Tomorrow

 

I’m in Spain again for a few days. A last minute decision, an unexpected surprise, and although this turned out to be a fruitful trip, the weather could have been a bit kinder. I have not seen any sunshine yet and I’m fed up with this rain. In fact, I can’t remember when I last had such awful weather in Spain. It is cold and damp and, as I type this blog, the thunderous applaud above just startled me so much that I had to go outside and see if everything around me was still standing. The dogs on the local farm are clearly not happy; the evidence of which, the dog’s chorus, the heavy rain pounding down on the rooftops, and the flashes of lightening and jolts of thunder, leave me just slightly home sick. Let’s just hope the power doesn’t go off again, a common occurrence in these parts, not to mention the roads are not ‘proper’ roads but country lanes, so there will be a fine mud bath when I dare to venture out. Strange how we soon get out of our comfort zone, but yes, take me back to Yorkshire please.

As I seem to be commuting more and more these days in many ways the timing was perfect as I dropped on some amazingly cheap flights. Wish I could do that more often!

I managed to fit in some social time as well as attend several business meetings, the trip beginning last Friday with a good old English breakfast on the coast, whilst listening to the music of Dave Bilbrough, the guy who wrote the song Abba Father, which heralded him into an almost instant global success. Now with over three decades in Christian music and several albums later, he is recognised as one of the Britain’s foremost Christian song writers. It was great to meet both him and his wife and listen to his story about his music career and his faith walk with Jesus.

I then went on to spend the rest of the day listening to Spanish gypsy music in a local tavern in an area about 35 minutes’ drive from the coast where, British ex-pats are still having trouble with the aftermath of illegal building. A good friend of mine appears to be one of the victims and is waiting for news as a local ex-Mayor was recently imprisoned and heavy fines imposed on the presiding council.  The Judge ordered the demolition of the properties, regardless of the fact that several contracts exist for the sale and purchase of the houses to third parties. Will this saga ever end and why should these people who put all their life savings into buying a property in Spain, trusting in their advisors and the legal system be penalised, whilst some of the very scoundrels and builders behind the projects seem to have done a runner? My friend now waits with baited breath.

http://www.costa-news.com/costa-almeria-news/item/926-prison-sentence-for-ex-zurgena-mayor

Just prior to leaving for the airport I was in the vicinity of that terrible crash on the M62 near Pontefract, West Yorkshire, involving the Hen party on the minibus. It makes you think about your faith; well it does me, because tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us, is it?

And I’m moaning about the weather. Get a grip Anna.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4904702/19-women-injured-in-minibus-horror-crash-with-lorry-on-M62.html

 

On that note I have a wedding this weekend which I am looking forward to and, I will be taking my fab little granddaughter who has never ever been to one. She is so excited. Bless!

So best wishes to the bride to be, and my prayers go out for the girls on the mini bus and their families.

Looking forward to seeing my family in a couple of days.

Anna

Grassington

12 March 2013 01:30PM

 

So a fab morning was spent on World Book Day at Grassington Primary School with year 4, 5 and 6. They were all interested and enthusiastic about my visit, especially the younger ones in year 4 who were most receptive and full of questions. After 3 days, it was then time to head back to West Yorkshire and leave this very picturesque part of the Yorkshire Dales behind. I had been fortunate enough to find a fabulous place to stay for a third of its normal price. Whilst I was there the evenings were so tranquil, with only a handful of ardent walkers and Dales enthusiasts, so I was able to sit peacefully and undisturbed by a log fire in the evenings, sipping red wine and writing. How awesome was that?

Continuing with the Yorkshire Dales theme I attended the Leeds Lord Mayor’s Ball at the Civic Hall on Saturday evening and who should I be chatting to but some of the cast from the popular Yorkshire TV soap – “Emmerdale” (formerly Emmerdale Farm).

Nowadays the TV show is mainly filmed on a purpose built set just outside the Dales though when it was called Emmerdale Farm it was filmed at Arncliffe in Littondale. I have to admit that I never watch the soap these days, so I wouldn’t have recognised the characters that I was introduced to. Nevertheless, I found them to be lovely people but when I told someone back home about my encounter I was greeted with. ‘Ergh he’s a horrible person that Cain Dingle.’

No, isn’t that the part he is playing? Obviously a good actor. Ha ha!

I think Esholt, in Bronte Country was originally used as the village of Beckindale. And, now that I think about it, I do remember on numerous occasions when I lived in Otley, the film set taking over the market square. So those were the days. Shame I don’t have the advantage of living somewhere quite so picturesque now. It was rather delightful waking up every morning to see the sheep grazing in the fields in contrast to the traffic hurtling down the motorway.  Still that was a season and life moves on.

So as I say goodbye to the Yorkshire Dales for now, I am thinking I might just go back for the Grassington festival 14th – 29th June. It sounds fun with a great line up of artists including, Jools Holland. Whoop whoop!.

Even more so I need to be there in 2014 when the Tour de France passes through. How awesome will that be?

Chat soon.

Anna

Chavosing in Wharfdale

08 March 2013 10:00AM

Well! That’s the second school visited this week that didn’t look anything like a school. What an awesome building!

It was actually built in 1601 and adjacent to the quaint and historic church of St Wilfrids. The school has always been a school, and though extended in parts still has the original charm and character. I was fascinated with the tiny door which leads into what is now the school library, but apparently was once the home of the headmaster in the days of the borders. Click on the school website and you can see some photos, though I did take a few of my own and will put them in my picture blog later. With only about 36 children on the school register this has to be a school I will never forget. http://www.burnsall.ik.org/

I actually felt very privileged to leave my first two novels in this ancient and so very tiny library next to those of JK Rowling, Michael Morpurgo, Jaqueline Wilson and other great authors. The teacher said she would put my photo on the library wall with the best of them. The caption reading – ‘Look out for more books by these authors.’ Now there’s a challenge to keep writing, is it not?

