CONGRATULATIONS NICK LOMBARDI JR ...

"Please, I can't ...  not here."  Darfield's face contracted into a woeful grimace, on the verge of shedding tears.

Tessa impulsively, impetuously, hotheadly, stood up and shouted, "STOP IT, NAT!"

The courtroom oohed and aahed.

At this point, Dartfield broke down, bawling in his folded arms.

The courtroom grew agitated. The judge banged his gavel.' 

- Memorable Moment, Justice Gone by N. Lambardi 

I recently had some wonderful news from author Nick Lombardi Jr who emailed me that his book, Justice Gone which I'd reviewed here in February of this year had not only won the National Indie Excellence Award for Best Legal Thriller but was currently long-listed for the Reader's Favourite Award for the same category.

and congratulations Nick on this well deserved award. 

MEDIA MONDAY: .... AND THE NOMINEES SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAD SEX IN LITERATURE AWARDS ARE ......?

Yes folks, its that time of year again ...

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls ..

(Emm, actually better forget the boys and girls, this is definitely one for the grown-ups) .. I bring you ...

The 2017 Bad Sex In Literature Awards shortlist. 
(Warning: Contains material that may offend the easily offended, minors please check with an adult, otherwise click here to proceed. TT)

.... He led her back up the beach to where the sand was dry. Then he took off his coat, placed it on the ground and she lay down upon it.

So far so good. He (whoever He is) sounds like the perfect gentleman, very chivalrous of him to be laying down his coat for his lady friend, don't you think? After all we don't want sand getting anywhere unmentionable, do we?

Read the rest of the quote that saw Wilbur Smith shortlisted though and you'll realise that Leon (as we now know him to be) isn't exactly the perfect gentleman, his lady friend, well, hardly ladylike and, by the sound of it, not too worried where sand may or may not be getting.

I've got to say I'm with the judges, this year's nominations are 'quite good'. I'd love to know which author you think worthy of the award. For anyone new to Pen and Paper, please lets keep it clean and don't add any of the actual quotes themselves in the comment box, just the author will do.

MOVIE OF MY LIFE TAG.

Having read this, the Movie Of My Life tag, on Tasha's The Happy Larkspur blog I simply had to join in the fun ...

• Who would play you in the movie of your life, and why? Hmm, my first thoughts were not who I'd like to play me but who I wouldn't. Nothing to do with her acting skills, I just don't like Melissa McCarthy's tendency of playing the fat chic who is the butt of just about every fat joke known to mankind.
• Would would play your significant other? Now this question required no thought whatsoever. Who else but .... John Barrowman?

What genre of movie would it be? Well as I'm particularly fond of John Barrowman in his persona of Dr Who's/Torchwood's Captain Jack (pictured left) so how about a sci-fi come post-apocalyptic movie?

• What would the movie be called? Ooh, now there's a question and one I'll have to give some more thought to. Hmm! How about ... Gifted Children Of Fortune in reference to the belief that the rhyme ring-a-ring-a-roses (believed to be about plague) is in fact based on a Pagan myth which cites "Gifted children of fortune have the power to laugh roses, as Treyja wept gold."

What would be the opening song at the start of the movie? I think I'll go with Fear No Evil as sung by Jimmy Nail, a multi-talented Newcastle born and bred actor and singer/songwriter who I admire greatly.

Now for who to tag?

Knowing how much they also love movies I'm going with Kelly@ Kelly's Thoughts & Ramblings along with LL Cool Joe @ Joey's Pad but please feel free to join in should you wish, I'd love to know about the movie of your life.

The last post done before my recent illness. I shall be back with reviews done after my illness, including a review of Little Lord Fauntleroy, soon. TT

THIS OR THAT BOOK TAG.

I knew I'd been absent without leave a lot lately but I hadn't realised just how much until I found myself tagged on this post some eight days after Suko posted it which is now some three weeks ago. So without further ado ....

 RULES ~

Mention the creator of the tag. 

Thank the person who tagged you. 

Tag other people and spread the love. 

Thanks to Suko for tagging me in the 'this or that BOOK TAG' created by Ayunda from Tea & Paperbacks.

