Close up with Alexander Jackman

Dear Readers,

It has been a long time; I shouldn't have left you. However, taking moments to write has been really scarce since I have been working towards the official launch of my book 'I AM'.

'I AM', is still travelling around the globe and I have to say the standards of photos have been raised yet again. In fact, I am thinking of presenting an award to the best amateur photo and best professional photo (so that it is a fair competition) at my book launch next year! Photos are now being taken in and around London. Please get in touch with me on facebook if you wish to read a preview of 'I AM' and would like to take some interesting photos of your own. If you are travelling to cities or villages out of London let me know and I shall provide a copy. I would like for my book to reach every city on the earth and if that is to remain possible then I need your help. It was always a dream of mine to travel around the world, whether I can or not in my lifetime, I do not know and I am certain that is the same for many of us. Therefore, what I have decided to do is ensure that this book travels to those places we may never be able to see for ourselves and as consolation we can say we have been there in spirit. I hope this will help you to see how dreams can be made possible.

I made my first guest appearance at Close Up in Brick Lane. I had a fantastic time and met some great people who had very inspiring words to share in my guestbook. I wish to thank them all for making me feel welcome, I have been away for too long to remember what it feels like to have people appreciate what I do. I hope you were pleased with what I had to show and I promise there is more to come.

I reserve a special thanks for the organisers, camera persons and photographers. In particular I would like to thank Elizabeth James for her photography but more importantly her character. If anyone is looking for a photographer that knows how to be reliable, punctual and equally passionate about the quality of her own work you need to get in touch with her. She is very efficient and does everything she says she is going to do. I definitely recommend getting in touch with her on Facebook she is very personable and we will continue to work together.

When you visit my website please feel free to leave 8 random words in my guestbook section. This is a perfect opportunity for you to get to know my writing style and also see how you are able to inspire me. As an added incentive I will decide what work can be published in forthcoming volumes and you will be credited for your words.

If you have any friends who ask questions about the book or the photos please encourage them to join the facebook group page since it is the best way for me to keep you all updated on my progress.

Great strides have been made since I first embarked on this journey and I am happy you are able to see something happen from the beginning. Who knows where it will go.

I will leave you with something written in my guestbook as illustrated by these photos last night in Brick lane.

Although you are standing by the shore @ the moment, soon the rest of the world will be your oyster!

Until next time.

Our time has come

Dear Readers,

There are significant moments in our lives however small or great that can define who we are, our character and ultimately determine whether we have the capacity to step out of our comfort zones. My grandfather at the age of 14, bold and determined, approached President Roosevelt on a visit to Trinidad and coolly asked him for a job. There are other moments too, what about the 8 year old boy that had witnessed his mother cry for the first time and vowed to be a better man than his father could ever be. Or the young girl who appears to have nothing left and says defiantly 'I can do this on my own!'. Like Oprah, she can become the most influential woman in the world. I am certain in our own childhood we have aspired to be that great icon that can change the lives of many. For one of us that dream has become reality today!

For years we have all been guilty of finding reasons to remain in fear of change, even when it is for the betterment of ourselves. Sometimes saying goodbye to the so called family, friends, partners, or lovers whom only serve to undermine and invalidate our existence is the best form of hello to a new beginning. We have made the decisions to the absolute detriment of ourselves, and blamed others for our failings since we were too afraid to take responsibility. We have even surrendered in defeat and placed our expectations on the shoulders of our younger generation. So I ask is this a not a burden we have taken too far? Since our dreams are now over, does it have to be theirs? Can they not have dreams of their own?

I see some important events taking place that will begin to change the mentality of our lost generation. This event is called THE NOW. Whatever happens in the US from today, let us remember it will not be overnight. So it is not as important what Obama decides to do as President. Instead his example should be used as a symbol of what is possible, and how far we can go if we want it bad enough. It is now more important what we do TODAY and TOMORROW. He has taken a leap of faith and won admirers around the globe with integrity and the ability to restore hope! So there is nothing that is impossible! His position as a President sets a new precedent for each and every one of us irrespective of our race, colour and creed. In 1963 Martin Luther had a dream, I feel a part of this dream came true in the early hours of this morning! So what about our own dreams and are we going to wait for someone else to realise them for us? Our choices today will affect our tomorrow. So make those choices.

