About a year ago my mum and I tried to make some themed cupcakes. By using an icing pipe tool, we wanted to "draw" animal faces onto another layer of icing. We... um... We failed. I think both of us knew (or at least strongly suspected) that we would fail as soon as we became invested in the idea of making these supposed-to-be-adorable cupcakes (in our heads they really would look like what we saw on the photograph in the cookbook.)
And when we realised after many attempts that that day wasn't the day for an exploration into our genuine artistic selves... We laughed. A lot.
Like a lot of people, my mum and I suck at a few things. When it comes to the intricacies of decorating cakes in a particularly precise way, we can hold our hands up and say, "That's when we suck!" However, we knew before we started making the cakes that we would enjoy the process of working out once again that we do suck. We made a funny and happy memory we still laugh about today. And we wanted to try. We wanted to give it ago, because, you know... What if they actually did turn out to be awesome?! Why we would let a chance to prove we can do it go by?
I like knowing that I have it in me to try, even if I maybe kind of suck at something or suppose beforehand that something isn't my thing. Naturally I can't look at every challenge like this, but one day I'll be able to look at way more scary challenges than I can today, and today I can face challenges that a few years ago were more than just alien to me.
We're brought up to try our best, aren't we? I do like this. I like it a lot. Although I definitely suck now, when I was younger, I liked to draw. I had somewhat of a quirky talent in it, but I was no soon-to-be art student. Looking back at it I could draw in a bit of an adorable, different way. I knew I wasn't awesome, but I loved it and I would try hard every time I got my paper and pencils out. The important thing is, is to remember we don't have to be good at something. We just have to have it in us to try- predominantly to have fun or experience something different.
What I know for sure is that one day, my mum and I will make a batch of cupcakes (and the cupcakes are always scrummy!) and ice them as if we are Van Gogh.
Those who try get to see the glory of succeeding. Those who don't will always wonder if success was the final product.
This post marks the end of a month of a blogger trying a little harder. I have been taking part in Blogtober this month (which you can read about HERE and read my latest post HERE) and it has been awesome. I have really adored a month of posting every day (Yeah yeah, there has been one exception but I made up for it!) and challenging myself to being creative every day. I am proud of this and I am particularly proud of having so many posts in a busy blogging month that I am happy with!
Cupcakes & Drawing,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Friday, 30 October 2015
Lost for Words
It is the second to last day of Blogtober (which you can read about HERE) and I'm lost for words. Brilliant. I have nothing to say. As I began thinking about how little I have to say, I thought I would simply write a post about times I have been lost for words. Let's see how this goes!
When I was at school I overheard someone say that he thought I was ugly. Not only was I lost for words because I was naturally taken aback and upset, but I felt angry. I remember telling him he shouldn't say that about any girl. I said I wasn't upset that he said it about me (but I was!) and I told him to not do it again. So, although, in the long run I was not lost for words, I remember how gutted I felt when I overheard it. I felt like I didn't know what to do next. Not very pleasant.
I will always remember that the good things have outweighed the bad things in my life and I'm lucky for that. For any one person calling me ugly, makes me remember the plethora of times when people have made me feel good. One time I remember feeling utterly lost for words was when my good friend turned around to the guy (who was new to school and didn't know me) who called me ugly and said I'm a really nice person and with these words he in effect disagreed- that's a good friend right there. That was a good feeling.
Not too long ago, I was in a position where I had to walk through and past a lot of drunk men. It was early evening and I did feel safe as there were lots of police around, but there were a lot of drunk men. I was meeting a friend and I experienced incredible discomfort as men would just yell as I walked past. I didn't even know what they were saying but it felt directed at me. A man even winked at me. Not cool. I was genuinely astounded and very disgusted. Here is a time where I was completely overwhelmed as I walked through my life at the kind of sexist drunken mess unfolding around me. It definitely must be said that awful behaviour from men or women whilst drunk (or any state of course) is not acceptable so we must always remember this! (As much as I was in a safe position and I believe the dangers shouldn't exist in the first place - you can't blame a passer-by for another person's ways -, precautions still should be taken!)
