Downton Abbey's back.

The autumn equinox has passed and with it has come the return of two of the highlights of my year; Strictly Come Dancing and Downton Abbey. Who cares if it's cold and dark outside when you can sit in the comfort of your own living room and lose yourself in the glamour of spray tans and sequins on a Saturday and dramas of the people at Downton Abbey, both below and above stairs, on a Sunday. I've been eagerly awaiting the start of Downton, as once again, I've been fortunate enough to be on site at Cogges, alias Yew Tree Farm, during the filming that took place here earlier this year.

Hugh Bonneville

On a cold , but sunny day in March, the Victorian kitchen at Cogges, was once again transformed into the home of Farmer Drewe and his family.

The following day, the actors arrived. Farmer Drewe, his wife Marji and the twin girls, who play Marigold, were among them. This intrigued me as at the end of series five, Marigold was happily living up at the big house, with Lady Edith. What was even more intriguing was the presence of Lord and Lady Grantham, aka Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern, and Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith. 

Most of the filming took place inside the house so we couldn't really see what was going on. But there were a couple of scenes filmed outside, in front of the house. In one of them, Lord Grantham arrived at the farm driving a car that also contained Cora, Edith and Mr Drewe. During one of the takes of this scene, I was in the toilet block near where this was being filmed and had to stay in the block until the filming was finished.


 After this, I saw Cora and Edith sitting in the car while Mr Drewe and Lord Grantham were in the house. I assumed that they were just keeping warm. But in the second episode of series 6, there is a scene where Lord Grantham goes into the house on his own , leaving them waiting in the car. I should have realised that it was part of the filming as, earlier on they had all been standing around wearing identical full length, white padded coats over their costumes to keep them warm between takes, and they were in costume when sitting in the car. 

Road leading to the house which Lord Grantham drove along.

The technicians had set up the sound and recording equipment behind the wall where the filming was taking place. I was standing beside them and during a break in filming Andrew Scarborough, who plays Farmer Drewe appeared beside me. He was wearing his full length padded coat as, where they'd been filming was in the shade and he'd become very cold during the filming. But where I was standing, the sun was shining and it felt much warmer. He struck up a conversation with me about how much warmer it was in the sun. I was a bit star struck and muttered some inane comment about the weather, but he was very down to earth and friendly and put me at ease.

Cogges/Yew Tree Farm mug

Later on that day Mrs Drewe and the two Marigolds, made their way into the house to do some filming. By this time my mind was in over-drive trying to figure out what the storyline might be. Why were Lord and Lady Grantham and Edith at Yew Tree Farm? Why was Marigold there?

At the end of the day's filming,  Hugh Bonneville and some of the others, said 'goodbye' and 'thank you', as they passed through reception on their way back to the car park. But before she left, Emma Lowndes, who plays Mrs Drewe wanted to buy one of the Yew Tree Farm mugs we sell in the shop. She wanted one as a souvenir as this was to be her last time filming at Cogges and she'd enjoyed her time here very much. Colin, the Director of Cogges gave her one free of charge. So now we knew that she at least was leaving the series.

After they'd gone, I was chatting to Colin about what the storyline might be. I came up with the theory that Lord Grantham might want the Drewes to leave because he was worried that Mrs Drewe might cause trouble as she was so upset about losing Marigold. Well, guess what happened in episode two? I should be a script writer. 

A little hint maybe?

Later on in the year we had three more Downton actors, who'd never been here before, filming at Cogges. I can't say anymore at this time as I don't want to give the story away. Suffice to say, I was once again correct in my predictions. 

In total, they filmed on four separate occasions and I was around for most of them, I was even involved in helping on the last day of filming. One of the hair and make up guys had forgotten his hair spritz bottle and I improvised one for him out of an empty bathroom cleaner bottle. I also had to do my usual gig of chicken wrangling. The chickens naturally, wouldn't stay in shot during filming, then wouldn't stay out of shot when they were no longer required. The Director said that, 'they had fallen under the Downton spell.'

Me in costume doing my tour duties.

