Wishing for Summer

When Jamie Ridler asked "What do you wish for Summer?"... I yelled at the screen "Some Summer would be nice!" It's cold and raining again this morning and the nights drawing in now too...

However, I am a glass half full kind of girl and so, regaining the proper positive spirit (and hoping that temperatures that require skimpy short-wearing arrive soon), I shall cast my wishes to the universe.

This summer, in true Lisa-fashion, I am once more taking on every single opportunity that comes my way wearing an interesting hat. This keeps me out of mischief, but also requires some distinct time-juggling and smarter working. All achievable with a little self-discipline.

I've set myself some easy goals to get me started. First one is to get  up in the morning with the first alarm and avoid the snooze button. It's a small goal, but already working - I think we're on Day 5. Not only am I up 20 minutes earlier every morning, but I leave sleep stupor snoozing on the pillow. It appears that nodding off for an extra 10 minutes, then another 10... just makes me more tired. Well, what do you know? These last few mornings have seen me positively bouncing and throwing myself into tasks with renewed enthusiasm.

Another goal is to exercise at least 10 minutes per day with a proper workout 3 times a week. Mix this with eating less chocolate, cakes and biscuits and we might see a few pounds dissolve from the waist and hips.

So, now we've got the energy levels up, we'll be ready to tackle the big projects. It's going to be a busy few months with plenty of writing work coming in, opportunities to use my creativity in employee engagement exercises and big ambitions with my art. I could tell you all now, but lunch break is over and I have to get back to work (plus, I'm sure you've read enough already!).

PS: What's up with blogger today? Can't load images. Methinks he hit the snooze button one too many times!

Wishing to read

What do you wish to read? Asks Jamie Ridler of the Wishcasting crew.

I wish to read the email offering my partner his dream job (after the interview he had this week) and us both the new opportunities that it might bring.

Fingers crossed sweetheart...

I've been visually and asking the universe (very nicely).

Perhaps some global wishing alongside us may be just what we need to blow the luck this way!

Setting limits

I haven't joined in with the Wishcasting crew for months but felt particularly prompted when I saw the question this morning - What limits do you wish to set?

Limits is not really a word I carry around in my vocabulary. I prefer words that form sentences like - leap without looking and where angels fear to tread. But lately, I've come to the realisation that perhaps for my own sanity I need to set maybe one or two little ones here and there.

I think I've been pushing myself too hard. There's so much I wish to achieve, yet not enough hours in the day or, more realistically, energy in this mind and body. By trying to win at everything, I think I'm coming in a medicore average at all. Some focus wouldn't go amiss, a concentration on one thing at a time. My mind is a tangle of thoughts, ambitions and ideas all competing for attention and getting themselves mixed and messed up.

Night time offers no rest when dreams get mixed in with reality and I awake in a state of confusion. It took me a while to realise this morning that I hadn't actually just had dinner with the Queen, Princess Anne and the late Edward and Mrs Simpson. Edward and I shared a cheeky glass of vintage wine that he'd hidden from his father... Interestingly, the Queen and Princess Anne resembled their current selves but Edward looked like Guy Pierce... (guess what I watched at the weekend!). Colin Firth was strangely absent. Perhaps he was busy off being Mr Darcy in someone else's dream.

The illustration for this post was prompted by Illustration Friday's 'swarm' topic and the book I am reading - Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan. One of the characters - Eva, a rather wicked woman carries a swarm of bees around her to torture those she seeks to influence. A kind of nagging annoyance that saps the spirit and bends you to her will.

My head feels like it has been infected by her bees at the moment and I think it's time they found someone else to bother - or better still, went back to the business of making honey - a far sweeter occupation. Is a bee invasion a warning that I'm reaching my limit?

How do I wish to grow older?

Why, disgracefully of course. I've been far too conformist all these years. I shall most definitely be 'wearing purple' and cultivating eccentrities in grubby corners of my home that don't see a duster because I am too busy painting and writing strange stories and romantic romps. I shall dance around supermarkets and sing in the bank.

I'll probably have paint stains on my fingers and bits of paper sticking to the back of my clothing. I'll totter around in high heels and evening dresses whenever I feel like it and roll in the grass. My make up and hair will depict my mood. I think I'll get hair extensions and wear flowers tucked behind my ears. I'll jingle and shine when I walk as all my jewellery dances along with me and catches the light.

I'll the be crazy relative that the young uns like to visit because there's always something interesting to find in my house - whether it's a fanciful tale, an intriguing guest or something sticking out of a drawer that sparkles and shines in the sunlight.

