Shows, Graduations and Conferences

Since my last post there have been three Notable Events. All of them in London and occasioning Very Bad Feet. The first was daughter Phillipa's final show at the Royal Academy of Music. She played Sarah Jane Moore in Sondheim's Assassins and was, of course, brilliant. So she can act, now? I couldn't walk the following day.

Next, the graduation. Held in St Marylebone Church, a beautiful building right opposite the Academy. Best friend Elly's dad Graham and I were the chosen two and travelled up at the crack of sparrows to be seated at 9. The ceremony began at 10 15, but we were entertained by the Academy's Brass ensemble, which was superb. Apart from the graduands, Fellowships and Memberships of the Academy were introduced by the wonderfully voiced John Suchet and we were treated to a terrific jazz tuba piece by one of the honours students. After all the pomp and circumstance everything went a bit to pot, as there were free drinks in the Duke's Hall. Needless to say, our little group, now enhanced by two other members of Philly's course, a twin and a mother, were the last to leave having consumed our own bodyweight in wine. We managed to get to Pizza Express to have a rather late lunch, then the proud graduands left to get ready for their ball (held in the Gorilla House at London Zoo???)

Due to this once in a lifetime experience I missed my grandson's fourth birthday and got into trouble with my elder daughter.

Finally, the RNA 50th Anniversary conference. Now, I know I don't write romance, but, as I've said before, most of my mates do. So off I went, again at sparrow's, and eventually dragged myself and case from Greenwich Station to the conference venue at the farthest point of the Royal Naval College on the hottest day of the year. I, my feet, knees and hips were complaining bitterly by this time and it was only ten o'clock! My friend Bernardine nobly agreed to show me where the accomodation was after lunch. This turned out to be In Greenwich. Not on site. Off we went. Then back we went to listen to the inestimable Carole Blake, agent extraordinaire (unfortunately not mine). Then, oh, my, back to the accomodation, whereupon Bernardine, Susan Alison (wonderful artist who drew the map for my books) and I decided to order a taxi to go to the Gala Dinner in The Trafalgar Tavern that evening rather than risk the hoi polloi of Greenwich - and the distance - in our finery.

It had been, apparently 32 degrees all day. If I could have gone home at that point, I would have done. However, the Gala Dinner was lovely, and although we didn't manage to make contact with many people (terrible crush, my dear) many friends were duly greeted.

The following day, in loose white and feeling like an Indian gentleman, off I went again on the long trek. Today, however, Bernardine, Susan, a friend from the US, Rosemary, and I appropriated a table in the courtyard and refused to move All Day. We remained cool. We attended no sessions, but received friends and admirers at our table with a gracious wave of our hands. We even decided not to go back to the accomodation before the evening bar and barbecue, also held in the courtyard. Altogether a more relaxing day.

Yesterday, morning spent in the courtyard, attended the plenary speech by Joanna Trollope, a lot of which I didn't agree with, (with which...Huh?) had lunch, back to the courtyard and then a lift all the way home with the lovely Jane Wenham-Jones, with whom I share a publisher. We shall be doing an event together for Ramsgate Arts on August Bank Holiday. Thanks, Jane.

Apart from the depredation of hips, knees and feet, three good events. If I receive any pictures, I shall upload them at a future time. I am also pleased to announce the return of son Leo to the blogosphere and online in general. And thank you, son Miles, for looking after the cats. And happy birthday Louise for tomorrow, July 13th.

Now back to the revisions.

Covers and concert

What a proud Mummy! Last night I went to see Phillipa in the end of term concert at the Royal Academy of Music. A stunning ensemble of thirty young people all selected for their outstanding talent, who are now one third of the way through their course. You wonder how much more they can learn. The orchestra, of course, also Royal Academy students, were fabulous, as you would expect, the MD and chorus master, Stephen Hill, a marvel.

Each member of the course had a solo, Philly's small, as they are saving her voice until after she's had her throat operation a week on Monday. There were many moments through the evening which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and the only thing I could have wished for was that Philly's elder sister Lou (also a singer, in case you don't know) could have been there. Her best friend, best friend's brother, sister-in-law-elect and two sponsors were there with me, and we all agreed it was a fab evening.

Other stunning news - I am being rejacketed. A whole new matching set will be out next year, and apparently one of the wholesalers (Bertrams) is to do a special promotion of them all when book 6 comes out in April. Oh - and book 7 will also be out next year on October 25th, in time for Christmas. Long live Libby Sarjeant.

Last week I attended the RNA winter party, had lunch and shopping before with Bernardine Kennedy and a lightening catch up with other friends when we got there. The result - dreadful feet for two days. One day in London equals ratcheted up arthritis for days afterwards. As I was up there yesterday, guess how I feel today?

Blooming Murder

The book, Murder in Bloom, is about to wing its way to the publishers at last. It's been a struggle, but who said being a novelist was easy?

Much excersised by media controversy surrounding the exploitation of one's own children. I am now very wary of reporting anything to do with my hugely talented, beautiful and extraordinary children! (Do hope they read this.) I have recently reported the birth of my grandaughter, Kitty; perhaps I shouldn't have? However, that was included in the newspaper report of my burglary (don't ask - will post a picture of the placard), so is in the public domain. What I haven't reported is that one of those hugely talented etc etc, Phillipa, has gained a place at the Royal Academy of Music, one of the most prestigious conservatoires in the world. This is a huge step towards her dream, which has been held since she was 12. She has achieved her degree in Music, she teaches it and performs, but this would be the pinnacle. So now we're going all out for sponsorship. Anybody got any ideas?

Youngest of above mentioned etc etc, Leo arrives for a week's visit today. Aah, my baby's coming home...