Homeward Bound

02 April 2013 09:00AM

Home is where the heart is and my heart is in Spain at the moment. Having said that, my first week over, I have escaped the desperately cold weather in the UK to enjoy some Spanish sunshine and celebrate Easter with friends old and new.  Feeling relaxed and refreshed, I can even boast about having done heaps of writing and still several days to go.

The fact is when I am not out socialising and dining with friends I really am in a perfect writing environment with nothing to distract me but a few chickens, the barking of the farmer’s dog and the occasional mewing of the peacocks next door. Yes I really am in rural Spain and loving it. Such a complete contrast from my busy life in the UK! Does it compare to the Yorkshire Dales? Well, maybe not quite but, it is beautiful in such a different way. This region is very mountainous, and not so green of course, but nevertheless special. The only slightly annoying factor being the strong winds since I have arrived here, which are all too common in this part of Spain. Pleasantly cooling during the hot summer months but, annoyingly they are apt to cause temporary power cuts. I can live with that. I have to live with that! Plenty of candles at hand, I hadn’t planned to waste my time on movies and soaps, so a mad dash to make a cup of tea between the cuts – Yorkshire tea of course – became fun after a while.

Seriously, it was not so bad. Yes the power did seem to go on and off a few times every night but only for short intervals.

Waking up this morning to sunshine I am still surprisingly looking forward to returning to Yorkshire, though I’m even more looking forward to returning to Spain at the beginning of May.  Meanwhile, London bound it seems I have been invited to the Actor’s Church – St Pauls – in Covent Garden, to what sounds to be an exciting evening of music from the great West End Shows.

Check it out.

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/5691202540#

Then back to the office in Yorkshire, writing retreat over and business to attend to. Naturally, I’m looking forward to seeing the family and not least, Butler and Gracie. Love you guys!

 

Will let you know what I thought of the Sunday night concert and just discovered that the West End Gospel Choir will also be there. How exciting is that?

Meanwhile still lots of writing to do. I will finish that book before I get that flight. That’s faith!

Chat soon.

 Anna

Sunshine and Snow

Actually, this blog doesn’t sound very exciting but in fact it is as it’s speaking of exciting things to come. I have to confess that I have left all you Yorkies behind and sped off to Spain. Fortunately for me, in between the chaos caused by the snow at Leeds-Bradford airport, there was a window of opportunity and I was able to fly without a huge delay. Seems I was one of the lucky ones, as the day before the early morning flights didn’t get airborne until late afternoon and, an eight hour delay is horrendously testing!

Sadly, due to circumstances beyond my control I was not able to do the planned visit to Bristol but things in life usually happen for a reason. I found that I was involved in other projects which were essential prior to my leaving for Spain. Sorry kids, apologies.

So, as you would expect the weather is lovely here and I am looking forward to catching up with friends old and new, whilst attending some business meetings. Of course one of the main reasons for the visit is a much needed chill out (does that mean I should have stayed in the UK? No thanks!) There comes a time when we all reach that point of fatigue where we know that if we don’t take a break, WE will break. Understanding what our body is saying to us is so important and thankfully I am finally starting to listen to mine. I have also affirmed that I will not be back until I have finished my third book, plus the dialogue and overall planning for the stage production that I am happily working on. Uhm! Now there lies a challenge. Does that mean that if I suffer from writer’s block I could be gone for a long time? Ha ha ha! We will see. But judging by yesterday’s performance I am doing just good. Is that bad grammar? Who cares… I can say what I like in my blog! And I’m doing just good. I was writing at 2am actually….on a flow…..you can’t plan inspiration…

So yesterday I was working on the music and although I’m not a musician I know exactly what I need. Obviously! Fortunately I’m in discussion with several great musical minds who can produce. Watch this space, all will be revealed in time.

It looks like I will be able to add script writer/producer to my CV soon. Now I never imagined that!  

Determined to have some fun whilst here, relax and refresh, I’m coming back with two completed manuscripts. Just you believe it, and with a pending trip to London on the 15^th April to the International Book Fair at Earl’s Court – as it’s also my birthday week – I intend to see Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre. I have a great contact and friend who has promised to take me. Better make sure he did get the tickets. Men? Oops being sexist!

So on that point I will say, treat yourself to some time out when you know you need it. Come back refreshed with new vigour and follow that dream.  Meanwhile enjoy Easter and remember the real meaning please. It is not all about chocolate although that’s very nice.

Regards

Anna

Chavosing in London!!!

