Andy Warhol's quote that we'd all have our 15 minutes of fame came true for me recently when I was featured with the legend that is Johnnie Walker on his Sounds of the 70's radio programme last Sunday. My sister Dianne was somewhat bemused as to how the presenter who has interviewed a plethora of music icons came to interview me. Well, I have to confess to wondering why I made the grade too, but how is much easier to explain. Johnnie's wife, Tiggy is a yoga enthusiast who attends a yoga retreat on the island every year and as such we have become friends.
In June Johnnie and Tiggy were here during the heatwave enjoying life far away from the fast lane that is their norm. Steve and I took them off-island to one of the uninhabited islands for a picnic which unfolded into one of those blissful, idyllic days that remain crystallised in the memory banks. We ate our simple picnic, sipped on chilled beer and shared our life stories. Johnnie thought the tale of how I arrived on these beautiful shores merited some further exposure, but I thought it was just the blazing sun and beer taking their toll on his sense of judgement - flattering at the time, but not really expected to come to anything.
The day rolled on and the sun shone relentlessly until we needed to escape and so we motored gently home to retreat to the cool of our granite cottage where we cracked open a bottle of elderflower gin, a Father's Day gift from Sasha. After quite a few "one more for the road" as is my husband's forte, we ended what was a nigh on perfect day. Imagine my surprise, when Johnnie turned up at the gallery a couple of days later to inform me that he was going to be interviewing me at the end of business and for me to get my tracks ready. With no Polly to flap to (it was her day off) I decided to scribble down some ideas and get on with the chores of the day. Just after five o'clock Johnnie turned up and we ensconced ourselves upstairs in my office overlooking the bay, windows flung wide open to enjoy the beach life right on the doorstep.
We chatted about these fabulous islands which remain unspoilt and how lucky we feel to be here during this heatwave. We talked about this and that until Johnnie got his phone out and said we'd do the interview. It didn't feel like an interview at all - I just spoke about how I came to arrive on the Isles of Scilly with Johnnie interspersing some questions and prompts. If you follow this link you'll hear the programme that went on air last week with the comments that came back from listeners as well as Johnnie giving my blog a big shout out which was a lovely bonus. There is a shortened version too that you can listen to here.
My fifteen minutes of fame was over in a flash, but when Steve and I finally got around to listening to the show over dinner last Sunday it did feel like a walk down memory lane for us. I had to cringe at the moment when I sang (oh dear, I really can't sing), but not only sang, but managed to sing lyrics to a completely different song that I'd referred to. Johnnie thought it was charming and funny and refused to edit it out despite my pleas. The programme showed me as I am, gushing, full of joy and sometimes hurtling off in all sorts of crazy directions. One of the nicest comments that came through on my emails in response to the show was "I love your love for life". Maybe you can find a moment to listen to either version.
I hope you have a lovely week and I'll be back soon!
Linking with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style
Ashley and Laurie of Vanity And Me Style
Samantha of Fake Fabulous
Jess of Elegantly Dressed And Stylish
Anna x
What a fabulous opportunity Anna!! You do have the greatest love of life, and that in itself is the best gift ever!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks so much Jodie. It was an absolute honour to be featured and one I shall never forget.
DeleteAnna x
Ah... so no wonder you sounded so relaxed with him and he with you.
ReplyDeleteI was once on the Johnnie Walker show too, I phoned up for the mystery voice competition never thinking I would get through. Before I knew it the researcher was asking me what my occupation was and when I replied 'air crew', he said, 'I bet you've slept with loads of pilots!
How very dare he!
It was a lovely interview Anna and I didn't notice that you sang the wrong lyrics...great tunes too xx
So we've both been shot to stardom thanks to the lovely Johnnie Walker! I do hope that you put the researcher straight.
DeleteThanks for saying you didn't notice - it was painful for me to listen to!
Anna x
I loved readying this jut like I loved hearing you on Sounds of the 70's!! It's lovely to get an insight into someone, and your life sounds fab! Jacqui
ReplyDeletewww.mummabstylish.
Cute outfit too. x
That's extremely kind of you to say Jacqui. I think we're all naturally curious about the lives of others - hence the popularity of blogs don't you think?
DeleteHave a fab week x
Anna
I've just listened to your 15 minutes of fame and
ReplyDeletewhat fun. I spotted your James Taylor/Stephen Bishop blooper but you did it so charmingly that I can understand why he kept it in! Well done so brave. You sound such fun! X.
Dear Mary, thank you for saying all the right things. I had been dreading this going on air and hadn't told anyone about it due to my fear of coming across as a complete crazy woman. It's a relief that it's over and now I can enjoy my 15 minutes with the totally wonderful Johnnie Walker.
DeleteAnna x
I LOVED this!
ReplyDeleteHow many fabulous romantic stories about you and Steve. They just made my heart melt.
The whole show was great.
I was also kicked out of a hostel when I was in England. Ha ha! Several times. ; ) Oops.
Wonderful getting to know you even more. Your voice is very much as I imagined...animated and full of life with a wonderful accent.
bisous
Suzanne
You're very generous to say all of this Suzanne. My friend and I had no plan and did some crazy things en route to Scilly, but we were kept safe somehow and for that I'm eternally grateful. Hearing the voice does help you connect more with the speaker doesn't it - I feel the same now that I've heard Mel's interview.
DeleteAnna x
I absolutely LOVED hearing the 15 minutes of interview and it made me want to listen to the long version. I hope I'm able to save it to listen to later.