• Reading on the couch or reading in bed? I don't have to think about this one twice, without a doubt ... in bed.
• Main character: male or female? Do you know, male or female, the gender of the main character really doesn't matter HOWEVER I think I'm probably more forgiving of a badly written male protagonist whereas give me a badly written female character and I can be highly (though hopefully fairly) critical.
• Sweet or salty snacks while reading? Hmm, I don't tend to snack whilst reading and especially not if its a really good book in which I've totally lost myself. That said, more of a sweet person than a savoury. If I were to eat whilst reading it would more than likely be something sweet (probably chocolates) THOUGH having discovered chocolate covered salted pretzels it may well be a sweet and savoury snack you'll find me chomping.
• Trilogies or quartets? Apart from the odd exception I'm presently trying to stick clear of starting any more books that form a series but given the option I'd have to say, err, a trilogy.
• First Person or Third Person POV? A bit of a cop out I know but I'm going with the ... second person. Seriously though, I think debut novels are often better when written in the third person as I sometimes find that writing in the first person can lead to a stilted delivery in the hands of a less experienced writer. Other than that I really have no opinion one way or the other.
• Night or morning reader? No matter what the time of day .. or night come to that, if I'm conscious you're likely to find me with a book in my hand/posting about books.
• Libraries or book stores? Likewise, whether a market stall or charity shop selling books, a bookshop or a library, wherever there are books you'll find me there. 
• Books that make you laugh or books that make you cry? Ooh, a harder question to answer than I had thought. More so than any other genre I typically find humorous reads very much a personal taste. That said, unless in the mood for a good weepy I tend to stay clear of books that make me cry. Hmm, I'm going with books that make me laugh.
• Black or white covers? Like Suko I'm not entirely sure what is being asked of me here but not to judge a book by its cover I have to say all kinds of covers appeal to me except the ones that grace so many a paranormal/dystopian novel. You know the kind: she's dressed in leather and stilettos (ideal for running after/from any number of creatures ... not!), he's likewise dressed in leather and is naked (and chest hair free) from the waist up.
• Character driven or plot driven stories? Generally speaking, character driven.

Well, that's my thoughts. 

As for tagging anyone? I know not everyone is a big fan of these tags and likewise I'm bound to miss someone who is simply longing to be tagged, soooo, the rebel that I am, I'm not going to tag anyone but rather will leave it open to anyone wishing to share their thoughts  ...

AWARDS AND TAGS, MAKING A COME BACK?

A while since I've participated in Tag, I'd like to thank Tasha of Through Tasha's Camera along with the several FaceBook friends for including me in this 

....

To answer Tasha's well thought out questions ....

• My favourite gemstone? I suppose I'd have to go with my birthstone which is an amethyst. Not just because it is my birthstone, I love the different hues of this purple stone. And then of course, a meditative and calming stone which works in the emotional, spiritual, and physical planes, it is said to promote calm, balance, and peace.

• Ooh! A hard one, if I had to spend the day as any historical figure, who would it be and why? I've only spent two days pondering on this - Adolf Hitler? Florence Nightingale? Mary Shelley? I eventually decided on suffragette Emily Davison who died four days after an event that occurred at the 1913 Epsom Derby. With opinion divided as to whether or not she was promoting the cause of the suffragette movement by disrupting the race or it was merely an accident that she fell in front of the King's horse, I'd really like to spend a day, though not necessarily that day, as her.

• Do I have a favourite genre of film, and if so, why? Hmm, do you know its almost easier to pick a genre that I won't watch. Looking through our DVD collection, animated films and comedies seem to feature quite prominently so I'm going with animated films and comedies.

• What a great question. I don't have to think twice about this one. Snowball was my favourite toy as a child. Snowy white (hence the inventive name) and incredibly soft, I loved this little rabbit with all my heart and soul. Sadly though the years were not kind to Snowball and no longer white or soft AND missing an eye to say nothing of his tail Mr T, believing him flea ridden, insisted it was either him or my childhood companion.

• The last book I read that I'd recommend to everyone? As you may remember reading here, I'm not in the habit of recommending books (preferring to merely chronicle my thoughts on them) BUT for those looking for a read about relationships and the human condition I'd not hesitate in suggesting The A To Z Of Normal by Helen Barbour. 

