Hanging around, returned to the hanger;
Slumped back in the closet for everyday and undeserved benefit.
No longer expectation but now longer absence; dulled and faded.
The shell of stale words: pledges spiralling through spark and soul; now decayed.
Present, a pool of warm cranberry wax; a blackened charred wick.
Empty soggy matchboxes, lying, futile.
Waves of remembrance jerk the calm overlay, splitting the cracks of cast improbabilities aside.
Debris swept away and claimed by the current battle and upgraded proximity; ease and security; a fight given in, abandoned and effort worth pennies.
Yet the preparation for war is unwavering, incessant; filled with the work of the disciplined pawns.
Mounting, building, increasing and exponential, up to the point of utter separation;
A wrong and twisted contact that may never come about, still silence will kill me to apathy.
So find me the logic.

Forgetting but not Forgiving

Oh dear. Yet again I've let a whole month go past without doing a blog post. I know I shouldn't feel guilty about it because then I'm making it something I feel I have to do. And It shouldn't be like that. I want it to be something I enjoy doing. And it's not like I've even had an excuse not to have done it. I'm still enjoying the tail-end of my ridiculously long 5 month holiday from university. I've got so settled into not having any commitments that I'm almost dreading going back to uni and having to read material that is compulsory and writing essays. But, I guess my holiday can't go on forever.

Anyway, enough about that. What have I been doing usefully. I've recently been reading a most excellent book called The Golden Fool by Robin Hobb. It is the second book in the Tawny Man Trilogy and even though all the books are pretty fat, I'm seeming to plough through them effortlessly. And although the plot isn't immediately compelling - you know, the instant exciting action that usually pulls you into a book - I've come to grow fond of its style and familiarity and now, it's as compelling as ever. If you appreciate the amazing techniques and structure of the English language and how just words and a skilled writer can create such vivid scenes and shape characters so deftly, then you will definitely appreciate this series. It is a fantasy but until now, I didn't realise how much you can still get the author to relate to the situations and see the ompletely human traits in the characters. Written in the first person makes this even more so.

Anyway, enough of me talking about that. Pick up one of Robin Hobb's books and I am sure you won't be disappointed. Just keep reading and once you're in, you're in for good!

In other news, I've joined my university's Creative Writing Society. I don't know how long that will last but I do intend to go to the sessions and get my creative juices flowing. (For some reason, I've never liked that phrase: 'creative juices flowing') It sounds pretty fun and I like any excuse which forces me to get writing. Because I do really enjoy it but when I'm not doing it, I can't seem to make myself to do it. Days float past and I've written nothing. At least when I'm reading fiction, I at least feel like I am buildling up my vocabulary or something.

Well anyway, I'll end there.


Floating past without much thought,
Thought much without past, floating;
Memories hover too, like remnants,
Remants like to hover, memories.

Yet vivid they are not, but faint;
Faint but not, are they vivid? Yet
Through all this time up to now,
Now, to up-time this, all through.

Forget and forgive, must I?
I must forgive to forget.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Cover of THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE

Hello again! Not much to update you on really. Only that I wanted to do a post on The Time Traveler's Wife! I know you've done (a rather lengthy) one too, Eric, but I did think of it before, so I'm not copying or anything! hehe. ;)

So anyway, I came across the book a few years back, from a friend who recommended it to me. It was pretty amazing I have to say. It isn't the easiest read and there are parts where you can get easily confused because not everything ties up until near the end; then it all begins to make sense and the different events match up. It's funny really, because when you're reading it you think "this is actually quite depressing" but then after finishing it I always say "It's a great book - you have to read it". And then I think "yes I should read it again" but then I find it depressing. Strange. Anyway, that should NOT put you off reading it, because it's definitely a great read! Promise!

With regards to the film, I think they did a pretty good job. I did think it was gonna be a feat for them to put it all into a film, since practically all the details and events in the book are necessary. But I think it was really well cast (except I couldn't stop thinking how much fatter the guy who played Gomaz is, since his other film that I've seen him in - Office Space. Anyone else think that?) I really like Rachel McAdams (yes I'm a The Notebook fan) and she's definitely how I imagined Claire. And Henry is likeable too.

Having said it was really well done, it did annoy me that there were some very obvious discrepancies in the filming. Like in one part, her hair was clipped up and then in the next shot, it wasn't; in another part the piece of art she was making kept on changing form. So obvious!

Right it is confession time - maybe I cried a bit at the end of the film in the cinema...ok a lot. But it was pretty emotional, I have to say. And I hardly ever cry in the cinema! lol *ahem* Anyway, I do recommend that you a) read the book and b) watch the film. If possible, read the book first, because then the film has a lot more meaning and you can fill in the gaps yourself. It doesn't spoil one's impressions of the book at all, having seen the film after.

I hath forgottenest the writing

Oh dear, I just realised that I've slowly abandoned the whole writing thing in my blog and it's just turned into a rambling summary of my recent exploits. Ah well, I guess there's no harm in that.
Poem for your thoughts?

Milk in my keyboard,
The bracket key is stuck,
I guess I can't afford
To bring coco pops up!

(heehee) x

Exciting Stuff!

Wow, I haven't posted in about a month! And what a lot I've got to say. Where to start, where to start...

Me on the ferry to Venice.

HOLIDAY: ITALY

Ok so I'm on holiday from university as you might already know (I can't remember a time that I wasn't on holiday, it's been that long and fabulous!) and I've just recently got back from my holiday away to Italy! Oh yeah! It was my first holiday away on my own with just a friend. Although we weren't really on our own because it was an organised group holiday, by the name of Oak Hall. They're a Christian organisation who do various holidays around the world with everything like hotel, flights, transport, trips included plus you get to meet loads of new people so it's great!! :D I would definitely recommend it.

