Tag Archives: prostitution

Forthcoming Book Promotion

Those who sell sex are frequently portrayed as drug addicts standing around on street corners who prostitute themselves in order to obtain their next fix. This is, of course part of the complicated reality which constitutes sex work. There is, however another side to prostitution, the world of professional escorting where ladies (and less frequently men) visit sex buyers in their home or hotel room and render sexual services.

What causes an articulate well educated young woman to sell sex? In my book, The First Time we meet Becky, a young lady with a first class degree in English literature. Due to her mounting debts and the fear of losing her home Becky turns to escorting as a means of earning money. What will be the results of her decision? Can Becky survive emotionally and physically in a profession in which men to whom she feels no attraction expect highly intimate sexual services? In other stories I explore what happens when robots attain the capacity to appreciate high culture. Are machines capable of truly understanding  literature or is the idea of a poetry reciting robot mere pie in the sky?

My collection of short stories, The First Time will be free to purchase on Amazon from 4-8 October. To find out more about The First Time please visit http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJGKY7Y.

Shades of Grey

“Prostitution is the exploitation of women and children by selfish men. In order to protect sex workers those who purchase sex should be criminalised while prostituted women ought to be assisted to exit prostitution without the risk of prosecution”.

“Prostitution is the oldest profession. You will never abolish sex work. The only practical way of dealing with prostitution is to legalise and/or decriminalise it. What consenting adults do, in private whether entailing payment for sex or otherwise is no concern of the state and/or society”.

The above is, I believe a fair representation of the two main attitudes to prostitution. However there is another perspective, one in which sex work is perceived as a complex issue. According to this viewpoint prostitution is a grey area which can (and frequently does) entail exploitation but one in which abuse is not necessarily part and parcel of working as a sex worker. It is to this latter perspective that I subscribe.

In my short story, “The First Time” we meet Becky, a young graduate who enters the world of prostitution as a professional escort in order to clear her debts. I pull no punches. Becky feels a sense of shame during and after her encounter with her first client, Mike, however no one compels Becky to enter sex work, she does so of her own free will.

In contrast to “The First Time”, “Samantha” tells the story of a lady forced into prostitution in the city of Liverpool. Unlike Becky Sam is raped by her brutal pimp, Barry and is, in effect a sex slave.

The two contrasting portrayals of sex work in “The First Time” and “Samantha” provide a more realistic picture than the above (admittedly simplified) perspectives on sex work. Prostitution is for many ladies (and a few men) a choice as in “The First Time”. It isn’t Becky’s idea of the perfect job by any means! It is, for all that still a choice. In contrast Sam has little (if any) choice regarding her entanglement in prostitution. She is a victim of her brutal pimp, Barry and deserves our compassion. Of course Becky is worthy of compassion to but one can not contend that she has been forced into the sex industry.

So what of the clients? In “The First Time” Mike is polite and considerate in his treatment of Becky. That doesn’t stop Becky from attempting to dissociate herself from the sexual act (she thinks of country walks with her grandfather while Mike is having sex with her). However Becky’s attempt to disassociate herself from the reality of her situation (having sex with a man she finds physically repulsive) should not blind us to the fact that she has taken a conscious decision to work as an escort.

Should people who pay for sex be criminalised as is the case in Sweden, Iceland and a number of other countries?

First let us look at the practical problems with this approach. While it is relatively easy for the police to apprehend men paying for sex on the street it is extremely difficult to enforce such a prohibition on those who use the services of escorts. Escorts provide sex in private accommodation (usually homes or hotel rooms) and most liberal minded people (including me) would be horrified at the idea of the police bursting into people’s residences to arrest them for paying for sex with consenting adults. Also how would the police/the authorities know that an individual escort was providing sex as opposed to company? Of course one could imagine fake agencies being set up and when sex is requested the requestor is arrested, however one needs to ask whether this would be an effective use of police time. I understand that this approach has been adopted in America but the escort industry still thrives there.

There is also the ethical question as to whether acts which are perfectly legal when no payment is entailed should be rendered criminal when cash is handed over. The consensus in Sweden is that this should be the case but I, as a liberal have my doubts.

