“Piglet in Portugal” intrigued me for the same reason that “English Thoughts” did. Both bloggers live in other countries. What I found interesting about this blogger is that she is an ex-pat. I wanted to get her “take” on life abroad. I think you’ll get a feel for who she is and what she’s about, from reading her own words. She’s a woman with great successes, and many friends, that’s for sure.

1. What do you feel you get from blogging? Does it fulfill you personally? Has it opened up new vistas for you?

I discovered the “blogosphere” in January 2010 but it was not until May that I plucked up enough courage to create my own blog “Piglet in Portugal”. My blog was primarily to share my experiences of life in Portugal, hobbies and interests plus anything else that captured my imagination. I also created pages with static information which anyone moving to, or looking to holiday in Portugal may find of interest.

My biggest disappointment was that while I had many visitors to my blog there was no interaction in the way of comments. To be honest, it was rather a lonely existence; I really enjoy reaching out to others and frequently asked myself was it really worth all the effort?

In Jan 2011 WordPress introduced the Postaday/Postaweek challenge followed by a post on “Blogging Buddies”…what were these? I soon discovered and my whole blogging experience and perception of blogging changed for the better! Suddenly, I discovered a whole community of bloggers and some great “Blogging Buddies” such as Classyrose of “Things in life I find annoying” Seashell, Enjoying Creating, Redneck Princess, Granny1947, Wordangell, Jeanne’s Blog, Running Garlic, Soapbird, Wrinkledintime, and Spirit Lights the Way, to name just few. I now love to sit down with a cup of coffee or a glass or two of wine (hence the dyslexic fingers) and read and comment on all my buddies blogs. It feels great to belong to a blogging community where we all support one another and have fun. I do not aspire to be a writer but just enjoy taking photographs, writing about everyday life and researching different topics to post.

The highlight of the challenge to date, for me, was when my post Gazanias in January was “Freshly Pressed” it was great fun and I felt humbled that my little blog had been recognized.

My blog now ranks well in Google for certain long tail keywords and “Piglet” aka PiP has been “discovered” ha ha…and approached by three major expat websites who have asked me to write content, or use my blog posts and even have my own monthly column about expat life in Portugal. Life is full of surprises!!

2. Have you always been a fan of pigs? Would you have one for a pet, if not, why not?

Yes, I’ve always been a great fan of pigs; they are not only cute but extremely intelligent! I could say just like me but that would be telling “porkpies”! (lies). I used to collect pig ornaments but eventually “closed” my collection as over 50 piggy ornaments of various shapes and sizes required a lot of dusting. I’m hardly a domestic goodness and enough was enough!

Image via Wikipedia

If I had plenty of land I would definitely keep Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. They do not grow very big, are absolutely adorable, and apparently are just like dogs. Unfortunately, I am a realist and it would be unfair for either the pigs or my Mr. Piglet to keep them in our urban garden. 

3.You seem to love the outdoors. Was that always the case, even as a child?

Yes, I’ve always enjoyed outdoor life and kept horses until my early thirties.

4. If you weren’t living in Portugal, where else would you enjoy living, and why?

It would have to be Canada. We love the wide opens spaces, stunning scenery and of course the people are so friendly.  

5. Is there something you haven’t yet done, that you hope to do next week, next month, next year, or years from now?

Wow, that’s a tricky question! My philosophy is live for today! OK, if we did not have grandchildren on the way, and money was no object I’d love to explore Canada, Costa Rica, Panama, Chile and Brazil. Just get on the plane and go!

an accomplished blogger indeed…very deserving of our kudos…hugmamma.  🙂