Since my boating holiday, there have been a few exciting things that have happened.

I am a finalist in Geckogo’s “The World at My Feet” Writing Competition. They had a People’s Choice Award, which is still open for you to vote. But, they also have a panel of separate judges who are judging the essays on their own criteria. It doesn’t look like I’m anywhere close on being a choice for the people, but I received an email telling me that my essay is in the final ten for the judges panel! Very excited, and because I’m a finalist I win a book.

My entry on “The American Dream” was published on Expatica.co.uk.

I am officially a columnist for AND Magazine.

Whereas before I was simply a contributor, I now have my own column. You can read it here. It’s supposed to be titled “An American Girl in England.“Catchy, huh? (I realize that I am not in London, however that was the editor’s decision). You may recognize my first couple of entries. To get started, I re-edited a few of my entries from the Lady Who Lunches Blog. But my aim is to channel my funnier, wittier side for these pieces. I want it to be a quirky take on my life here in England, as opposed to the more philosophical side that this blog tends to take. My first new piece is titled, “Hanging the Parliament: I wish I could.”

My next column has been submitted, titled “Barge into Family – An English Boating Adventure,” and has just been added.

Another recent article:

I have started another photo blog.  “MAL is the sister of ALL. ALL is older and has a view of the world that MAL finds fascinating. MAL decided to start this website to share with others her sister’s unique outlook.” It is called My Dirty Knickers. Please take a look! New posts will be posted on Tuesdays weekly. Sign up for email updates.

I will be starting one more blog as well, but this blog will be anonymous. Therefore, through the anonymity rules, I can not disclose what it will be or where you can find it. Oops.

Love,

MAL