For my books please visit http://www.amazon.co.uk/K.-Morris/e/B00CEECWHY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Paying For It

Marcus Philipps MP shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It was hot in the BBC studio, he could feel the perspiration running down his neck. At only 34 he was tipped as the next Home Secretary. Marcus possessed all the attributes required by a politician in the media age to reach the heights of political power. His boyish good looks and winning smile made him a hit with the electorate and, in particular the ladies. Coming from a working class background (his mother worked as a dinner lady while Marcus’s father was employed as a caretaker in the same school) it was impossible for opponents to accuse him of being out of touch with the electorate. His children attended the local comprehensive and he could often be seen in the company of his photogenic wife, Jenny travelling on public transport. Dig as they might the tabloids had failed to unearth any skeletons in Marcus’s cupboard.

“Thank you for joining us to talk about your private members bill to make paying for sex a criminal offence in Britain. Is this proposal really necessary? Its already a criminal offence for a prostitute or client to solicit in a public place. The law criminalises paying for the services of a person who has been forced into prostitution irrespective of whether the purchaser is aware that the prostitute has been coerced. Shouldn’t the government concentrate on enforcing existing legislation rather than adding yet another law to the statute book?”

Marcus leaned forward a look of outrage on his face.

“It simply isn’t acceptable in the 21st century for men to buy women and children. Slavery was abolished in the 19th century and yet it still persists in 21st century Britain. My bill would impose a fine or imprisonment on anyone paying for the sexual services of another. We must put a stop to the buying and selling of human beings”.

“But, in the words of the song doesn’t it “take two to tango? Is it really any concern of the state if two consenting adults choose to enter into a financial arrangement for the purchase of sexual services provided that the service takes place in private and not in a public place?”

“No one chooses to become a prostitute. Those engaged in sex work do so out of desperation, to pay for their drug habit. Many of the prostitutes working in our cities entered prostitution at the age of 14. Obviously 14-year-olds can’t consent to prostituting themselves. The men (and a few women) who use prostitutes are perpetuating the misery which goes with the sex industry. They are responsible in part for fueling the drug trade and the other criminality which inevitably accompanies prostitution.

All the evidence from Sweden, the first country to prohibit paying for sexual services, indicates that the introduction of the law has seen a dramatic decline in the presence of street based prostitution. This is because clients know that they risk arrest which has lead to a substancial decrease in those paying for sex”.

“Surely adult men and women who voluntarily prostitute themselves have some responsibility for their own actions? Is it right to penalise the customer while leaving the sex worker free to continue to operate?”

“It is the prostitute who is being exploited by selfish individuals who’s only concern is their own sexual gratification. Prostitutes are, in the overwhelming majority of cases victims of circumstance who possess only minimal control over their own lives. My bill will help to put a stop to modern slavery”.

“Isn’t that a bit dramatic? What about the ladies who work as professional escorts and who can earn thousands of pounds in a month?”

“That is a red herring. Those who work as escorts are a tiny percentage of prostituted men and women. I wouldn’t want my 13-year-old daughter to enter prostitution and I’m sure that the vast majority of viewers will agree with me that any legislation which can protect our young people must be supported”.

“We are out of time I am afraid. Marcus Philipps many thanks for coming into the studio”.

“Thank you for inviting me”.

The girls shivered in unison as a cold blast of wintery air blew down the alley. Bare arms many of them scarred as a result of frequent injection of heroin where wrapped around their bodies in a vain attempt to keep warm. In the depths of winter their flimsy attire (short skirts and low cut tops) indicated to anyone other than the most obtuse observer that they where ladies of the night.

The man eyed each girl intently as he sauntered past. That familiar frisson of excitement coursed through his veins. He loved his wife but married life was tedious. Indeed his whole existence ran along deeply rutted tracks which would in time take him to the pinnacle of his profession. With a prostitute he could do things which his wife would never entertain. Above all the man was able to escape from the glare of publicity and, for a brief moment let go and be himself.

The girl stood apart from the rest. Unlike most of the ladies her bare arms where smooth and unblemished. She was obviously new to the game.

“How much?” he asked.

“What do you want?”

“A full personal”.

“Sex is £50”.

Reaching into his pocket the man extracted the money and handed it to the girl. Flash bulbs popped.

“Marcus would you care to tell our readers how you square paying for sex with your proposals to criminalise those who pay for sexual services?” The young reporter asked.

