Charing Cross Rd

I spent a few happy hours this week wandering round the Charing Cross Rd looking for books that are on my ever increasing bibliography. In this time of the rise of the e-book, e-reader etc it was an absolute joy to immerse myself in the physicality of the paper book. Even the smell of second hand books makes me smile to myself. I've also been to another Fire Station Bookswap this week. I managed to offload Mothers Milk (did not enjoy it) for Poppy Shakespeare by Clare Allan which has been on my wish list for a while.

Chelsea Arts Club

I was very fortunate this week to be invited to the Chelsea Arts Club. Students past and present were asked along by our tutor. Founded by Whistler, it is tucked away in a lovely location just off the Fulham Road. We were in a room at the front of what is essentially a cottage but then when you go through to the 'inner sanctum' it opens up into another world. Membership is exclusive, so I'm unlikely to go again but I briefly saw a parallel life that shows itself now again. When I turn it's gone but one day, maybe one day...

Champagne

I handed in my MA dissertation on Wednesday. I must admit to feeling rather bereft. This won't last as I have now started to get to grips with the PhD. Last Sunday was rather stressful. All I had to do was print the novel extract and essay but the printer jammed and I got through a brand new ink cartridge. My other half had to drive me to Staples in my comfy clothes and my hair all over the place, shouting "ink". The lovely thing was that we didn't just hand it in and then drift away. Fay Weldon invited us all for champagne in her office and we all shared stories of the last few months of writing. I am so glad to be going back to continue my studies.