by ChronicWriter

Cecelia Ahern’s The Book of Tomorrow

So, review number two.. Hey! That rhymes.

Tamara Goodwin is a spoiled teenage girl. Living with her mother and father in a fancy big house in Dublin, with her en-suite shower with a plasma TV, she could want for nothing. Then a tragedy occurs and she finds herself stranded at nowhere and not happening, so far away from her old life.
Spending time with her estranged relatives is not her idea of fun, so when the travelling library rolls up, Tamara jumps at the chance to escape. Finding a magical book that tells her more than just a story.

The depth of the characters draw the reader deeper into the story and as Tamara is forced to confront the questions in her life, we’re along for the ride. The twist and turns in this story keep you guessing, right up to the very end with a shocker you just won’t believe. The characters Tamara meets on her journey of self discovery and her relationships with them are complex; Ahern brings them alive as though they could climb right off the page.

The way Ahern describes the castle and the grounds in the story and Tamara’s reaction to it, the reader can feel how she relates, as though she is the ruin, she is the secret garden and the woods. Let’s the reader see a vulnerability to this story’s heroine which is refreshing.

Although I found it slow to start, the more I read the more curious I became and the puzzle becomes more enticing until I was dying to finish the book to uncover the answers to all the questions. I give this book 4 out of 5.

Main Points:

  • Fantastic read
  • Sucks the reader in with a delicious puzzle
  • Great characters
  • Unpredictable

Quotes from this book that I love:

“All families have their secrets, most people would never know them, but they know there are spaces, there are gaps where the answers should be, where someone should have sat, where someone used to be. A name that is never uttered or uttered once and never again. We all have our secrets.”
“I think that most people go into bookshops and have no idea what they want to buy. Somehow the books sit there, almost magically willing people to pick them up. The right person for the right book.”
A xo
by ChronicWriter

Those who wander are not lost
Lincoln Cathedral

Going on an outing by myself is something I have never done. Unless I have an errand or something to do. But to wander around aimlessly, alone, was enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong I love spending time with my friends, my family and my husband. But to enjoy some me time, quietly, wandering from one interesting place to another is something quite different. This alone time allowed me to reflect on what is current in my life, to put things into perspective and to manage my thoughts.

It is important to remember that I am an individual, with my own interests and favourites. I think sometimes when you are one half of a pair it is easy to forget your own needs and wants. Luckily, the other half of my pair understands me and motivates me to follow my passions.

Whilst walking around Lincoln city center on my own, I kept thinking how cities are full of variety, full of culture and opportunities. I came to realise that creative beings will like and inspire and try to motivate other creative beings. Like a cult – moulding one mind after another with bright colours, magical words and captivating tones. Be them artist, writer, composer or actor.

A friend, who has known me a long time, told me to keep writing.
An acquaintance told me to write, if it is my passion, to write.
Does that mean they recognise me as one of their own? Oh, to be creative! For I have never identified myself thus.

Maybe I should be a writer. I mean, if creative people think my writing is good then surely it is, right?

As I said, creative people seem to want to enable other creative people. And this is a wonderful thing to do.

A xo

by ChronicWriter

Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver

Ok, so bare with me. I haven’t written a review since I left uni and God, that was 3 years ago now.. so here goes..

 
A love story. A lonely teenage girl looks for friendship in her wolf. What she actually finds is a great deal more. Full of drama, excitement and a little humour, I couldn’t put this book down. Stiefvater describes the complex relationships of Grace and her parents, Grace and her friends and Grace and Sam so you feel a part of her inner circle. 
 
The way Grace feels about her wolf; dependence, loyalty, awe, is written in such a way that it makes you feel like this is an ancient love, like Romeo and Juliet or Anthony and Cleopatra. Grace and Sam understand each other and that is conveyed in the lovely way Stiefvater has written this story; like Grace and Sam are the ultimate and the rest just fall around them.
 
Definitely a page turner, I couldn’t put it down. Sam’s responsibility to his friends gets you shouting out at the book as you read. The twists and turns in the story make reading this a rollercoaster ride. It is written so the chapters alternate from Sam’s point of view to Grace’s. But this doesn’t make it confusing or hard to follow. It gives the reader an insight into both lives and how one character affects the other so drastically. 
Aimed at the Young Adult/Teenage audience, this story has a – sort of – ‘Twilighty’ feel to it; an impossible love, drama, teenage boys. So if you loved that series, you definitely want to read this one! The story finishes in such a way that it’s not quite a cliff-hanger but you still want to read what happens next. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. 
 
Main points: 
  • Page turner
  • Good plot
  • Lovable characters
 
Quotes from this book, that I love: 
“A life is measured by moments like these.” – Sam to Grace.
 
 
 
Linger is the next book in this trilogy.
A xo
by ChronicWriter

I got married!!!!!

