For Day 29 the prompt is to write a poem ”based on the Plath Poetry Project’s calendar. Simply pick a poem from the calendar, and then write a poem that responds or engages with your chosen Plath poem in some way?”
Strangely, I enjoyed Slyvia Plath’s novel The Bell Jar. However, it’s the weekend and her writing is really dark and depressing and although that matches the weather today (rain, rain and more rain), I don’t want to go there.
I’m breaking against the prompt and I am going to do my own thing. For inspiration, I am going with the first ‘Free Image’ I found on Canva. It is a picture of trains. I also want to have a go at writing a Haiku as I’ve never done one before.
For Day 28 the prompt is to write ”a prose poem in the form/style of a postcard. If you need some inspiration, why not check out some images of vintage postcards?”
For today’s prompt I was fortunate enough to have time to read the resource:
A poem that captures a moment in time with a strong sense of place. As postcards often are, it is a short letter addressed to someone specific.
*****
I thought about holidays I’ve been on and googled postcard images to get inspiration. I tried to think about who the postcard is to. I thought about writing a postcard based on a disaster holiday. Then the idea struck for a postcard to someone you long to be there but really can’t be. At first I thought of a prisoner’s wife and then I decided on a widow.
I’m not confident at writing prose but I’m pleased with what I’ve created.
Here are the shows I have loved this month. I’m surprised how many I have got through considering it was such a busy month.
Magicians (season 3)
Genre: Fantasy
You know a series is good when you are still investing your time to watch it by the third series. And, it didn’t disappoint.
Magic has gone but don’t worry the gang will quest together to obtain keys to bring magic back. There was more to do with the faeries in this series and lots of travelling to and fro Fillory.
The idea of no magic doesn’t sound great for the show but the writers did an amazing job and overcoming this obstacle made a compelling season.
How to Get Away With Murder (season 1)
Genre: Drama – crime
I wasn’t drawn to this show, it didn’t sound like my thing. Discovering Shonda Rhimes was involved in producing the series, I decided to give it a go as I loved Greys Anatomy. I am pleased I did.
Top law students are working at their tutors firm. There are a few flashbacks and flash forwards to tease viewers as to what is going on. Through a series of events, these young adults find themselves in a position where they are using their degree to cover up a murder.
All the characters are well developed and despite the shocking theme for the show the plot is believable. The twists and turns of the characters and the predicaments that they find themselves in means you will keep watching to make sure they get out of their mess.
Fear the Walking Dead (season 3)
Genre: Drama – horror
I’ve loved The Walking Dead for years and when fans needed more we were given Fear the Walking Dead. This series follows another group of survivors with new problems to overcome.
Season 3, sees the main family reunited and residing in a ‘safe’ community. In typical apocalyptic style, ‘safe’ is a temporary illusion. With survivors desperate for water to survive, everyone finds themselves making tough choices to stay alive.
You can trust the writers to deliver plenty of strong character development which is one of the reasons I love the show. Everyone has a background and the possibility to grow as a person. Plus, there is the nail biting action that makes it impossible to look away.
Altered Carbon (season 1)
https://youtu.be/dhFM8akm9a4
Genre: Sci Fi
This was my husband’s choice and I wasn’t sure I’d like it. The series brought new ideas alive in a futuristic world, where death is possible to evade if you can afford to keep buying ‘skins’. You can only be permanently killed if your backup is destroyed (memories, thoughts, etc). Otherwise, your back up can be stored until a skin is available and you are immortal.
The main character is resurrected into a ‘skin’ to help solve a case. There is a love interest (or more) which I enjoyed following alongside the main story.
It had a complex storyline with twists to keep you guessing until the end. The new world and its problems are well thought out. I’m so glad I watched this.