• Ah! The best piece of advice I've ever been given? Whilst no one particular piece of advice comes to mind it was doubtlessly given to me my nana. Then again, it could well have been Mr T advising me that my starting a blog would be good for me.

• Who would be my dream dinner guests and why? Without a doubt .... Bram Stoker as I'd love to know his thoughts on 'modern' vampires who go all glittery in the sunlight etc. Then there would be Elvis Presley in the hope that he'd belt out a tune or two. Oh and John Barrowman especially if he came dressed as Captain Jack.

• Day or night? Its a standard joke in our house that, neither a night owl (though I'm increasingly finding myself so) nor a lark, there is only mid-day when I'm particularly human so can I answer mid-day?

• If space travel became a possibility overnight, where would I go? Do you know I really don't know. I don't like the heat so probably not Venus (I am right in thinking this is the hottest planet, aren't I?). I tend to feel my various aches and pains more in the cold so definitely not Neptune. I know how about the fictional planet in the Star Wars films which saw that bar scene?

• Now this one I can answer. If time travel were real, I'd go to ancient Egypt as which mad cat woman could possibly resist a society which worshipped cats? And besides which I'd love to know just how extensive their medical knowledge actually was.

And so onto the difficult part, my questions which, because not only are they good blogger buddies but I know they've played along in these tags before, go to ...

Kelly of Kelly's Thoughts & Ramblings

Barbara @ March House Of Time Books
Literary Feline @ Musings Of A Bookish Kitty
Sherry of Mama Diaries

Anyone else should they wish to play along

1. Given that they say your old mobile/cell phone could make you serious money, which old object(s) do you have stashed away in a draw collecting dust?
2. 'Mork and Mindy', 'Fantasy Island', just two of the tv prorgammes from my childhood that I'd love to see repeated. Which of your childhood programmes would you love to see again?
3. If I were to say 'iconic film' to you which scene/saying from what film would first come to mind?
4. 'Aunty Taitty', 'Mrs T'. Apart from your given name, which other name(s) are you/have you been known by?
5. I'm taking you for a meal, as well as a main course do you opt for a starter OR a pudding? (I'm too mean to pay for both) And what would it be?
6. You may not like them (I know I don't) BUT if you had to go to a fancy dress party what would be your costume of choice and why?
7. Superstitious? Care to share any of your superstitions with us?
8. Which person (or animal for that matter) would you most like to be able to impersonate? 
9. Presuming you didn't have an imaginary friend as a child which book character would you have liked as an imaginary friend?
10. As you have worked so hard, a quick fire round. Tea or coffee? Sweet or savoury? Clean shaven or with a beard?

Anything else?

Ah yes, the 'rules' ...

1. Thank the blogger for the award given
2. Answer the ten questions given to you
3. Nominate a further 10 bloggers for this award
4. Write another 10 questions for those bloggers to answer
5. Display the award on your blog or in a post.

THE LOVE/HATE TAG.

What a great way to learn some more about our blogger buddies. I saw this tag on Through Tasha's Camera and simply had to join in the fun.

Hmm, Mr T, books and hedgehogs you know about but (in no particular order) what of the other things I love .... 

#1 Candles, I love candles (though I have to be careful that they aren't too scented). And just as much as the candles themselves I have what is probably an even bigger passion for ...

#2 Candle holders.

#3 Balloons. Not so much the ones that burst easily with a big bang but the 'happy birthday' 'get well soon' etc helium balloons that have become so popular over recent years. 

#4 Yellow. My favourite colour. Bright and cheerful. Our bedroom is painted in the most glorious rubber-duck yellow. Arguably not a restful colour but it instantly brightens my day on waking.

#4 Baskets. I once heard a comedian ask what it was with women of a certain age and baskets (I wish I could remember who it was). Of a 'certain age' myself now I admit I've developed a bit of a thing for baskets.

#5 Guide books. Not that I'd ever dream of doing anything as sensible as buying a travel guide before we went on holiday but once there I have to buy a guide book of everywhere we visit whether it be home or away. In fact such is my obsession that returning from our Mediterranean cruise we found ourselves paying a hefty excess luggage fee - the reason? Yeah, you guessed - guide books.

#6 Good news stories. I love it when I come across a story that renews my faith in human nature. You know the sort I mean? The so-called teenage yob who people cross the road to avoid who saves his elderly neighbour from her burning house, that sort of thing.