It was a very sad day for us all when the Director called, 'cut' for the last time. I'll miss the excitement of knowing that they're coming once again to film. But over the past couple of years we've started having groups of Downton Abbey fans coming to see the location of Yew Tree Farm. This summer, I started working as a Downton Abbey tour guide, taking groups of these fans around the house and grounds, showing them where the filming has taken place and telling them some of the funny incidents that happened during filming. At least I'll still be able to do this for the foreseeable future. 

I still haven't given up hope that Julian Fellowes will change his mind and decide to write another series.  Maybe I should contact the producers and offer to continue to write the scripts for them. Now wouldn't that be an adventure?

If you would like to visit Yew Tree Farm, you can find out all about us at:- http://www.cogges.org.uk/ If you click on the videos link. you'll be able to see a time lapse video of the kitchen at Cogges being transformed into Yew Tree Farm.

isabelj327.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/how-cogges-becomes-downtons-yew-tree.html?m=1

Photos Isabel's own or taken from photographs kindly donated to Cogges by Downton Abbey.

Isabel Johnstone 2015 ©

Cruise Review

Home for the next 10 days.

In my last blog, A Duck's Tale,  http://isabelj327.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/a-ducks-tale.html
I mentioned that I'd recently been on a cruise. One of my friends asked me to write about the cruise as he's considering going on one and is interested to know what it's like. But I thought that I'd write about my experience of cruising, rather than one specific cruise.


I'll never forget my first cruise. We were looking for something

Setting sail from Venice on a Greek Isles cruise.

special to do to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary and, in my opinion, we couldn't have chosen anything better. It was a classic Mediterranean cruise sailing to and from Barcelona. We were treated like VIP's from the moment we stepped off the plane, although having done quite a few cruises since, this isn't always the case, but we've never had a bad experience, just a bit more of a hectic one shall we say.

The Legend of the Seas from Mykonos.

When we arrived at the cruise terminal my jaw literally dropped at the size of the ship, It was called the Splendour of the Seas and it certainly lived up to its name. I couldn't believe that this was going to be my home for the next 7 days and nights. My excitement and wonder continued to mount each day. From Barcelona, we sailed to Villefranche, in the South of France, where, if we'd wanted to,  we could have visited Monte Carlo or Nice. Instead we opted to go ashore and explore the local market and seaside town.The next day we arrived at the port of Livorno, in Italy, where we spent the day exploring the sights of Pisa.

Our cabin on the 12th deck.

During the course of the week, we also visited Rome, stopped off in Naples, the nearest port for Pompeii and Herculaneum, and Valetta the capital of Malta. I couldn't get over how amazing it was to see all these places I'd dreamt about, without having to pack and unpack every day. Instead, we returned to the ship, dressed for dinner, watched a West End style show, danced under the stars and enjoyed a night cap in a sumptuous lounge before retiring to bed. And ladies, you get the chance to wear your posh frocks if you want. but it's not compulsory.

The ship is like a floating all inclusive hotel, with all the facilities

Flow rider on the Explorer of the Seas

that you would expect from a 4* or even 5* hotel. There was even an on board lecturer giving talks for those who like to know a bit about the places they are going to visit,The food is worthy of any Michelin restaurant and there's plenty of it. You can find something to eat 24 hours a day, if you want. But the good news is, there is a gym and jogging track if you want to enjoy yourself, but not gain too much weight.

Me getting into character for the Thriller dance

Even when having a day at sea there is something for everyone. There's bingo, quizzes, basket ball, mini golf, a rock climbing wall and on The Explorer of the Seas, the last ship I was on, there was an ice rink and flow rider, so you can even skate and surf at sea. Once on a trip from Baltimore to the Bahamas, I spent a couple of days at sea, learning Michael Jackson's Thriller dance, with some of my fellow guests and members of the entertainment team. Then on the last evening, we performed it in front of the entire ship. One of my 'adventures', it was awesome.

