“How You Can Have It All: The Holistic Approach to Business”

- by Sue Stockdale

(c) Sue Stockdale. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.missionpossible.co.uk

Today’s female entrepreneurs are changing the way we think
about business. Traditional measures of entrepreneurial
success, of power, financial success and status are being
overtaken by a more holistic approach which includes a focus
on interaction with people and helping others.

Women predominantly believe that success is more about
having control over their own destinies, building ongoing
relationships with clients and self-fulfillment. Financial
success is still important, but they are working in a more
holistic way to achieve this outcome.

It is acknowledged that women and men approach the task of
running a business differently. For men being an
entrepreneur is a business strategy, and for women it’s a
life strategy.

Women tend to want to minimize conflict between work and
home life and therefore strive to achieve flexibility.
According to recent research, women reported that when the
balance was skewed mainly towards work, they came home too
tired for any other activities and had difficulty relaxing.
Those who achieved business success based on their own terms
also reported greater satisfaction with their home life.

Women also develop this holistic approach by creating a
business culture that incorporates their own values and
approach to life. In “Secrets of Successful Women
Entrepreneurs” Geetie Singh, founder of the world’s first
certified organic gastro pub explains that she came up with
this idea when she got fed up going out to eat and not being
able to find anywhere that offered organic food. She decided
to set up a gastro pub that would be organic and enable her
to live up to her ethical values.

Following Margaret Heffernan’s article in Fast Company
magazine describing a women’s need for honesty in business,
she was bombarded by responses from women who supported her
view. She explored it further and realized that honesty is
part of a woman’s need to share and that when women
experienced the corporate male-dominated culture of not
being open and not giving away information for free it did
not sit comfortably with their values.

Therefore would-be entrepreneurs need role models who adopt
a holistic approach to business in order to understand how
it is possible to have it all – to be your self and run a
successful business.

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who runs a $1 billion empire,
is a good example. She sees herself not as a successful
businesswoman but as someone who is helping to educate
others to be all they can be. Her business is “being
herself” and the activities she gets involved in are those
that she is personally passionate about rather than those that
are most profitable. Ironically, they do bring in massive
revenues. Food for thought!
Sue Stockdale is a motivational speaker, successful
business woman and record breaking explorer.
Buy her latest book, “Secrets of Successful
Women Entrepreneurs” at BookShaker.com ==>
http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=111

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How You Can Have It All: Women Entrepreneurs

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Today’s Female Entrepreneur – Do You Recognize Her?

- By Sue Stockdale

(c) Sue Stockdale. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.missionpossible.co.uk

How would you describe today’s woman entrepreneur? Is she
a focused individual driven to work all hours in the pursuit
of profit? Or is she a woman who wants a lifestyle business
with the minimum of stress?

There has been a lot of research into the characteristics of
women entrepreneurs. This research has been borne out by
the interviews I carried out with ten of today’s leading
female entrepreneurs in the UK. These women include
Michelle Mone, creator of the ultimo bra and Penny Streeter
OBE, Founder of Ambition 24 Hours recognized as the fastest
growing unquoted UK company in 2002.

It shows that today’s woman will have a strong need for
achievement and a passion for her product or service. She
will have carried out some research into her market but also
relies on intuition and her existing business knowledge to
judge whether her business idea is likely to be viable.

She is also driven by the need for autonomy. A confident,
focused individual with self-belief and tenacity, today’s
woman entrepreneur has a clear vision of what she wants to
achieve and strong personal values by which to drive the
business. These values are founded on respect, integrity,
ethics, honesty and a passion for excellence.

Whilst she will encounter challenges on the way, including
access to finance and balancing work and life requirements;
her determination and tenacity to succeed will shine
through.

She will lead her business in a manner that promotes genuine
concern for others, team-working and openness. Amongst her
measures of success are interaction with people and helping
others and she is open to sharing her learning and
experience.

This profile applies to both women who are growing large
businesses and also those who are running lifestyle
businesses. So do you agree with this description? Do you
know women who have these characteristics or maybe different
qualities and are equally successful?

How do you match up?

Sue Stockdale is a motivational speaker, successful
business woman and record breaking explorer.
Buy her latest book, “Secrets of Successful
Women Entrepreneurs” at BookShaker.com ==>
http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=111

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Today’s Female Entrepreneur – Do You Recognise Her?

