I had an interesting-looking parcel through the post yesterday. It came in a bright pink box and the label was handwritten. I was intrigued because I couldn't remember ordering anything, nor is it my birthday or anniversary or other special occasion. What could it be?
I ripped off the sticky tape and delved into the shredded paper to reveal (fanfare) a bottle of
Ecover washing-up liquid! There was an explanatory note inside: I hadn't won the chance to be a 'Citizen Journalist' at Glastonbury, but had been sent a consolation personalised bottle of lemon and aloe vera. Still, notwithstanding the disappointment of no free ticket to the festival, it's nice to get a surprise in the mail.
I was watching
The Culture Show on Tuesday, which was all about the selection process for the Royal Academy Summer Exhbition (the show is still on
iPlayer and well worth a look), during which one of the artists said that she always has a bottle of champagne on hand to toast the results of her submission, whether she's been selected or not. I love that philosophy and will try to remember it next time one of my short stories is returned. In the meantime, I shall raise a glass to the team at Ecover.
Cheers!
I shan't be around tomorrow to
Celebrate The Small Things because I'm off to the
Althorp Literary Festival - itself a cause for celebration, I think.
Oooh have fun at the festival. At least washing up liquid is always useful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzanne. I'm hearing Michael Palin, amongst others. Really looking forward to it.
DeleteI wish I was off to a literary festival - sounds lovely! Cheers to fun mail!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brandy. I don't know if you know, but Althorp was Diana Spencer's childhood home. The house has long been open to the public and when I first visited Diana hadn't long been married to Prince Charles. It was still very much a family home: her father the Earl was in evidence and her stepmother was on duty in the tea room! Things have changed since Diana's death, but it is still a lovely place to visit. The current Earl, Diana's brother Charles, is always around during the festival, chatting with the authors and generally mingling. It's lovely, and because it is quite a small venue it all seems very gentle and informal.
DeleteWow! A literary festival sounds wonderful. Hope you enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI had a great day, thanks. I went on my own and it was bliss to be able to bliss myself and just wander about.
DeleteHope you're having a wonderfully fun time there at the festival! Writer’s Mark
ReplyDeleteHad a great day, thanks, Nancy. I bought five books and had them signed by the authors, went to an impromptu poetry reading, mingled, drank tea - ah, this is the life!
DeleteSounds like a wonderful time, Julia. Have a nice weekend to cap it off.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Catherine. Going to a gig this evening.
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