Chris Graham is much admired, respected, and appreciated in the blogging world. His indefatigable support of authors and bloggers is rivaled by few others. The Story Reading Ape‘s 4th blog anniversary is April 4th, and I can think of no better way to show my appreciation than by featuring him on my blog. Here’s to you, Mr. Ape! May you live long and prosper. I’m also putting energy out there for you to win the lottery 😊
Follow Chris’ blog HERE
When did you start blogging and what prompted you to do so?
I started blogging on April 4th 2013 after reading authors’ pleas (on Goodreads) for promotional opportunities on blogs.
What moved you to choose an ape as your gravatar and online presence?
My Most favourite author was (and still is) Terry Pratchett, who once stated, “The anthropologists got it wrong when they named our species Homo sapiens (‘wise man’). In any case it’s an arrogant and bigheaded thing to say, wisdom being one of our least evident features. In reality, we are Pan Narrans, the storytelling chimpanzee.”
From this I extrapolated that since I didn’t TELL stories, but listened to, or READ them, I must be a Story READING ape (Pan Audiencia – as near as I can get).
What motivated you to make author promotion and support the focus of your blog?
I’ve always enjoyed reading, either to learn or be entertained, and owe a debt of gratitude to authors, so when I saw their pleas on Goodreads, I decided to focus on authors, rather than the stories they wrote.
After all, there are LOTS of book review blogs, but very few that give authors the opportunity to talk about themselves (as well as getting a plug in about their books).
You also add a weekly dose of humor to your blog. Does humor play an important role in your daily life as well?
Yes, it does.
Like everyone else in the world, I have my bad times, as well as good, but was raised not to dwell on, or agonise over, the bad things. It’s better to learn from them and get on with those aspects of life I DO have control over.
Laughter and the ability to see humour (or the stupidity) in bad situations helps me get over, or overcome, the depths of despair that others seem to slip into easily.
It may well be an Irish trait, an example being after a funeral, where humour, song and celebration are an important part of remembering the deceased (and overcome grief).
This could be summed up in the old joke about friends putting a crate of drinks on top of the coffin and saying, “He left instructions that the drinks were to be on him.”
How much time each day do you spend blogging?
Too long I suspect; I often pop in and out of the blog to respond to comments and thank those who share the posts, while I’m reading emails, other peoples’ posts and searching around for articles that might be of interest to my blog readers (and myself).
Who are some of your favorite authors and what are some of your favorite books?
Apart from Terry Pratchett, I enjoy books by the old masters like Dickens, et al, but there are quite a few modern (and self-published) authors I enjoy as well – however, I’m not going to say who – they already know who they are 😊
You and your sister recently published a book of your mother’s poetry. Tell us a little about your Mum, her poetry, and the book.
It was my sister Lorna who collected the poems and Jo Robinson who edited and formatted the book – all I did was upload and publish it.
Poetry was a side of Mum that I never knew about until Lorna sent them to me. So I was both surprised and humbled when I read them.
What most inspires you in life?
Nature in all its diverse forms, from the variety and tenacity of life, to the wonder and immensity of the Universe.
Any parting words for your followers?
Read, learn and experience as much as you can about everything.
If Reincarnation exists, it will help you progress.
If it doesn’t, you will have enriched your time while alive.
I hope you enjoyed learning more about our very own blogging Ape. I’m sure I speak for all of us in thanking Chris for his abiding support of authors and in wishing him a
VERY
Reblogged this on Pearls Before Swine and commented:
Reblogging in support of Chris Graham for his unwavering support of Indie Authors! Y’all know he’ll reblog you in a minute! So show him the same. Happy Anniversary Mr. Ape!
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Many Thanks for re-blogging EC 😀
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You’re welcome!
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Thanks so much, EC ❤
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You’re welcome hun. Great interview.
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One of an author’s greatest friends and an exceptionally nice man
(ape). Has great taste in books with Terry Pratchett.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Thank you, David. Hugs ❤
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AND I’ve read, reviewed and enjoyed YOURS, David – Hugs 😀
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Great interview with my favourite Ape 🙂
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Thanks, Sue ❤
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A real pleasure, Tina ❤
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Reblogged this on Nesie's Place and commented:
Happy Blogoversary to Chris! Stop by and leave well wishes for the Story Reading Ape! 😉
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Thank you, Felicia, and apologies for the late reply ❤
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Many thanks for re-blogging, Felicia 😀
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You’re welcome! 😉
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
THANK YOU TINA FRISCO – Hugs XXX 😀
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Hugs, Chris ❤
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Hugs Back Tina ❤️❤️❤️
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Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Happy Anniversary to Chris.
