Penned by Jen

 I'm very excited to share that, as of yesterday, I now have three exciting new projects to be working on. And there was me doubting I would get more work! Networking seems to work for me, and whenever I pluck up the courage to do it it's really fruitful and enjoyable. Ben Mears and the Coastal Networkers are the best, most supportive networking group I've ever been part of and I'm really enjoying seeing what those relationships bring. Last time the speaker talked about mental health and running your own business and I was deeply moved. So much so, that I am planning to start volunteering in this space so check back for more information. Happy New Year of the Dragon!

 I recently posted on my social media (in haiku form, as you do!) that I had some time free at the moment and was pondering how to spend it well. The overwhelming response, was just be. Don't try to do. I've been embracing that and really enjoying the time and space I have at the moment to be mindful and enjoy my time.  That being said, I've achieved a huge amount. This week, I've seen 3 specialists to get support for my health and mental wellbeing, which has taken a large battering over the last four years. Finally I feel we have a plan and I'm starting the road to recovery. It's a long road but I can see the end in sight. Now I'm reflecting on just how amazing it would be for my career if I can get and stay well!  So I'm making lots of plans for when that happens, not least to start teaching marketing and comms, or coaching others. If you have any suggestions as to how I should go about this and gain experience, do let me know. 

Well it's that time of year when we start to take stock as we head into the holiday season. I have to say, whilst 2023 has been an incredibly difficult year for me personally due to ill health, professionally and for my business, Penned by Jen, has been very successful! True, I was made redundant at the start, but that only inspired me to focus on my own business and really go for it! The upshot of this has been so many amazing clients. I've written articles about AI, carpet cleaning in hotels, robotics and employer branding, to name just a few. So many projects have come my way through my existing contacts, and I'm extremely grateful to all of you for believing in and investing in my business. I ended the year with a market stall selling my poetry based gifts and had such a great time making connections.  So I end the year with full gratitude and excitement about what 2024 will bring. Merry Christmas everyone!

So here is a shameless little post about my availability for work and what I offer in my business.  I am writer first and foremost, I can write any type of copy for whichever sector and audience your business operates within and for. I have written marketing communications material for internal comms, PR, social, whitepapers, blogging and so on - I am also a published poet. Hence the name 'Penned by Jen'. In my 'spare' time you can see me selling poetry based artwork and greetings cards at local markets in the Bristol area. I digress. If you need marketing content, or also an experienced mind to take a look at your strategy, get in touch. I have some capacity for a new couple of clients in the New Year. OK, selling over. 

So, buses. I've been challenging myself to live without my car (mostly) for the last month. So I've been trying out the buses in Clevedon but they are sadly lacking and when I've tried to use Westlink mostly it can't come fast enough.  I did manage to get one to come in 15 minutes the other day and it was amazing - the chap asked my name and took me straight home from the pub! Marvellous. But we either need more of these or regular buses to make me want to give up my car.

So, hands up, I've failed in my challenge - yesterday I went by car to meet my friend. The problem I have is that as a working mum with health issues for myself and my husband, I'm very time poor. We all know the challenges of parenting, rushing from one club to another, to get the shopping, clean up etc.  But I am also trying to fit in a life - to see friends, have hobbies and visit my dad. None of these things are easily done when you're waiting for a bus.  Don't get me wrong, I'm going to persevere and try again, but I only had 5 minutes to get there so I needed the car. The main aim of my experiment is to learn to plan more so that I can use public transport, and then we will go down to one car and share an electric. But sadly so far the Westlink service hasn't been available at the right time for me to use it. But I will keep trying! 

Having been inspired by Race across the world to challenge myself, I've decided to give up my car for a month in favour of alternative transport; I feel this will improve my finances, the planet and also my mental health.  Often I feel unable to drive and it's been a repeated phobia of mine when I'm too ill to safely get behind the wheel. so I'm hanging up my keys and embracing bus and train travel and walking.  So far it's day 2 and I feel better already - there are plenty of apps to help you plan your travel and we have just started Westlink in this area, a dynamic bus that can take you where you want to go.  I'm delighted that a number of people are interested to know my progress so I will be blogging about my experiences.  On my first day I got a half-hour walk, as did my daughter. I thought she would complain but instead she was skipping along, stopping to look at flowers. She is six. We then had a lovely chat with a lady at a bus stop and managed to make o...