I AM

Flavour Magazine interview Alexander Jackman

2010-08-15T02:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

We caught up with the young but wise writer, as he refreshes us with his real-life story “I AM”.Giving priceless advice for any troubled person Alexander talks family, ambitions, life, and how we can make a change from even the worst situations.

He also reveals that Michael Jackson’s messages in music have helped him like so many people. So, let’s skip any small talk and get right into it and start making that change…

Want to read more click the link below...

http://bit.ly/d1deDL

I AM in Gambia - Day Three

2010-03-05T18:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

9:30am - Addaya

We are cold showered or cold bucketed for some of the others and ready to go. I was introduced to a very sweet and strong mint tea for the first time, Addaya. I have to say this is the only tea I am prepared to drink from this point on. It is a perfect morning booster.

New Discovery

In the corner of my eye a young girl is learning to jump rope for the first time. She stops prematurely and runs desperately for cover knowing all eyes were on her. It is not long before she finds the courage to return. She removes her head wrap almost embarrassed that she showed everyone her vulnerable side in the first place. Not this time however, she is determined to show us how she views her new challenge. She is quietly focused on the rotating apparatus swaying backwards and forward in rhythm, waiting for that moment to leap. The silence is unbelievable not even a car or a motorbike can be heard, we are all in awe of this moment and all willing her to do well. She leans back for the final time before disappearing into the rope's playground, the dirt from her calloused feet barely have a chance to settle on the ground before discovering that she has made it. Her efforts are applauded but more importantly she is delighted with her new discovery. If she tries she will succeed.

Why are we here?

We are going for a drive to the National Youth Centre in Basse. The market on route is vibrant, there are plenty of children steering donkey carts, chopping wood, carrying water home and repairing tyre walls for motorbikes. I wonder what part of the day will they get to play? This is the reason we are here.

The first stop on the way is breakfast.

Toubab

I say Naka Subaseh (Oollof) good morning to the locals from the open back truck we are riding on. The sun is on our backs and it feels good to have the air blowing a cooling breeze onto our faces. Subonda Bengadeh (Mandinka) how is the morning? Children are running along the side of the vehicles with huge smiles shouting Toubab in unison. Toubab Toubab Toubab (pronounced tou bar). I am amused by the term and ask Souso, our driver, what they mean? He says they are calling for the attention of our white friends.

11:30am - The Great Abdourrahman

It did not take long for me to finish breakfast this morning I was eager to get to work. I noticed a young man prepare to sit next to me. We are having breakfast in a really tiny hut with very little natural light, there is no electricity in this building. But we are relaxed and even enjoying this new environment. What more do you need to have breakfast other than a table and bench?

I turned to acknowledge this young man's presence and was greeted with words in his native tongue. I nodded although I have to admit I had no idea what he was saying. I thought I had heard English words and asked him to repeat as I listened with extra care. My guide Souso was once again on hand to interpret having spotted my apparent difficulty. The young man had said that he hoped I hadn't felt like my breakfast was finished because there was his to share also. I returned my attention to him about to politely decline the offer to find he had already broken his bread ready to hand it to me beckoning me to eat. He had a bowl of beans on the table to go with the Tapalapa. Who am I to decline? We spent the next ten minutes in silence eating together a moment I will never forget. I recalled my childhood days when my brother and I used to fight over food. His name none other than the Great Abdurrahman.

Make our mark

We have a huge task ahead. Having already visited the site we know that the building has not begun. I am pleased because it means we can make our mark here. The creativity in this group is amazing. It is a common misconception to believe that a country needs great money and resources to develop locally. Great innovative ideas and the synergistic effort of the Basse people will demonstrate this notion to great effect.

We compiled a list of the items we needed to get started and headed into the village. Let the negotiations begin. Wheel barrow, shovels, paint and brushes, rope, tractor tyres, protective gloves, charcoal sticks were at the top of our list. Local children and young men who lived nearby were also invited to help the cause.

Task One Make the environment as safe as possible for bare footed children - clear the yard of all glass, debris and other hazardous material.

Task Two Make the environment an attractive and colourful play area - paint the great wall.

Defeats the purpose

Everyone is working tirelessly there is no stopping now, except for a water break. We use our teeth to pierce a small hole in these pint sized plastic bags carrying fresh cold water. A simple squeeze and you have this wonderful spray of water looping into your mouth. There is a commotion and the girls are running and screaming. Well there were no rules saying that we couldn't use the water for other devices such as water fights. There is a mad water frenzy and I do not expect to lose it is probably a good thing I didn't start with the paint it defeats the purpose of being here.

