Darling by Rachel Edwards - a Review

Book Review

Darling - Rachel Edwards

2019

Darling is a narrative between the title character 'Darling' and Lola, her step-daughter.  It shows both their points of view as they develop their strained relationship.

I'm conflicted with this book. On the one hand I absolutely loved it. The ending was one of the bests twists I've read and was not expecting, despite some hints in the narrative. But, I did have to get through a few pages to start enjoying the book.

I found the theme of race and miscommunication very interesting. I didn't purposefully buy this book with these themes in mind, however, it was a great narrative (though fiction) to help further my understanding. Especially with the current BLM movement that is ongoing - I am continually wanting to educate myself.

Darling addressed possible frustrations in a new family environment. The coming together of two very different families, different backgrounds and beliefs. Struggles any step-daughter and mother may face.

This novel was twisty and turny - I didn't know who to trust or believe!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I would recommend this book for the ending alone. It was an interesting insight into a potentially 'real' family in the UK and 'real' issues that may be faced.

The book also addresses health - both mental and physical. How people cope with an illness and how others want to care for those around them.

CLICK HERE for a link to buy Darling by Rachel Edwards.

Let me know what you thought of the book if you've read it!

Speak soon

George

July Buck Moon - Reflections

Hi angels,

I hope you are well and feeling amazing energy from the Buck Full Moon last night. I took a moment of reflection on the past 6 months and let go of what does not serve me.

As usual, I journal in Nikki Strange's Luna Diary as it gives me lovely prompts throughout the month for each phase of the moon cycle.

My main focus' of the year have been:

Converting my anxious feelings into excitement and positive emotions.

Understanding that not everything is under my control. Events take time to evolve.

I am so patient despite every change that has occurred in 2020.

I have been listening to lots of Podcasts on Spotify - a few I dabble in and out of are:

You're Dead to Me

You're Wrong About

Adulting.

I have continually used my imagination to make mood boards and find inspiration for my new home.

I use bright stickers and colours to journal and draw, reflecting my creative mood.

The rainbow colours of Pride - the joy and continual learning of past and present events.

Crystals:

Amethyst - Inner peace

Rose Quartz - Self-love

Tiger's Eye -  Optimism and Good Luck

Reflections:

I am strong. I am confident. I can adapt to change - no matter what that may be.

Mantra:

I am positive. I am relaxed.

What have you reflected in this Full Buck Moon? I'd love to know and share with you.

Stay safe and take care.

Speak Soon,
George

July Bullet Journal

Hi friends!

I can’t believe it’s July already.. where has this year gone?! July is looking up for me with plenty of amazing things happening.

Here’s my July bullet journal spread - I changed it up a bit for the cover page. I used some black card and white pencils for a quick flower sketch. Not a 10/10 drawing but I’m pleased with the result I got with the red and white.

I then made a simple mood tracker spread and a scruffy looking habit tracker page. Scruffy but simple to use!

I also made a monthly calendar for July - again simple but I’m pretty chuffed with the results! I just used a black writing pen, yellow fine liner and yellow coloured pencil.

I love it! Nice and summery colours - yellow for inspiration and joy.

The planner I use for bullet journaling is the Leuchtturm 1917. I'd love to see what you have all done in your planners too!

I hope you are all safe and well!

Speak soon

George

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert - a Review

Book Review

City of Girls - Elizabeth Gilbert

2019

**A Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller**

City of Girls follows the life of twenty year old Vivian as she enters the world of 1940's New York.

I was 100% swept into her life - I loved everything that I read. I wanted to party with the showgirls and go behind the scenes in small, rundown playhouses.

 The book discussed aspects WWII and USA's involvement in the war. (I guess as a young girl in NYC it wouldn't have necessarily been on my mind either..) Though the war does play a big part in Vivians life as the book goes on.