In Venice on the Rialto Bridge

Cocktails!

So anyway, I had a really good time there with my friend, Ana. Took far too many photos (it was in the thousands, promise!) but I'm sure later, I'll be glad I was so camera mad! Haha. The beach was lovely! We had our own personal sunbed bit, where we could stretch out and sunbathe (not that I got much of a tan to show for it though, sadly). Always the way...oh the woes of being a fair skinned redhead. There were always salesmen wandering up and down the beach trying to sell you the most ridiculous wares: gordy towels, rubbish jewelry ("you like?"), silly dancing toys, tatoos, fake brandname sunglasses (of which I was clearly already wearing a pair of perfectly good Wilkos ones, so why would i want to buy some more?). But was pretty entertaining nonetheless!

I met up with my sister and her friend from America (who is actually from Italy so that's why he was visiting there) in Venice and we got a gondola together. Pricey but you've got to do it really, haven't you! We visited some other islands, stuff...So anyway, lots of other amusing stories (bella! Good price!) but I won't bore you with those!

Eating pizza in a bikini! That's what it's all about!

IMOGEN HEAP!

This is was where I was!!!

Next thing: I've met Imogen Heap!!!!!! I know, why didn't I mention that first! Well, I thought I'd do this chronologically at least, to give it some kind of order! Anyway, what happened was, I saw last Monday on facebook, Imogen's status that she was doing one of, what she calls her "HeapTweetUp"s in London the very next day! Tuesday at 7pm!! My instant thought was "I am going to that!" My best friend, who was round my house at the time, and I started looking up where the place was and took along my sister and her friend from America who was staying over as well. We are all mad Imogen Heap fans (except for the American friend, who thankfully has been converted and is now a big fan! How could anyone not not be, let's be honest! He'd only heard 'Let Go' initially and wasn't that bothered/hyped like we were by the whole thing, until afterwards...anyway I'm getting ahead of myself!!)

SO, we queued up outside the place...you see it was only the first 80 to get in, since the room was only a small bar room, and it was a squeeze with about 50 of us! We got there at 5:50pm to ensure our place in the queue and we were about 30 people back from the front. So any later, and it might've been risky! After waiting for EVER we were finally let in and oh my gosh, when we saw her for real it was surreal!! hehe. And wow, she isn't half tall! She is about 6ft or taller! I got a photo with her too. (see below. I actually look a bit rubbish in the photo but I don't care that much! lol) PLUS I got a personally signed picture of her new album cover. It was so cool, cos not everyone got one, since she was stuck for time near the end. We were the few lucky ones!

Drinks were on her (how cool is that!) and we all grouped round whilst she introduced it and began playing songs from her new album off her laptop through the absolutely amazing sound system that was installed in the room. She played about 5 songs off the album and before each one, explained their origins and meanings, etc. She's just as cool in real life as in her blogs; so honest and funny! If anything, it's made me love her even more! And what did I think of the new songs? Well, of course, unequivocal to anything else out there. Just the layers and quality of the sound is just, beautiful. The song I loved the most was Half Life, which she played last. I almost cried it was so lovely. The lyrics I could relate to and it made all us girls go "awwww!" afterwards. I can't wait to play it on my computer once I have the album!

(A stupid moth is flying around my lights and it is very annoying!) So yes, it was pretty amazing. I love how unplanned and spontaneous the whole thing was and now I can say "I've met Imogen Heap!" Not just seen her, but actually talked to her! Not that I said much, I was so speechless with delight, but all the same! Haha.

Me and Imogen!

And if you want to know what I'm raving about, here is a video with clips from all the new songs.

Right, well I think that's me officially done now. I do have other things I can ramble about but maybe I'll save that for another day, another blog.

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Album Releases, Harry Potter and more...

Imogen Heap via last.fm

Warning: Long Post! :)

The anticipation with bated breath is almost over!! For albums & films!

So Imogen Heap released a single from her new album Ellipse (which isn't being released until Augest 24th! Argh! Can't wait any longer!) and it premiered on an American radio station. I managed to get it streaming from their website just in time for when she was on it being interviewed (phew!). And then when First Train Home came on I was like "awwww!!!" I love it so much! Although I am in danger of overplaying it already so I am rationing myself at the moment. But here it is for you to listen to!!



I have also been waiting for Owl City's new album (even had it penciled in my diary!) which came out yesterday!! At first listen I didn't think it was *quite* as good as Of June and Maybe I'm Dreaming but it's actually growing on me and I already have a few favourite songs.
Here is one from his previous album...(couldn't find a youtube vid of a song from the new album)



Do check him out on www.myspace.com/owlcity for more cool stuff! All the lyrics are really cute and his music just makes you smile and feel happy! Plus he's a Christian = Added Bonus! :D












And now I come to Harry Potter! Yay! The new film, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince has just come out today and I'm booked to see in Chelmsford this evening! Even that cinema (which is a bit quieter than Basildon and Romford) was nearly all booked up and we were lucky to get 3 good seats for me and my 2 friends! :) Can't wait! I'll let you know what I think of it!

Hmm, haven't written anything on protagonize for a while. For some reason, I've kinda been putting off writing for the moment. I don't know, I just haven't really been in the mood lately. I don't mind doing short poems and stuff but the idea of thinking up a whole new chapter and storyline or something, is a bit daunting. I know that when I finally get something up I will be happy but until then...here's a poem! lol




Letter

A scratchy pen is dipped in ink,
A furrowed brow as hard to think,
From all those swirling muted words,
To a page that sings without reserve,

A true expression; no sound at all,
A simple movement of nib and scrawl,
A legible monitor that makes it beat,
A powerful jerk that stirs through sleet.

A burning passion, a burning wick,
Metallic liquid parts to seal the final lick,
An emblem clear, archaic indication,
Of folded confessions, threads of tradition.

