Thursday 24 October 2013

Words of Wisdom

Afternoon all.


Lately it seems, after talking to a few pals, that more and more of the people around me are finding a few struggles along their path, and have days when they just want to hide away under a cosy quilt and stay there, (this includes me by the way!). This truly does happen to everyone, at some point or another, but here on this beautiful blue skied, sunny day, the birds are singing it up and being the Pinterest addict that I am, I thought it might be nice to share some calming (and funny) words of wisdom, maybe a little pick me up to those having a stressful time. So here are the ones that struck a chord with me, I hope they help!


                                                                                                                                                                                     //image: inspiredbycharm//


                                                                                                                                                                        //image: theyallhateus.com//


                                                                                                                                      //image: piccsy.com//


                                                                                                           //image: zsarzsarbellagio.tumblr//


                                                                                                                                                                                                  //image: tumblr//


Keep your chin up guys :)


Wednesday 23 October 2013

Back to 'reality'

I can't actually believe its time to say this already, but my three months as an accidental anthropologist on the wonderful town of Hellevoetsluis, nears its temporary end in a couple days. I say temporary end, because I will be back there very soon, but for now its back to England, my loving family and erm... That's just it you see, I jumped in with both feet for this excellent adventure, which means I quit my job. Some steps are SO worth taking, and although I often miss aspects of my previous employment (trying on all the costumes, watching the shows from side of stage, nicknames from my boss "Sex Pot", "Tinkerbell", "Rat Bag" etc etc), I don't for one moment regret ending that chapter, as it has opened my eyes to all manner of possibilities and helped to reassess my priorities.


Unfortunately, my days as a lady of leisure are perhaps temporarily at an end also, since it never hurts to have a little extra moneys huh. So I begin the hunt for some work in England, here are the latest thoughts in my little brain:


Ice Cream taster for Ben & Jerry's

                                                                                                                              //image: letsmakerobots.com//


Pros:
Hello endless supply of the best ice cream in town!

Cons:
Hello love handles :(


Private Detective


                                                                                                                                       //image: awakenyoursoul//

Pros:
Job satisfaction.
Helping the general public.

Cons:
Potential danger.
Not sure I can pull off a long mac.


Personal Dresser to Robert Pattinson

                                                                                                               //image: fanpop.com//

Pros:
Free tickets to premiers.
Chance to travel.
Develop my people skills.

Cons:
Death threats from Twihards.
Sticky fingers from hairspray/gel/mousse.
Unsocial hours.


Ok, this train of thought is a work in progress. 


I'm not sure I want to return to the world of theatre... The evening shifts, the touring, the lack of stability etc. Although costume is still up there on top of my list, perhaps broadening my horizons wouldn't hurt. Except I have no idea what I am good at. I would love to venture down the teaching avenue, but returning to student life is not so appealing. Sewing and textiles in general is my main skill base, something I will continue to pursue and enjoy despite the muggle day job, and potential for starting an online selling base is a little dream up there in my busy mind. For now, back to the drawing board!



Thursday 17 October 2013

A Little Fresh Air



Follow me.




Raise your head to greet the warmth of the sunshine, the final burst of light stretched out across the fading blue sky, a great crescendo before day begins to turn to even fall.


Let the wind surround you. Let it cover you in its crisp, all encompassing movement, tangling your hair about your face. Pulling and pushing in lilting rhythm as you follow the path further.




Stop. Just breathe. Fill your lungs with rich sea air, the purest of breath, fresh and brisk. 


Just breathe.
















Today was one of those days. You know the ones, when every small worry, every conflicting thought or opinion collides with the bigger, weightier worries in one crashing ball of fear, stress and anxiety.


I put it down to pressure. Not just the pressure of feeling these emotions, bottling them up to use for self destruction purposes at a sweeter moment, but the pressure we put on ourselves. Why is it that we do this? Where does it come from and who started it?


The pressure to achieve. This imaginary time frame we force upon our lives, this unrealistic measuring tool we have with which we compare every aspect of our adulthood. What are we comparing our lives to? Usually each other, no? Who gets to set these rules we feel the need to abide by? To torture ourselves with or admit failure upon never reaching? What are the answers, which way is up which is down, am I on the right path?


