Many thanks to Andy Lawson and Susanne Leist who have both nominated me for the “One Lovely Blog” award – I appreciate it! Usually I don’t go for these things, but I feel this will be a good way for my readers to get to know me a little bit better…anyway…here are seven little facts about, well…me!

1. My full name is John Lee Bartholomew Taggart. I am just going to go ahead and assume that the ‘Bartholomew’ bit is leaping out at you as unusual…rather than say, the ‘Lee’ bit. Well yeah, I thought it would be amusing to pick that name when offered the chance during the Roman Catholic “confirmation” ceremony as a thirteen year old. Perhaps I didn’t take it as seriously as I should have, but I certainly stand by my decision.

Bart Simpson GIF

2. Despite being raised a Catholic I am not sure what I would call myself these days, possibly Jedi if I was being a little jokey, Wizard if I was being serious – I guess cynicism and doubt has creeped into my mind, which has pushed out things like religion and spirituality to some extent, or so it seems. I think this is a bit of a shame, but that’s just how it is.

N.B. If Jesus or anyone wants to come visit me, then my door is always open though. Or an angel…to like, tell me everyone has it wrong and I need to set up my own church – either way, I am totally and completely down. Drop by, or send me an email.

Jesus GIF

3. I am one of five children – which basically means at some point in time we have all worn the same clothes – big families are just all about that hand-me-down life, that’s just how it is! Unless the clothing item is torn into shreds by some unavoidable bush, SOMEONE is wearing it. Think the Weasley family from Harry Potter, but a little less magic…oh, and yeah, not fictional.

Weasley GIF

4. I am an ex-red head. That is to say as a young child I had bright ginger hair which somehow vanished as time went on…there are only a few photos which can prove this…but it is the truth! These days I am lumbered with all of the same inconveniences a red haired person may encounter – such as pale skin and a hatred of the sun, but none of the positive things – namely interesting hair. Instead I have mousey coloured hair…or dirty blonde…basically things that sound a little sewagey…that is the description my hair gets these days. Great.

Ginger GIF

5. I don’t make a regular habit of buying lottery tickets – simply because every single time (I have on perhaps three occasions) I truly and wholeheartedly believe I am going to win…like really, I honestly think that this is it, that any money woes are a thing of the past, and that by the end of the week I will be a multi-millionaire. I pick out houses, cars, fountains…I get in touch with statue designers and artists so that once the money comes through they can get to work on crafting out images of me that will be placed pride of place in my mansion for generations to come.

Then I sit down on the evening and find that none – not one of the numbers, has came through for me. I tend to enter a massive sulk for at least a week which totally consumes my whole life. Not worth the upheaval, not in the slightest.

Rich GIF

6. I am somewhat of an over-thinker…actually the single biggest reason I try and go for every opportunity (whether it be travel or anything else) is largely because of some weird notion that it could pave the way to an even bigger opportunity that in retrospect I would have been a fool to miss out on. I always think of myself as a decrepit old man sitting in a rocking chair, slowly shitting myself to death, thinking of what would have happened if I…anyway, that is usually enough for me to think – “RIGHT JUST GO FOR IT!”

Old man GIF

7. Oh, and last but definitely not least – I absolutely fucking love cheese.

Cheese GIF

Here are 15 bloggers you should definitely check out, they are some of my faves anyway:

1. http://wandabvictorian.wordpress.com
2. http://thebritishberliner.wordpress.com
3. http://ladysteene.wordpress.com
4. http://openroadbeforeme.com
5. http://rjgreenphoto.wordpress.com
6. http://xiotteilegends.wordpress.com
7. http://redhottruth.wordpress.com
8. http://rockandrollsupermom.wordpress.com
9. http://auntdoris.wordpress.com
10. http://ramblingsfromamum.wordpress.com
11. http://franciscalaureijs.com
12. http://10eveningflowers.wordpress.com
13. http://charlypriest.wordpress.com
14. http://apromptreply.wordpress.com
15. http://reluctantcatowner.com

Oh, and here are the original links from Andy and Susanne:

My Blog Was Awarded “One Lovely Blog Award” !

ONE LOVELY BLOG AWARD

Thanks again guys!

