I have decided again that it's time to dust off the cobwebs and become more sociable after giving up on ever finding "Ms Right For Me" (not their fault - I'm too hard to please, but I have been spoiled in the past). Anyway, I'm booked in to attend the TV recording of "Good News Week" at Melbourne Town Hall on April 14th (staying overnight in the big smoke), then - one week later - I travel to Euroa to join in the Golden Wedding celebrations of my old mate Harry Wilkinson and his wife Glenda. On both of these occasions I will be partnered by my support worker and friend, Roberta Exell.
At April's end (29th) I will celebrate another milestone with a barbecue at the home of my daughter and son-in-law, Leanne and Craig with a trip to Geelong one week later to give an author talk and book signing at the Geelong Library... that's four week-ends in a row of social activity!
This all means a shuffling of my dialysis treatments, but the staff at the Bendigo dialysis unit have been very helpful in this area and have encouraged me all the way to be as active as I possibly can. I am even considering a trip interstate or overseas (New Zealand?) later in the year if dialysis treatments can be slotted into my itinerary three times a week... and I can find a travel partner - any takers?
In anticipation of all this merry-making, I plan to spend a very quiet Easter at home with my computer and support workers to keep me company. My daughter and grandsons presented me with a box of Cadbury chocolates today, so they will also feature on my list of priorities!
One little health hiccup recently is a constant stabbing of a nerve in the left cheek (of my face) which affects every time I eat, particularly when chewing. Originally diagnosed and treated with anti-biotics for sinusitis, I am seeking a second opinion from my G.P. next week. Being unable to enjoy my meals is certainly not my idea of having fun.
You can expect to hear from me again early in May with a report on all the above events... including whether a travel partner has appeared on the scene!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
BOOKS FOR SALE!
In the photo below (click on it to increase size) I am seated at my book-launch at Dymocks Bookstore in Bendigo where, shortly afterwards, I sold and signed ten copies of my autobiography. My brother Geoff was on hand to introduce me to the masses - about 20 - who were gathered there, together with his good wife Meryl, who is seen in the background checking out the various other books on display.
I spoke briefly about the publicity from two local newspapers as well as WIN TV who ran a short feature about the book-launch. I also made comment about one newspaper whose reporter took one of my comments and made it the theme for their whole article... this was my tongue-in-cheek, off-the-cuff, remark that I had been married three times and (ha ha) "am looking for wife No. 4"! I assured those in attendance that this was NOT to be taken as an indication that my book was intended as a sequel for the Kama Sutra"... if this is what they thought they would have been extremely disappointed!
Since then I have sold just on 100 copies - not exactly a "best seller", but enough to encourage me to circulate the news a little further afield to other states and, possibly, to other countries. The only things I need now are time and a secretary (my one-finger typing skills are not conducive to long stints on a keyboard!
My only recent social activity has been to attend the combined 18th birthday barbecue of my twin grandsons Jack and Ryan Murphy at the lovely home of their parents in Maiden Gully and my attendance, with friend and support worker Roberta, at the Celtic Thunder Concert at the Bendigo Stadium - a great show in the estimation of the large crowd in attendance.
I spoke briefly about the publicity from two local newspapers as well as WIN TV who ran a short feature about the book-launch. I also made comment about one newspaper whose reporter took one of my comments and made it the theme for their whole article... this was my tongue-in-cheek, off-the-cuff, remark that I had been married three times and (ha ha) "am looking for wife No. 4"! I assured those in attendance that this was NOT to be taken as an indication that my book was intended as a sequel for the Kama Sutra"... if this is what they thought they would have been extremely disappointed!
Since then I have sold just on 100 copies - not exactly a "best seller", but enough to encourage me to circulate the news a little further afield to other states and, possibly, to other countries. The only things I need now are time and a secretary (my one-finger typing skills are not conducive to long stints on a keyboard!
My only recent social activity has been to attend the combined 18th birthday barbecue of my twin grandsons Jack and Ryan Murphy at the lovely home of their parents in Maiden Gully and my attendance, with friend and support worker Roberta, at the Celtic Thunder Concert at the Bendigo Stadium - a great show in the estimation of the large crowd in attendance.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
RELEASED AT LAST!
At long last my autobiography, 30 years in the writing, has been released to the public! On the morning of 21st January, Dymocks Books in Bendigo held the launch of my autobiography. My brother Geoffrey and his wife Meryl were on hand and Geoff did my official introduction to the wandering masses (well... 20 or so)! We sold ten books, so that wasn't a bad start and I certainly didn't suffer from writer's cramp signing that number. The media has assisted with articles in the Bendigo Weekly and Advertiser, while WIN Television did an interview last week which went to air on Friday, January 27.
