Write from the beginning

Um, where were you?

2010-10-06T08:50:00.000+01:00

That's what I'm sure you are all crying at the moment. Short answer - not blogging. Slightly longer answer, between houses for months without internet, writing and reading and doing lots of lovely stuff and pulling sad faces that I can't blog about it. But here I am, in, wait for it... my own home... sigh! Ready to blog my bot off. So ladies and gents, weep no more, expect much, and you shall receive. That's a promise. Erm, not right now though - I'm off to work.

Much love ♥

Catch up- phase two!

2010-05-05T20:57:00.000+01:00

I totally forgot something rather important in my last blog post. And that was the launch of the New Creatives second anthology!

Check it homies!

Yes this beautiful book has three of my short stories in- Moon, Carrier Bag, and Yellow Marker (which is reeeeally for my dissertation but I think that's legal? It's slightly re-jigged anyway. *Mild panic*) The book is separated into sections such as love, peace, conflict, and the like. For those of you in and around Geordie-land copies are free and can be found at the Lit & Phil!

Something else I just wanted to flash up was photographic evidence of some of the lovely birthday presents I got. A month ago. Ahem.

Books of joy, lovely stationery with flowers and birds, and world cinema DVDs (to make me feel clever for reading subtitles) I'm a lucky lady.

Okay, I think that's me caught up now. Think being the operative word there. Oh well, stay cool.

Catch up!

2010-05-01T10:10:00.005+01:00

This has been my life mainly lately:

Dissertation and the like in pyjamas.

The rest of my life has involved...

New book review up on Book Munch!

I genuinely loved this book, so I hope that came across.

New issue of Mslexia is out...

And if you look at the Events and On The Net columns, they were written by my own fair hands. As was the recommendation for 'The Scent of Your Breath' by Melissa P.

I had a visit from Flambard Press at the uni a couple of weeks ago. And something exciting is on the cards for me once I finish my time with Mslexia. Ooh.

After my meeting next week I'll say something more, heaven forbid I jinx it!

On the social side of things, I went to see the amazing Laura Marling at the Journal Tyne Theatre the other week. She was, unsurprisingly, phenomenal.

The lighting was so good, which is perhaps not what most people would comment on, but hey whoever did the lighting, big shout out. It was perfect. Really suited the mood.

I missed the opening act, but the second support act I had actually never heard of. But now love.

Say hello to Alessi's Ark!

There's been a couple of cinema trips too, we're going way way back here, but I went to see Involuntary as part of the Northern Lights Film Festival, a collection of short films chopped up and pieced together. There isn't any underlying theme, but each is interesting in and of itself.

It was interesting, though I wouldn't go out and buy it.

Naked Youth was the other NLFF film I saw. I couldn't quite get away with it. Maybe it was a cultural gap, a time gap, the fact it had been re-dubbed and all of the kisses were silent which annoyed and entertained me in equal measure. But it's good to experience different things, and for me, different this indeed was.

This follows a very odd scene.

I finally saw The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

I don't want Hollywood to re-make it, it's stunning as it is. It isn't that hard to read subtitles people.

This is from waaaaay back, but check out my wrapping for Mothers' Day. Skills.

Yes those are home-made crisps and dips. I rock.

I took a plunge the other day, and submitted an article to Mooky Chick. Lucky me, the lovely ladies agreed to publish it on the website, which I am incredibly happy about. However, it has raised a question. To what degree have I shot myself in the foot? I would like to work in education. This article is about lesbianism. It isn't explicit, it is a rant about the judgemental attitudes people have based on appearance. The 'too pretty to be a lesbian' syndrome.

Now, it may be against government policy for any employer to discriminate based on sexual preference, but I know that when it comes to schools they conveniently overlook this. Staff can't be seen to promote the queer lifestyle and all its sins. This is in mainstream, non-denomination schools, not faith schools. I've asked around, I know teachers, it's true. Where other teachers can bang on about their spouses and children, the same-sex inclined are pressured to keep schtum, school is not the place to divulge such information. But what happens when these queer teachers marry? When they have children? Are they supposed to keep their name the same on their door, to never mention their child and hide all photos?

So maybe it's for the best that I have potentially shot myself in the foot anyway.

Oh and finally, there's an e-edition of First Edition available on the website. Finally.

If I could find the lead for my camera I'd put up the photos of all the lovely books I got for my birthday. However, I can't. Oh well. I think that's pretty much everything summed up! Ta-ra.

Words, they're back with a vengeance. Ish.

2010-04-30T22:33:00.002+01:00

Some people (I'm not sure who, but some) may have noticed that I have been AWOL for over five weeks. Ultimate fail. This long departure can be attributed to multiple reasons.

Firstly, I came second in the running for a funded MA in Creative Writing. Which I am incredibly grateful for, but second place is not first place and therefore I have no funding and can't pay for the MA. This resulted in great sadness and a great panic.
Secondly, I turned 21. I think that's pretty self explanatory! Chaos and mild nervous breakdown.
Thirdly, obviously, I am on the cusp on completing my degree. Workworkwork.

Okay, so, quick re-cap.

FirstEditionBookMunchMookyChickMslexiaLauraMarlingTynesideCinemaFlambardPressInterviewStarandShadowUniversityJobHuntingRegrettableAnnouncementsCraftingDissertationAllChangeNoChangeStress

And probably other things. I'll get to them. In the meantime, how about a photo of me with an interesting hat? One of the many outfit options for the MA interview.

Not so much a hat as pants. I did not choose this outfit.

I'll re-cap properly in the morning. It will be fabulous.

Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies...

2010-03-20T23:53:00.001Z

This week has been a good week. Not just because I had my first full day off in weeks on Thursday, though that was amazing.

First off, I'm proud to say that my review of Gilbert Sorrentino's novel 'The Abyss of Human Illusion' is up on Bookmunch. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and reviewing this, so do go read my review as I'm pretty damn pleased with it.

Image courtesy of Coffee House Press

Now that this is finally up (having been written but remaining unemailed for a ludicrous length of time on my part) I can crack on with the next reviews. Lucky lady I am, I have been sent three to write about. I've actually finished the John Broadley review today, so I'm looking forward to knowing when it will be uploaded. Anyway, check out my books...

Lucky lucky me!

Claire Malcolm of New Writing North came to speak to some of us third years on Tuesday, discussing employment and post-university career moves. Twas interesting stuff, though I can't think of anything in particular to type about it right now. Nonetheless, a worthwhile visit, with a better turn-out than I had expected.

Image courtesy of Stanza Poetry

Today was potentually the best of the bunch though. Little White Lies came to the Star and Shadow as part of NLFF to discuss how to review films! Agh! I loooove the magazine, so hearing the guys speak about its roots and concepts was fascinating. Plus there were some very useful tips non-fiction writing.

And the pack of freebies was pretty good too! Though I do already own the magazine, I am loving the free mini version they do.

I wish I was a volunteer for NLFF, but I think that if I was, given I would have sacrificed my one day off and begun pretty much right after AV ended, I probably would have collapsed!

I strongly recommend for people to check out the NLFF line-up, take advatage while it lasts my friends.

Women, writing, wine and the world...

2010-03-17T19:13:00.004Z

Mm, broad topic. I guessed it was time to update on the other things I've been up to.

1. International Women's Day.

This was fab, especially since my two lovely friends Clem and Heather read their work. I also asked for the New Creatives to come along, which they did, and they seemed to enjoy themselves!

Image courtesy of Northumbria University

2. Carolyn's book launch.

The one photo with me in the background makes me look utterly gormless sadly, but the night did go really well! I stood and sold the copies of the poetry collection and smiled and generally had a nice time. Good crack!

Image courtesy of Amazon

3. International Student Conference.

Held at Northumbria Uni, the conference drew a pretty damn good crowd! The highlight was definitely Sugata Mitra's talk on his 'hole in the wall' project. Though of course my own 30 minute presentation with Success4All was pretty good too!