129 responses

  1. zotzotzotblogger Avatar

    Thanks for sharing, always enjoy getting a bit of a chuckle out of your work. Despite labeling yourself as a cynic, seems like you are quite an optimist. (At least that’s what I’d conclude after the lottery ticket thing). Keep dreaming big, maybe you’ll win someday 🙂 and if not, your experiences traveling are probably priceless anyways

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      haha, thanks a lot, I do enjoy your positivity! I suppose…I will have to split it with you if I do win now, or give you an island for yourself – either, or.

      I am both a miserable bastard and someone who loves to laugh, so it is really a bit of a struggle – but I make it work, somehow 😉

      Liked by 3 people

      1. zotzotzotblogger Avatar

        Sounds like a fair deal! 🙂

        I think everyone struggles to find a balance between their “good” and “bad” side. But it’s better to have some positive characteristics than none at all. I have met people who are content to spend their days complaining and feeling sorry for themselves. Seems like they’re never happy! I have a feeling you will turn out just fine

        Like

      2. Storytime with John Avatar

        Thank you my friend, that certainly means a lot to me!

        I love a good moan, as is obvious from my stories I am sure – but I don’t like it when people moan but then don’t make changes…or moan and don’t do anything – you are in control of your own life, get up, get out and get something!!!!!

        Ahem, sorry – you set me off.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. zotzotzotblogger Avatar

        No it’s okay, I feel exactly the same! I love encouraging people when they feel down, but I hate people who complain and do nothing about their situation.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Almost Iowa Avatar

    Watching that clip of Bart strolling down the streets of Springfield, makes me realize that boy can cover a lot of ground in a single step.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      haha, now I can’t stop looking at it – monster steps indeed!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. A.PROMPTreply Avatar
    A.PROMPTreply

    Fancy you inviting God in for a cuppa and a chat! You crack me up. But seriously, I love that you took on this award and told us a bit more about you. Five kids in your formative years definitely explains alot of your antics that you’ve written about on here! As you know, I’m always loving your posts…..especially like this one though and doesn’t hurt at all that you promoted MY blog too. Thanks for that! You’re a great blogging buddy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Well you certainly deserve it 😀 just pleased you enjoy reading my posts, means the world to me, believe me!

      Like

  4. kcg1974 Avatar

    Adorable! Congratulations to you. So clever, a ‘must’ nomination just for the acceptance!!! 🙂

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thanks a lot Kim 🙂

      Like

      1. kcg1974 Avatar

        Inspirational! Absolutely loved it!! 🙂

        Like

      2. Storytime with John Avatar

        I loved reading about your story regarding writing and publishing your books, trust me that is inspirational for me 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. kcg1974 Avatar

        Thank you, John. 🙂

        Like

  5. Chess Avatar
    Chess

    Congratulations on your nomination!!!

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thank you!

      Like

  6. princessennui Avatar
    princessennui

    Congratulations!

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thanks a lot!

      Like

  7. tatiechip Avatar

    I’m so happy you stumbled across one of my posts because now I’ve discovered your blog and I love it already! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      I’m pleased too! Hope that I get to see more from you 🙂

      Like

  8. georgias Avatar

    you’re funny 🙂

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      And you are amazing! Thanks for dropping by 🙂

      Like

  9. weebluebirdie Avatar
    weebluebirdie

    I’ve always been somewhat disgruntled that my genes weren’t strong enough to hold on to my red hair too. My hairdresser tactfully calls it slate, which is only slightly better than sewagey…. Still, at least she has concocted a rather fetching Titian for my 6 weekly restoration work.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Slate sounds nice…like a roof…not quite a thatched cottage, but still nice. Better than my hair anyway, so that is something!

      Like

  10. ramblingsfromamum Avatar

    Congrats on your nom John, how poetical am I 🙂 I’ve been a bit tardy on reading of late, not just you, but everyone, moving house, settling in to a new area…etc. I’ve had my fair share of moaning on here, then the melancholy, but it’s who we are. Some days are diamonds, some days are..not so much. Thank you for putting my name on the list, very appreciative. Oh and ‘rangers’ are cool now so be proud of your ‘dirty blonde’. Hopefully I’ll catch up soon 🙂

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Oh stresses of moving house – don’t I know it! Hope you are getting settled in! 😀 and also hope you have more diamond days than duds – take care!