I am now Mrs Aimée Finlay
And I love it!
I felt a certain melancholy mood when it hit me that I was having to relinquish up my maiden name, I mean, we’ve been through a lot together. School, first boyfriends, bad boyfriends, bullies, college, driving, uni, several jobs… it all adds up! But then, as I signed my name Miss A Staples, for the very last time, I looked to the man next to me and realised that my name might change, but I would always be who I am, and this guy will always be along for the ride. (— I know! loved up smushy stuff!)
My husband & I
Planning the wedding was a laid back procedure. We decided where and when in January 2014. I decided my bridesmaids would have dresses that were comfortable and that they’d be able to wear again. My cake was made by my Nan (who else?) she makes her cakes with love. The groom organised the food and his suit. He didn’t wear jeans, he looked very dapper in a suit. Our wedding invitations we designed ourselves after perusing Pinterest for what seemed like an age! We had them printed at Burgess in Retford. The staff there were lovely and put up with me and my nagging and editing..they helped us make our invites bespoke and something special –  http://www.burgessdesignandprint.com/
The dress. She was amazing. Off white, simple, full-length, elegant. My dress came from a lovely boutique in Bawtry, South Yorkshire –  Celebrations of Bawtry. Susan is a wonderful woman who provides such an excellent service for ladies looking for their special dress. She turns this into an experience, she’s warm, welcoming, down to earth and amazing at what she does. Susan had me more excited every minute I was in her shop! I tried on a few different dresses but knew the moment I saw it which one was meant for me. I remember saying to Susan “I feel like dancing..” She replied “Dance then!” So there I was, in a stunning bridal gown, dancing! I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. Thank you for being so wonderful and looking after me so well!
Me and my Daddy
My hair was done by the lovely Dominique at SalonYou in Retford. I had a glass of Prosecco, relaxed and left it all to her. Due to being poorly, I’d had to cancel my trial so didn’t really have a plan with what it was going to look like. Did I worry? No. Dom was perfect. She made me look like I had loads more hair than I did and it looked fab! Check out the salon: www.salon-you.co.uk 5 star service! 
 
One of my oldest (as in, I’ve known her forever, not that she’s old!) friends helped me with my make-up. She’s studying veterinary nursing at uni, but she’s a wizard with a make-up brush. We talked about what I wanted. She recommend I get Bare Minerals lightest foundation – expensive but awesome! We had a trial, which took over an hour as I kept having a breakdown and giggling! She was smashing. You wouldn’t have believed I’d come out of hospital a week before the wedding and had been very ill! My make-up was flawless. Nicola Morris, I salute you!
My Bridesmaids: Luci, Lora (MoH), Kitty & Alice
My flowergirl: Annabel
We married in my home town Retford; surrounded by the people we love, at a time of year that I get ecstatic about – Christmas! Our Ceremony took place at the registry office. The promises we made to each other were lovely and I giggled the whole way through it!
Santa’s here
The Reception was held at the Town Hall in the ballroom, which is an amazing room all on its own without the decorations. The lights were twinkling, guests were smiling and even Santa made an appearance. We decided that we would make our wedding all about family, relaxed, fun and memorable. Santa came and all the mini-guests got a gift. It was special and makes me smile every time I think of their little faces; waiting, gazing up at him.
Our first dance; Van Morrison’s Moondance, was the highlight of my night. I’ve never felt more in love than that moment. I put my arms around my husband and wanted to squish him so tight he couldn’t breathe BUT for photo purposes, I held it together!
First dance as Mr & Mrs Finlay
I threw my bouquet into a crowd of eager ladies of all ages. Friends I’ve grown up with through high school and college, family members who are already married, and little ladies who won’t be marrying for at least 10 years. I hurled that bouquet at them with wreckless abandon. My youngest new daughter, Alice (who’s 10) leaped over my friends and caught the bouquet, wrestling for it! I laughed a lot. My friend, who felt cheated, did not. Ah well… When catching a bouquet, it’s every girl for herself!
After catching the bouquet: Kitty & Alice
Decorations were decided based on the festive season and were child-friendly and mostly edible. I put candy canes and sweets on mini Christmas trees with LED lights wrapped around. There were crackers galore.
The entertainment came in the form of Sabrina Martin. Her Lady Vintage set was amazing. She’s such a lovely lady, and helped us feel at ease from the planning, to the run-up and then the actual event. If you haven’t heard of her, look her up! @SabrinaMOffic on Twitter – sabrinamartina.com – or look for her on YouTube. Sabrina turned a great night into something extra special. I will recommend her to any event.
One of my dear friends; me & Sara
My wedding day was amazing. I looked like a bride, felt like a bride, actually WAS a BRIDE. But, whilst saying that, it was great to get home and put my jammies on! You can put a girl in the dress, but it shouldn’t change who she is.
Thank you to all those who came to celebrate our love for one another. It was a very special day and I will remember it forever.
Us
Nick, I love you. Everyday.
A xo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xqurxpB3XU – A taste of Sabrina, our singer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lFxGBB4UGU – Van Morrison’s Moondance (have a listen!)
by ChronicWriter

So listen…I’m at work at a Drum&Bass event and I’m approached by someone wanting a drink.. This seems all very normal – it is. Double vodka red bull: Normal. £2.70: Normal. She pays with a £5 note: Normal. White powder on my hands after handling the note: DEFINITELY NOT NORMAL.

