Yes, in the morning I trudge through the snow (I mean it, it's snowing outside right now!) to begin a trip to warmer climes, filled with artwork! It's a package trip that my pretty toyboy won, seeing all the important places in Italy in just over a week. I expect to return exhausted.

Meanwhile, I've been learning to edit (as the editor I got just wouldn't use the shots I asked for) and have re-cut my marketing trailer myself, how cool is that? The new version has replaced the other on my website at [link] and is on YouTube at [link] YouTube trashes picture quality so the website is better.

Keep in mind this is no-budget shot in one day, the film will be professional quality in ways that only money can buy (like a good professional cameraman, actors, editor, etc)

While you're there, some general comments on the change of look to my website would be welcome. I haven't done the Media page yet, previously all pages looked like that. I decided it was too corporate, and took some inspiration from an artist's site. I also haven't done the secondary pages yet, just 5 of the 6 main ones.

Got a promise from another small investor this morning, to be followed up after my holiday. 99 more like her and we've got a film.

Did I mention that I have a letter of intent from a distributor in Los Angeles now? Apart from the fundraising (which I'm crap at), every other aspect of this project is almost too easy. The story sells itself.

just wish my publisher would quit globe trotting long enough to focus on getting US distribution for the book! Anyone got a US based book business that would like to strike a deal with him?

Anyway, this is my first real holiday in 8 years. I've travelled a bit in connection with giving talks, even to Japan which was partly like holiday, but a normal non-working holiday is far too infrequent in my busy life. It's going to be on the move all the time though, we sleep somewhere different almost every night and have constant day trips to all the important cities.

At least I'll finally be able to tick Rome off my list of must see places. And Pisa, and Florence, and Venice....

How I always manage to live well despite being dead broke is a mystery, even to me. See you all in April!