I guess that is what life is about, a series of highs and lows and if there were no lows we wouldn’t appreciate the highs, at least that’s what I’m telling myself after the past four weeks. It hasn’t been that bad really but having said in my last blog that my mum’s bungalow was sold to a lovely lady who wanted it as her forever home, she’s now decided it’s not for her. It’s such a shame but we’re not the first people to have a buyer pull out at the last minute and we won’t be the last unless the rules change to mirror those in Scotland.
All that happened a couple of days before my granddaughter’s second birthday so at least I had that to lift my spirits. We arrived at my son’s house for card and present opening and a rather delicious sandwiches and scones ‘lunch’.
I made India’s birthday cake, the traditional chocolate heart and decorated it with a ballerina. Not exactly ‘GBBO’ standard but it was pretty tasty, although India preferred the little cupcakes I’d also made. She already goes to baby ballet classes and absolutely loves it. It must be in her genes as I was a professional dancer, and my late mum taught ballet into her early nineties. She also loves singing nursery rhymes and has a great sense of rhythm which was part of the reason Chris and I decided to buy her a mini drum kit.
I’m not allowed to share her photograph but trust me when I say she sat on the little stool a started to hit the drums almost immediately, particularly enjoying the crash of the cymbals. Again, it must be in her blood as her grandad, or ‘Christopa’ as she calls him was a professional drummer up to his retirement a couple of years ago.
India’s birthday was just twelve days before mine and I was already feeling a little ambivalent towards it as it was the first one without my mum, but I was determined to try and enjoy it. Then five days before my big day I had a terrible sore throat at work, followed the next day by a bad cough and cold and feeling absolutely dreadful for forty-eight hours.
I managed to rally on my birthday morning – how could I not when I came downstairs to be greeted by a huge bouquet of flowers from Chris including sunflowers and peonies, two of my absolute favourites.
I was also sufficiently well for the lunch Chris had booked at Season’s Kitchen at Lavershot Barns not far from where we live and even raised a glass of Prosecco. The food was lovely and although we didn’t order a dessert, they brought a chocolate truffle with a candle for me to make a birthday wish. Really lovely customer service which sadly is not a given these days.
We’d driven to and from lunch in my ‘old’ Audi TT with the roof off as the sun was shining. My main present from Chris was having the alloy wheels refinished as over the sixteen years I’ve had the car I’d collected a few dinks and scratches. How smart do they look?
She’s now mechanically sound, I’ve had the underneath treated to help prevent rust and also the soft top was done last September. Just the paintwork to sort out now and she’ll be almost as good as new. I’m so glad I decided to keep her and spend a few pounds sorting out her issues rather than selling her. So, despite not feeling a hundred per cent I was able to enjoy my birthday. I spent the afternoon relaxing in the garden which is now blooming lovely.
I also read for a while. I’m almost finished with the Linwood Barclay book which I’m still enjoying immensely and once I’ve finished it, I’m going to make a start on something completely different.
I was lucky enough to be sent an advance reader copy of ‘and then there was you’ by Miranda Dickinson who I met on a writer’s retreat back in 2016 when I was trying to get the first draft of Alice in Theatreland finished. Her new book is not out until August but I’ll report back in my next blog if I’ve had time to finish it – I’m sure it will be just as good as all her others.
One thing I wasn’t able to do on my birthday due to the date clash was go to the charity lunch in aid of Medical Detection Dogs organised by my friend and colleague from QVC, Debbie Flint. Although I couldn’t go, I was able to offer her a raffle prize of signed copies of the nine books I’ve written as Julia Roberts, including the latest one, Just Like Her Mother which is continuing to sell well. She’s also still getting some lovely reviews both on NetGalley and Amazon. Chris spotted the two below on my birthday morning which really brought a smile to my face.
On Amazon USA Just Like Her Mother is currently at number 30 in Romance Literary Fiction and 37 and 60 in the other two subcategories in which she is listed – I’m pretty chuffed about that almost two months after publication.
Talking of publication days, today is the sixth anniversary of the publication of my first book with Bookouture, Little Girl Missing. They originally signed me for the three book DCI Rachel Hart series, and I’ve gone on to sign three further contracts with them including the current one.