Chillin' in Gran Canaria

One of the concerns I've heard is that people worry about being stuck on a ship with so many people. But I can assure you that there's plenty of places where you can go if you want some alone time. You can do as much or as little as you want.The trips can be a bit full on, but in a lot of places you can disembark and just wander or sit and watch the world go by in a local café. We've had a couple of great times just getting off and jumping on a local open top bus. Everywhere seems to have them.

Cruising is a great way to see some of the Wonders of the World, without having to spend too much time in one place. I've seen the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pompeii and even where the film Troy was shot, and all in one trip. Plus, I've no particular desire to visit Cairo, but was able to see the Pyramids at Giza.

You may have gathered by now that I'm a big fan of cruising. So much so, that we've booked up another cruise next year to celebrate my 'significant' birthday. There's so much more I could say on the subject, but I think that's enough for now. If you've thought about cruising, I'd say to go for it. After all, you only live once.

For those who missed it, here is the video my hubby took of the Thriller Dance. Enjoy.

Photo's and video, Isabel's own.

Isabel Johnstone 2015 ©

A duck's tale.

Our cruise ship.

recently returned from a lovely cruise sailing from Southampton to the Canary Islands. It had been a bit of a stressful year and I was really looking forward to the break. Even the morning that we were due to leave, one of my cats was found to have an open wound from a burst abscess. Despite being 15 years old, he still insists on defending his territory. An emergency trip to the vet and we were finally able to send him to the cattery and set off.

The cruise was amazing. But for some reason I found it difficult to relax. Normally it's my hubby who takes a few days to unwind, but this time it was me. But eventually the cruise atmosphere worked its magic and I had a lovely time. I had planned to write about it, and I may yet, but for some reason since I've returned from the cruise, I'm been in a bit of a funk and have felt unable to write.

So what's changed? 

Our little visitor

This afternoon I walked into town to do some shopping. My walk into town is particularly idyllic. It involves me walking past the historic buildings of Cogges Manor Farm, where I do my Downton Abbey tours. Then I pass an old church and cross two bridges before reaching the town centre. There are ducks, swans and moorhens on the river. The ducks are common old Mallards, but a few months ago, on the first of May in fact, on my way into town I spotted a different type of duck. As soon as I arrived back home, I googled images of ducks and thought that our little visitor was a Ruddy Duck. I also found an article that said that some Ruddy ducks had recently escaped from a wildlife sanctuary and were causing havoc among the local duck population.

I'd taken a photo of him and I posted the image on Facebook and Twitter. A few people begged to differ with my conclusion as to the type of duck he was. Someone said he was a Mallard who's mother hadn't been too fussy in her choice of father, another that he was a Call duck. So we had a bit of a duckgate situation going on. At this time I was sticking to my original thinking that he was a Ruddy duck.

A Ruddy duck

At first always seemed to be on his own. The local Mallards seemed to be either shunning him or at times bullying him. Someone called in to Cogges and asked if we could take him and wanted to get the RSPCA involved. But as it was at the time of year when drakes fight among themselves in order to attract a mate, I didn't think that he was being singled out for bullying. St ill,he wasn't being accepted either.

My first sighting of the 2 Call ducks together,

One day on my way into town, as I crossed the bridge I looked out for him and this time, when I spotted him, he was with a little white female duck. I took a photo of her and shared it on Facebook. A friend responded by saying that this was a female Call duck. My little friend had found a mate and this convinced me that he too was a Call duck.

I was so pleased for him. Now when I walk into town I look to check that they are still together. I'm happy to report that they are. Not only that, but the other ducks seem to have accepted him now. In fact I've seen him on occasions 'hanging out with the lads.'

Still together.

Seeing the pair today really cheered me up and inspired me to tell their story. Call me an old romantic, but I think it's lovely the way that these 2 ducks have found each other. I believe that there is someone for everyone. Nature has shown this to be true.

I don't know if they'll stay with us? I hope so. I also hope that next year we'll see some little Call ducklings. This would be the perfect end to my Duck Tale.

See below a little video of them together, I defy you to watch it and not smile. I know I did.

