The 40/40 Project. No.10 Appear on Dr. Who. (Part 3). My first experience of being an extra

Quiet on set...and ACTION!

This week I had the joyful and fascinating experience of being an extra – or Supporting Artist (SA), for the first time. You might remember I joined a casting agency earlier this year with the aim of being on Dr. Who, one of my 40/40 challenges.

Well, It wasn’t Dr. Who and I can’t tell you about what I was on or what I did, but I can share some of the experience with you.

I had no idea what it would be like, thoughts whizzed about in my head - how many people will be there, will I embarrass myself by doing something silly, will people be friendly etc.... I also thought about Not doing it. About changing my mind. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to my inner critic. Pipe down I said! I’m so glad I showed up.

I read the really helpful information in the booklet we are given when we sign up and had a chat online with another SA who was super helpful by giving me some tips on what to expect, other than that it was a step into the unknown! I went to bed early, was up at 04.30, and off I went on a new adventure.

It was still dark when I sent out and I was surprised how busy the roads were. I’d thought it would have been just me and Henry (my car), but no. I was not alone. I arrived early and was directed to a parking place. All good so far.

As soon as I’d gotten out of my car, I met a chap who was also new to this. As more SAs arrived and we all started chatting those last few nerves vanished. Phew, of course, I was in this with others. All kind of others as I was to discover throughout the day. Such a mix of people; ages, backgrounds, cultures and what they do as their day jobs. It was fascinating. From meeting a games designer, a retired police motorbike officer, a lady who used to play rugby and who now writes scripts and short stories part-time, a Mum, son and daughter team all there together, to a drummer who’s toured with a rather famous Welsh band (not Stereophonics)...a real mix.

I even came away with a recipe for a great way to cook brussels sprouts ‘for people who hate brussels sprouts’ (lightly pre-cook sprouts then cover in a cheese sauce - as you would cauliflower cheese - add a topping of breadcrumbs mixed with cheese and pop that in the oven till golden). I also gained some crochet tips from a lovely SA who’d taught herself via videos on youtube and was in the process of making a scarf, and met a few SAs who have been on Dr. Who.  

Whooo Hooo! I'm getting closer...

Being behind the scenes and watching the crew in action was very interesting. I did have to stop myself asking them lots of questions though! The team that looked after us were friendly and I felt well looked after. It was a very positive experience, one that I’m looking forward to repeating – hopefully on Dr. Who. (fingers crossed).

Doing this is also a mini victory for me. Having had a Brain Hemorrhage at 12 (a form of Stroke) I walk with a limp and I do feel self-conscious about it. Being an SA is actually something I’ve thought about doing since I was at Uni, but never had the nerve to do it due to those feelings and having a whole host of assumptions of what it would be like! As I’ve discovered, those assumptions are misplaced. I’m so glad I said Yes!

How about you? Is there something you’d like to do but you’re feeling anxious about it? I’m sure you’ll find it’s never actually as scary as you think its going to be. Our imaginations can be a bonus – OR they can keep us in a place of fear. We can choose. Keeping an open mind of curiosity and a sense of wonder when you try something new can make all the difference. That first time is always the hardest. 

What new experience is calling you? I'd love to hear from you! 

The 40/40 Project No.30 - Firewalk

OK so I haven't done this yet - but I've registered and I've also managed to rope in..erm 'encourage' Mr CA to join me on this challenge. Although truth be told it wasn't difficult.

Mr CA was away with work last week when he received a text from me saying - 

'So do you fancy doing a Firewalk with me in aid of Penny Brohn Cancer Care.'

Yes!  Came the reply. 

Excellent!

Within 24 hrs of me thinking - 'OK I have 53 days left to do as many of my 40/40 Project challenges as possible before I turn 41 - what can I do?'

I'd found a local Firewalk for charity, which for me is an important element to this particular challenge, registered and secured two places. Yikes. Now I feel nervous. There is a whole science behind it apparently...

The charity we are going to do the fire walk for is Penny Brohn, a local charity who pioneered a programme called The Bristol Approach which is a holistic way of living well with Cancer. 

From their website:

"We have been successfully helping people with cancer for over 30 years, with our pioneering Whole Person Approach.  We can show you how to live well with cancer and take back control of your health and wellbeing –  before, during and after treatment.

Our range of services, including residential and day courses, are free of charge to adults with a cancer diagnosis and their supporters. However, as a charity we rely on donations to fund our work."

I've set up a sponsorship page if you'd like to support us - We've called ourselves - Team Disco Inferno...! 

or perhaps you'd like to take part and do the Firewalk too?

