We'll frolic and play the eskimo way

Just thought I'd share a few photographs from two winters ago. It snowed all December, which is not too common. It usually comes a little later, normally around February. One of my favourite Christmas memories was made on 24th December that year, as I sat before the bay window in my cosy, rustic living room with the log fire burning, just watching the snow fall and knowing that when I woke up tomorrow on Christmas morning, the ground would be blanketed white. I'm hoping for a similar snowfall this year!

I recall (with a fondness quite mismatched, given that it made me terribly ill) it snowing so heavy one day that my parents  and I had to abandon the car and trek all the way home in very deep snow. My parents took refuge in a pub on the way for a drink to warm their bellies, but I went off by myself the rest of they way, and I remember it making me feel very, very Christmassy.  The photographs above were taken just after I got back.

The top two were taken in my back garden - the pumpkin was still there, rotting away, from when I had carved it at Halloween. The bottom two were in my front garden.

I am mine.

I wish people would let me make my own decisions. I want to live my own life. I've felt so suffocated recently because every time I state a wish to do something that would actually make me happy, I'm shot down and told to do something that will make my family happy instead, namely my Dad. I'm not decided on what I want to do as a career, but whenever I mention something I'd quite like to do, something I'm passionate about, it's not good enough. It doesn't pay enough, apparently. Better to be rich and miserable. Whenever he phones and asks me whether I'm going out tonight, I say no. I don't like clubs. I don't like the music they play, or the idiots that tend to frequent them. I'll only be unhappy if I go to them, and why be unhappy?  He won't accept that though, and tells me I need to go out more, in a disappointed tone I might add. Why should I? My life is my own to lead.

It's not like I'm not seeing people; I went shopping with a friend yesterday, and tomorrow I'm watching movies with another. I just don't want to go out and thrash around to some crappy Rihanna remix which was shit enough in it's original form. And even if I didn't hang out with others, again, why should I if I don't wish to? Introversion is not a disease, it's a biologically predisposed factor in a person's personality. I'd prefer to go to somewhere chilled out like Soul Cafe, and listen to great music all night long. That's another reason I wish it was still the Sixties or Seventies - my paternal Grandparents have great tales of being young then and seeing Cream, The Animals and countless other incredible bands on nights out. They were mods who used to party with Ossie Clark and Pattie Boyd (yes, I've seen photos). My step-grandmother has memories of going out to discos and having a blast, much to her father's irritation. I'd love to go out during that era. That is the music that can get me dancing, the music that thrills me and electrifies me. I'd much rather go out dancing like they did in the 1960s. This whole video is worth a watch, but the part I'm referencing begins at roughly 7:35 minutes in. Imagine shopping in a groovy boutique then going straight through to dance?

Mind you, my post isn't about dancing, or the 1960s. It's about the lack of freedom everyone seems to be willing to allow me. At the end of the day, how much I choose to give up control of my own life is up to me. It is true that while they try to enforce themselves and their preferred life paths upon me, they cannot occupy my mind and make me do what they want, so I cannot blame them entirely. But I wouldn't mind them backing off a little and giving me room to breathe.

Summer

I love Christmas. You might even call me a Christmas addict. I began wearing my Santa jumper in October and had planned all my festive activities by September. Hours are spent admiring holiday images on Pinterest, and listening to Phil Spector's Christmas Album on vinyl (the 1972 Apple reissue, of course!)

But the lack of actual warmth this summer, plus looking at these images from our family holiday in 2011, has made me crave a nice, hot summer!

PS: I've completely failed on the Recipe of the Month front. I'll try to restart it, but it's difficult at uni. Especially given that I hate being in the kitchen here haha. But I made the nicest banana cake while I was at home for reading week, so perhaps I'll write that up.

this is halloween.

I love Halloween. It's a fun holiday that allows you to get your creative hat on, but I wasn't really feeling it this year. I just want Christmas already! So I left my costume choice until just before the party, buying random things throughout the week with the intention of figuring out what I could make from it on the night.

I decided to go as Ophelia, the Hamlet character as painted by John Everett Millais. I also decided I wanted to be a zombie. On top of that, I wanted to wear a blue wig. So in the end, I went as a sort of Ophelia/zombie/Coraline hybrid.

I didn't have anything resembling the romantic, extremely old fashioned dress Ophelia wears, so I just wore a general floral dress to represent the flowers in the water. I wore a flower garland with a large butterfly and berries threaded into it, as I imagine that you'd have all sorts of things in your hair if you floated in the water for an extended period of time. I also put plastic spiders in my hair and crawling up my dress.