Stripes & Bracelets,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
P.S. HERE is yesterday's post.
When I was at school I overheard someone say that he thought I was ugly. Not only was I lost for words because I was naturally taken aback and upset, but I felt angry. I remember telling him he shouldn't say that about any girl. I said I wasn't upset that he said it about me (but I was!) and I told him to not do it again. So, although, in the long run I was not lost for words, I remember how gutted I felt when I overheard it. I felt like I didn't know what to do next. Not very pleasant.
I will always remember that the good things have outweighed the bad things in my life and I'm lucky for that. For any one person calling me ugly, makes me remember the plethora of times when people have made me feel good. One time I remember feeling utterly lost for words was when my good friend turned around to the guy (who was new to school and didn't know me) who called me ugly and said I'm a really nice person and with these words he in effect disagreed- that's a good friend right there. That was a good feeling.
Not too long ago, I was in a position where I had to walk through and past a lot of drunk men. It was early evening and I did feel safe as there were lots of police around, but there were a lot of drunk men. I was meeting a friend and I experienced incredible discomfort as men would just yell as I walked past. I didn't even know what they were saying but it felt directed at me. A man even winked at me. Not cool. I was genuinely astounded and very disgusted. Here is a time where I was completely overwhelmed as I walked through my life at the kind of sexist drunken mess unfolding around me. It definitely must be said that awful behaviour from men or women whilst drunk (or any state of course) is not acceptable so we must always remember this! (As much as I was in a safe position and I believe the dangers shouldn't exist in the first place - you can't blame a passer-by for another person's ways -, precautions still should be taken!)
Stripes & Bracelets,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
P.S. HERE is yesterday's post.
Thursday, 29 October 2015
"Oops" | Booktober
It's Thursday and so it's today-should-be-a-Booktober-book-review-but-I-haven't-read-the-book-so-it's-confession-time day!
I have been taking part in Booktober this month (I've been trying to read one book a week, as inspired by Carrie Hope Fletcher), except I just haven't got round to reading the final book I proposed I would read: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides. I am particularly devastated about this because I've been wanting to read this for ages so I was glad I had a plan to read it, but naturally I can just read it soon!
Now onto why I sucked with Booktober.
I thought October would be a brilliant time to take part in a reading challenge. I thought it'd be a relatively quiet month and I normally read about four books a month at university anyway, so why not!? *Whispers sadly, you were wrong though, weren't you?* This year I completed a book challenge well enough and I enjoyed it a lot but it did put pressure on me a little more than I was expecting, and last December I failed with a reading challenge. So, I shall conclude this. I will now only put myself forward for a reading challenge when I know it won't be a stressful experience, because I did wonder whether it'd be a silly idea a day or two before I posted about it. Hopefully next summer will be my chance for this!
I have read some really awesome books for the 3/4 of Booktober that I did participate in, though. I read a very cute read first of all: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. I then read an awesome first part of a series, Cinder by Marissa Meyer. This was followed by Just One Day by Gayle Forman which was full of romance and depth. I read three very different reads and I loved that this challenge brought me this variety.
I am disappointed in myself, but what with getting settled in at university, the workload of university, Blogtober whilst trying to push myself with my running, it all got very hectic. November will be an awesome reading month though!
Apricots & Yoghurt,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
P.S. I have been blogging every day in October (with one exception *sad face*) which you can read about HERE. HERE is yesterday's post!
I have been taking part in Booktober this month (I've been trying to read one book a week, as inspired by Carrie Hope Fletcher), except I just haven't got round to reading the final book I proposed I would read: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides. I am particularly devastated about this because I've been wanting to read this for ages so I was glad I had a plan to read it, but naturally I can just read it soon!
Now onto why I sucked with Booktober.
I thought October would be a brilliant time to take part in a reading challenge. I thought it'd be a relatively quiet month and I normally read about four books a month at university anyway, so why not!? *Whispers sadly, you were wrong though, weren't you?* This year I completed a book challenge well enough and I enjoyed it a lot but it did put pressure on me a little more than I was expecting, and last December I failed with a reading challenge. So, I shall conclude this. I will now only put myself forward for a reading challenge when I know it won't be a stressful experience, because I did wonder whether it'd be a silly idea a day or two before I posted about it. Hopefully next summer will be my chance for this!
