November is never a good month for me

I love the run-up to Christmas, but November has never brought me good things. Maybe that's just my perception, but I've had several of my failed relationships that finally gave up the ghost in November. And jobs, too.

I wonder if it's just chance or if there's something going on?

Last year I attempted National Novelwriting Month and failed dismally. Don't even know where my pathetic attempts are.

This year is going to be different. I'm going to crack through the 50,000 words I need to finish my novel that has been going stale. Well, let's see how far I get ...

Feeling a little sad

I have just realised that my stint with The Iconics lasted almost exactly four months. Such a shame and it makes me sad.

Moving on. I'm sure there is something else on the horizon.

A very pleasant evening

I wish I wrote poetry.

My soul is bursting with words

Last night was sublime.

It was the night that

Defines the word 'sublime'.

Exhausted

Definitely over-did it yesterday. Mostly napping today. But then an interesting evening is a possibility.

Decorating

Wallpaper stripping and carpet throwing out. Feels very positive.

Perfect preparation presents poor performance

Had a very interesting interview today with a Swede. Followed by four hours hitting the keyboard and producing lots of articles. Not getting near the bottom of the 'To Do' list, but at least life is never dull.

I'm writing a sitcom!

This is quite an exciting development. I'm now working with a very good friend and we're well into the conception of a sitcom. It will probably take months to actually write and perfect, but it's a good project to be starting on.

Snapped!

Here, FINALLY, is my photo of James Berry, snapped this morning in Henley on Thames. It's going to make a great story and I've also got some pics from 1966 when he won the Blue Peter/GPO Christmas Stamp competition.

No classification for 'freelance writer' on Yell

I'm sure I'm not the only freelance writer in the world. Or even in Hitchin. Had an interesting discussion with a salesman from Yell who was trying to put me into all sorts of classifications that were frankly ridiculous. No, I won't be paying to advertise.

Hitchin Priory never used to be like this

My memories of Hitchin Priory range back over 40 years and it never looked like this when I first spent time there. One day, I'm going to sleep in the best bedroom as a guest and remember being on my first French exchange trip.

You ain't seen nothing yet!

A French film. Interesting and thought-provoking. Aren't they all? Nevertheless, some interesting questions posed about ageing and it's true - you ain't seen NOTHING yet!

My first Saturday for a long time without a gig

Feels very strange.

Hard at work

That is all.

Manchester is awesome!

What larks! Actually, a very interesting day at MediaCityUK with Florence and then a good night at the theatre.

The delights of Chelmsford

Interviewing men and women who keep our post offices running smoothly. Lovely job.

Stood up!

Haven't been stood up for years. That's the end of online dating for me!

It's a new day

'The Quartet' is a beautiful film and Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut. certainly one for an Oscar nomination, if nothing else. A lovely evening with a good friend and exactly what I needed. Even snapping Hoffman from six inches away made me feel like a lit bit of stardust fell onto my shoulders.

... which resulted in me leaving The Iconics

I'm not going to dwell on it, but there's a time and a place. There's also an opportunity for people to stand up and be counted against bullying they perceive of other people. May I never stand silent.

A somewhat upsetting day

It's never good to hear criticism and I now know what online bullying looks like.

Some good work done today

I interviewed people, wrote articles and created educational material about smell. Productive.

Just in time for a gig in Letchworth at the Two Chimneys with The Iconics.

An evening at BAFTA

This is a complete cheat. I've never met Tim McInerney, but tonight I was present when Paul Arnold (right) won a Jerusalem award for his Easter ad that was the reason for this photo being taken. Spurious link, I know, but a proud moment to be on the periphery of.

I have to confess ...

Jazz FM is doing it for me today. 'I get a kick out of you', the Jamie Cullum version. Lyrics absolutely spot on.

My story is much too sad to be told, But practically everything leaves me totally cold. The exception I know is the case When I'm out on a quiet spree, Fighting vainly the old ennui, And I suddenly turn and see your fabulous face. I get no kick from champagne. Mere alcohol doesn't thrill me at all. So tell me why should it be true That I get a kick out of you? Some, they may go for cocaine. I'm sure that if I took even one sniff It would bore me terrifically, too. Yet I get a kick out of you. I get a kick every time I see You standing there before me. I get a kick though it's clear to see You obviously do not adore me. I get no kick in a plane. Flying too high with some gal in the sky Is my idea of nothing to do. Yet I get a kick - um you give me a boot - I get a kick out of you.

Yesterday. Meeting Paolo ... again

Always a pleasure to meet up with Mr Hewitt. Especially when he has THREE books out.

The view from here

Amazing how quickly the landscape can change.

Lazy day

Actually, achieved very little. Perhaps we all need days like this.

Possibly the worst picture ever taken

I was looking good, too. Not that you'd know it.

A blast from the past in Ashford

Caught up with one of my biggest clients today and saw some familiar faces from the past. Very pleasant.

Plenty to do

Motivation is a tricky thing, when your mind is elsewhere.

Drive. Interview. Drive

Sheffield mail centre - full of good people.

'Never gonna happen'

Best line from a funny and touching film. Saw 'Hope Springs' with work this evening and loved it.

Researching is a tough job

Scoping out Murdock of London for Thursday's Royal Mail Movember job.