Bee

xx

halloween.

As usual, I've pondered ideas for Halloween costumes endlessly over the last month or so, but left it until now to actually make a start. I bought a selection of face paints, fake blood and glitter earlier to try out makeup ideas, although I've only tried one look so far on account of my laziness. I want to try Edward Scissorhands, Mad Hatter, Ziggy Stardust and the Queen of Hearts as well.

The above is my zombie attempt. I only did the makeup - I just left my hair as it is, and I'm just wearing Mickey Mouse pyjamas and a Beatles sweater. I'm really not keen on destroying any of my clothes for the Zombie look. My favourite vintage shop that I've ever visited, Raiders Vintage in Liverpool, closed down today so they had a massive £1 sale. It had been going on a few weeks before I paid a visit, so most of the really good stuff was gone but I still went a bit crazy. Most of it either doesn't fit or doesn't suit me, so I might rip them up for my costume (as much as it hurts to rip up vintage).

Maybe I'll do a haul?


Bee

x

random inspiration

So, I decided to make an inspiration post. Most of it isn't even seasonally appropriate, I know.

Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour!

I've had a good few days! Last week (I think?), I went to FACT to attend a special screening of The Beatles' 1967 psychedelic classic Magical Mystery Tour. As a great lover of both the Fab Four and the wonderfully strange, it was a very exciting evening. Of course, I watched it again when it screened on BBC Two yesterday.

I went with a couple of Tumblr friends, and we had lots and lots of fun. I'm not the loud, over the top type so I watched quietly, but there was a bit of Beatlemania erupting from my pals!

While on the topic of The Beatles, I was at the Albert Dock Friday morning in celebration of the 50th anniversary of their first single, Love Me Do. Everyone gathered to sing it together in an attempt to break the world record for the most people singing in a "round". It was successful, and now I am one of the breakers of this world record! I'm sure there would've been a lot more people there, but it was very poorly advertised and lots of people had no idea it was even happening.

My friend Kali was here for the weekend, and we went to The Egg Cafe, a vegetarian/vegan cafe between Bold Street and Renshaw Street. The food is delicious there, and the atmosphere is wonderfully bohemian. Bold Street is my favourite street in Liverpool - it's home to plenty of vintage shops, quirky cafes, vinyl record stores and strange little independent shops. There's also an urban legend that the street has supernatural abilities concerning time travel - hundreds of people have claimed to have fallen into time slips while on the street, and gone back to the street as it was in the 1950s and 1960s! I wish that'd happen to me!

I also showed her the docks briefly, and paid a visit to The Beatles Story shop, which is why you can see her wearing Lennon glasses! I bought a 1960s dress and an adorable Snow White-esque bag from Raiders Vintage in Renshaw Street.

After that, we decided to visit a few typical Liverpool tourist destinations, although we only ended up going to Penny Lane. We felt a bit awkward posing for photographs with the famous street sign with people around, so we took a sneaky one of it as we walked past!

We wanted to go see Mendips, Strawberry Field and St Peter's Church (where John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time in 1957), plus a few other places in the area, but we had to return to the City Centre so Kali could catch her train. We did manage to see John's old primary school while we were in the area though, as well as St Barnabas Church, where Paul sang in the choir and served as Best Man at his brother's wedding. As for the other things, there's always next time!

There are enough Beatles things near where I'm living - on my road alone, there's John's birth place, the registry office where he married Cynthia in 1962 and the department store Paul used to work for!

"Half of what I say is meaningless, but I say it just to just to reach you... 

When I cannot sing my heart, I can only speak my mind..."

It's been some time since I last posted, and I've been quite busy in the past few weeks. From Friday until this afternoon, I've been at Gregynog Hall in Wales. Gregynog is a beautiful manor house, completely isolated in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by 750 acres of exquisite landscapes. We were there as part of a "writer's retreat", with plenty of time to be spent exploring the woodlands, rolling fields and glorious pastures that fringe the house. On Saturday night, we all dressed up for dinner and everyone looked lovely in their finest clothes. I wish I'd got some pictures while I was there, as it really was the most enchanting time. Gregynog is also allegedly haunted, and has been featured on ghost-busting television shows, but disappointingly the spooks decided not to come out for me.

For me, at least, one of the most magnificent things about Gregynog was an experience I had in the grounds, directly in front of it. I walked through the grass, past a halo of curly branches waving intertwined to create Carroll-esque havens, then underneath the most whimsical, ivy cloaked bridge and was transported into another time altogether. I floated into a scene of opulence and grandeur. Pretty ladies in panniers waltzed with their suitors, and I am a nobleman's daughter. In reality, I was just walking under an old bridge into a vast lawn, hemmed with perfectly pruned and almost regal hedges but it was the most vivid thing my imagination had ever conjured. It was more tangible than a mere hallucination or daydream, I was only traces away from actually being there.

