emmaswift.com

Well, here it is - my first blog on my own website - I was wondering what on earth I could say that would adequately introduce me... it's quite a tough one! Then I came up with an idea after reading the Observer on Sunday. They have a section where they get someone to answer a series of questions - some serious, some funny. But I do think it gives you a more rounded view.
Where would you most like to live?
The Lake District. I love being there out on the fells. Just got back from there the other weekend actually - in Buttermere. We bagged Haystacks, Red Pike and High Stile - wonderful!
What makes you depressed?
Celebrity culture twinned with reality TV. TV companies think they can put on any old rubbish and people will watch it - what was it last year - Only Fools ON Horses?? What was that about? And don't get me started on Big Brother. The really strange thing is that the celebrity version of that is seen as a way of kick-starting your career - in which case, are you a celebrity in the first place? What is celebrity anyway, there are a lot of people who are, frankly, a waste of celebrity space!! Rant over...
Cat or dog?
Dog. I wanted a cat once upon a time, but I only got as far as putting a cat flap in, and now I own a leather sofa, I can simply kiss goodbye to those dreams. My family and in-laws have dogs, so I get my fill of doggydom there!
What is your favourite word?
Character-building.
What is your favourite smell?
Vanilla.
Aside from a property, what is the most expensive thing you have ever bought?
Aside from my car, tickets to see a Madonna gig in London! It pains me as I have done this twice. You'd think I'd learn... I'm a keen concert goer, and I'm off to see Prince in August which I am very excited about. I also go to the odd classical concert too - I'm quite into Mahler thanks to my husband.
What's your most treasured possession?
Not quite 'possessed', but my husband is a treasure.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Not continuing to draw and paint as often as I should have in my early twenties. I relieved to say you don't lose your talents!
What has been your biggest achievement?
Three years ago I did the Keswick to Barrow walk. It's nearly 40 miles! Rather stupidly, I only decided to do it a couple of months prior to actual event, didn't train at all, I just woke up and did it. My husband did train and did the whole thing in 6 hours 21 minutes. I was a little later at 13 hours 20 minutes or something... It was very strange to get the call from him to say he had finished it and I was halfway at Coniston. But the sense of achievement was amazing. I have done 5 Great North Runs in my time too. I haven't been running for a year or so now, but hope to get back into it later this year.
If you could edit your past what would you change?
Absolutely nothing. It's made me who I am.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
1960s - I'm curious to know if you knew were living in a mighty cool era, or did it feel perfectly normal and unremarkable?
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
If you want something badly enough and work hard, you will get there in the end. And that you should enjoy the journey - I am!
Where would you most like to be right now?
Either camping in the Lake District, or at home with a cup of Earl Grey tea