Travel: Wales

My blog's been pretty quiet this week and that's because I scooted off to Wales with a bunch of cool people to do a bunch of cool writing.

I don't want to write too much about the trip, mostly because the photos speak for themselves, but also because I was lucky enough to come home massively inspired and motivated to write. So it's likely they'll be a few more of my own creativities going up soon. 

The beauty of sea air, captivates me every time.

Having our own library for the week was a huge bonus! It also means my bank account will be taking a beating as I've noted at least seven books I absolutely cannot live without. 

A river situated five minutes from the house meant I was never far from a good view, photo opportunity and a little headspace.

It was a cracking week. I met some lovely people, played cards, attempted to learn the rules of chess, embarrassed myself (too much) and laughed a whole lot more than I expected to.

Next week, same time, please.

❊

Currently...

Drinking: copious amounts of hot water and lemon.
Wanting: a little headspace.
Looking: at flights. I'm tempted, really tempted.
Deciding: my next move.
Enjoying: fair weather and the smiles it brings.
Waiting: for bigger things.
Pondering: what I should have for dinner, avocado or avocado? They're just so good!
Considering: if I'm ready to turn 18 in a few months... probably not.
Reading: The Catcher In The Rye - it's just as good the sixth time round.
Hoping: for some guidance.
Wearing: a beautiful vintage kimono that I picked up for just £20.
Noting: all my ideas, desk space is quickly diminishing.
Admiring: beautiful cameras, I'll take them all, please.
Sorting: through all the clothes that need washing... before I go away in around twelve hours.
Getting: worked up too easily - I need to figure that one out.
Realising: there are some things I can't alter, and that's okay.
Planning: very little. My head is packed with stuff already.

❊

Three Books, Three Purposes

In the recent months I've been doing a lot of varied reading. So, I decided to compile a post about the three books I haven't been able to put down... apart from to write this post.


The Bedside Read

After reading The Catcher In The Rye six times, I still go back to it when I'm not yet ready for something new. It's an honest book, with a few subtleties in its descriptions.

Holden Caulfield, the book's protagonist, quickly became an icon of teenage rebellion when the book was first published in 1951. He's an endearing character and portrays both maturity and immaturity throughout. 

Later, in 1981 it was both the most censored and second most taught book in public schools in the US - now if that doesn't intrigue you I don't know what will.

My copy is battered - I even bent the spine, something I largely consider a cardinal sin! - and has underlinings and scribblings on nearly every page.

The Cookbook

This cookbook is a fairly new addition to the stack (of at least 50), it was actually my Mum that picked this up. Looks like she has pretty sharp taste.

It's a hefty book, however it's incredibly articulate! Towards the front of the book is a guide to ingredients; fruit, veg, herbs, spices etc. Leon gives details of when each is in season and where they're typically grown, this is ideal if you're in to shopping for foods when they're at their best.

The back of the book is where the recipes are. A few that caught my eye are: .....

And if all that content wasn't enough it's beautifully designed. Scribbles and casual photos give it a real homely feel. It's a book that's blown the Nigella, Gordon and Jamie's out of the water. You pay for the content and the content sure is good!

The Coffee Table Book

This book might possibly be my favourite of the three. 

It's a beautiful collection of fascinating letters, postcards, telegrams, faxes and memos. Letters from the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald nearly had me in tears, and that's not to mention the ones fans wrote to Elvis!

I'm glad this book isn't available on a kindle or iPad as it just wouldn't be the same. An exquisite book to read with a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your thing) on a quiet afternoon

If all that wasn't enough for you, Shaun Usher, the editor, has also set up Lists of Note!

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Bittersweet Pollution

"Death sticks", you declared them and I had only one to my name.

I placed the controversy between my lips and recalled all the times you told me to kick the habit. 

"It'll kill you!" Rang at the forefront of my mind as I lit the fire that fuelled the invasion through my lungs.

That was the best damn cigarette I've ever had.

❊ 

Links Love #3

Things have been pretty quiet up my end recently, I've been reading more books and writing quite a bit. Although, I still found the time to dig out six lovely links for you to check out.

// Cool street art from around the world.

// Pantone swatches matched up.

// Great for finding all the words and phrases you overuse in your writing.

// In 1933, F. Scott Fitzgerald ended a letter to his daughter with things to worry about, not to worry about and simply think about.

// Working out with Marilyn Monroe.

// See why 16,000 papier mache pandas travelled the world.

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This Week #6

Let's just get one thing clear, after this week, I do not like lamp posts... and neither does my car.

Luckily it was only the back bumper - and my bank account - that suffered a blow.

All car sorrow was drowned in a few too many gin & tonics this weekend. We played a lot of cards, listened to a lot of Elvis and busted quite a few embarrassing moves.

I'm still trying to figure how I managed to eat an ice cream, break the bathroom door and attempt to change a lightbulb in those few hours but it happened and it was ace.

The power of gin, right?

This week's teaching: "Good friends let you eat dairy."

❊

Music Morning No. 3

Ok so, I'm slightly cheating for this Music Morning. The video itself does have music running through it (bloody good music at that), however it wasn't created to be solely a music video.
It's actually been on the internet for around three years now and I was first introduced to it by my brother.

Have a peek, you might just like it...

I originally watched this on Vimeo where the quality is a little better - find it here.

The camera use is astounding and the performer has some really slick, precision moves. The music itself works really well with the video, accentuating the key moments in the developing movements effectively.

❊

Dear June...

You're the middle of the year. Bang smack in the centre. And hey, you've left it pretty late to use 'middle child syndrome' as an excuse to play up so don't expect me to buy that one.

I have a strong feeling you're going to be a real mixed bag. A few tough days and (hopefully) plenty of grand days.
There's birthdays and anniversaries to plan for and let's not forget now is your time to bring some golden sunshine and summer breezes our way.

One of my favourite things about this time is being able to open up the windows, the sweet scents that dance through the house bring me nothing but joy - we're lucky to get that in May so this is your chance to shine, out do the others (I won't tell of your competitive side).

Please bring good things; safe trips, strong bonds, and a swell start to the summer.

I'm ready for you, June. Let's make this a good'un.

❊