As you may know, for my day job I write for Skipton-based lifestyle magazine Aspire. It has a monthly circulation of 34k within Skipton and the surrounding areas and it’s a job I absolutely love. Each month, I am tasked with writing 6-8 features or promotions, plus a double page fashion spread and often, I’m lucky enough to be invited to review a restaurant. I edit almost everything else from contributing writers which includes legal, veterinary, gardening, interiors, travel, dental, beauty and health columns plus recipes and wine recommendations to name but a few. Because of this, I learn something new every day. Through my job, I have eaten at more pubs and restaurants than I could have imagined, traveled around the county and its neighbours and been a willing subject for accupressure, seated massage and reiki. I’ve met and interviewed many amazing local people, some promoting their business, some raising awareness for a charity and some who are simply remarkable enough to be featured just as themselves. From funeral directors to granola producers, kitchen designers to hairdressers, beauticians to opticians, I meet new people every month and it is brilliant.
I’ve had four appointments this week with people about whom I’ll be writing for our August issue.
One was at From the Source, an independent shop in Skipton specialising in eco-fashion and ethical gifts. The owner Paul is very kindly helping me with my fashion feature because it’s about eco-fashion and he knows so much. He’s remarkable because just last year, he lost his wife to cancer leaving him with their business and with their two little girls. He is, (I’d guess), younger than I am and I cannot begin to imagine his heartache, yet he carries on.
Another meeting was with an inspirational woman, Alice, who is fundraising by running numerous marathons in memory of her friend and work colleague who lost her life last year aged 38 to a brain tumour. She is well on target to raise £5k and along with more colleagues will complete the Three Peaks in September.
The third was with a mother of three Sarah, who had always dreamed of opening a sweet shop. Those sweet dreams came true but along with that came the nightmare that every parent dreads. Her middle child was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 13. Thankfully he had a successful stem cell transplant and is now 16 and sat the same GCSE as my daughter on the day I met her. Of course she credits her friends and family with getting her through the dark days but feels her sweet shop gave her a much-needed focus. Who’d have though that sweets could save someone?
It’s amazing how many people go through truly life-changing experiences- the worst life-changing experiences- yet still they continue. And more often than not they are so generous. Paul generously gave his time to me to help with my feature, Alice gives so much time training for her fund-raising events and Sarah gave me three bags of sweets knowing there are three of us here at home and knowing my children, like hers, are sitting exams right now. I have thought of each of these people frequently since meeting and writing about them. They all live within a few miles of me and I am humbled and grateful, (for my precious family), in equal measures.
My fourth meeting was actually a working lunch at The Hedgerow, a gorgeous florist and cafe in the Dales village of Threshfield. I went with the other two members of team Aspire, Danielle (sales) and Jane (owner/director). Yes, there are only three of us plus our graphic designer and our HQ is Jane’s spare room.
My dress is several years old but I love it as much as I did when it was new. The colour, the mix of broderie anglasie and the scalloped hemline tick every box for me.
My earrings are by Danon and from my online boutique, Lizzy O. They are set with a Swarovski crystal and can be worn just as the crystal stud.
We sat among the flowers and gifts and had afternoon tea and Prosecco before I interviewed the lovely owners, mother and daughter Wendy and Heather. It was a treat for all of the senses.
It’s been a fascinating few days and I know I’ll never tire of saying I love my job.
Love Liz x
Outfit details:
Red broderie Anglaise dress, Boden past season.
Snake print wedge sandals, Clarks, past season
*Red leather soft clutch bag, Kaleidoscope, £32
Double star ring in matt gold (also available in silver) £25 by Danon at Lizzy O
T-bar heart and freshwater pearl bracelet, £49, Danon at Lizzy O
Swarovski crystal ear jackets, £29 Danon at Lizzy O
Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more.
Linking with:
I Will Wear What I Like/ Visible Monday/Shoe and Tell/ Brilliant Blog Posts/ Fun Fashion Friday/ Top of the World Style/ Fresh Fashion Forum/ Turning Heads Tuesday/Passion for Fashion
8 comments
That wonderful dress, and job more interesting yours! I love your work, get to know people and to interresante review beautiful and useful things for people. I am a public servant, and I need my blog to pder recover the enthusiasm for beautiful things. I love your dress, nice color, the delicate fabric and the beautiful design Scalloped bottom, and cross neckline, with the girdle under the chest highlighting your beautiful figure. Simpre I love your jewelry, it's beautiful. Today I noticed the bracelet, matching with a beautiful necklace you showed a few days ago.
Thank you very much Josep-Maria. Yes, I'm lucky to have a job I love and to review beautiful things. It often doesn't feel like work! The dress is one of my favourites. I love the scalloped hem and the lace. And yes, you are right, I do have matching pearl necklace and bracelet. You're very kind and I appreciate your lovely comments xxx
This is one of my most favourite blog posts of yours! As always, you look gorgeous. I think why I like it so much is that I can really feel in my bones how happy you are with your life and how much you enjoy doing what you do. It sounds like so much fun, I want to come work at Aspire! Every day sounds like an adventure and a learning experience, and what could possibly be better than that? To spend your days like this is a blessing, plus having your two gorgeous children to spend the evening with is a double blessing. Much love to you, Liz. You're such an inspiration. xx
Thank you Lisa, so much for your lovely words and for your friendship. I do truly love my job and as I said to Josep-Maria above, it doesn't often feel like work.Nothing is routine and everything is a learning curve and I like that. It stimulates my mind and means that I never lack enthusiasm. And my children are the most wonderful company and they are the greatest blessing xxxxx
I love this post Liz. It's so lovely to hear what you get up to during your working day, and your enjoyment for it just shines through your words.
As Lisa says in her comment – you are an inspiration.
Michelle xxx
Thank you so much Michelle- you're so lovely. I do love my job and it keeps me completely fulfilled! xxxx
I am always curious about what you experienced. And you are kind enough to shared with us. And nice dress, by the wais 😊
Thank you so much. Yes, I have a job I love and I really do enjoy it xxx