2014 has been a bit up and down for The Girl in the Moonlight. Completely unintentionally, throughout the year - and in this very month! - I have had little time to follow any schedule. This can happen though and I have tried to not be glum about it, even if it has disappointed me sometimes.
The issues I have had with finding time to blog have taught me a lot though. I figured out last year that a certain level of planning works for me! I claim to not have had time and although this is true, it is also not. I will simply be making time in 2015. This may mean long periods of time where I am completely inspired and a few posts being written and sometimes a few minutes worth of jotting. It all counts! I really want to follow a schedule again but I'm not going to commit myself to one just yet.
I kept making promises to myself this year, claiming to post a certain amount of times in a week (or however long) and simply not fulfilling them. Making promises to myself and not completing them sucks, because it's down to me and the intention is full of meaning- only lacking something. I've learnt to attach something else to these promises. Although I cannot pinpoint what it is exactly, I simply will. I have also learnt to stop writing these promises online. It only makes it that bit more stressful that makes it even harder!
However, I have, as always, adored my blogging adventures of 2014. It's been awesome.
A few highlights:
- In March I set myself a little challenge. I posted seven days in a row with a little plan of what sorts of posts I would write. It brought a few different kind of posts onto my blog, including the fact that I had always wanted to write a DIY post and I did so in these seven days (HERE, if you wish!). Having a vague plan for those seven days was really exciting and got the creative juices flowing!
- Posts that I am most inspired by are ones when I am discussing an issue close to my heart. I have been very happy with the posts I have written this year that are about subjects like that. I wrote a post about body image in February HERE, and also, in February I wrote about how important everyone - of whatever sexuality - having rights is HERE. I've written about the importance of gay rights again HERE, I've written about feminism HERE and HERE and shared a few opinions on make-up HERE. Most of the time, these are the posts where I am sat at my laptop, typing all of my thoughts, ignoring any thoughts of being coherent- simply being wrapped up in the moment of me and my thoughts.
- Carrie Says! I shall leave a link HERE explaining what "Carrie Says" is and why it has been awesome this year!
- I shall also leave a link HERE and HERE about all of the short stories I have posted this year because I have adored writing them all!
I can't wait to experience The Girl in the Moonlight's 2015. It's going to be a good'n!
Happy New Year everyone!
Skies & Seas,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Wonderful Words | 2014
Blogging isn't simply gorgeously wonderfully fabby-fabby- fab (which, oh my golly, it is) because of the writing and the sharing of thoughts (it makes me feel so sunshine-y) I can put across, but because of the reading of other peoples' writing and sharing of thoughts too. It all makes me so excited. I am always reading posts that make me think or smile or laugh or reflect and I simply want to write about a few I have loved this year!
THIS post, called "Fear", came straight to my mind when I thought of this post. This blogger summed up how I felt when I was thinking about starting my blog and how I felt when I did. They concluded their text in the post saying, "But here I am giving it a try" and hip-hip-hurrah to this! This post gave me butterflies and a want to belittle this fear we experience as much as I can.
Amanda's blog is one of my favourite blogs because I can rely on her for awesome book recommendations, I can see her different adventures life-wise and book-wise and other-wises, I can adore her lovely photography and become excited by her other colourful posts. Her blog is sunshine to me. THIS post is one which struck me as particularly wonderful when thinking of her blog and how it should be mentioned in this post. It's about how to stay organised with blogging, and simply put: she's right! It was posted at a time where I wasn't attempting or being organised with my blog and it set out exactly what I should be doing.
There is nothing more exciting for me than talking about books. Especially favourite books of mine. One of my awesome blogger friends, Simona, read and reviewed The Fault In Our Stars HERE. As this is one of my favourite books in the whole world, I was delighted to see this review, and enjoyed her view of it. I feel like reading other people's views on books can be a friendly conversation simply because we're sharing a love of the same book, even if we are not talking about it!
Giovanna Fletcher's blog has brought me a lot of joy and thoughts this year. What I have particularly loved about her posts is the homeliness they make me feel. I enjoy following her life, seeing pictures and reading her wise words. One post that is stuck in my mind is THIS one. It portrays this message that lights up my heart with warmth: "My external self will change, it's a fact we'll all have to face at some point, but what's outside will never define me."
Please feel free to leave some links below to your favourite pots of 2014! I would love to read them!
Chocolate Selection Boxes & Lemonade,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
THIS post, called "Fear", came straight to my mind when I thought of this post. This blogger summed up how I felt when I was thinking about starting my blog and how I felt when I did. They concluded their text in the post saying, "But here I am giving it a try" and hip-hip-hurrah to this! This post gave me butterflies and a want to belittle this fear we experience as much as I can.