I have read some really awesome books for the 3/4 of Booktober that I did participate in, though. I read a very cute read first of all: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. I then read an awesome first part of a series, Cinder by Marissa Meyer. This was followed by Just One Day by Gayle Forman which was full of romance and depth. I read three very different reads and I loved that this challenge brought me this variety.
I am disappointed in myself, but what with getting settled in at university, the workload of university, Blogtober whilst trying to push myself with my running, it all got very hectic. November will be an awesome reading month though!
Apricots & Yoghurt,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
P.S. I have been blogging every day in October (with one exception *sad face*) which you can read about HERE. HERE is yesterday's post!
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
A Letter to October
Dear October,
We are well and truly in autumn now. I was telling a friend how I liked how the yellow leaves look like soggy cornflakes and he told me he liked that idea. And I like that idea as it's one you bring. October is drawing to a close and I'm happy to know these yellowy leaves will be around for a little longer, but I just wanted to say farewell to you; October has been good.
October, I wasn't expecting this month - your month - to be as good as it was. I expected to be drowned in homesickness and although I have felt it (this post actually does come from a particularly homesick blogger), I have coped with it much better, and you have been a reason for this. Runs in the autumnal-ised parks at university have been glorious and walks to town with only a slight chill and a bright sky have made smiling easy.
I've settled back into university, and I've been working hard. I've been enjoying my studies. I've been adoring progressing with my running, exercising in other ways too and also learning how to cook more. I've challenged myself but I've also let myself relax into the easy, calm ways of autumn. I've recognised just how hard I need to work this year and I've started this university year with this ethic and I shall continue it, because I need to do well!
October, you've brought only good memories, but you've also brought some really good lessons. I've listened to what people have had to say, and I'm taking it all on board. I thank you for this. I think this is the time of year when we claim everything starts to go much more quickly than the rest of the year. I am going to tackle these quick few months with happiness, hope, hard-work and a lot of love!
Yellow Leaves & Puddles,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
P.S. I have been blogging every day for you, October, which you can read about HERE! HERE is my last post!
We are well and truly in autumn now. I was telling a friend how I liked how the yellow leaves look like soggy cornflakes and he told me he liked that idea. And I like that idea as it's one you bring. October is drawing to a close and I'm happy to know these yellowy leaves will be around for a little longer, but I just wanted to say farewell to you; October has been good.
October, I wasn't expecting this month - your month - to be as good as it was. I expected to be drowned in homesickness and although I have felt it (this post actually does come from a particularly homesick blogger), I have coped with it much better, and you have been a reason for this. Runs in the autumnal-ised parks at university have been glorious and walks to town with only a slight chill and a bright sky have made smiling easy.
I've settled back into university, and I've been working hard. I've been enjoying my studies. I've been adoring progressing with my running, exercising in other ways too and also learning how to cook more. I've challenged myself but I've also let myself relax into the easy, calm ways of autumn. I've recognised just how hard I need to work this year and I've started this university year with this ethic and I shall continue it, because I need to do well!
October, you've brought only good memories, but you've also brought some really good lessons. I've listened to what people have had to say, and I'm taking it all on board. I thank you for this. I think this is the time of year when we claim everything starts to go much more quickly than the rest of the year. I am going to tackle these quick few months with happiness, hope, hard-work and a lot of love!
Yellow Leaves & Puddles,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
P.S. I have been blogging every day for you, October, which you can read about HERE! HERE is my last post!
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
His Heart
His heart aches at the crystals dancing sadly down her cheeks. His heart breaks at the shake of her head when he says that it's okay; she doesn't need to worry anymore. His heart shouts quietly that she isn't the person she thinks she is; she is everything good and honest and lovely. His heart knows she is everything he could ever want because she is everything that makes his dreams good.
One month earlier
His heart is the most beautiful, precious and gentle heart she has ever come across. She knows she wants to have it paired with her own for ever. She never knew she would feel like that, and she never knew she wanted to.