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Making It Happen – Networking To Get A Book Published

- By Sue Stockdale

(c) Sue Stockdale. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.missionpossible.co.uk

Imagine the situation – spending two years coming up with an
idea for a book, carrying out research, writing up the
notes, formatting the text and preparing it ready for
publication then not being able to find someone to publish
it.

There is nothing more frustrating for a would-be author when
no-one seems prepared to accept your work. Although I was
already a published author of Kickstart Your Motivation,
which received positive reviews, none of the mainstream
publishers were interested in my idea for a book on
successful women entrepreneurs.

“Too specialist,” they said, “it only caters for 50% of the
population”. I began to think about all those books I have
seen on trains, cars and technical gadgets in bookshops all
over the world and wondered how the authors had convinced
the publishers of the viability of their idea.

Fed up at seeing rows of books about successful male
entrepreneurs and very few about women (Anita Roddick was
the exception), I was convinced that other people – men and
women, would be interested to learn about how ten of the
UK’s leading women entrepreneurs had transformed a good idea
into a successful business.

Undeterred by all this rejection, I thought carefully about
who I knew in my personal network that might be able to
help. After all, if networking is the most effective way to
get new business, I thought it might also work to find a
publisher.

So I contacted my friend who is a role model for effective
networking. She always “knows someone who knows someone” and
could put you in touch with almost any mover or shaker in
the UK!

Amazingly she told me about a small publisher, Lean Marketing
Press, run by a women entrepreneur Debbie Jenkins and her
brother Joe Gregory. She knew that they often considered
business books that appealed to a more specialist audience
than some of the mainstream publishers and suggested I get
in touch with them.

I sent off my outline and waited for a response. An email
reply came back by return. Yes the idea was of interest to
them and could they read a sample chapter? This is the sort
of response I had been waiting for. Not just a reply but a
positive reply which is something that lots of publishers do
not even bother to do.

A few weeks later, I met up with Debbie Jenkins. She turned
out to be exactly like many of the women featured in the
book – energetic, enthusiastic, focused and determined. We
struck up a good working relationship and my intuition told
me that our values were similar and that they indeed wanted
the best for their authors and would work in partnership so
that we could both achieve success. We agreed the terms of
the contract and immediately got to work. Six months later
“Secrets of Successful Women Entrepreneurs” appeared in the
shops.

So what did I learn?

1. To trust my instinct and not give up not matter
how much rejection I received.
2. To work with someone who you can get on with
as a person because you share the same values.
3. To apply the principles that I had written about
in the book to getting the book published.
4. To trust in the power of networking!
Sue Stockdale is a motivational speaker, successful
business woman and record breaking explorer. Buy
her latest book, “Secrets of Successful Women
Entrepreneurs” at BookShaker.com http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=111

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Making It Happen – Networking To Get A Book Published

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“10 GOOD REASONS TO SHED 80% OF THE STUFF IN YOUR WARDROBE”

- by (Top UK Image Consultant) Sue Donnelly

(c) Sue Donnelly. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.BookShaker.com

We all know that when we look good, we feel good. But did
you know it can also affect the relationships you have and
your bottom line profit? Other people are naturally drawn
to someone who radiates confidence and it’s more likely
they’ll do business with them. So the outer dressing is
important.

Most of us tend to wear a small percentage of our clothes
for a large percentage of the time. Why is that? Is it
because they make us feel good, they’re comfortable or we
can’t be bothered to change our habits? Looking the part
AND feeling comfortable in your own attire is the key to
success. So here are some tips to help you look and feel
(and hopefully earn) a million dollars.
1. First Impressions Last
Human beings have evolved to believe what we see before what
we hear. What does your appearance say about you? A shoddy
appearance will be interpreted as slap-dash in other areas
of your life. Dress for how you want to be perceived.

2. You are you.
Don’t try to imitate someone else. Confidence comes from
matching the internal person with the external appearance.
Allow the real you to show through and be proud of yourself.

3. You Have the Perfect Body.
You just need to know how to dress it. If you have curves,
make the most of them by wearing fabrics that drape and
skim. An angular body needs stiffer fabrics to do it full
justice.

4. Foundation is Key.
The wrong underwear can ruin an outfit instantly. Spend
time and money on selecting the right size and style.

5. We All Need Some Colour.
Forget the botox! Wearing the right colors can enhance
your complexion far more than any makeup. And guys, this
applies to you too!

6. Your Face is Your Fortune.
We spend a lot of time looking at each other’s faces when in
conversation so make sure yours doesn’t let you down.
Grooming is critical.

