I'm Going To Blog On Linky

It seems like it's weeks until Blog On - that's because it is! However the linky is live already so that the attendees who choose to can get to know each other a bit beforehand. When you get to the conference, especially if you arrive solo, finding that person you chatted to online once about your cat's testicles really can break the ice.

Share a recent picture of you (if you are an anonymous blog, a drawing is fine). A recent picture which is a drawing. This is exactly what I look like, but with more wrinkles and flowery Docs - you can spot me by those.

Describe yourself in three words. Just. Keep. Swimming.

How long have you been blogging and what made you start? Since the internet was stored in a box and computers needed their own room. I was one of those waiting for Tim Berners-Lee to do his thing and there are bits of me all over the old-fashioned two-tone internet forums. I started The Brick Castle 4 years ago because I was a toy reviewer and wanted somewhere to store all of my video reviews together.

What was the inspiration behind your blog name? I wanted it to be able to host any reviews, plus already had teenagers, so I didn't want to limit myself by mentioning pre-school or anything Mummyish. We love LEGO and a friend suggested 'The LEGO Castle' - I changed it because I felt it was too limiting and LEGO might not like it. Luckily I've worked with them for almost my entire blog life anyway! LEGO was actually my first posted review - it was horrific.

What is the best thing to come from your blog so far? The people. I thought the blog would be all reviews and a few posts documenting my children. In fact I've been through Meningitis, sudden loss of a child and I've had a child spend most of the last 2 years in hospital, at times incredibly ill. We also spent over a grand on a ruddy cat that turned up at the door, and bloggers adopted him and put food back on our table.

Bloggers and readers have been there for me 24 hours day and night throughout. When I was the only adult in my house, terrified with my partner in hospital with Meningitis, bloggers stayed online so that I wasn't alone and they've never strayed far ever since. I have found the most amazing bunch of people and I only hope that I can give back some of what I have been so bloody glad to receive.

Your most remembered thing from your childhood? Arranging cricket matches with the local kids on the park - with my little sister in tow and my baby brother in the pram. It was the 70's.

Something interesting you might not know about me is? I was a 'Serial Adult Edder' for many years. I have a bazillion qualifications in such exotic subjects as Sign Language, Community Health, Teaching, Christmas Crafts, Computers, Child Psychology and Aromatherapy Massage. . .

Which social media platform best describes your personality and why? Instagram. "oooh look, a shiny"...and move on....

What is your happy song? Valerie - The Zutons. The kids used to sit in the back of the camper van and belt that out. It was so high-pitched your ears couldn't stand it more than twice a day, but by heck it was awesome. Always reminds me of holidays...and there's that line about ginger hair...

What is your favourite alcoholic drink? Tia Maria. I have a bottle every Christmas and I just finished it last weekend. I'm not a big drinker nowadays.

What is your favourite cake? Lemon Drizzle

What is your favourite takeaway dish? Crispy Tofu in Black Bean Sauce

Where is your dream holiday destination and why? Norway or Iceland - I want to see the Northern Lights. Bucket list item 1.

What would your superhero name be? Molly Weasley

If you had a magical power, would you want to have and why? Time. I'd have power over time. I know I couldn't change it, but I'd just go and watch occasionally.

What one weapon would help you survive a zombie apocalypse? Sharpened stick. Always go simple.

If you could send something into space, what would it be? My partner. He'd love it. Obviously I'd expect him returned.

What would you have on your gravestone? "Kin-ell, she finally got to sit down and this happened."

You make headline news around the world in 2 years time... but for what reason? I gave up.

If an EMP wiped out all mechanical forms of transport, how would you get to BlogOn? It's just over 10 miles, so I guess I'd be setting off walking bright and early... Microscooter? Some of it is downhill...

That was epic! Award for longest ever linky - and my favourite conference. Here's my write up from last September's Blog On...

Blog On is a blogging conference which will take place on May 21st at the Museum Of Science and Industry in Manchester. You can find all of the other bloggers who have joined in the linky here...