Now
His heart isn't broken but hers is. She can't see past the mirror she chooses to see and as much as she wants to believe the words he says, and as much as she may believe them sometimes, it doesn't stop the rain that pours in the dark. As much as her heart sings with joy at the memory of his smile, her heart aches at the thought of a long ago yesterday.
The future he sees
He sees countries and photographs; he sees Saturdays with films and Mondays with a happy smile because she is his. He sees everything good and he sees it through her eyes. The future burns in his heart; he knows he won't let the future not be real. It won't be a dream. The future he sees is filled with not just his favourite colours, but hers too.
His heart. And her heart.
~
A less about giving ourselves a break. We're not always as awful as we make ourselves believe.
His & Her Heart,
The Girl in the Moonlight
P.S. HERE is my last post for Blogtober (which you can read about HERE).
One month earlier
His heart is the most beautiful, precious and gentle heart she has ever come across. She knows she wants to have it paired with her own for ever. She never knew she would feel like that, and she never knew she wanted to.
Now
His heart isn't broken but hers is. She can't see past the mirror she chooses to see and as much as she wants to believe the words he says, and as much as she may believe them sometimes, it doesn't stop the rain that pours in the dark. As much as her heart sings with joy at the memory of his smile, her heart aches at the thought of a long ago yesterday.
The future he sees
He sees countries and photographs; he sees Saturdays with films and Mondays with a happy smile because she is his. He sees everything good and he sees it through her eyes. The future burns in his heart; he knows he won't let the future not be real. It won't be a dream. The future he sees is filled with not just his favourite colours, but hers too.
His heart. And her heart.
~
A less about giving ourselves a break. We're not always as awful as we make ourselves believe.
His & Her Heart,
The Girl in the Moonlight
P.S. HERE is my last post for Blogtober (which you can read about HERE).
Take a Breath
*Drum roll please.*
I missed a day of Blogtober. *Massive sad face." Why? Because I actually just forgot. Yesterday was a hectic day and I remembered as soon as I woke up this morning. Needless to say I was pretty devastated. Having blogged every day this month (you can read more about it HERE), it is gutting to have missed a day SO CLOSE to the end of Blogtober. But it's okay... I suppose. I will, of course, now post twice today. As disappointed as I am with yesterday's no show, it leads nicely into the idea of today's post.
*Take a breath.*
Sometimes things can become so heavy for my shoulders and so filled with panic that I need desperately to take a moment to take a breath and I have been keeping this in mind recently. I recommend it. Workload has just got a bit intense with university and in previous years I may be prone to be a human in a panicked, fearful state. Recently, though, I've been holding my stress back. When it's got too much, I've let my mind breathe a little, maybe made a plan to make me feel more at ease, and carried on.
My best friend says he really wants to - and he does aim to - improve on remembering to take a breath when he is panicking or frustrated. He told me he can get all worked up and not see the opportunity to help himself by taking a moment.
I think taking a breath to calm ourselves is a really good idea. When I remembered I had forgotten to blog, I felt panic rise it my heart and as disappointed as I am, I took a breath and reminded myself that it can be fixed to a certain extent. Most things can be. Even if they can't, there is always something that can be done.
Remember to take a breath, because I know I definitely deserve to every now and then!
A Breath & A New Perspective,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
P.S. HERE is my last post!
I missed a day of Blogtober. *Massive sad face." Why? Because I actually just forgot. Yesterday was a hectic day and I remembered as soon as I woke up this morning. Needless to say I was pretty devastated. Having blogged every day this month (you can read more about it HERE), it is gutting to have missed a day SO CLOSE to the end of Blogtober. But it's okay... I suppose. I will, of course, now post twice today. As disappointed as I am with yesterday's no show, it leads nicely into the idea of today's post.
*Take a breath.*
Sometimes things can become so heavy for my shoulders and so filled with panic that I need desperately to take a moment to take a breath and I have been keeping this in mind recently. I recommend it. Workload has just got a bit intense with university and in previous years I may be prone to be a human in a panicked, fearful state. Recently, though, I've been holding my stress back. When it's got too much, I've let my mind breathe a little, maybe made a plan to make me feel more at ease, and carried on.
