Sunday, April 19, 2009

The Sunday Roast

To The Manor Born


This week's interview is with Willow,
who writes
the blog Life At Willow Manor.


Okay, let's do this interview. Are you ready for the spotlight?


Thank you, David! I am so very honored to participate in your Sunday Roast. Your witty and interesting blog was one of the very first I started reading regularly, when I was new to the bloggyhood and it was such an inspiration. I remember thinking when you first left a comment on my blog, who is this good-looking guy in a diving suit? I can't imagine you wearing anything else!

Ahem, I really need to concentrate now, but I must point out that on weekdays I am clad in a suit and tie, while it's Levi's on weekends. So here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

A very appropriate question, since I've now been blogging for more than a year! I started blogging one day on a whim, totally clueless as to the commenting process and extent of the blogging community. I thought I would try it for a few weeks and see if it was for me. Now, a whole year later, I have found that blogging has inspired me on so many levels, not only researching and creating my posts, but been inspired, in turn by other bloggers. It's the best thing that's happened to me in a long time.

What is the story behind your blog name?

Our old 1920s house was named "Willow Manor" be a previous owner because our property used to be lined by huge willow trees. They are gone now, but we still adoringly call the place Willow Manor. Life at Willow Manor, therefore, was a fitting title for my blog, because it is basically about my life and interests.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

I touched on this in an earlier answer. For me, there are two best things. First, the fabulous community of friendly and creative bloggers. And secondly, blogging has challenged me to dust off my creative self. The juices I thought to be dried up, are flowing again!

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

The best advice I could give to a new blogger would be to get out there into the blog community and leave comments, lots of comments, so other bloggers can meet you. Post often and don't make your posts too long or tedious. Be patient and you will connect with others of similar interests.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

I can't say there is one significant blog post among the thousands I've read this past year. There are so many, many creative and insightful bloggers out there. I am touched on various levels depending on the particular day; anything from the life and views of an artist, to a blogger sharing his or her own personal experience. I can say that not a day goes by when I am not greatly affected by at least one blog.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

I would have to say that the most significant blog I've ever written, for me, at least, was a post some time back titled "Does Willow Recreate Herself". It was in response to a reader, who obviously thought it was a negative thing to recreate oneself, and thought I constantly did so. After thinking through the issue, I came to the conclusion that it is actually a very creative and positive thing to recreate oneself. We all do it, to some extent, in our blogs and it is a wonderful and vital process. As George Bernard Shaw said, "We don't find ourselves, we create ourselves".


Today's Sunday Roast with Willow is the 64th in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.

54 comments:

Butternut Squash said...

I absolutely love Willow, she has marvelous taste in poetry, movies and so much more. Thanks for helping us to get to know her a little better.

Jinksy said...

How nice to gat a Sunday Roast in time for Saturday dinner - will now pop along to Willow Manor to smell the gravy...

Rachel Green said...

How super!
I love Willow Manor.

ceecee said...

Really enjoy these Sunday Roasts, David! Willow brings so much to the world of blogging. She is joyful and giving. I adore her enthusiasm for life.
Catherine

Merisi said...

I remember that when I first "met" Willow, I was dumbstruck when I read her list of favorite books: it could have been mine!

In the meantime, I have come to greatly enjoy her daily columns about movies, poetry and books, they always make my day.

Thank you both, David and Willow! :-)

Pappy said...

Great blogger. I'm glad she consented to be interviewed. Thanks for providing an avenue for us to meet bloggers on a more personal level. Pappy

i beati said...

I always learn from her.Sandy

Tess Kincaid said...

Thank you, kind sir! This is such a huge honor. I've proudly posted a little link to your blog at WM.

Hugs, Willow

Brian Miller said...

great interview. being relatively new to the community (6 mo.) i found willow manor through theme thursday. great place to go with your morning cup of coffee. congrats willow!

A Woman Of No Importance said...

Willow's is such a peaceful, restful, tranquil, and thoughtful spot in Blogland...

Thank you for interviewing Willow, David, and for agreeing to be gently grilled by David, Willow!

Carol Murdock said...

Great job Willow and David! When I started blogging 4 months ago, Authorblog and Willow Manor were two of the first I started following and are daily reads for me!!I LOVE both of you guys blogs.
You guys are two of the BEST out there in Bloggy World!
Carol

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Wonderful interview with the lovely Willow. Her blog is one of my daily stops. I always find something of interest there.

Betsy Brock said...

Willow manor is the first blog I read every day! :)

Vicki Lane said...

A visit to Willow's world is always a pleasure -- and now I have to thank her for introducing me to authorblog.

rel said...

Willow is awesome and I love having her for a neighbor
rel

Rosaria Williams said...

A wonderful choice, David. Willow Manor is a very stimulating blog; and Willow is kind and generous to everyone she meets.

Jeane Myers said...

I've been a Willow fan for the past year and am thrilled to read her interview here!

Cindy said...

I wouldn't miss a day without visiting Willow Manor!

vicki archer said...

Thank you for the interview. Willow is a wonderful read - intelligent, thoughtful and she never fails to amuse and interest me. My blogger test - I always read her posts to the very end. xv

Tessa said...

