Monthly Archives: December 2019
All good wishes …
I admit I love all things Christmas including the build up which this year has included a jolly, bargain-filled trip to Bluewater with my niece Jess, a festive fete at the lovely school where my niece Marie Claire teaches, a rip-roaring panto (Cinderella – it was brilliant) with my best friend Clare at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon plus all the usual pre-Christmas gatherings, present exchanges, and mulled wine, choccies and mince pies by the dozen.
I do fully appreciate that both Christmas and New Year can be a very emotional time, sometimes for good reasons, sometimes for sad, and that not everybody relishes the festive season.
I hope that wherever you are and whatever you are doing this Christmas, you find peace and some comfort.
Thank you all for your ongoing cheerleading for me, my blog and my novel. The sequel to As Weekends Go will be released in 2020 (hooray!). I truly value your support and friendship.
May 2020 be a peaceful, healthy and joyful year for us all.
Cheers!
Much love,
Jan x
Pre-Christmas check in …
Well what a busy old time I’ve had since my last post. Now here we are in December with Christmas almost upon us (hooray!) and 2020 waving at us over its shoulder.
I’m looking forward to receiving my edits for Book 2 – the sequel to As Weekends Go. Both a nerve-wracking and exciting prospect but I know that whatever is suggested and advised it can only strengthen the novel. We’re a team and teammates support each other in producing what they hope is the best a story can be for the reader to hopefully enjoy.
October always starts well at Brigden Towers as the 4th is our wedding anniversary. 16 years married for me & Mr B this year and through all the ups, downs and somewhere-in-the-middles, we’re still a winning team.
This same week, I enjoyed a delightful pre-birthday treat from my gem of a best friend Clare who had booked us tickets for the west end show Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. It’s brilliant! (see review later in post). Before the show we enjoyed a stroll around Chinatown – buzzing and colourful as ever.
My birthday itself was as fabulous – another huge treat from my gorgeous sister and equally gorgeous niece who bought me a ticket for the stage version of Grease – my absolute fave film of all time. It was on at the superb Churchill theatre in Bromley and after a delicious pasta lunch the three of us took our seats, prepared for a good old, shameless singalong. Fantastic! (also reviewed later in post).
Cards aplenty
A jaunt to Leicester for the day brought a much-loved and long overdue catch up with these three sparklers, fellow authors Lizzie Lamb, Adrienne Vaughan and June Kearns. We all met through the romantic novelists’ association (RNA) and have been firm buddies ever since.
June, Lizzie, Adrienne & me
In celebration of best friend Clare’s birthday, after a coffee and a nice stroll round Hyde Park in the sunshine, we visited the Park Lane Hilton for afternoon tea. Pure indulgence from start to finish. Suffice to say we scoffed and quaffed our hearts out and took the leftovers home in a pretty box. Check out these goodies …
More mega exciting news followed when the whole family gathered at The Mulberry Bush pub on the South Bank in honour of niece Jo’s lovely partner Anthony who was celebrating his 30th birthday. Jo and Ant are expecting a baby in early 2020 and we couldn’t be more pleased for them. The birthday cheer was in full swing when Ant happily surprised us all by proposing to Jo. Cue chaotic merriment of the highest order. A day to remember for sure. So thrilled!
A newly engaged Jo & Ant
Show Reviews:
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie ~ The Apollo Theatre : Based on a true story, this show features main character Jamie New (played by the super-talented Layton Williams) and his journey from Sheffield council estate to the glitz and glamour of the showbiz world. We laughed, cried and rooted for Jamie all the way as he challenges and overcomes prejudice to fulfill his star potential. Fun, camp and musically magnificent, we loved it.
Grease ~ Churchill Theatre Bromley (no longer showing at this venue but will be embarking on a new 2020 UK tour ) : Being a massive fan of the film I went along to see the stage version with slight reservations and an open mind as to how it would compare. I needn’t have worried as it was a triumph. All the beloved songs plus a few new tunes added and a superb cast including Peter Andre who played the part of Teen Angel (Beauty School Dropout …) There are a few modern touches, changes and twists but they all contributed to a highly entertaining version. Bravo!
December Blooms
Until next time, with much love,
Jan x
jan brigden, writer 