I'll be forever dashing off on adventures with my loved ones. Together we will be explorers of the world, gathering treasures and stories to share.

Growing older will be a pleasure. Starting with today when I promise I shall dance around the supermarket (wearing purple) while I pick out the ingredients for our evening meal. No time like the present I say!

Cast your growth wishes with Jamie Ridler and the gang over at the Wishcasting site.

Picture is just some eye candy I made from one of my summer photos - as it's purple I thought it was sort of appropriate. It would look lovely in my hair don't you think?

Art Every Day - Day 10

Shedding

Wishcasting this week asks us what we wish to shed. Ha! Well, that's an easy one. You see readers, this morning I was very naughty and allowed myself a little treat... something that really shouldn't have passed my lips, since I'm losing weight to fit in my posh evening dress again.

So, what do I wish to shed?

The calories I took in eating this Krispy Kreme of course!

(Shh...Don't tell!!)

Soft animals

Before you read this post, you should take a look at what inspired it. Jamie Ridler has been writing of the vulnerabilities of our desires and invites us to share those things that we might be most afraid of sharing - what poet Mary Oliver portrays in the lines:

"You have only to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves..."

Jamie suggests we should "clear away our cobwebs of limiting beliefs". This ties in beautifully with what I have been reading in the classic book on writing 'If you want to write' by Brenda Ueland. Brenda talks about being true to oneself. I was so struck by this quote that I was moved to write it down so I could keep reminding myself of it:

"Everyone is original, if he tells the truth, if he speaks from himself. But it muts be from his true self and not from the self he thinks he should be."

Last night I wore my goals on my sleeve and posted a journal entry sharing what I hope to be achieving in the coming months - you can read it here. It wasn't an easy thing to share and I contemplated keeping it private but I'm also a firm believer in sharing your desires with the universe or, at the very least, writing them down. I know that if I don't make effort to achieve these goals now then I'll feel guilty because I told you I would. It's well-needed motivation and a tried and tested way of putting pressure on myself.

In terms of perhaps sharing some of the 'softer' desires, the embarrassing tracks on the ipod type thing. I am not afraid of admitting my geekiness and sharing what is me with the world. Naturally some things should and do remain private but I don't mind letting people see what makes me tick and in fact like to think of myself as a little bit eccentric. I'm not exactly what people would call a shrinking violet. When I was a child I was always worrying about what people would think. Then one day - when I was in my teens I think - I just stopped with the realisation that if friends accepted me for who I was and respected you for your unique opinions, points of view and dodgy musical taste!

However, perhaps I should confess one little secret about me. As we were talking about 'soft animals' it reminded me that I still like to cuddle a soft animal in bed every now and again! One of my favourite things to look at is a child clutching their favourite toy in slumber - I guess I am rather a softie at heart and need my comfort.

Stepping in to step out

What do I wish to step into? That’s the Wednesday Wishcast for this week and never has my answer come so quickly... Why, it’s my very posh cocktail dress – which not only do I need to step into, but I have to do it up too! I have a black tie event on 9th November at a posh hotel in London and the frock I bought for meeting the Queen last year* is more than a little tight. Drastic action required my friends! Have already been on the South Beach Diet for two weeks but need to start the exercise regime. Wish me luck!


*Come on, if you’d met the Queen, you’d mention it at every available opportunity wouldn’t you?

In response to popular request - my meeting the Queen post!

All I want is a room somewhere

Miss Doolittle to the stage please...

Ah yes my loverlies. I want a room somewhere - one I can fill with my creative supplies and make mess in (and art!).

How I would love an abundance of studio space with a large work table in front of a window overlooking the gardens – maybe a stream flowing close by where the occasional deer might stoop to drink and herons kindly pose while waiting for their elusive lunch. All my paints and materials could be organised and neat (well, let’s scratch that last part, because we know that isn’t going to happen!), but there would certainly be enough space for some separation and organised chaos to occur. Cupboards, cupboards lots of cupboards...

The walls would be alive with inspiration and ideas – jottings on the back of napkins, scraps torn from magazines and delicious doodles.

The pc would whirr quietly in the corner whispering to me of digital magic... and all my beautiful art books would be close at hand and well-thumbed....

I'm wishing with the Wishcast crew again - What do you wish to have an abundance of?

The image is a decorated envelope I sploshed together in a rather haphazard manner for the Three Muses challenge which was... you guessed it... decorate an envelope! I wasn't going to bother posting it since it looks rather a mess, but hey I need something to add a splash of colour to this post so why not? I tried using masking fluid for the first time. Pretty cool stuff... I likey.

