Tuesday, October 02, 2012

50th party blog guest - Louisa George

Louise George is my twin on the Medical authors’ blog (i.e. we blog alternately on the first Monday of the month), and we have tons in common even though she lives in New Zealand and I live in England. We both like good food and cooking. And… well, she was one of the people who talked me into doing a Zumba class, but that was when I’d first started going to the gym and I overreached myself a bit that week. (She’s trying to persuade me that I’d find it much easier now – hmm, maybe!) Our children are similar ages, we like similar music and books and films, we both have huge TBR piles and love gadgets, and when we get to meet in person there’s going to be an awful lot of talking :o) (But one thing I don’t understand about her – no ice cream? Whaaa? I’m with her on chocolate, though!)

Over to Louisa:

Thanks so much for inviting me to your 50th blog party, Kate! 50 books. Wow. I’m in awe. As I’m reaching the half-way mark of writing my 5th book I can’t imagine what it must be like to have written another 45 on top! You are amazing. Huge congratulations! Thank you so much for so many wonderful stories- I look forward to enjoying the next 50!

We’re celebrating milestones, so I thought I’d share a personal one with you. As I write this blog post it is exactly ten years to the day that I emigrated, with my family, to New Zealand. We thought we’d come for two years. Still here after ten, and not looking to move any time soon. Go figure!

We decided to make such a huge life change for many reasons; both myself and my husband had dreamt of traveling extensively but had never quite managed to do enough of it (can you ever have enough of meeting new people in new places?); we wanted to try a more ‘outdoorsy’ lifestyle; we wanted more sunshine; most of all we wanted an adventure! Life had got a bit tame for us in England and we felt like jazzing things up a bit! And boy, did we.

I’m not saying it was easy, or that we didn’t get homesick for family and friends (still do, in fact), but it was life-affirming to our little family unit of four- and we became stronger and tighter because of it. I’ll never forget sitting on that airplane runway about to take off, leaving our old life in Manchester behind. The feeling of elation, empowerment and excitement was almost overwhelming. Oh, and I was scared as hell.
Hahei

South Island

The experience gave me more opportunities to challenge myself. If I can move to the other side of the world and create a new life for my family- what else am I capable of? Change my career? In a bid to make more friends I joined an evening class in creative writing. Here, the stories I’d always had in my head were given shape. I found people like me who wanted to express themselves with words. I fell in love not just with a country, but with writing.

So, what milestones are you looking forward to celebrating? What personal challenges have you set yourself recently? It’s always good to have something to work towards- what did Eleanor Roosevelt say? Do one thing every day that scares you…

I have a giveaway of my second book, Waking Up With His Runaway Bride, to one commenter.


You can find out more about Louisa at her website www.louisageorge.com
Or talk to her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LouisaGeorgeAuthor
Or follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/Louisa_George

15 comments:

Phillipa said...

I'm determined to stand up on a surfboard. I've had three lessons and everyone seems half my age and I *almost* got to my feet but couldn't stay there. I want to do it by my Significant birthday next summer.

Mary Preston said...

My personal challenge came when I pulled out the recipe books. I can cook, but if I could get away with never having to I'd be thrilled.

My challenge has been to experiment & find new recipes to add to my repertoire.

Louisa George said...

wow, Phillipa! I'm in awe! *almost* standing up on a surfboard is terrific! I managed about five seconds once with the instructor holding on to the back (ie cheating) so I know how hard it is! Best of luck!!

Louisa George said...

Hi Marybelle! I love cooking- but choosing something new/interesting to feed the family each day is a bit of a chore. Hope you managed to find some fun and flavoursome recipes to add to your repertoire!

Eli Yanti said...

my personal challeng came when I make a review in English

Susan Carlisle said...

Louisa,
What an adventure it must have been to leave England behind and find a new hime. I love New Zealand. The country and the people were wonderful when I visited. I hope to come back sometime soon.

Caroline said...

Well I've got my own 50 celebrations next year. Unlike Kate it's not books but years I'm celebrating! My challenge is to fab'n'fit in time for my 50th. No mean feat I can tell you. Caroline x

Desere said...

Hi Louisa !

My personal challenge was to read more action books,I always go for my first love which is romance but I made myself a promise that I would delve into military suspense,western and so on and I am very proud to say I did it and now I read just as many action books (military has become a huge favourite) as I do romance !

Thank you for a great interview and for a stunning give away your first book was stunning so I know that the this one will be brilliant !

Louisa George said...

Hi Eli! Writing in a second language- very hard! Again, I'm in awe, because you do it so well!

Louisa George said...

Hi Susan, yes, it was an adventure! (Some people thought we were completely mad because we'd never even visited the country before!). If you ever come back to NZ you must, must come visit me!

Louisa George said...

Hi Caroline! Very happy birthday for next year! Hope you truly celebrate in style!

Louisa George said...

Hi Desere! You must tell us some of your favourites so we can branch out too! I'm always on the look out for book recommendations. (And thanks ever so much for your kind words about my books!)

bn100 said...

It's always a challenge trying to clean the whole house.

Louisa George said...

Hi bn100, I hear ya! Just trying to start a spot of spring cleaning here and it's a gargantuan task! And just when you think you've finished, in walk the kids and make it messy and dirty all over again!

Kate Hardy said...

First name drawn from the hat for ‘Waking Up with his Runaway Bride’ – Eli Yanti. Please contact me kate(dot)hardy(at)btinternet(dot)com with your details, and I'll get everything sorted :o) Thanks for taking part!