In celebration of that first Bookouture book release, my birthday and the tenth anniversary of paperback publication day of my first novel, Life’s a Beach and Then, I’m doing a bigger than usual giveaway on this blog, but you’ll have to work a bit harder for it.
I entered my seventieth year on this planet when I turned sixty-nine earlier in the week and I’d like to have a kind of ‘bucket list’ of seventy things to achieve over the coming twelve months. That’s where you come in.
To be in with a chance of winning signed copies of all twelve of my published books, I’d like you to send me a suggestion in the comments section below before midnight on June 30th. I will choose the best suggestion as the winner however, as this is not a definitive answer to a question, there will also be up to ten runner-up prizes of signed copies of Alice in Theatreland as that is what I was writing when I met Miranda Dickinson at the writing retreat.
I look forward to your suggestions… I think!
One more thing to end on a high before I finish. I had to go back to see my CML doctor for a repeat blood test after the test at the end of April showed raised levels of the leukaemia. The good news is that the repeated tests showed much lower levels so I can stay drug-free for a bit longer at least.
Love until next time
Julia xx
Hayley Haynes says
Hi
Just an idea, you could go to the summer solstice and winter solstice at Stonehenge. You may have already done this, both are amazing experiences, the place during the solstice just feels so magical as you can be amongst the stones and touch them. It has really uplifting atmosphere, like nothing else I have experienced before. If you go, have a great time xx
Julia Roberts says
Hi Hayley,
Thanks for your suggestion. I’ve driven past Stonehenge a few times but never actually visited. I like the idea of the winter solstice as it wouldn’t be quite such an early morning 😜
Julia x
anne graham says
a lovely holiday with your family we did that for my 70th and was wonderful , get invited on to maybe Vanessa show to talk about your books having read a few of them I loved them but you need to let others know about them! Best wishes x
Julia Roberts says
Hi Anne,
We often holiday as a family and most likely will go somewhere special to celebrate my 70th & my son’s 40th which will be later the same year.
I love the idea of getting invited on to the Vanessa show to talk about my books – let me work on that one! I’m pleased you’ve enjoyed reading some of them.
Julia x
Kathy says
Julia,
Go on a once in a life time holiday to a far away place. !
As i said to you on your previous blog ( I think ), my 70th is next year like yours but we are going some where special
in November this year first. In fact 159 days to go. !
Go for it, you never know whats around the corner.
Take Care.
Love Kathy. x
Julia Roberts says
H Kathy,
I’m pretty sure we will have a special holiday (or 2) to celebrate as, like you I do enjoy my travels. Someone else suggested a trip to India so maybe I could incorporate that into a Maldives or Australia trip.
Enjoy yours when it comes around
Julia x
Pauline wood says
Hi Julia it would be nice to celebrate your 70th next year at a magical destination that you have always wanted to visit but never quite got there could be just you and hubby or all the family , or you could give yourself a time limit to visit a few places out of your comfort zone ,or maybe try something really different try a safari trek ,sky dive wing walk what ever you do I think you would embrace it lol!go for it enjoy take care x
Julia Roberts says
Hi Pauline,
Thanks for some great suggestions. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia/New Zealand so maybe I could start planning that for when I eventually retire from QVC. I also like the idea of a safari and a sky dive but it’s a no to the wing walk 😱 I was once asked to do the ‘Crunchie plane’ wing walk when I worked for a cable TV channel in Croydon – fortunately for me there was a weight limit and I was too heavy!
Julia x
Karen says
Happy belated birthday Julia, hope you are feeling better.
I think maybe you could go on a road trip somewhere that you fancy exploring.
I also think doing something that entails raising money for a charity that means a lot to you.
Skydive or parachute jump or just good old fashioned walking so many steps for the whole of the month. Love Karen xx
Julia Roberts says
Hi Karen,
I do like the idea of a skydive or parachute jump to raise money for charity but my husband isn’t so keen. A friend of mine broke her ankle on landing after a charity jump and as my ankle is a bit dodgy anyway it might not be the best thin* to do. Same goes for walking. I do like to walk, my ankle is not so keen!