City of Girls has an array of characters that you would only expect to find in a theatre/playhouse in 1940's NYC. Sexually free of judgement and drinking anything available. Dancing until sun up, living in a hazy dream.

We hear the story told through the words of an older (much older) Vivian, she's still every bit of a much loved character as she grows and reflects on her life. Though there are parts of the spoilt character in which I couldn't relate and didn't want to either!

The story takes us right through Vivians life. Every up and down. I couldn't leave the book alone!

The very last line of the book gave a lump in my throat as I turned the page - it was full of love.  I would recommend to each of you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Though her younger years were much more exciting to me to read, I really enjoyed City of Girls. I immersed myself into the setting and imaged what life may have been like for these girls. I couldn't wait to turn the page and see what happened next!

Though fun at times, there were realities and vulnerabilities that were shown in the book. Gilbert did not shy away from reality which, to me, made the book more believable and readable.

CLICK HERE for a link to buy City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert.

"City of Girls is about daring to break conventions and follow your desires."

Thanks for coming by and reading my review! I hope you are all well and staying safe.

Speak soon

Love George

June New Moon

Happy Monday Guys and Dolls!

Here's to a sunny week for us all

The weekend was full of high energy with a New Moon, Solar Eclipse and the Summer Solstice. How blessed are we to be able to celebrate such things!?

Not that I make a big song and dance - quite the opposite. I give time to myself to meditate and make intentions.

To journal my thoughts, I use Nikki Strange's Luna Diary which gives me lovely prompts throughout the month for each phase of the moon cycle.

This month:

I continue my focus on patience.

I keep grounding and relaxing through stressful thoughts.

I am creative in everything I do.

I have loved being outside and listening to the Summer noise in the meadows (despite my hay-fever trying to ruin me!!)

I'm listening to lots of informative podcasts to extend my learning. I'm also listening to playlists on Spotify that I haven't come across in a very long time.

I visualise pink light coming from my heart in meditation for self-love.

I continually visualise my future home - what we plan to do and how we can be creative in making the place our own.

Crystals:

Rainbow Quartz for balance.

Rose Quartz for love.

Fluorite for focus.

 

Intention:

I am creative and take inspiration from every part of my life. I will continue my creative path as an aid to my patience in this time.

Mantra:

Patience may take practice, but leads to great things. I am a patient person.

I hope you are all well and made some intentions in this New Moon also.

Stay safe and well!

Speak soon,
George

May Sketchbook

Hi gang

Not as many sketches this month but I'm so chuffed with what I've done! (If you follow me on Instagram you will have had a sneaky peak to these in the last few weeks).

I went to Pinterest and got my references from there and I'm really pleased. It just shows what I can do with a bit of concentration and a referral image.

I have concentrated on animals - I love the variety in colour.

Below we have a Bulldog, Dalmatian, Boxer and white cat. (The Bulldog is my fave!!)

I may extend to people soon, or landscapes, but for now I am happy with my progress and use of coloured pencils and water colour.

I hope you are all safe and well. I hope you are all educating yourselves on what is right.

Lots of love

Speak soon

George

June Strawberry Full Moon

Hi angels! I hope you're all keeping safe and well.

During the full moon last night I charged my crystals and reflected today on the last month.

I use Nikki Strange's Luna Diary as my planner, it gives me lovely prompts throughout the month for each phase of the moon cycle.

I continue to be patient and mindful of myself, turning any anxiety into excitement for the new house. (It's coming so soon I feel it in my bones!)

I have been listening to lots of calming meditative music before bed and during the day I listen to piano playlists on Spotify.

Lavender is perfect to help me relax on an evening. I pop a couple drops of Lavender essential oil onto my pillow on an evening to help me drift into a sleep.

The crystals I gravitated towards during yesterday's moon were the usual suspects for me: - Fluorite, Amethyst and Rose Quartz. These are forever by my side.

From my bed I look out in the late evening to the sky. The past couple of weeks have brought beautiful Summer colours to inspire me.

