Touristy Things, Filming and a Marriage Proposal

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I know I’ve been quiet since arriving at Avocado Cottage but that’s because I’ve actually been doing lots of touristy things with my good pal V who’s visiting for a week.  And in being a tourist again I’ve had a really great time and fallen in love with Antigua all over again.

I suppose it’s because doing things like going to the beach on your own are not much fun; especially for someone like me whose tolerance to the sun has become less and less over the years until lying on the beach for a long time becomes torture.  But … Read the rest »

Susie Kearley

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Look who’s joined us today!

 

 

Susie Kearley is a British freelance writer and journalist, working for magazines, newspapers, and book publishers worldwide. She covers a wide range of subjects including travel, has a regular column in her local newspaper, and is a keen photographer.  Susie has had two books published:   ‘Freelance Writing on Health, Food and Gardens’ published by Compass Books in paperback and ebook formats and  ‘Healthy, Sustainable Living – God’s Way’ self-published as an ebook for Kindle.  You can find out more about Susie from the following links:

TW: www.twitter.com/susiekearley 

Amazon profile: … Read the rest »

Exhausted and Sad

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Throughout my life I’ve had a few stressful, very stressful times, but the last few days have perhaps been among the worst.

Now, you’d think I’d have learned years ago that you never really know anyone; that you cannot possibly know what goes on in someone’s head.  So why does it come as a surprise to discover that someone is self-centred and self-absorbed and harbouring real resentment against me?   Answers on a postcard, please.   I’ve tried to let go of my feelings; I’ve had to because there’s been so much more going on, but I’ve found it very distressing.

Thursday … Read the rest »

Karen Struel-White

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I’m so happy to have my agent as my special guest on Hot Holidays! today.  Drum roll…….Ms Karen Struel-White!
Karen produced the original version of Wag! The Musical which played to packed houses at ‘Ye Olde Rose And Crown Theatre’ in London, back in June of 2012. Karen has worked with Peter Frosdick on casting and sponsorship initiatives for the Charing Cross Theatre season, helping out by offering advice and providing numerous and helpful contacts for Peter and Paul Nicholas. Karen has just been appointed Executive Producer for Norma Jeane The Musical which stages next March http://www.normajeanethemusical.com/
She has her
… Read the rest »

Hashtag Hypocrites

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Allow me to be ‘political’ to start with today, please.

Over the last few weeks with campaigns such as Stephen’s Story, we’ve seen the power of the hashtag as it was used throughout social media to raise over £3 million for Teenage Cancer.  It was heartwarming to see just how involved people became, moved by the story of Stephen Sutton, and how social media was used for the power of good.  During the last few days another campaign has started up – #bringbackourgirls, which refers to the kidnap in Nigeria of more than 200 schoolgirls by the Islamic fundamentalist group … Read the rest »

Katie Vale

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Today my guest in the Hot Holidays! Spot is the rather marvellous milliner, Katie Vale!  Regular readers of my blog will remember the fab fascinator she made me last year for my friend’s wedding, that ended up getting its own wedding photo.

Katie is a couture milliner who works from her countryside studio on a farm in Essex.  She designs & makes all sorts of fascinators, hats & headwear; and loves working with a variety of materials to achieve unique results.  She has one “big” holiday a year and tries to get away for a few long weekends with her … Read the rest »

From Upper Class to Cattle

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Well, what a whistlestop trip it was!  On Wednesday lunchtime I left Stansted to fly to Ibiza on business, stayed over night and came back Thursday evening.

There was a gasp and a sharp intake of breath from the Daughter when I said I was flying Ryanair.  “Are you mad?” She asked me.  What a way to speak to your mother!  But she had a terrible ordeal at Ryanair’s hands a couple of years ago and vowed never to travel with them again, and she hasn’t.  I was very apprehensive, especially as my Because-I’m-Worth-It philosophy has meant that I haven’t … Read the rest »

Caroline James

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Today you are in for a treat!  My guest for Hot Holidays! is Caroline James!

Caroline James was born in Cheshire and wanted to be a writer from an early age. She trained, however, in the catering trade and worked and travelled both at home and abroad.

Caroline’s debut novel, Coffee, Tea, The Gypsy & Me shot to #3 on Amazon and was Ebook of the Week in The Sun newspaper. Her second novel, So, You Think You’re A Celebrity… Chef? has been described as wickedly funny: ‘AbFab meets MasterChef in a Soap…’ Caroline has owned and run many catering … Read the rest »

Rehearsed Reading and Ridley Road

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It’s been a rewarding, busy time for me lately, I’m pleased to report.

Last Wednesday was spent rehearsing for Thursday’s Rehearsed Reading of Singles Holiday, the play, which took place at the Wenlock & Essex in Islington.  It was exciting to feel the play coming to life and I love what director Dave Milner is bringing to the production and performing to an audience for the first time, all be it a small one, gave the rehearsal vibrancy.  I can’t wait until we’re into rehearsals-proper and am very much looking forward to October when we are performing at the Brentwood … Read the rest »

Superman Stephen

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I defy anyone not to have been moved by the courageous story of Stephen Sutton, the teenager suffering from terminal bowel cancer whose appeal has now surpassed two million pounds.  https://www.justgiving.com/stephen-sutton-TCT

It’s not just the fact that this amazing young man has managed to do this, but also his indomitable spirit.  When diagnosed he set up a bucket list of forty-odd targets and has managed to tick off thirty-five of them.  In an interview given in front of his mum he said he had loads of motivation and little time and so he wanted to pass some of his motivation … Read the rest »