Friday 27 February 2015

Best Blogging Buddies Award ~ Pen and Key

Guess who's been nominated for another blog award! It may not be an Oscar, but I'm not Benedict Cumberbatch, so...
This is the Best Blogging Buddies Award, for which I was nominated by M of the Life of Little Me. Thank you M!!!

Award Requirements
Make a post to show the award on my main blog
Tag the person who nominated me in the post (and also take the cute owl with me)
Nominate all my best buddies, and the people who I want to be buddies with, who, to my knowledge, have not been nominated yet
Ask at least 15 questions in my post
Answer the questions my buddy asked me in this post

So now I'm going to answer M's questions, which I can see taking a while!

Why do you blog?
Writing has and always will be my escape, I suppose. I've tried journals and diaries numerous times over the years, but I've never been able to stick to them. But this blog, my little corner of the internet, it's somewhere I can go, somewhere I can rant, go on about my life, or just write the most random of things. I blog because it's my escape, because it' my little corner, and because it's more me than anything else.

What are on your bedroom walls?
So, on my left wall, I have the mounted cap, ISAF badge and pog my sister brought back from a tour she was on; a notepad; a windchime I made a few summers ago from driftwood, seashells and bottle caps; a couple of pictures that my sisters used to have in their room; a set of bunting my mum stuck up for my birthday in September; a Harry Potter quote art I wrote last year; Twilight: Breaking Dawn posters Maya gave me ages ago (out of shot)
Then, to the left of my bed I have my Sherlock calendar (yes, you do shave for Sherlock Holmes, stop lying, John), a picture I made in year 6 with drawings of all the things I like on it, a certificate from my year 6 choir, and a bit of bunting from my year 6 prom, which has loads of things written about me from all my primary school friends. there should also be my leaver's certificate from primary.
I didn't take a picture of my other wall, as that has a picture of the girls from my primary (I'm barely visible) and I don't want to put that up if they don't know about it, even if there is a very cute picture of five-year-old me.

Type out some lyrics you love
I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies
 A white blank page, and a swelling rage
If I cannot fly, let me sing
Writers keep writing they what ... write, somewhere another pretty vein just ... died
When just one mistake is all you can take, we'll go down in history, remember me for centuries
Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound
Cause good girls are bad girls that never got caught
And my head told my heart 'Let love grow', but my heart told my head 'This time no'
Keep the earth below my feet, for all my sweat, my blood runs weak
You find yourself on top as the leader of the flock, called to be a rock, for those below

There's a lot more than I can think of right now, but there's ten sets of lyrics I love

Describe one of your friends in lots of detail, without naming them
This friend, he's so sweet. He's always enthusiastic whenever he sees me, offering high fives and hugs, and even allows me to rest on his shoulder if I'm feeling tired (always a sign for a good friend in my book if they let you rest on their shoulder). He's always so hyper whenever he starts spouting in accents or another joke, which he always seems to have up his sleeve. His sweet innocence is so refreshing compared to how un-enthused I am in a lot of situations, especially his determination to keep singing high notes until the moment his voice breaks. He's great, and I'm glad he's the one I made friends with in choir.

One photo. Any photo, as long as it's of you or taken by you.
This picture was taken by me on Saturday at our local park while I was out with my mum and her friends taking a test run for a duck race they're doing for Comic Relief. I love photographing nature (sunsets are a particular favourite) and the scenery of the park could not be passed up on such a bright day (it later went on to snow for 20 minutes).

What's the last book you read, and what are your thoughts?
The last book I read was Glimpse (Zellie Wells #1) by Stacey Wallace Benefiel. I liked this book, though I do think it got to the action quite quickly when you expected it to last, then you get a load of filler chapters that, if the first arc lasted longer, would have suited better as a second book, in my opinion. It's still free on kindle if you want to take a look yourself :)
Oh, and the book I'm currently reading (as well as a lot of Sherlock x readers) is Fractured by Danie Atkins.

Share a good post from any blog, including yours
I'm going to blow my own trumpet with my two advice posts (I know it meant singular, but the posts go hand in hand). Take a Break  is a post with advice for when school is stressing you out, what to do to help relieve your stress, and a little information about what was causing me stress. At the End of the Day is set a week afterwards, after all was said and done, and is my reminder to you that nothing lasts forever, and to not pay attention to the unsettling things, in favour of the little things that will keep you happy.

