WordPress reminded me on Monday 1st March 2021 that I created my current blog site eight years ago in 2013. My first page was an about page.
One of my first comments was from my long-term blog friends gpcox and Gilly.
It’s been quite amusing to read through some of my old blog posts from March 2013 when I was a student on a four-year BMus course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Some of my first followers were WordPress influencers do you remember them, they used to say they made a fortune and paid for holidays all around the world I thought I’d be going to Bali one day hehe.
But my singing has provided me with opportunities to travel which I really enjoy and I have been lucky to explore wonderful places. I really enjoy visiting a place with the goal to share music. In advance, I try to learn a little lingo before I arrive, research public transport. If I have any friends who live there or have lived there, I try to find out what I should see, taste, do or visit. This really makes it feel like I am seeing a new place through the lens of a local. A couple that spring to mind are: Lleida (2016) and Seoul (2019) What are some of your favourite places that you have visited?
I have visited the blogs of fellow bloggers from all around the World and am thrilled to be followed by readers of my adventures over the years here on my blog. Some bloggers no longer blog or have passed away and I miss them and shed a few tears for some of my friends. I always enjoy feedback, advice and the general support and love I often get, I am grateful to you all xx.
I remember back in 2013 at Christmas when I was recovering at home following a short spell in the hospital that I decided to run a little competition based on drawings that I created for the twelve days of Christmas. I was so happy when my blog friend Janice Spina won. She sent me a picture to show how she had framed the pictures, I was so pleased.
It was an even greater surprise when my good friend Hilary from my days at Knutsford high school contacted me to say she had made me a quilt from the images 🙂
I have also been lucky enough to have met several blog friends in person and even met the lovely artist Karen and her husband David in Glasgow when they came on a Scottish tour all the way from Arizona check out Karen’s blog her artwork is fabulous. When I moved to London Hilary Custance Green and her husband came to see me perform at the Royal College of Music and have been tremendous inspirations and given me support to continue with singing and coaching lessons. Pascal Barnier came to watch me perform in my very first opera for Scottish Opera, The Walk From The Garden. Cate and Allie McDermott traveled to London to watch one of my performances at the Royal College of Music. To name just a few so many great memories.
I have also participated in interviews for some of my blog friends on their sites, Noelle Granger and Resa Mcconaghy which was great fun.
It has been a fantastic eight years and I am so looking forward to the next eight. Let me know what have been your favourite memories over the past eight years? I would love to hear about them.
To close off tonight I just wanted to share with those of you who have asked that I now have some CDs of my album, Songs From Our Balcony. If anyone would like a copy you can contact me here:
Yes, I remember that first Pending Comment, my curiosity as to who this was visiting my blog, and your very canny use of a photograph of a lovely young woman with long tumbling hair and the most gorgeous smile – yes, of course it was you! You knew what you were doing back at the start. Then the hilarious coincidence of our sharing the same birth date. And I remember your genuine friendliness when I introduced myself to you at your lunchtime recital in Bury. Here’s to the next eight, Scorpio Buddy.
Martin you have been a source of encouragement forever, I remember you coming to the Plaza to watch my performance with Tideswell MVC and the Military Wives choir and you even came to watch me as Pandora in The Fire of Olympus In a wet autumn evening even though you’re not that fond of opera. Hopefully we’ll have the time to have a cup of tea together.
Bye for now my Scorpio buddy.
Charlotte 😃
I’d like that. Shall we say, 2022, sometime?
Yes ☕️🍰 I’ll hold you to it if hopefully I’m working up North.
Congratulations. Been great following you and watching you grow and progress with your singing. You are doing amazing! It is funny reading back on past blogs eh. For me I actually find it depressing and wonder “who was that” lol My writing mojo has departed for now – hoping it would have come back but alias it seems to be taking a long holiday without me.
You live in the most wonderful place I learnt so much about New Zealand from your lovely blog. It’s been hard to keep up my blog mojo this past year, we are hopefully being allowed to slowly emerge from lockdown after April 12th.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What a wonderful celebration! Many congratulations on your blogaverssary! Don’t worry about the Bali trip – its Benidorm but further south 😉
My grandparents used to love going to Benidorm but the closest I got was Barcelona. The influencers always spoke about a place called Whistle, in a way its a shame they’re not around because they really used to energise new bloggers with all their visits and comments on new blogs 😄. I love your blog.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That is such a kind thing to say, thanks you! Never mind, Barcelona .. I hope to see you perform in Belle-Isle! 🙂 Best wishes to you both!!
Congratulations on your 8th. Great memories, Charlotte.
Thank you John it always makes me happy to see your messages and tweets.
Best wishes
Charlotte
😁
Happy blogiversary.
Thank you Timothy. 💕
Best wishes
Charlotte
Dear Charlotte,
Congrats. on your 8th Blogging anniversary and I enjoy reading your Blog post. It is certain that the Lord has truly blessed you and now George, as your soon to be husband. I pray that as you become one in marriage that you will continue to blossom where the Lord plants you. May the Lord bless you richly is my prayer.
