Lately: In The Stars

Happy Monday all! How’s things? Grand? Fair to middling? OK? Yeah, I could do with a break too. Christmas, I’m waiting for you with open arms (and on bended knees).

I haven’t had a chance to share any of the good things that have been happening lately on the blog, nor on my favourite social media sites, Twitter and Instagram. Every time I think about posting an image or blog post, I opted for puppy snuggles on the sofa instead. I’m sure you understand.

I came down with the dreaded lurgy last week too which made everything ten times a bore. Thankfully, my miraculous honey and lemon drink saved the day and I’m feeling more like myself again.

Blue | It’s fair to say over the last few months my body and mind have been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Anxiety, you are not my friend. It rears its ugly head once in while, and although I feel fortunate it is so infrequent compared to what it was in my twenties, sometimes it takes hold and I can’t control it. I’ll chat more about this in another blog post soon so I can focus on shiny happy things only today instead. Speaking of which…

Moments | I don’t have much luck in front of the camera. My SD card is home to portraits of me with eyes closed, squiffy hair and other non-photogenic randomness, but this photo makes me smile. In this moment I was happy because Polly was by my side (sniffing and eating things she shouldn’t) and the OH too, happily taking photos on a crisp autumnal day. Plus I have a new jumper (Zara) and they make everything better.

Work | Is exciting, brilliant and inspiring and I’m wouldn’t swap it (both the cinema and writing) for anything else. When I find myself working at silly o’clock, I remind myself I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t care so much for it. This makes me happy.

The simple things | It’s no revelation how honey and lemon is great for getting rid of colds but I couldn’t believe how fast it works. I’m preaching to all and sundry about this delicious local honey and how great it makes me feel.

Roller Derby | I couldn’t resist buying a tub of Quality Street to reward myself after roller derby training last week (yes, I know that defeats the purpose of exercise but I don’t give a hoot). I felt awful that day and wasn’t sure how I’d get through the 2 hour session but I did it. And even when one of the girls broke her ankle during training (the ambulance came AND EVERYTHING) I still soldiered on (with fear in my heart and in my wheels!). Needless to say my derby stance (bend those knees) thereafter was spot on and we have only 5 more sessions left before we start our minimum skills tests in December. Wish me luck! I will not break any bones, I will not break any bones…

P.S I need help choosing a roller derby name! Suggestions welcome…

Gifts| Chatty Feet kindly sent me their Artist Sock Set and I’m thoroughly smitten. I mean seriously, how can you not smile while wearing these? The set features Frida Kahlo, Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, and Andy Warhol, perfect for the art-lover in your life!

Reading | I’m not actually reading Of Mice & Men right now but it is waiting for me on my bedside table before I see the live theatre broadcast next month starring James Franco and Chris O’Dowd. Last week my sister and I went to see the NT Live production of Hamlet starring Benedict Cumberbatch (brilliant, intense and emotional as expected) and I’m determined to watch more live theatre this season, but in the comfort of my local cinema to save on a few pennies.

Polly | She’s only gone and turned 4 months old. How did that happen? Look at her face, her ears, her paws, HER WHISKERS!!! I can’t remember a time before this little one came along and although it’s been a major adjustment on my part, I think about her all the time. As I write this the OH has sent me an email for suitable pet costumes for Halloween and Christmas…muhahaha! Sorry, Polly Jean!

Other positive goodness: Counting the days till I can buy Divers by Joanna Newsom | Early afternoon hot chocolates with marshmallows | Seeing the Autumn Watch trailer (Nerd alert) | Buying Patti Smith’s M Train | Being featured on the Hilary’s Bedroom Insights infographic (take a look if you’re searching for great tips to create the perfect bedroom environment this season) | Watching my cousin getting married at Manchester Museum (under Stan the T.rex!) | Learning Roller Derby rules (hurrah for apps!) | Lighting candles|

What have you been up to lately?

♥