British Summers/Fifty Shades of Sunburn

It's been - I dare say - hot outside. The sun is staying up longer, skies are blue, it's brighter and warmer.

I don't like it.

Whenever it's sunny, and liquid vitamin D starts falling out of the sky, people go weird. Sunglasses are on, legs are out and crowds emerge to photosynthesise in any patch of sun available.

And that would be fine. Think of the ideal summer:

• Picnics on the grass
• Sunbathing in the park
• Drinks outdoors at cafes and pubs
• Walks on the beach
• Shopping on the high street

Isn't that lovely?

Writing Update #8

I'm back! I have some spare time (sort of)! It's been nearly .... 2 MONTHS? I'm so sorry.

Writing

• Big news - I'm now officially an award winning poet! I entered my university's Paddon Award competition and somehow ended up receiving first place in the finalists' evening. I'll talk more about it in a later post, but here's a recording of me performing the poem.
• My editorship at Exeposé has ended, which is immensely saddening. However,  I'm now the print editor of Razz My Berries Magazine, a uni publication I love. The online editor and I have been messaging and sharing ideas, and we can't wait to start.

Music

• MUSE. They're releasing songs from their new album, Drones, and I'm obsessed. I saw them live for the first time a month ago, fulfilling a life-long dream and making my 14 year old self very emotional (expect a sentimental post soon). Also managed to meet the whole band after the gig, which was mind-blowingly amazing.

This was their opening song. Apparently it's too explicit for radio (there's a lot of F- words), but it is INCREDIBLE live. Also - they've been playing that riff at live shows for almost as long as I've been alive, so was really exciting when it was finally used as a song!

My camera couldn't cope with their light show, but Muse are beautiful people

Real Life and Other Nonsense

• I'm back in my home town, hoping to pass my driving license. Third time lucky, eh? (*internal sobbing*)
• Exams are ahead, so expect a lull in blogging, then a big burst as I become free.

Have a lovely Easter/Spring Break Whoo Hoo for the Americans. 

Quick update...

I'm alive, I'm just extremely busy - every minute has to be spent on 3 things at once. I'll be back soon, there's so much to write about!

Writing Update #7

I am getting terrible at these. Life has been truly hectic, so apologies for the lateness. I should be able to get back into the rhythm of posting these once every two weeks.

Writing

• Been going to the university's spoken word poetry society, which has been really inspiring. We just get together, talk about and share poetry. It's so wonderful being in an environment where you're free to - and encouraged to - get really excited about Samuel Taylor Coleridge, discuss Sylvia Plath and recite Maya Angelou. 
• I also went to the Islamic Society's annual poetry night which was also immensely inspiring. Mohamed 'Mo Rhymes' (former President of the society) closed the show, and his writing is truly beautiful. He means every word he says, and wants us to hear and connect with his poetry. 
• Beauty column is going well, plenty of ideas and I've been enjoying writing them. Here's my latest post.

Music

• I am obsessed with this playlist from the magnificent Rookiemag. I just love how every song matched the theme perfectly.

Hanging Out With Harriet the Spy from RookieMag on 8tracks Radio.

Real Life and Other Nonsense

• Essays Essays Essays Essays Essays Essays Essays Essays Essays Essays Essays 
• Modelled for the very first time for Razz Magazine  which was so much fun. It was freezing cold, we were shivering and had to look modelly, but everyone was so lovely and worked well together. I'll talk more about it when the issue comes out in early/mid March.
• I've been learning French on Duolingo . It's a language I've always wanted to learn, and I picked it up quickly in Year 7 - 9, but had to drop it in order to do my Chinese GCSE. My accent is quite bad - I sound like I'm gargling cotton wool, but it's a lot of fun!

Hope you're all having a lovely day! 

365 Photo Challenge Week 5 (Feb)

Lot of late nights this week. Click to enlarge photos.

4 Feb - Taking the time to look at sunsets.
5 Feb - Playing with camera modes - 'Night' captures the lights wonderfully.
6 Feb - Really inspiring poetry night hosted by the Islamic Society. My friend said "I want to go home and write angry sh--".
7 Feb - Writing another makeup column - Valentine's themed this time.
8 Feb - The local pub is a wonderful, wonderful place.
9 Feb - Watched the mist come closer and closer from the hills as night fell.
10 Feb - Early morning starts.