Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all those great mums out there, doing everything they can to hold it together - probably. 

And sometimes it feels like you're fighting a losing battle, whether it be with toddlers or teenagers. It can be very overwhelming at times, and frustrating, and feels like a thankless task being a mum. 

And then they go do something cute, and we forgive them. lol!

So, I hope you're getting to put your feet up and chill, whether you're a mum to humans or pets. Go hide, if they won't let you! ha ha! (That's what I'm planning.)  

It's typical we lost an hour this morning with the clocks going forward. I find that kind of ironic. 

And I know this day may not be easy for some, who are missing their mum. So we're thinking of you, too.

Positive vibes and much love to everyone. 

AND Happy Mother's Day to my MUM!

I think the best thing about you being my mum, as well as being a little loopy like me, (which is probably where I get it from), is that I can tell you anything.

You really are my best friend.

My Mum releasing her inner loopy!

Love you, Mum Xxx 

 

Happy 18th Birthday, Kieran! Two Adult Boys In The House

That's it. I no longer have children. Both of my boys are adults, one isn't even a teenager anymore! 

Happy 18th Birthday, Kieran! 

I am always incredibly proud of you. Keep being you, only maybe a little less grumpy - ha ha.

Your birthday, last year.

You work so hard in your job and at college, and I know you'll do great at University in September, training to be a physiotherapist.

I don't have that many photos of you on your own, because unlike your brother, you don't like having your photo taken - by me, anyway. 

However, when you were younger (and cuter) you loved having your photo taken. 

Anway, you'll always be my cute, cheeky Kamikaze Kieran. 

You may have grown out of Spiderman and pirates, but I will love you always and forever, Mum x x x 

(Below is a montage of photos - some with your brother when you used to get on better! All of you when you were cute!) 

This is when I put vaseline in my hair!

This is when I was at my cutest - asleep!

I helped make these with Mum. 

Always the pirate!

Always a lover of football!

Animal Farm day out. Mum loves this photo!

Bath time :)

One Fine Day turns Ten

My Facebook timeline/memories, whatever you want to call it, reminded me yesterday that One Fine Day turned ten! 

It was published on the 8th January 2015 in eBook. The paperback came out a little later. 

I can't believe it's been ten years since my second novel was published. How crazy is that? 

I love all of the books that I've written as the heroes all have a place in my heart. 

Yes, I know, generally I'm writing about the heroine, but the hero is the one who first influences the story for me usually! 

One Fine Day was definitely inspired by the hero... At the time of writing, I was a massive fan of Bradley Cooper, (still am) so he became my muse for Steve Mason in One Fine Day. (What's not to love about Bradley Cooper, right?) 

And this book differs from all my others, as it is dominantly in the point of view of the hero. The first chapters are from Steve's head. To balance it out, I had the point of view of his sister, Ruby, who was equally fun to write. You'll get to learn from the heroine a little later on in the book. 

I'm also a massive Superman fan, so I really liked the idea of Steve donning the mediocre man (Clark Kent) disguise, hiding away his Hollywood A-Lister persona. 

It's now sold over 20,000 ebooks - so have you read it? Did you enjoy it? 

Anyway, here's the blurb: 

Just a boy standing in front of a girl…

Actor Steve Mason has it all … gorgeous looks, the perfect starlet girlfriend hanging on his arm and his name on every Hollywood producer’s lips. That is, until it turns out the ‘perfect girl’ is actually a perfect PR stunt! Dumped and with his name plastered across every tabloid headline, Steve decides to head home to England, questioning if he’ll ever find a woman who genuinely loves him for who he is, and not just his place on the Sexiest Man Alive list.

It’s been fifteen long years since Ruby last saw her big brother – but the new LA version of Steve complete with designer wardrobe, California tan and an American accent is too much to bear – Ruby hardly recognises him and decides it’s time to get her brother back!

With Ruby’s help, Steve goes undercover as he plays the part of a regular guy who leads a regular life. And then one perfectly fine, ordinary day he meets lovely, funny, down-to-earth Lydia. But when Hollywood comes calling, will Steve be able to leave both Lydia and his little sister behind?

And if you haven't read it, here's the link to Amazon (but it is available in all good ebook sellers or in paperback.)

No Longer A Teenager

So where have the last 20 years gone? My boy has gone from baby to adult, what feels like very quickly. No longer a teenager! 

Now working as a Construction Engineer apprentice - all that lego building has paid off. 

Happy 20th Birthday, Ben! 

Keep being you... but if you could just tidy your bedroom more that would be great...  

Love you, always, even when I'm grumpy, Mum x x x 

Firmly In My Fifties

It was my birthday at the weekend, and I went for a National Trust adventure at Stourhead. 

I had been toying with getting a bus into Bristol for some day drinking, and being home by 8pm and in bed ha ha! 

However, we opted for some exercise and fresh air, as only the middle-aged will appreciate. 

Therefore, my birthday involved plenty of walking with a cream tea for lunch. Perfect. 

I went with one of my friends who I've been visiting a lot of National Trust places with this year.

For the middle of October we were very lucky with the weather, it only got a little chilly when the sun went in. But we were starting to see the changes in the trees, and what I love about National Trust is they'll always have a good display on. Everywhere we went there were pumpkins and the reminder of Autumn. 

Then, in the evening we went out with the 'kids' - who are not so small now at 17 & 19 - for dinner, and a well deserved bottle of pink prosecco - or two! 

Thanks to everyone who sent cards, gifts, and messages. All very appreciated 😍

I know I've been quiet on the blogging front, but I've been working on my next novel, editing and polishing to resubmit to a publisher, and submit to some agents... Wish me luck!