Island Life

Me chilled!

Although it’s been (yet another!) flying visit, which is rapidly racing towards its end when I board BA 2156 tomorrow evening to head back to Gatwick, I can say I feel much more relaxed now that when I arrived. Even with the bit of racing around I’ve had to do, I do feel as if I’ve had a break, which is the whole point of having Avocado Cottage, nuh?

I’ve had a couple of lovely social events; dinner with B & C on their water-front veranda under a full moon.  Perfect!  This is one of the loveliest spots … Read the rest »

Saturday is Special

I like Saturdays.  When I was young I used to think it was a magical day.  The day was one that you could spend doing whatever you liked free from the restraints of school and Saturday night was Big Night Out.  A dance at St Elizabeth’s Church Hall and I thought I’d died and gone to Heaven.  And yesterday was another magical Saturday; an emotional roller coaster…

I had a fabulous class with my Junior Dramas at Stages Studios.  The youngsters are so talented and I love teaching them and seeing what they’re capable of.  Magic.

And then a private … Read the rest »

Practising Productivity

Today has been a very productive day.

I’ve just spent over two hours with Nick Campbell working on the script and sorting out production details for the staging of Singles’ Holiday; the first full-length production by the Actors’ Factory.

This is something new for me, as What’s Eating Me and Sweet Lady were plays that became books.  My second novel is about to become a play, doing things the other way round.  It’s all very exciting and I can’t wait for the script to be completed and the auditions to start and very satisfying, too.

I’m writing this with one … Read the rest »

An Elegance of Elaines

I found myself in a “never before” situation on Saturday when I went to the wedding of my lovely friend Michelle and her new husband Trevor.  It was a really smashing day.  Knowing it was to be held in the RC Church of St John the Evangelist in Horsham, I was a little apprehensive as previous Catholic weddings I’ve been to have all been a bit physical: “Please stand.”  “Let us kneel,”  “Please be seated,”  “Now stand for the blessing”.  You get the picture.  But there was no kneeling involved at all, although we did have to stand for rather … Read the rest »

First Stage(s) Over

Today I went back to teaching drama.

It made me realise that I’d missed it.  And I’m not ashamed to admit that I was very nervous about doing the classes as it’s been a while since I last stood in front of a class and taught anything.  But it’s like riding a bike; you never forget.

I met some great new students who did some excellent work and already I can see their potential, which for a drama teaching is really exciting.  Classes are small at the moment but I know they’ll grow, especially when new people join and see … Read the rest »

This Sceptred Isle…. This Wonderful Life

It has been a glorious St George’s Day.

The weather, to start with, was doing what it should at this time of year and gave us a beautiful sunny day.  I drove to Greenwich to have lunch with the Daughter finally – we hadn’t seen each other for five weeks as we both lead such busy lives! – and we had a great natter and catch up and as always it was just so lovely to see her.

And as the weather was so good everyone was sitting outside; all the terraces and grass area taken up with people who … Read the rest »

All Hail the Spring!

 Well, we can’t deny that April is a month of showers.

I went to aquarobics fairly early this morning – at the Athenaeum Club in Rochford.  I enjoyed it but it probably wasn’t a good idea to eat a large bowl of muesli just before the class!  Anyway, when I left home and even when I came out of the Club, the sun was shining, albeit half-heartedly.  And all the way down the A127 to Ilford where my Hairdresser is located I needed my sunglasses.

But as I left the Hairdresser two hours later large, dark clouds were gathering ominously.  … Read the rest »

Somebody Stop Me!

Well!  As I was saying last week I think I’ve been taken over by an alien, and as today I completed my FOURTH workout at the pool in seven days I think it really is the case.  I feel so THIN!!  Looking in the mirror tells me that I don’t look that different, well, I don’t look any different, really, but I feel good and that’s the main thing.  And smug., as you’ve probably already gathered.

I have been knocked out by the enquiries I’ve received about my Actor’s Factory.  Talented people I’d feared I’d never work with again have … Read the rest »