The 40/40 Project. No. 22 Have a pint with Danny Wallace

On Saturday 26 September I completed no. 22 on my 40/40 project list WHOOOO HOOO

It all happened rather quickly and went something like this:

Monday 21 September – I get a message from my friend Richard Pettitt saying 

‘By the way, I have just seen a tweet from Danny Wallace. He's going to be in Bath on Saturday (probably a book event). Didn't you want to meet him? X

Me

OMG is he!!!  YES I DO!!

awesome - thanks will check it out now!

(sometime later)

it’s for a Bath Kids literature festival

I have tickets. Now how to not look like a stalker??

(later still)

OK he has replied to my tweet as I told him meeting him is on my 40/40 list and he's said looking forward to meeting me. Awesome!

Thanks Richard!

Richard Pettitt

All in a day's work!

Me

Good job!

It's a 45 min talk about his new book - wonder if he'll be doing something nearer you? Unless you fancied going too? Bit of a long way to Bath though

Richard Pettitt

I'll come to Bath if you agree to go to Cheddar Gorge with me and eat cheese for my silly place name road trip book...

Me

OK deal!

Richard Pettitt

Deal!

*end*

In true Danny Wallace Style we’d just organised our own mini adventure….

Why Danny Wallace?

It was the book Yes Man that set me off on this path. I can’t quite recall who it was that introduced me to Danny Wallace, but I read Yes Man and I totally loved it! The idea of it, the adventures he went on as a result of saying Yes. So simple - yet - so life changing. For Danny - saying Yes - and for me reading about it.

I remember being away for work and sitting and reading it in a hotel lounge one evening. I was laughing out loud so often that a chap came over to ask me – what are you reading??

It had a real impact on me and how I saw things from then on.

That's why he ended up on my 40/40 list. He's someone who has inspired me. Basically I wanted to say Hi and thank him for his crazy adventures and for writing about them. 

Now I was going to be meeting him!

OK I thought – well it’s a children’s literature event so VERY doubtful that I’ll actually get to have a real pint with him. I know – I’ll draw one.

So that’s what I did.

The day came around

Richard met me at the Mission theatre in Bath with a few minutes to spare before the event started, he'd had a long drive and Bath was chocka block!

We went in

Yes, as I suspected, we were the only adults there without children.

Its OK I thought, Danny knows we are coming – we won’t appear too crazy….

We found some seats and a few minutes later Danny bounded on stage to talk about his new children’s book – Hamish and the World Stoppers. This is his first book written for children and he was inspired to write it by his son. He wanted to know what would make him and his friends laugh...

Danny was funny, engaging with both the kids and the adults in the audience and really brought his book to life. I’m really pleased we went and that the lack of having a child to take didn't stop us from going!!

Then Jamie Littler, joined Danny on stage. Jamie is the illustrator of the book and with the help of his visualiser we (the audience) were asked to help create a new character.

Bob, the banana riding cyclops who works in a bank and wears a top hat was created before our eyes. It was fun and very amusing as I'm sure you can imagine. 

It was a joy to see the kids (of all ages) getting so involved and eager to stick up their hands once they had an idea. I noticed the younger kids had less fear than the slightly older ones though whose hands were just about up! You know the kind of thing - I'm putting my hand up but just enough...

We were treated to a chapter from the book and then some other interactions. I really had to stop myself from shouting out – reminding myself – this is for the kids….

I loved some of the ideas that the kids came up with when asked

‘So if the world stopped around you and you were the only person moving – what would you do…?

One girl immediately put her hand up and said ‘I’d draw moustaches on everyone.’ Brilliant!

She was invited up on stage to do just that. Drawing a moustache on Jamie the Illustrators face.

There was lots of laughter.

Interesting to hear quite a few other suggestions from the children in the audience involved stealing! Stealing all the money from the bank and then going and buying all the hamburgers and then eating them all…..Danny very diplomatically changed the word ‘stealing’ to ‘borrowing.’

How about you – what would you do if the world stopped and only you could move about?

Once the talk had finished we were invited to queue up to get books signed. We held back so the kids could go first then joined the line. We worked out that we are actually all around the same age. I’m 40, Danny is 38 and Richard 36.

I started to get nervous.

Then we were there!

"Hi Danny" I said – "I’m Morwhenna"

At which point he said "Morwhenna!" got up and promptly gave me a hug! How lovely! 

Totally wasn’t expecting that. I think it helped that I’d tweeted him beforehand. Ah the joy of Twitter!