I don’t think I’ve ever overreacted more. I mean..I was justified. It’s not every day that I have illegal residue on my hands. It was very difficult to keep calm. But what’s worse is, the fact that the girl whose not it was was completely nonchalant about it. Didn’t seem to care! Like nothing was amiss. It was very odd.

So, after washing my hands at least 6 times (with alcohol gel and bleach) I went home and after conveying the events to my housemates discovered that my reaction was completely normal. My housemates said that they surely would’ve reacted in the same way. It was SHOCKING.

A xo

by ChronicWriter

The trick of it…

“…she told herself, is to be courageous and bold and make a difference. Not change the world exactly, just the bit around you. Go out there with your double-first, your passion and your new Smith Corona electric typewriter and work hard at … Something. Write beautifully. Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved if at all possible. Eat sensibly. Stuff like that.” — David Nicholls (One Day) 

Well, I don’t have a double-first or an electric typewriter and I certainly don’t eat sensibly. But I do live passionately, through all the good and bad days. I love to learn, to look at something with a new perspective, to meet new people. 
Though it’s hard, I try to follow my principles but honestly, they shift and change. With each person I meet or each day I read something interesting, I shift my perspective of what’s going on in my life. When I ask a friend their opinion, it always makes a difference to how I feel or what I think. I always take it on board. I think each negative experience is just as valuable as a positive one. How else would we learn from our mistakes? 
It’s very easy to slide into a comfortable rhythm, a monotonous routine. And then you wake up One Day thinking “what have I done with my life, really?” Do not be that guy. 
You might not be able to find the cure for cancer, or flood a drought, or stop world hunger or create world peace. But you can smile and be there for someone else. Be that guy. 
A xo 
Ps. Definitely recommend the book.. 
One Day – David Nicholls 
by ChronicWriter

Tattoo: Artistic or Taboo?

Everytime I get a new tattoo, my mum always says something like:

“You’re not going to want tattoos when you’re 90 and an old lady. What are you gonna do then?”

My response:

“Nothing. I’m gonna be a kick-ass Granma.”

Although I can understand her point of view, it’s hard for me to feel as though I should defend myself. I had my tattoos done for me, for reasons personal to me. I don’t criticise when someone I know gets a new hair cut or a piercing or goes on a diet. It’s none of my business. It’s the same for tattoos.

At one time, tattoos were regarded as gang signs, trade signs, and for gentry (male) only. Something, that marks your body forever, something permanent, exclusive, illlustrious. When did that change? At some point, we stopped viewing tattoos as something taboo and starting thinking of them as art, our bodies as canvases.

In the 19th Century, Harmsworth Magazine estimated that 1 in 5 gentlemen in Britain had tattoos. Men gathered in drawing rooms in huge estate homes, to boast their ink. So even then it was well regarded in high society. There were consistent rumours that Queen Victoria had a small tattoo in an intimate place (bet she did, saucy minx!) as well as he consort Prince Albert (and we all know what he’s famous for!)

I think ink gives a person the opportunity to express themselves, showing who they really are.  It wouldn’t do for everyone to look the same.

A xo
 
 
 
   
You should know….
 a tattoo should be thought out carefully and planned. You  should know the artist and be comfortable in working with her/him.

by ChronicWriter

Learning to Exhale

When everything’s going a million miles an hour and a month turns into a year overnight, a lot of people (mainly girlfriends) I’ve spoken to start to panic. Me included, I assure you. Take the last year, I’ve gone from plodding through student life one lecture and exam at a time, to full time work. This year started with a great lapse in my physical health, which caused a huge emergency stop and a lot of tea to get over it.
Which has led me to now, about start a new job with more responsibility than my lil’ shoulders can carry. I’m the first to admit; at one time you’d probably find me in a cupboard rocking somewhere. However, over the last few months I’ve gained a new perspective.

I’ve realised that if I’m going to save the world, it’s time to learn to exhale. Take the good with the bad. I can’t constantly be worrying about ‘what if this happens?’ or ‘what will they think?’ The answer is…Who cares? Be who you want to be, everything else will fall into place.

Shit is gonna happen people. And there’s not a lot we can do about it. It’s not about the challenges or mistakes we make it’s how we meet it head on, stare it full in its ugly face and say “fuck you” (pause for dramatic affect).

 A xo

by ChronicWriter

recuperating

I am currently in no mans land. Not working, not playing.

I was ordered to take it slow after being rushed to A&E following an episode of Supra-Ventricular-Tachycardia. I can’t really remember it very well but I’ve been told that my heart rate was 210-230 for over an hour…not good.

I have got to say that the paramedics and the hospital team were amazing at Kings Mill Hospital at Mansfield. They really looked after me and now I’m on the road to recovery. I’m awaiting an appointment with a specialist consultant, to find out what made my heart race so fast…(Gerard Butler? Sh! NO!) My appointment is on Christmas Eve. So we’ll know more then.

Maybe that’s the results of living in overdrive for 6 months

Here’s hoping…

A xo