Amanda's blog is one of my favourite blogs because I can rely on her for awesome book recommendations, I can see her different adventures life-wise and book-wise and other-wises, I can adore her lovely photography and become excited by her other colourful posts. Her blog is sunshine to me. THIS post is one which struck me as particularly wonderful when thinking of her blog and how it should be mentioned in this post. It's about how to stay organised with blogging, and simply put: she's right! It was posted at a time where I wasn't attempting or being organised with my blog and it set out exactly what I should be doing.
There is nothing more exciting for me than talking about books. Especially favourite books of mine. One of my awesome blogger friends, Simona, read and reviewed The Fault In Our Stars HERE. As this is one of my favourite books in the whole world, I was delighted to see this review, and enjoyed her view of it. I feel like reading other people's views on books can be a friendly conversation simply because we're sharing a love of the same book, even if we are not talking about it!
Giovanna Fletcher's blog has brought me a lot of joy and thoughts this year. What I have particularly loved about her posts is the homeliness they make me feel. I enjoy following her life, seeing pictures and reading her wise words. One post that is stuck in my mind is THIS one. It portrays this message that lights up my heart with warmth: "My external self will change, it's a fact we'll all have to face at some point, but what's outside will never define me."
Please feel free to leave some links below to your favourite pots of 2014! I would love to read them!
Chocolate Selection Boxes & Lemonade,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
Monday, 29 December 2014
My Favourite Books: 2014
These kind of posts are hard for someone who claims a lot of book are their "favourite." Yes, I am one of those. Today I want to round up my favourite books of 2014. This is going to be seriously difficult as I consider more than the books below my favourite books of 2014 but I decided I would talk about my top five, and so, here we are!
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Pages into this novel and I knew this would become one of my favourite books for the rest of my life. About a travelling circus, this book is filled with magic and darkness, and a dangerous but beautiful love story. It's a gorgeously descriptive novel with sentences that simply made me feel magic.
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
The Book Thief is a novel that I feel warm when I think about it. I learnt a lot from this novel; about a girl who steals books, the warmth a Jewish man in hiding brings to a family, and the concept of death, The Book Thief is awesome. It's a very unique book, with quirky ways of adding detail and a narration that makes me feel both haunted and comforted.
Thirteen Weddings by Paige Toon
To use the word "adore" to explain my love for Thirteen Weddings simply doesn't cover how excited I get thinking about this novel. Bronte is the protagonist of this novel; a very strong and admirable but endearingly vulnerable character. All I wanted for this lady was to find the path she felt was most sunshine-y. I more-than-adore this novel.
How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran
"Ahhhh, this book!", I want to sing when trying to describe it. It. Is. Wonderful. About feminism, How To Be A Woman is incredibly funny, honest and eye-opening. Finally, it seems to be becoming more and more acceptable (although it should simply be common sense) to be a "feminist", and this book is my first port of call as to why.
You're The One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher
I couldn't wait for Giovanna Fletcher's next novel after reading Billy and Me. When You're The One That I Want kept me company in May I was so excited by its endearing presence. About three best friends and their two different love stories, it's not a clear-cut novel. I love it. It opened my eyes a lot and made me question a lot. It is a very sweet novel.
What have your favourite novels been this year?
Winnie-the-Pooh & Piglet,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Pages into this novel and I knew this would become one of my favourite books for the rest of my life. About a travelling circus, this book is filled with magic and darkness, and a dangerous but beautiful love story. It's a gorgeously descriptive novel with sentences that simply made me feel magic.
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
The Book Thief is a novel that I feel warm when I think about it. I learnt a lot from this novel; about a girl who steals books, the warmth a Jewish man in hiding brings to a family, and the concept of death, The Book Thief is awesome. It's a very unique book, with quirky ways of adding detail and a narration that makes me feel both haunted and comforted.
Thirteen Weddings by Paige Toon
To use the word "adore" to explain my love for Thirteen Weddings simply doesn't cover how excited I get thinking about this novel. Bronte is the protagonist of this novel; a very strong and admirable but endearingly vulnerable character. All I wanted for this lady was to find the path she felt was most sunshine-y. I more-than-adore this novel.
How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran
"Ahhhh, this book!", I want to sing when trying to describe it. It. Is. Wonderful. About feminism, How To Be A Woman is incredibly funny, honest and eye-opening. Finally, it seems to be becoming more and more acceptable (although it should simply be common sense) to be a "feminist", and this book is my first port of call as to why.