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Rambles and a Poem

Image by Márcio Cabral de Moura via Flickr

That 'argh' post was annoying me how it was still at the top, so thought it was time for another post. (On that note, I did write a letter to them but haven't had a reply. Me = very annoyed) Aaaaaaanyway, nothing more on that!!

Hmm, me thinks a poem is in order today. I feel like something short and sweet. I really need to get my ass in gear and do some writing for protagonize! I mean, real writing! Badly Placed is crying to be added to but I came up on a bit of a hurdle with my research. It appears the plot needs a bit of re-jigging for it to be realistic and medically sound, if you will. That's the problem with doing a story where I know nothing about how comas work! But no, I will conquer it! And then, when it is finished I will be so proud of myself. :)
So...poem!

Topic aujourd'hui est : Shopping

Up and down the weathered streets,
Bustling and jostling past a hundred heartbeats
My heels are stabbing and my shoulders ache,
Every step an effort, a heavy weight.

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

But in my hand the bags swing,
Safe and sound, my purchases sing.
A happy sigh as I flop on the train seat,
Nearly home, and I can't wait to eat!

Yes, you guessed it, I went shopping London today! :D Twas fun and I got some nice stationery from Paperchase...can never resist the stickers and cute bits!
Very tired now and don't really know why I'm still up!! So, toodlepip! :)

ARGH!

Ok right it's definitely rant time...

[BEGIN:RANT]

So I received a letter today kindly reminding me about a fine I haven't paid from a train journey on the 29th April. I can't even remember what happened - I think I got a young persons railcard ticket from the machine, when I don't actually have the young persons railcard. So, sod's law I get ticket checked on the train, and fined 20 quid. Fair enough, I was in the wrong.

So I go online the next day and buy a young persons railcard and make an appeal for the fine, in the faint hope that they don't notice my young persons railcard was bought after I'd got the ticket. I remember thinking, "If they don't accept the appeal then fair enough, I'll pay the fine." It was supposed to take about 2 weeks for the appeal to be processed so understandably, it went out of my mind.

Two months later, I've totally forgotten about the whole thing, not heard anything from the fining company and I suddenly get this letter..."Reminder! Amount: £20 + £25 Administration fee"..."oh and by the way, we note than an appeal was receivedf but that this was declined and you were requested to pay the outstanding amount". No I was not requested! I didn't even get told anything about it!!

So, okay, let's get this stupid £45 paid then and be rid of the whole thing. I go on the website and what do I find? The administration fee has jumped up to £50 making the total £70!!!! I only received the letter today so how can they have already lumped on another 25 quid to the admin fee?!?! Annoyed, I ring them up and of course, it's one of those blasted switchboard enthusiastic sounding women who you just want to punch. Of course she sounds pleased: you're paying huge sums of money to their company for petty crimes.
I finally get to the option "if you have any complaints or queries about the sum on your reminder bill.." (Yes, I might actually get through to a real person now")..."then please write to us". WRITE TO THEM?? The fine will have jumped up to £500 by the time they've got it. It's so ridiculous!! I can't even speak to a person to question the amount.

So now I don't know what to do . I'll probably end up paying the blasted money but I so don't deserve it. Very poor communication and extortionate fees. I just want to punch them in the face. See how they like it.

[END:RANT]

So anyway, how are you? I spent most of this morning helping cook lunch for our heritage club, at church. Was a yummy meal: al forno pasta and salad, chicken and sweetcorn soup, profiteroles and chocolate sauce. mmmmmmm. Tis very hot outside (nearly overheated when I was doing the washing up!) and think I'm gonna go outside in the garden and read my nice book and try and forget about that [insert appropriate profanities here] fine. ;)

Toodles! x

Yummy!

Image by crunchcandy via Flickr

Righto-ho! :)

Well, I wrote a little poem about cream teas in reply to one of Marc's blog posts and thought I'd put in on here. Why not! :D
So here we go...I hope it doesn't make you want one too much. =P

Cream Teas

An english tradition,
A summer edition,
For picnics n' road trips,
For lasses n' the masses

Originated in Devon,
They taste like heaven,
Just spread on the scones
the butter with a cutter.

Then smear on the cream,
thick as a dream,
Cram on strawb'ry jam,
Then pop on the top.

Boil the kettle,
Leave the tea to settle,
Pour out n share out,
Tuck in...stomach in!

Well, there you have it!

Poem for a leaving teacher

Ah finallly...a new post. It's been too long!

Here is a poem I just wrote today for a teacher from my school who taught me creative writing and other englishy bits in my junior school years. She's now leaving and some of us ex-pupils are contributing to a "writing journal" for her, including bits of poetry and prose that we might like to write to say thanks for all her teaching years.
So I thought, what better opportunity than to flex my poetry muscles...well, here it is!

Dear Mrs Giachardi,
My teacher from year five, gee!
Just heard: you n’ your cardi
Are moving from the Academy!

So it’s time for me to reminisce,
Think back to the portacabins, the books n’ the bliss.
Spywatch (I’m smiling) on Friday afternoons,
You’ll see that I can still even sing the tunes...

(The chad is on the run trying to check it out
Listening in on all the chat, seeing what it’s about.
What no chocolate anywhere! No chops to choose
I found a cherry but I only got a stalk...*ahem*)

I also loved the creative writing lessons,
The ones where we would grab our fountain pens n’
Write a story, a letter or a poem but also
“Beginning, middle, and end!” You’d crow.

My favourite part has got to be story writing,
Where I could invent the characters, the plot and the fighting!
I relished the comments you’d make on my scribbles,
But more enjoyed deciphering your squiggles!

I also remember getting some looks,
When I didn’t want to read House on the Prairie books,
I preferred Secret Seven, Famous Five, I’d read them for hours;
Mary Poppins, St Claire’s and of course Malory Towers.

