Louth Craftmark

Snippets from Drogheda on Saturday: after checking out the book in Easons, and after the hailstones abated, Sharon and I set up Nosey's stand amidst the woodturners and jewellers and silk-painters and felters...

Although there were two official storytimes scheduled, we took turns reading Nosey at intervals through the day, both outside in the courtyard, and inside in the gallery (where a breadcrumb trail of hats lead to us).

A duo from Nationwide covered the event, so Nosey may be included in the feature - more on that in a couple of weeks. Thanks to the staff of Highlanes Gallery for their hospitality, and to the gallery cafe - a branch of the ever-lovely Anderson's :-)

And after coffee and stories and colouring and felting, we went in to the craft shop, for a little shopping :-)



On the trip back down, we kicked around ideas for the Nosey sequel, but now it's back to my book; tappy tap tapping away...

On the road again. Again.

A quiet writing morning. Pretty heavenly.

Well, it's Nosey Rosie Roadtrip time: I am headed to Louth and Armagh with the very lovely Sharon Rose, to help showcase her new range of clothes and of course, the book. We shall be at Louth Craftmark (based at the Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda) all day tomorrow, and will be donning spikey hats and reading at 1pm.

I was looking through the Louth Craftmark website: ceramics, woodturning, textiles, art... and I thought of me, in the same room as all those treaty things, from 10.30am-5pm.

I may ask Sharon to confiscate my wallet.



And then I thought: in what possible world is Sharon the restrained one?

In Kray-zee Upsidedown Land, that's right...

Have a lovely weekend, all X

Slow going

Yaaaaaawwwwwnn... still trying to get over that under-the-weather feeling. Taking things slowly and quietly. Little sigh.

Found oodles of mermaids' tears yesterday: some very pretty pieces of seaglass, which may be woven or crocheted-with-wire into the wool hanging that I'll do someday. Slowly getting a sense of the hanging.

I should get back to tappy-tap-tapping; even a minuscule number of words is better than none! Meanwhile, some images from the Nosey Rosie launch at Fota Wildlife Park on Sunday (which you can click to enlarge):



Thanks to Fota for being lovely hosts, and to the ten zillion visitors and colourer-in-extraordinaires who shared their afternoon with us.
:-)

Exotic Medley

Another stellar weekend.

Friday evening - following the Intervention of the Ladies of the Glebe - was hosted by a local artists' collective in Skibbereen, in their lovely studios, night-lights twinkling as dusk approached: the fabulous Leanne O'Sullivan, who read a selection of her poetry old and new. I hadn't heard her before, and blinked tears at the beauty of many of her sentiments and phrases, that have their roots out in the Beara peninsula. Then musicians and poets and writers - entirely eclectic mix of styles and approaches to the word, spoken and sung. It was my first time attending, and I was made to feel most welcome (and contributed my bit along with the rest).

Saturday was TEDx WestCork: the theme was 'Moments of Astonishment'. And there were a few! Great mix of speakers, thoughts, calls-to-action, poetry (Leanne Treat #2), ponderings on landscape and sense of place (though when one speaker said "I moved to Dublin and felt lonely and isolated..." I chose not to meet the knowing smiles!). David Puttnam was the sole speaker who was defeated by the Ash, but he sent a film that made his point instead. Then onwards for sunshiney (and duskey) pints with the locals, all loving this weather.

And so began the Safari. Sharon Rose had done a beautiful 'Nosey at Fota' colouring picture, and we set up books and hats and crayons and glitter gel tattoo pens :-) We were kept busy for hours! Lots of lovely children and adults. And Nosey took a little time to explore the animals...



:-)

Pre-Den

At the Craftey Market on Sunday, Sharon and I rattled on about Nosey Rosie to all and sundry. There's an ease of delivery between us, whether we're talking to kids or pitching to adults; somewhere along the way we've developed an easy style.

With the Dragons' Den airing this evening, I was thinking about how in the lead up to it, the idea of being interviewed and filmed and that film being shown nationwide - as it would with many of us - did not fill Sharon with a happy glowy feeling. She worked hard to prepare for the Dragons: clothing samples, book samples, business plan. She faced a lot of challenges - and fears - in order to walk in that door. I guess for me, I wish circumstances had been such that I could have been in Dublin by her side, just to wait with her, and wish her well until the second she walked in there.

