2 Weeks 2 Go!

This is the last image in the series by John Farrar (.com) and I am hoping he might have time to invite me to his studio again soon. I will definitely post this news!


So, what else has been happening?


Not so much. I am a little concerned that I should be doing more but in between generic emails and reading, reading and more reading, there has been little time to be knocking on doors to push (albeit very politely) digital-kiss into the gaping void and find comfort, respite and onward publicity motion.


I was invited to a photographers party on Saturday evening which was at his gorgeous house in the country. Simon Margeston (.co.uk) produces work that is bold, clear and would suit most homes without the need to re-decorate to accommodate. His guests were creative people so taking about digital-kiss was easy, fun and without the usual convincing that I wasn't a savvy PR hungry entrenpreneur. I have been called worse! Also, I danced and danced and danced until the sun was just coming up.


And today is 14 days!!!


I can't even look at how many days are left without my insides quivvering slightly. It is now dawning on me how open and incredible and crazy this artwork is. So much is still to happen and will only happen when I know where the winner lives. I am excited, of course but nerves are present too. (giggle) Why, oh why...


Tomorrow I am in London to flyer. If anyone has some marvelous suggestions as to where would be a very effective and pleasureable place to leave my "wares" please would you let me know asa (miss@digital-kiss.com.)


And now to continue reading for my MA paper. It is going to be a corker!


Until next time, fondest regards,


Ms Digital-Kiss

Loving Loewe

Oh, I am feeling so much better! I'm still not running but am confident Monday will see me fit enough to see what the fields are looking like and to say "good morning!" to the sheep.


Yesterday was particularly productive. It started with a long meeting with my Head Of School who prodded and poked the foundations upon which digital-kiss is so meticulously placed. My reading list is not for the faint-hearted with titles that best remain sequestered (I'm only thinking of you!) but at the same time interesting to read and in parts exciting. And although I am diligent with study, my mind will wander to my days of cycling to the beach with text books and flask of tea. Somehow the sparkly sea, warm and replenishing rays and soft golden sand is so much more conducive to in-depth investigation. Aah, well...


And my evening. Wow! I was very privileged to be invited by Mr Simon Robinson (& Ms Marianne Hellyer) to a Private Audience with Mr Will Carnegie. It was held at the gorgeous, sumptuous, stunning Loewe Galerie, Chichester, (PO19 1PP) which also carries the newest and most comprehensive range of B&O. It really does have to be experienced to be believed. And yes, I do love being a techy-geeky girl!


Will Carnegie is one of the nicest gents to meet. He is without doubt immensely inspirational and tells of his adventure with humour, generosity and humility. The narrative of how he became one of the youngest skippers to circumnavigate the world in the toughest open water challenge, Sir Chay Blythes's Global Challenge in the 72' yacht Veritas is a remarkable, empathic and an incredible story.


In conversation afterwards, he was warm, open and responsive to each and every guest. We spoke at length about digital-kiss, which he found to be amusing and fascinating. I completely believe him when he said that he will find the winner of my kiss. It is not often that I am absorbed totally by anothers spirit and sense of possibility but looking at his great achievement and his incredible attitude towards life, it is easy to see why he has such an immediate effect upon people. Thank-you to all that made it such a memorable night.


And now, back to my books I guess, as this paper really isn't going to write itself!



Best wishes for a lovely day.



Ms Digital Kiss

Preparations

I have just returned from the dentist for my routine check-up. All is in order and no work required. I always maintain good oral hygiene but thought it absolutely necessary to make sure my smile and mouth are in perfect condition for whomever gets to place their mouth upon mine...in 20 days or thereafter.


Oh! My! Goodness!


My sleep and dreams are becoming increasingly affected. This morning I awoke with a start at 4.39am from a ridiculous dream about being chased for my kiss. I can run, long and fast and was surprised that in my dream I was struggling to gain any headway from the not-so-fit chap that was almost within reaching distance. He did catch me. At the moment of connection I was transported into a large house with lots of kitchens. I was wearing the brightest yellow washing-up gloves that almost glowed with an unreal quality. When I removed them, everything I touched felt like peach skin...


No sleeping after that subconscious hectivity. It is one of those dreams that has stayed with me for the day. Strong, re-emerging to remind me that I will be tired earlier than normal and that there hasn't been enough yellow in my day, obviously!


And now for the serious part...I have commenced with the written part for digital-kiss. "The Commodification Of A Kiss" (FAM6) is still in its infancy but I am confident that these words will quantify and contextualise the very delicate area around exchange, transaction, sale of a kiss. Although I have not relished the prospect of being stuck in the heaviest of text books for the forseeable future, I am surprised at what I am learning about the intracasies of the self and how self-respect is attained and maintained.


