Book Signing 10th Feb! Help me celebrate the re-launch of 'How To Do Everything And Be Happy'

smiley-hatSo, the new paperback version of How To Do Everything And Be Happy has been out for a good couple of weeks now and if you missed the flurry of activity on facebook, twitter, various radio stations up and down the country and, oddly, Spain – where have you been!??!

Needless to say, I’m pleased as punch, and for the first time in my short writing career I suddenly feel the need to celebrate with all those people who helped me get to this point. In other words, YOU. How does the afternoon of Sunday the 10th of February sound? From 1pm. Here in sunny Southend on Sea, at Waterstones Bookshop. Put that in your diary.

There’s no need to feel compelled to buy a new copy of the book if you’re an existing reader – I’ll sign whatever copy you have – but most of all I’d like to shake you firmly by the hand and thank you for your support.

As well as handshakes I can say with reasonable certainty that there’ll be FREE pens, badges, lollies, and glasses of fizz! Possibly with alcohol in them! And if none of that’s enough to entice you then there’s always the official How To Do Everything and Be Happy Balloon Hat! With his big smiley face and out-stretched arms, your smiley-balloon-hat will either communicate love for your fellow man, or stand in for you should you be feeling a little light in the love-giving department. And when you’re finished with him, just pop with a pin and pretend like it never happened. Definitely recommended for kids of all ages.

bookshopObviously feel free to just ‘rock up’ if you find yourself walking past the store that Sunday afternoon – though it would be mildly useful to get a feel for the number of people likely to show. You know, just so that I have enough bottles of fizz. Use the comments below or click here to let me know on facebook. Oh, and bring your friends.

Waterstones Southend is opposite Marks & Spencers at 49-51 High Street, SS1 1HZ. Map below.


Behold the Balloon Jesus!

jesus

Ok, settle down, settle down please – before you start drafting strongly worded letters  of complaint to your local MP, or worse still phoning the Daily Mail, Balloon Jesus was commissioned by a client for a colleague who was being ordained.

Yes. You read that correctly. The Church of England is amongst my client base. So put that in your balloon pipe and smoke it (important note: our balloons are not fire resistant).

I must confess I did have reservations about Balloon Jesus. I said it as a joke – and I freely admit that maybe, in retrospect, it was pushing the boundaries of good taste – but when the client clapped for glee and pronounced that “that would be brilliant” I was a little taken back.

“Oh. Well – should I put him.. on a cross?” I murmured.

“Can he sort of have his arms open, in a welcoming gesture?” she asked after a moments thought.

“Sure, I can do that,” I said, and then, gathering a little more confidence; “I suppose a cross would be a little tricky difficult. I mean – Balloons and nails don’t really mix.” Silence. “So, er, yeah, a welcoming gesture – no problem.”

So here he is then. Welcoming Gesture and all.

Next week: Balloon nails!


Written on behalf of the Balloon Baboon for her blog – published June 2010