7. Dated Clothes Equal a Dated Outlook
If your clothes aren’t up to date (and I don’t mean highly
trendy) people may assume you are out of date in your
thinking too.

8. Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees
Don’t waste money. When buying new items, make sure they
will go with at least 3 other things you already own.

9. Clutter in Your Wardrobe Means Clutter In Your Life.
If you haven’t worn it in 2 years, throw it out. Anything
that is tatty, out of date, too big or too small should be
given to your nearest charity shop. Clearing the clutter is
cathartic.

10. Enjoy your Clothes
Buy wisely and it’s one less thing to think about. You can
concentrate on more important issues, like getting that new
business deal.

A qualified image consultant, life coach and fitness
instructor, Sue has a passion for helping clients
look and feel good about themselves. Her work has
featured in the national press and on prime-time TV.
Buy her best-selling book, “The 80/20 Makeover” here…
http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=87

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10 Good Reasons To Shed 80% of The Stuff In Your Wardrobe

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The Art of Illusion: How to Cheat
Nature Just By Changing Your Clothes

- By (Top UK Image Consultant) Sue Donnelly

(c) Sue Donnelly. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.BookShaker.com

All of us have parts of our bodies which we don’t like. Try
the following to disguise any figure challenges:

Legs: Boot cut trousers will make legs look longer. Turn
ups and tapered trousers will shorten. Try stripes as an
alternative to plain fabrics. Make sure the hem falls onto
the crease of the toes. Higher heels will help, but not
shoes with an ankle strap, as these will make the leg look
shorter.

Bust: Large busts look best when dressed in a V neck. Try
a crossover sweater. Smaller busts can be enhanced by
wearing pockets or logos in this area or by wearing lots of
thin layers to add bulk.

Tums: Avoid belts that cut round the midriff. Men – try
braces for a funkier look. Wear clothes that skim over the
area and that aren’t tight. Buy jackets that move with you
and don’t pull from the back. Double Breasted suits and
jackets are a definite no-no, especially if left unbuttoned.
A waistcoat can be a craft addition to your wardrobe.

Hips: Wearing clothes that cut across your widest part will
only accentuate the problem. Use lighter colors on the top
to detract the attention. Ladies, widening the shoulders
using scarves, or by carrying a bag under your arm, will
also work.
A qualified image consultant, life coach and fitness
instructor, Sue has a passion for helping clients
look and feel good about themselves. Her work has
featured in the national press and on prime-time TV.
Buy her best-selling book, “The 80/20 Makeover” here…
http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=87

REPRINT GUIDELINES

You are free to publish the following article in it’s
entirety in your eZine or on your website. Our only
condition is that you MUST keep the information about the
author,(c) notice and resource box at the end intact.
Please let us know when you use an article by
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The Art of Illusion: Cheat Nature By Changing Your Clothes

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“Do 80% of Your Clothes Belong On Someone Else?”

- By (Top UK Image Consultant) Sue Donnelly

(c) Sue Donnelly. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.BookShaker.com
They say that clothes don’t maketh the man – but they sure
can help. But what kind of man (or woman) are you? How do
you want to appear to others?

One of my clients is a manager of a sales team. He is
expected to get great results and, on the whole, he achieves
this. However, he realized that many of the team seemed to
be in awe of him and rarely did any of them call him for
help. Even during team meetings he felt that he was doing
all the talking and the input from his team was minimal.

He was wearing a charcoal grey, well-tailored suit, white
crisp cotton shirt and a deep red tie. He looked fabulous
BUT without knowing it, his adopted style was that of an
authoritarian.

A paler grey suit with blue shirt and blue tie has less
contrast and provides a softer look. He still looked like a
smart businessman BUT he appeared to be more approachable.
The result – his staff opened up more to him as they felt
less intimidated.
Here are some tips for you:

1. Authority is gained by wearing clothes with maximum
contrast: black and white, dark brown and cream, navy and
palest blue.

2. A softer image is gained by dressing in tones and shades
of a single colour: olive green trousers/skirt and slightly
lighter shade for the upper body.

3. Plain, bold colour is authoritative.

4. Introduce pattern or design for a softer look, for
instance a paisley tie with a striped shirt.

5. The larger the stripe or check in a shirt or blouse, the
more casual it appears.

6. A jacket that compliments, but doesn’t exactly match,
trousers or a skirt will appear less authoritative.

7. Fabrics that are stiff and starchy will appear more
authoritative than those that have more fluidity and drape.
The same applies to garments with lots of fitted tailoring
(authority) and less structure (approachable).

