25 Random Things About Me
I’ve seen this doing the rounds on lots of book bloggers’ sites at the moment, including Linda’s Book Bag, Biblophile Book Club and Portobello Book Blog to name but a few. So I thought I’d do it, too, as a fun way of you finding out more about me…
What is your middle name?
As if Barbara Copperthwaite weren’t long name, I do indeed have a middle name: Lesley. I was given it in honour or my uncle, Norman Leslie Price.
What is your favourite drink?
Every day? Plain old water. I throw in the odd fruit tea on chilly days, if I want a hot drink (I don’t like normal tea or coffee). But on a really cold day, after a long walk, there’s nothing like getting home to a hot chocolate, made all with milk, and a cheeky dash of Cointreau. Yum!
What is your favourite song at the moment?
Well, given the time of year, it’s got to be Carol of the Bells. It’s so uplifting, and makes me feel as though I am soaring above a crisp, snow-filled landscape, dodging around sparkling stars like something out of The Snowman!
What is your favourite food?
Anything I don’t have to cook. I like baking cakes, but don’t always enjoy cooking meals, but I’m lucky as my partner Paul does. Phew!
What was the last thing you bought?
Some fish stick treats for my dog Scamp. Yes, my life is THAT glamorous.
Favourite book of all time?
Heck, that’s a tough question and so depends on my mood. I would probably say Great Expectations, though. It’s one I have read many, many times and always love. It’s moving, funny, complex, and, just like Dickens in this story, I’m fascinated by the links we forge of flowers, gold, or lead, that bind us from the past to the future.
Favourite colour?
Always used to be red. Now I’m always torn between red and purple.
Do you have any pets?
No, I don’t have a pet, I have Scamp, a cockerpoo who keeps Paul and I as pets. She is a very tolerant owner, and has trained us well, although sometimes we try to take over the sofa too much.
Favourite perfume?
I can’t wear perfume as it tends to trigger headaches. But I love natural smells, and adore Origins ‘Ginger Essence’. I also love the fact it’s paraben free, and none of its ingredients are animal derivatives.
Favourite holiday?
I was completely blown away when I had a holiday in the Yukon region of Canada a few years ago. It’s a gorgeous, vast, mountainous place, with a very sparse population. As a result, everyone is so friendly! Part of it is within the Arctic circle, so winters are harsh and long, and the summer’s brief but beautiful. I got to see a grizzly bear, wolves, moose, fly in a helicopter over a blue glacier… I’ll never forget trekking in some woodland and stopping to listen straining my ears to hear a car, train, or plane, but there was nothing but nature. Pure bliss.
Are you married?
No, I’m not. I’ve been with Paul for six years now, and we live together, but have no plans to ever tie the knot.
Have you ever been out of the country? If so, how many times?
At one point in my life I worked, albeit it briefly, as cabin crew doing short haul flights. So I’ve no idea how many times I’ve been out of the county, but the answer if ‘lots’!
Do you speak any other language?
To my absolute shame, I speak no other language than English. I have tried and tried to learn, but don’t seem to retain the information. At school, I used to get detentions virtually every French class, because my teacher was convinced I wasn’t putting in the work – that’s how bad I was. But I WAS trying. As an adult, I’ve tried evening classes in both Spanish and Italian, but I don’t seem to get anywhere, even though I do try so hard. I think going to another country and being able to communicate effectively in their mother tongue is such an important thing, and it’s a real frustration of mine that I can’t.
How many siblings do you have?
I have two fabulous sisters and a wonderful brother. I’m the youngest, and was a bit of a surprise after a six-year gap!
Favourite Restaurant?
I don’t eat out much as we have such lovely meals at home so I don’t really have one.
When was the last time that you cried?
Yesterday, when Scamp got spooked by a man in a hammock that we came across in some woods we were walking in (don’t ask!). She’s very shy and jumpy, and just ran away. Normally, she has perfect recall, but she was so terrified she sped off, and although I shouted and shouted I didn’t see her for about 45 minutes. Light was fading and I was getting really scared that I’d never see her again. It was horrible, to be honest.
Favourite Blog?
Ooh, no, I’m not playing favourites!
Favourite Movie?
Again, it depends on my mood, but I’m a sucker for feel-good films such as Stardust. Despicable Me makes me laugh every time I watch it.
Favourite TV Show?
Strictly Come Dancing. The costumes, the theatricality of it all, the romance of the dances… I once had ballroom lessons and dreamed of being the next Ginger Rogers… I wasn’t, but I still had such an incredible time.
PC or Mac?
I have a Mac now, but I’m not too bothered either way, to be honest.
What phone do you have?
I’ve got a Samsung, but I couldn’t care less about technology. As long as it makes calls and sends texts, I’m happy. I don’t tend to use it for going online.
What is your favourite pastime?
Aside from reading, I love watching nature and taking photographs (I have a currently very badly neglected nature blog I maintain as a hobby, but the past few months have been so hectic that I haven’t had a chance to update it). I also enjoy drawing, knitting and baking.
Can you cook?
Certain can! Sometimes I love it, sometimes I can’t be bothered. At that point, I’d rather have a bowl of cereal for my tea, but Paul steps in and cooks instead. Hurray!
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
My ears are pierced. I only had them done a few months ago, at the grand old age of 42!
Can YOU spot today’s Christmas-related reference in this blog? If you can, email it to invisibleauthor@outlook.com to enter my competition – and YOU could have a character named after you in my next novel! For more details see yesterday’s post.