Going to London
Wednesday, mid morning my mobile rang. It was a friend of mine who works for one of the organisations I volunteer with. She was calling in her professional capacity with good news. A project I organised and ran has been shortlisted for some form of award. The ceremony is in London, in February. Did I want to go?
Obviously I said yes straight away. We chatted a bit more and then said goodbye. I spent some time looking up the venue online and being excited and then got on with my day.
Yesterday, a bit before 5pm my mobile rang again. It was still in my bag where I’d been out all day and I missed it. I’d just gotten to where I’d left my bag and picked it up to hunt my mobile out when my landline rang – the same person who’d just called my mobile.
“Hi is that Emma?” the unknown voice said. I said it was and she continued “it’s such and such from so and so publishers, you expressed interest in one of our reader workshops and I just wanted to check when you might be available. We’re thinking [these dates] and we’re in London near Leicester Square.” We chatted a bit more and she told me they’d be in touch when they settled on a date. Then as she was saying goodbye she mentioned they wouldn’t be able to cover my travel expenses but I’d get a big goody bag with lots of books (I’m not sure our definition of lots of books will be the same). I said I was happy with that. We said goodbye.
I spent sometime online trying to figure out exactly where they are and how I’d get there (I still haven’t quite pinned it down as I can’t until I have details but there are options). And being very excited.
I just spoke to my mum and she said “have they got wheelchair access” and I realised I was so excited I forgot to ask. Oops. I did mention I used a wheelchair however but just in passing and they may not have registered it.
And I tell you what if I get to the end of today without another surprise phone call offering me a day out in London I’m going to be very disappointed!
One Comment
Angela Harding
Very proud of you and hope all your plans go well……knowing your experience there are bound to be hiccough s on the way…..but it will be fun…