Apologies if I sound as if I've swallowed a dictionary, gotten locked in a room with my MacBook, or has a sore knee and can't get out to run it off...it happens when I get nervous. Sorry. You do have the right to close the page anytime you choose to. lol


That's all for now. (phew!)


Fondest regards,


Ms Digital Kiss

Ps Image by John Farrah (.com)

3 Weeks & Counting

Oh, goodness!


21 days and I will be heading off in search of the winner of my kiss. What on earth is it going to feel like as digital-kiss draws to a close? Relief in so many aspects, of course, but already nerves have begun to bubble under at the realisation that I may be travelling to anywhere in the world to deliver my kiss.


Which brings me onto the slightly disastrous but ever so polite email received from British Airways today.

"Dear Amanda, Thank you for your recent proposal offering British Airways the opportunity to sponsor your Digital Kiss art project. I have read your proposal with interest. Unfortunately though...we are not in a position to offer the support you require. I realise that you will be disappointed by our response..."

Oops. I only hope that another airline might see how innovative and completely exciting this artwork is and how effective sponsorship could be for them as my AirMiles can't take me to where I may need to go so close to Christmas. Don't panic just yet. I'm thinking that the kiss will start to gain momentum soon and air-fare will be covered.

The current bid is £750 which means that I am well on the way to the second smile restored for SmileTrain®. Hurrah!! I have been continuing to send out the word about digital-kiss in the hope that it's message is heard in every corner of the world. If you would like an e-flyer to send to your friends then please contact me at miss@digital-kiss.com and I shall forward one to you immediately.

I look forward to posting soon.

Fondest regards,

Ms Digital-Kiss

Image by John Farrah (.com)

7 Day Wonder aka "A Producer."

It has been a (forced) relaxing couple of days, behind closed doors, only reaching out to the world through emails and calls. I have dosed up, wrapped up and tucked up. Consequently, I am now fed up!


Last night I had to make the journey to the police station to produce my flimsy pink paper licence for inspection. I was promptly told off for having the wrong address on it. Oh, the element of power and how much those who have a modicum enjoy inflicting disruption upon ordinary folk. Savour these moments you delightful people as they are quite possibly all you will acheive in your miserable little days!


I also picked up my local paper yesterday evening as a friend text'd me to warn me of image used for digital-kiss coverage. It was taken moments before live presentation of "28 Days B4" when I was full of cold and medicine. Nice. She was right in the fact that I didn't much care for the picture but the copy was written up so much better than the last effort. Again, I was page 3 girl. I am beginning to wonder?!


SmileTrain® also tweeted about me on Twitter. It was a good little post and I "re-Tweeted" immediately!


I would like to tell you of plans to go visiting some exciting city in the hope of passing out flyers and information about digital-kiss to interested and interesting parties, but I am not sure how well my energy levels will have returned to brimming. I am also missing my morning runs across country where moments of inspiration and clarity allieviate fears and nerves that grow increasingly as each day brings me closer to imparting my kiss. Gracious, don't get me started!


Until next time, I send you fondest regards,


Ms Digital Kiss

Image: John Farrar (.com)

28 Days B4

Hmmm.


What to say? I presented the last live part of digital-kiss and now am on a push to get awareness as far and wide as possible. I would have enjoyed the presentation a whole lot more if I had felt better but cold and cough almost took hold completely. I resisted the temptation to take "flu" capsules just in case I got a little drowsy and forgot important facts. Stranger things have happened.


The comments were lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed the after-party! Also, a couple of invites to events next week...


Today has been a restful day. I am thankful to a very lovely PA (Jon Kirk @ www.palamedespr.com) who continues to give me advice.


And special thanks to John Farrah (.com) for the delightful images that were launched at "28 Days B4." Very, very lovely!


Fondest regards,

Ms Digital Kiss

A Day Of Rest

Apologies, one and all. I really did have every intention of returning to update you with all of the fascinating things that have happened since catastrophe struck last Friday. In retrospect, things could have been a whole lot worse as I was offered Fri 13th as one of the dates for presenting digital-kiss "28 Days B4." Small mercies.


The Henry Moore exhibition is lovely. Quite different to anything I could have imagined and so far away from the rigidity of his sculptural works. The colours are vibrant and fabrics sumptuous. Well worth a visit to Pallant House Gallery.