In other news, there was no mobile phone reception, nor seemingly any WiFi. However, products of our generation as we are, we waved around our phones in the air, walking around the manor until we found a spot by the fire that had access!

While there, I came to acquire the nickname Dot! Apparently, my outfit on the first day reminded several people of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz (the red shoes, perhaps?), so they christened me Dot!

(image source: http://www.uncg.edu/)

all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow.

In contrast to my last blog post, I've had a good couple of days! I've finally made a good friend after chatting with a girl seated next to me in the lecture theatre. All the students and staff on our course then went to a local pub, The Pilgrim, which was a groovy place. I met a girl there who, coincidentally, turned out to live in the flat I attended a party at on my first night. Her party was pretty awkward though - I got harassed by a really drunk guy, and after a few girls told me that I looked like Zooey Deschanel, they put on You Make My Dreams Come True and asked me to dance to it "like in the film" - funny, I guess, but awkward.

My new friend and I met up again today, and made plans to set up a Vintage and Retro Society with the Student Union. As it turns out, she started talking to me because, in her words, "You're retro, aren't you? I noticed you when you came in late yesterday." I've sent off the application form and now I'm just waiting to hear back about whether they decide to approve it. If it is approved, we hope to hold retro tea parties, screen classic films, and have lessons in things such as crocheting, baking, victory rolls and vintage dance moves like the twist. Fingers crossed!

Anyway, tomorrow, we're meeting up to attend the Fresher's Fair, where we'll find out about the various clubs and societies we can join - if ours is approved, we will also have a stand to showcase ours at the other fairs throughout the week. After that, we're going to see Anna Karenina at FACT, and then off to the legendary Cavern Club! Hopefully we'll get to catch Richard Batty or The Amazing Kappa while we're there, and if not? Who cares, it's the Cavern!

On a semi-related last note, I have just realised how many Beatles things the area I'm living in contains! The building next door is where John Lennon was born in, and on the same street is the former Mount Pleasant Registry Office, where he married Cynthia Powell fifty years ago last month. It's hard to imagine John, Paul and George, already Beatles at that point, (Ringo did not attend) piling in to the building!


Bee

x

introversion

It's my fourth day in Liverpool today, and my induction at the university begins tomorrow morning. As expected, I haven't really being enjoying Welcome Week. While I'm all for having fun, and understand that my own tastes don't necessarily match up to those of others, it undeniably fails to cater for a wide range of personalities. Welcome Week - which, despite the name, is 15 days long - is simply club events every single night for the next fortnight, which is definitely not my thing. I'd prefer a little variation as not everyone likes clubbing - especially not every single night.

My brand of evening fun is to go and watch some live music at a small, intimate venue, or an open mic night. I really don't want to sound like I'm whining because I already have fallen in love with the city and my roommates are lovely, but I went out the first night with everyone and I couldn't stand it. Why are introverts so unacceptable to greater society? I am intelligent and thoughtful, and when I have something genuine or of value to say, I'll speak up. But I'm not going to go tearing down the street, shrieking at people because I like the sound of my own voice and getting drunk out of my mind as long as everyone else is doing it. I probably sound as though I'm being incredibly judgmental about the people who enjoy this sort of thing - I'm not. My flatmates have been partaking in it too, but they haven't been acting obnoxious or falling over, wasted - they've just been going out, doing a little dancing, chatting warmly and having fun, because they enjoy it. I have no problem with that whatsoever. My issue is with the rejection of introversion, socially.

I'm not trying to argue that being an extrovert is to be of less value, at all. I'm merely trying to make a point that the contrary view is equally misguided. We live in a world where introversion is unacceptable and seen as a flaw. It is an instinct, not a decision, yet our whole lives "they" try to drill it out of us, because it's more social and healthy that way. But is it really healthy to force someone to spend uncomfortable periods of time with others if they are happiest alone? It is draining and unnatural. Famous introverts - like Einstein, Audrey Hepburn and Al Pacino - are revered, but in real life? People with this nature are often viewed as lacking in personality, aloof and vacant.