But still for reading, I’m a great fan,
As well as writing – I'm even part of a clan,
Of writers on a website where we write lots of fiction
And poems together; I’m really quite stricken.

You’ll be pleased to know,
That my spelling is pro,
And the wrong use of ‘your’,
Is something I abhor!

As does there use of ‘they’re’,
Sadly some don’t even care, that
There simply all wrong! Well...their.
I’ve said more than my fair share.

So thank you for providing the solid foundations
(I may even one day be amongst publications!)
For a skill that I love and have furthered my education
With English Language at uni; I’m eager for a vocation!

Good luck with whatever you’re doing after,
I hope it involves lots of smiles and laughter.
You deserve a break from us children, no doubt!
You’ll have all this free time, to do absolutely nowt!

Well, hope you enjoyed that...I certainly had fun writing it! hehe :)

Imogen Heap

I was inspired by AnaCristina to (finally) write another post on my blog after finding out she was a fellow fan to my favourite music artist ever: Imogen Heap! I know, you've probably never heard of her, right?

Ok, so, for those of you who don't know, she is an acoustic/ambient/alternative/does it matter?/electronic/folk/genre spongre/indie/no idea, clear?/rock/vocal/blaaaaa [lol that's what she descirbes it as] music artist...as you can tell, you can't really explain what her music is like until you listen to it.

She lives in Essex, England, not very far from where I live actually (which is so cool I think!) and she has various albums out; some under her duo bandname 'Frou Frou' (with this other guy) and more recently, her solo stuff under 'Imogen Heap'. I've been waiting for donkey's years (and not very patiently any more) for her new album to come out this summer!!

I've also been following her on her delightful vblogs on youtube all the way and on Twitter, so it's been really fun to "make the journey" with her; see how she progresses and makes each new song etc...giving us annoyingly short clips to keep us wanting more! I never realised how much work went into it!! Well, for true music artists anyway. All her instruments are amazing and the random sounds she puts in (gameboy sounds, birds tweeting, her running round the house!!) just makes it all the more unique and creative.

She also has the most random/crazy/yet wonderful fashion style which goes along with her quirky and hyper personality. :)

Well anyway, go check her stuff out and see what you think. It's not everyone's cup of tea so don't feel bad if you don't like it hehe. But I will never stop loving her stuff! (The fact that she has my exact accent makes her all the more cooler xD )

Some links to my fav songs of hers:

The Walk
The Moment I Said It
Speeding Cars
Headlock

(Gargh, it's impossible to choose favourites!!)

An amazing live performance of a song on the new album:

Wait It Out

Her latest random vblog!

vblog #37

[Ok so she released some vocals for a song she never made and allowed us, the public, to make any mix we wanted with her vocals. Of course, lots responded. I tried and failed to make my own version lol. Ah well]
So here's one of my fav versions:

The Song That Never Was - Snyggare Version

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What her music is perfect for:
-working
-jogging
-chilling out
-in the car
-tidying your room
-singing along with friends
(so basically everything!!)

Hope you enjoyed this tribute post! :D

Just feel like writing some poetry this evening. No particular topic. Just needed to let something out.

Chalk of Possession

Just when you thought,
That hard line of chalk
Had smudged away,
built dust and decay;
Sudden and sickening,
Like flash images flickering
She drags it hard 'neath,
That name o' pure grief.

Two letters

You would never know
how two letters could so
make a heart beat fast,
a hundred memories rush past.
You could never know
how two lives would so
be right together
yet wrong forever.

Moderator! Yay!

Well hello again! Thought it was due for an update! I've been made moderator for protagonize! wooo!! I'm so pleased. It's gonna be so exciting! :)

Back in the here and now, I just stayed up all night doing an essay with a bunch of students in the computer room at uni (was such a laugh!). It involved all of the boys just playing youtube videos and laughing about how they were still only on 100 words (out of the 3000). The energy drinks we went and got from Sainsbury's at midnight made us all into lunatics! Even the random facts on the back of the cheesestring packets were hysterically funny (yes, tears).
So I fiiiinally handed it in at 9am! Such a nice feeling. I couldn't believe I'd actually finished it. I travelled back home on the tube like a zombie and went to sleep for 7 lovely hours. So now, I'm awake and my sleeping pattern is all messed up. Hmm...and gotta start revising soon for my two exams next week. Argh! But after than, I'm done! Finito! A glorious stretch of 4 months holiday. To chill. Relax...and do nothing!! Can't wait!

But aaanyway, thought it was about time for another poem! So here it is...let's see...

Today's topic: Decision

She could feel it advancing,
The tension, the time!
Her palms were sweating,
'It's going to be fine.'

This was the stop,
No going back now,
She walked off the train,
Begun looking around.

It all happened so quick.
Why was she doing this!
From a passing flit,
To a meaningless kiss.

It didn't seem right,
But no cause for alarm
Yet so short was her sight
She never saw the harm.

This is what I have done today: drunk tea, eaten chocolate, made and taken quizzes on facebook, browsed the internet, read some crummy bits of sources for my essay, looked desperately at my messy room, been to some gardens with my mum, stroked hunter my cat, talked to juno, talked to ana, browsed facebook, listened to enrique, checked protag, typed aimlessly, shuffled my papers around to feel like im doing something, eaten more chocolate, drunken more tea, checked protag again, transferred some money to my Venice fund, groaned at the prospect of doing work, checked twitter, groaned again, typed the title to my essay and tried several different formats on it (bold, italics, bold and italics, centered..) …and subsequently still have done no work...
*sigh* such are the symptoms of having procrastination disease.
I just hope you haven't caught it...(yet).