We are pleased with the day’s work and return to the hotel, where the children are waiting patiently.

Boys lost the battle.

We sit on the porch watching the children skipping playfully. The boys are certainly mischievous tonight having snatched the skipping rope from the girls. I think they were feeling left out and needed their attention. It does not matter what country in the world we travel to, the experience of children are the same. In a swift and defiant move, one of the older girls flew in to deliver a telling blow even waving an authoritative finger at the boys about the consequences of their actions. The boys dare not try that again this time they have lost the battle. I wonder if they have lost the war.

Chalk and trees

We decided it was time to bring the magic chalk out to play. The children abandoned everything they were doing, it was like a stampede of elephants. We made a dash for the trees in the hope that we were able to climb to safety. No luck. It was apparent that chalk and trees was the perfect icebreaker.

Young Elephants

Up until now we had kept a safe distance allowing the children to get a natural feel for us as newbies to their home. We got them to start drawing their shapes on to the trees. It was a great exercise, one that they loved. This was the moment I could take our games to the next level. Sensing that they were game for some fun I recovered all the chalk and ran into the distance closely followed by the young elephants.

17:00pm - A Single Plate

There is a new way to enjoy food. It is a symbol of the new family we have forged made up of Mandinkas, Fulas, Oollofs, Welsh and English. This time we are all to eat from a single plate.

Beyond the stars

I am fully nourished and pleased that the day has been productive throughout. One thing we do not have the privilege of seeing in London is a full complement of stars, I can see the Big bear, Orion’s belt and the North Star. What better way to end the day.

I AM in Gambia - Day Two

2010-02-15T04:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

Welcome to Day Two in Gambia

11:00am
We met the children in the National Stadium of Banjul, the home of Gambia's national football team.

Dalasi
The children and young people gathered to shake hands. They have Muslim names: Samba, Ebrima, Mouloudumi, and Malal. The older boys are well versed in greeting tourists. Very charming and complimentary, they certainly know their sterling. Dalasi or jewellery will not go amiss either. Unfortunately I do not wear jewellery. I have little to give in that respect. Probably a good thing, they are not afraid to ask. Dalasi is the currency in Gambia.

Glue and Cotton
On the ferry we met some shoe shiners and menders. I remember as a child my grandfather's strict instructions were to clean and polish his shoes for work. My brother and I became skilled polishers. However, these men are better equipped; they also know how to mend shoes with glue and cotton. It is quite a handy technique for mothers and fathers whose children wreck their shoes on the first day of school. I have been told the cotton reacts to the glue to become like sticky tar, quite a remarkable adhesive I guess.

13:45pm

We arrive at the north bank region at Barra from the ferry.

I am African

The people greet us from all sides with smiles, waves and handshakes. We have taxi drivers, women and young girls who perfectly balance fruits and nuts on their heads. This is not the Cadburys kind.

I converse with a few gentleman of the Gambia. They say welcome to Africa my African brother this is your home. I say to them Abaraka and Jerrajeff which means thank you in Mandinka and Oollof respectively. There are at least five tribes in Banjul alone. I thank them for welcoming me as their own.

Bumpy Ride

We have a 250 mile drive to the next ferry port. The whole journey to the region of Basse is expected to take 8 hours.

I have been told the roads are bumpy and rough. I have been to Trinidad and Jamaica so I am accustomed to these road conditions or am I? I can say with absolute certainty that I have never experienced roads as difficult to drive on as the ones I am experiencing here. It may be necessary for smaller cars to provide helmets. I am in the back seat and I have been thrown everywhere barring out the window. I am enjoying this ride it forces you to find a seated rhythm as I notice I and my colleague are the only ones moving in the car.

Not only are the roads rough but it was also expected for the houses to be half built. The beautiful thing is it has not distracted the children at all! In fact, they play in these half built houses and on dilapidated roads in a way that allows their imaginations to complete the picture. I can see them playing in their palaces and on those world class football pitches.

Tapalapa

Some of the older children wearing blue uniform are now returning from school, the younger children are on the side of the road selling Nana, a bush plant used for tea. I have been given Tapalapa, a bread like baguette. For now there is nothing else I require I already have a two litre bottle of water. This side of the river is indeed hotter than the city of Banjul.

