My Dizzy Guest, Carol!

Today in my Chat studio I have a dizzy lady! You might raise an eyebrow, but that is what she is called these days, I kid you not! So sit back, enjoy a piece of Mrs Palmer's shortcake and find out why the lovely Carol from DizzyC's Little Book Blog is Dizzy!

Peggy: Hugging her guest. ‘Lovely that you came along to my little studio to have a natter, but Carol, my dear do enlighten me before we go too far, why on earth are you called Dizzy, you look so charming and in control?’  

Carol: Making herself comfortable in the large chair opposite, blushes. ‘Whoa, Peggy you say some of the nicest things, but I’m afraid that’s what I’m called these day. I’m sure you’ve heard the expression Dizzy Blonde, yes I know it’s an un PC reference to females who seem to be a sandwich short of a picnic, not that I am of course, but!  As you can see I am a natural brunette, I love my hair colour, but nevertheless I have many blonde moments. I’m inclined to be rather forgetful and repeat myself a lot. Quite a lot at times! One day, when I was having one of my blonde moments, my partner called me Dizzy and it stuck. Hence DizzyC.’

Peggy: Raising an eyebrow. ‘I’m sure he loves you to bits, dizzy or otherwise, but before we launch into my many questions, let us have a nice cup of tea, I’ve ordered some homemade shortcake from Mrs Palmer who lives next door to me and is a dab hand with a mixing bowl and a rolling pin.’

Carol: Reaching forward. ‘Thanks Peggy, I was told you make everyone comfortable and you certainly do.’

Peggy: Chuckling. ‘Now it’s my turn to blush, I just love having super people on my chat show and you are no exception.  Now, as we sip our tea and munch away on Mrs Palmer’s shortcake, you can tell me about yourself. You see I’ve been having a snoop around and I know that you have two lovely little blogs. I have one too you know, well of course you do you are going to be a star there. Oh dear, I’m rambling again so maybe it’s me that should be called Dizzy! As I was saying, I see from one of your blogs you’re an avid reader, what do you love really to read and feel free to be honest, there’s only you and me here?’

Carol: Brushing the crumbs from her knees. ‘Delicious shortcake as good as my grandmother used to make. Now as to what I love to read. I admit that my first love is historical fiction, mainly the romance sub-genre. I am also a big fan of chick-lit and chick-lit 40+.  I know this genre gets lot of stick for being fluffy and the title doesn't help. I have absolutely no problem with the genre.  I have a stressful and complicated family life so reading chick-lit is like having a chat with a friend and listening to their complicated life stories. It stops me from worrying about my own life when I have my head stuck in one of these books.’

Peggy: Frowning. ‘My dear, you do need to find an outlet for relaxation when you live in the fast lane and it is reassuring to know you have. I admit to reading chick-lit too, I just wish I was young enough to be like some of those girls in those novels, what exciting lives they have. Born too late, that’s my problem. So with all that you read do you ever dislike a book so much that you toss it to one side? I know I do!’

Carol: Laughing: ‘Yes Peggy, I do.  You know there are so many books to read and so little me time. I’m sure you’re up there with me on that problem. When I pick a book for the first time, I normally give it 50 pages to grab me, if it doesn’t then it will either be put back on the shelf to try again at a later date, or be banished to the Did not finish pile. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen! Also I sometimes put a book back on the shelf as there are times when I am just not in the mood for that particular genre or I can feel something in the writing, but it is just not right to read now. I hope this makes sense?’

Peggy: Looking at her notes. ‘It makes perfect sense. I too need to be in the mood to read certain books. I’ve made a note here, because this intrigued me, it seems you like to have a peek into what authors are busy doing now, whatever for?’

Carol: Smiling and leans forward. ‘Oh, this part of my blog has become quite a hobby since I discovered twitter.  I see tweets asking strange questions and think to myself, "I wonder if that is research for a new novel? What are they writing?"  I often see authors tweet that they are holed up in their offices procrastinating instead of tapping away at that word count and wonder what they are working on. I was so curious about what these authors where up to that I set up a feature on my Book blog, I aptly called it WIP Wednesday and it is here where authors can share their Work In Progress with readers. I never realised it would be so popular with both authors and readers alike. Start writing a book Peggy and you can be there too!’

Peggy: Grinning. ‘I leave the book writing to my dear, yet bossy friend, Pauline Barclay, you’ve no doubt heard of her, but for me I’ll stick to what I am best at and that is talking on my chat show to lovely interesting people. Though I think we are alike in many ways, one of them is being nosey!  Now as I glance down at my notes I see you have three darlings, well four if you count your other half, talking of which I believe that in less than twelve weeks you will be saying I do, tell me why now?’