Image courtesy of DreamsTime

4. Lucky Dragons- AV Festival Closing Party

Held at the Star and Shadow, this party was insane. Perspex strips over doors, a hut made of leaves cut from cardboard boxes, foil things hanging from the ceiling, fabulously bizzare music played by Lucky Dragons with images projected on the ceiling, and free drinks vouchers for AV volunteers. I got very, very merry.

Image courtesy of Star and Shadow

All good stuff! And more to come, since the NLFF is here- yay!

Where AV I been?

2010-03-11T12:01:00.003Z

I'll tell you where I've been. All over the place.

Part of me has been at the AV Festival, volunteering at the Tyneside Cinema! I've manned the information point, telling people all about the festival and The Shredder which sits beside the AV desk. The Shredder is a fantastic... concept, exhibition, creation, invention, I'm not sure which word fits best. Guest artists Polytechnic:

'invit[e] you to bring in old computer manuals to be shredded into useful organic matter. A recycling project with a difference, the resulting paper is then mixed with coffee grounds to create a compost to cultivate café ingredients.'

Namely mushrooms. It's a fantastic sight, these weird bumpy funghi growing under a bell jar.

I've also done short stints in the Feral Trade Cafe, printing placemats and taking people their lovely Feral goodies. The transnational menu's ingredients are all sourced via non-commercial means, and the stories of the ingredients and the crockery are displayed throughout the Tyneside's third floor cafe. The placemats I've been printing give the sources of each ingredient in the customer's order. I'm all for ethical purchasing, or at least an awareness of what you're buying so it was great being involved. Plus as a volunteer I managed to nab a free lunch, which was lovely!

Manning the Bruce Conner screening has also been a big aspect. Crossroads is screened on the hour, every hour, between 10am and 5pm, and will be showing every day until the festival's close on Sunday 14th March. In the less busy screenings, I've written pages and pages or prose- even sitting outside the door is so atmospheric. The film is declassified US govt footage of an underwater atomic bomb. Music was composed to fit the footage, and it the blasting acoustics are so powerful, so moving, such good motivation to write!

Being involved with the festival has been fantastic, I wish I had time to do more, I feel très proud and happy to be part of it. The programme of events is enormous, check it out.
All of these images are courtesy of AV by the way.

And if you do go, keep an eye out for me in my festival t-shirt!

Bring it on...

2010-02-20T09:29:00.007Z

Okay, so this song doesn't have the most uplifting lyrics, but when I feel happy, this is one of the songs that roll around my head.

And why, I hear you ask, am I so happy? Because of all the below loveliness...

Happy-happy.

Image courtesy of City Life

I went to the StAnza poetry evening, (see the blue leaflet) a pre-launch for the festival which will be hosted in St Andrews (hence the name) in March. Kei Miller gave readings of his poetry, which was intricate and musical, and I adored how his accent was a tool- he certainly used it to it's full effect, I spoke to a few people afterwards who commented on how captivating his voice is. I hope I'm not detracting from the merit of the writing itself by saying this, the poems on the page are just as note-worthy.

Image courtesy of Stanford University News

I'm in the middle of reviewing Gilbert Sorrentino's post-humously published book, 'Abyss of Human Illusion'. I got incredibly excited when I learned Sorrentino was a confidante of the wonderful (to me anyway) William Carlos Williams. If you have a spare chunk of time, there's a fab interview with Sorrentino from 1994 here. It's a wonderful insight. Like most lit students my age, I think, I adore Williams' poem 'The Red Wheelbarrow'. Go read it.

Image courtesy of Ricky Day

The exhibition pamphlet came through from the Baltic the other day, and I am so so looking forward to Jenny Holzer's exhibit. Art, text, lights, yay!

Image courtesy of guardian.co.uk

Though I don't have a leaflet to prove my attendance, I have been to see Beatles to Bowie: The 60s Exposed at the Laing. I did enjoy it, but I feel that it has been built up through other mediums to have contained more 'unseen' photos than it did. My friend and I spoke about it, and said that although yes, those particular snaps may be unseen, they came across as being part of a larger reel, snaps from which we have seen before. Regardless though, it was interesting!

Image courtesy of T R Shaw

Of course, a main happy-factor-contributor is that on Tuesday I began as Mslexia's new volunteer intern. I think that's what I'm meant to dub myself anyway! It's fab to get to see the inner-workings of the magazine, it looks to be a very enjoyable three months. I'm torn though, between using my beautiful Writer's Diary, or continuing with my beautiful Moleskine... Is it ludicrous to keep Mslexia's at home and put in competition deadlines and things, and use the Moleskine as my carry around diary?

Image courtesy of Everyman Cinema

I urge anyone, everyone even, to go and see A Single Man. I only went because it had Julianne Moore in it, (I didn't even read the film's summary actually!) and was so surprised, so happy with the film I found. In fact, 'wor Julianne' was of no significance any more, as soon as Firth's first scene in his house began. The cinematography is exceptional, the music is brilliantly matched, the plot is absolutely heart wrenching, executed with precision by the stellar cast, and it is the best rendering of a gay couple I have ever seen on film. No gimmick, no trivialising, the plot could have easily been a heterosexual one. GO!

I'll leave you with that word.

Forgetting and forward planning

2010-02-09T09:17:00.003Z

My poor blog has been a little neglected the past week. I attribute this to two factors-

1. I've just been so damn busy!
2. I think becoming vegan is akin to when people find religion. You want to run around telling everyone- "Look what I found! Isn't it amazing? Isn't it shiny? I can't believe I didn't realise that it was there until now!" And your attention gets somewhat diverted.

But now, all of that is going to change. I am back, and I have big plans. Or rather, I have plans to enlighten others of some of the amazing things going on in the beautiful Geordie land during February.

Tonight: Yes, it's short notice, but tonight is Stein Open Mic Night. I know a couple of people who go to this, the Facebook page has this little blurb-

Open Mic at Stein is on this Tuesday! Come along and play, take to the (very nice) stage and show us what you've got, and you really should get your musical chops round a two-pint Stein! Opposite Swing Bridge, Newcastle Quayside.

And look at all these beautiful people who get involved!

Image courtesy of Tyneside Musicians

Valentines Day: An option for everyone, single or otherwise, is popping along to the Tyneside Cinema in the evening. The North East have voted for their favourite film, and it is...

Image courtesy of Binky's Alternate Reality

When Harry Met Sally. Now, it's been a while since I've seen this film, but I remember having a distinct ambivalence towards it. (If ambivalence can be distinct.) It may have been shortly after Meg Ryan's Parkinson interview though, which will have clouded my judgement. Anyway, tickets are on sale now, I think it's a nice way to spend the evening after going to Chinese New Year in Chinatown during the day! And it's suitable for the romantics and the platonics alike. Fun.

Tuesday 16th February: StAnza Poetry Event is being held at my uni! I've had a couple of emails about this now actually, and it is exciting stuff. Rather than me relay the info, I'm just going to slap an email in here! It gives all the info, so here we go...

As part of New Writing North’s ongoing collaboration with StAnza, Scotland’s international poetry festival, we are delighted to welcome the festival to Newcastle for a special event this February.

The StAnza poetry festival in St Andrews is building a reputation as one of the most dynamic poetry festivals in Europe. Their programme for 2010, which takes place over five days from 17-21 March, offers more than 80 events in atmospheric venues around the ancient town centre of St Andrews, and features almost 100 poets, musicians, artists and writers in every kind of reading and performance.

As a preview to the 2010 event, New Writing North is delighted to invite you to a special evening in Newcastle with StAnza’s artistic director, Eleanor Livingstone, and StAnza’s poet in residence for 2010, Kei Miller . At the event, Eleanor will talk a little about the festival, Kei will read from his work and New Writing North will provide the refreshments. It’s a great opportunity for local poets and poetry readers to learn more about the festival and to hear more about the vibrant Scottish poetry scene.