The Call Girl

Suzie winced as she looked at herself in the bathroom mirror. Was this the same Suzie Jeffries, the daughter of Mark Jeffries, the vicar of Little Compton in the Marshes? The same Suzie who had as a teenager delighted the congregation of All Saints church with her singing? Her father and the congregation would suffer a group seizure where Suzie to appear before them now dressed as a sixth form schoolgirl. But the client had been very specific,

“I want an 18-year-old girl to dress up like a naughty schoolgirl”.

In the world of escorting the client is always right so a sixth form schoolgirl is what would be delivered, by taxi to his hotel in 45 minutes or so.

Sitting in the back of the taxi Suzie wondered, as she so often did just how the daughter of an Anglican clergyman had become embroiled in the world of prostitution.

Charlie wasn’t anything like the privately educated men with whom Suzie normally associated. That was what had first attracted Suzie to Charlie.

“OK darling cars fine now. She’ll go like a dream”.

“Thank you. How much do I owe?”

“Well darling it should be £400 but if you go for a drink with me lets call it £250” he had said with a smile.

Suzie wasn’t used to being called darling but there was something slightly dashing and perhaps a little dangerous about Charlie which sent a tingle down her spine. What did her friend Amanda call men like Charlie? “a bit of rough”. Well if Mandy could have her “bit of rough” why shouldn’t she have her fun also. God those boys from the local congregation where wet behind the ears, she needed a real man.

“OK that would be lovely” she had replied.

That evening she had met Charlie in the Hare and Hounds. They had got very drunk and ended up having sex in the back of his car while parked up in a country lane.

“I wanna see you again babe, show you the bright lights of the smoke. You’re something special babe. Really straight up, no bull shit, you’re amazing”.

Suzie had lapped up the compliments as a thirsty man drinks water on reaching a well in the desert. None of the men she had met through the church made her feel that thrill of excitement. She was, Suzie thought in love with a real man.

Soon afterwards they had moved to London. Of course her parents had hit the roof. Not only was Suzie “living in sin” but she had chosen to do so with a man who, in the view of her parents was her social inferior.

“A mechanic, you are throwing yourself away. You could do so much better” her mother had said.

As is so often the case the objections of Suzie’s parents only served to drive their daughter further into the arms of her lover.

“Hypocrites, that is what you are. The church preaches equality but you tell me that Charlie isn’t good enough just because he grew up on a council estate and he doesn’t speak with a plumby accent. You make me sick” Suzie had said as she left the vicarage banging the door behind her.

In London things haden’t gone well. Charlie had found a job as a mechanic but soon lost it due to his heavy drinking. He found another but lost that also for the same reason. After having lost 4 jobs in quick succession word spread through the grapevine that anyone thinking of employing Charlie Johnston as a mechanic should think again. Offers of employment dried up leaving the couple dependent on the meagre income which Suzie’s work as a cleaner brought in.

“Do you love me Suz?”

“Of course I do Charlie” Suzie had said kissing her boyfriend on the lips.

“Suz where up shit creek without a paddle. I can’t see any way out of it unless …”

“Unless what darling?”

“Forget it”.

“Forget what Charlie?”

“Suz you know I love you” Charlie said putting his arms around Suzie.

“Yes sweetheart and I love you to, I’d do anything for you”.

“Suz there was this ad in the paper”, Charlie paused.

“Ad?”

“Forget it Suz, it isn’t a good idea”.

“Forget what?”

“Would you really do anything for me?”

“You know I would”.

“Suz a company’s looking for girls to keep men company”.

“No Charlie, you are having a laugh aren’t you? Please tell me that you are having a laugh. I’ll do anything but that!”

“Suz it’s just company, nothing dodgy I rang up and asked”.

“You did what?!” Suzie exclaimed.

“OK forget it. I thought you loved me but obviously you don’t give a shit. Just fuck off back to mummy and daddy” Charlie had stormed.

Suzie began to cry,

“I love you Charlie. I’ll do anything but don’t ask me to do that”.

“Stuck up little miss proper won’t do it” Charlie had sneered.

“I can’t. I just can’t”.

“You don’t love me Suz I may as well bugger off” Charlie had said throwing his clothes into a suitcase.

“No my love, please don’t leave me” Suzie had said tears running down her face.

“You don’t love me Suz.

“I do, I’ll do it just please, please stay”.

