The clocks went back at the weekend and, as I’m writing this it’s dark outside and I can hear children outside trick or treating, a definite sign of winter coming. We’re still waiting for the first frost though and the proper winter day.
To be honest, much as I love September, October doesn’t really float my boat and I’m not sad to say goodbye to this October in particular.
Still I’ve been kept busy with work, two big things really and a few little things rumbling around in the background:
- I’ve had to get to grips with a completely new sector for me and it’s been great – I’ve not much at all in media and this month I’ve spent a good 3 weeks turning the results of a customer survey into insights for the client. They’re happy and feel like they know their customers much better than they previously did. So that’s good news.
- I shared the findings of the Status of UK Fundraising on stage (a real stage in front of a real audience) with blackbaud. I’ve worked with blackbaud on the Status of Fundraising report for five years now and while it was scary to get up on stage it was also a privilege to be asked and I was lucky to have Louise and Kelly from blackbaud up there with me adding depth and experience to the findings. The big take out from me is that preparation is key we rehearsed and rehearsed and I think all three of us looked confident and natural up there (regardless of how fast our hearts were beating!).
Outside of work, I’ve had fun three highlights:
- Seeing my name in print on the back of the Faber Anthology – a collection of work from everyone who took part in Faber & Faber’s Write a Novel course last year.
- A walk between the rain in Cambridge with Mike, his fantastic daughters and my niece – I always feel energised after spending time with them – each at different stages of their lives but all equally excited about their futures.
- A very indulgent night at the cinema to see La Boheme live-streamed from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. First time at the new cinema on our high street – it definitely won’t be the last. Comfy seat, nice wine and beautiful music.
I’m planning a quieter November with some time to recharge and do some more creative stuff. Maybe even finally finish that novel.