Kei Miller is a Jamaican poet and novelist. His first collection was There is an Anger that Moves and he is editor of New Caribbean Poetry (both Carcanet, 2007). In July, Carcanet will publish his newest collection, A Light Song of Light, and Weidenfeld and Nicolson will publish his latest novel, The Last Warner Woman. He teaches at the University of Glasgow.

The event is free but you will need to RSVP to let us know if you are planning to come along to olivia@newwritingnorth.com or by phone on 0191 233 3850.

The venue is Gallery North, Squires Building, Northumbria University, Sandyford Road, Newcastle, NE1 8ST. For directions etc, see http://gn.northumbria.ac.uk.

Find out more about StAnza at www.stanzapoetry.org.

I really want to go, it's the same day as my first day at Mslexia actually (insane how close that is now, where did January go?) so would round off the writerly theme nicely.

For a lovely list of writerly events this month, other than things I personally recommend, New Writing North's Listening Post is a great place to look.

Did anyone go to the Make & Mend Market at the Star and Shadow on Sunday? I went, but only ended up with one ring. Wasn't quite as chock-a-block with amazing oddments as last time, which was a shame. Still, a ring is a ring, and I do love my rings!

Ignore the eczema hand, focus on the pretty ring!

Another contributing factor to my busyness, or lack of spare time, or however you want to dub it, is that I've been writing a book review. A book review of this here book-

The top one. Though that is a good cross-section on my life... book for review, vegan book, book for uni. And a copy of Book Time magazine in the background, in which I was looking for more books. Haha.

The review has been a difficult task though, as the book disappointed me. I grappled with how to write both fairly and honestly. I think being a writer makes you super-aware for not wanting to upset a fellow creative. I think I achieved my goal though, so when the review is up on Book Munch, I'll put the link in a blog post.

I'm going to end the blogging there, this has taken me an insanely long time to write, and though I've been up for two hours I'm yet to have breakfast. Grumblegrumblegrumble...

Films and faffing

2010-01-30T16:44:00.002Z

I went to see Up In The Air last weekend, at the Tyneside. The film was pretty good, very fitting for the current financial climate. The ending wasn't to my taste though, but as my friend pointed out, it did live up to the film's title! I'll stop talking about it there, to avoid ruining it for anyone. I was pleased I went though, as all profits from that screening were donated to Haiti. An admirable move I think, and the cinema was packed, which was nice to see.

Image courtesy of beliefnet

On a different filmic tack, I am SO excited for the Northern Lights Film Festival! Eep! The festival will run from 20th to 28th March. Here's the blurb from 2008's festival, full details of this year's are yet to be released:

"Once the UK’s only film festival dedicated to screening work from Northern Europe, NLFF has expanded its remit to take in the entire world. The 2008 focus was on breakthrough talent, and festival organisers employed programmers to scout the globe for the hottest new filmmakers out there, and to bring the most exciting and innovative debut works back to premiere in the North East."

2010's festival seems promising in light of the above, no? And their website, though lacking 2010 details, is pretty.

Image courtesy of myvillage

From the films to the faffing, tonight is a birthday bash for my two friends, Dan and Holly. I love wrapping presents in new and crazy ways, and today has been no exception!

The presents themseves are pink and green, so I wanted to theme the wrapping around that.

I really like Dan's collage wrapping, it was so fun looking through the stacks of pretty paper bags and bookmarks and old diary pages I keep for such projects.

Here's hoping they like the wrapping too!

Oohh, oohh, Veganite!

2010-01-26T11:10:00.002Z

Completely unrelated to what I normally blog about, but on request I'm writing about my first ten days of being a vegan! The decision came after nine years of vegetarianism (with some occasional bouts of pescetarianism when tuna beckoned). Around New Year though, I just didn't want any animal products what so ever. No dairy, no eggs, none of it. On top of that was an existing knowledge that dairy aggravates my eczema, and after a cheese binge I feel like death. So, on Friday 15th of January, I made the change.

Image courtesy of JustVegan

So after the pre-amble, I suppose I should outline the pitfalls, the problems. Only I really haven't had any. On the second day I ordered a Domino's Vegetarian Supreme with no cheese. After a little confusion on part of the girl taking the order, the pizza arrived, and was fine. Didn't miss the cheese. Did notice how crazily sweet their tomatoes are. And when everyone else was wolfing down their Diablo pizzas at the SU, I had tomato garlic pizza bread. Cheaper, tasted good, doesn't make for the best breath, but none of the pizzas do! Getting fed in uni has been a bit of a problem, there is not one vegan sandwich or wrap or panini. So preparing food at home is no longer just the result of lack of funds or an overstocked fridge, it's a necessity.

Obviously, though better prepared than most for veganism, I have still spent twenty years with dairy as part of my life. So I've had to opt for non-dairy alternatives. Olive spread changed to Vitalite. Not much difference, quite fatty though. Milk changed to sweetened soya for cereal and tea, unsweetened for wherever cooking calls for milk. I made a very nice white sauce the other day actually. However, 'Pure' creamy soya spread (a cream cheese substitute) is vile. Stay far, far away. I'm still reeling from the taste! Parmazano though, really good! Alpro's dairy free yoghurt is pretty good too. Oh and Morrisons do their own brand dairy free coconut biscuits, which are amazing. In fact everything I've bought has been from Morrisons. It's such a minor change overall, I don't see the need to buy out Holland & Barratt. Perhaps when I get chocolate cravings I'll have to head somewhere specialist!

Image courtesy of Zazzle

Overall, veganism has been a successful venture so far. I feel happier in myself, and though it could be down to some other factor I haven't picked up on, my eczema on my legs has improved. I haven't lost or gained any weight, and although yes I do have a cold at the moment, it's been lingering for a couple of weeks waiting to pounce anyway. For now, I'm a happy vegan lady.

Here's a list of vegan websites I've found useful-
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/
http://veganmenu.blogspot.com/
http://www.veganfamily.co.uk/index.html
http://www.theppk.com/
http://twitter.com/amyeek/vegan (List of vegan Twitterers I follow)

Reports from the duvet

2010-01-20T12:39:00.000Z

I think I over-worked yesterday, for today, I fear I am paying the price. Currently buried under a duvet, attempting to recuperate in time for work, I've had to shift a meeting I was supposed to be at to tomorrow. Which makes tomorrow the busiest day EVER. I thought I'd take this moment to mention the upcoming 3rd International Student Conference, held at Northumbria (my) University.

The conference will be in March, and will be host to several high profile, wonderful people, giving talks on their experience of International Education, be that setting up projects abroad, or involvement in UK based projects. Alongside the professionals, little ol' me will be giving a talk too! 30 minutes of reflections on my volunteer work with Success 4 All. My co-volunteer Kirsty was asked to take part also, so we may be sharing the slot. And my friend and colleague Claire will be giving a talk on the New Creatives project. Unfortunately, the conference website will be down for a few days, but I'll check back and update once it's up and running again.

I'm off to nap and read now, TTFN.

Writer, blogger, student, temp, volunteer... jewellery designer?

2010-01-15T14:29:00.000Z

Huzzahs all round! My order from the wonderful My Vintage Charms arrived today. And so, I have moved on from creating bag charms and beady things for the home, to putting together my own pieces of jewellery. In this instance, necklaces.

It was even packaged beautifully, and that's a sure fire sign you're on to a winner.

I'm not one for wearing dangly earrings often, and I prefer chunky beads and bangles to little bracelets, so necklaces were most definitely the way to go. I only bought the one chain, as I'm a cheapskate, I'm only going to wear one necklace at a time, and the jumprings are large enough to slide on and off the chain, so I can swap them whenever I like. Also, the length of chain I wanted was sadly out of stock, so I got the nearest size, which was a little short for my liking. Thanks to my ingenuity though, I connected together a chain of jumprings, and used them to lengthen the necklace.

