Just a Perfect Day
Calum, Alan Lee and Me
Calum in Forbidden Planet 
Me Drinking Champagne on Cannon Bridge Roof GardenChampagne and Sunshine
To quote Lou Reed, Thursday 19 April was 'just a perfect day'.
I didn't 'drink Sangria in the park' but I did drink champagne on Cannon Bridge Roof Garden in London, thanks to an invitation from my good friend Ali who runs Big Bang Events.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and everyone was in a good mood. Everything was perfect, from the beautifully dressed marquee to the breathtaking views over London.
I went with my colleague and friend Jen and although it was officially 'work', it certainly didn't feel like it - especially when we hit the chocolate fountain!
Best of all, it gave me a chance to catch up with Ali and hear how well her company is doing. I'm so pleased for her as she works incredibly hard and has built it up from nothing into a hugely successful business.
The time flew by and Jen and I were both sorry to leave but Jen had to get home and I had to meet Calum from Kings Cross station.
That was when the second part of my perfect day began.
I Met Alan Lee
If you're mad about fantasy art or you've watched Return of the King, the final film in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, then you'll know Alan Lee. He won the Oscar for Best Art Direction for Return of the King.
In short, the man is a genius and one of Calum's heroes (now also one of mine).
The reason for meeting Calum at Kings Cross was to make a mad dash to Covent Garden to go to Forbidden Planet for a book signing by Alan Lee of The Children of Hurin. He did all the illustrations.
Alan Lee was lovely. He took time to chat to me and Calum and happily agreed to have his picture taken with us. He even said he liked my dress which made me absurdly pleased - he certainly knows how to be charming!
To quote Lou Reed, Thursday 19 April was 'just a perfect day'.
I didn't 'drink Sangria in the park' but I did drink champagne on Cannon Bridge Roof Garden in London, thanks to an invitation from my good friend Ali who runs Big Bang Events.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and everyone was in a good mood. Everything was perfect, from the beautifully dressed marquee to the breathtaking views over London.
I went with my colleague and friend Jen and although it was officially 'work', it certainly didn't feel like it - especially when we hit the chocolate fountain!
Best of all, it gave me a chance to catch up with Ali and hear how well her company is doing. I'm so pleased for her as she works incredibly hard and has built it up from nothing into a hugely successful business.
The time flew by and Jen and I were both sorry to leave but Jen had to get home and I had to meet Calum from Kings Cross station.
That was when the second part of my perfect day began.
I Met Alan Lee
If you're mad about fantasy art or you've watched Return of the King, the final film in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, then you'll know Alan Lee. He won the Oscar for Best Art Direction for Return of the King.
In short, the man is a genius and one of Calum's heroes (now also one of mine).
The reason for meeting Calum at Kings Cross was to make a mad dash to Covent Garden to go to Forbidden Planet for a book signing by Alan Lee of The Children of Hurin. He did all the illustrations.
Alan Lee was lovely. He took time to chat to me and Calum and happily agreed to have his picture taken with us. He even said he liked my dress which made me absurdly pleased - he certainly knows how to be charming!
Most strikingly, in spite of his amazing talent, he came across as quite a modest person and I really liked that about him.
Neither Calum nor I will forget the amazing experience of meeting him.
Maxwells and Memories
After meeting Alan Lee and buying lots of comics and two Neil Gainman books (also signed) in Forbidden Planet, I took Calum out for dinner at Maxwells in Covent Garden.
He thought we were going straight home and getting a sandwich on the train home so he was absolutely thrilled.
Going to Maxwells in Covent Garden reminded me of my days at university when I used to go regularly to Maxwells in Hampstead where the burgers were billed as 'as a sure cure for heartache'. I'm not sure they were, but their cheesecake might have been!
This time Calum and I had cheeseburgers and chocolate sundaes which tasted fantastic.
It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Neither Calum nor I will forget the amazing experience of meeting him.
Maxwells and Memories
After meeting Alan Lee and buying lots of comics and two Neil Gainman books (also signed) in Forbidden Planet, I took Calum out for dinner at Maxwells in Covent Garden.
He thought we were going straight home and getting a sandwich on the train home so he was absolutely thrilled.
Going to Maxwells in Covent Garden reminded me of my days at university when I used to go regularly to Maxwells in Hampstead where the burgers were billed as 'as a sure cure for heartache'. I'm not sure they were, but their cheesecake might have been!
This time Calum and I had cheeseburgers and chocolate sundaes which tasted fantastic.
It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Labels: Family
posted by Amanda at 10:35 AM
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