FIRST!...Nostalgia!

Hello Everyone!

I'm still in the archives and am thinking 'inspirational'. No new creation arrives by magic. It is after thought, research, effort and determination. In the modern age we think of the web, social media... Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, My Space etc... all created by someone. Back in 2013 at the beginning of the year I was suggesting you make it a year of personal firsts. Once again, I lay down the gauntlet...make the rest of 2018 a time to have a 'first' attempt at something and good luck.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It is the first week of the first month of a new year. It is a time for resolutions which will probably be broken before February.

But it is a 'first'! Think about the joy that is associated with 'first'... first prize, first born, first past the post, first in line, first place, first day at school, first job...

Second, third or fourth is just not the same and last is almost embarrassing.

As we begin 2013, I would like to share some 'firsts' with you.

First man to walk on the moon... Neil Armstrong, July 20th 1969.

First man to make a solo non-stop transatlantic flight, Charles Lindbergh 1927

First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, Amelia Earhurt 1932

First Blackpool (UK) illuminations, September 18th 1879

First skyscraper was the Home Insurance Building, Chicago, USA, 10 storeys high in 1883-5 built by William Le Baron Jenney

First safety pin was invented by Walter Hunt (USA) in 1849

First video game was produced by Willy Higinbotham (USA) in 1958

First men to reach the summit of Everest were Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepal) on May 29th 1953

First man to swim across the English Channel was Matthew Webb (England) in 1875

First supermarket trolley was introduced by Sylvan Goldman (USA) in 1937

First match was produced by Robert Boyle (England) in 1680

First top hat was made and worn by English haberdasher, John Hetherington, in 1797. He was arrested and fined £50 for causing a disturbance in London when he wore his creation for the first time!

First lawn mower was invented by Edwin Budding (England) in 1930

There always has to be a 'first'! This year, I offer you all a challenge. No, I don't expect you to create something or do something dramatic like climbing Everest; anyway that's been done but how many personal 'firsts' can you achieve? Maybe, you'll purchase your first car, get your first degree, play that first game of golf or run your first marathon.

Make it a year of personal firsts!


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Lady M ✨✨✨                

Memories of 2013!

Hello Everyone!

I find it hard to believe we are at the end of 2013 and it is time to look back and reflect on the year's events and achievements. Also, time to think back to January when I thought about what I planned to do throughout the year. On the whole, I feel it has been one of my more successful and happy years. No, I didn't quite manage to complete the third manuscript in the Sofia trilogy but I'm almost there. There were so many other things that took up my time and gave me joy.

I attended several book festivals with the New Writers UK and the pic at the top is from the first one at Barton's Bus Depot, Chilwell. It was particularly poignant as the depot is only yards down the road from where I was born. I have fond memories of those buses from my childhood days. Alas, like many other things from the 1950's Barton's bus company no longer exists but has been taken over by Trent and those buses that chugged along the High Road are now just attractive museum pieces.

My books at the library

The new Odeon in West Bromwich

I was expecting a mild March based on the last few years and started renovation or a 'make over' on the property.  Alas, we had a harsh, snowy March and the finished look was in May but well worth it. A massive project completed and will last for a decade, hopefully!

In January I suggested this year be a year of FIRSTS  and I shared some of my 'firsts' with you including my trip to Eastwood and D H Lawrence's birthplace. Also, my first Skype experience and being the first person for the first Senior Screen showing at our new Odeon cinema. Have you achieved numerous 'firsts' making 2013, your memorable year?

This summer we were lucky in Britain. We actually had sunshine and not rain. It was a pleasant, warm and wonderful. They really were those 'hazy, crazy days'. I spent a lot of time writing bulletins for the Next Best Author Contest. They gave myself and other contestants much pleasure and they developed into a long running saga called 'The Singing Horses'. That is my excuse for not completing the Sofia trilogy but it will be done in 2014.

In July there was another reason to celebrate as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a son, Prince George. He is third in line to the throne and this is the first time since Queen Victoria's reign that three direct descendants could sit alongside the Monarch. What photographs for the archives!

My visit to D.H.Lawrence's birthplace, Eastwood

Afternoon tea at the library

I was there! Hucknall in June

I was there! UK Games EXPO in May

Then, throughout the year I've had tremendous fun visiting the library on a Monday for afternoon tea. On Friday's I've enjoyed a stroll in the beautiful Sandwell Valley before having a special baguette for lunch, cheese, mushroom and bacon. If you visit the Sandwell Valley Farm cafe ask for a 'Marilyn special'!

In November it was time for my annual holiday in Cyprus which was fantabulous. Sunshine every day, book sales, excursions, meeting old friends, good food, champagne and chocolates and brilliant entertainment at the Alexander Hotel, Pafos.

Now, as we conclude this year in the next few days, I'm enjoying sunshine on another island in the Mediterranean, Malta!

It really has been a fantastic year for me and I hope it has been for you. Many magic moments...

The Fort, Pafos

Malta!

...and pretty pics!

Thank you for joining me through 2013 and please stay with me through 2014.

Lady M.