Thought: Walking

Feeling the tinge of/cold on the edges of my/nose and ears. And what/I know is how to/keep moving. The crunch of feet/is all that matters.

What's your favourite thing about winter?

Crafts: Pottery #2

If you haven't read my previous pottery related post you won't know that I've been doing an evening class in pottery and ceramics. Before I started I had lots of ideas, and I imagined them all to be easily realisable. I expected just to rock in and start creating lots of complicated designs. As you can imagine, it's a little bit more difficult than that. I've always had a bit of a thing for mugs and teacups and so they were some of the first things I attempted to make. I made this slightly non-functional one by coiling, which means I built up the design using coils of clay, and then added the handle last. It certainly isn't perfect, and I think it makes a better home for my cactus than any actual liquid, but I'm pretty smitten with it. What do you think?

What hobbies do you do in your spare time? Any pottery tips for me?

Happy Things: #2

1. I have been feeling quite thoughtful this month. I don't know whether it's because I am being taught the importance of reflection at university, or whether it's a side effect of getting older, but I feel more in control of my mind. I am finding a voice to answer back all those stupid insecure little thoughts that creep up from time to time, and it feels great to have rational answers to irrational problems. Reflection has also been valuable in helping me to remember just how important family and other loved ones are. And that I never want to take the people around me for granted. If life has a meaning, it must surely lie in the connection between us all. There is nothing more important than humanity, compassion and kindness.

2. I found my perfect coat in Primark. It is warm and cream and fluffy without being massive and bobbly and moulty. I have been looking for a cool textured coat for ages and had just about given up but then this beauty came along. I never shop at Primark and went in on a bit of a whim which really does prove that my coat and I were meant to be. It comes in black too. I recommend everyone gets one immediately.

3. I redecorated my room over a year ago and had just never got around to putting up all my paintings and pictures. I finally took the plunge last week and now my walls feel alive and colourful. The problem is I've collected too many bits and bobs over the years and I don't have enough wall space for everything which obviously means I need to move out immediately so that I have an entire house of walls to cover, rather than just one bedroom. I wish. In the meantime maybe I'll have to start some sort of revolving cycle so that everything gets a bit of hanging time.

4. It is properly autumn now. The leaves are changing colour and there are pumpkins for sale everywhere. I always get so excited at this time of year. The prospect of Halloween and Firework Night make me feel all warm and gooey inside. It's when we all realise that Christmas really is just around the corner. And as the evenings get darker and colder, we all have an excuse to stay inside with tea and blankets. Nights in the cold watching fireworks and taking small people trick-or-treating are a great excuse to snuggle up in huge scarves. I recently bought a new tartan scarf in New Look. It's quite big, and really warm. It's practically like taking my blanket everywhere with me, but somehow more socially acceptable. Perfect.

5. There is nothing better than finding old photographs you'd forgotten about. I recently found some polaroids from my holiday with the boyfriend in the summer. They were tucked in the pocket of a bag. Looking at photos of old holidays and remembering good times makes planning a new holiday even more exciting. Anybody off to New York this Christmas? Oh, right, I am!

What has made you happy this week?

Happy Things: #1

1. The ONE 5-in-1 WonderLash Mascara by Oriflame. I have only just discovered this mascara and I am already smitten. It builds length and volume beautifully without any clogs and it's a doddle to wash off.

2. I've loved the indian summer we've been experiencing for most of September in London. I think today might have been the nicest day yet and I made the most of it with a forest walk this morning. I feel very lucky to have a forest so close to where I live and it's one of my favourite spots for sorting out all the confuddle in my head and just taking a moment to appreciate fresh air and speckled light glittering through leaves. Today I was joined by my lovely boyfriend and his family's Chihuahua. I have a bit of an aversion to small dogs, but I have a bit of a soft spot for Alfie the Chihuahua.

3. My new shoes from Clarks are going to give me an extra spring in my step all autumn. They're real suede and a really unusual colour. I love the fringing and the fresh take on the much-loved brogue. I'll be wearing mine with skinny jeans and basic t-shirts, and maybe a duster coat if I can ever find one to fit a short gal. Clarks has got serious shoe game at the moment, I want everything.

4. I started my Masters in Social Work recently and had my first lectures last week. I had been so nervous about starting and worried a lot about whether I was doing the right thing. The fact that I've found all my lectures so interesting and inspiring has really reassured me and I've even written my first essay in two years. It feels great to be learning new things and thinking new thoughts again.

  
5. Our Girl on BBC1 has fast become my favourite new drama. I am a bit of a sucker for a good drama and this one has all my favourite ingredients: action, romance, and a bit of girl power. I've always thought that Lacey Turner was a fantastic actress and I think she really shines in this. It is definitely going to be an important feature of my Sunday nights for a while.

What has made you happy this week?