Photo of Ruddy duck courtesy of:- http://ow.ly/Sc3kP

Other photos and video:- Isabel's own.

Isabel Johnstone 2015 ©

Welcome to the Sixties, WOAPA Day..

Tom and Lou teaching us Welcome to the Sixties

Well, can you believe it's that time of year again? WOAPA DAY has once more been and gone. I can't believe how fast this year is going. This Sunday in August has got to be one of the highlights of my year and serves to keep me from getting withdrawal symptoms as we don't meet on a Wednesday during the school holidays.

Every year a theme is chosen for the day and this year it was music from the 60's. Being a 'lady of a certain age', I knew that I would really enjoy singing songs which I was sure would bring back memories. I was not disappointed.

Jo and Diane practising

As usual we gathered at 10am in the main hall of a local school. There was an excited buzz, with a few brave individuals who had opted to do a duet or group performance busily expressing their nervousness and questioning their sanity. Some of the more seasoned performers seemed to be taking it in their stride.

I felt quite sombre at the beginning as we arrived to the lilting sound of Cilla Black singing, 'Anyone who had a heart', particularly poignant as Cilla had recently passed away and if anyone female singer embodied the 60's, for me it is Cilla.We sang a range of songs including a Eurovision and a Beatles Medley, with a lot of other brilliant songs in between.

Anyone who has read any of my previous blogs will know that I'm a frustrated Karen Carpenter or Lulu, and this is usually my time to get up on the stage and sing a solo. But this year I decided to just enjoy the day and let other people experience butterflies in the stomach and feeling sick, that accompany the nerves of solo performing. But fate had other ideas. The previous Wednesday I was approached by Lou and asked if I'd be willing to step in and sing a duet with Gail, as her partner couldn't make it. With very little persuasion, I agreed. The song being, 'To Sir with Love'.

Our two brave guys.

There were a few firsts that day. for one thing, we had some men come along and not only did they join in the day, they actually gave a wonderful rendition of Elvis's 'The Wonder of You'. Another first was Tom, Brian and Lou's eldest son, taught us a number from the musical Hairspray called, 'Welcome to the Sixties', which he conducted for us in the evening's performance. And a brilliant job he did too.

After an exhausting , but fun day, we had a break for a couple of hours, then reconvened at 7pm to perform in front of our family and friends.

The Golden Girls

The evening began with us all singing, 'Welcome to the Sixties' , followed by, the wonderful Petula Clark's, 'Downton'. Then seven of our more mature ladies, calling themselves 'The Golden Girls' sang a number called, 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool'. The girls were really nervous, but did a great job, so much so, that Brian asked them to sing a few lines together in the closing number of the show. The rest of the programme was supposed to be;-

Eurovision Medley, Everyone
Son of a Preacher Man, Chris and Gladys, (alias Lucy)
Build Me Up Buttercup, Jo and Diane
Beatles Medley, Everyone
Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Laura and Marilyn
Something Tells Me I'm Into Something Good, Everyone
To Sir With Love, Gail and yours truly.
The Wonder of You, Dave and Russ
Your Loves Keeps Lifting Me, various artistes.

Dame Shirley Bassey.

But Brian and Lou had a surprise in store. Instead of the music for Something Tells Me', Brian announced that there was to be a celebrity guest appearance by Dame Shirley Bassey. The lights were turned on to the curtains across the entrance at the back of the room, which then opened to reveal the amazing apparition that was Dame Shirley Bassey, alias Louis Raschke in drag. To rapturous applause, Dame Shirley made her way on to the stage and gave a rendition of 'Gold Finger' that the Dame herself would be proud of, if somewhat of a more comical version. The audience and singers alike loved it.

Follow that! 

My partner in crime, Gail.

I thoroughly enjoyed singing with Gail and was very glad that I had performed a duet. I know that if I hadn't, I would've regretted it.

The evening ended with a spirited rendition of 'You Keep Liftin Me', performed by the Golden Girls, some of the duet singers, including myself, and two brave volunteers, Sarah and Ellen.

