Today was amazingly productive. I managed to clear my inbox for one client and possible acquire a new writing project. Thank goodness I appear to have lost the cough, sniffles, shivering, headache and general malaise.
The end of January sees me on track to achieve all I want to before I hit 50 in 350 days.
Tomorrow needs to be a day clearing my office and getting completely on track after nearly a month feeling under the weather and just getting by.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Monday 30 January 2012
Gorgeous people and products at TD Tom Davies
Spent a lovely hour at TD Tom Davies this afternoon and ended up choosing these beautiful sunglasses.
Freddie needs new specs and it's so hard to find good quality, trendy ones that he likes. In fact, I found a few that Tom had created that he'd have loved, but really wouldn't have suited him.
There seems to be a real benefit from designer frames and good advice. Tom and his team knew what would be right for Freddie and what - importantly - would suit his face and his prescription. I've always been happy with High Street Opticians, but this was more personal and I genuinely felt that the right choice was made in the end.
All we have to do now is wait ...
Sunday 29 January 2012
Saturday 28 January 2012
Seeing the flowers reach a customer
A lovely moment - Anne receives her bouquet of Bunches flowers at Hitchin delivery office.
Friday 27 January 2012
A great day seeing how Bunches and Royal Mail deliver smiles
Exhausting but productive day. Drove to Nottingham and saw how Bunches prepare and pack bouquets of flowers for consumers. Then to the mail centre to see how Royal Mail processes them. Watching a single delivery that tomorrow will reach a home in Hitchin was fascinating.
Thursday 26 January 2012
The latest issue of 'Courier' is out now
Just hitting the doormat of postmen and women around the country is the latest issue of 'Courier'.
Featuring a number of stories on CSR, there are also some great pieces that I sweated blood over. Love the one about Pizza Hut leaflets especially. I met a great team down at Swindon walk bundling centre, who are clearly efficient and providing an outstanding service to the customer.
As I'm working increasingly on Direct Mail and seeing what Royal Mail does for its customers, I'm finding out more about why what used to be called 'junk' mail is actually far more valuable than that. It's helping businesses reach their customers in a much more targetted way. It's where a lot of us get our special offers and vouchers from.
I also spent the morning with the team at Royal Mail's Infobank, which helps companies target Addressed leaflets. Genuinely fascinating.
Featuring a number of stories on CSR, there are also some great pieces that I sweated blood over. Love the one about Pizza Hut leaflets especially. I met a great team down at Swindon walk bundling centre, who are clearly efficient and providing an outstanding service to the customer.
As I'm working increasingly on Direct Mail and seeing what Royal Mail does for its customers, I'm finding out more about why what used to be called 'junk' mail is actually far more valuable than that. It's helping businesses reach their customers in a much more targetted way. It's where a lot of us get our special offers and vouchers from.
I also spent the morning with the team at Royal Mail's Infobank, which helps companies target Addressed leaflets. Genuinely fascinating.
Wednesday 25 January 2012
This is what true hard work and dedication is about
The team at Melrose delivery office is another team who've gone all out to keep the mail appearing through consumers' doors.
Never afraid of a bit of hard work, these people.
Read the article here.
Never afraid of a bit of hard work, these people.
Read the article here.
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Reigniting an old contact
Met up tonight with an old contact and friend and really hope that we can work together in the future.
She's a very good writer, mainly in the financial and corporate field, which will work well with my experience in food.
Hopefully, we can get some clients to work together on.
She's a very good writer, mainly in the financial and corporate field, which will work well with my experience in food.
Hopefully, we can get some clients to work together on.
Monday 23 January 2012
Fred's broken arm
Yesterday afternoon saw Fred break his arm. We've just spent another three hours in A&E, trying to get it strapped up better and stronger painkillers. I really cannot believe that they're leaving him like this for another week.
Sunday 22 January 2012
New musical venture - Nightshade
I've been looking out for a new musical venture for a while and it may have just arrived. A good friend who's also a good guitarist has suggested we do some duo gigs. It means coming up with a set list and putting some songs on YouTube. Hopefully, we can get together in the next couple of weeks.
I'm still fairly keen to get going on another musical project that's been bubbling under for a couple of years. We just need to get on it, but we're spread all over the country, so it's not easy.
We'll get there and hopefully can do some live gigs in the summer.
I'm still fairly keen to get going on another musical project that's been bubbling under for a couple of years. We just need to get on it, but we're spread all over the country, so it's not easy.