      Like

      1. ramblingsfromamum Avatar

        Thanks mate 🙂

        Like

  11. Pebbles On The Road Avatar

    I love that you’ve shared tidbits of personal info. And why shouldn’t you? We’re all getting to know you through your amazing stories, so a bit more is all the better! About #5 – forget buying lottery tickets. Come to the US and get some Obama money. You know, the dough all us Americans have been rolling in ever since our illustrious dear leader has been in office. Which I say with tongue firmly implanted in cheek, of course. What I really mean is, “Jan. 2017 can’t get here soon enough”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      I just rememember someone asking why I didn’t have an “About me” section – the reason for that is that it would be an absolute…well, let’s just say I wouldn’t know where to begin!

      haha, but who is next come January 2017?

      Like

  12. Just Plain Ol' Vic Avatar
    Just Plain Ol’ Vic

    Any specific cheese that reigns supreme over all others?!? 🙂

    Great post BTW and congrats!

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      IT IS ALL GOOD! Although blue cheese…yeah…not convinced…hmm…

      Like

      1. Just Plain Ol' Vic Avatar
        Just Plain Ol’ Vic

        I am a muenster cheese kinda guy myself…

        Like

      2. Storytime with John Avatar

        Ahhh little soft for me – but I mean by all means I would never say no!

        Like

  13. mumofchaos3 Avatar

    Well done! I love reading your blog, always makes me laugh and I feel the nomination is well deserved.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thank you so much! Lovely of you to say so! 🙂

      Like

  14. scifihammy Avatar

    Loved all your little facts, but especially understood number 3, as I am also one of five – (I think we belong to a dying breed as families generally tend to have less children, if any, these days.) The hand-me-down clothes I totally got; which was interesting as a girl, wearing my brothers clothes 🙂 Congratulations on your well-deserved award. I always enjoy reading your posts; brings a smile to my day 🙂

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      You’re certainly right there – I do feel like it is a good thing, no time for yourself whilst growing up, but so much life and good fun at every turn! My sisters had the same issue, hahaha! It’s a “you get what you are given” kinda approach, I suppose!

      Oh, and thank you! I am pleased to hear that! 🙂

      Like

  15. nirmaljayaraj Avatar
    nirmaljayaraj

    Congratulations, John.
    P.S. I like the ‘John Taggert’ church idea. The name sounds catchy 😀

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      haha I hope you’ll be a member!

      Like

      1. nirmaljayaraj Avatar
        nirmaljayaraj

        Member of a wacky club? Count me in!

        Like

  16. battlewagon13 Avatar

    Liked the post. Hopefully I can get one of these awards some day. Until then, I’ll just keep,on spouting randomness.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Dammi you should have been on my list…I’ll get you next time 😀

      Like

  17. The Weight of My World Avatar

    What number of five kids are you?

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Second born ~ eldest son.

      Like

      1. The Weight of My World Avatar

        So close to the top without the first born benefits. I am 4 out of 5…

        Like

      2. Storytime with John Avatar

        haha, so true! Ahhhh four out of five is a cosy place to be I feel, you won’t be tarred with the bottom of the pile brush and have so many in front of you to help you out…well, that’s how it seems to be in my family!

        Like

      3. The Weight of My World Avatar

        Oh yes it is a cozy place. All the mistakes have been made in front of me. Of course by number 4 no pressure. Although my older brothers wondered why we got to go to the mall to shop and they had to pick out of a Sears catalog. Generate gap… times were a changing.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Wanda B. Victorian Avatar

    Thanks for the nod in my direction. Oh and the trick with the lotto let down…buy another one right away and resume the irrational delusion of instant wealth.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      You’re more than welcome Wanda! But yeah, perhaps you’re right – I could just hold on to that lofty high of imagination forever…live in my fantasy permanently…I can’t see any drawback here – I am off to the corner shop, wish me luck!