It was another fun and enjoyable day and I can't wait to find out what the theme for next year will be. Thank you so much Brian and Lou, not forgetting Tom, Eddie  and of course Louis, for all your hard work. It's much appreciated.


Finally, I wouldn't be me if I didn't include the video of Gail and me singing, 'To Sir with Love'. (apologies for the quality). 

Photographs courtesy of ;-

Woapa
Diane Iverson
Isabel Johnstone

Videos:- Isabel Johnstone.
Celebrity guest video courtesy of WOAPA

Isabel Johnstone 2015 ©

Cogges Memory Tree

Drawing of Wadard in the Bayeux Tapestry.

This season we have started doing Downton Abbey tours at Cogges and I'm one of the tour guides. One of the facts I like to tell the visitors is that we have over a thousand years of history to our name. Some people believe that the mounds and bumps in the field beside the walled garden are the remains of a Saxon settlement down by the river, from around 500 AD. In fact, the remains of what is believed to be a Saxon dwelling, were found under the floor of the kitchen of the Manor House during excavations a number of years ago.

But the first recorded land owner of Cogges was a Norman knight by the name of Wadard who is depicted on the Bayeux tapestry and mentioned in the 1086 Doomsday book.

Imagine then how many memories there must be about this lovely location.

Elizabeth's original comment.

Unfortunately, many of these memories have been lost in the midst of time. But we at Cogges are anxious to make and preserve as many memories as we can. Many visitor attractions have a visitors' book for people to sign and we are no exception. Until recently there was a memory book in the house. The first entry in this memory book is by one of our longest -serving volunteers, Elizabeth.

'I first came to Cogges farm with my father in September 1945. It was, I think, something to do with a Shooting Party, but I don't recall the details as I was 13 years old and more interested in the large walnut trees on the front lawn, hoping I suspect to pick up a few walnuts! Apart from a brief visit in 1952, (my first year as a married woman), when I came with my husband, who worked here for a very short time as a cowman, I had no opportunity to see the farm again until I applied for a position as a House Demonstrator, 25 years ago. It was no longer run by the Mawle so f course, although , as a family, they visited often. Cogges Manor Farm seems to have been a part of my life, it is a beautiful place to visit, and I do hope our visitors will keep very fond memories of their time spent here.' Volunteer cook, Elizabeth.

What a wonderful memory. An elderly visitor, another Elizabeth, a lady 88 years young, also wrote:- 

'Brought back many happy memories of my childhood days, especially in the kitchen and back kitchen.' Elizabeth, 88 years old, 27th September 2014.

Olivia Nichols.

But not all our visitors are older people. We have had some lovely comments written by children, some even accompanied by pictures. Children see a side to Cogges that is quite different to what adults see. But their comments are just as valid as those of the adults and show that, this is a place that can be enjoyed and appreciated, by young and old.

Neil, with the Memory Tree.

This year we have come up with a novel idea. Instead of a book, we are going to have a Memory Tree. Neil Cap, a talented sculptor and one of our volunteers, has been working hard and has produced a wonderful wooden tree sculpture. The idea is that the visitors can write a memory or comment on a luggage label, which they then hang from one of the branches of the tree. To launch the tree, some of our volunteers recently made a start by adding their own special memories to the tree.

One of the aims of the Cogges Heritage Trust, is to preserve the house and grounds for future generations. By writing our memories, we will be adding a 'voice' to Cogges. This will enable future generations to hear as well as see, what it was like to visit Cogges in the 21st century.

Memory Tree.

The tree will be situated in the back kitchen of the house and we hope to encourage visitors to write a comment about their visit. We also hope that our regular visitors will be inspired to add their own special memory; either past or present.

Cogges isn't just a place, it has a life and vibrancy of its own. A tree is a living, breathing thing and somehow having a memory tree seems quite a fitting way to help record and celebrate the wonderful place we all love; Cogges Manor Farm.

Photographs courtesy of Isabel Johnstone.

Isabel Johnstone 2015 ©

That was my week, that was...