Here's a photo of what I created below. Basically, anything which has a jumpring on, I put it on, anything with more than one component, I attached them.

Pretty.

I'd post individual photos of each piece, but that would create an enormous post. Instead, here's a slideshow of each one, modelled by my own fair neck. Use the triangles to navigate.

The entire order, including postgage, cost £11.75. For (admittedly only with one chain) what worked out as seven necklaces. And I still have stuff left over, see...

I will most definitely be ordering again.

Oh, but buyer beware, if I see anyone wearing the exact same necklace, I will have to show you who's boss. There are so many beautiful charms though, I think unless a person were to intentionally copy another, you'd struggle to come across two people who had made the same piece.

So if you're miserable with the weather, want an inexpensive treat, and to get creative, I'd highly recommend popping over to the site. Happy Friday!

Jobs ahoy!

2010-01-14T13:45:00.002Z

Three days in a row I received good news, for Uni, for work, and for volunteering. I'm yet to receive any today, so instead I shall blog about the three!

1. Yesterday, I got 74 in my Lit essay! Yay! And here's the tiny, blurry evidence...

2. Tuesday, I was asked to work for the Uni again, in the Careers Centre. I said yes, and so I am phoning graduates conducting the follow up survey. It's a nice job, and my friend and volunteery collague is working there also.

I look something like this, haha.

Image courtesy of The Library of Congress.

3. This is the most exciting news. On Monday, I learned that as of mid-February, I will be the new volunteer at Mslexia Magazine! Eep!

Image courtesy of Pulsar Poetry.

I've been spoiled now though. I want some more joyous news today! Instead I'm trying to prepare for my new modules and waiting to start work at 5.30pm. Oh well!

FAO- Aspiring writers in the Newcastle area!

2010-01-12T13:25:00.001Z

I bring glad tidings to all aspiring writers! Amy, who runs the New Creatives group I volunteer with/participate in, will be running a new course in creative writing. It's at the beautiful Lit and Phil, and lasts ten weeks. It looks to be a good 'un. Using my rather questionable print screen and cropping skills, I've pasted the poster below. So, if you fancy it, please do get in touch using the below contact details. What better way to kick start 2010 than with the power of the pen?

Organisation is 2010's buzz word.

2010-01-11T14:47:00.003Z

I have vowed to myself to maintain a calendar and planner this year. I always begin half-heartedly trying to use them and failing. This year, it will be different. And since a workman is only as good as his tools, I thought it best to purchase some lovely aids!

Exhibit A - A beautiful vintage advertisements calendar

Exhibit B- A red Moleskine pocket weekly planner. Mine is out of stock, but other varieties are available here for those picking up late resolutions!

This is the inside of the planner. A little sparse for last week, but that will all change soon.

Tonight the New Creatives group begins again, so I shall most likely be blogging about that tomorrow, it looks to be a good one. Happy Monday!

Fete Issue 4 online- I'm in it!

2010-01-06T11:25:00.001Z

Fete craftzine is now available to view online, in full colour. The printed zine is black and white, so I was very excited to see my work in all its fineliner glory. Pages 6 and 18 are me, and of course the rest is absolutely fantastic as well. I particularly like pages 14 and 15, which is comic style work by Polina Sheverdyakova. I wish I had a website to link to for her, but I can't find anything unfortunately.

Image courtesy of Momtazbh

I was supposed to have a meeting today, but it has been cancelled due to the weather, so I'm at a loss what to do until this evening when I venture out to Mr Lynch and party on down. I may stick a ruler in the snow in my yard and measure the depth!

2010 must see and do list.

2010-01-03T11:49:00.004Z

Okay, so it's a little belated, but...

I am officially back in the toon, and ready to crack on with... whatever there is to be cracked on with. I haven't made a resolution, but I have decided to buy a calendar and use it. There's so many brilliant things going on in the region this year, and I don't want to miss them! And neither should you, so, I've compiled a list, one event per month, of fabulous writerly (and generally artsy shenanigans) in and around Newcastle.

January- Just little one, but I'd like to start the year off with a trip to see the cinema adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road'. Showings at Tyneside Cinema begin January 8th.

4/1/10 - The lovely Claire has informed me that Observer photographer Jane Brown's work is being exhibited at Northumbria University Gallery (aka my uni's gallery!) The exhibition is running until February 19th, I can't wait to go and see it.

February- The fabulous Make & Mend Market returns to the Star and Shadow Cinema on the 7th. Just one week before Valentine's Day, it's ideal for dragging along a romantic other to buy pretty things. Or pop along without a romantic other and treat your wonderful self.
5/1/10 - Why not spend Valentine's Day celebrating Chinese New Year in Newcastle's very own Chinatown? Thanks for this Lina.

March- I am so incredibly excited for the AV Festival, running from the 5th to the 14th. The festival is focussed on the theme of energy, and celebrates electronic arts, such as visual art, music, and moving image. Not just a Geordie based event, the festival is happening across Newcastle, Gateshead, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland.

4/1/10 - this too will pass has informed me that Hadrian's Wall is being illuminated on the 13th- what an amazing sight that will be!
5/1/10 - Again, thanks go to Lina. 1-7 March is NewcasteGateshead Comedy Festival. I'd like to go to the As You Like It night methinks!

April- Not only is this the month in which I turn 21 and drown in a sea of final deadlines, it is also when Northern Stage will be hosting Eurydice. Presented by ATC, Drum Theatre Plymouth and the Young Vic, it promises to be a good watch, and with tickets at £8 (£6 for concessions), I can't justify not going! Runs 6th-8th April.

May- Once again, the Evolution Music Festival hits the quayside. White Lies. The Human League. Dizzee Rascal. 'Nuff said.

June- My graduation! None of you are invited mind. I may be too busy sobbing (over finishing the best degree ever), but those of you who are less emotional could venture to my home town of Bishop Auckland to see the Oskemen Piano Duo at Auckland Castle. Tickets are £12, in all honesty I know little to nothing about classical music, but I do know that the castle is pretty!

July- Not properly confirmed, but sources tell me that Gay Pride should be hitting the toon.

August- I'm not going to lie, August seems to be a little thin on the ground in Newcastle! So, I've given you two events in Durham instead, both at the Gala theatre (which I love, and have performed in quite a few times myself). First off, Sunday the 8th, The Comedy Store pays a visit. Then on the 11th, Lou Brown & the Makeshift Family Band do their thing. I quite like Lou Brown, so probably will be going myself.

September- The Laing Art Gallery will be hosting Newcastle Reinvented, an exhibition spanning 200 years of watercolours and drawings portraying the region. Feel the pride!

October- Okay, so I'm not exactly Deborah Meaden. Baked beans and Primark are very much staples of my life. So, it is incredibly doubtful that I will actually purchase something at the NewcastleGateshead Arts Fair, held at The Sage Gateshead. Nonetheless, I will be there. The emerging artsists showcase is a source of much excitement for me. Advanced tickets are £5, the Fair runs from the 1st to the 3rd, so I have just under nine months to put the ticket money aside. I think that's do-able!

November- Tempting to put down the Dr Who convention at the Seaton Burn Holiday Inn (I didn't think these things really existed!) but given I've never watched an entire episode, I don't think that's the best idea. Instead, hows about the film release of Burlesque? It has Cher in it!

December- There are so many things to do in Newcastle in December, but I know that the ultimate fail-safe, will definitely be on, is always enjoyable event, is of course the Christmas Market at Monument. Where my winter weight gain begins.

If anyone has any suggestions for other events, let me know. Here's to an ace 2010.

