Doesn't time fly?

I can't believe that my last blog was posted on 3rd June! In the interim period I have been busy with trying to finalise the publication of my book and this process is more complex than one might think. I have a meeting set up with a prospective publisher after which I hope to be in a position to move ahead and see my efforts in print at long last. I am also exploring the possibility of putting it into an e.book format which will allow for a potential larger audience....that will make for maybe a dozen or more sales!!

I have also been pursuing new job prospects and once again this has been a laborious and frustrating task. I would like to return to a position within the Travel Industry but exactly what I am not sure. In the meantime my last employer contacted me and offered me my job back delivering and collecting electrical motors and pumps within the East Anglia and London area. I have agreed to return at this time for three days per week as I need the other days to complete my book publishing procedure. At least my old customers seem pleased to see me back although most are surprised that I returned from Australia in the first place!

Neptune Marina, Ipswich

The Olympic Torch at Neptune Quay

The Torch in Christchurch Park, Ipswich

Back on the home front and the start of the London Olympic Games are less than two weeks away. The Olympic Torch relay has been winding its way around the United Kingdom and I went to see its passage through Ipswich recently. It was estimated that 50,000 people went to see the 'Torch' whist passing through the town from its arrival by sailing barge at the Neptune Marina on Ipswich quayside through to an event in the beautiful Christchurch Park. I waited for my glimpse of 'history' at Neptune Quay before racing the torch entourage to catch a glimpse of proceedings in the park.

On the subject of the London Olympic Games my good friend George's daughter Rebecca has been selected to be one of the dancers performing at the Opening Ceremony. Secrecy is the name of the game in respect of what part she is actually taking in what promises to be a spectacular performance organised by the famous film director Danny Boyle, famous for the mega successful film 'Slumdog Millionaire'. The proud parents, George and Sally have been given tickets to view the dress rehearsal at the Olympic Stadium although not for the actual Opening Ceremony itself. Good luck Rebecca, I'll be looking out for you whether you are a 'sheep' or a 'rain cloud' or whatever!! I just pray for fine weather and a safe and excellent games for all.

Having completed the manuscript for 'The Diaries of Me....A Traveller', I am now preparing to start upon more of my travel memoirs including my time as an Overseas Holiday Representative on the lovely Greek island of Crete and my time as a Tour Manager. Who knows, perhaps a publisher out there might actually pay me to write these! After all, J.K. Rowling* the author of the blockbusting 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy went through many lean years before getting her break, and the immensely successful John Grisham self-published his first book  In the meantime I'll keep you posted on the progress with this book and hope that you will be interested enough to want to buy it and read it.

Take care all.

* Did you notice my 'deliberate mistake...J.K. Rowling of course was the author of the Harry Potter books. The Lord of the Rings was written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Now you will understand the importance of 'proof reading'! (Ha, ha).