I enjoy sketching still, progressing on my animal images where I can.

In light of recent events, I'm continuing to educate myself on American history. This is something I studied at university and will continue to study.

Reflections:

I am forever patient.
I am full of love and hope for the future.
I am willing to learn and grow to be the best person I can be.

Mantra:

We love, grow and learn together.

What have you reflected in this Full Strawberry Moon? Wasn't it a beautiful sight last night..

Stay safe and take care.

Speak Soon,
George

June Bullet Journal

Hi guys! I hope you’re all super well and have been enjoying the sunshine this past week - it’s been beautiful! I’m not a Summer gal really, but I’ve managed to sit out and get some colour on my pale self.

I cannot believe it is June already?! Where is time going, this year is flying by.

I’ve still been enjoying my sketching and bullet journaling weekly as a bit of me time. I’m so chuffed with my progress I’ve been making in my sketchbook! (Sneak peaks on my Instagram but a full blog post coming next week!) 

For my June bujo spread I continued my sketching. I drew (to the best of my ability) a raccoon. Not the best outcome but I’m still pretty pleased with the results! I’m going to try drawing this raccoon again to practise the whispy hairs a little better.

I’ve gone for a green theme for June, I did my mood and habit tracker too using stickers from my Erin Condren and a bullet journal sticker book I got in Amsterdam. Simple spreads to serve their purpose.

What spreads have you done for the month of June? I’d love to know and have some inspiration!

Take care and stay safe!

Speak soon

George

Home Inspo: Kitchen

Happy Sunny Tuesday!

I hope you are all safe and well as the lockdown begins to lift.

I am still overly excited about my house move, and everything (though slowly) is ticking along nicely for us.

I think about the kitchen for around 50% of my day - what we need, what we might miss, where will everything go?? It's the room that I fell in love with when looking at the house - it has gorgeous red subway tiles which are so eye catching. (I never thought I'd be a fan, but here we are!) I can't wait for our first time cooking and hanging out in the space. 

We have a pretty good idea with what we want to do the the kitchen. Very little really. I know I will get black appliances for the room, including microwave, kettle etc. The kitchen will have black/white/red colours, so not to muddle the eyes with a rainbow. (II mean, that wouldn't be too bad as rainbows are so amazing!)

On Pinterest, I am looking at so many space saving techniques. I want to be super savvy with the storage we will have. I am an organised nut, so the thought of sorting the pots and pans makes me so excited!

My kitchen inspiration on Pinterest has a theme of rustic farmhouse with contemporary elements. Then I have plenty of Nifty Ideas in a separate folder for the kitchen which has lots of hacks and ideas - I can't wait to put some into action!

I'm continuously looking on websites for decor ideas too. Let me know your favourite small businesses to check out!

Also CLICK HERE to follow me on Pinterest.

Stay safe, speak soon.

George

DIY - Chair Part 1

Hi angels, I hope you are all well and you are enjoying the sunshine we keep having.

A couple of weeks ago when the sun first started shining, I decided to finally go for it with my chair and sand off all the paint that was thickly laid on top.

This chair was in my dads first home so goodness knows how old it is and when the paint was done.

This was a long old slog but (with a little the help from the fam) I managed to get all the white/yellow/green/blue layers of paint off the chair and bring it back to it's wooden life.

Now there is still a bit of a way to go, it does still need sanding to a smoother finish and I need to decide how I want the finish to be. But I wanted to share the process with you so far as I'm so pleased with my hard work and perseverance to get the thick paint off.

Here are some pictures I took which show the progress of the removal of paint. I was so tired after all this but it did take me a few days!

The chair began with thick white paint and a few naughty stickers that my brother and I put on when we were younger.

Little did I know how thick the paint was and how many different colours were underneath! Luckily we had the tools and means to get this all off (eventually!)

