Visit to Estonia
Soon enough, we will be off to Estonia, for 2 weeks with my wife's family. Beautiful Tallinn, at least the medieaval part of it, hopefully not too full of British stag partys ruining our reputation abroad in yet another country. Estonian girls are gorgeous guys, but not easy. Bit of respect goes a long, long way.
I hope we get to chill in the forest around Marjamaa, visit Saaremaa - home of the best beer in Estonia and generally try and avoid getting bitten by the midges!
I also will be gathering thoughts and feelings for places. If I can crack this novel writing last, then trilogy 3 of the saga is set in Estonia from independence to occupation. ah, but I'm ahead of myself just a bit...no news from the publisher, frustrating but I have to be patient.
On the subject of stag parties, I read that a bridegroom on his stag weekend ended up playing international rugby for Estonia against Finland, as they were short. I am sorely jealous, as that would give me such kudos with the in-laws. once I had explained what rugby actually was, that is. If I turned up would my experience of playing for Winslow 2nds ten years ago warrant a place on the bench?
Progress
Had a meeting with the prospective publishers. This was going against the grain of all I have been told of publishers. Don't just turn up on the doorstep unannounced when they haven't replied yet! Well, my Dad is always the good ambassador and the editor was happy to see us.
They like the book, they want to publish it,but not in its present form. It is too linear (but as an autobiographical account, this is difficult otherwise). They want to apply for a scheme they have in Wales whereby I am assigned a mentor to assist me in this. Apparently the publisher has to nominate me.
Onwards...!
Setting the standard
My father got his degree results. He got a 2.1 and next week will attain his graduation as BA (Hons) in American Studies.
He is currently looking at his options to do an MA or Mfilm in a related field.
He is also 76 this year, proving that you are never too old.
It's quite a feat and I am so proud and looking forward to the celebrations. This will hopefully start with a get together over a glass of whisky or 3 on Saturday. I always look forward to the first evening back, the whisky comes out and we catch up. It's recognised by the ladies who just leave us to it (famous last words...).
I also need to save like mad, because I have already said that achieving graduation would mean that I take him on a tour of the Islay whisky distilleries. Beautiful land that island, I have not seen it for almost 20 years now. Looking across the Sound to the Paps of Jura on a clear day...
with a glass of Caol Ila in hand of course!
