London notes & photos - Part 2
Monday night I stay up writing until 6:30am, Tuesday. I had to get up at 8:30am to get to that meeting that I didn't know about until 11pm on Monday. Big meeting. Thought about just attending by phone but decided that it would be better to appear in person. Glad I did. The marketing firm representing Nivea, the new PR manager of Coco De Mer, Coco De Mer's education coordinator, etc were all there. A very productive 3 hours.
(Will-power, Emergen-C, tea, mate and espresso sustained me through the day. That and the knowledge that the next day was a personal day.)
Had just enough time to go back to the flat and take a 30 minute bath-nap. These do wonders for me during times of crazy schedule and sleep depravation. I run a warm (not hot) bath, set the alarm, let my self float, sort of meditate and sleep. Dashed back to Coco De Mer.
The special event that I was hired to present for a product launch party for Nivea. Yup, the skin product company. They're introducing this new kissable, tingly lip balm with lotus extract in a finger pot. They hired me to create and present a custom "Finishing School for the London Kitten" on flirting and charming, whether with a new date or on date with one's life partner. The audience consisted of 30 or so female fashion, beauty and health editors from various magazines. We had so much fun with sexy ways to take off glasses and scarves, sexy table manners redefined, strawberry kisses and more.
I really liked how the class turned out so I'm going to take it and work it into a regular class for the general audience.
After the class several of us went out for drinks at a private supper club. There are tons of those in London and it seems which one you belong to is a matter of expression and networking.
After getting home, I still had to stay up and deal with e mails and deadlines... Call the US for business stuff. I had hoped to get to sleep early but with the work left I didn't get to sleep until 3am. Still better than the day before. I slept a deep, efficient sleep of someone wholly satisfied with a day's good work.
= = Wednesday = =
My only free day. Sort of.
Had breakfast with a young book agent about my work. A very interesting man with background no just in publishing but in theology and philosophy. We spoke of cultural identities, travel, of sexual attitudes and more... the conversation continues and perhaps a collaboration...
Dash off to Selfridges, one of the fab department stores of London. I was on a mission to get a Mason Pearson Hairbrush. Apparantly one of the finest hairbrushes made. It's these little luxuries that make me happy! Without regret or hesitation I spent more on a hair brush than I ever imagined.
Dash off from Bond Street tube station to Moorgate to make the "Hidden Gardens of the City" walking tour. Either it was cancelled or I got there too late.. Missed it! Drat!
I pulled out my trusty "A to Z" guide and decided to walk around and make my own city tour. This turned out wonderfully. London is such a great city to get intentionally lost in!
First stop, a free concert in the park with a classical quartet.
Then came across "Rope Maker Street". I wonder what the history of that street is? it's now all big, shiny financial and business buildings.
Next... as I was wondering near Barbicon, I spot a ruined wall peeing out from behind a private drive way. I follow it and find a hidden garden, open to the public, called "Salter's Garden". Part of the old London wall and Roman remains incorporated into a sunken garden between late 20th century offices.
Fountains, roses, hidden alcoves under trellis and benches...
(more soon. I have to go board my flight to Denver now.)
(Will-power, Emergen-C, tea, mate and espresso sustained me through the day. That and the knowledge that the next day was a personal day.)
Had just enough time to go back to the flat and take a 30 minute bath-nap. These do wonders for me during times of crazy schedule and sleep depravation. I run a warm (not hot) bath, set the alarm, let my self float, sort of meditate and sleep. Dashed back to Coco De Mer.
The special event that I was hired to present for a product launch party for Nivea. Yup, the skin product company. They're introducing this new kissable, tingly lip balm with lotus extract in a finger pot. They hired me to create and present a custom "Finishing School for the London Kitten" on flirting and charming, whether with a new date or on date with one's life partner. The audience consisted of 30 or so female fashion, beauty and health editors from various magazines. We had so much fun with sexy ways to take off glasses and scarves, sexy table manners redefined, strawberry kisses and more.
I really liked how the class turned out so I'm going to take it and work it into a regular class for the general audience.
After the class several of us went out for drinks at a private supper club. There are tons of those in London and it seems which one you belong to is a matter of expression and networking.
After getting home, I still had to stay up and deal with e mails and deadlines... Call the US for business stuff. I had hoped to get to sleep early but with the work left I didn't get to sleep until 3am. Still better than the day before. I slept a deep, efficient sleep of someone wholly satisfied with a day's good work.
= = Wednesday = =
My only free day. Sort of.
Had breakfast with a young book agent about my work. A very interesting man with background no just in publishing but in theology and philosophy. We spoke of cultural identities, travel, of sexual attitudes and more... the conversation continues and perhaps a collaboration...
Dash off to Selfridges, one of the fab department stores of London. I was on a mission to get a Mason Pearson Hairbrush. Apparantly one of the finest hairbrushes made. It's these little luxuries that make me happy! Without regret or hesitation I spent more on a hair brush than I ever imagined.
Dash off from Bond Street tube station to Moorgate to make the "Hidden Gardens of the City" walking tour. Either it was cancelled or I got there too late.. Missed it! Drat!
I pulled out my trusty "A to Z" guide and decided to walk around and make my own city tour. This turned out wonderfully. London is such a great city to get intentionally lost in!
First stop, a free concert in the park with a classical quartet.
Then came across "Rope Maker Street". I wonder what the history of that street is? it's now all big, shiny financial and business buildings.
Next... as I was wondering near Barbicon, I spot a ruined wall peeing out from behind a private drive way. I follow it and find a hidden garden, open to the public, called "Salter's Garden". Part of the old London wall and Roman remains incorporated into a sunken garden between late 20th century offices.
Fountains, roses, hidden alcoves under trellis and benches...
(more soon. I have to go board my flight to Denver now.)