Hello World // Just for Fun

Hello there! It's been a while - again. We've got a bit to catch up on, my blog and I. Firstly,

Happy Spring (for back in September!)

Isn't that frothy creaminess exquisite?! Peonies are one of my very favourite flowers. Spring was a lovely time this year. One of the loveliest things was that I had my birthday - and an Edwardian Garden Party to celebrate. More on that later.

Next, Happy Summer!

I am just loving the summer holidays. Sea breezes, sailing, wind-swept hair, fresh watermelon, long bike rides at dawn....these are just a few of my favourite things of this season.

Happy Christmas!

How was yours, lovelies? I spent a blissful few hours hidden away in my room, humming along to Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald as I let loose with the brown paper and string. It's such a beautiful time of year.

Lastly, Happy New Year!

This year has been a big year. Probably the hardest, but also the most exciting and blessed. I'm so looking forward to the year ahead! What are you all doing to celebrate? Any New Year's resolutions? This year I'd like to get better at French, read a lot of good books, and make more time for the things that really matter.

One more thing, before bedtime, for fun. :) By this person, via Carlotta

Things That Say a Lot About People

the way in which they treat the waiter/waitress
how they feel about the weather
whether they dog ear pages or highlight in books
fingernails
and hands in general
their preferred creative outlet
how much they dread/enjoy talking on the phone
whether or not they drink coffee
if they ever forget to eat
how honest they are with themselves (and others)
if they correct your grammar
and whether or not they get nervous before haircuts.

I. I think waiters and waitresses should be treated politely, but not too chattily. Putting yourself in their shoes, I'm sure it's refreshing to meet a costumer who returns a cheerful hello. Everyone matters. But I rarely make conversation with strangers. 

II. The weather is a big thing for me - it definitely effects how I feel. I like both rain and sunshine, but after more than three or four days of drizzle start to feel a little Eeyore-ish. I love being outside in the fresh air, and I absolutely adore walks in the pouring rain. I prefer warm weather to cold, as it's so much more motivating!

IV. I have to keep my nails fairly short because of violin and piano, and they're usually painted with clear or a very pale pink polish. Fake nails send shivers down my spine.

III. I don't think I've ever dog-eared or highlighted anything in a book, apart from my Bible. I've started keeping a literature journal though, so if I read something that grabs my attention I can jot it down to mull over later.

V. I have quite big hands, with long fingers. They go purple when I'm cold!

VI. I have a lot of creative outlets, music probably being the main one. Photography, writing and cooking are my other favourites.

VII. I don't talk on the phone a lot, but when I do I usually love it. My best friend and I can talk for four hours without stopping.

VIII. I've just discovered coffee. And how incredibly wonderful it is. I rarely drink it though, as I want to avoid too much caffeine while I'm young.

IX. The only time I forget to eat is if I'm really immersed in doing something creative. Sometimes when I'm practising violin or piano I'm having so much fun I lose track of time and just can't stop!

X. I think it's really important to be honest with everyone, including yourself. I only share personal things with my closest friends, but there's a fine line between pretending everything's perfect, and burdening people with your problems. I think one should always be open, but positive.

XI. I love good grammar. So yes, I do mentally correct other people's mistakes!

XII. I've never felt nervous about getting my haircut, but then again I've never got anything very drastic done at all. I'm sure I'd feel a few butterflies if I was about to get bobbed!

That's all for now folks! Have a wonderful week. 

holidays

       Today was a grey day, but of the best sort. Of the sort that doesn't matter if you don't feel motivated and disciplined  - because, for once, you don't have to be. Today was the start of the holidays. That blissful feeling of knowing that you don't have to do anything, flooded my soul from the  moment I opened my eyes  this morning. And so I didn't do anything. I closed my eyes again. I didn't go back to sleep, just lay there, revelling in the luxurious sound of rain pitter-pattering on the roof.

At about 10 o'clock, I enticed myself out of bed with the thought of a cup of tea, which I got - along with a book - and returned to my bed. And there I stayed for most of the day, until in the late afternoon I sprang out, got dressed, scribbled down this post, swept the floor and made an enormous batch of creamy potato and bacon chowder for tea.

Sometimes it's doing absolutely nothing - thinking nothing, planning nothing - that replenishes the inspiration and enthusiasm for work and creativity. Yes, too many lazy days can dampen and snuff motivation, but if rare, they are just the thing for refreshment and inspiration. Now, after a day of nothingness, I feel not only ready, but enthused for a productive holiday. My head is brimming with plans and ideas - without my trying to put them there.

Happy holidays.  

Hello

What a horrifyingly long time it has been since I last blogged! Dearie me...

Unfortunately, my head has not been stuck in the Lord of the Rings for the whole time. 

Violin practice, maths, geography, music history and theory, violin practice, English, French, Biblical history, violin practice,Aristotle (yes - I am determined to broaden my literary horizon!) violin practice....and oh! did I say violin practice?

 These and many other things have been filling my life to the brim. 

Another post coming soon! 

I promise.

In the meantime, have a look at this

It's directed towards storytelling/writing but I found it applicable to other areas of life as well..
It's very encouraging - highly recommendable.

J