8. Red and/or black can look powerful. Pastels will appear
less so.

9. Guys – a button down collar in a softer fabric will look
less authoritative than a stiff cutaway.

10. Hairstyles that are severe will give an impression of
power. Hair softly framing the face alludes to warmth.

A qualified image consultant, life coach and fitness
instructor, Sue has a passion for helping clients
look and feel good about themselves. Her work has
featured in the national press and on prime-time TV.
Buy her best-selling book, “The 80/20 Makeover” here…

The 80/20 Makeover

Sue Donnelly. Lean Marketing Press 2005, Paperback, 80 pages, £7.65

http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=87

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Do 80% of Your Clothes Belong On Someone Else?

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“MEN: IS YOUR DRESS SENSE PUTTING YOUR CAREER ON HOLD?”

- By (Top UK Image Consultant) Sue Donnelly

(c) Sue Donnelly. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.BookShaker.com

If you’ve ever wondered why, despite being the best person
for the job, it always seems that the “better looking”, younger
or slicker guys who get all the breaks in your business then you
it’s time to tip the scales back in your favour.

Research on promotional prospects conducted by leading Financial
Recruitment firm, Robert Half underlines how vital it is for your
career to have the correct image. Only 10% of your potential for
success is concerned with actually doing the job well. Image
accounts for a substantial 30% and networking and personal
promotion a massive 60%.

So, if you can answer YES to more than 3 of the following
questions it might be time for you to get to grips with
your own personal presentation. Your financial success could
depend on it!

1. Do you regularly wear clothes that
are at least 5 years old?

Yes [] No []

2. Do your younger colleagues overtake
you in the promotion stakes?

Yes [] No []

3. Is your idea of fun a tie with a motif?

Yes [] No []

4. Are your spectacle frames functional
rather than fashionable?

Yes [] No []

5. Do you think conditioner and
hair gel are for women?

Yes [] No []

6. Do you prefer to visit a barber
rather than a hair salon?

Yes [] No []
7. Does the waistband on your trousers
sit below your belly?

Yes [] No []

9. Do you own less than 3 pairs of shoes?

Yes [] No []

10. Has it been a long time since someone (other than
your mum or wife) told you how handsome you looked?

Yes [] No []

Sue Donnelly is an image consultant who has helped
hundreds of professional men boosts their prospects
by getting to grips with their image. Her books include:
“The 80/20 Makeover” and “Does My Belly Look Big in This?”
Buy her common-sense style-guode for British Men here…
http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=105

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Men: Is Your Dress Sense Hindering Your Career Prospects?

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“A SELF-TEST FOR MEN: DO YOU LOOK OLDER THAN YOU FEEL?”

- by (Top UK Image Consultant) Sue Donnelly

(c) Sue Donnelly. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.BookShaker.com

Aging. It’s an inevitable fact of life. But just because you
might be getting a little bit older and wiser it doesn’t mean
you can’t look as vibrant and youthful as you feel. There is a
way to grow old gracefully while holding back the tell-tale
signs of aging.

1. Do you still wear clothes that you looked good
in when you were younger and possibly slimmer?
Yes [] No []

2. Has your hairstyle remained the same
for the last 5 years?
Yes [] No []

3. Do you sport a ponytail, moustache or beard?
Yes [] No []

4. Do you regularly wear jeans or a denim jacket?
Yes [] No []

5. Are cowboy boots still residing
in your wardrobe?
Yes [] No []

6. Do you wear a gold necklace,
bracelet or earring(s)?
Yes [] No []

7. Have leathers made a come back
in your wardrobe?
Yes [] No []

8. Do you ignore unruly eyebrows, excessive ear hair
or nose hair? Be honest!
Yes [] No []

If you can answer YES to more than a handful of the questions
above then you could take years off your appearance just
by making more informed clothing and grooming choices.

Get informed. Talk to an image consultant or read my book…

http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=105

Sue Donnelly is an image consultant who has helped
hundreds of men of all ages look and feel fantastic
by getting to grips with their image. Her books include:
“The 80/20 Makeover” and “Does My Belly Look Big In This?”
Buy the common-sense British Bloke’s style guide here…
http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=105

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A Self test For Men: Do You Look Older Than You Feel?”