Julia x
Maxine Hodges says
Hi Julia for your Birthday I think a family trip to Rome a magical city with lots of great sightseeing
Julia Roberts says
Hi Maxine,
I think that sounds great. I’ve been to Italy a few times but never to Rome 👍🏻
Julia x
Lisa Davies says
My bucket list suggestion is to do some volunteering, either regularly or as a one-off, for a charity that means a lot to you (if you don’t already do this, of course). Most charities are short of volunteers so I’m sure you could find one that would appreciate some help.
Julia Roberts says
Hi Lisa,
This is a nice idea but unfortunately while I’m still working at QVC, writing books and looking after our granddaughter every other Monday, I’m time poor. I donate to several charities and help British Polio with events when asked, but that’s about all I can manage just now.
Julia x
Diane Brown says
I suggest a trip in a Spitfire Aeroplane, your father would have loved you to try it
Julia Roberts says
Hi Diane,
Lovely original idea 🥰
Julia x
Helen Chapmanan says
I think you should do a zip wire run! My partner and I are going to do the one in North Wales – he doesn’t know it yet!! – and perhaps you and Chris could do the same. We might even see you there!!!
Julia Roberts says
Hi Helen,
I did the zip wire on Brighton beach for one of my birthdays – it may have been 62? I loved it and wouldn’t mind doing another but hell would have to freeze over before Chris would do one 😂
Julia x
Alison says
Happy belated birthday Julia.
I think for your 70th you should write a list of things you’d like to do but haven’t got the nerve to do it. Then put them in a hat and let India choose the winner. It could be. Something for charity.
Or take your “old” Audi on a road trip with your best friend.
Whatever you do you’ll make memories.
Take care Alison xx
Julia Roberts says
Hi Alison,
Thanks for your suggestions. I particularly like the idea of going on a road trip in the TT! My daughter might be up for that. You weren’t thinking of a ‘Thelma and Louise’ type end to the trip were you?
Julia x
Beverley Dowse says
Dear Julia,have you ever done a balloon ride over somewhere thats special to you,maybe Nottinghamshire.am sure you will find something special to you that means something.what about Goose fair in october??,wonderful atmosphere.love Beverley.xx
Julia Roberts says
Hi Beverley,
I’ve never done a balloon ride – part of me likes the idea and the other part is terrified.
You do know I sold fish and chips at Goose Fair in my late teens when I was between dancing jobs? Took me weeks to get the smell out of my hair 😂
Julia x
Jane Hickmott says
Happy belated birthday wishes Julia. Pleased you are feeling much better now. You could have a tattoo of something that’s very special to you.Take care Jane xx
Julia Roberts says
Hi Jane,
This is something I’ve often thought of doing – maybe this is the year to do it – a small white feather would be my choice 🥰
Julia x
Sharon Haddad says
I suggest a balloon ride over a magical place like the pont du gard in France which has the most amazing scenery.
Julia Roberts says
Hi Sharon,
As per the previous suggestion of a balloon ride – the jury is out on whether I feel brave enough. We are going to France in September though 🇫🇷
Julia x
Lynne says
Julia it’s a year to make as many memories you can with your family and friends a few long weekends away
Julia Roberts says
Hi Lynne,
I have every intention of doing exactly as you suggest 😊
Julia x
Bev Russell says
A friend of mine went on 7 holidays during the year to celebrate her 70th. So my thought would be to do a number (possibly 70?) of 7 things eg. Visit 7 museums; read 7 books by authors you’ve not read, donate to 7 charities, visit 7 different beaches in the UK, eat at 7 new restaurants etc.
Inderjit Ubhey says
Hello,
Here are some suggestions!
Donate 7 bags of goodies for a local food bank, one for each decade.
Hold a quiz night for your favourite charity.
Make a list of 70 landmarks/places to visit and then tick them off.
Julia Roberts says
Hi Inderjit,
Thanks for your suggestions. I like the idea of 7 bags of goodies for a local food bank 👍🏻 I also love the idea of holding a quiz night for charity – I’ll speak to a friend of mine who can probably help me organise it.