My Published Writings

2010-01-01T00:00:00.004Z

Northumbria University: A Tale of Two Students (Awful photograph)

Mooky Chick: Lookin' Lesbian Today

Mslexia #45: On The Net and Events

Book Munch: Review of John Broadley's Books

New Creatives: Carrier Bag, Moon, Yellow Marker (Short Fiction)

First Edition: Strawberry Girl (Short Fiction)

Book Munch: Review of The Abyss of Human Illusion

Book Munch: Review of Apparition & Late Fictions

Fete Craftzine #4: Keys, Fields (Illustrated Fiction) p7&19

Swan Ezine: The Dam Head (Poem)

New Creatives: Mud (Short Fiction)

About Me

2010-01-01T00:00:00.002Z

Writer.

That's it in a word really, but that doesn't make for a very good About Me page now does it?

Short fiction is my passion. Getting a collection published is the dream. I battle with poetry, trying to make it work. It doesn't come as easily as prose, but I still love it. I would like to learn more about short film, there's two scripts under my belt so far, and the production side is something I want to explore also.

Currently on the cusp of graduating from English Literature and Creative Writing at Northumbria University, I need to find a way to fund a Creative Writing MA.

I review for www.bookmunch.wordpress.com
I have recently begun writing articles for www.mookychick.co.uk
I'd love to take on other similar roles, so if anyone knows of some, get in touch!

My published writing is, unsurprisingly, under the 'My Published Writing' tab.

I've been involved with various volunteer projects aiming to improve literacy in both compulsory and post-compulsory education, as well as those in the arts sector.

This blog aims to track my engagement in the arts in Newcastle upon Tyne, and serve as a reminder to myself of all the wonderful things I've been up to!

I'm a friendly type, so if there are any projects or submissions you think I'd be interested in, my email address is-

amyekins@hotmail.com

Crafty Christmas

2009-12-24T12:51:00.005Z

This morning I awoke somewhat worse for wear after last night's £2.70 trebles. Apparently I was feeling gangster...

Super-cool, that's me.

Look, more snow greeted my little hungover face at 8am!

Snowy.

I want to build a snowman, but my sister won't assist me. Sigh! I've spent the morning crafting it up, so here are the results...

Mm, biscuits.

Last night I took a photo of where I am currently blogging, at the desk I decorated aged 15.

That is a sherry glass there!

Just a quick blog really to say Happy Christmas Eve, not that I'm discounting non-Christians, my mum's a Buddhist...

See? :)

So whatever you're up to today, make sure you enjoy it, I'm sending out well wishes to all.

Rockin' around the Bish-mas tree!

2009-12-22T16:18:00.003Z

I have returned to my home town of Bishop Auckland for a while over Christmas- hence the title. Being back has involved...

Snow!

Tree!

Wrapping my mum's presents

Wrapping my sister's presents

Whilst sorting out my bookcase, I came across the three books I was published in when I was little! See, writing is in my blood-

Though I was stated as 9 with the first poem, I was in fact 8. Just to get the facts straight!

I received a V50 award for my volunteering with the New Creatives, yay! It's so pretty. I'm actually owed one from volunteering with the school, as I did around 120 hours, or was it 160, I forget, but it never matertialised. Hmm.

Speaking of the New Creatives, to rewind back to Saturday, I went with the New Creatives to Alnwick. It was a lovely day, we looked around the beautiful Alnwick Gardens (photo below) and visited the wonderful, massive second hand book shop that is Barter Books. Everyone really enjoyed the day, despite the insane blizzards whilst waiting for the train!

My sister is hovering over me to finish doing the kitchen's Christmas decorations so I'll have to stop blogging there. She's 17, surely she can just do it herself? Happy Festive Season!

Guess who's back? Back again... (and in print again)

2009-12-18T12:14:00.000Z

No, not Mr Marshall Mathers, but me! I've finished my uni work, and bid farewell to my friend Lotty who came to stay, and I am once again free to blog my heart out. So I shall.

Firstly, look, snow!

Brr.

Secondly, I received my copy of Fete today.

How pretty?

Thirdly...

I'm in it! On two pages! Woop!

If you want to read two very short pieces of prose written by me, and illustrated with my own fair hand using my beloved fineliners, buy it! If you want to see the full colour versin, Momtaz will be uploading it next week, so I shall post a link when she does. Eep!

What else can I tell you all? I went to see Where The Wild Things Are at the Tyneside. Amazing. I'd thoroughly recommend it. Somewhat ruined by the people behind me groping, slurping, and moaning though. In a PG! What's wrong with people?

Tomorrow I'm going to Alnwick with the New Creatives. I'll blog about it once it happens, as I haven't quite perfected the time machine yet.

Right, off to brave the snow and go to town!

Kreativ Blogger Award!

2009-12-11T20:48:00.003Z

Thank you to the lovely Xuxana, who writes one of my favourite blogs- Average Jane's Book Reviews- for giving me a Kreativ Blogger Award! This is very exciting.

Here are the rules:

* 1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award. - done
* 2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog. - done
* 3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award. - done
* 4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting:

1. I'm a ~~vegetarian (with occasional pescatarian lapses).~~ As of January 15th 2010, I'm vegan!

2. I've just completed a collection of writing based on the mining industry, and I have a good Northern mining heritage.

3. I used to have nine piercings- eight in my ears, one in my nose.

4. I have one tattoo- Picasso's dove, on my back.

5. I wish I had a reason to wear skirt suits.

6. I've lived in nine houses, six in Bishop Auckland, three in Newcastle. I long to find a house to see me out until retirement. After which, I'll be off travelling!

7. I was voted 'Most Likely To Succeed' in Y13, because I wrote on the majority of entry forms that I should win because I was 'the sex'. My mum dropped the certificate behind the fireplace. It's been over thee years, I still haven't forgiven her. lol. This is not me being serious mother! Calm thyself, it was an accident, I know!

* 5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers. - done

* 6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate:

iHanna's Creative Space
Patchwork Harmony
Bright.Bazaar
Bento Babe
Photos of Newcastle
This Too Will Pass
Katie Cakes

* 7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated -done

I won an award! However I'm still snowed under with work so where I should now write an utterly fascinating post to commemorate this day, I will instead dash off to post comments and then hit the books again.
I'll be back in all my creative (or Kreativ) glory soon!

Quick update

2009-12-09T22:27:00.001Z

I've been snowed under with work this week, so I'm just doing a quick post saying what I've been up to. With photos! I have been...

Battling with a 'Vamps & Virgins' deadline for uni.

Reading my tutor's verse novella.

Gifting friends with Montescristo cigarillos.

Making bookmarks out of paper bags, aka procrastinating.

Admiring the lovely desktop I made from screenshots of 'Let The Right One In'.

Drinking some, but not nearly enough of this. Two for £5 wine from Heaton's discount wine shop. Mm, classy.

That's it. If I could take a photo of the library 4th floor which has been my home of late I would, but that would look weird.

Wish me luck in my endeavours. Sigh!

Crafty Weekend

2009-12-06T22:19:00.002Z

This weekend has been rather crafty. I've been sketching some submissions, my dissertation is a collection of short stories which (for myself but not assessment) I've organised in a sketchbook, we did a bit of Christmas decorating, and went to the Make & Mend Market.

The first stall I succumbed to at Make & Mend was jewellery. I bought these lovely rings from Bodacious Buttons (the website isn't up yet, keep checking back). I'm a ring fetishist.

I don't think this photo does it justice, but this is a lovely shell candle. Only 50p, I'll never burn it but shall instead look at it lovingly.

The photo skills are getting worse! Chocolate Mummy could have sold me many many beautiful products, but it was the ginger and whiskey truffles that swayed me. I did buy them with the intention of giving them to my mum, but now... sat on my living room table... they're calling me. Oh dear. Perhaps I should wrap them before I do something regrettable. I did sample them, and they're absolutely amazing.