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“How to Be a Goddess after 40: Image Consultant’s Top 10 Tips”

- By (Top UK Image Consultant) Sue Donnelly

(c) Sue Donnelly. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.BookShaker.com

48 year old image consultant, Sue Donnelly, author of
“Heading South? The Style Bible for Women Over 40″ shares
her 10 golden rules that will make you look and feel
sensational in your 40s and beyond…

1. Value yourself. If you don’t care for yourself, no-one
else can be expected to either. Take time out to have
special treats, just for your own pleasure. They don’t have
to cost much – a magazine, a new lipstick, a walk in the
park, a candlelit bath – but the rewards are beyond price.

2. There are billions of people in the world and no two of
them are the same. Celebrate your uniqueness. You are your
own special work of art.

3. For each part of your body you don’t like, there is
another one that you should e.g. a large tum can mean larger
breasts or a pert behind. Wear clothes that accentuate the
positive assets you have and disguise those that are more of
a challenge.

4. Build your foundation. The correct underwear can take
pounds and years off you. If you haven’t been measured in
the last year, do it now.

5. Size is everything but not where women’s clothes are
concerned. There are no standards in the UK so the size
means nothing. If you’re worried about buying a larger size
than normal, cut the label out!

6. Wear colors that flatter. Black accounts for 75% of
women’s wear sold in the UK. It can make you look old,
tired and wrinkled if doesn’t suit your complexion. It can
also make you look heavier than you really are. Really!

7. Dress for your personality. Think of some positive
adjectives that really describe you. Ask your friends for
their opinion too. Do your clothes and your body language
reflect them? Black won’t sit well on a ‘sunny’
personality.

8. Be modern. I don’t mean ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ or
being really trendy but beware of dated clothes and
spectacles. They can add years to you and give you a
‘matronly’ air.

9. Don’t make excuses. Women can look fantastic until a
very ripe old age – some are still modeling in their 70′s.
Clothes don’t have to cost a fortune for you to look great.
Just make sure they fit properly and suit your shape.

10. Be a goddess. Look in the mirror and be really kind to
your reflection. Learn to love every bit of you, whether or
not it wobbles. Being beautiful is not just about looks, it
is about confidence and radiance.

Sue Donnelly is an image consultant who has helped
hundreds of women in their 40s, 50s and 60s look and
feel fantastic. Get her latest book, “Heading South?
The Style Bible for Women over 40″ here…
http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=171

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How To Be A Goddess After 40

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There were many reasons why we had originally decided to buy at Santa Ana del Monte: we wanted to live in the “real” Spain, not an exclusively expat community; we preferred being inland rather than on the overcrowded costas; the setting was lovely, as it was surrounded by mountains and vineyards stretched towards the neighbouring town; we liked the lively town of Jumilla, which is renowned for its wine.

When we first visited the planned new development at Santa Ana in 2006 we were both excited at the prospect of living in such a beautiful area, and when we looked around the show house we believed we had found our dream home.  It was an attractive, spacious property with a large living area downstairs, two double bedrooms and a full bathroom upstairs, and we had a rooftop solarium with stunning views where we planned to have a hot tub.  We decided it would make a lovely holiday home initially, where family and friends could also stay, before we eventually retired there.

Over the next eighteen months we started to become a bit worried because we didn’t see much progress on our visits to the site and our house was due to be completed in January 2008.  We were eventually told that the builders were behind schedule however our agents reassured us that delays were common, that there was nothing to worry about and our new home would definitely be ready by December that year.  By this stage, we had discovered several internet forums where other buyers at Residencial Santa Ana del Monte gave regular reports after visiting the site, and these did not always reflect the optimistic views of our agents.

One reason why we decided to move to Jumilla and rent an apartment there, rather than waiting until we got the keys to our new home at the end of the year, was that we would be in the area and could see for ourselves what was happening rather than relying on our agents emailing us updates.  We would also be able to report on the progress, or lack of it, to the various forums.

Looking back we may have been a bit naïve, however we trusted our agents and had an English-speaking solicitor who seemed very thorough, and of course a purchase contract that meant we would be entitled to our money back in the unlikely event of anything going wrong.  The one thing that nobody had told us about, and which the developer should have given us anyway in accordance with Spanish law, was a bank guarantee.  John and I were discovering the hard way that the way things are done in Spain is not the same as the way things are done in the UK.

Unfortunately we only found out about bank guarantees after paying our deposit, and although we then requested one and continued pestering the developer for one through our agents, it never materialised.  We weren’t too worried though as we had been told the developer was well-established with a good reputation and we could see that, as well as the impressive show houses, the builders had already completed the foundations.  In no time at all, the first houses would be ready to move into including our own new home.