      Like

      1. Wanda B. Victorian Avatar

        If you win…remember me…

        Like

  19. andrespildistab Avatar

    Possibly one of the best “About Me” pages I’ve ever seen.
    Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Hey, just pleased you enjoyed it! Cheers for reading 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Xiottei Legends Blog Avatar

    Thanks for putting me in your ‘Check it out!’ …thing… Anyway, thank you SO much!
    😀 You are one of my favourites too!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Wooooo! Let’s be best friends forever! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Joseph Nebus Avatar

    I took my confirmation name a little over-seriously and ended up with “Richard”, which I think is doing pretty well even if I don’t get any use out of it.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      haha, you’re a smarter man than me – that’s what I deduce from that 😉

      Like

  22. ofopinions Avatar

    Congratulations! Your blog is lovely!

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Oh, thank you so much!

      Like

  23. aliciasunday Avatar

    I too started life with bright ginger hair. Strange baby photos I can tell you.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      haha, at least I am not the only one!!!!

      Like

  24. I just ran across your blog and I think from reading this page alone that I will be back often!

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Well you are welcome anytime! 😀

      Like

  25. figwort Avatar

    Great story! Love your humor

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Many thanks! 😀

      Like

  26. lifeafter9to5 Avatar

    #5! I do that too. Congratulations on the nomination.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Ahhh at least I’m not alone!!! Thank you, I appreciate it!

      Like

  27. crazyachers Avatar

    Wow. I’m not going to comment on everything I read on your site tonight as it appears you take time to respond to every comment. I am however going to burn through your posts like a brush fire if they are all as entertaining as the first couple I’ve read. Thanks.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      I do, I do, well it all depends, during trips it is usually very difficult to get back to people and then I have a pile up I have fo get to! But I do appreciate each and every comment, as well as every read! If you are entertained then I am overjoyed! 😀

      Like

      1. crazyachers Avatar

        I will follow Storytime with John gladly. Thanks for the story Kids make me sick. I can picture a small child ejecting twice his body weight in minimally digested froot loops and happy meals.

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Jonathan Caswell Avatar

    Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
    HEY—-I’M AN “EX-RED HEAD”, TOO!!!!! 😀

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Waheyyy! I thought I was the only one, haha!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jonathan Caswell Avatar

        At least you kept ( ? ) most of your hair! 🙂

        Like

  29. Hi John,
    I’m really flattered that you’ve liked so many of my posts. Your blog makes me smile.
    -Lauren

    Like

  30. adolfo vasquez Avatar

    Enjoying me some Storytime before Bed.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Hope it helps you sleep, haha 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  31. artourway Avatar

    you are a beautiful person John

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      How lovely of you to say, thank you so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  32. sudebaker Avatar
    sudebaker

    You tell great stories 🙂 But I’m not sure I could sleep after – I’d be laughing too hard. Thanks for the follow!

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      No problem! 😀 thank you for your lovely comment, pleased you are finding humour in my writing!

      Like

  33. Bufu Avatar
    Bufu

    Hi John! I fucking love cheese, too. Not sure which is my favourite, but double cream brie is near the top of the list. And if you are ever in the vicinity of St. Albert, Ontario, Canada, you MUST stop in at St. Albert Cheese Factory. I’m not sure if it’s world-famous, but it’s certainly a much-loved producer of ambrosia around Canada’s capital.
    Have a great day and thanks for liking my own meanderings!

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Well clearly we are set to be pretty good friends then! I am not sure of my fave either – but I can tell you that gorgonzola(?) has to be up there with the worst of them – it crept into my sandwich earlier without my knowledge and ruined my day…anyway, I digress.

      I haven’t been to Canada, which only means it is DEFINITELY on my list! Pit stop at everything cheese there for sure! Cheers for the comment and I’ll be looking out for more of your meanderings!

      Like

  34. kerbey Avatar

    I am glad that you are not lactose-intolerant. I am intolerant of those who are cheese-intolerant. I also like that when you think of being a millionaire, you think of fountains. Perhaps you could also think of cheese fountains? Hmm? Like at fondue restaurants that I’ve only heard of, and Wisconsin weddings. And since you are young, you might not know all old people call blue cheese “roquefort” because that was the rule in the Dark Ages. Also I just watched five episodes of The Duggars with 19 children, so 5 doesn’t seem so big in the scheme of things. Lastly, when I hear Taggart, I think of Beverly Hills Cop. You may be tired of hearing this and find me a dinosaur, or this may be fresh news to you.

