What I relish about social media, are the opportunities to connect with like-minded middle age empty nester women. As you know, some of my past interactions are face to face like the MeetUps in October and March, others virtual. Today, please meet Ireland’s top blogger: Over the Hilda my newest Forever Fierce friendship. Read on to find out more about Hilda, the wife, mother to two daughters and grandmother to one grandson from Dublin. We have more in common than you think.
Tell us about the Republic of Ireland.
I live in Malahide, a small seaside town (pop.15,000), 10 miles north of Ireland’s capital city and five miles from Dublin Airport. Ireland has become one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, especially with Americans, not least because of its wonderfully diverse landscapes, our friendly ‘natives’ and our ability to enjoy ourselves. Dublin is a wonderfully cosmopolitan city and is only a 3-hour train trip from the rugged Atlantic coast that looks across to the USA!
When did you start to blog and why?
I started Over the Hilda two years ago because there were no older bloggers in Ireland catering the more mature woman. So I wanted to write about relevant issues for older women such as lifestyles matters, health and well-being, and relationships. Now, regarded as the ‘oldest blogger in town’ and find myself invited to a wide variety of events, product launches, fashion shows, etc. so my diary can be quite full!
What was/is your profession?
I was a secondary school (your High School) teacher of English at one of Ireland’s oldest schools, The King’s Hospital (established in 1669!) for 34 years until I retired six years ago. I graduated from university (Trinity College Dublin) in 1974 and at the school stay involved in such activities as Drama and (Field) Hockey coaching until I married in 1982.
What is the focus of your blog?
The blog is primarily a lifestyle one, highlighting such issues as health (e.g., menopause or the importance of Vitamin D), fashion (what’s right, wrong or appropriate), travel (at home and abroad) and excellent dining experiences.
I’ve seen your hubby GG on your Instagram photos, does he blog?
Graham was a professional wordsmith for 40 years until he retired last year, so no better man to write the occasional guest blog under the moniker of ‘Beside the Hilda’! His first two were tongue-in-cheek accounts of a male view on marriage for 35 years (here) and were an Instagram husband (here).
Have you ever visited the United States?
Have been a couple of times. With our girls, we had a great Thanksgiving weekend in New York some years ago (retail therapy was very much the rationale then) and more recently, GG, and I did a 3-city break, visiting Washington DC, New York, and Boston over nine days. Would certainly like to make a road trip from East to West Coast someday.
How do you stay fit?
I played Hockey (Field) in my 20s (GG and I met in our club) and then Tennis up until back problems put paid to that a few years ago. Took up golf in last three years and enjoying it. We live 300 yards from the beach so I walk a lot along the coast road and also indulge in some yoga and pilates.
Do you see differences in how women in the United States versus the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom?
I think women in Ireland and the UK have the same concerns and interests as their counterparts in the USA, particularly on aging well and keeping healthy and active. Likewise, bloggers here cover much the same ground as those in the USA, hence the sisterhood that is growing all the time. I have found many new like-minded friends through my blogging experience.
What’s the most exciting opportunity since you started blogging?
Recently commissioned by Shaws, a department store chain with 16 outlets nationwide, to do a promotional video for their social media channels. As a former teacher, talking has never been a problem for me, although initially, it was little daunting speaking directly to a camera.
What’s the most challenging?
Two years ago, I didn’t know how to turn on a computer. I’m a lot better now and can write up my posts and upload them on to the blog, but I still have regular panic attacks when faced with technical issues!
Tell me five fun facts about yourself?
1. When in university, an extra in ‘The Great Train Robbery’ filmed in Trinity – I swear Sean Connery looked into my eyes on screen!
2. I broke my ankle a few years ago, as a result of falling off a chair with casters on a wooden floor while trying to clean cobwebs.
3. I am over-sharer…which is why I find it easy to blog!
4. I once sang ‘Penguins, Penguins On Parade’ while on a family holiday in Spain, much to the mortification of my daughters
5. GG and I participated in a ‘Mr & Mrs’ competition on a Mediterranean cruise – didn’t win but became minor celebrities because the audience found our answers so amusing!
6. I am a Chocaholic…although it has to be the dark 80% variety.
Hilda, thank you so much for letting me feature one of my favorite international bloggers. To stay up-to-date with Hilda, follow all her social media platforms: Over the Hilda blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous week.
