Gina Collia-Suzuki's Blog

You haven't heard from me for a while... I've been busy promoting all things Guppy to the globe. I was in the local newspaper during the week, which was excellent, and today I was at Waterstone's in Weston-super-Mare, signing copies of the book. I was particularly looking forward to this signing because it's my local store and I do love Weston. It's been a nice day for it too... the sun is shining and the birds are singing. I would have stayed there all day, but at about three o'clock the store

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Having commented recently that we have so many books now that it's getting increasingly difficult to get out of bed without toppling a book tower, my husband and I decided to do the only thing one can do in such a situation... take a trip to Hay-on-Wye to buy some more! If you've never heard of Hay-on-Wye (you poor soul!), it is the town of books... haven of bibliophiles... with around twenty-six bookshops to choose from, one of which is Hay Cinema Bookshop (see photos below), housed within the

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In addition to working in oils and acrylics, I do like sketching and drawing in ink, and I am rather dotty about dots. I've been using Rotring Rapidographs for years, since I was at art college, because they're perfect for going dotty. This is a picture of Uphill Church in Somerset, or at least what's left of it, that I did about six years ago, when I lived within spitting distance of it in the village of Uphill. I used to be able to see it clearly from my study window and it was particularly at

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Kimberly at Journey of Passion gave me my very first blog award! How lovely that she thought of little ol' me!

So, I shall now pass it forward to other lady bloggers I admire (in no particular order... I love them all):

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post

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Pat Guppy recently took centre stage in a production of the musical 'The Sound of Music' at the Sea View Musicarium. The performance was organised by The 'Orrible Old Crooners, a musical society for the over seventies that meets in Albert Murphy's front room every first Tuesday in the month. Pat Guppy amazed music critics by performing the parts of Maria, Sister Margaretta, and a group of non-singing-part nuns all at the same time. The score was somewhat altered, and several key songs suffered q

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I've received a lot of emails about the Pat Guppy interviews, and quite a few people have suggested questions that they wouldn't mind putting to the old trout. So, as I pop out of a bottle in full genie attire, I say to you 'your wish is my command.' Post a question for Pat Guppy in response to this blog post, or pop one in an email to gina@ginacolliasuzuki.com, and I will see if I can get an undercover interviewer to glean answers from the fusty old kipper and post them in a future blog post. B

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The first of a selection of poems by Benjamin Arnold Guppy, recently discovered buried in a biscuit tin in the back garden of Floss Littleworth. To be auctioned at Sotheby's soon.

'Do Not Refuse Me'

I knew the moment that we met,
At the church hall jumble sale,
That I had to have you for my own,
Though you smelled like moldy kale.

Your contours sleek and silky-smooth,
Your bottom firm and flat,
Has anyone ever told you,
That you'd look good in a hat?

I long to see you standing bare,
Bathed in warm sunlight

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Report for The Sea View Mercurial, by Bob Hackitt.

Pat Guppy, well-known local doer of charitable works and widow of Benjamin Arnold Guppy, may face charges of assault, according to local sources, following an attack upon Mrs Floss Littleworth, also a senior citizen of Sea View. The alleged attack took place on the morning of November 5th, this year, when Mrs Littleworth arrived at the graveside of Benjamin Arnold Guppy, to pay her last respects to the man who she claims was her lover for more th

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'An Interview with Pat Guppy' for 'Her Ladyshipness Magazine'
Questions posed by Hyacinth Bootley-Smythe

Q: You are very busy arranging for your husband's memorial and so forth. Are you still managing to maintain your charitable works?

A: Of course. Nothing will ever prevent me from being selfless and tending to those in need. I have, within the past fortnight, attended no less than three charity dinners and two luncheons, all in aid of bus shelter number six on Sea View seafront. Someone painted t

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