Carol: Sitting back in her chair. ‘I can see nothing escapes you and yes you are right. Though I have been married before for over fourteen years, after that I was a single parent for three years and then I met the love of my life, D.  We settled together. I’ll be honest with you, I was happy not to get married again.  We have been together almost seven years and the last couple have been very testing for me, my partner has been my rock.  His commitment to me has really shone through and I now want to cement our relationship in marriage.’

Peggy: ‘He sounds wonderful. It certainly seems to me your partnership is what love is all about. I just might have to read more of those chic-lit books you never know, I might spy a good man whilst I’m browsing. I noticed on your blog you’ve talked about the flowers you’ll be having on your big day, but just as important tell me about the invitations because you designed and made them yourself?’

Carol: ‘Oh thank you Peggy, I’m blushing again. As for my flowers I do hope I can get those shades in September so I can recreate those table decorations.  If not I will find other flowers that will compliment what I have in mind.  One of my problems is I worry, I even have to invent things to worry about :) When I had only two children, I used to craft a lot, knitting, cross-stitching, glass painting, dress-making, a little card-making, but now I have three children and family life is hectic. Sadly this means I no longer do all the lovely crafty things I did, but I wanted to make my own invitations. I wanted to do this for several reason, one I love doing this kind of thing. Two, I wanted to get exactly what I wanted and three, I guess it was cost effective.  There is a step by step on my Wedding blog showing the materials I used and how I created them. Take a peek when you can.’ http://dizzycslittlewed.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/wedding-invites.html

Peggy: ‘I will for certain, but let’s go back to you and book reviewing, what made you turn your love of reading into reviewing?

Carol: Gazing round the room. ‘I had never heard of blogging and then one day, I stumbled across a Book blog whilst looking for book recommendations. I was very interested in what I saw and decided to follow a few of these blogs as I started to order books that were recommended.  After a couple of months, I decided I loved the blogging community and the passion these folks were sharing with others about books, so I decided I would like to be part of that environment. From there I set up my own blog, Little Book blog. I expected it to be quite small compared to some of the blogs I was following, but in a short space of time, it grew and grew. I never dreamed when I started my Little Book Blog, that I would be showcasing authors, hosting giveaways and have hundreds of followers.  I LOVE BOOK BLOGGING COMMUNITY.’

You can see Carol’s amazing blog sites by visiting:

Little Book Blog  http://dizzycslittlebookblog.blogspot.com/

Wedding Blog

http://dizzyclittlewed.blogspot.com/

Meet Carol on:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/DizzyCs-Little-Book-Blog/209614725766997

Twitter @DizzyCLBB

Amanda Wilson, Rioja & Red Hair!

Today you can find me over at http://www.famousfiveplus.com/ talking to the fiftyish Amanda Wilson from Mini Skirts & Laughter Lines by Carol E Wyer! Believe you me she's changed my thoughts of a raspberry ripple. Anyway, if you fancy a giggle then pop along and help us quaff the bottles of Rioja I has specially sent in. Mind, Amanda has already dealt with one bottle and it's only 10am.... what have I let myself in for?

Cheeky Radio Presenter, Pete Forsyth!

Today I have the lovely, yet cheeky, radio presenter from Replay Radio, Pete Forsyth with me in my chat studio and what an entertaining person he is. Please take a seat, sit back and enjoy meeting the one and only Pete Forsyth!

Peggy: Looking towards the open door. ‘Come on in Peter, don’t be shy, though from the earlier conversations we’ve had I know that is not true, so stop hovering and sit yourself down, we got a show to get through.’

Pete: Settling into the chair opposite a cheeky smile making his eyes sparkle. ‘Before we begin, may I ask you to call me Pete? Only my Mum and other figures of authority, calls me Peter!’

Peggy: Laughing. ‘Good grief you don’t see me as a figure of authority then? Well you can rest assured, you might be able to charm the dickie birds of the trees, but you’ll find I’m not such a soft touch. But for now never mind all that, so Pete it is as you so nicely insisted.’

Pete: Winking. ‘Thanks Peggy, I feel flattered by what you’ve just said, especially about the dickie birds! I like to think I have a sunny personality and yes of course, when I see a lovely lady sitting in front of me my natural charm comes to the fore, though others may say I’m a bit too forward sometimes but that’s just me!’

Peggy: Flicking her hair. ‘Forward, your reputation goes before you, hence why you’re here. I like the rugged, the devilish and the ones who make me smile. Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty. You’re a radio presenter, now let me tell you I love radio, Terry Wogan made my mornings for more years than I care to count as his Irish brogue lifted my spirits. So baring this in mind, I would say your job is about as wonderful as mine with day in day out meetings of super stars and celebs.’

Pete: Laughing. ‘I’ve certainly spoken to some amazing people over the years. Ever heard of Collete Caddle? Not only a talented author, but like you Peggy a lovely lady. Now having said this, unlike you I don’t consider what I do as a “job”. I don’t get paid nearly enough to justify that title and anyway, if it was a “job”, I probably wouldn’t enjoy it as much as I do. I’m a zannie kind of guy.’

