Wednesday Writer – Annette Lewis

It is my honour to interview the lady who knows the way to my heart – chicken dishes. The awesome Lady A is in the house (not literally because of the lockdown) and sharing her deep interview answers.

I’M SO EXCITED TO BE INTERVIEWING YOU LADY A – WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DRINK WHILE WE ARE CONDUCTING THIS INTERVIEW WITH YOU?

As it is early in the morning, I think I would like a coffee please Jacob – a cappuccino would be perfect.

COULD YOU TELL US YOUR BLOGGING NAME AND THE NAME OF YOUR SITE PLEASE.

I have to admit I made a right pickle of setting up my site. I tried a whole bunch of names that were already taken in the setting up phase. Eventually I ended up calling myself “Lady A” – my name is Annette.

I called the blog “LADY LEWIS” with the tag line “…what Lady A thinks about it…”

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I knew I would want food and recipes to be a big part of my blog, but I also knew I would perhaps have things to say on lots of subjects. Since I began blogging I have also had a few attempts at writing short fictional pieces. That is something I would like to do more of.

But the basic concept of my site is that I am inviting guests to come and sit around our dinner table – enjoy the food and drink and the conversation over dinner.

WHEN DID YOU START BLOGGING?

My first post was 22nd October 2020. So I have managed to keep it up with almost daily posts for around four months now.

WHY DID YOU START BLOGGING?

Well…two reasons. One of my good friends had shared with us that she had been blogging for over two years and had related how enjoyable she found it. A lot of us were finding the first National Lockdown hard last year and were looking to the internet to find things to read. I saw people’s blogs and thought little of them at first.

But when I saw Melody’s site, I found it very joyful. I was surprised she had not shared it with us earlier. It seemed like an enjoyable hobby during these lockdowns when we have had to be content with staying indoors much more than usual.

My second reason was purely out of concern for another dear friend of mine who had started her own blog. It has become a nice way for us to keep in regular contact. I am always a little cautious with regards the internet, but blogging along with friends feels safer.

WHICH IS THE MOST POPULAR POST ON YOUR SITE?

I had no idea until I checked just now. I am very surprised to find that I have a post with 46 “LIKES”:

https://whatladyathinksaboutit.wordpress.com/2020/11/19/work-to-make-your-life-wonderful/

It was a response to Deb Whittam’s 42-word prompt.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BLOGGING?

So far I have enjoyed looking through past recipes that I know that we and our guests have loved and featuring them on my blog. But I am also having fun searching out new recipes to try for the blog.

FOOD THAT MAKES YOU SMILE?

Something that is going to bring a smile to everyone around the dinner table. There are a lot of dishes that I know my husband and other relatives and friends have enjoyed, but without fail the one meal that makes everyone smile is a roast dinner.

I am passionate about perfectly crisp roast potatoes, delicious vegetable accompaniments and a good quality organic meat. I like adding little twists to the table – a new type of stuffing, different sauces and of course the much loved Yorkshire puddings have to be spot on.

I smile when I can see everyone at the dinner table enjoying their food.

IF I WAS GOING TO SEND YOU FLOWERS AS A THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME INTERVIEW, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

I love this question Jacob. I think for me it would have to be some yellow roses.

DO YOU HAVE A SONG? ONE THAT FITS YOU AS A PERSON OR YOUR LIFE?

Years ago, in our early years together, Robert was involved in a traffic incident. I think that changed my outlook on life and appreciation for him massively. Nearly losing someone you love makes you reassess everything and puts everything into perspective. I cannot listen to this song too often as if really moves me, especially the video, but it encapsulates so much of what I felt when Robert was in hospital recovering from his injuries.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING IN LIFE?

Right now, I am planning to go to Waitrose, after that I will return home.

Where am I going in life? I do believe life is in some respects a journey, but most of that journey is within. Sometimes, the journey is simply a longing for home.

I grew up in a fabulous family which shaped the person I am. Meeting Robert on a holiday with friends was a significant moment in my life. We got on so well. When we eventually got together, I think it was obvious to everyone we were a true match. It’s not always easy for people to find someone they are ideal for.

A lot of people end up compromising who they are just for the sake of being with someone. I never felt I had to compromise who I was, and I would hope Robert never felt that way. Yes, there are times when we have both had to compromise on very minor matters, but we do agree on everything that matters.

The sense of HOME that I found with Robert and I had the feeling that whatever life or the world threw at us, we were the ideal duo to deal with challenges together. That has proved to be the case.

So where am I going in life now? I found HOME many years ago so ever since then we have been inviting people into our home as our dinner guests. I do look forward to this virus no longer being a threat so we can share many more joyful evenings with all the people we love.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU WANT YOUR BLOG TO TELL THE WORLD?

I guess it would be to APPRECIATE the people in your life now. APPRECIATE what you have, don’t worry about what you do not have. Make the most of what you can do rather than becoming upset about what you can not do.

I am not sure my blog really conveys that message. My blog is more about food, wine, music, and conversation – which are all things I have a deep appreciation for. I am finding a way to share my enjoyment of those through my blog.

But it is sometimes those little quiet moments when you are alone when you finally gain insights into life and existence. Appreciate peace and quiet and the chance to think deeply without the commercial or entertainment industry telling you what to think.

I read my most popular post again, and I suppose that contained a succinct pithy message:

I have learnt that life is no fairytale. It’s not always a bed of roses. There is a jungle of weeds to fight through. However, persistent efforts can make life a delight. The work never stops but life can be made beautiful.

WORK TO MAKE YOUR LIFE BEAUTIFUL – LADY A

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Wow! Lady A – that was amazing. Thank you for sharing your answers to the interview questions. You shared so much wisdom and it just blew my mind getting to know more about you and your husband. Maybe when the pandemic is over, I will get to sit at your dinner table (please make roast chicken) and see more of the love that your blog and your home radiate.

This is a song for you Lady A….

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