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Thank you, Suzanne ❤
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Many thanks for sharing, Suzanne 😀
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Enjoyed the interview. Thanks to Chris & Tina for all the author support.
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You’re welcome, Allan. Thanks for stopping by ❤
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Thanks Allan 😀
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Great interview, Tina. So nice to see Chris facing the hard questions. 🙂
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Thank you, Meeks ❤
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Tina was a very thorough Inquisitor (in the nicest possible way), Meeks 😀
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-grin- Yes, she was and we learned some interesting things about /you/. 😀
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😀 😀 😀
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Reblogged this on Stevie Turner, Indie Author. and commented:
Great interview, and happy blogging anniversary for tomorrow Chris!
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Many Thanks for re-blogging Stevie 😀
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Thanks so much, Stevie ❤
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Thank you for the great blog Tina and Chris. And a very happy anniversary with many returns Chris!
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Thanks Felicity 😀
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You’re welcome and thank you, Felicity ❤
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So nice to learn more about Chris, Tina. Super interview.
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Thanks, Robbie ❤
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Thanks Robbie 😀
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Fun to learn some new fun facts here about Chris, the man behind the learned ape! 🙂
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Thanks, Diana ❤
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Thanks Diana 😀
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Haptic blogiversary Chris!!! My fave ape!!!
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Happy, even 😜
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I like Haptic, Ritu, especially when my fur is petted (it means: relating to the sense of touch, in particular relating to the perception and manipulation of objects using the senses of touch and proprioception) :D.
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Lol!!! 😁
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Thank you, Ritu ❤
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Reblogged this on newauthoronline and commented:
A great interview with Chris the Story Reading Ape who does so much to help authors.
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Many thanks for re-blogging, Kevin 😀
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Great interview Tina. Have tweeted it. 🙂
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Thank you, Suzanne. Apologies for the late reply ❤
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Thanks for sharing, Suzanne 😀
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Happy anniversary Chris, keep the chuckles and the promotional opportunities flowing bountifully. If the ape can do it anyone can! Well done and thanks to Tina for hosting Chris on her blog and sharing this. 🙂
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Welcome and thanks, Marje ❤
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YEP – If I can do it, ANYONE can, Marje 😀
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🙂
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Thank you, Tina, for this interview with Chris, who has made such an impact in the reading, writing, blogging and publishing world. I not only read My Vibrating Vertebrae, I also love it and have shared it with friends who also do.
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Many thanks Cynthia 😀
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You’re welcome, Cynthia. Thanks for stopping by ❤
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This is an excellent look at the busiest blogger I know of! Chris goes way beyond to support authors in so many ways. Thanks for showcasing him here, Tina!
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You’re welcome, Jan ❤
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Thanks Jan 😀
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Reblogged this on Words To Captivate ~ by John Fioravanti and commented:
Tina Frisco has gifted us today with A fascinating interview with the great supportive blogger Chris Graham The Story Reading Ape, who celebrates 4 years of blogging tomorrow! For your Tuesday treat, please read on…
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Thanks so much, John ❤
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You’re welcome, Tina!
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Thanks for sharing John 😀
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My pleasure, Chris!
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What a fantastic interview with Chris and you T! I love how Chris adapted the name of The Story Reading Ape from Terry Pratchett’s statement, now I know where it came from. Nice to see Chris getting his due kudos for all he does for others. ❤
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Thank you, Debby. And dang those WP gremlins! 🙂 ❤
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Lol 🙂 xo
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Thanks, Debby 😀
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🙂
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P.S. Grr gremlins, won’t let me share to Linkedin 😦
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Reblogged this on anastaciamoore and commented:
A great interview of Chris The Story Reading Ape. Thank You Tina!!!
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Thank you, Ana ❤
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Many thanks for re-blogging, Ana 😀
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Reblogged this on Lyn Horner's Corner and commented:
It’s anniversary time! Celebrate Chris Graham’s 4th blogging anniversary as Chris the Story Reading Ape on Tina Frisco’s lovely blog.
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Thanks for sharing Lyn 👍😃
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Thanks so much, Lyn ❤
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Wonderful post, Tina! Chris is a true gem for authors and readers alike. I join you in wishing Mr. Ape a Happy Anniversary!
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So glad you stopped by, Lyn. The more, the merrier! ❤
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Thanks, Lyn 😀
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Excellent interview, Chris. Thank you, Tina for letting us know Chris a little better.