Oh and I almost forgot!! I got a story featured today on Protagonize! I was totally not expecting it...suddenly everyone was writing "congrats" on my profile, and that's only when I realised it!
I just stuffed up the story bout a month back, cos I thought I might as well; it was quite an old one I found on my hard drive floating around in the Stories folder and thought I'd put it up to see if it could go anywhere. I have a vague idea of where I want it to go - but not really; emphasis on the 'vague' lol. Well, anyway, you can go check it out if you so wish...but don't be expecting anything marvellous! lol VOILA!

Also, just thought I'd start randomly posting words or phrases that I particularly take a fancy to, that I might come across from day to day.
One I just found today, was in reference to our good old British Sunday roasts..and you usually ask for "all the trimmings". That's everything you could possibly want! Ha love it :D

I'm meant to be doing my essay right now, but procrastination seems to be taking over.
Meanwhile, I thought I'd just put this little summery thought up:

I feel the heat on my eyelids and lie there still,
Soaking up the glorious sunshine that beats down on my exposed skin.
I'm lounging out in the garden on warm soft blankets,
Listening to the sounds which surround me, filling my head with a surge of content.

The hum of planes overhead, which sweep a fluffy cream ribbon across the clear blue expanse above me;
The distant drone of dusty lawnmowers - I can picture the man: his bare back turning red, his booted feet pacing triumphantly across the grassy land as he pushes the machine past trimmed blades;
The comforting trickle of next door's water fountain making me want to dip my feet in, to feel its gasping coolness swell around my hot feet.

They sign the hopeful coming of days, bright 'n carefree 'n lazy;
Slapping on the cream, opening the creaky hamper;
Laughing, smiling and stretching out those white winter limbs into the wonderful light.

Ah I guess it's been a while again. Been mostly busy enjoying the rare newly arrived sunshine that we've been having this weekend. And also reading through the mammoth (yet amazing) long story on Protag called Tagged. If you haven't already read it, READ IT!! It's excellent; I couldn't put it down, so to speak! hehe. Just a totally exquisite blend of various authors' styles all mixing colourfully together to produce this rich exciting masterpiece! I have already mentioned them in my comment of praise, but just in case any of them are reading this, I take my hat off to you: Marc, Bill, Andrew, Archi and Kirsten. :D
So go check it out here, if you haven't! I know it's pretty long, but it's well worth it, trust me! ;)

So anyway, today's post...hmm...well I thought I could use this photo as an inspiration, that I took myself today. We went to these gardens at a local farm; really pretty and the sunshine made it all the more lovely :)



She lays curled up in the glorious heat,
Which lightly treads its glory feet;
Tip-toeing all blade and every leaf,
Into a bask of beauty sleep.

Archaic aqua faces smile
Outwardly observing the passing file;
Skirted legs and swinging leather bags,
Patting hands on golden backs.

Longing to be sunk in a sea of sand grains
But instead are stuck in grassy lanes,
The forlorn chairs cluster 'round the faces,
Staring back into those steely gazes.

An ear twitches, a tail ripples,
But her face still remains quite unsettled;
Eyes winked shut,
Paws tucked up,
Perfect spot, that,
For a perfect nap.

Hmm I might put that Easter story on protagonize so I, or others, can continue it on. Haven't got any more inspiration for it yet. Well...writing wise, not plot wise lol
Soooo yes...decided to be lazy and following Marc's lead with the idea of the National Geographic photo thingy as some inspiration...(actually stolen from Archi Teuthis I believe) ...it's all about sharing guys! :P

So here's the link to the photo and here we go!
(doh, I just realised the link only goes to a long slideshow of pics...so click this arrow twice and then its the fourth (black and white) photo along. Sorry bout that!)

Seated, alone
He pondered her words
The slight reluctance
In her tone,
Her nervous laugh,
Those flushing cheeks,
He watched her go, scurry on home.

What could he have done to change her mind,
It was a good idea! Well, at the time.
What did it mean, but he knew that
It was pretty obvious - she didn’t like him back.

Hey! Very near bedtime but thought I'd just stuff this up quickly. lol...So here's the next instalment from yesterday's story, a retelling of Jesus' arrest:

...Leaving the almost peculiar array of kneeling men under the trees, their heads bowed, I walked over to where Jesus was and stood a little way away from him. He was knelt down himself, facing a gnarled tree, its trunk twisted and intertwined into a cluster of roots. I could still hear the distant murmuring of the disciples, about a stone’s throw away. The hands of Jesus were clasped together tightly, almost as if someone was crushing them together, and pleading murmurs flowed fast from his lips. Moments passed and I began to hear fragments of his broken voice being carried along by the wind.
“Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me.”
He inhaled sharply, but remained still, his head bowed. I frowned in confusion. What could Jesus be talking of? What cup did he mean?

I was startled from my thoughts as his body heaved, suddenly noticing how long he’d been motionless in prayer.
“Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” There was so much sorrow in his voice and as he moved, I caught a glimpse of his countenance in the harsh, deep red sunlight. It was pure agony to see it and I could feel a hot tear coursing down my cheek, mirroring his complexion.
Then a burst of blinding light suddenly veiled my eyes for a short second. When my vision slowly came to, I could see a magnificent shining figure standing close beside Jesus. A flawless radiant hand gradually reached out, touching Jesus gently on the shoulder. Instantly, Jesus’ whole body began to glow in short bursts until it seemed to illuminate all the trees around in a glorious stream; it could have been broad daylight. He lifted up his head, eyes tightly shut; his face was such a contrast from before: now full of peace yet bearing a flash of resolve.

It suddenly dawned on me that the figure by Jesus’ side was no less than an angel. But what need did he have of an angel? It appeared to have strengthened him and given him the peace that he needed; but to do what exactly? What could be so seriously wrong that even Jesus needed the help of a heavenly being from above? He himself was from above. He had been sent by his Father on high. That’s what he’d been saying all this time. What could he possibly be preparing for now? It didn’t cease to trouble me, gnawing at me whilst I continued to observe this strange scene.