Share a story of something that happened recently
OK, so on Tuesday night, I was performing in our local castle. Our town holds a festival every February to try and entice the youths over half term, and we were one of the night entertainments for it. I was both singing and taking part in some performance poetry, which we'd been working on for a couple of sessions before half term. 
As part of the poetry, we had to wear all black, so I arrived in my school trousers and shoes, as well as a black v-neck, which also fits in with my school sixth form dress code of black and white, so I was just stood with my choir looking like a sixth former. So, of course, I got a few comments off Maya and Sarah for the fact that I was wearing a v-neck, due to the fact that I couldn't angle my body forward at all without flashing at last a little bit of cleavage. So, the show started, we sang, the songs went well, we did our poetry, we sang again (apparently my harmonies were well-received), then we were doing a closing poem. 
During one of the other performances, the woman in charge of the performance poetry came sidling down giving everyone a line each of this final poem. I was sat at the end so I had easier access to get out to sing. So, when we get up, I'm last to walk out of the pew. I tried to slide past a walking stick prop, which I managed to knock over, more on that later. We get on stage, and it all ends up a bit jumbled; to quote my friend Sam at the time, 'We're so organised'. It ended up with one person reading another person's line, so that other person took the original person's line, until we get to Maya beside me, who took my line, which I knew was the last line, so I ended up stood like a wally, because it was the last line, there was nothing for me to say. 
So, then we return to our seats, and me being right at the end, I get to the pews first. I walk past the aforementioned waking stick, which I noticed that it was missing half a foot off the top, which was snapped off beside it. I took a moment to put the two pieces on the pew so it's out of anyone else's way, then go to my seat and just sit with my head in my hands because I BROKE THE STICK. I was in hysterics for two minutes, whisper-yelling at Maya that I BROKE THE STICK, and Jack leaning down the pews telling me that I BROKE THE STICK.
Then it all ended, and I'm stood outside waiting for mum - it was actually warmer outside in the  February air than it was in the chapel - and then this man comes walking past with the stick tucked under his arm, and I'm stifling a laugh, and just turn to my teacher, who was standing around waiting until I left, saying I BROKE THAT STICK.
So yeah, that's the story of the time I BROKE THE STICK.

Go on facebook and message someone you haven't talked to in at least a year, or someone you've never spoken to at all.  If you don't have facebook just text, call or go visit.  What was your conversation?  Word for word:
I've decided not to do this, as a) my friends take forever to answer their phones, and b) I don't particularly want private conversations of mine on the internet.

What are your thoughts on selfies?
In moderation, I think selfies are empowering. I personally take them on good hair days (I pride myself on doing hair). But I'm not too keen on them when you're literally shoving them in people's faces by posting them all the time on instagram and things. I understand that they can heighten self esteem, and they do for me, but if you're fishing for compliments, then I'm not that impressed.

What's your favourite movie and why do you like it?
EEEEEK, hate these questions. I absolutely love the film Mulan, since I was a child. I can't remember what I liked about it as a child, but now I love the music (I'll Make a Man Out of You is a real hype song for me), the story of it, the lessons it teaches, the lines. I just love Mulan, OK?

What's a quote you love, and why do you love it?
I originally read it in a fanfiction a couple of years ago, and it is just a reminder to live in the moment, and it still has the same impact today.

Have you ever been kissed?
No comment

What country do you live in and what's it like?
I live in England, specifically the North-East, where I've lived my entire life. It's alright depending where you are. In my town, you can have a mix of people, and accents, which can be interesting.

Write a paragraph on your train of thought. Anything that comes into your head.
What is going on with shockwave at the moment? WHY DO YOU CRASH? Reload! No feedback, I didn't mean to click you, go away. Imma move this window over here. Ugh, wrong you're. Being a fanfiction writer does not excuse you from correct grammar. Corsets are weird, I mean, it's loads of patterns. I hate doing things under pressure. Tags tab, bugger off. Everyone on target? Never am, probably never will be, but at least I'm going places.

So, here are my 15 questions
~ Favourite sweets? (this includes chocolate)
~ Write a sentence describing a moment of your childhood
~ Something you learned recently, not related to your school curriculum
~ Favourite breakfast cereal?
~ Favourite clothing brand?
~ Favourite makeup brand? (if you're a boy, or don't wear makeup, feel free to skip this)
~ If you had to live in another era, when would you live?
~ What would you want on hand in a zombie apocalypse, you have 5 items
~ Flying or sailing?
~ Early to bed and early to rise, or lie in and stay up till 3 in the morning?
~ Favourite hobby, besides internetting?
~ What's you superpower, and would you use it for good or evil?
~ Biggest nightmare or fear?
~ If you could play God and change an aspect of all humanity, what would you change?
~ Do you like trying new foods? What's the most bizarre thing you've tried? Did you like it?

I hereby nominate:
Ohemgeeitsmaya (obviously)
Open Letters
Hairychimp123
Jack's short blog
Dorama Minaoshi
Alice May
Glitter and Carousels
This Teenage Blogger

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Writing Wednesday #6 ~ Bread

You wait for your moment, standing proud your brothers. One of them got lucky the other day, leaving you next in line.

You were created to seduce, you were created to satisfy, you were created to tempt.

You were made for midnight feasts and 3 pm snacks; you were crafted for the morning rush and the lunchtime lull. 

You were not created to display your age with splotches of green, marring your bright surface. You were made for the sweet tooth, for the savoury touch; you were made for whatever you were needed.

As the bag opens, allowing light to illuminate your perfect body, you know that it is your turn, and you are ready.