    Like

  35. charlie5913 Avatar

    I can totally relate with points 5, 6 and 7!! I somehow always think that if I decide to play the lottery it’s for a reason… Reason being I’m meant to win haha! So a couple of times a year, I take the big fall.
    Fun read:)

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Okay, so now I need to put it on. It’s about that time. Wish me luck, haha!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. charlie5913 Avatar

        Yeah, I may just play this Norwegian one this weekend…just incase;)

        Like

  36. fairchris Avatar

    Thanks for checking out our blog

    Like

  37. thinktypeblog Avatar
    thinktypeblog

    The Harry Potter ‘Let me love you’ picture was the cherry on top for this post!

    Like

  38. Shami Sivasubramanian Avatar

    After reading that, I genuinely with all sincerity want to be your best friend. Like, seriously. Make this happen. =P

    Also, thanks for the like on my post. Your site is fantastic!

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      hahaha, let’s do it!!!! 🙂

      Like

  39. Diera Avatar
    Diera

    like this. and like ice cream too.

    Like

  40. ashleyogonda Avatar

    This was actually quiet fun to read! I have declared you as a ‘cool dude’, because the way you write just oozes ‘cool’.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Ohhh I am honored!!!! haha! Thank you, you are far too kind (in reality I think you could give me a couple of lessons in “cool”) 🙂

      Like

  41. anonymouskinky Avatar

    Oh I love Wallace and Gromit! And I appreciate a good Wensleydale as well.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Then we will be good friends for life, I’m sure 😀

      Like

  42. Potamotrygorgeous Mäh Avatar

    Your vibe is catching on to us!

    Here’s one fact about me then:
    – tailor dummies scare the shit out of me.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      hahahaha! Me too, me too 🙂

      Like

  43. Melanie Avatar

    Heartbroken that you’re an ex-ginger, I hope my fiance never grows out of it. You make up for it by loving cheese though so we’re cool.

    Like

  44. RobinLK Avatar
    RobinLK

    Now THAT was a fun read! I have to agree w/ ya’ on the cheese…. #seriousissue. Ugh Have to tell you ~ just visiting this morning, I feel ‘privileged’ you take time to swing by my blog. 🙂 You are (apparently) a busy guy with LOTS of tales to tell… keep writing. You’re cracking me up.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Cheeeeese provides life to…life! Put it on anything, and you have probably greatly improved it – I already know you agree 😉

      Thank you for your kind words! Your writing is so much more technical than mine (when it comes to education particularly) I think I could learn a thing or two 🙂

      Glad you are enjoying my blog too, trust me – I am the one who feels privileged!

      Liked by 1 person

  45. noirfifre Avatar

    Sometime, long ago I use to LOVE cheese, now the thing goes down the wrong way. oh well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Oh no…I hope this curse never befalls me!

      Like

      1. noirfifre Avatar

        I hope not [out of sight, out of mind] *say it with me* haha

        Liked by 1 person

  46. Ms. Vee Avatar

    Thank you for visiting, and the like on my post. I love cheese too. 🙂

    Like

  47. miss ostensson eco-chic creations Avatar
    miss ostensson eco-chic creations

    oh John, you are one of the best writers I have come across on the blogging sphere, its got everything! humor, honesty, irony and visual references -I love it!!! maybe you should write for a living?! and please show us photo of you with ginger hair!!! xxxxxxx all the best and see you soon!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Did I reply to this? I feel like I did…but just wanted to say it made my day if not week. Thank you so much 🙂 I’m just happy someone enjoys what I try and do. Means a lot.

      Like

  48. mothermi6 Avatar
    mothermi6

    I smiled when I read this page John. The animations are fantastic!
    Evangeline

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thanks a lot! I smiled reading this comment 🙂

      Like

  49. arabpikachu4wp Avatar

    Your face reminds me of that Hollywood actor, Jeremy Renner.

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      haha! Thanks, I think! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  50. jaypochapin Avatar

    Hello, Bart!

    Thanks for visiting and liking my most recent post. I am grateful for your support. I would wish you luck with your blog, but I consider you are already so talented at this stuff as to require no luck at all!

    Best wishes for your continuing success and growth,

    Jay Pochapin

    Like

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