We are attempting to get the book ePublished online, but won't know about that for a few days - I will advise you further in my next Blog.If you would like a personally signed copy - for yourself or a friend - just contact me on my email address and I'll send you details.
My only other social outing was "Harrymas"... our Dad's birthday... when my immediate family gathered at the home of my daughter and her husband for an afternoon of eating, watching old home movies and having a singalong.
The most recent event that concerns me is my problem neighbours… a gentleman in a wheelchair (who is an alcoholic) and his family. His son was caught (on camera) pinching the wallet of a taxi driver who brought me home from dialysis last week (while he was seeing me to the front door), so now I make sure all the doors and windows are locked at night. It’s things like that that make me a tad nervous about living alone virtually 24/7… not to mention waking up during the early hours to the sounds of the house! Creaks and bumps in the night are rather disconcerting now whereas they never used to bother me.
Ah, the joys of being a loner!
Oh, I have also become the proud (?) owner of a new wheelchair! I am still 'breaking it in', but will tell you more about it in my next blog... stay tuned!
We are attempting to get the book ePublished online, but won't know about that for a few days - I will advise you further in my next Blog.If you would like a personally signed copy - for yourself or a friend - just contact me on my email address and I'll send you details.
My only other social outing was "Harrymas"... our Dad's birthday... when my immediate family gathered at the home of my daughter and her husband for an afternoon of eating, watching old home movies and having a singalong.
The most recent event that concerns me is my problem neighbours… a gentleman in a wheelchair (who is an alcoholic) and his family. His son was caught (on camera) pinching the wallet of a taxi driver who brought me home from dialysis last week (while he was seeing me to the front door), so now I make sure all the doors and windows are locked at night. It’s things like that that make me a tad nervous about living alone virtually 24/7… not to mention waking up during the early hours to the sounds of the house! Creaks and bumps in the night are rather disconcerting now whereas they never used to bother me.
Ah, the joys of being a loner!
Oh, I have also become the proud (?) owner of a new wheelchair! I am still 'breaking it in', but will tell you more about it in my next blog... stay tuned!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Christmas Beckons!
"Ooh Mum, they're groping me" (my team of carers, Glenda, Julia, Tracey and Roberta). 
Back, L. to R., Vera, Barbara, Elaine, Leo, Michael, Geoff and Alan. Front, L to R., Brian, Shirley and me.
If I could physically accomplish the task I would pat myself on the back for being a little more organised this Christmas! I still haven't purchased all my pressies for family and friends, but I have had my autobiography published (with the book launch being held on January 21st) and written my Annual Newsletter to go out with my Christmas Cards... which should be completed this week.
I was giving thought to going to Tamworth for a few days at Festival time (around the end of January), but dialysis treatment at the Tamworth hospital was not available, so it will have to wait until 2013 before I can consider making the journey up north.
Getting back to my book. Anyone wanting a copy should let me know as soon as possible, because I need to order well in advance from the publishers who are based in the USA. I'm going to have to order an unknown quantity of books before the book launch and I already have 20+ orders to fill, so I'm going to be a busy girl over the next few weeks... yes, I know that should have read "busy BOY", but one does get confused at this time of year!
There is a chance I will be changing my blog site in the near future, but I will give you plenty of notice in case you like to keep up with the scintillating story of my lifestyle... I'm trying to dream up some sensational event to catapult me into the new year, but it looks like trying to flog books will be as close as I can get. Any help you can give me to promote it will be greatly appreciated.
My only public event in recent weeks has been a dinner with friends and family on November 27. The photographs above were taken there.
In closing, for those of you who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a season of love, good health and happiness. The same goes for everyone else as well! See you (God Willing) in 2012.
Getting back to my book. Anyone wanting a copy should let me know as soon as possible, because I need to order well in advance from the publishers who are based in the USA. I'm going to have to order an unknown quantity of books before the book launch and I already have 20+ orders to fill, so I'm going to be a busy girl over the next few weeks... yes, I know that should have read "busy BOY", but one does get confused at this time of year!
There is a chance I will be changing my blog site in the near future, but I will give you plenty of notice in case you like to keep up with the scintillating story of my lifestyle... I'm trying to dream up some sensational event to catapult me into the new year, but it looks like trying to flog books will be as close as I can get. Any help you can give me to promote it will be greatly appreciated.