Yes, Merry Christmas. This rather plain little banner is adorning our living room. I prefer the home-made decorations (probably because I made them).

Such as the angel I drew for our Christmas tree!

These little pictures are on each of our bedroom doors. Again, drawn by me. As a way to disguise the blue-tack. I'm the star, Katie's Rudolph, Fiona's sleazy Santa. He wouldn't have been sleazy if she hadn't made me change his eyes. Some people.

This is our Christmas tree. Fiona and Katie decorated it while I drew things with fineliners. There are lollipops stuck in it. Because we're grown ups.

And that's been my crafty weekend! I'd photograph the sketchbook and submissions but since they're not for fun and are meant to actually be good, I'm a little embarassed.

Tomorrow night, writer Sheree Mack is coming to speak to the New Creatives. It's up in the air as to whether I'll be there, but I would very much like to be.

Time for tea.

Ezines and Fanzines and such

2009-12-05T10:23:00.006Z

I've been actively seeking out fanzines, ezines, and new magazines of late, because it's a nice way to find new, fresh writing. I'm probably going to have forgotten some, but I thought I'd pop some links and descriptions up for my favourites in the below post.

Image courtesy of GryzinG

20x20 Magazine I adore how this magazine is presented. Clean pages, all in black and white. I particularly like the contents pages which are very easy to read, and the work is categorised as visual, words, visions, or blender. Which is an interesting approach. Good stuff.

Cadaverine Magazine No faffing around to be found, this is purely about the words. Poetry, prose, and interviews. Genres vary greatly. All of the work is submissions from emerging writers under age 25. A very organised, interesting magazine!

Fatzine Densely illustrated, it has a feel of the gothic, a feel of wanting to invoke something uncomfortable for the reader. Fab front cover.

Pomegranate Just as I typed that, someone on Saturday Kitchen Live said 'pomegranate'. It's a sign. Of what, I'm unsure. A poetry ezine, I like poem 2 in issue 9. Well, I like them all, but it's so unusual! All written by under 30s.

Wet Ink Bright, Australian, nice layout, wide range of work, Australian, made an anthology, Australian.

They're all that spring to mind right now. If anyone has any recommendations, do get in touch!

First Edition Magazine- Christmas Issue

2009-12-03T18:12:00.001Z

Poor First Edition Magazine, I've been anxiously waiting for the December issue (I read it anyway but this issue is going to be extra special) and wondering where oh where it could be. It turns out the team have had the worst luck. Bless them. They posted an explanation on their Facebook:

"Hello everyone.
First of all, apologies for our quietness of late - it has been a tough old time here, what with Xmas scheduling, postal strikes, some awful staff illness and someone cloning our company cards and taking our money!! Thank you for your patience, and rest assured that the new magazine is ready to go and will indeed be out in the shops a week Thursday - subscribers will get it sooner than this."

That's so awful for them, but well done to them for being so on the ball. I think everyone should buy ten copies each to show their support. Or just one, up to you!

Image courtesy of http://www.firsteditionpublishing.co.uk/

New(ish) Wordle

2009-12-02T09:53:00.002Z

Yesterday I picked up my formative assessment from Uni. I passed, huzzah, not that I thought I wouldn't... Anyway, for the assessment we had to create a Wordle. And here's mine!

Image courtsey of Wordle

I actually really enjoyed making this one. I would post the story it comes from (actually it's a segment of a longer piece), but I'd like to enter it in a competition one day. For now the Wordle will have to speak for itself!

On a side note, last night I went to Gusto and had vegetarian primavera. I now stink. It was lovely, but I stink. Look how pretty the restaurant is though- oohhh.

Image courtesy of http://media.toptable.com

For the rest of today I shall crack on with my essay, and avoid breathing anywhere near anyone. Bit difficult when I have a meeting at 1.30, oh well.

World AIDS Day

2009-12-01T11:17:00.005Z

Image courtesy of Jayel Aheram

I've been researching AIDS for an essay I'm doing, and so today World AIDS Day is more meaningful to me than it ever has been. I just wanted to post some links, talk about my experience of AIDS education, and say that my thoughts are with all of those affected, however directly or indirectly that may be.

The BBC has posted an audio slideshow of AIDS awareness posters from over the decades, it's an enlightening watch - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8387159.stm

Twitter are also supporting World AIDS Day by turning tweets red. Follow joinred, and if you add the hash tag #red before a tweet, your tweet will be displayed as red. An incredibly easy way to show your support. World AIDS Day also has its own Twitter account.

This is the official World AIDS Day website, with real life stories, facts, and advice on how to support the NAT (National AIDS Trust) - http://www.worldaidsday.org/

NAT are also on Facebook, flickr, and YouTube. Gordon Brown has a video message on the page.

I wish that AIDS had been a more open subject for discussion when I was younger. I don't recall it ever being mentioned when I was at school, maybe we had fundraising opportunities, but what AIDS is was never ever taught. I was so confused about AIDS and HIV, I researched it myself. But some probably won't have done.

My sex education consisted of being shown a condom and taught the Catholic rules on contraception when I was 16. I understand that Catholic sex education must reflect the values of the church, but not being taught about STIs until I was 18 (in a talk designed for 13 year olds in state schools) is unacceptable in my view. Reproduction was also never discussed, bar a talk in Year 8 Biology where we were taught the reproductive cycle of fish.

Luckily I had all the information I needed long before, but that may not be the case for some. And for some it may be too late. Ignorance is not an option, and much as I love my old school, the distinct lackings of sex education upset me greatly even now. Of course HIV isn't solely transmitted through sex, but to withhold information on how to avoid the main cause of HIV transmission is not acceptable, no matter what the religious views of the school.

I'm getting a little upset again now, so I shall leave it there. I thoroughly encourage everyone to do whatever they can to show support for World AIDS Day, knowledge is power.

Poor and pondering

2009-11-30T13:30:00.001Z

It's official, my stint working for the uni is over, sigh. Oh well, it was nice whilst it lasted, but all of the envelopes are done. On to looking for the next I suppose!

I am currently pondering whether or not to take a Writing and Health short course at Newcastle Uni. It's only £60, but it is between January and March. And I am in third year. Confused... good course, only two hours a week, but will even that be too much? I need to decide quick before any places are snapped up. Any opinions more than welcome.

Maybe I'll email and ask how soon the places are normally filled. I'm waiting until December to hear back about another thing, if I got that (doubtful but hopeful) I really don't think I could juggle everything. Hmm.

It's far too early in the day to drink wine, and this very much upsets me as I'm planning on settling down to watch The Hunger- I've chosen to analyse it for an essay- but it just isn't the same without a glass of wine. I may have to post-pone until this evening. Unless someone tells me wine at 1.25pm is perfectly fine!

Image courtesy of ellemnop

Ten By Ten

2009-11-28T13:35:00.003Z

My friend has been included in the Book Of Ten anthology of poetry. Yay! It's stemmed from Zebra Publishing hosting the 'Ten By Ten' open mic nights at the Cumberland Arms in Ouseburn, Byker. (Loving their website, pretty!) I shall be ordering my copy, everyone else needs to pick up one too- only £6.00 and jam packed full of work from almost 70 writers. Good stuff.

Today, in an effort to recuperate from last night's shenanigans at Mr Lynch, I decided to treat myself to some make-up. Didn't think I'd end up spending £30 though. Oops. Oh well, pretty!

Images courtesy of Benefit

I love it so much. My bank so does not.

With Christmas a-coming, I've been spending a lot of time on Martha Stewart's website getting crafting ideas and recipes. The website is epic, full of ideas for a domestic obsessive like me. If only it could clean the flat for me it would be perfect.