#7 Peanut butter and sliced banana on toast. What we refer to as bannofee toast and currently my breakfast of choice.

#8 Having a good sort out. We've recently shredded more old paper work than I care to think about, filled our recycling bin three times over and sent a whole load of unwanted goods to the PDSA charity shop.

#9 Smiles. Like being polite a smile costs nothing. Like yellow they brighten the day.

#10 My various health issues. Yes, I know it sounds odd BUT I'd like to think my various health issues (those surrounding my mobility or lack there of in particular) have contributed in making me that little bit more considerate/tolerant of those with their own issues.

And as for the things I hate?

#1. My various health issues. I hate the pain. I hate the not necessarily being able to just get up and go. I dislike (and in equal measure/depending on my mood that day find funny) the people who ask Mr T how I am despite the fact that I'm sat there. 

#2 Doctors. Not all doctors, just those (and in particular I'm talking hospital consultants) who rather than see you as a whole person simply see you as the 'leg', the 'head' .... the whatever part of the body they specialise in.

#3 Cruelty to vulnerable people/animals. I don't think I need say any more on this one.

#3 Rudeness. After all a 'please'/'thank you' costs nothing.

#4 Attention seeking on FaceBook. This might seem trivial when you think of all the 'casual' racism/sexism on the various social network sites (#5 and #6 on my list) BUT I'm beginning to develop a low tolerance for those who leave cryptic messages - I'm annoyed', 'Feeling devastated' - only for when you enquire as to what is wrong reply 'I don't want to talk about it.' Aggghhh. If you don't want to talk about it don't put it on FaceBook.

#7 Lateness. OK so circumstances dictate that we can all be late from time to time but I'm talking about the people who are constantly late.

#8 People who don't stop to think. Let me explain. I'm getting increasingly annoyed by those who complain when they see an outwardly healthy individual using a toilet meant for disabled users/using a disabled parking space etc. Not all disabilities are obvious.

#9 Inconsiderate planning. Talking of toilets ... I can become hugely irate over some toilets for disabled people. Obviously designed by able bodied individuals, they (the toilets that is) are sometimes less than useless.

#10 My becoming an increasingly grumpy old(ish) woman. (Say nothing Mr T).

Hmm, surprisingly cathartic. Care to brighten your day/get something off your chest? Please be sure to share your top ten loves and hates with us.

HIJACKED: THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS QUESTIONNAIRE.

Having seen this, 'The Seven Deadly Sins Questionnaire Tag', along with 'The To Be Read Tag', posted on Shooting Stars Mag site I simply had to join in the fun and complete the questionnaire as created by BookishlyMalyza and Aylee @ Recovering Potter Addict.

• GREED: What is your most inexpensive book? What is your most expensive book? My most inexpensive book? As one of my favourite haunts is our local library's ex-stock trolley which sells paperbacks for 25p, hardbacks for 50p and children's books for 10p I can take my pick from several. As for my most expensive? That would probably be a 1968 (which incidentally is the year I was born) first edition copy of The Adventures Of Hadrian Hedgehog by Candida Lycett Green and Christopher Thynne bought for me by Mr T.
• WRATH: Which author do you have a love/hate relationship with? Hmm, that would probably have to be Christian Jacq. Whilst I've loved most of his books there have also been several I've hated amongst which was The Great Magician. Part one in the Mozart series, though I also had books 2 and 3 I never read either of them.
• GLUTTONY: Which book have you deliciously devoured over and over with no shame whatsoever? Book as in one book? I've got to have at least two. The Pillars Of The Earth by Ken Follett and The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom.
• SLOTH: Which book have you neglected due to laziness? No doubt about it, that would have to be Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. In my defence its not quite all down to laziness. I'm not normally averse to long novels (The Pillows Of The Earth proves that) its just that I've heard so many bad things about this book that I can't bring myself to pick it up and as you know once I've started a book I have to finish it.
• PRIDE: Which book do you most talk about in order to sound like a very intellectual reader? At last, a 'sin' I'm not guilty of. I think there is too much book snobbery around. Not a fan of the so-called classics, I can't take pride in having read many of them, and I've never touched Shakespeare or Chaucer since my school days but how about ..... The Oxford Illustrated Dickens Christmas Books? I was silently pleased with myself for having read and pretty much understood this collection of short stories when I read them last year.
• LUST: What attributes do you find most attractive in male or female characters? Yeah! If we are talking about physical attributes and I'm pretty certain we are then this is another sin I'm not particularly guilty of. I'm not a big fan of the perfect physical specimen in either my male or female characters. In fact I'm positively put off books with covers that featured men with smooth naked chests or leather clad, stiletto heel wearing women. Give me a character with a good sense of humour any day.
• ENVY: Which books would you must like to receive as a gift? Hmm, Hmm. A favourite of mine since I was a girl and a favourite of my mam's before that, I love The Family From One End Street by Eva Garnett and would really like a copy of the second book in the series, The Further Adventures Of The Family from One End Street.