You're The One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher
I couldn't wait for Giovanna Fletcher's next novel after reading Billy and Me. When You're The One That I Want kept me company in May I was so excited by its endearing presence. About three best friends and their two different love stories, it's not a clear-cut novel. I love it. It opened my eyes a lot and made me question a lot. It is a very sweet novel.
What have your favourite novels been this year?
Winnie-the-Pooh & Piglet,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Carrie Says | 2014
One of my New Year's Resolutions of 2014 was a reading challenge. Explained in more detail HERE, "Carrie Says" is my blogging series focussed around books that Carrie Hope Fletcher has recommended in her videos. I have, so far, read four of these books and I have ADORED them. To round off Carrie Says in 2014, I thought I would dedicate a post to them!
I will link my reviews to each of the books below:
1) An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell
2) Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
3) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
4) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
One of the main reasons I have adored my Carrie Says series is because all four of the books I have read so far have become some of my favourite books of all time. An Offer You Can't Refuse is one of my favourite sunshine-y, heart-warming books and Stargirl is my favourite little book full of exciting meaning, The Night Circus is so gorgeously unique I know I will read it many more times, making it my favourite magic book alongside the Harry Potter series, and The Book Thief is my favourite war-time novel. I hold each of these books very tightly to my heart everyday (metaphorically and sometimes literally!).
When I set up this series for myself, I promised myself that I would put no pressure on it. And I haven't! The second half of this year has brought no Carrie Says posts and I haven't made that a "thing" in my mind. Reading is one of my favourite hobbies and an activity that brings me only excitement and happiness so I love buying books specifically for this series because it brings an extra burst of anticipation as they are based on recommendations (whereas I normally buy a book because I've been driven to by my own excitement).
Carrie Says has meant I have opened my eyes to different kinds of books. Although I, before, enjoyed reading books that weren't by my favourite authors (all I used to do was become attached to one author and then read all of their books only!), Carrie Says has meant I have been always reading a different genre of book. It has, in turn, lead me to finding other different genres and changed my perspective when book-browsing and buying!
Below, because I am deliriously excited, are a few books that are already waiting for my 2015 Carrie Says adventure, while my mind is excitingly listing others I plan on reading for Carrie Says next year!
I am so excited for each of these books: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom and One Day by David Nicholls. I am quite far into Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans and I am loving it. I am feeling very "asdfghjkl" about reading these and the rest of the books recommended by Carrie Hope Fletcher for my series. I can't wait.
Favourite & New Books,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
I will link my reviews to each of the books below:
1) An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell
2) Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
3) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
4) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
One of the main reasons I have adored my Carrie Says series is because all four of the books I have read so far have become some of my favourite books of all time. An Offer You Can't Refuse is one of my favourite sunshine-y, heart-warming books and Stargirl is my favourite little book full of exciting meaning, The Night Circus is so gorgeously unique I know I will read it many more times, making it my favourite magic book alongside the Harry Potter series, and The Book Thief is my favourite war-time novel. I hold each of these books very tightly to my heart everyday (metaphorically and sometimes literally!).
When I set up this series for myself, I promised myself that I would put no pressure on it. And I haven't! The second half of this year has brought no Carrie Says posts and I haven't made that a "thing" in my mind. Reading is one of my favourite hobbies and an activity that brings me only excitement and happiness so I love buying books specifically for this series because it brings an extra burst of anticipation as they are based on recommendations (whereas I normally buy a book because I've been driven to by my own excitement).
Carrie Says has meant I have opened my eyes to different kinds of books. Although I, before, enjoyed reading books that weren't by my favourite authors (all I used to do was become attached to one author and then read all of their books only!), Carrie Says has meant I have been always reading a different genre of book. It has, in turn, lead me to finding other different genres and changed my perspective when book-browsing and buying!
Below, because I am deliriously excited, are a few books that are already waiting for my 2015 Carrie Says adventure, while my mind is excitingly listing others I plan on reading for Carrie Says next year!
I am so excited for each of these books: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom and One Day by David Nicholls. I am quite far into Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans and I am loving it. I am feeling very "asdfghjkl" about reading these and the rest of the books recommended by Carrie Hope Fletcher for my series. I can't wait.
Favourite & New Books,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
Saturday, 27 December 2014
A Little Blog of Stories | Part Two, 2014
Yesterday I posted THIS post about each of the short stories I posted in the first six months of 2014. This post is dedicated to the last six months of story-posting in 2014. Welcome to my story-writing adventures.