My best friend says he really wants to - and he does aim to - improve on remembering to take a breath when he is panicking or frustrated. He told me he can get all worked up and not see the opportunity to help himself by taking a moment.
I think taking a breath to calm ourselves is a really good idea. When I remembered I had forgotten to blog, I felt panic rise it my heart and as disappointed as I am, I took a breath and reminded myself that it can be fixed to a certain extent. Most things can be. Even if they can't, there is always something that can be done.
Remember to take a breath, because I know I definitely deserve to every now and then!
A Breath & A New Perspective,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
P.S. HERE is my last post!
Sunday, 25 October 2015
A Little Slice of Un-Anonymous #7
It's the last Sunday of the month which means my blog is to learn a little more about me- the aim of my "A Little Slice of Un-Anonymous" series; to make sure I portray more about myself on the blog even if I remain anonymous. In today's post I want to talk about how my love for reading came about- or the things I can link together to understand why it is I adore reading quite so much.
I have always had a close-knit family when it comes to my mum, my dad and my brother. Part of this closeness dates back to when my mum would read part of a book to my brother and I when we were younger. I don't remember exactly when this stopped but I know I adored these times. Sat with my brother and my mum, listening to a story and being completely excited about this. Not only did I simply adore listening to a story and reading along, if we are getting pedantic about it, I loved the togetherness reading brought to my family. As well as this, I remember trips to town always including a trip to a book shop. If I'd been good then I'd get to choose one of those little books that would be on a spinning rack shelf. When my mum was younger she loved all of the Enid Blyton novels and she passed this love onto me, starting with The Naughtiest Girl in the School and buying me other series of hers for Christmas. I even remember her telling me how much she adored one of the series and how that inspired me to read it. That's a cool mum right there!
By myself, I know for sure, I took the time to invest my heart in stories. I always loved the Harry Potter series among many others and chose to make reading a hobby. This is likely to be because of reading at school... I enjoyed it! Reading was something I was good at and found myself excited by. I loved discussing whatever story in class from a very young age. This love grew as I got older.
Finally, I know for sure that I adored escaping into another world of characters and friendships and hobbies. I know I saw good characters and wanted to be like them, and I saw their good qualities and aspired to possess them too. Reading inspires me to be a better person. Always.
Trips & Books,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
P.S. I am taking part in Blogtober which you can read about HERE! HERE is yesterday's post!
♡ #1 ♡ #2 ♡ #3 ♡ #4 ♡ #5 #6
I have always had a close-knit family when it comes to my mum, my dad and my brother. Part of this closeness dates back to when my mum would read part of a book to my brother and I when we were younger. I don't remember exactly when this stopped but I know I adored these times. Sat with my brother and my mum, listening to a story and being completely excited about this. Not only did I simply adore listening to a story and reading along, if we are getting pedantic about it, I loved the togetherness reading brought to my family. As well as this, I remember trips to town always including a trip to a book shop. If I'd been good then I'd get to choose one of those little books that would be on a spinning rack shelf. When my mum was younger she loved all of the Enid Blyton novels and she passed this love onto me, starting with The Naughtiest Girl in the School and buying me other series of hers for Christmas. I even remember her telling me how much she adored one of the series and how that inspired me to read it. That's a cool mum right there!
By myself, I know for sure, I took the time to invest my heart in stories. I always loved the Harry Potter series among many others and chose to make reading a hobby. This is likely to be because of reading at school... I enjoyed it! Reading was something I was good at and found myself excited by. I loved discussing whatever story in class from a very young age. This love grew as I got older.
Finally, I know for sure that I adored escaping into another world of characters and friendships and hobbies. I know I saw good characters and wanted to be like them, and I saw their good qualities and aspired to possess them too. Reading inspires me to be a better person. Always.
Trips & Books,
The Girl in the Moonlight.
P.S. I am taking part in Blogtober which you can read about HERE! HERE is yesterday's post!
♡ #1 ♡ #2 ♡ #3 ♡ #4 ♡ #5 #6
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