So congratulations Sharon, for your talent and bravery and willpower in getting to that doorway and going through it. I'm glad that I get to toast you tonight in person :-)

And actually, I might have a little pre-toast toast now. It's been a sunshiney day, featuring the Fabulous Baking Lady (all hail her millionaire's shortbread). I seem to have spent much time meandering online trying to find a good illustration of a demon - setting that to one side now! Time to get some writing done :-)

"Do one thing every day that scares you."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

NoseyNews

Hear ye, hear ye...

In the Printed Flesh: Nosey Rosie is en route to Dublin, and should be on Easons shelves in time for the weekend. As she's brand spanky new to Easons, we would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word and raising her cute little button-nosed profile. Ask staff about her in sloooow exaggerated voices; walk aisles while brandishing NR books and commenting on the simply darling illustrations; buy copies ostentatiously, with grand dramatic movements... you know the drill :-)

Online: Her website is in its final primping and tweaking stage, but you can get a sneak preview at: noseyrosieandfriends.com *You can buy books and hats online through paypal.

As Seen on TV: Thursday 15 April, on RTE 1 at 22.15, Sharon Rose will lead the lovely Nosey Rosie into the Dragons' Den... dun dun dunnnnnnnn!! For those who have been trying to persuade the brave and lovely Sharon Rose to watch the cutthroat dragons in the cutthroat atmosphere of Jacobs - not a chance! It'll be experienced on home ground, with treaty canapes and wine. Most civilised :-)

Everything's Coming Up Rosies

A weekend of two Rosies.

First, the Rosie Leak exhibition at The Glebe. Pete Perry gave a wonderful introduction, talking about the baggage that artists bring to the canvas, and how long it can take to let that go. He used Matisse as an example, who spent his career mastering the great known styles, and then let them go, over and over, until he reached the minimalist, clean-cut works of his final years. And then he pointed out a few of Rosie's pieces, and wistfully said how happy he would be if he had produced such unburdened art.

The 'Sold' dots went up quickly, and buyers (and family) took the opportunity to pose with the artist. (I meant to get a photo of Rosie's personal favourite - a swimming pool triptych of shallow, deeper, deep. Great blues...)

You can click to enlarge the collage

And on Sunday, following the Easter Egg Hard Target Search (I'm surprised there's so much as a leaf left in the Glebe) we settled down for Nosey Rosie Storytime. The audience was a mix of locals (who know NR from school visits) and slightly dazed visitors who weren't quite sure what all the hats were about. Then we had photos, and a signing of books (when we ran out of books, I signed Easter baskets instead). And after Nosey Rosie, there was coffee and friends and chocolate cake.



And when I got home, Sharon Rose texted through a prescription for a large glass o'wine, pronto. What kind of lunatic would ignore such sage advice :-)

Thanks to Jean for running the mini-shop, to Liz for fab-and-much-needed coffee, and to Aisling for the NR photos - great job!

Good Friday

A sunshiney Good Friday. Things are quiet at the moment: later the packed Sherkin ferries head out to the island for some... er... religious service, perhaps? And those who remain behind will set up camp outside the Jolie, order wine with a side order of chips and soak up the sunshine as the sailboats cross the bay.

I think for me, focus will be on the very lovely Glebe. There's an exhibition of Rosie Leak's work opening tomorrow evening, and on Sunday, the Easter Egg hunt kicks off at noon, followed by a Nosey Rosie reading (if the apocalyptic weather forecast decides to spare Baltimore, that is). Anyhoo, it's the perfect environment for families and kidlets - it's a shame that Sharon and her delightful Saoirse aren't with us to spearhead Nosey in proper family fashion, but I shall do my best.

Meanwhile, the Fabulous Baking Lady kick-started the Easter spirit earlier this week with these perfectly scrumptious lemon cupcakes.



We need Taste-O-Vision - the zestiness of the icing... yum yum yum.

Okay, back to writing for me. Safe travels, to all those on the road today. And to those who finally get to *not* travel today, enjoy the treatiness of Easter at home for once.

Have a lovely weekend, all.

M is for Monday, M is for...

Crosswords done, half way through pot of coffee, kitties already finished morning playtime and napping peacefully. The lashing rain of early morning has receded to a grey drizzle-rain. A morning for candles, most certainly.

Trying to get a scene worked out before this afternoon's Nosey Rosie fiesta. Deadlines are looming in terms of launches, stocking up in Easons and an Easter Sunday reading. With this being a four-day week, we're pushed for printing time. Basically, I need to sit in a printer's office, learn some new software, convert each page of the book across, re-do a bunch of effects and retype the type. As I said to a friend earlier today: What could possibly go wrong?

