From Day Dreaming to Tippet Tying

Tempted as I am to spend my time indulging my favourite pastime – daydreaming – professionalism always wins the day hence I have, once again, been rather productive this past month as I am about to detail. 

My review of the Ashmolean’s Ed Paschke exhibition is included on Cotswold Life’s website and for anyone seeking Mother’s Day gift ideas I suggest you read my article in Buckinghamshire Life for some amazing edible treats. Well, unless you live in Hertfordshire, that is, in which case my 15 Ways to Spoil Mum should similarly inspire you.

My latest artist profile for Hampshire Life features the talented Peter Jarvis who was a delight to interview, a fascinating blend of creativity and methodology. And on the website of the same magazine Lady Margaret Gosworthy-Pringle shares her embroidery goals and social disappointments via her latest blog: Tippet Tying, Wilting Canapés and Performance Poetry. 

Attending last month’s Chiltern Writers meeting, I was entertained by an eclectic mix of creativity at our Manuscript Evening. This month Julie Mayhew will talk about Writing for Radio. Do come along on the 12^th (8pm, Wendover Library Room). It will be good to meet you.

Features, blogs and Tweeting

Outside temperatures may have plummeted but here in my study a heartily stocked log burner provides stimulating warmth, hence the relentless hours I spend at my laptop crafting articles on all manner of topics. 

For instance, my interview with the fascinatingly artistic Charles Lutyens is in the current edition of Hampshire Life whilst Buckinghamshire Life features my piece on marriage, including my own and how pleased Spousey is to be included in this gorgeous magazine. In the February edition of Hertfordshire Life I cover Valentine’s Day Treats and Upcycling as well as an interview with Suzanne Levy, founder of Hertfordshire Craft Collective and this month Lady Margaret Gosworthy-Pringle shares her ample opinions in Twin Sets, Front Slits and Low Slung Slacks. Just go to www.hampshire-life.co.uk to read her latest musings.

During a rare absence from my desk I headed once again for the Ashmolean for the opening of Ed Paschke: Visionary from Chicago exhibition before rushing back to share my news via social media. Indeed, I am not only being infinitely more active on Twitter as @TheCurrentMrsS, I am also tweeting on behalf of @BucksLifeMags. So do follow us; it will be good to hear from you.

Buoyant, Copious and Dollop

May I wish you a Happy New Year, one filled with buoyant health, copious happiness and a generous dollop of fulfilment? 

One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to keep in touch rather more frequently. Indeed, I have notated reminders in my diary but please do not deter from prompting me should tardiness infiltrate my schedule.

But let me now reprise my recent publishing milestones. It is a privilege to write for a number of Archant magazines and I was delighted when Hampshire Life featured one of the gorgeous paintings of my interviewee, Josephine Chisholm, on the front cover of the December edition. This was a bumper month on the Archant front with my 2014 quiz and Pantomime Round Up in Buckinghamshire Life, and Ten Edible Christmas Gifts in Hertfordshire Life. And this month Buckinghamshire Life has featured my Gluten Free feature along with one about Getting Fit for 2015. That national treasure, The Lady, also recently carried my review of William Blake: Apprentice and Master, and I highly recommend the exhibition for anyone visiting Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum. 

Last evening’s Chiltern Writers meeting provided a worthy opportunity to mix with fellow writers and I also took away some useful tips from our speaker and long time member, Dave Sivers. 

Now, what are my plans for the rest of today? A spot of lunch first, I think, followed by some brainstorming for my next Lady Margaret Gosworthy-Pringle blog. Then a little more attention to social media, a mid afternoon cuddle with the cat before research and planning. My, how time flies. . .

From pearls to royalty, and local exhibitions to The Ivy.

As autumn approaches I find myself reflecting on a busy and creative few months which have resulted in a range of articles. Firstly, my Lady Margaret Gosworthy-Pringle persona continues to pontificate on matters as far reaching as gloves, pearls and seasonal celebrations via Hampshire Life’s website. How opinionated she is and how mindboggling that I should find her so accessible!

Perhaps we should move on . . . for Buckinghamshire Life I talked to the amazingly creative Linda Newham whose floristry designs are amongst some of the most beautiful I have ever witnessed. And for the same publication, I spent a most stimulating day at Queens Park Centre as well as producing 25 Autumn Treats and 10 Good Reasons to Love Bucks features.

Meanwhile my insatiable appetite for artists continues. Hampshire Life readers have learnt about Hampshire Open Studios exhibitors plus Stephen Lees and Sheila Hope via my interviews. Articles covering Baldock’s Fireside Festival, Hertfordshire Ghosts and Hitchin History Walks have been featured in Hertfordshire Life.

I was delighted to run yet another workshop at this year’s Thame Arts and Literature Festival and, in anticipation of the pantomime season, I recently had the pleasure of journeying to Milton Keynes Theatre to interview Bradley Walsh and the ultra talented dance group, Flawless. Read all about them in the December edition of Buckinghamshire Life.

It’s always a pleasure when invitations come my way and I was especially thrilled when Charlie Barton, whom I interviewed last year, invited me to The Ivy for a private preview of her latest work. Far from me to name drop, but it was an evening of mixing with royalty and some of the most seasoned writers and actors.

Not that I neglect more local callings. I have attended the opening of Fabric HQ plus a private preview of a photography exhibition at Obsidian Art. Such talent! No wonder I am spoiled for interview choices.

Invitations

I may be awash with decorators and distracted by feline maternal duties (our young cat has just produced twins) but that has not prevented me from channelling my literary energies. Why, only on Saturday I revelled in the second BeaconLit, a literary extravaganza right here in The Chilterns. Informative talks mingled with networking opportunities; I even came home with a couple of free books from the beautiful crime novelist Jane Isaac. 

Tomorrow I will be partaking afternoon refreshments with my colleague, Nick Halliday. A children’s author extraordinaire, he is also the design genius behind my website. No doubt our meeting will include a guffaw or two for we each spark such hilarity I’m amazed we haven’t yet created a sitcom. 

One of the benefits of being a freelance writer is the range of people whom I interview. Jenny Muncaster is my latest subject for Hampshire Life and she is perfect blend of talent and intellect. I have also spoken to aerobatic expert, Simon Abbott, for Buckinghamshire Life in my Take to the Skies feature. Meanwhile, two of my features in Hertfordshire Life - Berkhamsted Brilliance and Amaravati Buddhist Monastery – provided me with the opportunity to converse with a range of humankind, from illustrators to writers and ballerinas to monks.

The recent Berkhamsted Writing Competition Prize Giving was a celebration of some fine short story writing. Jonathan Stroud and Catherine Alliott were charming judges and the winning entries were brought to life via the thespian skills of Julie Mayhew in the welcome surroundings of Waterstones.

By the way, regardless of any preconceptions you may have about the WI, let me assure you they are a vibrant example of energy and enthusiasm. The local branch recently invited me to a talk by Frances Benton, a collector of pearls and one of the most exuberant and natural speakers I have ever heard. The group is thriving and incredibly active. If only I had the time, I might well join them.

Talking of invitations, this evening I am off to the local Rotary Club’s President’s Party in a local restaurant. So if you’ll excuse me  . . .