Somewhat under the weather this week so creative output has been low and early nights high on the agenda. I have to be better by Friday because I am leaving on a jet plane for a spot of culture and fun in Valencia!

Reacquainting with my ex....ercise....

I know I keep going on about this like a stuck record, but I am feeling my age. I am not happy with being in my 40s. I miss my 30s. I'm struggling with lots of things, trying to maintain a hold of my sense of direction. What annoys me intensely though is I know of one thing that will help. It's called E X E R C I S E. I've put on weight, I'm starting to ache in my joints, I feel lumpy and frumpy and lacking in energy. I need a hit of those endorphins that rush through you when your heart rate's up and the lactic acid pumps through the muscles. So, why don't I do it? Well, the old lame excuses. I don't have the energy, the time, I have too much else to do...

Today, Jamie Ridler's wishcasting prompt asks us what we wish to make a fresh start at.... Well, you know Jamie maybe I should spend my lunchbreak today exercising. What do you say? Shall I stick on one of my DVDs and leap about a bit in front of the television? I very rarely even take a lunchbreak these days, spending far too much time here in front of the pc. I haven't even had my recurring dream about running (and often winning!) a marathon for ages... and I miss it...

OK, that's it. Decided. Fresh start beginning today. Exercise at least three times a week. I have my DVDs, my mini-stepper and my bike. Now my boy has learnt to ride his without stabilisers we can go off together at weekends and explore the local bike trails too. Lots of fun to be had.

I'm off to weigh myself and measure my waistline so I can set a target. Watch this space...

Postscript: Ha! Just read Connie's post on the same subject - she's getting back into yoga. We are on a similar wavelength. Watch out for all us fit women running around in a few weeks. See what you started Jamie!

Creative wishes

It seems like ages since I took part in the Wednesday Wishcast, but when I saw the prompt today I knew I just had to join in. Jamie asked us 'what we wish for our creativity'. Well, given the heartfelt post I wrote yesterday and the kind and generous support I received from my fellow bloggers I might well say that my creativity is already bestowed with all it could wish for.

How warm and comforting to read such words of kindness. It seems my post touched a nerve and gave us opportunity to how much these issues affect all of us every now and again.

By all means read yesterday's post, but if you haven't got time I basically poured out some of my current frustrations and stresses; my feelings of overwhelm; the creative drive and passion; pushing boundaries and finding the time to do everything!

And so, without further ado, here is what I wish for my creativity...

That it finds the time to slow down and listen to the advice it's been given by my blogging friends. That is enjoys the journey as well as the destination and that it continues to flourish and grow day by day, year by year bringing me endless pleasure!

Well, not bad for a wish! I'm off to see what others wished for.

Pic is another of my legoland flowers!

It's nearly 8pm

It's nearly 8pm, I need to do an hour or two of work then off to bed for me. I rather naively believed that when I went self-employed I'd have more time to myself but that does not appear to be the case. I'm either working, networking, doing admin or feeling guilty about not doing admin. I've hardly picked up a paintbrush in the last couple of weeks and need to complete (well, to be truthful 'start' would be... well... a start!) a special painting by Sunday.

Sunday my friends begins a wonderful art auction with the Inspiration Avenue Etsy Group - a very talented group of ladies who allowed me to join their ranks. We are all auctioning one of our creations for the Angel Faces charity (just click on the blog badge for more details). Do pop along - you may just spot something with your name on. Now there's an idea. Maybe I should create a painting and give her a popular girl's name so some doting relative can't resist buying... Hmm.

It's wishcasting today with Jamie Ridler. She asks us what we wish to have more time for. I'm careful about wishing for more time when self employed as a sudden rush of free hours means I'm not getting paid! So maybe I'll pass this week and wish instead for better time management. You see, I shouldn't really be here blogging when there is work to do and it's nearly 8pm already...

On the bright side, I got to spend time with my boyfriend today when I took him out to celebrate his birthday with a yummy lunch. A grand time was had by all! Happy Birthday Babes! xx

Travels into my imagination

Jamie Ridler's wishcasting prompt this week was travel. I could spend the next 10 minutes rattling off a list of desirable travel locations - everywhere from The Seychelles to New York, Italy, Morrocco, the Amazon rainforests.... However, after the adventures I had in my dreams last night I'd like to explore somewhere far more surreal.