TAG, what are your seven deadly book sins? ......

 Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper. All original content on http://pettywitter.blogspot.co.uk/ is created by the website owner, including but not limited to text, design, code, images, photographs and videos are considered to be the Intellectual Property of the website owner, whether copyrighted or not, and are protected by DMCA Protection Services using the Digital Millennium Copyright Act Title 17 Chapter 512 (c)(3). Reproduction or re-publication of this content is prohibited without permission.

MEDIA MONDAY SPECIAL: NOT AN AWARD I'D LIKE TO WIN.

As much as most of us blog for our own pleasure and enjoyment I think we'd agree that whether it being someone leaving a comment, choosing to follow us or sending us an award its nice to be acknowledged. I for one however would be appalled to think I'd even been nominated for this award let alone won it.

Yes, I'm talking about the Hatchet Job Of The Year award in which according to THIS ARTICLE .......

Eight of the most cutting reviews of last year are in contention for the prize honouring literary criticisms most poisonous pens.

The contenders and the reviews for which they were nominated can be found HERE.

Mind you according to THIS 2009 ARTICLE I don't think I'd be too eager to win any of these awards either ......

• Stinky Shoe: I think this one pretty much speaks for itself but you might be interested to know that the sneakers are judged on the condition of the sole, tongue, heel, toe, laces/velcro and eyelets as well as the all important odour.  
  
• Bad Sex In Fiction: An award that may not be new to regulars of Pen and Paper. My 2013 post can be found HERE. The winner by the way being Manil Suri for his third novel, The City of Devi.  
• Stella: An American award for those who file outrageous lawsuits.
• Darwin: Given to those who 'do a service to humanity by accidentally removing themselves from the gene pool'.
• Ernie: An Australian award, the 'Ernies' are awarded to individuals/companies who make sexist remarks/do something sexist.
• Foot In Mouth: Awarded by the British Plain English Campaign for the dumbest comment by a public figure. You might be interested to know that the 2013 winner of this was Godfrey Bloom whose 'wince inducing' gaffes can be read about HERE.
• Weird-Ass Picture Book: Weirdest stories, cover and illustrations on a book.

Not that the Bad Sex In Fiction or the Weird-Ass Picture Book Awards are the only, err, unusual literary awards out there. A search of the net also came up with the following .....

• Book Sellers magazine annual Diagram Prize for the oddest book title, the 2013 prize for which went to Reginald Bakeley's Goblinproofing One's Chicken Coop. FULL ARTICLE.

Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper. All original content on http://pettywitter.blogspot.co.uk/ is created by the website owner, including but not limited to text, design, code, images, photographs and videos are considered to be the Intellectual Property of the website owner, whether copyrighted or not, and are protected by DMCA Protection Services using the Digital Millennium Copyright Act Title 17 Chapter 512 (c)(3). Reproduction or re-publication of this content is prohibited without permission. In addition I would also urge that if you are reading this on any other page you contact the original blog owner/reviewer.

TWAS THE WEEK THAT CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY.

What a December it's been so far ..... Father Christmas must have known that rather than being naughty I'd been nice.

• I always feel its such an honour to be asked to read and review a book so you can imagine how honoured and delighted I was when author Michael Mullin for whom I reviewed TALESPINS emailed me to say that he was publishing a comic book version of 8: The Untold Story next year and he wanted to include a quote from my review on the back cover. Talk about excited.