'Genius does not simply reside in the few, but in all living beings'.

Until next time.

Not leaving my dreams to chance!

Dear Readers,

This is the third edition to my column. Since the last entry you have seen pictures of my book travelling the globe and there have been some important endorsements along the way. I feel that the momentum is building slowly and this period for me is really engaging and I am enjoying every minute of it. It is the only thing on my mind right now.

A few weeks ago my promotional team attended The Word Power event at the Emirates Stadium (home of Arsenal F.C.) I was happy I attended as it gave me a greater insight into where I want to be and how I intend to get there. As you can see in the picture I now have branded T-shirts, so if you spot them anywhere feel free to say hello. I also had the pleasure of meeting established authors and those who have published for the first time. The passion for their work was evident and it was important to find people who are prepared to make a valuable contribution to their own community.

One of my particular highlights was meeting Natasha Danvers who won Olympic Bronze medal at the Beijing Games. She is down to earth and has certainly shown me that despite her injuries dreams are still possible.

I was guest speaking at a school last week in Enfield followed by another one in East London on Friday and one of the things that struck me was the number of young people seriously aspiring to achieve. I feel that there is a genuine belief now that their thoughts can be reality. They certainly had successful people there to help them along, including Yolanda Brown (winner of MOBOs for Jazz category). I met her about 4 years ago and have watched her grow into an amazing performer! She is definitely an example of what can be done when you make good effective use of your talents. The event was a success and I was happy to be a part of it.

I also want to mention another person who has given me a platform and important words of advice when I first started out. He is one of the funniest guys I know in the UK and has supported the UK scene for a long time and is now moving to the US. He gave me the confidence to keep writing and to work hard and stay focused. So Kojo I just want to thank you for your timely intervention you were one of the first people to show me that I can be whatever I wanted to be just by following your example. I wish you all the best in your new venture.

There is still a lot of work to be done before unveiling my launch date and book signing event. I do not intend on leaving my own dreams to chance.

Until next time.

I AM - Around the World

Dear readers,

Sometimes there are not enough words that can adequately describe the support I have received over the last few weeks. I wish to thank all of my close friends for playing a part in this special experience. I have decided to upload some photos to explain the absence of my words.

These shots were taken on one of the paradise Islands in the Indian Ocean and you can find other shots from around the world in Myspace and my Facebook Group page.

This project began when Isaac Alabi, a very good friend of mine took an uncorrected review copy of my book on holiday to Africa. He returned with great photos of 'I AM' appearing in a variety of locations unique to that countries custom. Naturally I was in love with the idea and it is my intention for my work to now travel around the world.

While writing this I have decided to omit the names of the countries from which these photos have been taken.

There is always a moment when time and the names of things are not important and only those people or sights that exists in front of you should be appreciated... before language there is always beauty.

These photos were taken by Priya Sands.

Until the next time.

www.myspace.com/alexanderjackman

Welcome

Dear readers,

Welcome to my blog space. This is an opportunity for you to get to know Alexander Jackman and the man behind the name. There have been a number of questions since I set up the profile asking what is this all about? Do I know you and when is the book out? Well this is the perfect opportunity and venue to share my day to day thoughts, experiences, my words and details of my impending book Titled 'I AM' - a book of unintentional thoughts.

I want to introduce myself. My name is.. actually no.. my name is not important. I can tell you Alexander Jackman is my pen name and it is a name I have chosen because it is quite simply one that belongs to my Grandparents, Anora Alexander and Leslie Julien Jackman. I wish to lay down a legacy in the way that they have done for me in my upbringing. I love them with all my heart and thank them for all the precious moments that I have had as a child growing up into the man that I am today. Without those two this work may not have been accomplished in the same way. However I believe it was and is written as it should be...

I wish to thank all of my family and friends that have stuck by me throughout this journey, it has not come without its downs then ups, the goodbyes and the many hellos and I am very grateful for my many great experiences.

Until next time.

www.alexanderjackman.com