26 February 2013 01:00AM

Well what a day that was!

I arrived at Kings Cross late morning and took a cab straight to Lupita East, just in time to witness 30 kids making their own guacamole under the instruction of Mexican Chef Marco, who in my opinion has to be the best.

After a morning of fun but, educational activities well planned  – this is school after all –  the kids from year 6 at Hampstead Parochial C.E Primary School, were just about to enjoy lunch and sample some great Mexican delights.

By the time they were all ready to leave mid-afternoon, following a quick presentation from me, and some insight into what they would be doing when I visit their school later this week, they all left having had a thoroughly amazing time. Buzzing was an understatement, leaving me with nothing but great respect for the teachers who had to bravely escort them via the underground back to Hampstead. Actually, in the kid’s defence they were excitable but when told to fall into line they soon found their partners and left two by two, well behaved but, exchanging giddy chatter about the day’s events.

So the idea which was birthed as the result of a simple friendship between one of the management at Lupita and the year 6 teacher, just looks as though it might catch on with more school visits planned for later in the year.

Nicky Cox Editor of First News – The award-winning weekly newspaper for young people age 7-14, which I love to read, by the way…

You just have to feature this one. http://info.firstnews.co.uk/

Then after a coffee and a chat with a few friends I headed to Belgravia Books in Ebury Street, to meet the author Jeffrey Lewis and share a glass of red wine and nibbles at his first London launch of,  ‘The Inquisitor’s Diary.’

Another book purchased to go on the ever increasing reading pile at home. Not to mention I need to get on with my own writing. Two half-finished books is simply not good enough.

Drrrr. Not enough hours in the day.

Chat soon.

Anna

What if?

18 February 2013 01:30PM

 

With a busy week already planned I woke up this morning with other things forefront in my mind. Time to start this, get on with that and more! You’ve talked about it long enough girl. Now is the appointed time. Drrr…. And what do I hear. What if?

The battle for all things new is in the mind. But then I have built my life on what if’s this past few years. The most challenging of all has to be, what if I had never gone to Mexico? A life changing trip that turned out to be and something tells me I’m heading off to places that I never imagined. Whoop! Whoop!

So, this morning with a deep breath and a prayer, I’m going to make those few phone calls and start the ball rolling. Have you ever been in business and thought if I don’t get this one right I’m in trouble? Have you ever walked down a road and prayed for God’s protection because you were seriously out of your comfort zone? Have you ever been in the presence of people so much more intelligent and thought this is out of my league, and then remembered that God uses the foolish to confound the wise. Not that I’m saying I’m altogether foolish, but you get my drift.

Last week turned out to be a great week visiting Knaresborough St John’s Primary School to talk about Chavos, and then a lovely Mother’s Union group in Batley.  Steering my talk appropriately to suit the age of the clients – and you couldn’t have had such opposites – all seemed fascinated by the stories that I had to tell. The week ended working on my forthcoming children’s stage production and look forward to viewing some theatres at the appropriate time.

Staying local this week but laying the foundations for an exciting move forward for both Rainbow Childcare Yorkshire Ltd and the Chavos Brand, I face such a busy but challenging week. Next week I’m heading south and can’t wait to see everyone again at Lupita UK. Not to mention visiting more London schools and attending the launch of The Inquisitor’s Diary by Jeffrey Lewis at Belgravia Books in London after I have sampled some more of the best Mexican tacos in London. @chefmarcocuervo – love you.

So onward bound with excitement in my spirit. Watch this space!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great week.

Anna

2013

02 January 2013 01:00PM

 

 

So here we are again facing the challenges of another year and wondering what happened, how did we get here so fast!

What I do know is that if we allow it life will have passed us by and all those good intentions, dreams and visions may never have become reality. Why? Perhaps because we didn’t get off our butt and do something about it. Or maybe we were too full of excuses. Too old, too busy, can’t do it and more!

Or did we allow the assaults on our life over those past years to hinder us? Is it ever too late?  I think not… So if you are reading this blog and you are wondering. What if? I challenge you. Don’t look back with regrets. Your yesterdays, good or bad were a learning curve and made you what you are today. You decide how to use that knowledge and wisdom. Turn that imagination into creation. Get on with it and make 2013 count.

So here’s to 2013 and hoping that we can all be kind to one another and accomplish those God given dreams. Let’s do more than we could have ever imagined because, dreams are made too big for us so that we can grow into them you know.

 

 

 Happy New Year.

