It’s been almost a week since I last wrote in this blog, and what a week it’s been. It would appear I still haven’t learned to listen to my body when it tells me I’m running it into the ground, and as a result, I paid the price, yet again. I was laid up for the best part of three days feeling totally drained and run down, with powerful headaches and a chesty cough to top it all off. I saw it coming as well, which is what makes it so frustrating. If I’d only taken a couple of days away from the keyboard voluntarily I wouldn’t have made myself sick. As it was, I kept on with my 18-hour days: writing – day job – writing – lack of sleep – until the walls came tumbling down.
But I’m back now and feeling much better. I’m still not 100%, but I’m almost there, and I think today’s post is a significant one for two reasons. Firstly, I’m feeling renewed after those few enforced days off. Also, as you have probably noticed, I have a new look to my blog. I had been planning to launch a new look at the turn of the year, but with some new opportunities with regards to blogging and marketing of my freelance work being presented in a tasty fashion, a change of look seemed more appropriate now, than in a few months.
Other than sprucing up the blog to give it a better design that’s more adaptable and professional (hopefully), There are a couple of pieces of news to tell you about.
I entered three poems into this years PSH Poetry Contest, the winners of which will be announced in a PSH Live event on Sunday, October 5th at 2:00 pm (Pacific, 10pm GMT).I received payment (already!) for the eight articles I wrote for my contracted client last week, as well as being assigned another, this time on the Six Nations rugby championship. If you read this blog regularly, or indeed my Six Nations Rugby Spotlight blog, you’ll know that particular subject shouldn’t pose any problems whatsoever.
On Saturday I managed to get myself as well as possible to attend the wedding of our friends, Susan Pirie and Steven Marshall. Gail was Maid of Honour and looked absolutely stunning in her dress and new hair style, but I’ll have to get her permission before I can post a picture of just how yummy she looked. My partner for the day was Laura, who did us all proud with her own lovely outfit on and impeccable behaviour.
The ceremony took place in the ancient surroundings of Duddingston Kirk, one of the oldest still in active use in Scotland today. It is located on the slopes of Arthur’s Seat next to Duddingston Loch, and has been there since it was founded in the 12th century by a Norman Knight, who built it on land given to him by King David I of Scotland. It is a beautiful and intimate church and was perfect for Susie and Steven to make their vows.
The wedding breakfast and reception was held in the nearby Minto Hotel, a modern setting within lovely gardens. We arrived on the coach and were greeted in the hotel bar, while the happy couple had their photographs taken in the church grounds, and then in the grounds of the hotel with the wedding party and their family. With Laura away talking with a friend she met, this left me to sit on my own in the bar (I knew nobody but the newly weds) with a pint of Guinness watching the Ryder Cup on one of the many large screens on the walls. Not a bad way to spend the afternoon!
Eventually, I was required for some photographs with Gail and Laura (the photographer was Gail’s ex-tutor and mentor who she works some assignments with) before we were called through for the meal. Laura and I were first to arrive at our table, and oddly enough, I found myself at the table furthest from the bar and furthest from the Top Table. I was correct in assuming that this was because the rowdies were placed there also, which made for some quick friendships and a most enjoyable meal.
The speeches came and went relatively quickly I thought, with the Father of the Bride stealing the limelight from the Best Man who came across as quite nervous – not surprising given the occasion though and the Groom got off VERY lightly indeed. After the meal we had another few drinks in the bar next door while the room was transformed from restaurant to dance hall, and then we came in for the evening entertainment.
The evening guests arrived and a band took to the stage and we danced and drank the night through. It was a great night and a great wedding, and I wish Susie and Steven all the best for the future.
Greener is the Grass (Writing)
Stella (Re-Working)
PLEASE DONATE – For full details of my Abseil off the Forth Rail Bridge in October for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, please go here:
https://rzss.workwithus.org/Fundraising/Donate.aspx?page=4212
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Freedom from the Mundane 
Glad you’re feeling better. The wedding sounds lovely.
I like the new look, Colin! Very nice. Hope you’re feeling much better!
great sounding wedding, kicking up the heels through the night. be careful though with driving yourself too hard, i did that and ended up with chronic fatigue that i have had for 11 years now, absolutely life-changing illness … take care! lovely now look.