Sunday 10 April 2011

HH is for Happy Hilary ... that's what HH is for, before I ...

.. just a quick extra post - Deirdra from her Storybook World, who is doing the A - Z Challenge too, awarded me her Powerful Woman Writer Award - amazing .. and I'm honoured .. thank you Deirdra - very much appreciated.

As most of you will know - this blog evolved from the subjects my mother and I have discussed since she had her major strokes over 4 years ago - she is now 90!  Her brain has not suffered .. and she's still as sharp as she ever was - at times:  inevitably she is slowing now .. though sometimes I wonder!

I would bring in items of interest to chat about - stimulating our conversations .. and these would spin out numerous strands of discussion points ... leading to me being sent home to find out more .. while Mum would have something to think about before I could return.

History World - Advert from 1955
As I'm not doing my usual little updates at the end of each post during the A - Z Challenge .. here's the latest - Mum is fine ... we watched the Grand National, which she seemed to enjoy .. still questioning things!  Queried my cough .. said I should get Famel Syrup .. not sure if you had that as children for hacking coughs?

She said Summer must have arrived as I turned up in a light jacket and not a winter coat!

Carbis Bay Hotel - just above the beach
where we used to play as kids
She was amazed to hear about the blog award - and said 'Wonderful' ... it's sad - because I think this medium would suit her too .. she used to do amazing Booklet Newsletters for the Care Home she owned .. sadly only one or two are in existence.

That's my Mum ... still interested, still concerned for her daughter, and still interested in life - when she's not too tired.

Many thanks Deirdra .. and to everyone who reads my blog and has supported me here at the A - Z Challenge, and over the previous months - always surprises me.  I love what I do .. and with your encouragement .. gives me some pleasure as I travel the long path with my mother.

Taking tea at the Carbis Bay Hotel,
Cornwall
It's a wonderful world this blogging land .. full of Powerful Writers .. you all deserve awards .. the ongoing stimulation is amazing ...

Cheers to you all from a sunny Eastbourne ....

PS - if you want to see some stunning pictures of St Ives Bay ... where my mother's family came from, and where we have holidayed ever since ... please have a look at the slide show on the Carbis Bay Hotel website ... it will only take a short time & they are beautiful .. including in the distance Godrevy Lighthouse, which Virginia Woolf could see when she stayed at the hotel, and where we too would picnic, jumps the rocks, watch the blow holes, collect shells ... memories!


That is Happy Hilary – that’s what HH is for ..

Part of the ABC - April 2011 - A - Z Challenge - Aspects of the British Countryside - Xtra


Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

25 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Congratulations Hilary, if anyone deserve this award you do. It's a wonderful award.
Pleased to know your mother is still as sharp as ever, once again Congratulations and have a peaceful Sunday.
Yvonne,

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Yvonne .. many, many thanks .. much appreciated. I know - my mother never ceases to amaze me! You too have a glorious sunny peaceful Sunday. Cheers - Hilary

Ellie Garratt said...

Congratulations! You so deserved the award!

Ellie Garratt

Betsy Wuebker said...

Congratulations! Well-deserved! Each of your posts is so thoughtfully researched with interesting things to think about. Your blog is always a joy to read.

walk2write said...

You certainly deserve the award and many more. Visiting your site is like being on holiday at that lovely hotel by the sea. I always feel refreshed and renewed when I stop by. I hope you're enjoying your weekend.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Hilary. Lovely to hear about your Mum and you discussing your blog. :O)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Ellie .. much appreciated .. have a good week of some holiday, some decluttering and some blog-hopping ..

@ Betsy .. many many thanks .. love what you've said .. encourages me on, when I know people are interested and enjoy their read: that is what makes it all so worthwhile.

@ W2W - you too - so generous of you -- and what a wonderful description: THANK YOU! The hotel is amazing isn't it .. great views and they treated us so well, when we had Elizabeth's 'wake' there.

Lovely seeing you .. you too enjoy your walks along the beach with your grandson ...

@ Madeleine - thank you .. isn't it - when Mum is awake and with it .. we have such fun!!

Cheers everyone - have good weeks .. Hilary

Talli Roland said...

Yay for Happy Hilary! Hope your cough is getting better! And I do hope you've been able to get out and enjoy some of the sun.

N. R. Williams said...

Glad your mother is alive and well though sad she is not able to get around. My mother is doing well also. Though last year was not so good. She is also a writer, so when we get together we often talk shop.
Cheers,
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Congratulations - Deirdre is awesome with her awards. And cool photos. I'd rather be there!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Better is Possible - THANK YOU SO MUCH for this complement .. really appreciate it. As you'll see I usually do a little postscript at the end of my usual type of posts .. just so everyone knows what's happening etc .. and it gives the post another dimension ... and this is how the blog evolved ...