He kindly posed for some photos with The Pint. I did manage to ask him some questions.

What advice would you give someone setting out? I asked as we were posing for a photo

“Do what excites you” he said with a big smile.

“If it doesn’t excite you then there’s not much point. And share your anecdotes with your friends – see what makes them interested/engaged, what makes them laugh.”

I was really grateful to him for being such a good sport especially when he had to ask me at the end "Erm are you actually going to give me that pint?"

I’d been holding on to it as I’d become rather star struck and had an attack of brain freeze. *cue embarrassed look*

It was all rather comical. I couldn't help but laugh.

“I’ll put it in my office” Danny said

Oh OK!  And there I was thinking would he actually want this? Turns out he did.

So Danny has the pint.

And I felt very happy and rather Skippy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s actually 10 years this year since Yes Man was published.

A lot has happened in those 10 years and I have to say discovering Danny’s hilarious antics in his books – Yes Man, Join Me and Friends Like these, inspired me to go on my own creative adventures.  

It also meant that I got to meet up with the super talented artist and illustrator Richard Pettitt – who I’d met on a 30 Day challenge three years ago. Also a big Danny Fan. In fact Richard's Road Trip Adventures are inspired by him.

L-R Danny and Jamie in action, Richard & Danny (Danny looking like he's Richard's big brother) and Jamie doodling in a copy of Hamish & The World Stoppers. We got hurried along at this point so didn't get a picture with Jamie which was a shame!

It was thanks to Richard sending me that message on Monday we were even there. Turns out he doesn’t go on twitter very often, but that morning he did, just around the time Danny posted the tweet about being in Bath….

It was a brilliant, fun afternoon!

Then Richard and I headed off for Cheddar…for part 2 of the adventure. My turn to be part of one of his projects. 

Danny gives a really good speech on the seven things he’s learnt when receiving an honorary doctorate by the University of Dundee. Well worth watching.

Ps His son also gave me a chomp bar. Happy Days

Tell me - Who would you like to have a pint with? How have they inspired you?

A Visit to Folly Farm & A Lesson on Expectations

What happens when you go somewhere and have great expectations about what it’s going to be like? What happens if those expectations aren’t met?

This happened to me last week.

One of the places on my wish list during Doorstep Adventures August was Folly Farm; one of the 37 nature reserves owned and looked after by Avon Wildlife trust. I’d driven past the sign many times and had been reading about it in their member’s magazine.  I loved the fact that it was bought with the help of a mystery donor who appeared ‘out of the blue’ at ‘just the right moment’ to enable the trust to buy it in 1986. It was a magical place I’d decided.

I’d gone primarily to visit the Well-being garden. I really liked the concept behind it as a place of learning and sharing the benefits of gardening and growing to improve mind, body and spirit. Way before I visited I had started to create an image in my mind of what this well-being garden looked like.

In my mind’s eye I’d envisaged the layout of the garden. The sweep of colours, the beauty, the delicious and heady smells, the textures, the artworks, the sense of peace I was anticipating….. ohhh it was going to be so amazing!

It was nothing like I’d imagined.

I was disappointed.

I’d built up a picture, an expectation.

From my 'Expectation Eye View' when I actually saw it, it appeared in a bit of a mess and the space didn’t seem to be utilised as I thought it should have been and what I’d expected. I was critical. It was a shame there wasn’t someone there to talk about the great work they do there. Again, I think I’d expected there to be someone there working in the garden. It didn’t seem to match the rest of the place..in my opinion in that moment. Perhaps their vision for the well being garden is what I’d envisaged and they just aren’t there yet?

Perhaps it’s not anything about the overall look of the garden but about what it feels like when you immerse yourself in it and work in it rather than just looking at it?

At this point I knew I had a choice. A) Continue to feel disgruntled it hadn’t lived up to my expectation and go home feeling annoyed or B) change my mind and Re Frame the situation by ‘dropping’ the expectation and continue exploring.

I chose option B

If I’d held on to my initial disappointment I would have left straight away. Had I done that I wouldn’t have discovered the hidden joys in the garden such as the pigs, the bounty of chillies, the bright marigolds, exploring then further to the beautifully designed light filled centre and meeting a lovely lady who’d married there four years previously. I found the fire pit area with the views looking out across to Chew Valley Lake. Had I not chosen option B I’d have missed these gems. The more I explored the better it got.

Expectations can work for or against you. Setting clear expectations can ease the mind and reduce worry/stress, that’s a big fat positive. On the flip side though as I’ve been talking about here, they can actually get in the way and taint your experience. 