“Oh babe I love you. Come here” he had said taking Suzie into his arms.

The next evening Suzie had been sent by the agency to see her first punter. The man had, quite naturally expected sex.

“No I’m sorry I can’t do that” Suzie had said.

“Look sweetheart all the girls do it, you are in the wrong fucking job!”

“Can you give me a moment please?”

The man had shrugged. Suzie had walked out into the hallway and called Charlie,

“The man wants sex” she said in a voice shaking with emotion.

“I love you Suz, you know that. I wouldn’t ask you to do this unless things where desperate but please do it for me. I mean do it for us Suz. You know we need the money”.

Suzie had gone back into the bedroom and feeling like a robot had allowed the client to perform on her. Following her first encounter with a client she had, over time  become used to prostituting herself. Suzie clung to the belief that Charlie loved her and that prostitution was merely a temporary interlude before he obtained a job as a mechanic and she could give up escorting. However she was finding it increasingly difficult to believe that Charlie regarded her as anything other than a meal ticket. There relationship was dying. In fact it had died long ago Suzie thought as the taxi moved through the London traffic.

“What would daddy think of me now?” Suzie thought as she pulled her long coat close attempting to hide the school uniform. Prostitution was a sin and her father frequently preached against sexual immorality. She would, according to him be consigned to the flames of hell fire. Such a moral and upstanding member of the community he would die of shame where he to see his little girl now.

The taxi pulled up outside the hotel. Suzie stepped out of the cab, paid the driver and headed for the hotel’s foya. She took the lift to the second floor and as instructed by the agency knocked on room number 22. The door was opened by an elderly gentleman wearing only a bath towel.

“Oh suffering Christ!” he said staggering back into the room. Suzie stood frozen to the spot,

“Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!” she exclaimed.

 

Russian Roulette Part 2

Below is the final part of my story Russian Roulette. For part 1 please visit http://newauthoronline.com/2013/08/10/russian-roulette-part-1/. The actions of John are stupid in the extreme and I do not in any way endorse them. However the duty of a writer is to describe the world in all it’s facets not just the pleasant aspects and this is what I attempt to do in the story below.

 

John felt that familiar tingle of excitement as he entered the flat. His stomach lurched and his penis twitched with anticipation at the delights to come.

“Money darling”.

The girl spoke with a thick Eastern European accent. John wondered idly where she was from. Poland or Bulgaria he guessed as many of the prostitutes operating in London where Polish or Bulgarian.

“Is bareback included? It says on the site that BB is included in the price”.

“No darling I don’t do it without a condom”.

John could feel the excitement draining away.

“But it says on the site that you do unprotected sex”.

“No darling, everything with a condom”.

John walked towards the front door.

“OK darling you can do BB for £200” the girl said stepping between him and the front door.

“It says on the site £100”.

“100 with a condom and £200 BB”.

“I have £150 here, I can’t give you any more” John said holding out the money.

The girl hesitated for a moment before taking the cash and placing it in her handbag.

“You like nice relaxing massage?”

John nodded. The girl gestured towards the bedroom the door to which stood ajar. He entered closely followed by the girl.

“Take off your clothes darling”.

John undressed and lay face down on the bed. With a barely audible sigh the girl slipped out of her flimsy dress and tiny skirt. Moving across to the bed she began by massaging John’s shoulders. The tension began to drain away and John’s body relaxed. The girls’s hands glided over his back. John grunted with pleasure as she parted his legs and began to stroke his penis.

He rolled over and the girl moved to sit on his engorged penis.

“Not yet” John gasped. He loved to savour the moment prior to penetrating a woman. God what a thrill. There was nothing like it, the feel of a penis unencumbered by a condom sliding in and out of a wet pussy. The possibility of contracting HIV added an extra frisson.  Life was boring he needed a little spice and the possibility of getting infected made him sick with desire and excitement.

The girl’s vagina rubbed against his penis sending shivers of delight throughout his body. Eventually he could stand the temptation no more. With a moan he entered the girl. In a matter of minutes it was all over. Without a word John dressed and without a backward look left the flat.