 

God Bless and may all your dreams come true in 2013.

14 Days in my Life (picture blog)

Sneak Peak – Released Dec 31st 🙂

Quick coffee and cake between Christmas shopping trips

My new novels arrive, well half of them.

Still making my bucket list for 2013.

I’ve been good Santa!

Grimethorpe Brass Band Live = World class

Gospel Concert – Praise the Lord!

Butler and Gracie – Mischief Makers

Awwhh! Nativity time again.

Chef Marco you’re the best: Lupita East

Every Woman loves to be serenaded!

Mexican canapes at Lupita East. Love them!

Can I have one of these for Christmas please??

A brisk walk in Hyde park.

A New Season

16 October 2012 12:00AM

S-o-o- here I am in Spain and so far to date my time here has been most unusual. But first….The Chavos Ball;

What an amazing night. Clearly this function is going to just get better and better and already looking forward to the next one. I suppose the question is which will come next. Leeds once again or, London. Uhm!

Well a huge thanks to those who made it special including as always our Mariachis, Suzi our Soprano and the Folkloric dancers. Thanks to the boys who sold raffle tickets all night until they finally ran out and to all the people who worked so hard to make it a great event. A big thank you to Amathus drinks for a fabulous tequila cocktail reception and what about my consort who looked very dashing. Let’s see if I can book him for the next event!

I was so pleased that both the Lord Mayor of Leeds and Lord Mayor of Wakefield were able to attend and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Both were women, so power to the girls. Love it!

If you missed it this year I suggest you don’t miss the next one. Check out my facebook fan page as photos go on over the next week or so.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151068794987077.432031.114090792076&type=1&l=76cd3be04d

Can’t remember whether I kissed any frogs or not that night ‘cos I had a few tequilas and then dashed off to Spain soon after, and of course I’m still there. Let’s see what’s waiting for me when I get back to the UK but, I really needed this time out. God’s perfect timing, as they say.

I know the Chavos Ball marked both the end of a season and the beginning of something new. With so many plans in the pipe-line and so many decisions to make, both personal and business. Not to mention books to get to the printers, people to see, places to go…..

I will tell you more about the ball, how much money we raised, what we are going to do with the money and what’s happening in Spain soon.

Luv and stuff

Anna

Choices

06 September 2012 12:00AM

Someone in the office just asked me what happened to the car and mentioned that it was over a week since I blogged. Oh my gosh! I blinked and another week gone by. AND, may be just may be they have more free time than me. In fact, I don’t have any free time! How do these people blog every day?

Well, the car cost an absolute fortune. A burnt out clutch and more! The garage puzzled as to how I had managed to drive from Lincoln to Leeds with it in such a dreadful condition. ‘Someone was looking over you luv,’ exclaimed the mechanic.  

S-o-o- a few days without a car – no problem – friends and family to the rescue, then  a couple of days with my little granddaughter and some hectic days in the office. With so much to do, not to mention finalising the plans for the Chavos Ball, it’s been a crazy busy week. If you’re in Leeds Yorkshire on the 6^th October you have to be there.  A tequila cocktail reception sponsored by Amathus Drinks, special guests, mariachis and folkloric dancers.  Whoop! Whoop! A night not to be missed.  About 100 guests have confirmed so far, but with a few weeks to go numbers are increasing everyday.

I have managed to watch some of the Paralympic Games this week which actually are due to end on the 9^th September. As far as inspiring a generation I can’t give enough credit to all those participants who have achieved so much and overcome such incredible odds. I’m certainly inspired.

Meanwhile, anyone who knows me by now is aware that I am more of a performing arts fan myself and, did I tell you that last weekend I went to the Theatre Royal Wakefield, youth production of Flashdance? It was awesome and I am looking forward to the next production performed by these kids. I’m told that their previous production – Les Miserables  – was spectacular. Well done kids. Seems I’m always quoting my little granddaughter but isn’t that what a proud nanny would do? Prior to the performance we went out for a meal – her favourite, chicken tikka masala, then ice-cream and sweets at the theatre, as you do. Quote –‘Nanny I have tummy ache.’
‘Do you darling. Perhaps you have eaten too much. When we get home I will give you some medicine and a warm drink.’
‘Nanny, I didn’t eat too many sweets,’ she says showing me the empty packet and then proceeding to raise her t-shirt. ‘Look is it because I have dirt in my tummy button.’
Awh! Don’t you just love children? We are now looking forward to a quick hike to London in a few weeks to see Matilda.

