A dog is a great ice-breaker. People with dogs talk to others with dogs; and people without dogs talk to dog-walkers, too. A week or so ago, I was sitting on the promenade watching the world go by and along came a couple with a gorgeous Newfoundland they were evidently trying to take for a walk. The trouble was that every few yards someone, attracted by the huge handsome dog, would stop them to ask about it, whereupon the Newfie threw himself on his back and invited some tummy-tickling; and the sight of a gigantic furry dog happily sprawling attracted more admirers like a magnet. |
| Now I don't have a dog, but over the past couple of weeks, I've felt as popular as any dog-walker, and here's the reason why.... |
 | My good friend Jen Gilroy sent me this badge, which she got at the RWA Conference. Isn't it fab? Since I started wearing it, several strangers have asked me what TBR means, which has led to conversations about books, writers, reading habits and film adaptations. |
Llandudno is the sort of easy-going place where it's normal for strangers to chat. If you aren't cooing over a dog, the conversation generally opens with, "Are you here on holiday?" (and oh, how I love being able to say, "We live here."), but it has been as delightful as it has been unexpected to talk about books with new people. |
| So thank you, Jen, for my badge. It's had quite an effect. And I hope yours is helping to break the ice for you in Canada. xx |
| What's in your TBR pile? Whom do you talk to about books and reading? Have you ever worn something that unexpectedly earned positive attention? |
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I talk about books and reading with anyone willing to put up with me!
As for wearing something that unexpectedly attracted positive attention, my most recent experience was while waiting to board a flight last week. The woman behind me in the queue admired my cardigan and, when I mentioned it was from M&S in the UK, she told me how sad she was when M&S stores closed in Canada, and how M&S was top of her list of places to visit if she ever made it to England!
When I was teaching, one year, a colleague made me a badge which told the world 'I survived a year with Class 5B'! There was always a notorious class that each teacher dreaded in September but actually loved them by the following July, wasn't there? It caused a few smiles.