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You’re welcome, John ❤
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🙂
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Thanks, John 😀
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🙂
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Happy Blogiversary, Chris! Thanks for supporting authors.
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Thank you, Caroline ❤
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Thank you, Caroline, it’s my pleasure 😀
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Reblogged this on crjen1958.
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Thank you, Chris ❤
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(((smiles)))
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Many thanks for re-blogging, Chris 😀
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No, problem…
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Nice to see an interview with our favourite ape!! Thanks, Tina.
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Welcome, Darlene ❤
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Thanks, Darlene 😀
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Lovely to read and Learn more through this interview about Chris Tina.. Sending thoughts your way for a wonderful week to you both ❤
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Thank you, Sue. Hugs ❤
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❤
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Thanks, Sue 😀
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🙂 you are most welcome..
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Reblogged this on deanieblog.
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Thanks so much, Deanie ❤
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Thanks for reblogging Deanie 😃
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Chris really is such a huge support, in so many ways, and he is lovely too! 🙂
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Indeed, Judy. Thanks for stopping by ❤
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Thanks, Judy 😀
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A real joy to read! Thank you, Tina and Chris, for sharing. And for all that you do to support writers and authors. Thank you! 🙂
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You’re welcome, Natalie. Thank you for your lovey comment ❤
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Thanks, Natalie 😀
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Reblogged this on The Life & Times of Zoe the Fabulous Feline and commented:
Entertaining interview with my favorite ape, and every writer’s best friend. Happy Anniversary, Chris!
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Thank you, Miss Zoe ❤
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Thanks for re-blogging Zoe 😀
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Fantastic interview, Tina, thanks! Fun to learn more about everyone’s favorite ape!! I especially loved reading about how he chose his name. Very creative, Chris!
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Welcome, Em. Our favorite ape is nothing if not creative! 🙂 ❤
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Thanks, Em 😀
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Reblogged this on Toni Pike and commented:
Wishing Chris Graham, The Story Reading Ape, a very happy 4th blog birthday. Here is a rare chance to find out more about Chris in an interview with writer Tina Frisco. Chris’s blog is dedicated to author promotion and is also packed with useful information.
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Thanks so much, Toni ❤
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A pleasure, Tina x
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Thanks for re-blogging Toni 😀
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Excellent interview and feature, Tina! I love Chris’ blog–it has author spotlights, humor, and great blogging advice!
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Thank you, Terri ❤
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Thanks for the kind words Terri 😀
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
Check out this interview with the fantastic blogger, Christopher Graham of The Story Reading Ape blog via Tina Frisco’s blog.
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Thanks so much, Don ❤
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You’re welcome
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Thanks for re-blogging Don 😀
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You’re welcome.
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Reblogged this on Danny the Dog and commented:
At last, Mr. Ape gets the attention he so richly deserves.
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Thanks for re-blogging Danny 😀
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Thanks so much, Danny. You really are a genius ❤
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Tina Frisco has persuaded the normally shy Story Reading Ape to come out of his enclosure for an interview on his 4th Blog Anniversary. For those of you yet to experience his legendary generosity.. please head over to Tina’s and onwards to Christopher Graham’s blog and find out what he has to offer you..and give him an anniversary kiss while you are there I hear he rather likes those.
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Thanks for re-blogging Sally – Hugs XXX 😀
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Thanks so much for sharing, Sally, and for the wonderful intro ❤
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Very delighted to Tina.. ♥
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Terrific Tina.. and good job in winkling Mr. Ape out of his enclosure for a much deserved showcase… xx
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Thank you, Sally. I had the promise of a boatload of bananas in my back pocket but didn’t have to use it! We’ll keep that our little secret 🙂 ❤
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🙀😱🦍❤️
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Will do.. ♥
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Reblogged this on Lonely Power Poles and commented:
Awesome Interview
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Thanks so much, Thomas ❤
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Thanks for reblogging Thomas 😃
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great intereview with a great ape! happy blogiversary –
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Thank you, Beth ❤
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Thanks Beth 😃
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Oh marvelous! I really enjoyed this unique interview with Chris. I’m stunned that he has not been blogging longer than that, because he has developed such a huge number of views. Makes it even more impressive.
Happy blogiversary Chris. Mega hugs all around.