The children had a non-uniform day in celebration of World Book Day this week and although not dressed as book characters they had chosen the theme of countries. They all looked great and I have to say the teachers excelled in their choice of outfits too. I was made very welcome but had to decline a school dinner and leave as they all settled down to eat. I wanted to explore this amazing little village whilst I had free time but I did think if I had known in advance they were going to go non-uniform, maybe I would have gone Mexican style. Sombrero and all. Now there’s a thought!

The next school visit, Grassington Primary and then homeward bound.

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

A celebratory month

07 January 2013 11:15AM

S-o-o-o, made the 2013 bucket list and it sure is exciting. So much to do! Places to go, people to see, books to write and, more importantly, children to rescue.

You know, something tells me this is just the beginning and there is a lot yet to be revealed for 2013. Do you ever feel that this is the year when you will get your breakthrough? Uhm!

OK, let’s start with January. What a celebratory month that should turn out to be.

Chavos 2 – The Quest was released on 31^st December and I have 2 more books nearing completion so that warrants a party of some sorts, don’t you think? Secondly, I can boast twenty five successful years in business and the opening of a new and fabulous unit at Rainbow Child Care. Whoop! Whoop! Now that’s something to be proud of and, if you are asking does that make me feel old, the answer is definitely not!
I think I am getting younger…re-cycled teenager. Ha! Ha!
A positive state of mind, and a little faith.  A lot of faith actually!

One of the things on my bucket list is to visit the twelve destinations on the 2013 Yorkshire Life calendar, which happened to be a freebie in the December edition of the Yorkshire Life Magazine. Why? No reason, I just thought it sounded fun. I need to relax more and take time out from this crazy life and where better that to enjoy some great Yorkshire days out. I’m not sure about some of the locations on the calendar but, my thinking is to do a blog about each one as I visit it and feedback to Yorkshire Life.

So that’s my leisure time mapped out. Well some of it at least. Meanwhile, school visits book fairs, speaking engagements, a couple of trips to Mexico, a couple of weddings and more; it sounds like another busy year.

So let’s start the year off with a few words that I put in my newly released book Chavos 2, The Quest. And if you are thinking of reading it, you really need to read Chavos, The Kids of Distrito Federal first.

Happy reading and once again, Happy New Year.

Anna

I recently read a book by a very famous author of adult literature.

He said, ‘some books make us dream, others bring us face to face with reality, but what matters most to an author, is the honesty with which a book is written.’

This is the second book in the Chavos series where I believe as the author, my great love of Mexico, its culture and its people shines through.

Indeed as we say in Spanish;- ‘Conocerlo es amarlo.’ (Knowing it, is loving it.)

Mexico is a country with so much beauty and wonder to offer both its people and visitors alike. But also like many other countries in the world, a country with problems.

I believe through Dolita’s life – the main character in the Chavos novels – one will dare to dream as she does. I believe that we were all born for a purpose and have a dream or vision hidden in our hearts from childhood.

It takes courage to follow a dream and whatever your dream maybe, don’t give in when you realise it. My favourite saying is, ‘when the going gets tough, you get tougher. Let Dolita be an inspiration to you as she shows great courage in her quest to find her family – whilst supporting her friends and those around her – as she faces new challenges for survival.

It is important, even as young readers that we face up to the reality in the world today and perhaps through doing so, strive to make the world a better place, as each of us plays our part.

I am writing my stories as honestly as I can, reflecting life as I have seen it;- the great contrast between rich and poor and those who fall into the trap of drugs, alcoholism and poverty.

The books are fiction based on fact and with a mixture of real life experience and my own imagination I seek to educate and entertain the reader, whilst not offending anyone.

 Anna

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.

Bucket List

09 December 2012 09:00PM

I saw something on twitter recently when the question was raised. Did you do a bucket list and what was left, yet to be fulfilled for this year?

So I searched out my old journal and eagerly checked my 2012 list. Yes I do one and have for the past few years and it’s quite good fun to look back and see what you have accomplished. Remarkably, only a handful left out of a total list of 50. Didn’t she do well!

Then I was prompted to look for my 2011 list and found a few more not ticked.  Oops! Should I have carried them forward?  Actually no, because with the passing of time I didn’t really care about those things anymore.  Change of views, priorities, new heart desires.  Whatever! Making a bucket list is fun and as the year is nearly out I’ll be making another soon.

So what is left over for 2012? Let’s see…

1)      I had planned to go to the theatre more often so, just booked Cinderella with the granddaughters and a couple of other theatrical delights before Christmas. But, must get to see Matilda in London too.

2)      I wanted to walk along the sea-front with someone special.

3)      Re visit my friends and some old haunts on the Costa Del Sol

4)      Stay at the Ritz and have afternoon tea at the Dorchester.

5)      Complete at least one more book.

6)      Have a day at Whitby and eat fish and chips whilst strolling along.

7)      Walk the city walls in York, again!

8)      Explore Lorca, Cartagena and a few more Spanish cities.

9)      Visit at least 2 institutions working with kids on the streets of London.

10)   Get 500 followers on Twitter.

11)   Do a picture blog of a couple of weeks in my life.

S-o-o-o, just sorting out my pictures for my ‘picture blog.’  I will put them on tomorrow. Promise!

www.wordpress.com.

The other things on the list, we will see. Running out of time!

Anna

 

Is he on my Bucket list?

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