• My thanks to my blogger buddy Barbara over at MARCH HOUSE BOOKS from whom I was honoured to receive this ....

in exchange for my answering the following .....

A favourite Christmas song? Hmm, that really does depend on what kind of mood I'm in. I do however have a soft spot for Roy Orbison singing Pretty Paper which always brings a tear to the eye. 

And then there's that song with no lyrics that I like so much. Yeah that's the one, In Dulci Jubilo by Mike Oldfield (I can't believe that I put 'That Christmas song with no lyrics' into a search engine.)

What or who inspired you to start writing your blog? Husband dearest had been nagging encouraging me for a while (he'd actually set up a blog for me about a year before I first did my first post) and then we met some of his blogger buddies who convinced me to give it a go.

Do you remember the first book you ever read? No. But I do remember the first book I ever bought. You can read about The Pebbles Go To Town by Michael Cooper HERE.

Do you prefer physical books or e-books? I don't even have to think about this one, its proper books every time.

Do you have a favourite Christmas movie? If so what is it? I do like A Muppets Christmas Carol. Then there's 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation', and, of course, 'Bad Santa' and the Finnish film 'Rare Exports' which are both something of a guilty pleasure of mine.

Do you have a favourite series of books? Relatively recent favourites have been The Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood books by Charlaine Harris (I am however glad they are finished) and I've also been enjoying Philippa Gregory's The Cousin's War series and, how could I fail to mention, CJ Sansom's Matthew Shardlake books which are simply divine.

How often do you blog? It all depends. It was every day but at the moment its 3 to 4 times a week.

Do you blog about books or a mix of topics? Its mainly books but I do post about a variety of things including my Media Monday posts in which I take a look at the previous weeks newspapers hi-lighting the articles that stood out for me.

Do you have a favourite author? I have several. For historical fiction I love the afore mentioned Phillipa Gregory and CJ Samnsom. For crime I like Kathy Reichs and Faye Kellerman. And then of course there's all of the up and coming authors whose debut novels I've read who I'm sure will become favourites. 

If you won the lottery what would be the first thing you did? Buy a house with a library with seats in the bay windows, an open fire (one that as if by magic cleaned and lit itself) and one of those ladders that slides across the shelves - ok, so with my mobility problems this is hardly of any use but I can dream.

A couple of random facts about myself?

Err, given the time of year, how about ......

1. As a child/teenager it was a family tradition that on Christmas morning we'd eat tinned hotdogs in a bun at my grandparents home
2. I love Christmas crackers. Every year Hd buys a box just for me and just like a excited child I eagerly await Christmas Eve to pull the first one
3. Want to hear a Christmas joke? 'I live in an Advent calendar, it’s freezing come December 24th because all the windows are open'
4. I'm really no good at deciding who to pass these awards onto sooooo as its the season of good will and all that how about I give you all an early Christmas present and give you and you, and, yes, you this award with my fondest wishes.

And as if all this isn't enough I've received some real goodies in the post which given how busy he is delivering Christmas cards and parcels our postman must be cursing me.

• THE BOOK LOVERS' COMPANION: WHAT TO READ NEXT by various authors.

• ON THE RAILS by Suzan Collins (Thanks to JB @ BROOK COTTAGE BOOKS for this and The Book Lovers' Companion both of which were Blogoversary wins).

• BEYOND MY CONTROL also by Suzan Collins who having discovered I reviewed books asked me to review this her latest book. (See my review HERE. 

• Kirsty over at THE LOVE OF BOOKS who shared her prize of this gorgeous keyring and bookmark by sending me the keyring. How kind was that?

• CHRISTMASTIME 1940 by Agnes Irene (See my review HERE) who along with the book kindly sent a Christmas card and magnet. (A GoodReads win).

• CHRISTMAS AT CARRINGTON'S #2 by Alexandra Brown. (Another GoodReads win, didn't I do well?).

• A PLACE CALLED PERFECT along with a bookmark and poster from author Helena Duggan. (My thaks to Lindsay @ THE LITTLE READER LIBRARY for this).

• TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW by Miranda Dickinson. (An Avon Books UK win).

Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper. All original content on http://pettywitter.blogspot.co.uk/ is created by the website owner, including but not limited to text, design, code, images, photographs and videos are considered to be the Intellectual Property of the website owner, whether copyrighted or not, and are protected by DMCA Protection Services using the Digital Millennium Copyright Act Title 17 Chapter 512 (c)(3). Reproduction or re-publication of this content is prohibited without permission. In addition I would also urge that if you are reading this on any other page you contact the original blog owner/reviewer.

FEBRUARY AWARDS.

Congratulations to my fellow blogger buddies, to Ashok @ ASHOKISM for the Liebster Gold ribbon, to Anilkurup @ MUSINGS for the Liebster Heart rosette, to Jess And Stephanie @ THE SECRET DMS FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW for the Inspiring Blogger award, and many thanks for thinking of Pen and Paper. You know its always nice when someone passes on one of these awards but just as nice is the support and encouragement I receive from you all.

Never one to shy away from issues on his thought provoking blog, Musings, needless to say Anilkurup, thankfully the only one to have any conditions attached to his award, came up with some pretty deep questions.

• Are you proud of your country, if so why and if not why? I don't want to seem as if I'm sitting on the fence but I really need to say both yes and no to this one. Proud of so many things - our reputation of tolerance, the fact we don't have the death penalty, our health service -  I am however increasingly less proud of our government's treatment of the most vulnerable in our society.

• What have you given back to the world you live in and/or what do you intend to give in your life time? (Laughs) Why, I've given you Pen and Paper, what more do you want? Seriously though, though I haven't always been able to give as much financially as I would like I'd like to think that through my voluntary work I've given something just as important and precious - my time and dedication.

• Are you afraid of death? Hmm, yes. A bit of a control freak, I think its the uncertainty, of my not being in control, and, of course, the thought of leaving loved ones behind that scares me most.

• If you were to meet God in real life what would you do? Though I am what I consider a spiritual person I don't believe in a God as such and therefore if I were to meet him/her I guess I'd have to admit I was wrong and they did exist.

• Would you want to make the future not mysterious? No, I'm not that big a control freak that I don't enjoy a little mystery.

• Will you stand up for banning capital punishment, if not why? Against capital punishment. I think the memoirs of Albert Pierrepoint who, though once described as the most efficient executioner in British history, eventually concluded that the death penalty was not a deterrent is amazing reading and should be read by everyone.

• What would you like to be if given a choice - king, an elected ruler or a fascist? Ooh, an elected ruler? But then Queen Tracy does have a certain ring to it.

• Would you like to be like somebody? If so why and if not why? Not sure what you mean by this. Would I like to be somebody in general or somebody as in somebody famous? Either way, no, I kind of like being me.

• Do you think emotions are for weaklings? If not why? No, in fact I think it can be a sign of strength.

• What in your opinion is the reason for the misery in the world? Selfishness, Greed, Intolerance, being unable to put ourselves in another persons shoes, I could go on ....

• If there is another life what would you want to be, male or female? (Laughs) I'm going to let you into a little secret here .... I've always wanted a penis for the day, just to see what its like.

And now for 11 things about myself ......

Given that I've already mentioned I'd like to have a penis for the day can we make that 10?

1. I once milked a goat
2. Mumps, German Measles, Chickenpox - the only common childhood ailment I haven't had is measles
3. Blood, vomit, the diahorrors? I can cope with them all but wiping a snotty nose is a no-can-do
4. I can't help but wonder what the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt would make of the McDonald's in plain view of their final resting places
5. Whilst I don't mind a little bit of dust things not being in their place drives me mad
6. The only sport I was ever any good at was netball
7. I wish I'd learnt to crochet like my nana, to knit like my mam
8. I love having my hair stroked
9. One of my most prized possessions is my grand-parent's anniversary clock. Sadly no longer working I'd love to have it restored
10. The most beautiful place I have ever visited was the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

And so onto the hard bit.

As always I have difficulty in passing these on as to me each and every one of you are deserving but today I'd like to pass these awards on to my creative blogger buddies who may or may not post about books ........

Though I know some of you are award free zones if nothing else please accept my appreciation and admiration of your creativity.

To .......