70 landmarks/places might be a push – maybe 7 😜
Julia x
Julia Roberts says
Hi Bev,
I like this and will implement. 7 holidays is doable. 7 books is doable if I can include audiobooks although it could well be more. Donate to 7 charities – probably already do that. I also thought 7 trips to the theatre. Good idea 👍🏻
Julia x
Petra May says
Hi Julia
At just a couple of life years behind you, I admire all you have achieved. My idea (something I am building up to to do) is to walk Hadrians Wall. You can d o guided or self guided walks and your luggage follows you. We have so much history and beauty in our lovely country. A friend did it last year and had an amazing time.
Julia Roberts says
Hi Petra,
I love the idea of this but not sure if my ankle would hold up to such a huge amount of walking – I don’t know if you know I had polio as a child so I’m a bit wonky! I also had ankle surgery in 2020 so I might be pushing my luck 🫤 Enjoy it when you do it.
Julia x
Breda Breen says
Hi Julia
How about designing a ring or other pieces in diamonique that would be a lovely way to mark your next birthday with an ‘0’.
I have two of your previous designs and would love to make it a hat trick.
Love from Breda
Julia Roberts says
Hi Breda,
That’s a great idea. I’ll suggest it to my boss at QVC although I think I already did 4 designs… pink princess cut ring, spider necklace, choice of emerald or clear solitaire ring and the white feather collection ( earrings, bracelet and necklace). It’s worth asking though – I have loads of ideas!
Julia x
Andrea Taylor says
Do seven things
Swim with dolphins
Wild water swimming
Swimming at geysers several all over the world
Maccu Pichu
Play a sport you’ve never done
Take your gorgeous car and hubby to Scotland or the Hebrides
Walk the Camino de Santiago way
(I’m 71 and this is on my list even know where I’m going to stay !)
Good luck and enjoy 😊
Andrea xx
Julia Roberts says
Hi Andrea,
A good list of suggestions particularly swimming with dolphins 😊 We didn’t take the TT on our recent trip to Skye (inner Hebrides) which was just as well as some of the smaller single track roads were full of potholes! As per previous reply, a lot of walking isn’t really viable for me unfortunately but I hope you have a great time.
Julia x
Julie BOURNE says
Hi Julia I think a Murder Mystery Weekend would be a nice see if you could solve the mystery! Hope you are feeling better now. Kind regards
Love Julie
Julia Roberts says
Hi Julie,
Nice idea which actually sparked an idea for a book 😜
Julia x
Liz Scott says
Hi Julia
Happy Belated Birthday. I think you should try doing a skydive. It’s such an amazing experience. You could get people to sponsor you and give it to a charity of your choice.
Best Wishes
Liz x
Julia Roberts says
Hi Liz,
I’m kind of up for this but my husband is not keen on me doing it 🤷🏻♀️
Julia x
M Shipp says
Hi Julia, I think it would be nice to swim with the dolphin.Then back here
go all the way along the South Coast.
Best wishes and enjoy what ever you do
Mary .x
Julia Roberts says
Hi Mary,
Someone else suggested swimming with dolphins and I think I would like that 😊
Do you mean drive all the way along the south coast? I certainly couldn’t walk it.
Julia x
Elaine Reid says
Hi Julia – happy belated Birthday wishes. A lovely family trip to the Isle of Skye visiting where your Mum and Dad stayed. Live life like a butterfly 🦋 take a rest but always remember to fly.
Best wishes – Elaine
Julia Roberts says
Hi Elaine,
I beat you to it on this one. We have just got back from a gorgeous week in Skye including visiting Mum & Dad’s old cottage. I felt the pull and so glad we went 💖
Julia x
Dorothy Mills says
Hi Julia. How about a pic of you and Chris at the Taj Mahal and then a stay at a hotel like the Best Little Marigold one which we have seen in the film and then the celebrities who have stayed at a similar one. If it’s good enough for Judi Dench (M in the Bond films) you may get some inspiration for your Rachel Hart books. Tall order I know but it would be an exotic change from Mauritius for you pair. Is it even a possibility or am I way off track for your bucket list?
