If this is your first visit to this blog then you may want to check out my last post, which talks about what has happened since this blog began in March 2013.
I have gone a bit quiet lately and what I should have done was let you know that I was taking a little time out. I apologise for the silence and also apologise in advance for how loud I may get now I am back. Watch out. (Imagining an influx of de-followers on FB and Twitter as I type this. Fair.)
The thing is, I felt like I hadn’t really stopped since I signed the book deal and I wanted to just sit, watch crap TV, try not to think, read a couple of books and chill the hell out. But what did I do as soon as I decided that? I booked myself on to a course, naturally.
For one week only I became a student again on a short course at Central St Martins (CSM) and I really bloody enjoyed it. (I did joke about buying a new pencil-case and stationary but then found myself on the first day scrambling through my bag searching for a pen. Standard.) I attended the Business Design: Idea to Strategy course at CSM – a uni which is conveniently situated at Granary Square, Kings Cross. Followers of the blog will, just like some of my friends, wonder if my love for Kings Cross is becoming a problem. Maybe. And why did I choose that particular course? Well, as I have now resigned from my old job and begin life as a freelancer, I want to use my time in the best way possible and learn some new skills. Also, I do actually have a long-term idea for 60 Postcards that, in order to be a success, needs to be fully researched and prepared before I take it further. Going to keep that one on the down low just for now ;).
I did manage to escape the country for a few days last week though and had a lovely relaxed break to Barcelona with my sister, Sarah. We laughed a lot – as we ordered a large beer (unaware that it was four pints in one), as I reverted to English in a panic after promising I would try to speak as much Spanish as poss and when we (finally) managed to crack a smile out of a moody barman. I miss it already!
So, what happens now? This…..
The Blog
The negatives around writing the book have been very minimal but one is that this blog – the very reason the book even came about – was put on the back burner. I’ve missed it hugely and so the first thing I can promise for the next stage of 60 Postcards is that I will be blogging at least once a week again (hopefully more if/when possible).
60 Postcards may have started as a personal tribute but it really has become more of a team project – especially lately. I am honoured to have met so many inspiring people along the way and I want to make this blog more of a platform than ever for sharing other people’s stories (starting with the next post on a lovely lady named Tash) with a particular focus on positive projects/happenings born from difficult situations.
If you, or someone you know, would like to be featured on the blog then please get in touch!!
And those of you who have sent messages to me about postcard and other tributes, please let me know how you got on and if you would like to share the result on here.
Social media and competitions
Once every two months I am going to launch a new social media campaign or a competition. That way everyone can get involved while spreading the word far and wide.
Book/Blog reader meet
I will hold a blog meet in May. I am still waiting on information on a potential venue and then I shall get a date out to you. The blog/book readers who attend the London meet will be the first to know about the new social media campaign. I am really, really looking forward to meeting people!
Schools
As I have mentioned previously, I have created an ideas pack for schools after hearing from teachers showing interested in doing postcard projects with students. Please get in touch via 60postcards@gmail.com if you would like to receive one and then keep in touch so that I can talk about your projects on here!
The Book
Oh yes, so the book is still out! Thank you so much to everyone who bought a copy, has been spreading the word and sending me tweets, FB messages and emails – it has been absolutely incredible. Pretty please, if you purchased on Amazon, may you pop a review on there (if you liked it, haha!)? Muchos gracias.
I am now back for good (pun intended). Not to quote my own book (what a….) but ‘the show must go on’ and I am excited about being a regular blogger again!
I will speak to you very soon!
Rach x
For interviews, talks, articles, school packs or if you (or someone you know) has a story to share on this blog then please contact me at 60postcards@gmail.com.
60 POSTCARDS 
Hey Rachel, I have just finished your book and had to send you a message to tell you how much I enjoyed it. I’m not a very emotional person, but your book had me in tears!! I am still very lucky to have my mum with me. I cannot imagine life without her especially being an only child, but I did see my mum lose her mum also at the age of 59. My nan has been gone for 20 years now, and it has just made me realise after reading your book, what it must have been like for my mum to lose her mum at such a young age. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with the world, I am so glad I came across your book. I look forward to following your blog.
With thanks and best wishes, Keren
Perth, Australia xxx
I have just finished reading your book. I cried i laughed… It was a fantastic read. Your Ma would be so proud of you, i am lucky i still have mine but i lost my Pa in June 2004. We found out he had cancer in the Feb and he was gone by June. The day after fathers day..typical of my Pa to stick around for his present. Not a day goes but that i don’t think of him and miss him. Two years ago i gave birth to a little boy, i named him after my Pa. Stuart is so like his Grandpa in so many ways.. A night i go in as he’s talking in his sleep. I like to think he’s talking to his grandpa. Hopefully im doing a great job raising my son as my Pa did with me.
Love stephanie xxxx
Just finished your wonderful book in 1 sitting. So many of your feelings (and your story) were so very familiar to me! Your sense of bewilderment just leapt off the page. I lost my mother at 21 to her battle with cancer. I have since gone on to marry (twice) and have 2 children. During all the massive events there has been a whopping hole in my heart. An emptiness which nothing (or anybody else) can fill. However – my mom taught me that I (and my 2 older sisters) shouldn’t feel angry but feel lucky. Lucky that we’ve had such love. It’s been 14 years this year since we lost mom and it’s no easier. But I am thankful. And my memories last.
welcome back Rachael, glad everything is moving along well. Can’t wait to read what yopu get up to next!
Reblogged this on sammiepeckover and commented:
As promised. Here is the 60 postcards blog