Lying in bed that night John, as was always the case following unprotected sex with a prostitute began to reproach himself. Russian roulette. That was what he was playing and in such a game sooner or later the gun would go off. He tried to rationalise his behaviour. He knew from his researches that the chances of a hetrosexual man contracting HIV from one encounter with an infected woman was in the region of 1-2%. The chances increased depending on the viral load of the infected woman and whether she was taking medication to reduce her HIV symptoms. Indeed he knew that some people taking anti retroviral drugs had an almost undetectable viral load. But however he tried to rationalise his actions John was playing with fire and he knew it. But playing with fire was thrilling. You could get burned but that was, if he was brutally honest with himself the primary reason why he had unprotected sex with prostitutes – to relieve the tedium of his humdrum life working in his 9-5 job in the bank. So what if he did get infected? With modern drugs he could live an almost normal life so the prospect of infection didn’t bother him unduly. Sooner or later the luck of the boy who had played Russian roulette with his father’s gun was going to run out.

 

The end

The Joy Of Feedback

Yesterday evening I met up with my friend Brian for a couple of pints and a curry. Brian has just returned from France and I was delighted that while there he read my story Samantha while relaxing in the grounds of a beautiful French chateau (now there is a man who knows how to live the good life)! Brian was extremely complimentary about Samantha stating that the story is exciting and well written. Receiving feedback from close friends is wonderful particularly when they express a liking for your work. Of course there is the danger that friends and family will hold off when providing their opinion due to not wishing to cause offence (how many mothers would tell their son that they don’t like their literary or other artistic creation for example?!). However I have known Brian for many years and I know that he would not hold back in providing feedback irrespective of whether or not he liked my writing. For my story Samantha please visit http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samantha-ebook/dp/B00BL3CNHI

The First Time Book PromotionI am giving away free copies of my ebook, The First Time. The main story in my collection of short stories explores why Becky, a young graduate with a first class degree in English literature enters the world’s oldest profession as an escort and the effects of her decision on both Becky and her fellow escort and friend Julie. Other stories look at what happens when machines attain human level intelligence. If you would like a free copy of The First Time please send an e-mail to drewdog2060 at Tiscali dot co.uk (the address is rendered in this manner to try and defeat spammers)! For further information on The First Time and my other books please visit my Amazon author page at http://www.amazon.co.uk/K.-Morris/e/B00CEECWHY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

I am giving away free copies of my ebook, The First Time. The main story in my collection of short stories explores why Becky, a young graduate with a first class degree in English literature enters the world’s oldest profession as an escort and the effects of her decision on both Becky and her fellow escort and friend Julie. Other stories look at what happens when machines attain human level intelligence. If you would like a free copy of The First Time please send an e-mail to drewdog2060 at Tiscali dot co.uk (the address is rendered in this manner to try and defeat spammers)! For further information on The First Time and my other books please visit my Amazon author page at http://www.amazon.co.uk/K.-Morris/e/B00CEECWHY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Book Review: Lucky Girl How I survived The Sex Industry By Violet Ivy

Several weeks ago I was approached by Violet Ivy with a request to review her book, “Lucky Girl – How I Survived The Sex Industry” (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lucky-Girl-How-Survived-Industry/dp/1621419959). Being interested in the subject of Violet’s book I readily agreed. I should add that I received a free electronic copy of “Lucky Girl – How I Survived The Sex Industry” from the author.

The book is a roller coaster ride through Violet’s career as a professional escort or call girl. Coming from a small rural community in Australia the author left to attend university in the big city. At first she works in a bar but loses her job due to providing free drinks to her then boyfriend Toby (she was going to pay for them later but the bar manager still sacked her). Lack of money leads to Violet becoming a topless barmaid in a seedy establishment where she endures the stares of men who regard her as meat (a sex object to be enjoyed). She later graduates to stripping and, from there to escorting (I.E. high class prostitution).

The title “Lucky Girl” derives from Violet having made a great deal of money in the sex industry (she owns several properties and has made many friends including fellow working girls and some clients). However Violet is not always Lucky. On one occasion she is confronted by a madman in a Vegas brothel. There is no panic button in the room so Violet’s only option is to flee into the communal area and summon help. On another occasion she feels physically ill when acting out the paedophile fantasy of a banker in London. Her client gets aroused by her pretending to be a very young schoolgirl and in order to make money Violet must play along much against her own conscience (there is a school near to the client’s home and as she leaves Violet prays for the safety of the children and their parents).