The guests and staff as always were truly inspiring. I am pleased to be invited to such wonderful evenings and am thrilled to come away with gladness that this incredible space exists in the pretty city. Wonderful. Stunning. Cherished.


Saturday was an entirely different journey. I am very pleased to announce that I am officially the (first and only) muse of the exceptionally talented John Farrar (.com) who invited me to his studio and photographed me. He is a creative genius and although feeling poorly, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in his presence.


Sunday, I was thrilled to receive 5 separate images from JF Esq. Amazing. Beautiful. Breathtaking. He said the same. I worked on the presentation for "28 Days B4" and dosed up on painkillers and honey & lemon.


I would write more but am feeling rather wretched. Hopefully, I will start mending soon. Tomorrow is such a big day for me...


Fondest regards,


Ms Digital Kiss

Oops!

What a couple of days! (again.)


Thursday. 5.30am up and doing best to pretend this time of day is quite normal for me. (Wonder how commuters manage doing dark arrival and departure days?) Made it to Brighton on empty petrol tank as fueling was not an option last night. Only one wrong turn at end of route but made it with 5 mins to spare. How, I really don't know?!


The interview was fun but forgot to mention next weeks presentation of "28 days B4" which is open to the public (RSVP miss@digital-kiss.com) It was replayed later in show, so couldn't have been so bad! I do like radio. (Listen Again BBC Sussex Radio, Sussex Breakfast)


In my rush to get back to Pallant House Gallery for a rescheduled (them not I) photo shoot with Portsmouth News, I was blue-lighted and detained for far longer than necessary, advised not to say anything and given a fixed penalty. Tears were not what I needed but alas, the power hungry, egotistical, officious patrol officer thought it his duty to reduce me to them. Bravo!


A very quick change and touch-up of blemished make-up and away to the gallery. I met with Press Officer Emma who was so charming and generous and we sought two amazing locations, one in the old house and one in the galleria where the Henry Moore textile exhibition is being hung (it looks fabulous.)


After 15mins of waiting, I called Portsmouth News to ascertain the location of the photographer. "I'll call you back." 10mins later I called again to find that the photographer neglected to call the previous day and cancel. Nice and professional, not. I asked if, in light of how I had been handled, if they would not run my story as I believed them to be incapable of printing anything newsworthy. I haven't heard anything since, so am assuming digital-kiss is shelved or most probably, in the trash.


Today has been quiet with regards to digital-kiss with only a trip to the printers (I hope they don't mess up with my last batch of flyers) and checking out statistics on the website. I nearly fell off my chair when I discovered how many hits. Quite astonishing! Oh, and a lengthy chat with a very talented photographer whom I shall meet tomorrow. I will divulge his details when I have met and discussed whether digital-kiss is worthy if his time and expertise. (Really!)


And tonight I attend the Private View of Henry Moore at Pallant House Gallery. I shall meet with as many people and invite them to "28 Days B4!" I will take my best smile and largest umbrella.


So, until tomorrow, ( I will post all my news) keep your Friday feeling bouyant and slide gently into a relaxing weekend!


Fondest regards,


Ms Digital-Kiss

Midweek Special

A long urban run followed by posh porridge and then non-stop emails, calls and planning precisely what order tomorrow should take. It all seems slightly overwhelming as so much is needing to be in place for next weeks "28 Days B4."


I had a good meeting with the theatre director and we agreed on every aspect. I am convinced of my vision to make this "sumptuous beyond belief" is not far off what he has in his mind. We shall see. I will be convinced at the technical rehearsal, I'm sure. He his very clever.


And I am feeling quite inspired after having an in-depth conversation with a researcher at BBC Sussex radio ahead of tomorrow's breakfast show. I am on air around 7.15. I love live radio, especially when not too many "err's" and "umm's" creep in. I will do my best to get an early night as up at 5.30 to leave at 6 to be there on time.


As soon as the interview is finished, I shall away from Brighton and straight to Pallant House Gallery as I have been granted permission to be photographed for Portsmouth News. I feel very privilaged indeed not only because it is where I have a commission (awaiting) but because it is the south's leading gallery and quite simply, a stunning artspace housing the best contemporary collection outside of London.


But for now, I must get some flyers and smile together for a quick Hello to the artists and designers at Unity Arts Trust fortnightly social and then petrol to enable an extra five mins in bed tomorrow morning!


I'll be back as soon as I can.


Fondest regards,

Ms Digital-Kiss


Ps Thank-you to the The Argus/Liz for the picture.

Page 3 Girl...Again!