Well, perhaps I should have said that we were very naïve.  We found out in May last year, not long after signing the rental contract, that the company building at Santa Ana del Monte had gone into voluntary administration, as they had been unable to raise the finance necessary to continue with the new development.  Our agents, once again, were very reassuring however we were beginning to have serious doubts and were worried about whether we would get our money back without that all-important bank guarantee.

We had important decisions to make.  Our solicitor asked us whether we wanted to wait for our house to be completed (on the assumption that additional financing could be found) or whether we would prefer our money back.  We realised that even if the developer was given the money to continue it would probably be another eighteen months before our house was finished, and as far as we were concerned that was unacceptable.  We told our solicitor that the developer was in breach of contract so we wanted our deposit returned, as we couldn’t afford to continue renting an apartment without knowing how much longer we would have to wait.  The only problem was that we knew it could be a long while before getting a decision because the Spanish courts are notoriously slow when dealing with these matters and without a bank guarantee, if the company became bankrupt, we might not get all or indeed any of our money back.

“Are we going to stay in Jumilla or return to London?” I asked John.

“What do you think?” he replied.  “We like living in Jumilla, the weather is a lot better than back in the UK, the local wine is excellent and also very cheap, we have already made friends here and of course our families are looking forward to cheap holidays in Spain.”

“OK.  That’s agreed: we will stay here in Spain, so now we need to find somewhere else to live – preferably a completed property with a roof on!”

The obvious choice was to stay in Jumilla.   There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, with good transport links to the capital of Murcia, plus of course many excellent bodegas where we could sample and buy the local wine, so we had everything that we needed on our doorstep.

We decided that we should also look at towns nearer the coast, as we knew that property prices had come down since our initial viewing trips, however we didn’t find anywhere that appealed to us as much as the town where we were already living.  Another factor was that we knew we could not assume our original deposit would be returned and we had to work with a reduced budget in the knowledge that we might have lost our money.  As we didn’t want to overstretch ourselves, inland properties were a better prospect.  The decision was made: we were staying on in Jumilla.

It is over a year since we first heard that the developers had gone into administration, and the courts still have not come to any decision.  Rumour has it that there is a meeting with the administrators in June or July, but we are not holding our breath.  Even if the judge decides in our favour, as we don’t have a bank guarantee, where will the money come from to repay us?  Our deposit should have been held in a special clients’ account, however we have heard that the developer didn’t actually set up this account, so the situation isn’t looking very promising.

We have been lucky compared to other expats who have had similar unhappy experiences buying off-plan properties in Spain.  We are no nearer getting our deposit back however we have managed to find a new apartment in Jumilla, which we have bought with the help of a small mortgage, and where we are now living.  At least we have salvaged something out of the nightmare of our first experiences of buying a property abroad, although we know that there are many people who have been less fortunate.

We have also realised the advantages of living within a Spanish community rather than an isolated development outside town.  Jumilla is proud of its traditions and many large fiestas are held here, including the celebrated Semana Santa and August Vendimia, however we have also been invited to some of the smaller fiestas which take place in local neighbourhoods throughout the year, which wouldn’t have happened if we had been living at Santa Ana del Monte.

We meet friends for coffee several times a week, and also go into various local bars for a glass of vino and some tapas on a regular basis.  We attend Spanish lessons two evenings a week – made more challenging by the fact that our teacher doesn’t speak any English! I am sure the locals are bemused when they see the two British pensioners out running, although we don’t run as often as we used to, but we also do a lot of walking.  There are frequent concerts, exhibitions and other events that we are able to enjoy in Jumilla, so we don’t have time to get bored.  If we had been living on a golf resort, I am sure that we wouldn’t be leading such a varied life.

John and I are looking forward to spending the rest of our retirement living in Jumilla.  We have faced many challenges over the last year and no doubt will face many more in the future.  Life isn’t perfect here, however we are enjoying ourselves and are experiencing a more relaxed lifestyle than would have been possible if we had stayed in London.

I have written a book about our experiences to date, which I hope will help other people avoid the problems that we faced.  I would also like to think that it will persuade other people who plan to retire to Spain that a rewarding and exciting future lies ahead of them.

Sue Walker is the author of “Retiring The Olé Way” ISBN 1-905430-64-7 – available from Amazon and all good bookshops now… www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1905430647 (UK) – www.amazon.com/dp/1905430647/ref=nosim (Intl.)

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