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Thank you, Teagan. Our Mr. Ape is nothing if not impressive, eh? Hugs ❤
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Thanks Teagan- MFH ❤️
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Happy blog anniversary, Chris! Thanks for all that you do, sending virtual bananas winging your way 🙂
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Thank you, Jacquie ❤
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Thanks Jacquie 😃
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Great to see this interview of Chris as he is always spotlighting others 🙂 I’m so glad his site is the big hit it is, and I enjoyed finding out where the “ape” name originated too
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Thank you, Christy. So glad you enjoyed ❤
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Thanks Christy 😃
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I’ve met many people in my time blogging and no one is as generous hearted as Chris. *tips hat.
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Thank you, Geoff, for both the comment and doffing ❤
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My blog exists for, and on, the contributions from generous people like you, Geoff 😀
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Too kind Chris…
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tina, thanks so much for this interview with Chris. He is always so generous in his support of authors and other bloggers, I’m glad to see you put him in the spotlight. Love and hugs to you and to Chris.
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You’re welcome, Michelle. Thank you for the lovely comment. Love and hugs back to you ❤
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Many thanks, Michelle 😀
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Such a rare insight into the life of our favourite Ape, Tina. Well done for scooping this interview, and big congratulations to Chris on reaching that four-year blogging milestone.
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Thanks so much, Hugh ❤
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Many thanks, Hugh 😀
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So lovely to learn more about you, Chris. I also adore Terry Pratchett and Dickens. They couldn’t be less alike in writing but both had a way of looking at the world and commenting on it. Tina, thanks so much for doing this!
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You’re welcome, Noelle. Thanks so much for stopping by ❤
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These old and new classic authors are a great combination, Noelle – and as you said, both Charles and Terry commented on their times 😀
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Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
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Thanks so much, my dear friend ❤
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You’re welcome sweetie xx
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Many thanks for sharing, Kate 😀
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A lovely post Tina. And I especially love the Minions. My wee grandbaby sings all their songs, as they do. it is hysterical. You have to try NOT to laugh cos he does not see that it is funny xxx
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Thank you, Shey. I know what you mean about trying not to laugh. I have 13 great nieces and nephews! They’re all different, but one thing they have in common is taking themselves seriously. I’ve been whacked a few times if I didn’t behave myself. Hope you can avoid that one 🙂 ❤
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yeah the wee man goes titz if you laugh. xxxxxxx
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Chris. I’m so glad you highlighted him and his blog here, Tina. FABULOUS.
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Thank you, Pam. I’m glad Chris consented to being highlighted! ❤
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I know, he’s so great at highlighting US. 🙂
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Thanks, Pam 😀
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One of the best bloggers ever 🙂
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Indeed, Lucinda ❤
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WOW – THANK you Lucinda 😀
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Thanks, Tina. Great interview. I’ve always wondered about the Story Reading Ape and now I know. Thanks to Chris for his hard work too. 🙂
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Welcome, Olga, and thank you ❤
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Thanks, Olga 😀
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Happy blogoversity to Chris, and thanks for the featured spot, Tina. 🙂
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Welcome, Cathleen. Thanks for stopping by ❤
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Thanks, Cathleen 😀
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Hey Tina,
Having just come away rom Chris’s site, I was delighted to read the interview here and be able to add dimensions more to the gentleman I felt penning the words on his Blog. Perhaps it is that I feel an affinity, a connection in some way to him: shared common denominators and deep thoughts on life (the Celtic way perhaps?) that I find his acquaintance lined with warmth and friendship. Yes indeed, a gentleman.
Congatulations Chris! A four year marker to celebrate and look back on when you complete the next 4 years 🙂
Thank you for a fun and revealing interview. Perhaps it is your warming way with people Tina that encourages the best to emerge from others. Thank you for sharing that gift to provide enjoyment here.
I hope you are well, and that in all ways all is well for you in the well always swelling with the swell of Love.
Take care always.
Namaste 🙂
DN
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You’re welcome, Dewin. Thank you for such a lovely comment and for your kind words. You are a bright light in the world, as are all of those at GallyBloggers. Sending love and blessings ❤
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As are you Tina 🙂 That’s why Raven’s 12, and I, warmed to your company…like moths to a candle flame.
Thank you for comments on Gallbloggers. I know I have a couple of replies to pen. Apologies for the delay, a long week has set me back a couple of days.
Thoroughly enjoyed the interview, thank you.
Have a wonderful afternoon and evening. Take care.
Namaste ❤
DN
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No apology necessary, Dewin. I know your heart ❤
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Thank you. Namaste ❤
DN
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Thanks, Dewin – Tina certainly knows the way to an old ape’s heart 😀
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My pleasure Mr Ape sir 🙂
You are each equally blessed to have a good friend in the other other.
Happy wandering, Happy writing.
Namaste 🙂
DN
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