The big move!

Yay. David and I have now found our perfect Norwich abode! It's so sweet and it's in the city centre.

The architecture is so adorable! This isn't where we're living (of course) but I took a picture because I loved the door (is that sad? Probably ... ). It looks like Diagon Alley!


So yes, we're moving pretty soon! I need to find work and begin my studies for my Maths and Science qualifications. I'm really looking forward to learning different things and meeting new people!

Being the odd one out in my Maths and Science classes.

But yes, I'm looking forward to new things this year. I keep thinking about how lovely Christmas will be :-) I am so eager to wear my jumpers! If worst comes to worst, I will set up my own stall at the market and sell owl and elephant ornaments.


Then there's driving lessons. I'm really hoping to be able to drive at some point within the next year! This summer has taught me that having a car outside of London is definitely handy!

I have also been playing my keyboard. I've been trying to convince David to let us have a second hand piano (for some reason lots of people are giving them away for free?) as mine keeps making a fuzzy sound. The keys are also quite ... I don't know how to describe it! It doesn't sound very natural.

Not that I'm a professional pianist or anything. I'd love to have lessons! I've been trying to play Clair du Lune :-) and, of course, Moonlight Sonata. I've been figuring out some nice little melodies as well!

I've been spending my time well this summer, I think. I have finished (nearly) two scarves and my knitting is becoming much neater now! I've also started writing like I've always wanted to :-) I'm currently working on a children's story. I'm hoping that I can become the next Rudyard Kipling!

Book Club - The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

I love reading, as you probably know, and one of my grand ideas for this not-so-grand blog was to create a mini online book club!

The idea of joining a book club is quite daunting for me. After being involved in seminars at university, I always feel like I can never articulate how I feel about the way a book has affected me as eloquently as I'd like. Maybe I'm just one of those people who finds writing a lot easier to do than speaking. Once I had the opportunity to write essays, I felt it was fine - but being the introvert I am; I never truly feel comfortable with these things in real life (although I hope this changes as I get older!).

The book I have chosen is a slightly unusual text. After studying Classics at A Level and taking a more successful module at university, my enjoyment of the subject has increased - arguably moreso than English Literature itself. I like the sociohistorical context of it all, and it probably goes without saying - but The Penelopiad is based on Homer's Odyssey, except it is told from the perspective of Penelope - the protagonist's wife. So it will certainly be interesting to see how this neglected character is portrayed in the story, and I am sure that there will be much more to her than we expect; more cunning like the Penelope we see when she's making Laertes' shroud and repeatedly unwinding her work in order to prevent her gaining any unwanted attention from the suitors. So yes, very exciting!

Margaret Atwood is an author whose works I have always wanted to read, but I simply haven't found the perfect opportunity. Her works were never on my reading lists, with the exception of the dystopian module - which I didn't take (I do like dystopian novels, though, for those of you who are curious). I always get told, especially by my feminist friends, how brilliant a writer she is. Apparently she is quirky, innovative and compelling. I guess we shall see.

With the influx of scientific and mathematical texts arriving on my desk, and the rapidly approaching end of Little Women, I am very much looking forward to reading a modern piece of fiction. I love my Victorian novels, I love my studies of science (and at a stretch, maths) but I particularly love the odd novel that I unexpectedly enjoy. I am hoping that The Penelopiad will be one of these novels, or novella, shall I say? I believe it is just over two-hundred pages. Hmm ... I will look into this.

I will leave it a month or so, for those of you who are busy/would like to somehow acquire the book. I'm still waiting for mine to arrive with the post, but it only cost me £2.17 on Amazon (including postage and packaging, amazingly!). I believe it's not Atwood's most famous text, but I have seen copies online and I believe there is also a three-hour unabridged audiobook if you're into that.

Enjoy!

Canadian edition

Tea Post: Fashion Influences!

Here are some of my fashion influences. Even though I don't take my sense of style too seriously, I do from time to time think about certain pieces and what kind of outfits I want to go for. These outfits are often inspired by certain singers, actresses or writers. I have gathered some examples, as shown below, and have compiled an outfit based on these choices :-)

Audrey Hepburn's style is timeless. I remember watching Breakfast At Tiffany's when I was fourteen and being inspired to (unsuccessfully) emulate her grace and elegance. 

Grace Kelly was absolutely beautiful. Yet again, a lady who carried off both style and elegance with ease.

I think Zooey Deschanel is such an oddball in the world of celebrity. She has mousy brown hair, a fringe, wears tank tops and sings songs that are inspired by the sixties. I love her music, sitcoms and films. In addition to this, I love her style. It is very easy to emulate, and isn't necessarily on trend as such, but instead just cutesy and cool! When I'm thinking of outfits inspired by her, I'll consider pattern (polka dots, stripes, hearts etc), primary colours, and anything just sweet and slightly out there! Needless to say, Zooey's fashion is the easiest style to carry off.

Rita Hayworth epitomises classic style. Set curls, off-the-shoulder dress and rouge lips. Simply stunning, but not easy to do unless you've got a grand night out planned!

Regina Spektor is soooooo pretty. She updates the 1940s look and gives it a kooky twist by wearing all sorts of colours.  I love her style, and I think it combines the majority of ladies in my style off! I'm thinking tea dresses, red lipstick and curly brown hair! Some mary jane shoes, too.

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1. Tea dress
2. Mary janes
3. Navy tights
4. Red lipstick
5. Red satchel

Long time no see!

Hey everyone!

It has been AGES since I've written on this blog. Absolutely ages. I don't even know why.

I'm hoping to come up with some new content ideas and expand on ones that I've had in my head for a long time. I was thinking of more articles on fashion and music, perhaps? I've run out of make up ideas, since I don't wear much anyway! What do you think???

In terms of my personal life - I have finally moved to the countryside! I love it here. I can randomly stumble upon animals like this one:

Henry

I named him Henry. Not sure why. I saw him standing near the fence at the back of the gardens. It was at that point our friendship began to blossom. The name somehow suited him, I thought. I met Henry at a classic car show yesterday. Lots of vintage mini coopers! I hope to see him again soon!

But yes, I have soooo many ideas for this blog. I've got tickets to see The Staves performing later this month, I cannot wait! So I definitely will be writing about that ...

Of course, I've got the new flat to get all excited about! David's birthday, new job, new courses, oh and I graduated!

I finally did it!

At the grand age of 22 my life begins. I'm looking forward to my new adventure, and I am thoroughly enjoying my very chilled out summer here. It has been quite a transition but it's so cute here, I love it :-) I've had time to adjust and think clearly before making any big life-changing decisions and whatnot. Lots of maths and science has been studied; Ada Lovelace is my new female inspiration - and she was Lord Byron's daughter.

I also read The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. Not really sure what I thought of it. Maybe I've got to that point where I feel I can't really enjoy simply written novels anymore, which is sad, as I have only difficult books to enjoy now. I gave up on War and Peace, Tolstoy got the better of me again *sigh*. It's all of those aqualine noses and doppelgangers I've been reading about for the past three years.

Ohhhh I've bought a new frock (I love archaic words) for David's birthday. It is a tea dress with daisies on it, and I'd love to wear it with my red satchel! So I'll take some photos soon! :-) I also finally finished knitting my first wearable scarf, yay! Maybe I'll write an Ode to Autumn (hehee) post, seeing as I rarely find the time to post nowadays. So much to update you all on! xxx