We'll get there and hopefully can do some live gigs in the summer.
Saturday 21 January 2012
This is the sort of story I love to write
There have been a few of these articles recently, and the all go to show how hard people can work in the face of diversity.
Friday 20 January 2012
Published article - Paul Archer and Burning Codes
Good to see this online. Can't wait to see the print version in due course.
Thursday 19 January 2012
Great philosophy for life and summarises my current approach
"Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you are alive, it isn't." Richard Bach.
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Being thanked is always good
One particular feature I wrote recently was pleasantly received by the office concerned. Always good to hear praise.
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Working too hard to develop my business
This is not good. I am doing too much work and not enough business getting. It's a great position to be in, but not where I want to be long-term.
The whole thing hasn't been helped by this horrible cold/flu which has knocked me for six. The last three weeks have been largely a process of getting by and until it's gone completely, I can't see where I'm going. Lost under a deluge of paper tissues: drowning in Lemsip.
The whole thing hasn't been helped by this horrible cold/flu which has knocked me for six. The last three weeks have been largely a process of getting by and until it's gone completely, I can't see where I'm going. Lost under a deluge of paper tissues: drowning in Lemsip.
Monday 16 January 2012
An evening networking
This feels like a decision-making point. If I am to build my business locally, I need to meet with local businesses who might need my services.
However, another evening spent chatting to people has not resulted in more than polite interest. Maybe this is just not where my future as a writer lies.
I love writing about music and film and possibly that should be my focus.
I am enjoying working in London with AB on major national clients, travelling around and interviewing people. It is a great opportunity for me and I'm not about to put the brakes on that part of my life. If there just isn't any local work, then there's no point in pushing it.
Interesting times.
However, another evening spent chatting to people has not resulted in more than polite interest. Maybe this is just not where my future as a writer lies.
I love writing about music and film and possibly that should be my focus.
I am enjoying working in London with AB on major national clients, travelling around and interviewing people. It is a great opportunity for me and I'm not about to put the brakes on that part of my life. If there just isn't any local work, then there's no point in pushing it.
Interesting times.
Sunday 15 January 2012
It's my birthday
49 today and not ashamed of it. Apart from anything else, there's not a great deal I can do to rectify the situation.
I certainly don't feel that I am approaching 50. Lunch with the family was very pleasant, followed by a nap and drinks with friends in Cafe Rouge. A relaxed, enjoyable day. Now I just need to plan next year's party.
I certainly don't feel that I am approaching 50. Lunch with the family was very pleasant, followed by a nap and drinks with friends in Cafe Rouge. A relaxed, enjoyable day. Now I just need to plan next year's party.
Saturday 14 January 2012
Friday 13 January 2012
Some more pics from the Gang Show pit in Harpenden.
The lovely team in the brass/horn section for this year's Harpenden Gang Show.
I'm proud to be part of it, even though I am struggling with a cold and really not performing as well as should reasonably be expected.
I'm proud to be part of it, even though I am struggling with a cold and really not performing as well as should reasonably be expected.
Thursday 12 January 2012
A productive day at home, but still feeling rough
Really not focussing. Wish I felt better (cough, cough).
Wednesday 11 January 2012
Look what you can achieve when you're nice!
However, they were incredibly helpful and have now replaced the huge sign with a much smaller one and I am very happy.
Tuesday 10 January 2012
FIrst night of the Gang Show was definitely better than rehearsal
I can tell that this cold is losing its hold on me. Tonight, I played most of the right notes, mostly in the right order (you have to know that the most famous person to come from Harpenden is, probably, Eric Morecambe to get that joke).
Anyway, the show went well and it's amazing how inspirational it is to play with a group of kids who are working really hard at what they're doing.
The pit band is working its socks off. Definitely wasn't when I took this photo:
But once they actually made it down into the depths of the pit, it all went swimmingly. It would have been nice if we'd all played the National Anthem in the same key(!) but the rest went well thereafter.
It's going to be a good week. Tiring, but enjoyable.
Some of the arrangements are excellent (thanks to Chris), which makes it more worthwhile. Always entertaining to be sitting in front of Rob on trumpet and being conducted by Ewan. It all feels nicely familiar, despite being not far away from sight-reading.
On the basis that I will NOT allow this cold to win, tomorrow night will be even better.
Anyway, the show went well and it's amazing how inspirational it is to play with a group of kids who are working really hard at what they're doing.
