft_ of my book — big difference, I’m afraid!
You didn’t include a link to Aquileana’s blog but I was able to find it — wow, you’re right, it’s great!
As far as snakes go, I love them, so I will gladly scare off the snakes for you. You chose a lovely video for the Blue Danube, and of course, such a wonderful piece to listen to. I also prefer almost any other kind of travel to flying, but on the other hand, I also love to get to where I’m going and start exploring, so flying is a necessary evil.
I’ve just got out of bed to add a link to Aquileana! I remembered it while I was doing my usual ‘can’t get to sleep’ routine! She is totally awesome! And you do deserve every praise, Joy, and I know you’ll get that book finished soon. Snakes are not my favourite thing, but I mean none of them any harm – as long as they stay away from me! I’ve handled plenty of grass snakes at school, but they’re nice and small. And yes, I too see flying as a means to an end. I don’t think I’d like a whole holiday on a cruise ship. Like you, I like to be off exploring.
I know you have lots of award posts to do, but you could try doubling some up. I wanted to do that this time, but by the time I’d finished doing my facts, I knew the post was already long enough. 🙂
I have considered you as a teacher ever since we first had contact in this world we name ” wordpress”. From my viewpoint , you certainly deserve all the recognition bestowed upon you ! To one who helps me keep my feet on the ground, I wish for you all the accolades the world can render ! BTW I am so happy you provided the performance of “The Blue Danube” with this post ! I did not know the title, but the music has surrounded me since I was a child ! Big smiles for you !
Hi Millie I have new years awards for every body! Didn’t tag anyone because they are for all the lovely people I have come to know.
Here’s the link https://sunesiss.wordpress.com/2016/01/07/new-year-awards/. Please help yourself to anyone and share wit your friends too! Send me a link or ping back if you do. Thank you so much!!!
Congratulations Millie! Well deserved award:) Loved knowing more about you 🙂
Thanks, Freda. 🙂 I was hard pushed to think up any sensible facts about myself for this one. I’ve written so many now, I’m running out of ideas! Your blog is award free, isn’t it? So many people’s blogs are now. 🙂
I used to before Millie,I’ve done about 5 I guess, then somehow they all accumulated, now I’ve lost track and decided not to do them.
I’ve been saying I’m going Award Free for a while, but haven’t done so yet. Some of the award posts take a long time to do, whereas others are quite short. For my sins, I still have another two award posts to do now. 🙂
Awww! Yes Millie! Some take a lot of time, while some are simple 🙂
This is a beautiful award, congratulations. I am like you- as soon as I get the chance I’ll get out of the dress-up session. Back to my well worn clothes and shoes. Snakes are not my favorites too but if you live in a country where there are many you kind of accept them and keep out of their way. So glad here are no snakes in NZ.
Thanks, Scrapydo. I’m so behind with reading people’s blogs I haven’t said ‘hello’ to you for a while. I’ll be popping over soon, just before I start my little blogging break. I hadn’t realised there were no snakes in NZ. There are none in Ireland, either. I imagine you saw lots in SA though. 🙂
Thank you so much for the lovely words! I will do this award asap!
Thank you so much for accepting the award, Lina! If you link to my post when you do it, I’ll know when to pop over and read it. 🙂
Done!
Great! I’ll come and read it very soon. 🙂
Well done!
Thank you, Aletta. I’m very happy with the pretty logo. He twinkles nicely. 🙂
He does!
Nice Millie! Xxx
Thank you, Lynn. This is a nice logo to have and I enjoyed rambling through my ‘facts about me’. 🙂
hahaha! It’s always nice to know more!
Congratulations!
Thanks, Charles, much appreciated. :
You picked me!! I’m thrilled!! Thank you so much, Mille! What fun!
And congratulations on the award! How exciting!
I enjoyed reading the seven things about you–it’s such a neat thing to get to know someone in this online blogging context – it’s all kind of new to me. I like it.
And I’ll keep an eye out for the series, Poldark.
Cheers,
Tracey
Thanks for replying, Tracey, and for liking my post! I love the logo for this one – the best one I’ve had so far. Yes, the blog awards are great for getting to know each other. I’m just surprised I could only have 6 nominees for this one. Some ask for 15 – which does take some doing. I’m really glad you’ve accepted, and it can be a quick one to do if you don’t gabble on, like me. I can’t be brief to save my life. If you link to me when you’ve done it, I can hop over and have a read. I’m looking forward to learning a little about you. 😀
Hi dear Millie… First of all, thanks so much for your words concerning my blog… I am honoured and appreciate the praise even more as it comes from you… You know how much I like your blog and writing…. so, I am grateful.
As to the answers… Well I think that number five speaks out loud… Great ideas for a book… I say go for it…
I am also the casual type… I really don´t like to dress up either and when If I go to a bar during the weekends I usually wera tight jens and top tank or sweater, according to the season…
I wear shirts as well but never wear dresses… haha… I am not too fond of make up either, I wear just a little bit…
I loved reading this, my friend. Sending love and best wishes. Aquileana 🌟★🌟
I really enjoyed writing this post, Aquileana, and am very grateful for the nomination! 🙂 I think many women today feel much more at home in jeans, even on nights out.- although I’m not sure if that’s true in hot climates. I’m a bit too old to wear really tight jeans! Lol But tank tops are nice and cool. Thank you for the nice words about my post – and thank you enormously for retweeting it! Love and best wishes to you, too. 🙂
Congratulations – although I know we discussed this already. How awards is this now?
Thanks, Bekki. As to how many awards i have now, with the ones I still have to do (!) it’s probably twenty. I’ve had some of them more than once, you see. I’ve also had to decline some I’ve had more than once. 🙂
Wow! you’re declining them too!
I’ve turned down several nominations for awards I’ve already had, usually because they’ve come at a time when I’ve been extra busy. I thought I could just fit this one in. I still have two more to squeeze in somewhere. 🙂
Congratulations on the award!! 🙂
Hope you had a great start to 2016 🙂
Thank you, Mithai! It’s so nice to see you on my blog. The new year has been good, so far. I hope it has been great for you, too. 🙂
Very glad new year was fun for you 😀 😀
Congratulations! Well deserved! Loved reading your answers, and the video from Indian Jones movie – one of the scariest scenes, I would say. Have a great week! 🙂
I really enjoyed doing this award post, Inese. I found ways of illustrating it which (hopefully) made the answers less boring. Thank you for the congratulations! 🙂
Nothing is boring is this post 🙂
Thank you for thae reassurance. Much appreciated. 🙂
Congratulations so well deserved 🙂
Thank you! I enjoyed doing this one, although finding ‘facts’ that anyone would want to read about is becoming a bit difficult. 🙂
Congrats Millie! 😉 I have the same phobia about snakes. I simply can’t stand how they look like. I really enjoy The Blue Danube Waltz you posted here and the River Danube is absolutely stunning! ❤ I can totally see why you chose this one in particular. 🙂
Even my 16-year-old grandson has become a fan of ‘The Blue Danube’ – though he probably wouldn’t admit that to his friends. It is such a lovely piece of music and it describes the river’s journey so well.
Your grandson certainly has a good taste in music 😉 Nevermind as long as he enjoys it 🙂 🙂 . Yes, I totally agree with you.