I finally got to England after four years away and washed up in lovely olde Hastings, to hunt for pirates and sing a few sea shantys.

Writing a book on pirates around the 1730’s needed research and Hastings sure provided that. The Mini will be crammed with 35 books scoured from many a deep filled bookshop; from pirates to slavery, opium to gibbets, mutiny and shipwreck, its all here.

I got a slight tipsy on Saturday singing some very rum old salty dog songs. Luckily I am worldly-wise!

I managed to write about 4000 words, a difficult part including ( trigger warning here), a denailing torture of my hero. But he is brave and survived to once more sail the seas to plunder.

I’ve met old friends too, and found everyone here very friendly. The fudge at Roly’s Pantry is delectable and the Full English breakfasts nearly made me cry as we can’t get those in France.

I am back to France Sunday, for the start of March. Rested, excited about the upcoming plans, art and the Tea Lounge, yes a tea lounge. More on that shortly.  I miss husband and my dogs, but I found in Hastings the temporary home that I never felt in Kent. Oh and I showed my work at Parralex Art fare on the King’s Road in London. Learnt alot re display, standard of other artists work and what’s needed for a return in October……I will share my ideas very soon.

But it’s one more day to experience the sea, a hearty breakfast and maybe fall accidentally into another bookshop. Hastings, I shall miss you. ♡