What secrets lie in wait to be discovered in the depths of my imagination? How can I travel further in and explore all those nooks and crannies? Last night I visited a post-apocalyptic world, a magical palace with room after room of treasures from the past waiting to be rediscovered, people to be both avoided and befriended and stories to unravel.

When I pick up a paintbrush or set fingertips to keyboard I open the door in the back of the wardrobe. I've placed tentative steps into the wonderland that waits but I feel a strong pull, luring me further and further in. Is that an elf beckoning me from the trees? What song does the siren's call whisper? How that horizon sparkles with such magical colours and textures.

Here is a world of infinite possibility, the stuff literally of dreams. To explore and travel within its twisting paths, mighty oceans and towering mountains is surely my destiny?

***

PS: And can it also be my destiny to visit New York with a well-stocked bank balance; enjoy a week or two of indolent bliss in The Seychelles (or frankly any other tropical paradise); travel around Italy soaking up the colours, scents and delicious aromas for a lifetime of artistic inspiration; be amazed in the Amazonian rainforests and buy a magic carpet in a market in a Marrackech!

An expedition into new territory

Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesday prompts us with the word 'explore'. What do I wish to explore? Well, this could be a long post... how long have you got?

Oh the joy of exploring a new place - especially when you arrive at a holiday destination. It doesn't matter how tired I might be from the journey, I just want to get out there...

I remember a short break in Nice with my husband as he was then. I'd booked us a ridiculously early flight out and had been so excited the night before that I don't recall actually sleeping. We arrived on fresh July morning greeted by the scents of baking croissants and hot coffee. What happened next is perhaps indicative of why he is now my ex-husband. While he slept behind blackout curtains I explored, ventured, tasted, tested, climbed, watched, drank, smelt and revelled! Best bit of the holiday for me - always that first explore! How can you possibly want to sleep when so many treasures await discovery outside? So, naturally it goes without saying that I wish to explore more places - from Italian cities to Maharajah palaces, Grand Canyons and wild mountainscapes and tropical paradises. Yup, they're all on the list...

Of course, I could just stop this post there, but where's the fun in that when the world and life offers up so much to us? How could I not but put passion to paper and dream of running amok amongst my creative potential. What alleys and vistas lie in wait for me there I wonder? What exactly is my potential anyway? Have I found it all yet? I don't believe I have, so frankly it's about time I got on and did don't you think?

There is a lot of me waiting to be discovered and unlocked. I fear I may not like all that I find (since it was me that hid it away so successfully and I no doubt had good reason for doing so) but since when was life ever easy? If there's one thing I've learnt over the years, it's that you really must face your problems head on. Locking them away under the floorboards doesn't help because sooner or later you'll need to open up that little 'treasure' chest and deal with its contents.

Finally, I'm rather looking forward to exploring the winter wonderland that greeted me this morning. A couple of inches of soft powder snow and more falling as I write!

I have been experiencing a great deal of coincidence this week (perhaps I should explore why this is so!). The latest is this (unfinished) piece (above) I've been working on just yesterday. I was trying to capture, would you believe, something of that wonderful feeling of holiday magic. It is by no means finished, but the background is trying to represent a sky blue shutter with the sun blistering back the layers of paint, I'm not sure where the picture is from but it looks like a Mediterranean resort, fragments of maps speak of journeys past and future. If I have time I'll try and finish today and repost it.

Postscript: finished version now on show and available for purchase in my Etsy shop!

Dear Lisa

A letter to myself for the Year ahead (with thanks to Jamie and her Wishcasting)

This time last year you promised yourself to write (nearly) every day. Well done girl. I bet you had no idea that starting a blog would open up such a rich vein of creativity, shrink the world a little and give you the wonderful gift of new friendships.

What will 2010 bring I wonder? Please keep up the writing and, whatever you do, don't stop painting. When you hold colour in your hand spells get woven and imagination soars. Above all don't forget that creativity is as much for you as anyone else; it's about forming something you are proud of and reflecting a little of what resides in your soul out into the big wide world.

Don't stop dreaming but maintain some focus. It's not going to be easy setting up in your chosen career. You'll need to learn to cope better with rejection for a start. Dig deep for those hidden reserves of stamina and determination. You're already well on the way to achieving your ambitions so don't fall at the last hurdle.

Start thinking about your birthday now. 40 is a time for celebration. Don't let the day slide by unmarked. Plan for the party.

Spend a weekend in London. You know how much you love it there.

Give that novel one more try then, if it doesn't work, start another. Don't give up. You will be a published author.