Peggy: Grabbing a book from the shelves behind her chair. ‘Heaven only knows what that means, zannie, but suffice to say, I love the word. Now back to this lovely lady, Collete, I’ve got a copy of one of her books here, Always on my Mind, a great read and you’re right of course, I am very much like the lovely Collete, though a tad older, but I have the same striking personality. Oh dear, we’ve rather digressed, let’s get back to you and being a radio presenter. Tell me is it necessary to have your earphones on and right in your face such a big mic?’

Pete: ‘That BIG mic, as you put it, is actually an extension of myself! I am what I say, so to speak. What I saw  through that big mic is the real me. Of course there are times when it is important, nay, VITAL, to have it securely switched OFF. But that’s another story!!’

Peggy: Interested. ‘You mean to say you forget to switch it off and little secrets get broadcast. Goodness gracious me! Remind me when you invite me to your studio to have my fingers firmly on the off button. In the meantime, I’ll pay more attention to your show you never know just what I might pick up on. Talking of which, do tell me about this funny voice you do?’

Pete: Running his fingers through his hair. ‘Oh you mean my Thunderbird sketch? It’s not my funny voice, but in fact I mime to a funny sequence I’d put together ages ago when I was living in Tenerife. I play the parts of Parker (the chauffeur), Lady Penelope, and Jeff Tracy. Complete with quick hat changes, it works quite well.’

Peggy: Folding her arms across her ample bosom: ‘Call me strange, but how do you mime on a radio?’

Pete: Shaking his head. ‘Let me explain. When I lived in Tenerife and incidentally, Corfu for a few years, I was DJ in a few fun bars and clubs where I played the kind of stuff drunk, er I mean, happy, holidaymakers wanted. Middle of the road oldie songs and current pop music! To add more fun to the evening I also did a few sketches, one of these sketches was Thunderbirds, like I’ve just mentioned. I’ll admit to you Peggy, but only for your ears, some of my sketches were only for the eyes and ears of the drunken, I mean the happy holidaymakers. And before you ask for details, I’m going to have to stop you as I couldn’t possibly offend your delicate, and may I say not unattractive, ears with what made those merry holiday makers laugh! But one thing I can tell you, and I know this will surprise you, I was responsible for exporting the very first Karaoke equipment to Corfu, way back in 1990 when you were just a slip of a girl.’

Peggy: Wringing her hands. ‘You are a naughty charmer, but I like you. Now let us get back to what we started this show talking about, your wonderful life as a radio DJ’.

Pete: ‘I can see you know which button to press to keep me talking to you and you’ve already got my measure, yes, I love being on t’radio! I broadcast from my studio which is situated in the shed at the bottom of my garden! It only just holds me and I have to squeeze myself in so I can close the door! But once in, I have everything to hand, so to speak! If you wanted to come and see my equipment you’d have to sit on my knee!’

Peggy: Batting her eyelids. ‘Oh my goodness, you are a very cheeky man, but I do love a man who makes me smile and believe you me, you certainly do.’

Pete: ‘Are you flirting with me Peggy? If you want my private mobile number, just ask!  I’ll give you an interview that’ll make even YOU blush!!’

Peggy: Laughing. ‘You’ll have your work cut out, but I’m up for being interviewed with a famous DJ anytime. I’ll scribble down your number just as soon as we’ve finished this show.’

Pete: ‘You’re on Peggy, but I’m not sure I’m a famous presenter, yet! But I’m working on it! Mind, I’m actually on three radio stations. Thursdays - 10pm – midnight, I do a golden oldies slot for ex Radio Caroline station Radio Northsea International, I also do an 80s show, Wednesdays 10pm – midnight on my local community radio station Phoenix FM, and I do a LIVE broadcast to the world on Replay Radio, Fridays 8pm – 10pm. All are great fun but Replay is the best because the listeners can interact with me LIVE whilst I’m on air. So Peggy you can natter with me anytime when I’m on Replay Radio and the world can hear us. What do you say to that? Oh by the way did I tell you I’m going to Lanzarote in the summer and it seems the hotel I’ve booked is very close to the sea, but at the top of a short steep hill. You’ll never guess what that nosey author friend of ours told me? She said  it’s quite a nice hill. A nice hill? What the f, sorry, what the heck is a NICE HILL? Anyway enough of my chat, I could do this all day you know, but before you press the off button on the mic, it’s been lovely talking to you Peggy and maybe we can do it again sometime, but next time over a glass of three of Merlot? Here’s my number, so just call me.’

If you’d love to listen to Pete on the radio here are all the links

RNI: www.rni.vze.com

Phoenix: www.phoenixfm.co.uk

Replay: www.replay-radio.net

I also have my own website which I find difficult to keep up with, but here it is anyway: www.peteforsyth.co.uk