Oohing and aahing at The Kelpies with some of my favourite people

Most of us in Central Scotland have been watching with interest as two giant horses have grown up from the ground over the course of the past year or so. Some folks think that Andy Scott's colossal 'Kelpie' sculptures are a colossal waste of money but most folk it seems, like me, think they're worth every single penny that's been spent on them. They're only just finished but they've already made a massive difference to the profile of Falkirk and the surrounding area, and they're bound to become a major tourist - and business - attraction.

I was at the launch night of the Kelpies last night. Aw man. I've oohed and ahhed at these immense Shire horses (they're modeled on two real Shire horses - the name 'Kelpies' is a wee bit misleading!) many times while driving past them at their various stages of rising from the ground, but seeing them up close during the spectacular light and pyrotechnic show last night took me to a whole new level of oohing and ahhing! They are absolutely stunning and we're so very lucky to have these magnificent beasts on our doorstep.

My only slight concern is that they're situated right next to a busy motorway and heads inevitably do turn to look at them. Hopefully though, drivers will remember that they're on the M9 and not become too distracted at the sight of two beautiful 30m high horses heads at the side of the road!

There are lots of fantastic photographs and videos of the Kelpies scattered all over the internet so I didn't really take many photos during the evening. My wee snaps from last night were more about recording snippets of what made the night particularly great for me; being at a spectacular event to launch an incredible piece of art with some of my favourite people who make me feel really good...

If you'd like to see some incredbile snaps and videos of the Kelpies, click here! 

Reaching my goal

I'm here with my tail between my legs as I've sadly neglected this wee blog recently. I should really own up - I've been having a bit of an affair with Wordpress and have started my very own website and a new blog with my very own domain name (http://janewrites.co.uk/)

I set myself a goal back in September last year when I said:

"I'm going to aim to have something - even if it's just a teeny wee something - published by this time next year! There, now that I've said it out loud I have to put my mind to it and get on with it! I'm going to try to be a 'proper' writer with some of my free time. And the thought of that, dear reader, is making me feel really good today."

And I've done just that. I've spent most of my spare time during these past months either researching for the book, writing it, learning about self-publishing, working with a graphic designer, collaborating with contributors, finding sponsors and negotiating with printing companies. It's been a busy, and brilliant, time.

The end result is a very little book of rhymes that seems to be making a difference already. It's been on sale for less than a week and I've had some great feedback already.

Tomorrow I'm hosting 'A little light launch'. It won't be too grand an affair, but it'll hopefully be a good night amongst friends, some of my family (the rest of whom I'll sorely miss) and strangers (who'll no doubt soon be friends) too. Who would've thought? Little old me holding a little light launch of my little new book.

Making it to my goal before September, and loving every step of the journey to get here. That's what's making me feel good today.