My only public event in recent weeks has been a dinner with friends and family on November 27. The photographs above were taken there.
In closing, for those of you who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a season of love, good health and happiness. The same goes for everyone else as well! See you (God Willing) in 2012.
Friday, October 21, 2011
My Autobiography set to go!
The contents of my autobiography will be as follows.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. HOW IT STARTED - AND ALMOST ENDED
2. CRISIS POINT
3. MY LILLIPUT
4. THE GOLDEN VOICES OF RADIO
5. FAMILY INFLUENCES
6. ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
7. PASSING TIME… AND OTHER EMBARRASSMENTS
8. READIN’, WRITIN’ & ‘RITHMETIC
9. GOD, SILKWORMS, SONGS... AND ROMANCE!
10. SWEET SIXTEEN
11. I JUST CALLED TO SAY...
12. FROM FAMINE TO FEAST - 1956
13. THE CLUB IN FULL SWING - 1958
14. ‘RAGING’ IN THE BEDROOM! - 1959
15. I ENTER THE SWINGING SIXTIES - 1960
16. THE END OF A HAPPY ERA
17. THE BUSINESS MAN BECOMES AN ENTERTAINER
18. A BIRTH, DEATH, MARRIAGE... AND DIVORCE!
19. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY = MARRIAGE PROBLEMS
20. NASHVILLE AT LAST
21. BACK HOME AGAIN... TO THE "DOOZY"
22. THE FRINGE BENEFITS OF HAVING A CARE ATTENDANT
23. DATING SITES
24. A FITTING FAREWELL TO MY MUSICAL JOURNEY
We are working on having it published both as an e-book (paperback edition) and online, but need "expressions of interest" to guage its potential either way. Which version would you prefer (if any)? At this stage I cannot give you costs of either format, but rest assured you won't be committing yourself to buy a copy either way. Please respond either way A.S.A.P. if you are at all interested. Thank you.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. HOW IT STARTED - AND ALMOST ENDED
2. CRISIS POINT
3. MY LILLIPUT
4. THE GOLDEN VOICES OF RADIO
5. FAMILY INFLUENCES
6. ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
7. PASSING TIME… AND OTHER EMBARRASSMENTS
8. READIN’, WRITIN’ & ‘RITHMETIC
9. GOD, SILKWORMS, SONGS... AND ROMANCE!
10. SWEET SIXTEEN
11. I JUST CALLED TO SAY...
12. FROM FAMINE TO FEAST - 1956
13. THE CLUB IN FULL SWING - 1958
14. ‘RAGING’ IN THE BEDROOM! - 1959
15. I ENTER THE SWINGING SIXTIES - 1960
16. THE END OF A HAPPY ERA
17. THE BUSINESS MAN BECOMES AN ENTERTAINER
18. A BIRTH, DEATH, MARRIAGE... AND DIVORCE!
19. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY = MARRIAGE PROBLEMS
20. NASHVILLE AT LAST
21. BACK HOME AGAIN... TO THE "DOOZY"
22. THE FRINGE BENEFITS OF HAVING A CARE ATTENDANT
23. DATING SITES
24. A FITTING FAREWELL TO MY MUSICAL JOURNEY
We are working on having it published both as an e-book (paperback edition) and online, but need "expressions of interest" to guage its potential either way. Which version would you prefer (if any)? At this stage I cannot give you costs of either format, but rest assured you won't be committing yourself to buy a copy either way. Please respond either way A.S.A.P. if you are at all interested. Thank you.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
A 'Springy' September!
Anyone who calls me 'anti-social' might think twice after looking at what I have left behind on my September calendar. For example, I attended a wedding, a baptism service, went out to dinner on three occasions and visited the Chinese Gardens, some of which I did in the company of a lady I met online from Warrnambool who stayed with me for 12 days... plus I acquired a bedhead and bought a new High Density Digital TV!
You want more details? OK, feel free to ask me anything you like on my email at coljames@bigpond.com.au. I also visited a dermatologist for a biopsy on my right ear (this one 'ere on my right) and had a cat-scan on my face in preparation for plastic surgery - nah, only jokin'. No amount of plastic surgery would improve my ugly fizz-gig (face).
Suffice to say that I still feel unfulfilled and lonesome, so I am going to have to lift my game even higher in October in an attempt to re-fuel my life into the burning cauldron of activity it once was (don't ask me what that means - I don't know either!).