July
I will briefly talk about the short stories I posted in July as it seemed to be the month of the short stories. The first was When She Reads. I wanted to write a story about the escapism involved with reading and the willingness to open up a tin of feelings that comes with reading too. So I tried! I also posted A Summer Story about a summer love. I posted the next part to my January story (HERE), Too Many Words, Too Little Time. I really felt I got know the characters better in this story; it made me very excited to carry it on. Lift and Fall was the fourth and final story of July. I knew I wanted to write a story involving running, but I didn't know where I was going with this story until I sat and wrote it; I didn't think... I just hoped for the best!
August
In August I posted my short story, The Box. Simply put, I wanted to to portray that "don't judge a book by the cover" lesson. About a plain box, I wanted to show how something can be seen as gorgeously important because of the memories it holds.
September
I posted a story called Pops in September. Following on from my story, The Chrysanthemum, I wanted to show how everyone viewed the man who is the protagonist in The Chrysanthemum.
October
Well, This is New, is a very short story. It's a bit of a vulnerable one.
November
November 5th was my November story. It's about living for the day, and treasuring moments all the time and the painfulness of hindsight.
December
Following on from July's story, Too Many Words, Too Little Time, came the first part to my Christmas story (which will be carried on next December) about Freddy and Amanda. A Christmas Star, so far sets up Freddy's life a little since the night he and Amanda became close. They are two of my favourite characters and I adore them a lot; I just can't let them go.
I hope this post isn't coming across as a CLICKONALLOFTHELINKS kind of post- it's simply a round up of my works this year!
New CDs & Books,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
July
I will briefly talk about the short stories I posted in July as it seemed to be the month of the short stories. The first was When She Reads. I wanted to write a story about the escapism involved with reading and the willingness to open up a tin of feelings that comes with reading too. So I tried! I also posted A Summer Story about a summer love. I posted the next part to my January story (HERE), Too Many Words, Too Little Time. I really felt I got know the characters better in this story; it made me very excited to carry it on. Lift and Fall was the fourth and final story of July. I knew I wanted to write a story involving running, but I didn't know where I was going with this story until I sat and wrote it; I didn't think... I just hoped for the best!
August
In August I posted my short story, The Box. Simply put, I wanted to to portray that "don't judge a book by the cover" lesson. About a plain box, I wanted to show how something can be seen as gorgeously important because of the memories it holds.
September
I posted a story called Pops in September. Following on from my story, The Chrysanthemum, I wanted to show how everyone viewed the man who is the protagonist in The Chrysanthemum.
October
Well, This is New, is a very short story. It's a bit of a vulnerable one.
November
November 5th was my November story. It's about living for the day, and treasuring moments all the time and the painfulness of hindsight.
December
Following on from July's story, Too Many Words, Too Little Time, came the first part to my Christmas story (which will be carried on next December) about Freddy and Amanda. A Christmas Star, so far sets up Freddy's life a little since the night he and Amanda became close. They are two of my favourite characters and I adore them a lot; I just can't let them go.
I hope this post isn't coming across as a CLICKONALLOFTHELINKS kind of post- it's simply a round up of my works this year!
New CDs & Books,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
Friday, 26 December 2014
A Little Blog of Stories | Part One, 2014
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!
2014 for The Girl in the Moonlight was the year of the short stories. I made it one of my aims of 2014 to post a short story a month. *Grins.* I succeeded! I wanted to dedicate two blog posts to it (the first six months today and the last six months tomorrow!), because they have been my favourite posts to write! I hope it doesn't seem self-absorbed to talk about my own pieces. I am simply writing this for myself, and for anyone who may be interested.
January
In January of this year I posted my short story, The Freedom of Solace. I have quite the attachment to this story, which has meant carrying it on throughout the year. I adored writing this because I get into the head of a quiet, thoughtful and awesome guy- of which there are many in the un-fictional world. Freddy is one who is more than comfortable with his own company; yet there is something haunting him too. I like this story (and the ones that have followed) because he's a modest type; one of my favourite characters.
February
It Will Be Over Soon was my February short story, It is from the point of view of three different characters: Jasmine, Sophie and Jack. All suffering from a little heartache on Valentine's Day, they find a little warmth from each other; a little salvation. I enjoyed writing this story because it felt hopeful.
March
I think March brings my favourite story I wrote this year. The Chrysanthemum made me 100% lose myself in Oliver's story. I may be trying a little too hard to be pretentious with symbols and whatnot but I enjoyed formulating each sentence in this piece.
April
A Refusal of Rain was April's short story. I simply wanted to focus a story around a beach... So I did!
May
I wrote a short story about the frustrating pressures that can be attached to gay people when it is a circumstance where they are realising that they are gay, as well as the stereotypes that simply shouldn't exist. One Minute Past Nine is a short story I wrote to portray injustice.