"Merde" was his response.

Anyhoo, that's a Later Thing. For now: nudge kitty off lap, get coffee, write stuff.

"Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success." - Dale Carnegie

:-)

Sleepy thoughts

Just about to hit the hay...

This evening was an event called Network South West, where businesswomen and entrepreneurs come together. Sharon Rose and I were there showcasing Nosey Rosie. We arrived, a little tired, a little hungry, and geared up for the event.

Nosey was just the belle of the ball. Great feedback and support; thanks to all who took the time to spend with us :-)

*And* our stand happened to be beside the fabulous purveyors of Caherbeg Free Range Pork, Rosscarbery, who served up their award-winning black and white pudding and some great pate. All of which sustained us, all the way home.

Yaaaaaawwwwwwn. Nightey night X

She's ready for her close up

This afternoon we headed to The Glebe gardens for a photo shoot: we had a bunch of photographic equipment (complete with photographer), Sharon's lovely Nosey Rosie clothing range, some fabulous children, balloons and a dinky toadstool.

We were ready.

My designated role was as Holder of the Gargantuan Chocolate Bar. It was, sadly, not real: a 5 foot slab of polystyrene, covered with gold foil. Very Cadburys.

Coincidentally, most of us had been in The Glebe on Sunday - that sunny, temperate afternoon. Today was... not that. The weather had been slowly turning all day, but the process sped up upon our arrival: colder, darker, windier. We stuck at it for nearly two hours, and the children were phenomenal throughout; I reckon we managed to get through about two-thirds of the shots. Weather forecasts, local sages & oracles are being consulted for Round Two.

We had some good fun though :-)

World Book Day

In the lead-up to World Book Day, a local school had invited Sharon Rose & myself in to talk about Nosey Rosie. And so off we set yesterday morning, with hats and books and stickers, and a vague sense of where we were going.

The plan was that we'd speak to two classes, but as we finished the school asked if we could stay and speak to another two. Opening up the floor to children is always a blast. The conversation and questions - as always with children - were surprising and delightful and unimpeded by limitations and expectations.
Will there be a Nosey Rosie cartoon?
It was my birthday yesterday.
Will there be Nosey Rosie dolls?
My name is Ava!
Will Nosey Rosie get a baby brother?
My granny has a magnifying glass.
Kept us on our toes. Then we talked about reading and drawing, knitting and crazy hats...

As we were leaving, the headmaster made his way through the throng of children to us, smiling: 'They tell me Nosey Rosie is very nosy'.

Word is out :-)

Here be dragons...

So, there's no news yet from the Dragons' Den - Sharon's in there pitching as I type.

Just passing time... waiting to hear... and it occurs to me that in tweeting or blogging about this, I've created inevitable frustration for readers, as there'll have to be a giant Clamming Up as soon as I know, either way.

So let's say: I hope that whatever happens, it works out for the best, for Sharon and myself and for Nosey Rosie.

Have a lovely weekend :-)

All is calm, all is bright...

Gorgeous day here: Baltimore is still and quiet, and the sea is like glass.



It's been bizarrely mild - just nippy enough now to light the fire :-) Max and Dubh are calm at last, after getting overexcited about the all-new scents of spiced beef and butter respectively. Speaking of which:



And the Nosey Rosie proof copies are back from the printer (who took a copy home to read to his kids - and they loved it!). Slightly surreal see her all bound - it's been a manic few weeks! Sharon's illustrations came up great, and she was amazing to get the book together in time - well done Sharon!!



Safe travels, for those who are on the road or in the air. Hope Christmas Eve is filled with warmth and joy, and a very merry Christmas X

Nosey Rosie Road Trip

Quick note before rehearsal, while oven heats to cook frozen pizza (can't wait for all my free time when the Christmas treaty cooking can begin. And the Christmas decorations can be unpacked).

So, today was a Nosey Rosie fiesta: visits to her printer, and stockists of all kinds, and a trip to the Magic Embroiderer Machine, where I watched in awe as garments were transformed into branded NR goods. Very positive feedback throughout. Baby steps :-)

But the roads, oh the roads. Two slides on ice: one coming around a corner as we sailed across the road, swerved, avoided hitting the other side. The other was when we turned down at the top of my road - massive thanks to Paddy the Dub for freeing Sharon Rose and me from our second twirley slide, and well done Sharon for the quick reflexes throughout.

Home. Hungry. Adrenalined up. Dress rehearsal in - oh, half an hour. Just enough time for that pizza...