Oh yes, one other thing achieved in September was the final draft of my autobiography, together with selection of photographs for same. Hopefully, within the next couple of months, I will be able to advise anyone who may be interested how they can get a copy... all being well it should escape online, as well as by e-book and paperback. Please let me know if you wish for more information.
Provided I am not too deep in my boiling cauldron, watch for more riveting material on this blog later in October/early November.
You want more details? OK, feel free to ask me anything you like on my email at coljames@bigpond.com.au. I also visited a dermatologist for a biopsy on my right ear (this one 'ere on my right) and had a cat-scan on my face in preparation for plastic surgery - nah, only jokin'. No amount of plastic surgery would improve my ugly fizz-gig (face).
Suffice to say that I still feel unfulfilled and lonesome, so I am going to have to lift my game even higher in October in an attempt to re-fuel my life into the burning cauldron of activity it once was (don't ask me what that means - I don't know either!).
Oh yes, one other thing achieved in September was the final draft of my autobiography, together with selection of photographs for same. Hopefully, within the next couple of months, I will be able to advise anyone who may be interested how they can get a copy... all being well it should escape online, as well as by e-book and paperback. Please let me know if you wish for more information.
Provided I am not too deep in my boiling cauldron, watch for more riveting material on this blog later in October/early November.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Life Mooches Onwards!
A week of being wet, cold and windy... and the weather has been the same (a wee joke there, folks)! I must admit though, the weather here has been lovely over the past few days, but more gloom is predicted.
Enough about the weather. The only excitement in my life since my last blog has been meeting a new lady online. For a change, she came looking for ME! She lives out of town, but tells me she will pay me a visit in the near future - we'll see! I also had an approach from a lady in Ghana, who said she will come out to Australia to meet me - wait for it - IF I SEND HER THE MONEY!
As I told her, I may be honest, but I'm not stupid, so I'll be surprised if I hear from her again. There are so many scammers around these days on the 'net, that's it's becoming harder all the time to find anyone who is genuine.
Speaking of which, does anyone out there KNOW of a fair dinkum ('genuine' for the benefit of non-Aussies) home-based business where I may be able to earn a few dollars in my spare time? No, not Herbalife, Melaleuca or Amway, etc., please - been there, done that - not interested in the pyramid style of business trying to flog products to people who turn and run as soon as they see you coming!
I have been trying for months to get involved in internet marketing, but again the whole industry has been taken over by would-be scammers and leaves me with little faith in the internet community.
Socially, I am looking forward to Friday, September 30 when I will hold my first "Eff" night (see previous blogs) with a trivia theme. Fun, Food'n Frivolity with Friends'n Family is the general idea, but Providence Hall (where it will be held) only holds 30 people, so I'm leaving it up to YOU to invite yourself - first in, best dressed, so please contact me NOW (by snail mail, email, phone or post) if you're interested. Official invitations will be mailed out the first week in September to those who have been in touch (if any) and other VIP's.
Until next blogging time, stay warm, healthy and happy and I'll try to do the same.
Enough about the weather. The only excitement in my life since my last blog has been meeting a new lady online. For a change, she came looking for ME! She lives out of town, but tells me she will pay me a visit in the near future - we'll see! I also had an approach from a lady in Ghana, who said she will come out to Australia to meet me - wait for it - IF I SEND HER THE MONEY!
As I told her, I may be honest, but I'm not stupid, so I'll be surprised if I hear from her again. There are so many scammers around these days on the 'net, that's it's becoming harder all the time to find anyone who is genuine.
Speaking of which, does anyone out there KNOW of a fair dinkum ('genuine' for the benefit of non-Aussies) home-based business where I may be able to earn a few dollars in my spare time? No, not Herbalife, Melaleuca or Amway, etc., please - been there, done that - not interested in the pyramid style of business trying to flog products to people who turn and run as soon as they see you coming!
I have been trying for months to get involved in internet marketing, but again the whole industry has been taken over by would-be scammers and leaves me with little faith in the internet community.
Socially, I am looking forward to Friday, September 30 when I will hold my first "Eff" night (see previous blogs) with a trivia theme. Fun, Food'n Frivolity with Friends'n Family is the general idea, but Providence Hall (where it will be held) only holds 30 people, so I'm leaving it up to YOU to invite yourself - first in, best dressed, so please contact me NOW (by snail mail, email, phone or post) if you're interested. Official invitations will be mailed out the first week in September to those who have been in touch (if any) and other VIP's.
Until next blogging time, stay warm, healthy and happy and I'll try to do the same.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)