Now, let's get down to a few specifics. We need to talk about your 'office'. You simply cannot work in that mess. Make to do lists and stick to them. At the end of every one write the word TIDY UP AND FILE and do it. I want to see some targets drawn up for both work and personal
ambitions and regular review. Give yourself a quarterly appraisal and if either a little bonus or a big dressing down depending on how well you score yourself.

OK Lisa, enough now. You've never been a person for too much structure. Sieze every day and grab all the opportunities you can. Remember that life is not a rehearsal. This is your movie. You are the star - go grab everything you can and enjoy!

Lisa

Dear Father Christmas

Jamie Ridler invites us to share our holiday wishes for Wishcasting Wednesday and this got me thinking... You see it's been a while since I wrote to you Father Christmas. I guess I expect you to be a mind reader which is really rather foolish. I mean you are immortal and all that and can fly through the sky on a sleigh drawn by reindeer as well as climb down chimneys without getting all sooty; but how can you know what I really, really want for Christmas without me telling you?

So, here we go...

1. I wish for some more freelance work please. At the moment I haven't got enough to live on so a few more clients and some regular income would be lovely. I will help you out here by networking and marketing furiously so I am sure between the two of us we can make this wish come true.

2. I would really like some Jimmy Choo shoes. I don't know why. Perhaps it is just a girl thing but I think a pair of shoes I can't really walk in but look fantastic should be a staple item in every girl's wardrobe.

3. I'd love some more art supplies. I'm getting a bit low on canvas and can never have too much ephemera. While we're on the subject, can I ask for some more customers at my Etsy shop?

4. Well, I don't want that much for myself, so this list should just about cover it. Naturally we all want world peace and personal health and happiness. I guess even you can't manage that one though. It's something we need to find for ourselves so please give us the means to try and do just that and especially to appreciate all the magic and meaning of this Christmas and not just the gifts under the tree.

Thanks a lot Father Christmas. I'll be leaving a mince pie, glass of Baileys (there's ice cubes in the freezer if you want them) and a few carrots for the reindeer out as usual tomorrow night. Hope you have a good journey and make sure you wrap up warm - there's quite a bit of snow here.

I've been a good girl and will try to keep up the good work next year.

Lisa

x

PS: If anyone fancies a fun art challenge, please see my previous post.

Spirit wishes

This week for Wishcasting, Jamie Ridler invites us to ponder what our spirit wishes. What is my spirit? Is it my Soul? My Muse? Are they one and the same thing?

If I close my eyes and just listen, what do I hear the spirits whispering? Where do they want to take me?

I see an open meadow high on a hill with a sea of soft grasses bending gently in the breeze. Dappled sunlight, chirping birds and humming insects. Floral abundance. Warmth. Relaxation. Indolence. Love.

Quite romantic my spirits aren't they?

Winter wishes

Jamie Ridler and the gang of Wishcasters are making Winter wishes this week. I know what my son will wish for - lots of snow to play in. Last year we were literally snowed in, such a rarity for the part of the world I live in. For several days cars wrapped in white blankets remained on their driveways and snowballs flew. The end of our cul-de-sac had become a sheet of ice several inches thick topped with fluffy snow. A no go zone for most vehicles (sledges were fine!). We sat indoors wrapped up warm waiting for a thaw that didn't seem to be on the horizon.

Then, something amazing happened... A few of us (myself included) braved the elements and began to hack at the ice with shovels and scrapers. I met my new neighbour Wendy for the first time. More doors opened revealing strangers we normally just nod to. We worked as a team and dug ourselves out. We laughed and chatted. The ice was well and truly broken!

So, my Winter wish is more of this please! More community spirit, more snow for little boys to craft into snowmen and to throw with wild abandon.

Big steps

Wishcasting Wednesday this week asks what us what step we wish to take. Well, readers, you know I have taken mine. Less than a month ago I quit my job. It was quite a moment I can tell you. I put myself out of work in the middle of a global recession. Sometimes I feel quite fearless. Yet, why should we be scared of following our hearts, for that after all is what I have done? After a long career of working for other people, I’m taking back a little more control. I’m bringing together all I’ve learned over the years and taking it out in the marketplace for others to have a bit of use of. I’m going freelance…

This week and next I’m working with a communications agency helping them with a project for a High Street bank. It’s literally throw yourself in at the deep end drama but it’s OK. I’ve had lots of practice at swimming and my little lifejacket of knowledge is keeping my head above water. In fact, I’m rather enjoying it. Naturally, the pressure is on and it really is a case of sink or swim – I’m rather expendable, not tied to any employer contract. One mistake and I could be out… but then I always did thrive under a bit of pressure, there’s nothing better to sharpen the focus than an impending deadline or that VIP to impress.