Thank you Rev. Tim, we’ve just had to postpone the wedding for the third time because things aren’t reopened by April 11th. We have quite enjoyed our lockdown time together though so that is a good sign.
Best wishes always,
Charlotte
Congratulations Charlotte.. doesn’t time fly when you are having fun… hoping that you will be singing for the public both from you balcony and major venues again soon.. hugs Sally
Thank you Sally, time has flown, George has a competition soon and we hope that it can go ahead I can’t wait to be performing again. Thank you for your lovely message.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations, dear Charlotte!
I sit here typing, with weepy eyes. I cannot tell you how much it means to me that you have remembered me in this special 8 year Anniversary post.
It means a lot to me, because you mean a lot. As someone who has worked with many great & talented actors, I believe I see the same greatness in you.
Let me stop slobbering!
Okay, I also have been blogging for 8 years. So, wonderful memories abound, but some of the most wonderful are the most recent. It’s the special people I have met, although there are no specific moments. Holly, Tim, all the women who have become AGM Models, the many who adore my Art Gowns and yes, the “Gowntoons”, which you so aptly named.
I think WP (although technically annoying at times) has provided a decent home for those of us who want to connect.
Do you remember the first post I did about you after we had met? https://artgowns.com/2018/02/05/%f0%9f%8c%b9-charlotte-hoather-sings-%f0%9f%8c%b9/
I was so impressed with you. I hated opera, but you converted me. Now, I love opera.
How great is that?
My best to George!
Resa xoxo
I love Tim and Holly’s blogs, Holly has been a real educator to me with her beautiful prose I would love to have her way with words. I have loved learning more about what you do, your gowns are amazing and it is so true that it is all about great connections. I just need several more hours at the moment when I’m trying to do two jobs and sadly I have less time to visit everyone I want to visit.
You are making me blush and it is absolutely fabulous that I have converted you to opera you’ve made my day. George says Hi. Xx
My best wishes always,
Charlotte
Happy Blogiversary, Charlotte! <3 It was wonderful meeting you both as well!
Hi Karen, I absolutely loved all your blog posts about your trip to Scotland, it was super meeting you both. Loving your new art.
All my best wishes always,
Charlotte
Wishing you a happy 8th blogging anniversary, Charlotte, and many more to come!
I have only been to Canada and France, and loved both.
I’ll have to take some photos of my favourite places in London Lavinia and give you a stay at home tour of unique little spots.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I would love that! 🙂
Congratulations on your beautiful blog. It’s always a joy to see it.
Thank you Patricia and its always a joy to see your lovely smile pop up.
Best wishes
Charlotte 💕
Most grateful for your blog, as this is how I came to know of you. Many blessings for the coming blog future and all those new souls who shall embrace the opportunity to learn of you too! Oh, and I am thrilled to be able to order your new CD! Yay, so many reasons to celebrate.
Annette I take your Go You book everywhere with me, your positivity is a joy to me. Thank you.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations Charlotte!
Thank you Holly, I love your blog you are an inspiration to me 💕.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Likewise dear Charlotte! I hope you’ll soon be able to travel and sing and make the world a brighter place! 💫❤️
Congratulations on the 8 years! I started about 8 months after you, and I think yours was one of the first blogs I followed!
Aww Trent I remember, you have always popped in to visit and I appreciate your encouragement and support over the years.
My very best wishes
Charlotte
I began my blog on prayer the same month that you began your blog. I have enjoyed following your growth as a singer. Some of my favorite places that I have visited include Aylesbury, England (1976) where I sang with my university choir, Tiberias and Jerusalem, Israel (1985), Sedona, Arizona USA (2010), and Yellowstone National Park USA (2018),
Congratulations to you too Michael. Thank you. I love that you toured with your choir I don’t think I’ve been to Aylesbury yet. I’d love to visit Yellowstone my brother went there on his honeymoon. Keep on keeping on.
My very best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations, Charlotte! Keep up the good work!
j
Thank you we have kept in touch for a long time now and I hope you’re doing well this year.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congrats, Charlotte! Has it been 8 years already? I’m excited for your achievements and yes, adaptability in last year with Covid and all the restrictions. I think I’ve been with you in the blogosphere since the beginning of your blog. So, am glad of where you are today! All the best for many more wonderful years to come! 🙂
Arti I’ve watched some of my favourite films because of you over the years. I wish I made more time for reading but you keep me in the loop. I appreciate your blog friendship.
Best wishes to you
Charlotte x
well done, the voices call out, they need enlightenment like never before,may your talent shine on them, amen
Awww thank you that is such a lovely message.
My best wishes
Charlotte 💁🏼♀️
Happy Anniversary!! Congrats & wishing you many more years of your wonderful blog.
Cindy thank you for your lovely message, I love your blog and your fabulous photographs I’ve learnt so much visiting you over the years.
Best wishes
Charlotte x
Congratulations on your 8th Anniversary, Charlotte!
The blogosphere is the better for having your words and your music – and your youthful exuberance! Blog on.
Thank you Sheila, I was feeling a little low energy and reading my blog this evening has been a joy.