Expectations can make you go blind. Blind to the magic that’s right there under your nose for you to see if your mind weren’t so busy huffing and puffing about how things are NOT what you’d expected!!

Are you letting expectations cloud your vision and your experiences?

Take a notebook and pencil and have a think about times when this has happened and how this has impacted on you emotionally and in turn affected your thoughts and behaviours. Jot down those that come to mind and consider how different the experience could have been if you’d let go of expectations. Consider that for a moment and notice what that feels like.

How NOT to be blinded by expectations!

Start now. This can apply to any situation as expectations are always there, just waiting to jump in! Be prepared. If you KNOW you have a tendency to think like this take a few moments to centre yourself and get used to noticing when those expectations start showing up. And do just that - notice them then let them go (takes practice!) Ask yourself – is that expectation thought helpful?  If not then thank it for showing up and let it go, knowing you’ll have a richer experience as a result.

LAUGH!

I usually have to laugh at myself when I notice I’m doing this. It happens all the time and sometimes it can take me a while to notice – which is exactly what happened with Folly Farm. I was so wrapped up in the excitement of going on the adventure that the expectations had been piling up without me really noticing – until I got there that was and fell right over it! Tripped me up good and proper.

Reframe the situation

If you’re already in a situation that has presented you with disappointment – try reframing. First think – Ah! I know what’s happening – I was expecting X but I got Y. Then look for the reframe in this so what’s the benefit of getting Y? Shift your focus from the negative to the positive. You can do this by just one thought and that can make a huge difference.

Funny thing – when I went to Folly Farm I thought I’d be sharing with you about, well Folly Farm. Writing about managing expectations – well I’d not expected that!! Ha!

PS - Its usually free to visit a Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve. You don't have to be a member. Is there one near you?

And here's a film I put together of the visit, as you can see and hear, the more I explore the more I find and the better it gets. ;-)

The end.

Creating a comfort drawer for those days when feeling less than adventurous!

Yep it's August and even though the sun is shining (hopefully) and if you have kids you'll be in the midst of the summer holidays right now, I'm sure you have days when you're not feeling particularly adventurous or fabulous? Right?! Yes I know. 

So here's something I thought you'd like. 

Inspired by Sarah Ban Breathnach’s book Simple Abundance, I have my very own Creative Adventurers Comfort Drawer. I actually made mine up a few years ago now and I find it a great source of joy on those down days. 

Even the act of putting it together was a pleasure. Searching out little things that make me smile and then adding them to the drawer. I do change mine around occasionally and will buy small treats when I am out and about to replace anything that I think has served its purpose or no longer brings me Joy. 

I use this drawer when I’m not feeling particularly fabulous. As soon as I open it and see the silk scarf I get excited about what’s underneath!


Here’s what’s in mine at the moment:

• Some pretty notepaper to hand write letters of gratitude to people, or to send a letter to some one I’ve not been in touch with for a long time (don’t you just love receiving letters in the post? You could always write a letter to yourself...?
• Neals Yard Aromatherapy Oils – De-stress, Energise, Calming – I’ll either use this in my oil burner, add a few drops to a bath or make myself a delicious massage oil
• Handmade Creative Adventurer Cards - Pick a card and off on an adventure I'll go!
• Films current favs are – Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Exotic Marigold Hotel. Both make me laugh and of course in Seven Brides there is plenty of singing and dancing and frolicking about. All good.
• Books – The Alchemist by Paul Coallho (one of my all time favourite books and short enough to be read in a few hours!) and pocket Reiki and Tai Chi books for an injection of healing ;-)
• A small pebble from Findhorn beach which I visited in 2013 when spending time at the Caledonian Forest, Scotland. I use this sometimes as a meditation stone.
• A funny ‘Mo-stache’ pencil from one of my friends ;-) Makes me smile
• A special handmade Do What You Love bracelet 
• Yummy hazlenut waffle biscuits (oh I've eaten them!!!)
• Gift vouchers
• Sensory Clarity From Organics. You put this on your pressure points on your forehead and it feels AMAZING!

Why not create your own comfort drawer or box? If you have children - how about creating one with them for when they don't have such good days either? 

What will you put in yours?

Happy Creating!

Morwhenna
xx

Adventures keep you YOUNG!

Hi there!

Adventures come in all shapes and sizes and you don’t have to travel miles to get a taste for it and discover how taking yourself off on a little excursion benefits your daily life.

Small adventures are super duper important, if not more so than those BIG trips as these mini - or doorstep adventurers can fit in around your daily life.

