Tube Ride Down the Rabbit Hole

[dotinthesky]

This morning, during the Tube strike, I took the District line to work and actually arrived half an hour earlier than usual at work.

At night, when the Tube strike was supposed to be over, I walked for miles trying to find an empty bus because none of them had enough space for me and all the supposedly functioning Tube stations were locked shut.

At least the launch for our festival went really well tonight: we had about 60 people despite the terrible Mondayness of it all. The poet enjoyed himself, the organisers were happy and my boss congratulated me on getting the high commissioner for the poet's country to attend. We are all feeling so much more positive and hopeful that the marketing and press is finally working and things will turn out OK this month.

Comments

[norabird.livejournal.com]

Strikes are such a puzzle to me as an American. We had one five years back and it was quite an event. At least you're not as bad as the French.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

We are definitely not like the French: most people here make it very clear that they don't support the strikers! I don't mind them so much if the cause is just - this one seems to be - but I'm a bit baffled by the mixed messages for the end of this one.

[zenithed.livejournal.com]

Glad the festival launch went well despite all the disruption.

I ended up getting in quicker than usual as well, half the stations on the way to work were closed so it just zoomed along.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Plus the carriages were empty and everyone had a seat. It was like utopia.

[verybadhorse.livejournal.com]

i am so excited that you found a job you enjoy doing. it's time.

who was the poet?

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I know eh? I'm loving it too. It's only for four months so I'm going to squeeze as much from it as I can!

It was this poet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linton_Kwesi_Johnson). I unfortunately missed the reading because I was taking care of the book stand but I met him afterwards and he was a really nice guy - gave me a free DVD of one of his shows!

[petercampbell.livejournal.com]

I'm surprised that only 60 people turned up to see LKJ - I still think of him as being a "name" poet. Though as you say, it was a Monday, which probably accounts for a lot.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Not only that but we had just two weeks to promote it! They hired me very last minute because my predecessor left and there were a lot of obstacles to overcome... I'm quite happy we managed that much and he was happy too... it's all good.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Aww, no worry! Absolutely understand - and even if you just hadn't felt like it, that's no problem either! Just hope I can see you soon! ;-)

[jellyfish93.livejournal.com]

yay! congrats on the festival, ollie. =)

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

On an unrelated note, went to yoga again today and thought of you! I hope one day I can take a class with you. :-)

[jellyfish93.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I just got back from yoga! Yes, I envision one day we'll be doing downward dogs together...and then stopping at a coffee shop to write side-by-side. (I want you to give me some writing prompts.) =)

by the way, did you see JK Rowling interviewed by Oprah in Edinburgh? I watched it on youtube and really enjoyed it.

xoxo

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

No, haven't seen the interview! Will search it out now.

Today we did the three warrior stances - the class only lasts an hour but it's a good post work out session (I went for a run around the park beforehand).

Yoga, coffee shop, writing - heaven!

[jellyfish93.livejournal.com]

Ok, throw in some running too -- How far do you run? I'm on this strange kick of running every day (41 days straight now) and I keep telling myself that if I can do it with running, surely I can create a daily habit of writing (*really* writing)!

Where shall we meet for our day of bliss?

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I run - with a bit of walking - a full circuit of Victoria Park, which I think is about 5 miles. Today, though, I felt I could have down two circuits - the sun was out and the air had that crisp quality of early autumn that kept my body cool and gave me more energy. It was lovely.

Where shall we meet for our day of bliss?

Let's leave it to fate. Could be San Diego. Could be São Paulo. Could be Bali... it will be somewhere surprising, that's for sure. :-)