Don’t worry, we’re still here

Well, bless some of you. I’ve had numerous people ask if we’re OK as I haven’t penned a blog for ages. You may remember I started in 2014 and then, as we headed off on our 8-month European tour, I wrote every day. Every day! And then I went down to twice a week, then once and, more recently, when I can pull it together. Now is one of those times.

It’s not that not a lot has happened, it’s that I have to find a window when I’ve got the energy. It’s fair to say that since Sharm in the Feb half term, even with a short break over Easter where Bex. Steven and Henry were back, it’s been tricky. I’ve been on this cycle of not feeling great (physically) to feeling OK. And then, with work – which keeps that balance of amazing interest, lovely people, but too much like hard work with some anxiety thrown in – I have, at times, felt a little overwhelmed. But I’m fine now. And so is C, as far as I can tell.

we’re still here

Easter was fun with the kids, even if the weather was rubbish. Henry was his usual darling self and he disappeared far too early back to RSA. C and I took Doris for a shake out down to our besides-the-Severn field, and had a really relaxing couple of days walking, running and cycling. Doris was fab until she wouldn’t start for the trip home. It took me 40 minutes to work out that the engine’s earthing strap needed a quarter turn to tighten, and then things were fine.

And … we’ve just come back from a long weekend in Lanzarote with Al and Annie. We went to cheer on Rosie, their paratrooper daughter, as she took part in the first Ironman as a pro. What a fab race that was. She came fourth, which meant she qualified for the world champs that are being held in Nice in September. Either side of the race we had a lovely time. Al and Annie are dear friends with similar age kids, and we have often been on holiday with them. This time, without youngsters, it was a hoot. So much so (and they have a motorhome) we made a pact to do it again soon. Lanzarote, btw, is a visit once kind of place. The amazing scenery (volcanic blacks and browns lit up with mostly single storey bright white houses) is bewildering. And some of the high-cliff views are perfect. But I’m not into small islands as a longer term visit option. And when the scenery is almost monochrome, after a while it loses a little of its charm. 

Had a fab time with these two

Thankfully, going away again can be any time after next Friday. I think I discussed that I had given notice (3 months from the end of Feb) and we are almost there. It has been a helluva year and one I wouldn’t have missed. But, at 62 with a heart which doesn’t need any particular stress (don’t worry, but I am under doctor’s orders), it’s time to get back to writing. And travelling. 

Doris on shakedown

We already have the next 8 months planned. All of June we hope to be in northern France, just unwinding. July and August is back in the UK. Henry and his parents are home (love them too) and we aim to be helping them move into their new house in Penkridge. September and October will be somewhere in southern Europe (with a trip to the Ironman world champs for more frantic cheering). We will probably fly somewhere hot before Christmas and then we are off to Chatel skiing (which we missed this year) for four weeks either side of Feb half term. How’s that sound?

I have book 9 in the Sam Green series up my sleeve [working title: And The Machines Came To]. The ambition is to get that written in first draft by Christmas, and published by July 25. And I want to expand my marketing. You may remember that I paid a woman to do some social media marketing at the end of last year. That came to nothing, but it did inspire me to try my hand at Facebook Ads. And I have. I’m 4 months in and I’ve earned more than I have spent. As a example, in March I spent £120 on Ads and made £210 in return. This profit was made all the sweeter knowing that people were actually reading my books – starting from the first and then going on and through to book 8. It is quite something. 

Me building some stuff

The Ads take a little time to set up, but I do all that myself. And once they’re running, Facebook algorithms do their thing. Next, you’re selling books. Fab. I’ve changed the advert three times, and every time there is a little spurt of interest. In short, it’s fair to say I’m selling about 4 books a day. I’ve always wanted to sell 10 day – almost 4,000 books a year. And I think I can get there. I’ll keep you updated. 

Anyhow, that’s enough from me. Next time I write I shall officially be retired (again, although I still have 2 seniors teachers on my leadership consultancy books). From there on in, occupation: author. And that’s blooming great hurrah!

Some mad Lanzarote house