A few years ago my life consisted of going to work and not much else. As I've already admitted in one of my early blogs, I was a bit of a couch potato. But how things have changed. Here is a peek into what my diary entry for the week commencing the 27th July 2015 would look like. If I kept a diary that is.

Monday:- I went to the gym, not something I ever thought I'd hear myself say, then fed the cats at Cogges in the afternoon as usual. Nothing too different there.

The kitchen at Cogges, dressed as Yew Tree Farm.

Tuesday:-I was due to take a group of Irish visitors on a Downton Abbey tour of Cogges. They were due to arrive at about 12.15pm. As is my wont, I was spending the morning writing and checking Facebook. At 10.45am my mobile rang. I could see that it was Colin, the Director of Cogges. Convinced that he was phoning to say that the tour group had cancelled, I answered the phone. Boy was I mistaken. The tour group weren't cancelling, they'd turned up one and a half hours early and Colin wanted to know how quickly I could get there.

Me in my Downton costume.

When I was asked if I'd like to be a tour guide, I was asked if I'd mind wearing a costume. It took some doing, but I've managed to cobble together a look that a 1920's farmer's wife would recognise if she were to appear at Cogges one day. I hastily shut down the computer, threw on my costume and was driving into the Cogges car park about 15 minutes later.The Irish contingent had ensconced themselves in the café and I actually had to hang around until they were finished. Eventually they were ready and the tour that followed was probably the best one I've done so far. At least they laughed in all the right places and didn't speak when I was speaking.

On that particular day, the art department for a certain ITV drama, were on site setting up for filming that was to take place the next day. One of them, Linda, saw me in my costume and said that it was perfect and that I really looked the part. Praise indeed and made all the hassle I'd gone through to put together the costume worth it.

Me bagging fudge.

Wednesday:- I was very excited as I was being allowed to be on site while the filming was taking place. I arrived at 1pm to be told that the filming wouldn't be taking place until 2.30 as the filming in Bampton was running late due to adverse weather conditions. While I was waiting I busied myself in the kitchen bagging up some homemade fudge that some of the volunteers had made. Eventually around 4pm the actors/actress arrived and filming began. I spent the next couple of hours chasing chickens and then trying to make sure that they stayed in shot. Not an easy task. But at least I got the chance to speak to Sophie McShera who plays Daisy, and rectify an embarrassing conversation I'd had with her on a previous visit. For those who don't know what I'm talking about check out this blog.

http://ow.ly/QhYvU

The filming finished around 8 and it was very sad as this is the last time that filming for this programme will be taking place at Cogges. As I reflected on this, I realised that despite living only about 10 miles from Bampton, I'd never watched any of the filming taking place there.

Tom Branson with Lady Mary at Yew Tree Farm

Thursday:- I jumped in the car and set off for Bampton. Filming was taking place in the area in front of the church and I watched as Lady Edith drove by in an old fashioned car, with Tom Branson in the front passenger seat. Someone had left a white Fiesta parked in shot, so another old fashioned car was placed in front of it to make sure that it wasn't seen in the shot. I was surrounded by a group of American tourists. At one point Allan Leech, who plays Branson, came over and asked us where we were from. I piped up and said that I was from Yew Tree Farm. He looked confused until I explained that I was one of the volunteers at Cogges. He laughed, but was called away before he could say anything else.

David Cameron at the Magna Carta reception

Friday:- Just a normal day? Nope. I had been invited to be a VIP guest at a celebration of the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta hosted by Experience Oxfordshire. I arrived at 12.30 for a lunch which was followed by speeches, one of which was to be made by a special guest speaker. This turned out to be the Prime Minister, David Cameron. After the reception because of  horrendous weather conditions, my hubby and I endured a nightmare journey up to Manchester to visit the family. But it was worth it.



Saturday:- I walked beside my grandson as he took his first donkey ride. The highlight of my week.

So that was my week. It was very hectic but certainly beats my previous existence as a couch potato and I wouldn't change a thing. Well, perhaps next time I'd ask Allan Leech for his autograph and perhaps have my photograph taken with him.