I am so chuffed with the result so far! A bit more TLC in the future and varnish or paint, this chair will look a whole new item. I will also get a new fluffy cushion so I am super comfy.

Stay safe and speak soon,

George

May Flower Moon - Reflections

Happy Friday! I hope you are all well and enjoying this beautiful sunshine. (I may or may not have gotten slightly red!)

I made time yesterday to reflect on the past month and give gratitude to what has been.

I use Nikki Strange's Luna Diary as my planner, it gives me lovely prompts throughout the month for each phase of the moon cycle.

This Full Moon I am thankful for my health, in this time, where others have struggled.



I am grateful for the roof over my head and that soon I will have my own home.

I have been proud of my creativity in the last month and the improvement I have made.

I remain positive for the future and the powerful changes I am going to have.

I've loved the smell of the Spring trees, plants and flowers.

I've listened to folk music on Spotify to bring joy and peace into my days.

The crystals I gravitated towards during yesterday's moon were: - Fluorite, Golden Tiger's Eye and Amethyst. Together these influence my balance, self-confidence and focus.

My imagination is a powerful tool.
I use it to bring my manifestations to light. The blue sky and sunshine we keep having bring me joy and inspire me to be creative and bright.

Reflections:

I am grateful for my creativity, it brings me great peace and happiness. I let go of impatient feelings. I know all good things are to come.

Mantra:

I am good. I am positive.

What have you reflected in this Full Flower Moon? I'd love to know if you leave a comment.

Stay safe angels.

Speak Soon,
George

May Bullet Journal

Hi fairies,

I hope you are all well! Another weekend has gone by and we are all doing so great at quarantining.

I hope there is some sort of lift soon, and as long as it is safe to do so I will be so chuffed to be able to see my other half again.

At first when I did my May bujo set up, it was (I have to say) pretty bad, going back to the days where I just could not be bothered with the result. You can still see some of the tel poking through as I tried to cover it up.

I then went for a Spring red field flower still. Very sketchy but very bright to make me smile. I then did my habit tracker for thing that are achievable to me - Yoga, Meditation and Fresh Air. During lockdown and time inward I think these are great habits to keep up and not be too hard on myself.

I have also done a packed spread for my mood tracker. I thought by using these Erin Condren stickers I could write exactly how I felt that day in a word or two, rather than a face.

I'm pleased with the simplicity of this months spread, hopefully next month I will have more positive vibes and add them to my journal.

Keep safe everyone, take care.

Speak soon,

George

Beltane!

Happy May Day and happy Beltane to all of you out there!

Firstly, here's to a new month, a fresh start for us all and fingers crossed a few changes to help us get back to normality.

Today is the Wiccan festival Beltane.

Beltane is such a great festival to celebrate the pleasures in life. A coming together of both masculine and feminine energy, with an abundance of natural maturity and fertility. I'm still new to the Wiccan festivals but I enjoy them a great deal. This last week I have been reading a lot about Beltane and felt the strong energy with that beautiful sunshine in-between those rainy clouds.

Beltane is considered the great wedding of the Goddess and God, it is a fertility festival in the peak of Spring. (I feel the peak of Spring with this hay fever starting...)

This night of Beltane is considered one of three spirit nights in which, at dusk, fairies can be seen. Which I am super excited for as I am a sparkle fairy myself.

Beltane is a fire festival, translating in Celtic to "Bright Fire".

Many people light bonfires where they can, as a symbol of this Spring energy. Many believe it is good luck to jump over the bonfire for future marriage and fertility. The fire is a purifying symbol for what is to come.

If you fancy having a mini Beltane festival yourself but cannot light a bonfire in your area; I've read that you can print images of fires, and add red/orange crystals, ribbons and candles to your alter.

Let me know what you're doing for Beltane, I'd love to know!

I'm going to take it easy, by appreciating Spring and the magic of this beautiful season.

I hope you are all taking it easy and staying safe!

Take care and speak soon,

George