Other stories are rather touching such as the client who has never had sex before. Violet takes great care to ensure that his experience is a positive one and extends the booking without charging the customer any extra. As a consequence he leaves satisfied with a smile on his face. On the one level the incident is deeply moving, however I couldn’t help feeling that it was a pitty that this man’s first experience of intimacy was with a working girl rather than with a girlfriend or at least in a one night stand situation in which the exchange of money is not involved. However we don’t live in an ideal world and I for one don’t feel in a position to judge either Violet or her clients. At least the customer had an enjoyable experience in a consensual albeit paying situation.

From time to time Violet touches on the ethics of prostitution. On the one hand she argues that it is better for a man who’s wife is no longer interested in sex to obtain release through a prostitute rather than via an affair (he may still love his wife and a connection with a prostitute is uncomplicated unlike the messiness which stems from affairs), however on the other hand Violet admits that she would be upset where a partner of her’s to see a prostitute.

One of the parts of the book which moved me most was Violet’s description of her love for Derek. They where on the point of marriage but on finding out via accidentally coming across a contact for a sex establishment on Violet’s phone that she is a working girl Derek very gently breaks off the relationship. Heart rending for both parties.

There is so much more that I could say about this book. For example the discussions between Violet and her best female friend regarding prostitution (the friend dates well-to-do men and accepts expensive gifts from them, however she is not paid for sex as such. Violet asks whether there is such a big gulf between her and the friend – a very interesting question)?

I’d wholeheartedly recommend this well written and very interesting book.

 

Kevin

Lucky Girl – How I Survived The Sex Industry By Violet Ivy

I have received a request from Violet Ivy, the author of “Lucky Girl – How I survived The Sex Industry” to review her book. No inducements have been provided. I have, however received a free electronic copy of the book. It is my intention to read and review “Lucky Girl” in the next 10-14 days. My review will, of course represent my considered, fair and honest perspective on the book. In the meantime I have included the book description, as provided to me by the author below:

    Lucky Girl – How I Survived the Sex Industry

“Lucky Girl – How I Survived the Sex Industry

 

The intimate autobiography of an international call girl. Scary, funny and bizarre stories recorded for your amusement, edification or simply for interesting dinner conversation.

The sex industry is clouded in mystery. It has to be to some extent or it wouldn’t survive. But in this age of internet porn, buying pubic hair trimmings online and wife swapping parties it’s about time the veils of mystery were taken down.

For moralists, let’s visit the chicken and the egg scenario. Which came first the prostitute or the client? If there were no clients then obviously there would be no sex workers. But what if there weren’t any prostitutes? Would guys wank themselves silly to porn? Harass their post-menopausal wives? Frequent bars trying their luck? Or hassle the secretary and risk being charged with sexual harassment? Would statistics for rape be on the increase? Is prostitution a necessary evil in our society? Don’t mindlessly believe and quote information spoon fed to you by friends, family or the media. Make an educated decision.

Although it was never my intention to get into this industry, I’ve travelled the world, had incredible experiences and bought several properties. I won’t have to rely on the government pension when I retire.

My closest friends are co-workers, madams and clients. Brilliant people who I would never otherwise have had the good fortune to meet. I will never regret my decision to enter this field. It has not always been a bed of roses, but when I compare it to what my life might have been; cleaning job, shitty boss, marriage, perhaps divorce, mortgage, kids, living in the burbs, scraping by to give my kids a better life than I was destined for, I feel that I have been rescued…..thank God.

Money doesn’t make you happy? Tell that to someone thrown out of his house because he can’t make the payments or the mother who can’t afford Christmas presents for her kids again this year. I’ve been poor. Money equals choices. Options of how to travel on this journey we call life. Did I make some mistakes? Sure! But there’s not too much I’d change. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Money gives security. Poverty causes ulcers. Financial hardship can also make you compromise yourself in ways that being a sex worker never will.

This industry eats its young and damages those not strong enough to cope. Every worker has a different personality, head space, upbringing, personal history and therefore experience. This book is a glimpse of mine. I am not advocating anyone join the profession. That is a personal choice.

When I started out I could never have imagined what my life journey would look like or where I would be now. I don’t even know where in the world I will be in twelve months. What I will be doing? Who I might be bonking, caning or smearing with hot wax? Exciting isn’t it? Carpe diem – seize the day. I’m a lucky girl.”