Just breathe.


Moments of reflection. Realisation. There are no answers really are there? Is this the scary cold hard truth or is this hope. There are no right paths, no goals required to reach by a certain time in our lives. Each step has up and down, hurdles to pass, moments of quiet glory. Isn't that what we call living, that's the point really isn't it. Stop waiting for life to begin, for the next step. Start living each tiny piece as it comes. Take in the moments. The planning and organising can help, but you can never anticipate every possible future outcome. Just isn't going to happen. Let go of the control, not altogether, but certainly that iron tight grip. You do not fail. You can't possibly; if you use everything. Use the sadness, the struggles, the disappointments and the mistakes. Stop fighting and worrying. Start making the most of it. Share time. Release old resentments. It just isn't worth your energy. You need the space in your mind. Go on and give yourself a break. Open your eyes to what is really around you, everything you actually have. Things will be figured out, along the way, as you reach them. Experience life. And don't forget to breathe.




Bedankt to Jaco and Ina for whisking me away to blow out the cobwebs this afternoon, it was just the ticket! 

R, we'll get there buddy, team work all the way x

Monday 14 October 2013

Monkey'in Around



Sometimes being a 'grown up' requires you to plan ahead, to be greatly organised and to tackle any problems or issues head on. To take responsibilities seriously and to double guess consequences to all your actions. Now the boyf and I made a team pact, to be thrifty and wise with our money, and save as much as possible for the rather large steps quickly approaching our horizon. This means getting creative with dinner dates, trips and fun things to do on a bit of a budget. Apparently we are pretty darn good at this, as although we have tightened the purse strings somewhat, we have still had a busy and exciting summer! We'll continue dropping pennies into our rainy day jar, keep adding to our future funds, but every now and then we treat each other to something special... And my treat was a trip to Rotterdam zoo, Blijdorp!! 


// image: rootsmagazine //


The zoo itself is one of the oldest in the Netherlands, and a huge refuge for these most beautiful and amazing animals. Blijdorp diergaarde (diergaarde = zoo) participates in about 70 breeding programs with such a vast array of creatures, and displays some magnificent architecture throughout the park with buildings like the wonderful Amazonia butterfly house, the impressive oceanarium, the grand giraffe keep (shaped like a huge onion) and the cleverly designed plots of land for the other furry citizens.


The sweet zebra were huddled together under big umbrella like huts, as it was peeing down at one point... Wouldn't want their colours to run!
// image: refdag.nl //


These animals are so elegant, really calm gentle creatures and lovely to watch them take a light lunch!


Charming! Mama and baby boo give us the rear end treatment.


Under the sea. *Please don't break. Please don't break. Please don't break*


The newest member of the gang! Teeny baby olifant! (Olifant = elephant... duh)


The celebrity. Bokito.


This dude has some serious 'tude. I have to tell you Bokito's story. It's one that made me somewhat nervous to be in his presence (behind some very thick glass). Bokito was born in captivity, in Berlin, and was abandoned by his mother at birth. This kind of lowsy parenting is going to mess with a guy, so to say he has some issues is maybe an understatement. The gorilla was transferred to Rotterdam in 2005 and along with him came his number one fan, a lady that had some kind of obsession with him, visiting an average of 4 times a week. The lady claimed to have a special bond with Bo, and would frequently touch the glass, make eye contact and smile at him. (You can probably guess where this is going...) So Bokito wakes up one day in 2007 on the wrong side of his hammock, I mean, this guy is pissed. Grumpy, bad hair day, just wants to be left alone. Along comes super fan, tapping on the glass and pulling faces, again. Now our boy here ain't standing for this any more, jumps the freakin' walls and makes a run for this woman. More than a hundred bite wounds later and after dragging her around the park, Bokito feels he's made his point and takes a stroll around the restaurant, casual as. 


Im glad to report, crazy lady survived, Bokito is in a NEW maximum security pad with some nice thick glass between him and his crowd- although I did spot the notice that advices no eye contact with the big guy!