Monday was filled with emails and journalists and writing a proposal. I am amazed at how much is squeezed into a day but with a cumulative spill-over into the next, I seem to be chasing my tail somewhat and resorting to caffeine as my extender of hours. (Tut-tut, Ms DK!)


This morning was quite different. I refused to enter into the hectivity of the day as calls, texts and emails all pointed me toward The Argus. Although the Kiss Wall Statue isn't featured, the article reads a whole lot easier and is immeasurably kinder than that of the Metro last week. Thank-you Naomi Loomes and Liz Finalyson.


I re-visited some of the lovely folk I met on Saturday and crossed thresholds of a few more! My dose of caffeine was taken in the delightful space at 52 Ship St, Brighton, BN1 1AF. A very decent cup of coffee!


Upon my return, in amongst a stuffed digital-kiss inbox was an invitation to be interviewed on air during Thursday's breakfast show at none other than BBC Sussex! Back to Brighton it is then.


I have no idea what delights will unfold tomorrow but I will post a little something for sure!


Until then, my fondest regards,


Ms Digital-Kiss

Meet & Greet

There is something quite wonderful about meeting with people of Brighton, not visitors to, but inhabitants of. I was thrilled to be introduced to "The Kiss Wall Statue" on the seafront and be photographed on a gloriously sunny day.


I then spent the rest of the day making myself known to some delightful people in the finest of shops, galleries, art-spaces, restaurants and jewellers. Thank-you all for allowing me to impart upon you a flyer for your staffroom and giving me time in your busy day. I can't wait to return and say Hello.


And today has been restful, gentle and preparing for the amazing events that will come about this week. Optimist? Of course! I will also start work on the presentation "28 Days B4" on 17 November. You are most welcome to attend. Please RSVP at miss@digital-kiss.com.


As always, my fondest regards,


Ms Digital Kiss

From Brighton To Brazil

What a bizarre two days!

Metro published horrible picture with ambiguous headline "Would You Pay £10k to Kiss Her?" Nice one, boys. (A woman wouldn't have been so cruel) with no mention made to digital-kiss anywhere (sloppy job.) Couple of radio interviews (BBC Sussex very enjoyable!) and BBC World News in Brazil writing me up for "front" page coverage. (I know!)

Today was quite lovely. A run in the fields to organise my thoughts, baked scones for a vegan friend and then a long conversation with Brighton based Argus. They are sending a photographer to meet with me tomorrow morning. (Please let her have a touch of creativity and integrity.) How exciting!

And then to give a pint of blood. I met the most charming and knowledgeable nurse (Michelle Z) who answered every question I asked about blood and pin-prick test for myself and winner of the kiss. I also discovered that each pint of blood can cost upto £140(?!) to process and that my blood is the third rarest type.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is pretty much it.

On the morrow I will try and post anything delightful, inspired or vaguely comical regarding digital-kiss.

Fondest regards,
Ms Digital-Kiss

Flow, Flow, Quick Quick, Flow.

Today has been a journey. Not in miles but in people. (You know who you are!)

I have travelled far and well...internet, text and telephone shrink distances in an instant.

Sometimes it is crucial to step away and view from a safe place all that proceeds. I am waiting with trepidation what comes next, what fills the chasm, what seeks to whole-heartedly fulfill. I am now at a place where "almost" is not enough and my instinct propels me to only that which I believe.

1. Digital-Kiss. 2. Night follows Day. 3. Curls are weather dependent. 4. A moment on the Lips.

Enough, but not nearly enough.

Fondest regards,

Ms Digital-Kiss

Ps Bid. Bid Please? Bid Well.

El Día de los Muertos

The website has finally arrived!!

I am pleased that it has turned out looking so different and is easier for visitors to navigate through but goodness only knows what I will do if anything needs even the slightest adjustment. I am very grateful to Mr R Holden, Mr N Brown, Mr R Rocket & Mr N Bryant for giving me the encouragement and gentle persuasion to get everything in its place and working. I am hoping to never darken your doorsteps again!

As for all other business...

I have diligently been emailing invites to "28 Days B4" which will focus on the exact point Digital-Kiss has gotten to and how far it has to go. I am nervous of whom I will be presenting to as I anticipate this will be subscribed to by a wider and more inquisitive audience. (RSVP to miss@digital-kiss.com)

And, I will be knocking on doors in the next few days in Brighton. If you have any suggestions as to whom I'm might politely visit, please feel at liberty to send me details. I am always charming and come with a smile!

Fondest regards,

Ms Digital-Kiss