Early celebrations

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.

One for the writers

For those writers amongst you, I've just had the following email from Ecover, the green cleaning products firm:


Ecover are looking to find two aspiring journalists to report on a ground-breaking new project that we are launching in March 2013. If you are a team player with excellent writing skills and a 'can-do' attitude with good understanding of social media, then this might be your opportunity.

As the Ecover Citizen Journalist you will report on the pioneering new project, attend the press launch and conduct interviews for The-Splash magazine. You will also have the opportunity to attend Glastonbury Festival 2013 (with a friend) to report on the public's reaction to the project and soak up the unforgettable festival atmosphere. What's more, you are invited to attend RHS Hampton Court Flower Show 2013 to conclude the project. 

We'd also like you to attend the project launch on the 6th of March!

Responsibilities will include:

Conducting face to face interviews at various events before writing up articles, and blog entries, for 'The-Splash' and promoting the project through personal social media channels. (NB The Project runs from March 2013 to July 2013)
The chosen candidate will be given two tickets (one for themselves plus a friend) to Glastonbury 2013 - Ecover will subsidise project travel costs
Details: www.the-splash.co.uk/offers-and-competitions/citizen-journalist

I've not read the small print, but it sounds interesting.