Writing as therapy

2009-11-24T18:40:00.005Z

Yesteday evening, Cynthia Fuller came to talk to us at New Creatives, the project funded by the NERS. The subject at hand was writing as therapy. It was an interesting experience, as I was unsure exactly what would be classed as writing as therapy- as I mentioned previously, in my opinion all writing is therapy to some degree. Which seemed to be an opinion she shared.

Also, I was unsure whether we'd all end up blubbering wrecks, but it was made clear that if writing about something provokes too much anxiety, it is probably best to leave it until you feel comfortable. Wise words, I reckon, I know that people often tell writers to write out their feelings if something difficult has happened, but it can end up creating more problems than it solves. We got to learn how to react as a reader of/listener to writing as therapy, and understand that if someone has chosen to write about something then that is their choice, and you must support that decision. Again, something I agree with.

Image courtesy of Professor Rogers

Whilst there, we got to participate in a creative writing exercise, and I ended up producing something I reckon would slot into my dissertation quite well with a bit of work, so that was handy!

Finally, when it came to reading out, rather than one person reading and receiving feedback and so on, all of the pieces were read out, then all of the feedback was given at once. It was interesting doing things that way, it felt like everyone was given an equal amount of feedback by Cynthia, where I know that it's easy to spend great lengths talking on one piece, and have to rush through the next.

I think everyone who attended found it very informative and enjoyable, I noticed quite a few people went up to speak to her afterwards, which is always nice. All in all, good stuff, and something I'd like to learn more about.

Work's been going well, sending out letters to graduates from the uni Careers and Employment Service. We're nearly done now though, so no more money for poor little Amy, sigh.

I'm off to see 'Taking Woodstock' at Tyneside Cinema tonight, I hope it's good, I loved Paul Dano in 'Little Miss Sunshine', so my expectations are high.

Working Woman

2009-11-20T14:04:00.003Z

I am currently sat in a seminar about blogging! We've been asked to pick a topic from a list, and one of them is 'My First Job'. Given I've just begun a new temp job (see Patience is a Virtue... from a few days ago), I think this is fairly relevant!

It was the summer after Year 12. Life was good, but I was poor. My mum worked as an optician's receptionist in Durham, and they were looking for summer staff. Enter Amy. After an incredibly brief interview, (pretty much 'Hi Amy, will you work hard, get me coffee, and can you type?') I was chosen. I spent three lovely months in my own office, updating and transferring optical prescriptions.

That incredibly brief interview was the catalyst for a subsequent ascension through the ranks in optics; something which I never could have predicted. The following summer I got a job in Bishop Auckland as an optician's receptionist. I got to man the desk alone, and learn the ins and outs of the optical world; reps, sales, the anatomy of the eye which I promptly forgot, and basic dispensing. Another three months of summer earning. When September dawned, I packed myself off to University with happy memories and a stellar reference.

When I got to Newcastle, it wasn't until the January that I began work again. This time I had acheieved the prestigious role of 'Optical Assistant', and within a week of my starting they decided they'd like to train me as an Optical Dispenser, and sent me off to Glasgow for two weeks in total of intensive training.

Image Credits- obo-bobolina

From there things went on the up and up, I got training to work as a laser surgery receptionist, a laser consultancy and post-op receptionist, contact lens training, call centre training, visual testing, basic cosmetic surgery consultancy training. Times were hectic and I was exhausted.

I returned to Bishop Auckland for another summer of Optical fun, and then hung up my lens cloth and retired to the toon.

At the moment, I haven't worked in optics for over a year. I got a couple of job offers, assistant manager and the like, but the days were never do-able. Actually, for those jobs I was head-hunted. It's odd that optics is no longer part of my life, my rise through the ranks was so quick it made my head spin, and I learned that I actually really enjoyed it. It was never a world I thought I'd be involved in, but was one that absolutely fascinated me. But it has no place in my life really; I don't want to do a Dispensing Optician degree, I'm very happy in my own thanks. It's just that every now and then I long for a mini screwdriver and a wonky frame.

And none of this would have come about were it not for my ability to type and retrieve Costa.

Desk-perv

2009-11-17T15:36:00.001Z

I love getting to see where people work in their home. I am a self-confessed desk-perv. Spurred on by photographer Rachel Whiting's images posted on Patchwork Harmony of an amazing study, and by Made By Girl's posting of Ines Fressange's oh so pink office I thought I'd put up some snaps of my own desk area.

Bear in mind that I'm in rented accommodation so can't put too much of my own stamp on the place!

This is where I blog it up. Yes, I do have two keys missing on my laptop.

Thought I'd label the various piles of books on the desk. These are the books I'm currently using, the rest are in a bookcase in the hall. And at my mum's. And in my cupboard. And the living room...

Some wise words I was given. I stuck them up there so they could spur me on. It works, unless I avoid looking up and stare at the TV to the left instead!

This is easily the prettiest flat I've lived in. I like my desk. Though this is the ultimate in desk-porn for me...

Drools...

Patience is a virtue...

2009-11-17T10:16:00.002Z

...one I don't possess.

I found out yesterday that I've got a temp job doing office work for the uni. Well, actually I should have found out a week ago but the email evaded my attention. Way to make a first impression. I think the subject 'Mailing Assistant' threw me and I thought it was some email IT thing. Despite this, I still have the job, I'm just waiting to find out when I start. I want to start now!

Finally I am only a day away from the mysterious exciting thing happening. If it's delayed again I may weep. I want it to be tomorrow now.

I also want it to be next Monday now. That's because Cynthia Fuller, writer, editor, lecturer, is coming to the New Creatives group to discuss 'Writing as Therapy'. I think it's going to be very interesting!

Writing for me has never necessarily been therapy. But as my friend put it, creative people don't choose to be creative. They do it because they have to, because if they didn't they couldn't live anymore. (I may have paraphrased). And I think that is absolutely true. It doesn't matter how prolific you are, if you're a person who needs to write, to make music, to dance, whatever, if it is truly your vocation then life without it wouldn't be a life worth living.

Which I think is the difference between someone who does my degree and someone who studies say Engineering (as some of my friends do). Though their degree may be a passion, it doesn't really stem from the same innate desire as a creative profession does. Which is something I think only the creatives can understand. We're an odd bunch.

That little ramble was basically to say that I think all writing is theraputic to an extent. So actually engaging with therapy directly through writing is something I am looking forward to hearing about.

Another final thing I am impatient about is 7.15pm tonight. I'm going to see 'The Men Who Stare At Goats' at the Empire. To be honest, it was just seeing the poster along the Metro line that lured me in, I mean look at it, it's so bright and intriguing!

If today's anything like yesterday time should fly by; I spent most of the day sleeping as a cold has invaded my body. Hmph.

Glue gun ahoy

2009-11-15T21:55:00.001Z

This weekend I've been a little ill, so haven't been able to partake in many shenanigans. This evening, in an attempt to distract myself from the crackers and biscuits I've been gorging on the past two days, I thought I'd get a bit crafty.

My mum gave me an old chain belt in hopes I'd find some use for it, so I decided to make decorated jar candle holders.

The rose chain is also a bracelet! I'm pleased I grabbed my old glue gun from my mum's house, it helped me to create the insane jar in the middle :)

I think I'll give the jars to my mum (don't think she'll want the middle one though, any takers?)

Back to the crackers.

Sigh!

2009-11-12T09:27:00.000Z

Something very exciting was supposed to happen today. But now I have to wait until Wednesday 16th November. Feeling a little despondent I have to say. Oh well, roll on next Wednesday!

All will be revealed after the exciting thing happens, don't want to jinx it.

Eddie Lizard

2009-11-11T21:30:00.001Z

I did miss the craft fair at the Star and Shadow on Sunday sadly, due to going to pick up the bespoke cake previously mentioned. Well, it was the birthday girl's party last night so now that the cake has been seen, adored, and eaten, I can post a photo!