Well it's good Friday today. :) Therefore I have something fairly appropriate for today's, or rather this evening's writing. Although it is an event which occured before the typical Good Friday, I thought it was a good a time as any to use this bit of a story I wrote some time ago. It is taken from the viewpoint of an invisible witness, outlining events as they unfold.
It is the evening of Jesus' arrest...

It was a mild evening. The gentle breeze rustled the delicate branches, leaves just hiding its laden boughs of small round black fruits. A calm stillness lined the crisp air not even broken by the growing sound of voices that weaved between the trees. The approach of a crowd soon became apparent and I saw their cloaked figures, advancing steadily. I soon recognised the somewhat unusual strained posture of Jesus at the front, his face pained and heavy in the fading twilight rays. His disciples followed, walking behind. I counted them; only eleven. Their faces were shrouded in shadow; it was hard for me to make out who wasn’t there.

Jesus stopped in mid step and the disciples abruptly did the same, silent. They could sense the unsaid tension as much as I could. After an anxious pause, Peter broke through the silence, “Should we stop here, Master?”

“Pray that ye enter not into temptation,” the master replied, gravely. The men cast discreet puzzled looks between them as Jesus turned and began to walk away into the dark midst of the garden. Peter opened his mouth to enquire after what Jesus had meant but another disciple reached out a hand before he could utter a word, gently touching Peter’s arm and shaking his head solemnly.

“Leave him be. He needs some time alone.”

Philip leant towards James and said in a low concerned tone, “What’s wrong with Jesus?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never ever seen him this quiet and pained before. But I’m sure all will reveal itself in time.” James knelt down and began to pray.

Philip’s voice rose in exasperation and he reached down, urgently shaking James' shoulder.
“But shouldn’t we help him? Surely we can do something!” James stopped praying and opened his eyes, sighing deeply.

“No, I don’t think there is anything we can do.” And he went back to how he was. Philip looked in the direction of Jesus, a worried expression etched on his weathered face. Yet he knew that James was right. He reluctantly knelt down and followed their example.
The other disciples couldn’t help questioning amongst themselves about what could possibly be troubling Jesus. But it was no use - none of them knew why this sudden seriousness and sorrow had gripped Jesus that night. The tangibly tense atmosphere still hung around the disciples, lingering like smoke.

(next instalment soon!)

p.s. I like the fact that I had to edit this considerably from what it was before - a sure sign that I'm improving :D

Argh its been a while. I don't know how you do it Marc, I really don't! (302 days in a row! *sob):P

Okaaay so...I'm writing this kindaaa horror story. Don't know if it's horror-y enough to be cast into that genre but oh well. I've never tried it before so it's really only an experiment to see if I can pull it off! hehe But I'm not posting it on protag yet...just because. Plus it's not done yet. But here's a small taster...

Air rushed into my gunk-filled lungs as I fell hard, collapsing onto the cold ground below. I immediately began coughing up everything in me, spewing out bitter tasting muck which made me gag over and over. With a partially cleared throat, fresh adrenaline and dissipated gravity, I stumbled up and desperately scrambled away from the growing puddle of gushing entrails and multi-coloured fluids.

Sorry it's not much...don't wanna give it all away! :P

p.s. This website is where I go if I really need a good laugh! :D

You've probably already seen this at some point...but just thought I'd put it on anyway in case you haven't. It's hilaaariously funny!! :D I've felt like this many a time in very serious situtations; it's painful!! :P



(p.s. It is from a belgian comedy show so don't worry. It's not real! lol)

Today's Writing

The daily writing isn't going as well as I'd hoped...but better some writing than nothing at all, right!? And if I force myself to do it, then I won't want to. So better just to stick to doing it when I feel like it. :D So anyway, things have been mostly uneventful...meant to be getting down to my assignments but that's really not happening (usual story). Eerm, yes, just been watching films instead. And I think I'm going to try and get an early night's sleep tonight. Since the mornings are nice and sunny now, it seem a pity and a waste to be spending them lounging under duvet covers. And the sunshine is so rare here, it seems madness to while it away! :)

So anyway, here's a random little poem I did on the topic of Wishes:

Warm me like a cup of tea,
Cuddle me like an old teddy,
Tell me that I'm just being silly,
Cos you think I'm real pretty.

I used a prompt from www.picturespoetryprose.blogspot.com to give me inspiration for this post.
It told me to grab a book near me, go to p123 and use a sentence on that page to get me writing.
So War of the Worlds (by H.G. Wells) gave me my opening sentence:

Its motion was so swift, complex, and perfect that at first I did not see it as a machine, in spite of its metallic glitter. Advancing fluidly, it stopped just half a metre in front of me. I looked down to see my muddied bare feet, clumsily parted, cowering in comparison to the shining flawless human feet of silver before me. If I just reached out a finger and stroked that foot, I'm sure I would wipe away the grey exterior and find soft pale skin underneath.

My eyes scanned tentatively upwards, taking in every smooth surface of the female android's body: her stark white pinafore cropped mid-thigh and cut off mid-neck, leaving her long arms bareless and hanging still by her curved sides. There was not a blemish even in existence. A thick green belt nestled neatly round her slim waist, and as my eyes finally settled on her face, I noticed it perfectly matched her searing eyes of emerald. She blinked once. I couldn't look away; not even if I wanted to; I was drowning in endless pools of black.

I blinked my own sore eyes, only to notice her perfectly contoured cheeks and full golden lips. My hands grew sweaty by my side, and it felt like my heart was beating inside my head, making it pulse outwards every half a second.

She parted those velvet lips and spoke words of crystal pleasure and I thought my mind would explode with ecstasy.