Willow Manor is a recent discovery for me and from the moment I read what she had posted that day I was hooked! A truly wonderful blog, filled with poetry and photographs which transport, and words which inspire. Perfect. Excellent interview - thank you David and Willow!

ellen abbott said...

I never read blogs until one day I decided to start one. I am happily stumbling along finding wonderful people. I found Willow the other day and now she has sent me here.

Barbara said...

Interesting to read the Willow Manor interview over here.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Willow is fab!!!! I've been sneaking around her blog for a long time:-)...Great interview as usual! Thanks, David!

Unknown said...

Hello David,

I discovered Willow when she was selected as a Blog of Note (there is no question why!). And I was, and still am, a rookie! Thank you to you both.

introspection said...

This is the first time I have come across Willow, Thanks to David.
I can't wait to read her blogs. Great interview..!!

Anonymous said...

Great interview, David. I totally agree with Willow's comments about being inspired by other bloggers.

Saz said...

Ah Willow! so lovely to finally see and meet you the person in a formal device!

Great interview!!

Kat Mortensen said...

Willow's blog is as charming and interesting and unique as she is herself. I rarely miss a day of stopping in for something fascinating.

Kat

Joanne said...

Lovely interview ... She's got a great blog going on over there at Willow Manor.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

A delightful blog is Willow's ....
It's one of my first reads, everyday, and always learn something new, or leave wearing a smile :)
Congratulations Willow, a well deserved recognition !
You are among Royalty, with David ;)

Linda Pendleton said...

Very nice interview with Willow. She has a great Blog. Always interesting.

Cindy said...

Willow Manor was the first blog I ever read, and I continue to read it daily. Her blog is entertaining, thought provoking, tasteful, genuine, educational, and fun.
Hats off to Willow!
She is truly a class act.

Renée Finberg said...

wonderful interview !

i just love 'the willow'.
she makes me smile,
and think - alot !

Daryl said...

Aw Willow is everyone's favorite lady of the manor!

FireLight said...

The very first blog I read was Life at Willow Manor. I was looking for an artist which Willow had featured. One click and I was there. I was enchanted! Given how easy it is to fall into a rubbish heap online, I would say The Fates were with me that day! Initially, I thought I should just read, but it is impossible not to be inspired by her spirit and creativity. I am new, but I learn from Willow every day.

The Clever Pup said...

Willow is an inspiration. She's calm, intelligent and mature. She never hits a wrong note. Nice interview

Cath said...

Oh wow I love this interview - and willow. And someone who made you have to concentrate at the beginning of the interview. :)
Great post.

CocoDivaDog said...

Hello.
What tough questions!
*applause*
Willow did an amazing job answering.
And you ARE a handsome dude!

Dakota Bear said...

Thank you for interviewing Willow. She is a delight to read and always has something that is inspiring.

Mary said...

Willow is the best ....sometimes I am intimidated by her knowledge and catholic interests.....and I have told her that many times. I have made horrific confessions to her in that regard ....but she still comes over to visit me. Now THAT is a true friend. And now she has introduced me to you ! Well done, Both.

Megan said...

Interesting questions and answers! What a charming idea this is.

PattyF said...

Willow is wonderful and so are you, David! My day isn't complete without a visit to both blogs. Thank you both for sharing yourthoughts and talents with the rest of the world!

Arija said...

David, I am glad you singled out Willow, her blog can range from clever, insightful, whimsical and delicious to just plain fun. I shall always treasure the memories of the grand ball at Willow Manor.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful interview! I always manage to find something new at the Manor and Willow is a most excellent hostess! Many things I've learned from Willow (especially her love of poetry ).

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...

Lovely interview!! I'm a big fan of Willow's and this is just what I would expect from the two of you - Thanks much!!!

Cheryl Cato said...

Excellent choice for "The Sunday Roast". Willow is one of my regular daily stops. She always has something interesting & creative. Thanks for choosing Willow to interview!

Robynn's Ravings said...

Thanks for the feature today and letting me in on a talented lady!

Anonymous said...

Great blogger, I follow her regularly.

CJ xx

Anonymous said...

One of my favorite blogs, Willow Manor, and David knows how to pick them for his Sunday Roast. Nice work David. I thought maybe she would tell us who she is, but I must have missed it. LOL

Unknown said...

LOVE Willow's blog! This is my first time reading your Sunday Roast since I'm a new follower, and I enjoyed it thoroughly! Great questions!

Kaye Waller said...

Wonderful interview with a wonderful person!

Willow is one of my favorite bloggers. Excellent cloice (as usual), David!

Elizabeth said...

Willow is indeed one of the bloggers I most look forward to visiting.
Yes, her taste in books, music, poetry and art are a great pleasure --I share many of her preferences.
Oh yes, the food at the manor sounds delicious.
Yes, she gets it right.
She posts often and varies her topics.
Her posts are an internet-friendly length.
She's a wonder.

katherine. said...

I do enjoy reading about other members of the tribe...smile

A Cuban In London said...

Excellent interview, David and Willow. I enjoyed it a lot, in the same way I enjoy both your blogs. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.