Julia Roberts says
Hi Dorothy,
You are not way off track, in fact visiting India is something I’ve been thinking of doing. My dad grew up in India (his dad was army) and photos of him at the college he attended were amongst Mum’s possessions. It will take some planning and might need to be tied into something else but one day!
Julia x
Rosemary says
Hello Julia
Belated Happy Birthday 🎈
and
Huge Congratulations on having twelve books published , 📕
You are a very talented lady . .
I enjoy watching you on QVC . .
I am going to be 70 in November and I started a scrap book on my last birthday, when we had a family meal …
I got everyone to sign their name and put a birthday message
and I took a photo of us all to stick in the book .
I am going to enter 70 things that I am going to do this year until my
70 th birthday .
Examples include
theatre trips ,
outings with friends and family , holidays ..
Fun days with our grandchildren ..
Trips to London .
Favourite walks with friends ..
etc
I print off photos and stick them in the book and write a little note to go with each photo.
It’s an old fashioned idea …
to have photos in a book instead of on the phone. .. but it’s lovely to look back through it .at the entries from the last few months .
It’s a simple idea ,
but very enjoyable to do.
I pop to Boots the chemist to use the photo machine in there to print off the photos from my phone .
I will easily have 70 entries. by November … my book
Is filling up quickly ! .
On my 70 th birthday we are having a family holiday to Majorca because my son and daughter who are twins will turn 40 just before I turn 70. 🎉so it will be fun to go away altogether.
Holiday photos will complete my book nicely ☀️
You do lots of exciting things Julia so your scrapbook would be amazing if you could find the time to do one!
Call it
‘My 70th year on this planet .. ‘
Anyway Julia …
I wish you a wonderful year until your special 70th birthday. 🎈
You are looking good 👍
You always do…
Continue to be happy
Enjoy life 🥰
And have fun
Love from Rosemary
Xx
Julia Roberts says
Hi Rosemary,
It sounds like your book is filling up rapidly. I love the idea but I’m a bit rubbish at doing photo albums and the like although I have done one for the first year of our granddaughter’s life – just need to get the next years worth of photographs printed up to continue. My son will be 40 a few months after my 70th (crikey that sounds scary) so we’ll definitely do some kind of holiday to celebrate next summer.
So pleased you enjoy watching QVC … the day job! 😂
Julia x
Yvonne Williams says
Hi Julia, why not make a list of 70 iconic literary locations in the UK and worldwide, and visit as many as possible. Could be fun!!
Julia Roberts says
Hi Yvonne,
That does sound like a fun idea but I’m a bit time poor with QVC commitments, writing books and having our granddaughter every other Monday – maybe I could manage 7 rather than 70 😂
Julia x
Maureen Fox says
Hiya,Julia,
70th Celebrations suggestion:- Dublin City Walks, particularly thinking for you Dublin Writers Walk https://dublincitywalks.ie/dublin-writers-walking-tour/ Later, an evening at either Abbey or Gate theatre.
Whatever you decide to do, I know you’ll celebrate in style. 💃
Love from,
Maureen xox
Julia Roberts says
Hi Maureen,
I’ve visited Dublin a couple of times many years ago to film TV commercials. I was there filming a Harp lager commercial 39 years ago when I was pregnant with my son, Daniel. Nice idea.
Julia x
Janet says
Hi Julia. happy belated birthday to you. I love your writing work by the way. Have enjoyed everyone of your books for different reasons. Keep up the good work.
You could write down 7 things that scare you a bit or you dont like and get little India to pick one out of a hat just do 1 try it you might find your ok in the end . Im not very brave or confident and I’m thinking of trying it on my to do list for my 70th in 4 years. I dont want to get to the end and think what if ….
Much love
Janet from Chesterfield xx
Julia Roberts says
Hi Janet,
I’m so glad you enjoy my books. Positive feedback makes the effort worthwhile 🥰 The trouble is, what if India were to pick out my worst nightmare – I’d feel compelled to do it 😱 I know what you mean though – no-one wants to have regrets at the end…
Julia x