What I relish about social media are the opportunities to connect with like-minded middle-aged empty nester women. As you know, some of my past interactions were face-to-face, like the MeetUps in October and March, and others were virtual. Today, please meet Ireland’s top blogger, Over the Hilda, my newest Forever Fierce friend. Read on to learn 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 no older bloggers in Ireland catered to more mature women. So, I wanted to write about relevant issues for older women, such as lifestyle matters, health and well-being, and relationships. Now, I am regarded as the ‘oldest blogger in town’ and am invited to various events, product launches, fashion shows, etc., so my diary can be pretty 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 stayed involved in activities like Drama and (Field) Hockey coaching at the school until I married in 1982.
What is the focus of your blog?
The blog is primarily a lifestyle one, highlighting issues such 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, in your Instagram photos. Does he blog?
Graham was a professional wordsmith for 40 years until he retired last year, so he is 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?
I have been a couple of times. Some years ago, we had a great Thanksgiving weekend in New York with our girls (retail therapy was very much the rationale then). More recently, GG and I took a three-city break, visiting Washington DC, New York, and Boston over nine days. I would certainly like to make a road trip from the East to the 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 until back problems paid to that a few years ago. I took up golf in the last three years and have enjoyed it. We live 300 yards from the beach, so I walk along the coast road and 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?
Women in Ireland and the UK have the same concerns and interests as their counterparts in the USA, particularly regarding aging and staying healthy and active. Likewise, bloggers here cover much the same ground as those in the USA; hence, the sisterhood is growing constantly. Through my blogging experience, I have found many new like-minded friends.
What’s the most exciting opportunity since you started blogging?
I was recently commissioned by Shaws, a department store chain with 16 outlets nationwide, to create a promotional video for their social media channels. As a former teacher, talking has never been a problem for me, although initially, speaking directly to a camera was a bit daunting.
What’s the most challenging?
I didn’t know how to turn on a computer two years ago. I’m a lot better now and can write my posts and upload them to the blog, but I still have regular panic attacks when faced with technical issues!
Tell me five fun facts about yourself.
1. When I was at university, an extra in ‘The Great Train Robbery’ was filmed in Trinity. I swear Sean Connery looked into my eyes on screen!
2. I broke my ankle a few years ago after falling off a chair with casters on a wooden floor while trying to clean cobwebs.
3. I am an over-sharer…which is why blogging is easy!
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. We didn’t win, but we 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 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.