ReplyDeleteAlthough you are about 5 years younger than I the spirit of that 70's time period was beautifully captured by your description of this time period in you life. I'm sure youve pondered many times how that seemingly "adventures of the moment" decision ultimately impacted much of the direction that your life would take. I'm not kidding Anna! I just had a big ol smile on my face for the entire 15 minutes that I listened to you!! You are delightful!! I would love to sit and swap stories of those days with you!! The "Age of Aquarius" and all :-):-)
Your outfit here is very cool! I love the jacket and the bell bottoms are just all textural with floral fun. The outfit nicely bridges the gap of time passed and yet some fashion moments return again eh?
To be honest Judy, I had spent weeks and weeks pleading with Johnnie to edit huge amounts of the interview and some clever editing had taken place, but dang, not that wee bit of singing! Anyway, the response on the day was wonderful with emails flooding in, facebook messages too as well as all of the response on the live show. I think you have another three weeks to catch up on that before it disappears - Johnnie says some lovely things and his show in itself is worth a listen.
DeleteYes, I do bless the day we girls drank ourselves into a position of bravery and changed the paths of our lives forever. I live a charmed existence and never take a single moment for granted. One day Jude, we may well get our chance to meet up and swap stories...
Lots of love
Anna x
How utterly terrific. Fame on the radio. It works in mysterious ways. Luck and your personality met up and decided to play the game! Congratulations. I am going to listen to the programme tonight. I am at work now. Will be lovely to hear your voice.
ReplyDeleteGreetje
Oh Anna, I loved the interview. You have a very good radio voice. I thought it was very entertaining. And you sang pretty!! Really, no lie. It was a trip down memory lane for me. I know the songs by heart. Just not James Tailor.
DeleteAnd I heard a hint of Scotland in your speech. I love the Scots. My BFF is a Scot.
Greetje
Greetje I thank you for all of your lovely comments - I know you will always be honest with me, so this means a lot. These songs are a blast from the past and as such can evoke some happy memories, well they certainly do for me. I'll always be a Scot at heart, that will never change.
DeleteMany thanks
Anna x
That's so fun to hear how it came about!! Your outfit is so fun! I love it. I enjoyed hearing your story!!x
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet of you Kezzie my dear. Thanks for dropping by!
DeleteAnna x
Oh that was so fun!! So romantic too! I loved hearing your voice. I want to join you at the pub and have a dance!! This broadcast is quite special Anna. Thank you for sharing with all of us.
ReplyDeleteYou (and Steve) are magical!!
Love, Ann
Awww, that's so lovely of you Annie! I could think of nothing nicer than to have a gathering with my blogging friends so that we could have a boogie and a beer. It was great to have this opportunity to tell my story and get all of this wonderfully positive feedback. It's given me a rosy glow inside.
DeleteThanks so much - have a great week!
Anna x
I was utterly and absolutely charmed by your interview! You have a wonderful clear voice, and I thought your singing was so in keeping with your story-telling. I'm glad he kept that bit in. Heh. You really brought the scene to life.
ReplyDeleteYes, you may have felt rambling at the time but you didn't come off that way at all. I know what it's like to fear telling people that you're out there. So scary!!
Thank you for sharing this! I'm sure you have inspired so many listeners with your joyful reminiscences and positive energy. Well done!! xox
And your outfit really really fits that hippy vibe too. Love it!
How very kind of you to say all of these lovely things Melanie. I know you understand about the perils of an unscripted interview - it really can go anywhere, and I pretty much did with that bit of singing (I even surprised myself with it!) Anyway, it was lovely to have the feedback from so many total strangers whose words acted at validation of who I am. And who I am is good enough. Thanks for your support x
DeleteAnna
Gosh I LOVE a splash of Orange....especially when mixed with pattern and texture and sparkles and general joyous dressing.
ReplyDeleteA great look Anna.
(As usual!!)
XXX
Samantha
Fake Fabulous | Style and fun with fashion, over 40
Thank you dearest Samantha. We can't resist a good ol' dollop of orange can we? Oh, and maybe add as many other eye catching details as possible too, in case we might be overlooked, hahaha!
DeleteHave a fab week x
Anna
Oh well done, Anna!
ReplyDeleteI haven't listened as yet but will do when I get a chance. I'm wondering if you have a Scottish accent...I'm guessing you do.
I loved, loved, loved your outfit. That jacket is so scrummy!
xxx
Veronica, I'll completely understand if you can't find time to listen to either version. I'm sure you have so much to catch up on after spending so long away this summer.
DeleteAnd yes, I think I've still got a Scottish accent, well at least a bit of one!
Anna x
How lovely to "meet" you in this fabulous interview, Anna and hear your amazing story! And the music...well, all fabulous, great memories! You sound just as you look in your photos - full of life, vibrant, fit, full of fun and joy. Lovely photos (as always) of your beautiful island. Have a great weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Elizabeth. I've come to terms with the cringe factor of the interview as the feedback both here and locally has been so lovely. Sounds of the 70's does provide a great platform for music of our time doesn't it?
DeleteHope you have a fab weekend too!
Anna x
You are just wonderful and amazing, and hearing your voice was like getting a call from a long-ago best friend. I loved hearing about how you came to your islands, and meeting Steve - such fun! And then to be FAMOUS on top of that! Well, I hope this doesn't all go to your head, missy, hee hee!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely of you Sheila, thank you! I'm not sure I'm actually famous, but locally I've had a lot of people come into the gallery to talk to me about the programme. And no, don't worry, it's not going to my head - I've got my feet firmly on the ground.
DeleteEnjoy your weekend!
Anna x