Game of Thrones (season 7)
Genre: Fantasy
This season was very short but you’ll see the remaining Starks finally being reunited. There was lots of dragon footage, which looked amazing. Alliances were built to take the iron throne but plans are put on hold when they realise their immediate threat is the army of white walkers. This battle needs the living need to unite to stand any chance of winning but with each kingdom at war and historically hating each other, alliances are not easy to form.
I really enjoyed this season and I wish it had been longer but I assume the brevity was due to the cost of bringing dragons to life.
Final thoughts…
I am surprised that no comedies made the list. We do watch Friends whilst eating dinner and last month we were enjoying Grace & Frankie. I’d love a new comedy, if you can recommend one, please comment and let me know.
I would love to know if you’ve watched any of the above (or planning to) and if you enjoyed them as much as me.
Also, now you can see what I enjoyed watching this month you may have some ideas on what else I should be watching – please do make recommendations.
For Day 27 the prompt is ”we challenge you to pick a card (any card) from this online guide to the tarot, and then to write a poem inspired either by the card or by the images or ideas that are associated with it.”
A few years ago a work colleague gifted me a pack of Tarot cards and gave me a blue cloth to keep them safe. For this challenge, I decided to dig them out.
I then searched online to find out how to do a reading. I found this Basic 3 Card spread, gave it a go and used it as my inspiration for my poem today.
For Day 26 the prompt is to write a poem “that includes images that engage all five senses. Try to be as concrete and exact as possible with the “feel” of what the poem invites the reader to see, smell, touch, taste and hear.”
At first, I was excited to write something exploring the senses but when I saw the examples I was blown away and intimidated. This challenge is more technical than I expected and I have just a few hours (or minutes in my bust schedule) to get something written…
Sadly, I am making this entry a day late. I decided to write about mental health as I think it is tricky concept for those that have not experienced it to understand. When I was struggling with issues myself, I really got into poetry and I felt it was a way I could express myself more easily. I decided to be brave last October (for Mental Health Awareness month) and shared a collection of these to Wattpad in a book titled “Inner Demons“.
I promise I am in a much stronger place now. I hope anyone that is struggling with their own demons can find hope in that, it is a battle but you can win.
Skin Organics Clean Beauty is a subscription box with a selection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic and natural products. These may be skincare, body care or beauty products. Their aim is to help you discover clean, green and cruelty-free products and brands. They dispatch on 20th of the month.
Cost: £19.00 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK
This is my second subscription to this box.
I have created a video to go with this post but it’s my first attempt and I think it needs a little edit before putting on YouTube. My plan is to figure out ‘how’ this weekend and update my post then. Sorry for the delay. Here is my written first impressions:
What was in my box?
Radiance
This months theme is Radiance. Inside the box was seven products!
The card has details about all the products and discount codes if you decide to buy.
There were two products by this brand. Their products are cruelty free, vegan, zero waste, and the purest ingredients from the earth. The ingredients are botanical and infused with energy from crystals. For customers they have a loyalty program and free shipping.
Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil (website & sheet lists price as £20.00)
I’ve always wanted to try a cleansing oil as I’ve heard that contrary to logic that it can be good for acne prone skin. However, I’ve never got around to putting the theory to the test.
Since receiving the oil I’ve switched to give it a try and so far I like it.
Facial Steam (This trial size is a gift from the founder of Mono. No price is given.)
I haven’t tried this yet but I do get clogged skin so I think a steam will be really good for my face. I’m looking forward to giving this a go soon.
Built on an understanding of aromatherapy, these botanical products use natural ingredients. The website hosted a number of interesting looking products that are very tempting.
I almost tried this after my bath but I must confess, I am not great at mixing my own masks. I tend to get inpatient with adding water and then make them too runny. I will try and do it this month and share my thoughts.
This brand provides ingredients to make your own organic beauty products (and sets to get your started). These oils come with a card with three uses and one is a serum recipe.
Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (website & sheet list price as £8.99)
I already have an Oil by this brand and found it to be of good quality. It smells just like an oil so I think they honestly don’t add anything to it – you really are getting what you pay for.