Best wishes always
Charlotte
Good morning my dear hoather have a nice day 🌷
Good evening my friend Amritpal thank you for your message.
Best wishes
Charlotte 😊
Many congratulations, and thank you both so much for sharing your beautiful music with us 🙂
Warm wishes from Japan,
Takami
Thank you Takami, thank you for your message and sharing your lovely blog too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Many congratulations, and thank you both so much for sharing your beautiful music with us!
Happy blogiversary!
Thank you Thomas, I hope that you are well.
Best wishes
Charlotte
8 years! Where’s the time gone Charlotte? Great memories of your journey to where you are today, especially our countless trips in the car to concerts, singing lessons and all your other classes, singing our heads off as we went along🤗🤗🥰 helping you learn new lyrics along with your mum, and all the fun we had along the way. Your such a lovely talented young woman and I am so proud of you and what you have achieved. Remember your rendition of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer when you were tiny? Classic!😁 so, congratulations on your 8th year blogging and here’s to many more! 🥂😘🥰
Aww Gill thank you, what a lovely walk down memory lane. I still sing the Eva Cassidy songs you introduced me to 💕. Give my love to Terry.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations!!! Happy Anniversary.
Thank you Rebecca 😘.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow, what memories ….
I think since our first connection, I haven’t missed a single one of your blogs. We shared smiles, laughs, a few tears too because life is like that.
I could not say which memory is preferred, because each one has an energy, a music, colors which makes it so unique. It’s also your signature my dear Rainbow Voice Laddy! You do something new every time, your style grows with you!
So very good anniversary blog, and I don’t know when, I don’t know where, but I can’t wait to meet you again with George, live!
Best wishes, best thoughts !!! xx
What a super message Pascal, indeed we have shared a lot. I have loved to see your art develop and your new videos. I hope that the weather is improved for you now.
Best wishes always,
Charlotte 💕
Thanks Charlotte! I always appreciate the way you look at my work.
Yes, the weather is improving. Less cold, sun, light rains. I started cutting the grass at home and found lots of violets and other flowers.
Charlotte, what a amazing 8 years they have been.
You have made so many people happy,with your stories and fabulous information.
Loads of insight with tales into Opera’s..
I love all the photo’s you have portrayed with every tale and Journey you have taken us on.
Even last year with everything the world endured, you stayed positive and inspirational ..
You and George entertaining your Neighbours and fans,you are both amazing..
Good luck with everything that is coming your way. You are both amazing entertainers.
The wedding soon fingers crossed🤞🤞😘😘
I’m truly happy that you have enjoyed the blog and learnt more about Opera, thank you both for coming to watch so many performances and bringing your possy along with you on occasion. Thank you for your lovely message you made me smile.
Best wishes always
Charlotte xx
That is a lovely way to celebrate your blogiversary, Charlotte
Thank you Derrick 😊.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations and keep on blogging. Your posts are great.
Thank you Jovina, and for all your wonderful recipes.
Best wishes
Charlotte x
How sweet of you to remember my visits, Charlotte. I was only talking about you and your blog a few days ago and said “she so young, still in school and I’ve followed her ever since! ” You have never disappointed us!
That’s so nice GP. You are such a source of support thank you.
Best wishes always,
Charlotte x
Happy blogiversay!
Thank you my friend. 😺
Best wishes
Charlotte
Lovely memories. I am constantly in awe that you continue to post and engage with us all when I am sure your time (even during the pandemic) is squeezed impossibly. Your admirable work ethic is an example to us all and your lovely voice brings joy into many lives. Keep rolling on. Hugs.
Thank you Hilary for everything, I have found it difficult to visit everyone’s blogs because I’m trying to continue with my usual hours practice and do my jobs but I do love to see so much of the World that I otherwise wouldn’t see.
It has been great having George around so much too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Good 8 years, Charlotte, both in your blog and in your life. Congratulations. Your hard work is showing fruit. Stay Safe.
It’s been lovely getting to know you Don and your work and stories are so fabulous.
Best wishes always,
Charlotte
And to You, Charlotte. Break a leg. I hope that means the same in UK show biz as it does in the US.
Many happy returns of the day Charlotte
Happy 8th Anniversary👏👍
Has it really been that long, Charlotte? Time just flies! And look how much you have accomplished in that time – amazing! Here’s to another eight years of continued success and song!
Ah, what a journey!!!!! Happy Blogiversary, my dear Charlotte. I look forward to many many many more!!!!! xoxoxo
Looks a lovely eight years on WordPress, congrats! x
Wow, time flies. I did not follow you back then, but glad I found you!
Congratulations on your 8th Anniversary of the Blog. I have enjoyed following your entire journey.
Congratulations, dear Charlotte. I’m sorry life has been so difficult for you and George this past year. With any luck this year will see you married (at last!) and working again.
Love and best wishes,
Clare xx
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Conratulations 🙂 🙂 🙂
What a lovely post and very moving. I think my blog has been running for 7 years so I share a lot of the emotions in your post. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a few bloggers, and not all of the bloggers who I met at the start are still blogging. Hopefully one day I can meet you both. And wow, what a quilt!
Happy Anniversary..Keep going!