Reading 'n Romance

Just finished speed reading one of my favourite books...Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I highly recommend it to anyone; it's such an amazing read! Wonderfully poignant and really satisfying. I consumed it within a few days of getting it out of the library. I hope to now start War of the Worlds :)

I've also been looking into some poetry, and went finding this one poem that I remember from when we studied poems back in school. It was one of Elizabeth Browning's sonnets and I just loved it as soon as I read it. It also had a painting next to it of a man and woman embracing near a sundial; it was just so romantic!

Well, here it is anyway!

Let the world's sharpness, like a clasping knife,
Shut in upon itself and do no harm
In this close hand of Love, now soft and warm,
And let us hear no sound of human strife
After the click of the shutting. Life to life--
I lean upon thee, Dear, without alarm,
And feel as safe as guarded by a charm
Against the stab of worldlings, who if rife
Are weak to injure. Very whitely still
The lilies of our lives may reassure
Their blossoms from their roots, accessible
Alone to heavenly dews that drop not fewer;
Growing straight, out of man's reach, on the hill.
God only, who made us rich, can make us poor.

Sonnet 24, Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I was washing the car with my brother yesterday and the weather had been pretty miserable all day..Yet the sky was blue and cloudy one side and dark and ominous the other. Soon the rain came and what a sight it was ...

Today's prompt: Rain through Sunshine

The droplets begin to fall, falling, pounding the ground
A sound so fresh yet old as time
Spattering, soaking, puddling, chilling;
Purging every surface with its penetrating hands.

Yet the astonishing brightness of the afternoon sun
Soars and sears through the glum and eerie dullness;
The dense heaviness of rain, weightless and buoyant
Pleasant and free.

Where a perilous mass of grey, illuminated strangely
Lends a surge of joy, lighting the faces sunny
A strip of vibrant colour, stroked lovingly across the sky
Faintly echoed by a sister, bordering her splendid brother

The colours merging, seeping, like ink on grey silk
A flawless range of beauty; a promise from above
No flood will rule the earth, this symbol is my word
And my word will never soak away like the rain through the earth

So our local library reopened today after being closed for a month's refurbishments. I do kind of relish the fact that I'm one of those "regular members" who goes there quite often! :) I've always loved it - done the children's reading challenges over the summer; used it a lot over study leave, revising for GCSEs and Alevels; and now it's more a haven of relaxation and to find some really good reads! I realised that I kinda missed not being able to pop in and just browse and feel at ease. It's almost been a second home to me! So I was eagerly awaiting its reopening. Anyway, here it is...

Today's prompt: The Library

A cozy blanket of warmth encases me
Whilst the smell of new carpet greets me
I walk up the familiar ramp
And survey the changes casually

A few things moved around
A new computer room I found
The bustling staff, the perusing regulars
Overall, I'd say it was pretty much sound!

It felt so pleasing to be back again
Amongst the familiar shelves and books of zen
I smiled at the thought of fresh reads to devour
And sat happily down in my home of a den.

Hmm, feeling pretty tired this evening...Think i might just give a link to a branch of a story I just wrote over on protag. That took me long enough. That's the thing...I can only ever write bits at a time, cos it takes me so long to write so little. I edit it about 20 times before I'm happy with it! *sigh* I have to come to terms with my perfectionist nature.
Well here it is...

http://www.protagonize.com/stories/view.aspx?storyID=4259&branchID=25820#comment31462

p.s. It is advisable to read at least the first branch to get an idea of the story.

Must...go...to...bed. *eyelids droop*
Au revoir!!

Rose @>}-----

Me again...

Aww, pretty awful about Jade Goody and also Natasha Richardson! So tragic! My respects and condolences go to both their families. :'(

Well, a fairly lazy semi-unproductive day for me today...but ah whatever...my room is still tidy which is all that counts! haha. I feel like doing a story type writing today, rather than a poem. I've done enough of those to be going on with! ;) Maybe something fantasy actually...try my hand at that!

Sooooo...Today's prompt is *drum roll*: Waiting

Elsie tiptoed nervously in her pale violet leather boots, neatly tied like a string bag around her slender ankles, hovering tentatively above the damp mossy dome. These were her favourite pair of shoes; they had remained surprisingly intact, despite frequent friction with brambles, puddles and gravel and there was only a slight scuff on the right boot. Which was pretty good, she thought, considering she'd got them for the bargain price of just 20 green ivies, at Leafy Hollow Market no less!

She craned her neck across the expanse of dew-covered blades, waiting, hopeful. A harsh breeze suddenly whipped around her fragile frame in a whirlwind, unbalancing her graceful floated figure and ruffling her ragged leafy dress. She tutted, momentarily distracted, and smoothed the front down carefully, crossing her pale arms tightly against her chest for warmth. It was a chilly evening and all she wanted was to be back in the warm den of home.

She shivered and frowned desparingly, letting out a gentle sigh. Shaking out her wings impatiently, she flapped them back and forth in an attempt to kill boredom and restlessness. What remained of the evening's twilight rays, glinted happily off the fluerescent splashes and strokes which lined Elsie's paper thin wings. Each time they flitted open again, the light danced manically off the bark of a nearby oak tree, almost like a high speed lighthouse signal.

Where was he!? Her eratic thoughts darted around like laser beams, searing the inside of her mind with frustration and worry. In the end, she didn't know what to think anymore. All she knew was that he hadn't been late before; not once.