Stop or I will Shoot - Kunte Kinte

We were stopped at a checkpoint by a soldier holding what appeared to be an AK47 his finger non chalantly poised on the trigger. Our lives are at his mercy. He does not acknowledge the salutes of our officials in the car and instead inspects the vehicle with the authority he was given. There is little expression on his face and his focus undeterred. After a few moments he relaxes and motions for us to move on as his attention turns to the car behind. Holding a loaded firearm he is ready to initiate the first rule of engagement: Stop or I will shoot.

As we leave the checkpoint I am told this is the home of Kunte Kinte.

Inspired driver

A picture of President Obama hangs from where the rear view mirror is supposed to be. While the driver looks forward to a new direction Obama ensures everyone is still following behind. The driver is accustomed to the night and the bumpy road and I am certain he will deliver us safely.

20:30pm

Flip Flops

We have arrived in Basse and were shown our rooms at the hotel.

I am wearing flip flops for the first time since childhood. It was bought for 25 Dalasi so I can use in the shower. I immediately remembered why I disliked them as a child, the plastic between the toes is uncomfortable.

We are here

There are 7 of us, 3 women from Wales Freia, Jane and Lidia. Bernard from Kent with Graeme and Vince from London.

The journey has been a long one taking the best part of a day. That does not deter us we go to a local restaurant in the village to eat and drink. We are here in Basse finally.

I AM in Gambia - Day One

2010-02-15T04:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

Welcome to Gambia.

3:30pm
Our plane arrived in Banjul at 3pm in the afternoon.

The moment stepping off the plane signalled a statement of intent: We will work in 35 degrees of sunshine.

There is no time difference beteween Gambia and the UK. This is the first time I have stepped off the plane not expecting any jet lag. Maybe the UK are running on Gambian time and not the other way round.

4:40pm
No sooner had I emerged from customs, I heard someone call out Mr Jackman. I turned to find a good friend whom I know back home. What are the odds? I knew she was in Gambia but I also know the population is 1.6 million!

8:00pm
The Gambians have welcomed me as their own. When asked my name, I replied Alexander.
Aha 'Alexander the Great!' they shouted.

www.alexanderjackman.com

I AM by Alexander Jackman - OUT NOW

2010-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

For an insight into the book and my great inspirations I have published the first of many promotional videos.

I hope you enjoy.

I AM by Alexander Jackman is available to purchase at all good online bookstores including Amazon and Waterstones.

Until next time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWs3NqA1fuw&feature=player_embedded

http://www.alexanderjackman.com/

I AM - Coming to a bookshop near you!

2010-01-08T10:32:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

The wheel is already in motion. The team are really working hard to make this book available to purchase in a local bookshop near you. If you would like to see I AM in your local bookshop contact us at http://www.alexanderjackman.com/.

Until next time.

www.twitter.com/alexjackajk

www.myspace.com/alexanderjackman

http://www.alexanderjackman.com/

Top Ten 'I AM' Photographs - Number 10

2009-12-30T18:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

I have been asked to state my Top Ten 'I AM' location photographs. The irony is that the person making the request was the photographer for this photo entry at Number 10. This photograph was taken in Tunisia. It has special significance because it was the photograph that began this incredible journey. I had the idea for my book to travel the world the moment I saw this picture. This was the first and now over 220 photographs have been taken in over 25 different countries around the world and still counting!

I am forever grateful to my great friend for that moment of inspiration, without it the others would not exist so there was no question that it made the Top Ten. Who knows what these photographs will be able to do for people, we have to believe that each one of us has our own story to tell.

To view the other pictures visit - www.myspace.com/alexanderjackman

Look out for entry Number 9

Until Next time.

I AM - is finally here!

2009-12-13T15:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the first installment of the book 'I AM'. You will find that it is currently registered online with some of the major bookstores. You can search for the title on http://www.amazon.co.uk/ or http://www.play.com/, it is available to purchase. The delivery schedule at present will take a number of weeks to match other books available online. I hope this won't cause too much inconvenience.

I have to stress there is a still long way to go. I have The London Book Fair at the Excel Building in April closely followed by the New York Expo in May. Then I hope to go to Beijing in August before closing 2010 with Germany in October. These events are where buyers from major retailers, agents, publishers, distribution companies and media congregate to unveil the next line of top selling books and authors. I will be attending with a few surprises of my own. Stay tuned.