I’ve no doubt there’ll be moments of calm and catch up too when my focus will shift to marketing myself, networking and hunting out the elusive paying opportunities. Also expect to see some serious paint slopping about during these ‘stand down’ days.

There’s a down side naturally. I do get a bit lonely – I miss the colleague sitting beside me to bump ideas around with – it’s not quite the same when you have to call someone and the cats don’t have much of an opinion. It also gets a bit cold here in November and it seems an extravagance to heat the whole house when I’m spending all day sitting at a desk in one tiny (and very untidy) corner. Ah yes, untidiness. My natural predilection toward having all my work spread out around me in a seemingly chaotic mess has meant an even more untidy workspace than usual and I can’t just go home and leave it at the end of the day! My little Lottie cat is most upset at me sitting on her ‘bed’ all day and is getting quite vocal in her complaints. She exacts her revenge by leaving muddy paw prints all over my paperwork. Her brother just clambers onto a lap already laden with notebooks and scribbled reminders and makes himself comfy where he can.

Regrets? Not one. The little teaser on my blog earlier in the week is to tempt you toward my forthcoming Etsy shop. Keep stopping by here to pick up your invitation to the star-studded launch!

So, I’ve taken my step and I’m feeling good!

It's dare

Can't embed this clip, but I invite you to follow the link for a bopping soundtrack to this post.

OK, are you wriggling to the rhythm? Dancing comfortably? Then I'll begin...

Tomorrow I dare. I dare to take the BIG new step in my career. I dare to take everything I've learnt in safe full time job environments and spread it about in the freelancing world. Tomorrow my first assignment begins. I'm daring to be big, bold and adventurous. I'm daring to live my dream. I'm daring to believe...

Next week I'm daring to put my artistic efforts for sale at a craft market. I even dared to organise it!

Dare I open that Etsy shop as my next step?

I dared to make quick art by flinging paint and ink on paper. How very satisfying. Two minute art! (See, I knew there was a good reason never to pack your paints away!)

Dare you make your wishes at Wishcasting Wednesday?

Experiencing life

Jamie Ridler's spell around the dream pot this week invites us to announce what we wish to experience. Well, with your permission I will comply but with a little digression along the way. If it's alright with you I'd like to interpret this question from another angle. Could I perhaps discuss what I experienced today instead? It's more than one thing, so bear with me and be patient!

Today was most refreshing, invigorating, inspiring... I think you're getting the message. I was ensconced in a room surrounded by a tribe of like-minded individuals. Many of you may experience this every day but believe me, when you've been out of this environment for six months it's like finding a bar of chocolate at the back of the cupboard when you were scrabbling around in the hope of a dry biscuit at best!

I was with over 100 'new brand tribalists'; thinkers on the same wave length. I'll tell you more it tomorrow when I've time to digest and cogitate. Right now it's been a long day and I've a couple of units of very fine alcohol racing around my bloodstream, a full belly and a boyfriend that needs to be cuddled (whether he likes it or not, though as Arsenal are currently 2-0 up at half time he's in a good mood for receiving affection).

After my experiences at work these last few months, you have no idea what a breath of fresh air this has been. I met some great people today, both old acquaintances and new. My newly-sprouted wings are fairly fluttering with excitement.

So, that dear readers was experience number 1. I'd like more of this please - more exciting, forward-thinking engagement, more visionary thinking, more joining in with the revolution (cue T-Rex). It's great stuff - I promise! Come back tomorrow and read all about it!

Then, experience number 2 comes down to location location location. I was in London. Regular readers will be well aware I LOVE THIS CITY! I lived and worked her in my 20s. I miss it. Walking the crowded streets between train/tube and venue today was like filling my veins with narcotic. It was my City. It still is my City. I need to experience it again and again - I need my fix. I might not live or work there anymore but that's no excuse. It's a mere hour away by train.

The workshop I attended today was masquerading by day as a corporate venue. However, at night the Latin fairies come out and reveal its true persona. The bands arrive and beat out a Cuban rhythm; Argentines tango out their passion across the dance floor and Londoners transport themselves to Havana with a sip of Mojito. I want to go dancing, let my (short) hair down, flick up my tail feathers and.... EXPERIENCE!

If you're interested in learning about New Brand Tribalism, you might like to check out my previous posts here and here or just turn up tomorrow, notebook in hand.