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! 

Life At Nifty Fifty

I thought I best blog about turning 50. 

It happened last week, and if you follow me on Instagram, then you'll know I was doing a reel in the last days of my forties - much to my sons' delight. (You're so embarrassing, mum!) 

The interesting thing is, I just filmed myself, no make-up - maybe brushed my hair and did it. Twenty years ago, or even ten, I would have needed full make-up on and a change of top! 

Being fifty doesn't really feel very different. Age is just a number really, and with a positive mindset, you'll keep yourself young. It's just the body that will let us down sometimes ha ha! But even then with good diet and exercise, you can help keep your body working too. I am trying to grow old gracefully, or disgracefully... depending how you want to look at it.

But my aim is to work on my fitness and my health so I can continue to live life to the fullest. 

Turning fifty has meant that I have been spoilt with cards, messages and presents. And CAKE! (Thank you, Sara, The Bentley Road Baker!)

My day was spent with some good friends at Bath Thermae Spa and then a late lunch at The Ivy. 

I had drinks on the Friday evening with even more of my valued friends, and visited my mum on Sunday, to get another cake - carrot cake made with love by Mum. 

And then, just to add more grey hairs, an adrenalin filled day at Thorpe Park on the rollercoasters! 

Anyway, I never get depressed about being a year older. Some people don't get to make it to fifty... or whatever age. We should always be grateful for every day we get to live life. 

Some days are harder than others, as life can throw curveballs at times, but I have found writing down my three positives from my day just before I go to bed has helped me have a much more positive outlook on life, and even when I look back over the year. 

Carrot Cake!

I've focussed on the good, not the bad.

For things to change, you've got to change.* (*by Jim Rohn)

I started journaling in 2017 when my self-esteem had reached its lowest. By the end of 2019 I came off online dating. And in 2020, where I discovered in Lockdown I was happy on my own, I joined UW to improve my financial situation and fund my writing passion. 

And through this business, it sent me on a massive personal development journey.

Life is good. I am happy, albeit perimenopausal - ha ha! Here's to the next 50 years! 

12th Day of Birthday

On the twelfth day of my birthday, I would like sent to me...

A Coffee Machine 

I really, really, really want a bean to cup coffee machine, with milk frother and everything. My old machine gave up the ghost, and deciding pods weren't exactly environmentally friendly, I didn't replace it. Bean to cup machines are far more expensive, so I'm saving up. I keep saying the next book sold, I'm buying a machine with the royalties.

To be honest, I love opening presents! And now my boys are old enough to let me open them, so it's more exciting! Before, when they were much younger, they would open them for me.

Yes, imagine my angry face. But how do you tell a four-year-old you don't need help opening presents!?



Today is my birthday, so I'm hoping to have dinner out with the kids and my best friend, and her children. I have more plans for my birthday month, which I'm sure you'll hear about if you follow my Twitter and Facebook accounts!

11th Day of Birthday

On the eleventh day of my birthday, I would like sent to me...

Tom Hiddleston

I would love to meet this guy in the flesh! My obsession started when I saw a YouTube video of him dancing, and it was instant love for the man! (I then stalked more YouTube videos of this man!) Nothing sexier than a man who can dance - in my opinion anyway.

Brilliant actor, fun guy (or at least he comes across that way). Blue eyes and blond hair! Love love love!

I have a Pinterest Board just for this guy too! He's on my inspirational hero list for writing.

10th Day of Birthday

On the tenth day of my birthday, I would like sent to me...

A Fiat 500

I swear, I need David Beckham's garage. There are too many cars I'd like to collect. One day, when I no longer need to take the kids on holiday to Cornwall, I want a Fiat 500. New model obviously. I love the powder blue, and I like the idea of a convertible!

I've actually written one into the book I'm currently writing! My heroine, Beth, drives one.

9th Day of Birthday

On the ninth day of my birthday, I would like sent to me...

A Room With A View

When I attended a writing retreat day the beginning of this year, I was able to work at a writing bureau (see photo above). It was by a window (to the left which you can't see but giving the natural light for the photo) and behind (as you can see in the photo), the door opened, to make you feel like you could be outside.

I dream of owning a house with a room I can use as my writing room, and it will have a view. The view will either be looking out to sea or the countryside. How inspiring would that be?

I also dream of owning a bureau. Every time I visit a National Trust property, I'm always admiring the writing bureaus. This one (below) is at Killerton House.

5th Day of Birthday

On the fifth day of birthday, I would like sent to me...

A Ford Ranger 

If truth be told, if I was rich enough, I'd have a garage like David Beckham's with all my favourite cars (and trucks). (I am my father's daughter!) And this would be there. More practical than the Mustang, it'll get me and the boys to Cornwall with all our holiday stuff and some! (I'd have the body cover on the back so it's like an estate car only bigger! And taller!)

4th Day of Birthday

On the fourth day of my birthday, I would like sent to me... (hope you're singing this along to the tune of the twelve days of Christmas).

The Cursed Child Theatre Tickets

My friend lent me the book which is actually a script of the story, and I would love to see this now. Only £75 a ticket, per show. Because of course there are two parts. And obviously I'd like to take my eldest so I'm looking at £300 - and I don't even know if they're good seats! 

3rd Day of Birthday

On the third day of my birthday, I would like sent to me...

Diamonds

Is it so wrong to want some diamond earrings?

I can't wear earrings anymore, well not cheap jewellery anyway. Gosh, and to think in my teens I wore all sorts of earrings! Now, it has to be real gold or silver, and even then, my ears may complain.

But who doesn't like diamonds?