As far as work goes it has been one of those irritating weeks when nothing seems to go right and you feel as though you are going around in circles. Lots of decisions to make, possible opportunities and untold choices, but some confusion and doubt bring to mind that old Yorkshire saying. ‘If in dowt, do nowt.’ It always works. Sometimes it’s the right decision but at the wrong time, so I figure it’s time to step back, get away from the crowd and have some peace and quiet.  Maybe Spain is calling. What, again? I can’t help it. That’s where I seem to get all my inspiration and refreshing. It’s just annoying that those cheap air fares don’t seem to exist anymore. Better check out my Jet 2 points and see if I can get a free flight. If so, I’m off for a long weekend. Sounds good eh?

AND Leeds City Council are doing my head in. One parking fine, a couple of minutes over and another for fleetingly crossing a bus lane.  Argh!!!!!!

Chat soon

Sporty kids

07 August 2012 12:00AM

Sporty children I said, not spotty children!

So we all know the benefits of exercise.

Teach a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. I’m sure you have heard that proverb before and, it couldn’t be more true!  Children need good role models and undoubtedly copy our behaviour, eating and physical habits included. This year has turned out to be quite an awesome year for London and the UK in general and it seems that many of our kids are inspired in a new and positive way. We know that active children are more likely to mature into physically active adults and the benefits of sport and physical exercise are innumerable. Not only to reduce the risk of obesity, but for cardiovascular fitness, improved coordination and balance, better sleep patterns and more.

Most of all sport should be fun, and I say should be because I never was the sporty type myself. Always been more for the performing arts side of things actually and, love to encourage dance and musical theatre. Having said that, #TeamGB you did us proud, and it’s not over yet. #ProudToBeBritish, again this year. So many records broken and what amazing role models and encouragement for our kids.

Meanwhile, when I have completed my next 2 books the forthcoming project will be a children’s musical production.

But for now,

Image provided by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Here are some of the benefits of sport for children and although we are very active at my children’s nursery, there is one fundraising event planned for this year which I feel led to change. Let’s make our pyjama day a sporty day kids. Better still, we can do both and raise lots of money while having fun. Now the test is to see whether any of my staff have read this blog and instigate my sporty day!

• Increased cardiovascular fitness
• Healthy growth of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons
• Improved coordination and balance
• A greater ability to physically relax and, therefore, avoid the complications of chronic muscular tension (such as headache or back ache)
• Improved sleep
• Mental health benefits, such as greater confidence
• Improved social skills
• Improved personal skills, including cooperation and leadership.
• Reduced risk of obesity

Check out  http://www.london2012.com/join-in/education/

And do something active today.

Anna

Chavos Ball 6th Oct Leeds.

Chavos Ball 6^th Oct Leeds.

Here’s a quick update on the Chavos Ball before I blog anything else. And if you go to my new facebook  fan page all the information is there on the events page. Please come to the Ball if you are in the area.

And I will be wearing the same dress for very good reasons. Will tell you why later if you can’t guess!

Only 9 weeks to go…

During a drinks reception guests will be entertained by several young musicians until the Ball is officially opened when Suzi Saperia, Soprano from the Guildhall School of Music and Dance London, will grace us with her presence and sing an opening song before dinner is served.

Mariachi Mexteca, the UK’s leading Mariachi band, make the first of their two appearances of the night before coffee is served.

Later in the evening  they will be accompanied, during their second appearance by Mestizo’s Folkloric Group, when I am told that we can expect a visual explosion of music and colour, filled with incredible power and energy. Their performance aims to highlight some of the most famous Mexican Folkloric dances. Can’t wait! How awesome is that?

Mestizo Mexican Folklore Group

No doubt when the dance floor opens they will be encouraging some of those attending Mexicans and shy Yorkies onto the dance-floor. And before anyone reading this goes all politically correct on me, I’m proud to be a Yorkie, so should they. We need to lighten up some times! Can’t say this can’t say that…we may offend!!!!!!!!!!!

Of course there will be the usual fun things on going such as raffles and auctions, a quick speech here and there and a visual presentation. And that reminds me. I must blog last year’s presentation – music courtesy of Paul Bell. I love it!!

All profits from the ball go to the work that I have started with children both in the UK and overseas and there’s no reason why we can’t have fun while raising money is there?

Chat soon.

Anna

https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/437709422909114/

http://suzisaperia.com/

http://www.mariachimexteca.com/