Life at Willow Manor

This is exciting! My very first interview. I have been chosen to
be interviewed by Steph, The Incurable Insomniac. I will answer
Steph's questions and then I will invite you, my bloggies, to be
interviewed as well. The instructions are at the end of this post.

1. Besides the obvious increase in visitors to your

blog, how has being chosen as a Blog of Note changed

your experience as a blogger?

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My posting style, the subject matter and length of my posts, haven't

changed a bit. I still blog on the subjects that interest me. The

"brown paper packages tied up with string" on my header refers to

my favorite things, which is exactly what I blog about. The one

experience that has changed is the challenge of attempting to visit

all the bloggers who stop in and leave a comment. I must adjust to

the fact that it is nearly impossible, that I still have a life apart from

my computer desk, and to just enjoy the blogging experience as

before. I think most bloggers will understand that.

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2. How did you and your husband find your manor

house?

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Like it says in my profile, "the Manor" as we fondly call it, is simply

an old limestone and cedar house, built in 1927, that was actually

named "Willow Manor" by the original owners. The property was

lined with huge willow trees, which are no longer here. We lived in

a perfect new house in a subdivision. Everything was in pristine

working order. But WT, the Kansas farm boy that he is, had a

hankering for land. Or maybe it was his Irish DNA speaking? We

often drove down this road, very rural 20 years ago, and happened

to see the house and property up for sale. It was a little too pricey

for our budget and passed on taking a tour of the house. Every

once in a while, WT, would leave to run a few errands and be gone

for hours. Upon his return, I would learn he had been at Willow

Manor walking the grounds. He was uniquely drawn to the place.

About six months later, the realtor called with the news that the

owners were ready to drop the price significantly. We toured the

house and immediately fell in love, but another party had already

put a contract on it. To make a long story short, we put a backup

bid on the house, the first contract fell through and we were the

proud owners of the charming Willow Manor. We love it dearly,

but as well as being haunted, it has been very much a "Money Pit"

(you know, the Tom Hanks movie) kind of experience. But that's a

post for another day.

3. On a fine weather day, where on your property is

your favorite spot to be alone?

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I adore the patio on the back of of the house . It's between two

limestone walls of the house and enclosed with two stone ledges.

It's lush, peaceful, private and I fell like I'm somewhere exotic, like

the South of France.

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4. Your family seems to be very close and supportive

of each other. If you could give one piece of advice to

a young family just starting out, what would that be?

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I would have to say, when the kids are young, just let them be kids.

And always, even when they're grown, dole out massive amounts

of unconditional love. After all, if your own parents don't love you

unconditionally, who else is going to?

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5. Before blogging, what, if any, was your main mode

of personal expression?

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I studied fine art in college and am a very creative person. Most

things I do have an artistic side. I love decorating Willow Manor,

making it cozy and interesting. But I would have to say that I am

most known for my ability and love for entertaining. For several

years I operated a catering business, which was definitely a form

of personal expression, but very much a back breaking endeavor.

Now that the kids are grown, I need to buy some paint and canvas

and get back to some creativity in that department, as well.

If you would like to be interviewed by me, leave me a

note in the comment section. Give me a day or two to

send your five questions. Here's the scoop:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the

questions).

3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview

someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask
them five questions.