Keeping your mind curious and inquisitive really does keep us young! As you’d expect with me helping you to rediscover your creativity and sense of adventure for a richer life, I’m here to encourage you to find the adventure in every day.

Benefits of exploring somewhere new

1. It takes courage and you'll be stepping outside your comfort zone which means you'll have a opportunity to learn something new about yourself and your local area.
2. If you change a behaviour this has an impact on your emotions and your thoughts. So you can change your current state of being. (e.g if you are feeling low - getting out and exploring will change that feeling and the thoughts associated with it.)
3. Learning new things keeps the brain agile and fired up. Research shows that our brains are malleable and we can created new neural pathways.
4. You'll be creating new memories and experiences which will impact on other areas of your life in a positive way e.g for me remembering the joy of cycling and sleeping better!

So far this August of Doorstep Adventures I’ve been to two of the three local lakes near to me. I started with these as I can either cycle or walk to them so they don’t involve a huge amount of planning to visit. A Key element of a Doorstep Adventure in my book!

Yes, I have had to get a permit as the lakes are owned by Bristol Water and co-managed by the Avon Wildlife Trust which did set me back £20. I was happy to pay this as this is my nearest stretch of water and I wished to be able to get as close to it as possible!

I’ve maps of each of the lakes I’ve visited so far – Blagdon and Chew Valley and have focused on exploring small parts of them at a time. I’ve met some fishermen and learned about ‘Pike as big as your bike’ seen where the trout are ‘grown’ and sat in a bird hide with binoculars watching what it is birds get up to. Swimming about mainly and eating so far!

I’ve noticed a few things since I’ve started to go. Especially the impact it's had on the other areas of my life. 

When I went in to the bird hide – I was a bit nervous at first as this was all new to me. Personally, this is part of the excitement of exploring a new place. I became completely focused on looking at what I could see through my binoculars. All thoughts about this and that, and oh heck I need to do this…went out of my mind once I started to focus on what I could see happening right in front of me. This is mindfulness in action. It was totally calming and made me feel as good as if I’d been meditating for hours! I've been more focused on work and tasks as a result.

I’ve no idea how long I was in that hide for as I was also watching the ‘lesser spotted fishermen’ in their boats out on the water and some of the birds hanging about hoping for a free meal. I think it was only for around 10-15 minutes.

Visiting these lakes has also reminded me how much I love being out on my bike and cycling. When I lived in Portsmouth I cycled everywhere! Since moving to Bristol though that changed, and now living in a small village finding routes that are a) cycle-able b) not too hilly and c) NOT frequented by big lorries and tractors has been a challenge, so discovering I could cycle all around (pretty much) the lakes traffic free (ish) is a real joy.

Each time I’ve cycled I’ve slept really well and had a sense of inner calm and joy. I also REALLY like the fact that I’ve been able to go through the gates that say ‘PERMIT HOLDERS ONLY’ for me it adds to the excitement and I can imagine I’m an intrepid explorer (which of course I am!!)

There is more exploring to do at these places and I’m grateful the permit it valid for a year. These adventures will carry on way past August that’s for sure. Next is to dig out my Moomin Flask and maybe see which shelter or hide I like the best and start to make that my very own ‘Artist’s Retreat. Well a shared one of course!

I do have a number of other places I’m going to visit this month including:

Withdrawn – the exhibition in Leigh Woods by Luke Jerram

Folly Farm – I’ve discovered they have a Wellbeing Garden

Beese's Tearooms

Do you fancy visiting any of these places with me? That would be fun! If you can’t join me ‘in person’ I’ll be making some short films about what I discover which will be on my YouTube channel.

I’ve added some already from the lake adventurers so far. If you subscribe to the channel you’ll automatically get an update when a new video is added. 

What have you discovered so far and where will you go next?

5 Top Tips for Doorstep Adventures for Busy People!

1. Decide the day before where you’ll go as then you are more likely to, well actually Go!
2. Get your ‘Adventurers’ Bag’ packed the night before (water, notebook, camera, phone etc)
3. Go mini e.g A different way home from work or if you normally eat at your desk – go out and search for a bench/outside space
4. Take a friend. If you're not keen on solo exploring - ask a friend to go with you
5. Remember to have FUN and be CURIOUS about what you see and discover!

Love to hear how you get on and what benefits you notice from going on some doorstep adventures!

Happy Adventuring!

Morwhenna

xxx

Creative Adventurer Days are GO! Join me for a one to one session 

Join me this August for some Doorstep Adventures!

Where will YOU go this August? What's on your doorstep just waiting to be discovered?