June
June was where I wrote In That Moment, a story to make me feel a little tingly and see sweetness. It's one of my favourites because it's simple. I may have been pretentious with words, but I wanted to portray a particular, happy feeling. Delicate, but pretty.
This may seem like a post where I am simply wanting you to click links. However, I merely want to gather one place to sum up my attempt at creativeness of 2014. Tomorrow I will be posting the second part to this. I have enjoyed writing these stories a huge amount.
Pink & Yellow,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
2014 for The Girl in the Moonlight was the year of the short stories. I made it one of my aims of 2014 to post a short story a month. *Grins.* I succeeded! I wanted to dedicate two blog posts to it (the first six months today and the last six months tomorrow!), because they have been my favourite posts to write! I hope it doesn't seem self-absorbed to talk about my own pieces. I am simply writing this for myself, and for anyone who may be interested.
January
In January of this year I posted my short story, The Freedom of Solace. I have quite the attachment to this story, which has meant carrying it on throughout the year. I adored writing this because I get into the head of a quiet, thoughtful and awesome guy- of which there are many in the un-fictional world. Freddy is one who is more than comfortable with his own company; yet there is something haunting him too. I like this story (and the ones that have followed) because he's a modest type; one of my favourite characters.
February
It Will Be Over Soon was my February short story, It is from the point of view of three different characters: Jasmine, Sophie and Jack. All suffering from a little heartache on Valentine's Day, they find a little warmth from each other; a little salvation. I enjoyed writing this story because it felt hopeful.
March
I think March brings my favourite story I wrote this year. The Chrysanthemum made me 100% lose myself in Oliver's story. I may be trying a little too hard to be pretentious with symbols and whatnot but I enjoyed formulating each sentence in this piece.
April
A Refusal of Rain was April's short story. I simply wanted to focus a story around a beach... So I did!
May
I wrote a short story about the frustrating pressures that can be attached to gay people when it is a circumstance where they are realising that they are gay, as well as the stereotypes that simply shouldn't exist. One Minute Past Nine is a short story I wrote to portray injustice.
June
June was where I wrote In That Moment, a story to make me feel a little tingly and see sweetness. It's one of my favourites because it's simple. I may have been pretentious with words, but I wanted to portray a particular, happy feeling. Delicate, but pretty.
This may seem like a post where I am simply wanting you to click links. However, I merely want to gather one place to sum up my attempt at creativeness of 2014. Tomorrow I will be posting the second part to this. I have enjoyed writing these stories a huge amount.
Pink & Yellow,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
A Bit of Christmassy Chatter | 2014
IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE.
With my Christmas tree sparkling nearby, finished advent calendars on the wall, I can almost see Christmas Day. I am feeling rather festive-y indeed.
I'm going to start off this post by discussing Blogmas, and, well, my failure. I kept promising to get it back on track, and, well, I didn't. It's frustrating because I was so excited and determined and bursting with ideas. It simply didn't happen. I'm going to transfer my ideas to next year. Therefore I will be finishing THIS Christmas story next year and I will restart a new Santa's Reading Sack challenge next year, where I will read and review a certain number of Christmas novels. All the same, I have enjoyed posting quite frequently!
However, it is Christmastime, so I shall not be glum.
I have a lovely Christmas Eve ahead of me; a day I can't wait to enjoy. It makes me very thankful.
I've been home for about two weeks and it's been awesome. I've eaten a lot of Christmassy treats, bought presents, wrapped them excitedly and been excited for every day.
I hope everyone reading this (and everyone else!) has a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous new year.
Merry Christmas Eve!
Warmth & Sparkles,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
With my Christmas tree sparkling nearby, finished advent calendars on the wall, I can almost see Christmas Day. I am feeling rather festive-y indeed.
I'm going to start off this post by discussing Blogmas, and, well, my failure. I kept promising to get it back on track, and, well, I didn't. It's frustrating because I was so excited and determined and bursting with ideas. It simply didn't happen. I'm going to transfer my ideas to next year. Therefore I will be finishing THIS Christmas story next year and I will restart a new Santa's Reading Sack challenge next year, where I will read and review a certain number of Christmas novels. All the same, I have enjoyed posting quite frequently!
However, it is Christmastime, so I shall not be glum.
I have a lovely Christmas Eve ahead of me; a day I can't wait to enjoy. It makes me very thankful.
I've been home for about two weeks and it's been awesome. I've eaten a lot of Christmassy treats, bought presents, wrapped them excitedly and been excited for every day.
I hope everyone reading this (and everyone else!) has a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous new year.
Merry Christmas Eve!
Warmth & Sparkles,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
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