How amazing is it? My mam dubbed him Eddie Lizard. A fantastic name. The cake was made by Sarah, you can find her on Facebook. Cake making isn't her full time job, it's a sideline, but she's so immensely talented I think it should be :) So, if you live around Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, and want a reasonably priced and beautifully made bespoke cake, Sarah is the girl to go to!

Make & Mend Market (and a bit of wor Duffy)

2009-11-07T08:44:00.000Z

This Sunday, 11am to 4pm, The Star and Shadow Cinema are hosting the Make & Mend Market. I love the bizzarre space that is The Star and Shadow; I didn't know about the market last year but this year I really want to get my bum down there. Photos from last year's market look wonderful.

However, on Sunday I'm getting the bus to my hometown of Bishop Auckland, then my lovely mum is giving me a lift to a village to pick up a bespoke lizard cake. As you do. So I may have to hold out for the Decmber 6th Make & Mend.

Last night was Carol Ann Duffy at Newcastle Uni. Oh my. She read four poems from Rapture, one of my favourite, or perhaps even my singular favourite book. Including 'Syntax', which I adore. I was so happy I almost cried. Being the silly sod I am though, I forgot to take my copy of Rapture to be signed! However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, I bought Poetry London instead. Which resulted in the amazing signage below!

Also, my tutor Carolyn's poem 'Asda, Ten Days Post-Partum', was in there too! A very pleasant surprise. Which further reinforces my belief that everything happens for a reason :)

Weetabix time.

Carol Ann Duffy!

2009-11-04T10:53:00.000Z

Through the North of England Refugee Service, I have been wangled a free ticket to Carol Ann Duffy's reading at Newcastle Uni. Eep! I'm so so happy, I tried to get tickets before but couldn't, I reckon karma is thanking for me for volunteering haha.

Rapture is one of my favourite books, this is going to be such a privilege. Roll on Friday.

Fete Craftzine

2009-11-02T11:42:00.002Z

It's official, I am in love. With Fete, a 'craftzine' (there's a new addition to the old vocab right there) masterminded by Momtaz Begum-Hossain, and published in print and online. It is so incredibly beautiful, I encourage all to go and look at it. Domesticity and creativity in a papery bundle. The website describes the craftzine as-

'Fete is written by and for people who like being creative. It celebrates all things 'diy craft' related, provides a platform for crafters to showcase their work and aims to inspire readers to get making!'

Image courtesy of http://www.creative-choices.co.uk/

Momtaz also has a lovely blog, The Craft Cafe, and a Twitter.

I am going to explore Momtaz's various online enterprises with a coffee and This Morning on in the background. I love Mondays.

Vampy

2009-11-01T11:21:00.002Z

My tutor emailed those of us who do the 'Vamps and Virgins' module to send the Guardian Top Ten Vampire Novels yesterday. I absolutely agree with I Am Legend being #1, I read it while working over the summer, and would be stood photocopying and mulling it over, waiting to get home and back to reading it. In two days it was over. So I re-read it!

I haven't read Fangland, but I've heard a lot about it. And if it's made the top ten, I think it may be worth a look.

Last night I hosted a vampire themed Halloween party, so I am somewhat worse for wear today. I want to look like that all the time. When I get the other photos, I may link to the full outfit, as it was immense.

After all the vamping, I need some rest.

Childhood and Other Misadventures

2009-10-28T18:09:00.000Z

As a member of New Creatives, thanks to Tony Spencer of the Pakistani Cultural Society, I've bagged a free ticket to see Childhood and Other Misadventures at the Durham Book Festival, yay!

Here's the summary of the event I got in my email:

EVENT: Janice Galloway, Vesna Maric and Kapka Kassabova:

Childhood and Other Misadventures

In This is Not About Me, prizewinning novelist Janice Galloway brings all her fiction skills to bear on the re-telling of her childhood. Vesna Maric fled war-torn Bosnia when she was 16. In her hilarious and refreshingly unsentimental memoir, Bluebird, she recounts what it was like to arrive in England as a refugee and what happened when she returned to Bosnia years later. Kapka Kassabova was born and grew up in Sofia in Bulgaria under communism. In her memoir, Street Without A Name, she returns to the country of her birth to explore how it has changed.

Photo prompt

2009-10-26T17:17:00.001Z

Today's writing prompt. I took that photo! Off to volunteering.

My Photobucket account.

Yummy culture and Wordle

2009-10-25T18:05:00.008Z

My mum came to visit today and we had a day out in the toon, which included lunch at Scrumpy willow and the singing kettle, visiting the Baltic, wandering the Sunday quayside market, coffee at Intermezzo (Tyneside Cinema's coffee shop), and shopping!

Sadly, we missed the mini fest at the Lit & Phil as we were so busy - and after all my publicising!!

Was lovely having her up, hopefully next time my sister will come too.

Last night, I played with http://www.wordle.net/. It was good, I just wish you could choose yourself which words to make bigger.

Image courtesy of www.wordle.net

EDIT: 28/10/2009 - Have just learned that you in fact can choose which words to make bigger!

Aha ! Alas I cannot swim details.

2009-10-24T19:18:00.000+01:00

'Alas I cannot swim' has added me on Facebook, see here, and the Facebook page informed me of this, a blog linked to the fanzine. Yay!

Alas I cannot swim

2009-10-24T16:09:00.004+01:00

I went to Stateside Diner last night, and alongside all the culture mags and what not was introduced to issue one of a new pamphlet/anthology called 'Alas I cannot swim'. It consisted of poetry, rants, photography, sketches, and was pretty awesome.

I'd recommend others to keep an eye out for it, other than spelling 'contributors' with an 'e', it impressed me! Can't find a website for it, but there's an email address - they're looking for people to give all sorts of contributions, if you're a bit of a leftie like me I think you'd be well suited. The back page says:

'CALLING ALL... POETS, WRITERS, SKETCHERS, ILLUSTRATORS, ACTIVISTS, DOODLERS, MENTALISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, HEART BREAKERS AND TROUBLE MAKERS - ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WELCOME - (drawings, sketchings, doodles, writings, poems, gig reviews, rants, photographs, ideas, animations, and anything else you can put on a piece of paper)'

Not sure how an animation goes on a piece of paper but nonetheless, it's amazing what you find when you go for alcoholic milkshakes and a burrito!

Published poem!

2009-10-22T17:58:00.001+01:00

My poem has now been published on Colleen and Michael's ezine for County Durham writers. At the very bottom of the page are my three stanzas of tankas. Exhausted after volunteering but this has perked me up. On with preparing a presentation for tomorrow!

Link to poem - http://swanezine.googlepages.com/poems

Lit & Phil mini-fest

2009-10-22T10:07:00.004+01:00

This weekend the Lit & Phil are having a mini arts festival, 2-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday. I got the email informing me, and hot on its heels I tapped out what I hope was an encouraging piece of propaganda. Attached their fab poster too. The uni kindly forwarded it on to the entire English & Creative Writing department, so hopefully it'll attract lots of participants!

Sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun, plus I was informed there'll be refreshments so you can't go wrong really.

Swan Ezine

2009-10-21T15:28:00.000+01:00

The lovely Colleen who runs Swan Ezine, for County Durham writers, has accepted a poem of mine to be published on the site - eep!

Should be up in a couple of days so I'll post a link then.

Saturday - Whitley Bay Lit Fest

2009-10-20T16:03:00.006+01:00

On Saturday I volunteered to help out with Whitley Bay's first Literature Festival. It involved setting the hall up, handing out flyers, guiding people in, and participating in some of the events. It was a brilliant day, and I got to meet some amazing people. It was pretty busy, but if they let me know about next year's well in advance I'd send an email round the uni far sooner than a few days beforehand as it'd be a brilliant experience for more students.

Image courtesy of http://www.culturequarter.org/

CQWORDplay festival page