Photos and videos, Isabel's own.

Isabel Johnstone 2105 ©

A Kick Up the Butt.

We all have dreams. some bigger than others. We also know that sometimes it can be hard to hold on to that dream, especially when it looks like it is an impossible one. I've recently been going through a time of doubting my ability as a writer and this has stopped me from actually sitting down to work on the book I dream of writing. If anyone needs a "kick up the butt," it's me.

I recently downloaded a link to a strategy guide published by the Huffington Post. It's a guide aimed at teaching you how to get your writing published on theirs and other websites. I found it very interesting, but didn't feel that my writing fit the criteria that they are looking for. For one thing, they state that your writing must not be personal and mine definitely is. I also feel that I'm "not quite ready yet." But I decided to bookmark the article for the future.

You can imagine then, how surprised and amused I was, when the next day I received an email from someone called Jon Morrow, giving me a "friendly kick up the butt." He went on at length challenging how many such articles I'd read over the years on the same subject and asked how many excuses I'd come up with not to do anything about it. This did hit a nerve with me. He then went on to say that the next day he would tell me a story to help inspire me and perhaps give me another friendly "kick up the butt" or two.

Sure enough, the next day I received another email from him, although I'm pretty sure it's an automated email sent to anyone who downloads the article and doesn't follow through. But Jon Morrow, is a pretty inspirational guy. He has Muscular Dystrophy and is in a wheelchair. He's a prolific and successful writer and editor. Because of his condition he uses software that allows him to dictate his work onto his computer. He has an incredible enthusiasm for writing which I must say, I found to be pretty infectious.

Unfortunately, it wasn't really enough to make me want to log on and start writing, sorry Jon.

I recently finished my latest online course and now have time on my hands. This morning I decided to put away the books I've been using for the Greek and Roman Mythology course I've just completed. While tidying up my desk, I came across the Christmas present my eldest son gave me last year. He'd arranged for some of my blogs to be made into a book titled, "Sunshine After the Rain", which anyone who follows my blogs will know, is my logo. It was such a thoughtful present and I was both emotional and speechless when I opened the present and saw what it contained.

As I looked through the book, I read the foreword that he'd included in the front of it. Once more I was reduced to tears. But I think that I might have found my "kick up the butt." As I read the words, it reminded me of why I'd started writing in the first place and, knowing how he feels about what I've embarked on, has given me a renewed determination to keep trying.

 I'm not going to say anymore here. Instead I'm going to share the foreword with you. Perhaps then you'll see for yourself why these words might have had more of an effect on me than the words of a stranger.

Foreword 

When I first heard my Mum was planning to write a blog I must admit my reaction was one of patronising bemusement – Mum using the inter-web?! Nevertheless, not wanting to discourage her I gave supporting noises along the lines of “oh that’s interesting” and “well good luck with that”, not thinking much more of it. 

More fool me! It soon became clear after further conversations how serious she was and how this was an important part of her ambitions to become a fully- fledged writer. And as each phone call became punctuated with ever-increasing website views, followers “likes” and shares, it was obvious I was wrong about to ever underestimate her drive and determination to make this succeed. It has also been a privilege to watch her confidence and technical abilities as a writer to grow with each new entry, with each one full of honesty, wit, enthusiasm and love, - in other words, all Mum. 

Not that I should have been surprised at all. If all the words that could be used to describe Mum, (apart from mad, bonkers and variants thereof), the most appropriate is ‘resilient’. She has been through so much and come out the other side stronger and more determined than I have ever known her. It is this trait that has, not only helped her, but also myself, my brother and my Dad, keep going, even through the darkest times. 

This book is not just meant to be a present but, both a reminder of what mum has already achieved and as a symbol of what is to come. I also hope it help inspires her to continue on and achieve her goals. 

Callum Johnstone  

December 2014.

See what I mean? Wouldn't you be inspired if someone had this much faith in you? 

For any writers out there who might be interested in reading the Huffington Post article, here is the link to the article:-

http://ow.ly/PxaB4

Isabel Johnstone 2015 ©