We had a really really great day at Blijdorp, and proved that its fun to treat your girlfriend! Haha! So, although it pays to be prepared as 'grown up's and plan for the future, it also helps a little to let your inner child run free! Just don't touch the glass!




If you're planning a trip to the Netherlands, this place is definitely worth a visit. Have you been to Blijdorp? Or had any special trips on a budget lately? Lets get creative!




Friday 11 October 2013

Autumn Sewing Playlist

                                                                                                // Image: Pinterest Lottie Lane //


Taking a peek outside my curtains to find blustery winds pushing over from the nearby sea, violent rain storms drenching everything in its path and feeling the chill from this typical herfts (Autumn) weather- I make a tiny YIP! Jump into my cosy grandma slippers and make my way towards my sewing box.


What better excuse to stay tucked up inside, all day, shelter from the outside world and hibernate like a bear?! Call me old, (ok, I'd rather you didn't), but I love a good storm. The sound of the rain crashing against the windows, the wind rattling the house itself, there's something wildly exciting yet comforting.  Perhaps I am becoming a recluse, maybe one day I will own 37 cats and be found stranded in my crusty old arm chair, too fat and covered in ice cream to get up, eventually eaten by my beloved furry children (yikes, that's an image too accessible... )-- but I find myself enjoying the surroundings here, inside the house! I promise myself a bike ride around the lovely town of Hellevoetsluis... As soon as it stops raining for more than 20 minutes : ) (wimp!)


// Image: smashingmagazine.com //


So, on these days of hibernation I reach for my sewing box. I've just made myself a really sweet skirt, and am juggling several other projects including Christmassy decorations, pj bottoms and a new dress. But first things first, lets prepare for our day of crafting in the warm... We need some music.




With the treacherous skies darkening my environment, I tend to go with the mood, and am recently leaning towards some moody songs to fit. Here's a look at some of my favourite songs to sew to at the moment:


* Mumford and Sons vs Miley Cyrus - 'Little Wrecking Ball'
* The Civil Wars - 'Barton Hollow'
* The Paper Kites - 'Bloom'
* Kimbra - 'Good Intent' (When it comes to Kimbra 'Old Flame' & 'Plain Gold Ring' goosebumps,       prepare to be hooked)
* Triggerfinger - I Follow Rivers (Beautiful cover of a beautiful original)
* London Grammar - 'Strong'
* Seth Lakeman - 'Lady of the Sea'
* Lissie - 'Record Collector'
* Birdy - 'Strange Birds'
* Sleeping at Last - 'Turning Page'


// Image: weheartit.com //


Do you have any favourite songs to hide away and listen to on days like these? I hope you enjoy listening to some of these, as much as I do, apologies if not!

Sunday 6 October 2013

Adventures in the Shire

Shire of choice: Derbyshire! Chosen for its lush countryside, pub lunches and winding, rambling cobbled streets (plus being so nearby is an added bonus of course!).


Whether in England or Holland, Rich and I enjoy exploring our nearby surroundings, taking each other to beloved places of childhood memories, or discovering new treasures together. Considering our aim this summer was to be very good and save some pennies for our rainy day plans, we've still managed adventures a plenty! So many, in fact, it will be Spring by the time I get round to writing about them.


This trip in particular took place in Bakewell, Derbyshire, a gem of the midlands, a place I visit fairly often for a much needed breath of incredibly fresh air, the quaint and gorgeous boutiques dotted about AND of course, the famous Bakewell Pudding (known to some as bakewell tart).


//On route//


//Looking down on the lovely village//


//Wandering around the winding lanes//


//Secret view//


//Gorgeous old church and grounds//


//Still. Time has no meaning up here//


//Quaint//


//Shops tucked away//


//Courtyard of secret shops. Please can I live in this one?!//


//Found these lovelies in a dinky shop called Bird Song, originating here://


//Second hand score. Vintage wares galore!//


//I may have purchased a retro sewing book and knitting pattern or two... //


Highly recommend stopping by this sweet little place for a nice, slow walk along the lanes, perhaps feed the ducks by the riverside, and then sheltering from the crisp wintery wind inside one of the quaint tea shops for a warm drink and slice of pie!