So you can see quite clearly that a place on a major retailers' premium New Release or Bestseller Shelf is still a year away. There is also tremendous competition for shelf space. Millions of books are produced vying for the same spot. Each trying to stand out from the rest. I know what it is I need to do and I will get there. I will be working hard throughout this winter building sales volume with all local bookshops in London before April in time for The London Book Fair.

Now that the momentum is gathering pace keep an eye out for BLOG updates. If you have any questions you would like to ask, I always try to make myself available to reply to all my messages. There have been some great questions already. Join me Alexander Jackman on Facebook.

Thank you again for your support. I hope that if you decide to purchase 'I AM' there is something there for you as there was for me.

Until Next time.

2009-07-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

I have spent sometime away from my blog page reading new books and writing the second and third installment of I AM. I have also begun my first novel which is looking very promising at this very early stage.

I AM will be released for the first time in Hardback with copies crossing the Atlantic as we speak. There is still someway to go before the official release however I promise to keep you updated on the progress.

In the meantime I feel it is important to continue to introduce new people to the journey of I AM around the World. Your help to spread the message will be very much appreciated. The photos are so important to the process, it has inspired me creatively and I shall let you in on the plans I have for those photos at a later date. Please keep them coming in I am constantly updating Myspace and the Facebook Group Page with all the new pictures.

I AM is about to embark on its first ROAD TRIP of the United States. Where it will travel in the great Ford Mustang and Corvette via Route 66. I look forward to the reports of its progress although I have to admit I am not the fortunate individual making the trip. A great friend of mine has taken up the challenge, it is something I have dreamed of doing and I guess a part of me will live that dream.

You can find his BLOG covering the tour at http://www.iamanamericanroadtrip.blogspot.com/

Until next time

http://www.alexanderjackman.com/

www.myspace.com/alexanderjackman

www.twitter.com/alexjackajk

Happy New Day

2009-01-01T04:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

For some you may read this as the new blog for the new year. For me however, this is a new blog for a new day.

Whilst I understand the sentiment in wishing you all a Happy New Year. I have wondered if in making this wish, am I already providing my reasons for not making contact with you until the new year 2010?

Do I make new years resolutions? The simple answer is No. I have come to a point where everyday is important to me. Whether I spend those moments asleep for the whole day or not it remains important. We sleep half of our lives anyway so a day of slumber is not anything to be ashamed about, neither is a day focused on making those close to you laugh while not doing anything in particular. I do not feel guilty for those types of days. I really enjoy my Mondays, it sets my tone for the rest of the week. I do not have reservations for a day before I have even started it. I do not intend on losing productivity I intend to gain. This practice has put myself in a frame of mind that will enable me to deal with the unexpected.

I have witnessed some bizarre events leading up to the big celebrations. Comments in conversations such as I cannot wait until the weekend (it was Monday), or I cannot wait until 5pm when I finish work (it was 9am), I cannot wait until I go out later and the most popular I cannot wait until the new year? I have to ask will waiting for these things really make a difference? and what is it that you are truly waiting for?

It comes to mind that if you choose to wait too long you may never get to experience what you want. Happiness does not come to those who wait for happiness but to those who choose to have happiness now. Even a lottery win cannot guarantee happiness unless you had happiness in the first place. I stopped trying to win at long odds when my winning comes from short odds making someone smile. Telling those close to me that I love them for who they are!

My book is about the pursuit of a dream, a dream to discover who I am. We are all going through this discovery and we all have a unique insight into what brings us here today. Some experiences we are able to handle while others are more difficult then they seem. What do we do about them? Do we say we cannot wait for the moment to disappear or be buried in a false place, where we deny it exists and pretend to forget? Or do we stand up and be counted for it?
It takes a real character to face their own truths. I know I have had to face my own, that is why I am able to now release a piece of work that shares the types of experiences we have either had ourselves or at least experienced through our peers. I AM is accepting the bad and the good, the ugly and the sublime whilst still able to make mistakes. I AM is accepting who I AM. I most certainly do!

It may be that I will have to postpone the launch of my book once again. I do apologise there are reasons beyond my control. I will tell you however, there is a blessing in everything and it may have opened another new door. Had I not been aware at the time I may never have walked through it.

These great pictures were taken in Africa by Vanessa Matthews and her good friend Veneshia Talbot. We all have the power to inspire.

Until next time.

http://www.myspace.com/alexanderjackman
http://www.alexanderjackman.com/

Close up with Alexander Jackman

2008-11-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-04T00:41:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-10-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-12T02:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

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