@ Talli - thank you! I'm coming out of the woods I hope - it was more the headache and nausea .. no not much sadly - but I did get up to see my Mama. I hope you had a good dose of London Sunshine walks ..

@ Nancy .. yes - it's been a tough 4 years .. but she's very pragmatic and listens to me - surprisingly!!

Sorry to hear your Mama has not been to well .. Mum and I never had writing in common - cooking, sport, general things .. but this eclectic creativity - I think she'd have loved! Certainly we've always had great stimulating talks since she's been ill.

@ Alex .. thank you so much - you're right Deirdra is awesome with her awards .. it is much appreciated.

The Carbis Bay Hotel has some wonderful photos .. me too - especially on a lovely sunny day like today!!

Good to see everyone - thanks for stopping by .. Hilary

Anonymous said...

That's q good looking award. Looks like some time and effort was put into designing it. Congrats! as you have good cause to be Happy Hilary.

Denise Covey said...

Happy Hilary, how gorgeous, as are your stories and pictures. Congrats on the award. I must visit Deidra. Didn't know she was part of the challenge.

Denise<3

L'Aussie Travel Blog A-Z Challenge I is for Ibiza

Dot said...

So glad you're enjoying yourself. I don't know how you stay so positive, but it's an inspiration. Congratulations on your award -- it's well deserved!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Congrats on your special award :)

Davina Haisell said...

Congrats on the award, Hilary. I have to agree with Betsy; your posts are filled with tons of information. I feel like I'm travelling the world when I read your blog. You must spend an incredible amount of time researching and preparing your material and I can tell that you enjoy this. An award well deserved!

doreen said...

I work with the elderly and I am inthralled with their stories. I am also so amazed that they felt the same way we do about our families and the world we live in. People ask me how I can stand to work with so many people who are so close to death. I say I am honored to be able to be so close with those who are so close to Heaven.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Stephen .. looks like some award doesn't it - would love to be able to make things like that - one day! Many thanks for the thoughts - and I am so chuffed to receive it.

@ Denise .. thank you! Deirdra's got a great site .. lots going on there. Nor did I realise she was part of the challenge - I hadn't made it over.

@ Dot - hiya!! Delighted to see you here .. and if I'm inspiring you that's wonderful .. what do they say - always look on the bright side of life!! & thank you.

@ Lynda - good to see you here - I'll be across soon. Thank you.

@ Davina .. wonderful to see you here on a working Sunday - hope your project was handed over successfully. Generous comment - I just bring things in that interest me .. hence I enjoy my own posts!! It's fun - especially when I get lovely comments from blogging friends - many thanks.

@ Doreen - I must get over and meet you - I've seen you commenting around .. you're right aren't you .. as we near the end - special words, ideas and thoughts seem to come out - giving us and them blessings. Also gives us a chance to rethink words and approaches - learn at this time.

I have to say it's a very interesting path I'm following with my mother .. I'm blessed to be with her a great deal of the time.

Lovely having you here and I'll be over soon ..

Many thanks everyone .. lovely seeing you - enjoy the week ahead. Cheers Hilary

Amy @ Soul Dipper said...

Well done, HH! I'm not sure I would be able to keep up with all you do, but I do sense that every gesture comes from a true heart. Congrats on a well deserved award, Hilary.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Amy - many thanks for this .. I'm kept occupied and not in the depths of half-way to the depths of despair .. and I enjoy the learning element. Really appreciate the comment that my heart is open and true. The award was a complete surprise .. so I'm delighted! Cheers .. have a good day, when it comes around! Hilary.

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

Hilary,
I love learning about your mom. She must be an amazing lady... a wonderful mom.

(((( hugs to your mom ))))))


Doris

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Doris .. hope you're enjoying the other links I suggested! My Mama has been quite extraordinary and indomitable .. as well as making my life relatively easy.

When I'm back tomorrow I'll definitely pass on your hugs - she likes those and can never quite get her head round people from all over the world sending her hugs!!

Am thrilled you're enjoying learning about my Mama through my posts ...

Cheers for now .. Hilary

San said...

By the time I got to your Hare post I was hooked. Congrats on your award, you deserve it! And thank you for expanding our education in all you do.

So nice to have met a lovely lady like you. Please give your Mama a hearty hello from across the pond :)

Cheers!

Oh, almost forgot, you are my N today :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi San .. gosh what a wonderful comment and compliment .. many thanks .. cheers!! Just so delighted you enjoy what you read ..

My Mum is fine and will be delighted to hear she has another fan from across the pond! Really appreciate this part too!! Very much!!

I'll click over - it bombed me out a minute ago .. but unless it's N for Nuts??!!

Great though whatever it is .. an honour to be your N .. delighted - cheers again! .. Hilary

Linda said...

Congratulations on your award. I have been enjoying your A-Z series. So much to learn!