The pit band is working its socks off. Definitely wasn't when I took this photo:
But once they actually made it down into the depths of the pit, it all went swimmingly. It would have been nice if we'd all played the National Anthem in the same key(!) but the rest went well thereafter.
It's going to be a good week. Tiring, but enjoyable.
Some of the arrangements are excellent (thanks to Chris), which makes it more worthwhile. Always entertaining to be sitting in front of Rob on trumpet and being conducted by Ewan. It all feels nicely familiar, despite being not far away from sight-reading.
On the basis that I will NOT allow this cold to win, tomorrow night will be even better.
Monday 9 January 2012
This really is a hilarious film - see it if you get the chance
My review of 'Mocha Do About Nothing' appeared today on The Best of Hitchin blog. Read it here.
Sunday 8 January 2012
Cold has hit me like a hammer
A day of sight-reading in the pit for Harpenden Gang Show, while fighting a hideous cold has left me exhausted. Things can only get better.
Saturday 7 January 2012
What are YOU going to do to make a difference in 2012?
Why does 2012 feel like such a big year? There's the London Olympics and Paralympic Games, plus the Queen's big anniversary celebrations.
It also feels as if something else in the air is positive. Less of the selfishness and more of a focus on community. We're all being squeezed financially but that is forcing us to realise what really matters.
I wrote my latest blog for The Best of Hitchin with that thought in mind. Something of the 'Ask not what your country can do for you ...'
I'm not actually going to hold anyone accountable for making a difference in 2012, but I'm certain that I'll be trying to set an example. Ignore me if you choose - that's your decision.
The next week will mostly be spent playing in the band for Harpenden and Wheathampstead Gang Show and I'll be surrounded by people giving up their time for nothing - often huge amounts of time, regularly, to give children and young people an unforgettable experience. I'm looking forward to it.
So, I shall be doing all I can to make a difference in 2012. Hopefully, for the better.
It also feels as if something else in the air is positive. Less of the selfishness and more of a focus on community. We're all being squeezed financially but that is forcing us to realise what really matters.
I wrote my latest blog for The Best of Hitchin with that thought in mind. Something of the 'Ask not what your country can do for you ...'
I'm not actually going to hold anyone accountable for making a difference in 2012, but I'm certain that I'll be trying to set an example. Ignore me if you choose - that's your decision.
The next week will mostly be spent playing in the band for Harpenden and Wheathampstead Gang Show and I'll be surrounded by people giving up their time for nothing - often huge amounts of time, regularly, to give children and young people an unforgettable experience. I'm looking forward to it.
So, I shall be doing all I can to make a difference in 2012. Hopefully, for the better.
Friday 6 January 2012
Here's a new year's resolution - learn something new
I've just seen the truly brilliant British Heart Foundation advert for their 'Hard and Fast' campaign. If you haven't seen it, click here.
Vinnie Jones at his most hilarious. Whoever is responsible for creating the campaign deserves to win an award. It's rare for doing good to be presented in such a humorous and unusual way.
I'm already going through the process to become a Community First Responder, but until I get trained, I now have a new skill that I can try to remember. There's plenty of evidence that CPR saves lives. That's got to be a good thing.
And since Vinnie told me to do it, I better had.
PS - I've also bought a T-shirt, on the basis that I am more likely to remember what to do and can maybe help promote the campaign a little. Plus it's a funny T-shirt anyway.
Vinnie Jones at his most hilarious. Whoever is responsible for creating the campaign deserves to win an award. It's rare for doing good to be presented in such a humorous and unusual way.
I'm already going through the process to become a Community First Responder, but until I get trained, I now have a new skill that I can try to remember. There's plenty of evidence that CPR saves lives. That's got to be a good thing.
And since Vinnie told me to do it, I better had.
PS - I've also bought a T-shirt, on the basis that I am more likely to remember what to do and can maybe help promote the campaign a little. Plus it's a funny T-shirt anyway.
Thursday 5 January 2012
Settling the score for 2012 (well, the last four months)
What have I achieved since 1 September 2011?
Online is much more difficult to count-up, but it must get into hundreds of pages either written entirely, edited or a contribution made.
A good start to my career reboot.
Total number of published articles = 72I think that's a pretty good tally and I'm happy, particularly as there are several already in the bag to be published in January or February.
Double-page spreads = 4
Blogs for The Best of Hitchin = 9
Online is much more difficult to count-up, but it must get into hundreds of pages either written entirely, edited or a contribution made.
A good start to my career reboot.