For a long time I’ve wanted to try this brand but never got around to buying it. They are all organic and worked with soil association to create a recognised standard for other brands to aspire to. They are ethical and support charities. Cruelty free.
Quinoa & Calendula Shower Gel (website RRP £9.99 (100ml), 4.00 on the sheet for sample size)
I haven’t yet used this as I wanted to get some nice pics before jumping in the shower with it. It is SLS free (as are all their products), paraben free and a whole list of free from synthetic ingredients. The natural ingredients are all added for a reason such as Quinoa to lock in moisture.
There were two generous sample size products in this box. The brand is….
Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter Sample (website & sheet RRP £3.45 for 15g sample size)
This body butter is sensitive enough to use on babies and suitable for pregnant women to treat stretch marks.
It has a very strong rich chocolate smell. The body butter is very moisturising and becomes oil like when it warms up. I really liked the texture but found the smell a little much for me. I’d be interested in trying it again with another scent.
The dried rose floating inside makes it feel special and pretty. This is suitable for combination and dry skin. It also can be used on your hair. I really like the smell. It’s early days but so far I’m very fond of this product and have been using it on my face to treat problem areas.
Would I recommend?
Once again this is another great box, introducing the sort of brands I want to know and use. Everything feels like good quality and was beautifully wrapped.
All the products meet the promise of clean, green and cruelty-free – so if that’s something you desire, this is a great box for you.
Reflect on previous box
I’m going to include a new part to my article where I look back at the previous months box to see how I got on with the contents. I hope you find it useful.
This is how I got on using the products from my March box:
Apothaka: Rejuvenating face oil – normal/combination skin (website RRP £19.50, Sheet lists price as £19.95)
I haven’t used this as much as I though I would. It’s been so hot, I’ve wanted something lighter than an oil.
NKnaturals London: Delicate – Healing Cleansing Balm (website RRP £25.00 for 60ml, Sheet lists price as £15.00 for 30ml)
This was being used every day and my skin loves it. I only stopped when it got so hot and I desired a lighter cleanser (a gel one). I am still using it to remove eye makeup as it is so gentle on my skin. I like the strong honey and lemon smell.
The Salt Parlour: Calm – Salt and Sulphur Scrub (Rose and Shea Butter) (£15.00 RRP for 200g on the website, £5.90 on the sheet for 60g tin)
I keep forgetting I have this but when I did use it I was really impressed. I don’t usually like scrubs but this is the best one I’ve ever used.
North-burN: Revive – Luxury Bathing Salts (Orange, Lavender and Palmarosa (£4.00 on the sheet)
I still have not used this product as I am saving it for after I have my baby (in August) as salt baths are a great way of healing after labour.
Beauty Kubes – Organic shampoo for normal to dry hair (£1.00 on the sheet)
They now have a video on their website showing you how to use these kubes. I think they are a really affordable and eco-friendly way of shampooing your hair and will think about repurchasing them in future.
For Day 25 the prompt is to write a poem “that takes the form of a warning label . . . for yourself! (Mine definitely includes the statement: “Do Not Feed More Than Four Cookies Per Hour.””
Oh, this prompt sounds like fun. My hubby knows that I can be mean if I’m tired, hungry or have a headache. I also love vinegar and I’m very passionate about real food and don’t like impersonators (margarine, quorn and chocolate bars that are really biscuits).
The images in this article of me were taken by photographer Natalie Anne Collins and retains the copyright. She works in partnership with Neil Anthony Mason. To learn more about their work, click here.
For Day 24 the prompt is “an elegy – a poem typically written in honor or memory of someone dead. But we’d like to challenge you to write an elegy that has a hopefulness to it. Need inspiration? You might look at W.H. Auden’s elegy for Yeats, which ends on a note suggesting that the great poet’s work will live on, inspiring others in years to come. Or perhaps this elegy by Mary Jo Bang, where the sadness is shot through with a sense of forgiveness on both sides.”