• A blond duck, A DUCK IN HER POND
• Betty at CUT AND DRY
• JUST JOAN 
• Nikki over at NOTES OF LIFE
• Jean @ WOOF
• Star Traci, A STAR IN MY OWN UNIVERSE
• Heather of BOOKS AND QUILTS
• Marinela @ SHORT POEMS 
• Kalyan @ HEAVEN'S GARDEN

Darn, I knew there was something I forgot. Happy for the above bloggers (or any one else for that matter) to answer the questions I answered or simply to tell us 10 facts about themselves but only if they so wish

Disclaimer #1 :Removal of any part of this post without my express consent is considered copyright infringement. This post was created by and for Petty Witter @ Pen and Paper. If you are reading this post on any other site please contact the original blog owner/reviewer.

WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE?

Today I have two of my blogger buddies to thank.

•  ANIMEWOOKIE who recently tagged me with the following ......

1. If you could describe your life in a colour, what would it be and why? I confess, I cheated and took THIS 'TEST' which informed that I was ....... yellow: very perceptive and smart, clear and to the point, have a great sense of humour, am always learning and searching for understanding. Yeah, that just about sums me up, don't you think?

2. Do you have any pets? If so, what are they, their name/s and why do they fit your personality? Sadly we no longer have any pets but we did at one point have a dog (Peg) and 3 cats (Dotty, Phog and Puck), who, along with Dotty's brother (Zsar) who died before we had Peg, Phog and Puck, feature on my sidebar. As to why they fitted my personality .....  I liked the loyalty shown by Peg whilst I loved the independence of the cats.

3. Where did you fit in in high school...jock, band geek, popular crowd...etc? We don't have such set groups here in England - or at least we didn't when I was at school - but I guess I would have belonged to the group that tried hard despite not being academically bright.

4.How do you react in an emergency...fight or flight, go get help, the calm one??? It all depends on the situation but generally speaking I guess I tend to outwardly deal with the situation before, drama over, I fall apart.

5. If they were making a movie of your life, who would you chose to play you... why? Ooh a hard one. As a larger woman it would have to be a larger actress as I wouldn't want to be portrayed as something that I'm not and as we all know 'thin is in' and there aren't too many plus size actors about. 

6. Why is your best friend your best friend, what makes them so special? Corny I know BUT true, Husband dearest is my best friend....... the person who knows me better than anyone else, I trust him with my life.

7. If money was no object, and you were going to buy yourself soothing completely frivolous, what would it be, and why? A house with a library with floor to ceiling books that needed one of those sliding ladders - not that I'd be able to use the ladder because of my mobility problems which is what makes it so completely frivolous.

8. Three words that describe your personality? Much too modest, I'll use the words others most frequently use to describe my personality if that's ok with you .... nice, caring, quirky.

9. Who was your favourite teacher and how did they influence you? Mr Solly, my RE teacher, kind and compassionate as well as a great teacher.

10. What do you consider true strength? The ability to say I'm sorry, I was wrong.

11. What is your favourite game? (video, board, card...any kind) Can I use the same answer I gave to Dizzy C in this POST? 

I'd love to say Monopoly but whenever I play it with Hd it always ends in a row as, a long story but basically, he doesn't believe I have an automatic right to buy all the train stations, SO, I'm going with Dixit which is similar to Scrabble only more fun.

12.What season do you love the most, why? Again, as in my answer to Dizzy C ........ Not a fan of extremes of temperature, I like Spring when the world is waking up, the flowers beginning to show their faces. Yet again, I also like autumn when the leaves are beginning to turn that lovely golden russet colour.


AND ........

• SERENDIPITY REVIEWS on whose blog I won a copy of .......

Thanks to both of you.


Oh, nearly forgot, now for my 11 questions which once again I'm leaving with you - yes, you - to answer. Oh, and please leave a link if you choose to answer in a post of your own.

1. What is your favourite celebration?
2. What was the last film/book you cried at?
3. Ever collected anything? If so, what?
4. Tell me your favourite joke.
5. You have been invited to a fancy dress party, what is your costume of choice?
6. A zebroid is the result of mating a zebra with a horse, a wolphin, a cross between a dolphin and a killer whale  ...... which two creatures would you combine and what name would you give to this new breed?
7. Your idea of food heaven is .........?
8. Which word(s) do you overuse?
9. Using the letters of your first name describe yourself.
10. Are you right or left handed?
11. Any phobias?