I'm really getting into this poetry thing :)

Ah, so hello :) Didn't post yesterday because I had a good girly friend of mine round! :) But that meant that I had to tidy my room, so now it is all spotless! YAY! And oh, how sweet it is!
So anyway...I feel like a bit of ramble first..before I have to write. Gargh, my shoulders are killing *sits up straight sharply*. I must stop hunching over! Ah, Coldplay are the best! Do you think I overuse exclamation marks? I am pretty enthusiastic though, so I do mean it! lol, there I go again. Hmm....so my new craze at the moment is origami. It's awesome! I've made butterflies, lovehearts, frogs, boxes, birds, rings...it's so fun! :D I'll make you one if you ask nicely ;) It's extremely satisfying starting with a square of paper and ending up with this cute model after a bit of skilled folding. And I put them in letters and cards and stuff to add that little personal touch. :) I think it's kindof romantic too...I'm afraid I first got (rather cheesily) inspired by Prison Break where Scofield makes that crane and then the flower for Sarah. aww!! I gotta get round to watching the second season of that! Wentworth Miller is H-O-T! *heart beats wildly*
*ahem* So anyway, I bet you're sick of my rambling. You're lucky I'm not going any further than this...so better get down to that writing!
This happened to me today so I felt inspired to write a poem about it.

Aujourd'hui's prompt: Song Memories

I shuffle in my chair and the song starts playing,
My ears prick up but my mind's still delaying
I feel a sudden pang but what's it saying?
There's a memory attached yet murky it's staying.

The music seeps deep
Into my senses
Awakening them
Like stagnant sleeping streams
Whooshing in, soaking every corner's defenses
Taking me back to what seems like dreams

More memory of a feeling than of a scene I'm seeing,
A hazy era, of sweet joy and warm thrills
Thrust back a moment of wistful longing, wishing,
At my reckless heart it stabs, kills

The minutes pass, the music's surging,
My memory keeps on swimming, stirring
Unearthing, exposing, dragging aged seaweed off those buried shipwrecks,
An attempt to grow over the past, now uncovered with no attempt at mercy.

I still haven't tidied it yet....

I'm currently meant to be tidying my room, but I really don't want to get on with it...for obvious reasons! So seeing as I could go on about it forever, why not choose it as today's topic!
I shall! I shall!

So...today's prompt: Messy Bedroom

I push open the door,
It won't budge any more,
Some towels line the floor,
Amongst other decor.

Towers and rows of those library books,
Littering my desk and various nooks,
Meant to return them three months by the looks,
A huge fine no doubt, the heartless crooks.

A draw open there,
Clothes strewn everywhere,
Trip! That blasted carpet tear,
I'm gonna pull out my hair!

Plates, bowls, even dried mould,
"You must tidy it now!"My mother scolds,
"I can't do the clothes, they take ages to fold!"
I tug a shirt from the depths, revealing a sole.

"Ah that's where they were, I was looking for them!
But I can't say I know where that top is, for certain.
I'll tidy it now!" I promise her then,
But I'm still sitting here, in a bombsite of a den.

Sweet!

Hmm so here I am again...it's been mildly sunny these last couple of days; spring has finally reared its head after many months of bitter cold. So I thought I could use this as my prompt for today.

Today's prompt: Spring

I open my eyes
A bright surprise
Pleasure swoops in
Expectations win

Banished away, the dull, the cold, the plight
Streaming in, the joy, the warmth, the light

I can feel it in the air,
I can hear it on the street
The warmth on my face
The laughter as they greet

It beckons me out,
You must, it sings
A more moment in
No less than a sin

A skirt, a skip
A ribbon, a flick
Floral, flowing
Beaming, airing

Sweep open the door,
Stand in the heat,
Winter's no more
Spring, so sweet!

Rambling

Ah, it's so late and I'm practically dropping off to sleep right at my desk. I should write something but not feeling particularly inspired right now. Just been doing a bit of commenting over on protagonize. It feels good to make some fair judgements that you know will be gratefully received by other writers. I know I always appreciate any comments I get, so when I hover over the comment box of someone's story, I just think, "why not!"
It feels so nice to be back on protagonize, see what everyone's been up to...read the latest stuff and post some of my own inspiration. I've really missed that time when I can just bring out a string of satisfying description and get that fulfilment of really capturing what I'm wanting to say. (gah my shoulders are aching like mad!)
Right, well my bed is calling loudly to me (even though it is piled high with strewn clothing)...I will definitely write something on here tomorrow, to make up for my rambling this evening. Which is easy, cos I do it all the time!The rambling I mean.
RIGHT. Until tomorrow then!! x

Hmm interesting outcome there...

Today's prompt: Delivery
(credit goes to oneminutewriter.blogspot.com for prompt idea)

Flap, a letter falls to the floor
Knock, a package at the door
A heart leap, a heart peaks
A heart sinks, a heart torn

Pick up, it's not my name
Drop back, a false hope drains
An eye tears, and I walk away
An eye sears, and I hope 'another day'

No word, months have passed
No point, I'm in the past
A mind blasts, a mine field
A mind closes, a mind sealed

It's over
It's done
It's not like I knew
This wouldn't happen

I wanted to be blind
I could see right through
I knew he was just too good
To be true.

My First Ever Blog! :)

Hmm so I thought I'd give this writing practice thing a go, since I've been so inactive from Protagonize, but I haven't got anything decent to post up yet.
So thanks to Marc (better known as Eloo) for the inspiration to just practise without worrying about perfection, and just get random ideas out there. :)
So here goes!

The exercise:

Today's prompt is: Draft

Mine:

The hum of faraway vehicles; the steady swishing of my jeans as I march brisquely up the road; that crispness of silence crushing my ears. Cotton-clad arms squeeze, folded tightly together, safely guarding that little warmth. Feeling the bitter breeze whipping at my bare neck, I tug at my soft scarf to shut out the draft; a draft that takes be back to earlier days, when I tried so hard to stanch that constant reminder. Of him. I knew it did me no good to reopen open those healing wounds and dwell on the pain, yet it still found a way through, niggling and persistant; merciless and teasing; what once was a welcome visitor that I hoped to stay, now a sober reminder that never went away.