There are many positives to being an introvert, so don't sell yourself short trying to conform if it's not what you want. Creativity is often linked to it - many legendary musicians included- and we are often sensitive to other people's feelings due to all the time we spend immersed in our own minds. We are also calm, quite often a bit kooky and uncoventional, and have an increased likelihood of high intelligence. Being an extrovert is also advantageous, of course, but I'm less familiar with that side of a person's biological mental programming. Soon, I'll ask a more externally focused friend to write a guest post about it, so I can give a balanced view.

Yours Quietly,

Amy Louise

x

just breathe.

Continuing the theme of finding long lost things on my computer, I've just discovered this odd little poem thing!

Just breathe
i'll be seeing you
i look like a penguin
i love you for that
imagine that
you big goof
you don't know me
says (the junkie/the boy/the guy who knows i'm afraid of the water)

What on earth?!

I'm busy making last minute preparations to move to Liverpool tomorrow to attend university, so I was kind of taken aback to see this!

Let me sleep all night in your soul kitchen.

                                    Just found this old photo of me in hipster glasses. What a poser!

Dreams unfold you, in them, dear, I'll hold you

Today, I had the pleasure of visiting a 1940s event that was taking place at Bantock House Museum and Park. Unfortunately, I don't own any forties dresses, otherwise I'd have thrown one straight on for the day!

Unfortunately, when I got there I realised my camera had run out of battery while I was uploading videos earlier, so I had to use my phone.

Browsing a vintage stall

Here I am playing the "Shut up Hitler" game,
 where you throw beanbags into his mouth to win!

 While I was watching the elderly man play tunes on a ukulele in imitation of George Formby, a photographer  kindly offered to take my photograph. We shot it against a window, looking out onto the grounds of the manor.

photo credit: Mugshots Photography

Lastly, here's a little video of String of Pearls, who performed classic songs from the 40s and 50s. My mom filmed it, which is why you can see me on the left of the stand at one point - I don't have a doppelganger! How sweet are the vintage-clad couple dancing?

While finishing off on a music-related note, I just wanted to add that the title lyric comes from my favourite song of all time, Goodnight Sweetheart by Al Bowlly. I did hope they would sing it, but as it's a 1931 recording, it was a long shot. It's just so lovely! 

Outfit details:

dress - Primark via charity shop

tights - ASDA

shoes - New Look

bag - Primark

Haul!

I'v picked up a fair amount of stuff this month, so I thought I'd do a little haul. I tried to photograph them, but in the terrible weather we've been having, there is very little natural light so they came out extremely grainy and poorly lit. I found photographs online where I can to replace them, although I've had to use my own where I couldn't find one on the net.

I go to my favourite charity shop, Compton Hospice, at least once a week with my nan, and afterwards we go to their little coffee shop and have a bite to eat. I got these things from there this month:

picture source: http://www.asos.com/
knit dress, thrifted (originally Oasis) - £4

flats, thrifted (originally Faith) - £3.50

Blue dress, thrifted (originally New Look) - £1.25

picture source:  http://www.ebay.com
bag, thrifted (originally Torba) - 75p

floral coat, thrifted (originally Next) - £4

"16 Start Tracks by The Spinners" LP
Elton John, "Greatest Hits" LP
Paul McCartney, "Flowers in the Dirt" LP
Bee Gees, "Children of the World" LP
All thrifted, 50p each

I took the opportunity to do a little shopping on both the occasions that I visited Liverpool in the past three weeks. As usual, there was a lot of charity shopping, and a bit of sales shopping.

burgundy lace dress, thrifted from British Heart Foundation - £4.50
originally Affair Clothing

Navy and green bow dress, thrifted from British Heart Foundation - £4.50
originally Just Ginger

glittery gold loafers, Primark, £6

mustard yellow lace tights, lilac tights
£1 each, Topshop sale

picture source: lyst.com
socks, Topshop sale, £1

picture source: lyst.com
socks, Topshop sale, £2

I went into town with my mom and my nan this week, and we bought a few things, including bits and bobs for when I go away to university in two weeks time (!).

dress, River Island, £15

peace sign necklace, thrifted, £1.49
Buddha box, Evolution, £3
Thai Buddha, Evolution, £2
ring, thrifted, 50p
heart necklace, thrifted, 50p

Rolling Stones mug, Primark, £4

cute pencils, Poundland, £1

Rebel: The Life and Legend of James Dean book, thrifted, 85p

Bear doorstop, Evolution, £7.50

Surely that bear deserves some sort of award for world's cutest door stop? And lastly, a sweet writing set from a garden centre that I visited for lunch today.

Peter Rabbit writing set, Codsall and Wergs, £3.99

And that's about it! In other news, I got the grades I needed to get into university! I move into my flat in the centre of Liverpool on 8th September, which is scarily close.

Bee

x