Today

1. Picked up my bike from the bike shop where I'd taken it to have the drop handlebars replaced with flats. It is so much more comfortable and easier for me to ride.
2. At Bolton Abbey there was a stall in the car park selling home made cakes. I got the last rock bun. Mmmm. It's a long long time since I ate a rock bun.
3. This morning I relaxed and read some of a whodunnit (police procedural).
   

Three discoveries

1. Eating wheat and sugar (or maybe just one in isolation) definitely gives me a slump (sugar low) later on in the day.
2. I am still reluctant to put myself forward in public, and ...
   
3. I start to feel bad because I flunked out of taking the opportunity to speak about my ideas and this leads to eating more crap food.

Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

(I just remembered, this is supposed to be a celebratory blog! I'll do bettter next time.)

Three things I learned yesterday

1. Writing a book doesn't have to be difficult.
2. I just might have an idea for a book.
3. It's important to build a platform for yourself - contacts and experiences that you can present to an agent or editor as 'special marketing opportunities' - i.e. to convince them that there is a market for your book and that you can promote it and deal with the media.
   

Clearing the space to develop the business

1. After talking to Sheila the other day I got out my copy of Lynne Franks' Seed book and read the advice on 'clearing the space'. I started on my 'office' yesterday. This is a challenge as the room is barely 6'x8' and I have most of my book collection in here. Anyway, I reckon I've tackled at least 25% of the mess so far.
2. Rang Sheila and arranged to meet up next week (in Harrogate) so that we can discuss 'bartering' skills, as she suggested the other day. Her business development for my coaching perhaps.
3. Contacted Vistaprint and sorted out the problem with my electronic business card - I was using the wrong browser to download it. The card is now downloaded and inserted into and email 'signature'.
   

3 steps closer to the holiday

Three things I did yesterday:

1. Went to JDs cycles in Ilkley and discussed the problems I am having with the bike and whether flat/straight handlebars would be a solution. John suggested various options. I'm taking the bike in on Wednesday. I'm having V brakes fitted too - require less force to operate apparently.
2. I found a good deal on panniers on the web - the size and type I wanted - and ordered some.
3. I ordered our European Health Insurance Cards (replacing the old E111) online.
   

I appreciate ...

1. Paul's delight when he got his membership certificate and badge from the Cloud Appreciation Society. He looked as pleased as he did when I gave him Shawn the sheep a couple of years ago.
2. The many different colours and shades of green in the landscape at the moment, not to mention brown and gold.
3. My bicycle.
   

Taking action

Three actions I have taken to move towards my goals:

1. Attended the WorcNet 'Promoting Your Business' session today, run by Lynn Wilkinson of Marketing-U. This was inspiring! I came away with lots of ideas
   
2. I came home and wrote up all my notes and ideas from the day!!!
3. I've bought another year's mail service for my personal email addresses - I'd been meaning to sort this out for a long time, since the last year's service lapsed.