It felt strange to write a elegy for someone still here. With Earth Day recently taking place, my impact on the planet is at the forefront of my mind. The images of our seas plastic pollution is very disturbing and that is where I drew my inspiration for today’s poem.
If we carry on as we are then our beautiful oceans will be ruined. There is still time for us to change and turn the situation around. It’s not just for us but also the creatures we share our planet with. Water is vital to all our existence and it is beautiful.
For Christmas 2017, I got a Kindle and set myself the goal of reading 12 books this year – that doesn’t sound like much to some people but I have really struggled in recent years to make time for myself to read. I’m lucky if I get to read one book a year.
Still, I am ashamed at how long it took me to get through this book. Although, in my defense, I spent a lot of January exploring my new Kindle and was easily distracted by games. I also downloaded a few books to get me started and was reading them all simultaneously whilst I figured out which one to go with… I didn’t end up finishing Gender Game until 31 March 2018.
What is the book about?
The book is set in a world divided by the sexes. Matrus is ruled by women. Patrus is ruled by men.
Skip to ‘What I think’ if you don’t want any spoilers.
https://youtu.be/XsSZDrF9pg4
How it starts
The MC, VIOLET, is a strong feisty character. From the start she is keen to get her brother back but trying to save him got her sentenced to a working house for criminals. She ends up murdering another inmate – now she will be executed for her crime. But, the queen of Matrus makes Violet a deal. Violet is to go and live in Patrus as a wife to a man she’s never met and assist is stealing an egg.
The middle
As you can guess, Violet has no choice but to take the offer. LEE, her now Patrus husband, is a very private man and only tells Violet what she needs to know. He introduces her to VICTOR, a sexy rugged cage fighter, who they will frame for the crime of the stolen egg. Violet is encouraged to spend time with Victor and ends up falling for him.
How it ends
This puts Violet in a difficult situation when they steal the egg and she flies off with Lee and frames Victor. When they take the egg back to Matrus, Victor kills the queen and takes off with the egg. Violet fights him and he falls from the motorbike-plane (he built in his garage). The book ends with Violet flying off with the egg.
What did I think
The book was alright. I gave it a generous four stars on Good Reads.
I liked the concept. The contrasting counties was interesting. I enjoyed the heated tension between Violet and Victor – a steamy romance will always keep me hooked.
I didn’t like how it ended though. It felt unfinished and was definitely left open for the other titles in the series.
Violet was no better off than she started. She still had no idea where her brother was or how to get him back – he could be long dead. She had lost, Victor, the only man she loved. I didn’t find it believable how she killed her husband. She ended up with the golden egg but we never found out why it is so important. Plus, she will likely be blamed for the assignation of the Queen.
I’m not sure if I’ll read the rest of this series as Violet isn’t a character I connect with – she’s quick to violence and killing with little remorse. It wasn’t a bad read, I enjoyed most of it. There’s just other books I’d rather be reading. I would be interested in reading more by Bella as I do her enjoy her writing style (good pace, strong characters and excellent world building).
For Day 23 the prompt is “And now for today’s (optional) prompt! Kate Greenstreet’s poetry is spare, but gives a very palpable sense of being spoken aloud – it reads like spoken language sounds. In our interview with her, she underscores this, stating that “when you hear it, you write it down.” Today, we challenge you to honor this idea with a poem based in sound. The poem, for example, could incorporate overheard language. Perhaps it could incorporate a song lyric in some way, or language from something often heard spoken aloud (a prayer, a pledge, the Girl Scout motto). Or you could use a regional or local phrase from your hometown that you don’t hear elsewhere, e.g. “that boy won’t amount to a pinch.”
I’ve always loved Avicii’s music and I was sad to hear he had passed this weekend. I hoped the news was a hoax but it is wasn’t. Today’s poem is using the lyrics from one of his songs.
Do not go off track