Wednesday 4 January 2012
I wouldn't normal defend the Daily Express, but ...
Looking at the front covers of today's press, featuring the faces of Stephen Lawrence's convicted killers, it's interesting to note the disparity in that of the Daily Express.
The fact is, the Editor has chosen to lead with the £1,400 average cost to British families (like mine, with two children) of recent tax and benefit changes.
It appears to be a fact that poverty can contribute to crime - possibly when you see others prospering through their birth-right rather than hard work? If that is the case and if that is part of the cause of this summer's riots, then maybe increasing poverty is not the brightest move.
I don't think anyone is citing poverty as the cause of Lawrence's awful murder and the vile racism behind it. It will be interesting to see - as the dust settles on the sentencing just announced of around 15 years for each of the two killers so far convicted - how far their backgrounds and values were affected by economics.
What I do know is that the steely determination of Stephen Lawrence's mother has changed our society for the better in the last 18 years. Would that we were all so principled and effective in being driven by those principles.
The fact is, the Editor has chosen to lead with the £1,400 average cost to British families (like mine, with two children) of recent tax and benefit changes.
It appears to be a fact that poverty can contribute to crime - possibly when you see others prospering through their birth-right rather than hard work? If that is the case and if that is part of the cause of this summer's riots, then maybe increasing poverty is not the brightest move.
I don't think anyone is citing poverty as the cause of Lawrence's awful murder and the vile racism behind it. It will be interesting to see - as the dust settles on the sentencing just announced of around 15 years for each of the two killers so far convicted - how far their backgrounds and values were affected by economics.
What I do know is that the steely determination of Stephen Lawrence's mother has changed our society for the better in the last 18 years. Would that we were all so principled and effective in being driven by those principles.
Tuesday 3 January 2012
An easy start back at work
It's been refreshing - literally - to have a break from work for several days. Now I'm back and taking it fairly slow. I shall have to up my game in the next few days, but so far, I'm achieving a fair amount.
I wish that I could say I have resolutions to pursue. Unfortunately, I don't smoke or gamble, drink infrequently and don't have excess weight to lose. My character flaws do not need enumerating, but they are many: I'm sure I can find one to work on for the coming year.
I wish that I could say I have resolutions to pursue. Unfortunately, I don't smoke or gamble, drink infrequently and don't have excess weight to lose. My character flaws do not need enumerating, but they are many: I'm sure I can find one to work on for the coming year.
Monday 2 January 2012
Disaster with my camera
So, it appears likely that lending Flo my camera to take out on New Year's Eve was not the most sensible thing to do.
It hasn't survived having some kind of alcoholic beverage poured into it.
So, now I need to buy a new one. Beginning to shop around and we'll see where I end up, but the disaster (such as it is) has rendered impossible my one resolutions for 2012 - take more pictures. The camera on my BlackBerry is fine up to a point, but it won't turn me into Annie Liebowitz.
It hasn't survived having some kind of alcoholic beverage poured into it.
So, now I need to buy a new one. Beginning to shop around and we'll see where I end up, but the disaster (such as it is) has rendered impossible my one resolutions for 2012 - take more pictures. The camera on my BlackBerry is fine up to a point, but it won't turn me into Annie Liebowitz.
Sunday 1 January 2012
It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life
... and I'm feeling good.
The end of 2011 saw me dancing with a good friend in the latest swanky restaurant in Hitchin - Hermitage Road. I bumped into two old friends, one of whom I haven't seen for nearly 20 years. It was very strange and lovely.
The start of 2012 saw me eating the fabulous spread laid on by another great friend and it made me realise that I have known my three closest friends for 40, 35 and 29 years. I have new friends, too, who I may just know in another 40 years. The longevity of my friendships may appear boring to some, but it adds stability to my life: I don't need to explain anything to these three women.
A balance between the old and the new is just one of the elements of a healthy lifestyle, I should have thought.
The end of 2011 saw me dancing with a good friend in the latest swanky restaurant in Hitchin - Hermitage Road. I bumped into two old friends, one of whom I haven't seen for nearly 20 years. It was very strange and lovely.
The start of 2012 saw me eating the fabulous spread laid on by another great friend and it made me realise that I have known my three closest friends for 40, 35 and 29 years. I have new friends, too, who I may just know in another 40 years. The longevity of my friendships may appear boring to some, but it adds stability to my life: I don't need to explain anything to these three women.
A balance between the old and the new is just one of the elements of a healthy lifestyle, I should have thought.