* * * * *

A really weird one this week. A friend of mine suggested I write about the life of a piece of bread on a counter, so I kind of took it a little bit further. Thank you for the suggestion :)
I'll be posting an award on Friday, then hopefully a Favourites on Saturday or Sunday, if I get around to thinking about what I'd class as my favourites.
Bye, Eve <3

Wednesday 18 February 2015

Writing Wednesday #5 ~ Clip


“You’re not scared of a few YouTube clips, are you?” He slid onto the couch, laptop in one hand, the other resting on top of her shoulders.
“Only you would find it funny to look up jump scare videos.” Although she didn’t mind jump scare videos herself, there was only so many times you could watch someone play Five Nights at Freddy’s before you started contemplating working there.
“There’s a rumour going round that these phantom clips are appearing. There’ve only been a few reports of it, but apparently they’re just a minute long, and when they’re done the video you actually clicked just starts playing.”
“I think they’re called adverts,” she quipped with a smirk.
“No, no, no. They’re different, they appear with no warning, then they’re gone. No title, no channel; people try and search them and they don’t exist. People who find them, they test their computers for bugs, search their files for phantom downloads. I want to find it!”
The maddened glee in his eyes was slightly perturbing, in all honesty. He was never particularly enthused by anything, but this, it brought an excitement into his voice, a gleam in his eyes, and she couldn’t deny him that.
He set the first YouTube video playing, sat enthralled, quickly switching to another video as soon as this phantom video did not appear. His eagerness dwindled with each passing video.
Two hours of browsing had left the two weary, her head drooping against his shoulder as the skies darkened outside. Finally, 150 minutes after that first video was set away, he shook her awake, pointing manically at the screen.
“There it is!” The black screen, dark as the room around them, was slowly filled with words, stark white, blinding them momentarily.
You shouldn’t be sat in the dark
He sucked in a breath, she looked blearily at the screen, eyes barely adjusting to read the words before they changed.
You never know what could be lurking
His eyes darted around, hands searching for his phone to add some light to the room, but he was caught by a changing of words once again.
I hope you don’t mind
A knock sounded against the door.
You looked like you needed some company
The word company graduated into red, painfully accompanied by the screeching sound of fingers on a blackboard. The phantom video ended with a picture of a sightless woman, eyes nothing but pitch voids that nonetheless seemed to be staring straight into his. With a click, the lights in the room awakened as the video switched to another gameplay of Outlast: Whistleblower.
* * * * *
I know it's not exactly the season for this sort of thing, but it was the first thing that came to mind when 'video clip' was suggested for this week's prompt!

Tuesday 17 February 2015

How Did I End Up With Such Amazing Friends?

As always, this Valentine's Day, I'm single as the proverbial pringle, so I'm taking this time to think about my friends, how amazing they are and how on earth I ended up with them.
* * * * *
I'll start with Maya. I've talked before about how I'd wanted to be her friend since I'd learnt even the slightest bit about her interests. Now, we share so many interests that it is just commonplace for us to get excited over the same things (from Mumford & Sons to BuzzFeed marathons). I honestly don't know what I'd do without Maya; she's always there when I need her, whether it's feels abounding, or just a down moment, she's a listening ear, and a damn good one at that.
Also, small thank you for letting me mess on with her hair. She's a very patient model who's always happy with the end result :)
Next up is Sarah. I haven't talked about Sarah much, but she is very important to me. Sarah and I have known each other since nursery, so for the last twelve years. Though we weren't the closest of friends in primary, over the last few years, she's become a friend I wouldn't go without. There's always a sense of nostalgia with Sarah, someone who's seen me through my weird stages as a child (I mean seriously weird) and through some rough patches. Thank you Sarah.
I've mentioned Olivia once, but she's brilliant. She's always laughing (at me a lot, :-/), but she's lovely to talk to as well. She's patient, but also quick-tempered. Olivia, you're my favourite small person (bar my nephew).

This is Arcanum, a band I know. I've known them all for varying lengths of time, and I'm quite proud to say that I've known the band since the very beginning (I was there when it was formed). They're two months away from their 1st anniversary as a group, and I couldn't be more proud of how far they've come. Their music is inspiring, their group dynamic is amazing, and they compliment each other so well.
In order, Sam, Jack, Jane & Sarah (M)
Also, sorry for my crap photography!
I'll talk about Jack first. Again, I've known Jack since nursery. I can't help but remember when we used to play in primary and Jack, being outgoing as he was, was always in charge. We didn't talk much in year 7, but I'm glad that in the last couple of years we've fallen back into step with each other. Jack, he's comedy, he's a laugh, he's wacky as ever, and I hope that never stops.
Sarah (M), I've known since she moved to our primary in year 1. We got on amaingly, and I'm glad to say that we can still talk like that now, even if it's not as frequently. I envy her guitar skills, like seriously, teach me!
Jane is the vocalist of Arcanum. When I first met her in choir in year 7, I was quite honestly intimidated by her voice, and even though she's in the same year, I was quite happy to sit on my own rather than try to make friends, hoping people would come to me. Since then, I started singing lessons, at first with my friends, then I was moved into a class with Jane. Even then, I didn't think my voice was up to par with hers (still kind of don't, but I'm getting better). Now that I know Jane better, I've found her to be a listening ear, very encouraging and complimentary, and I thank her for that. Jane, you're an inspiration, and if I someday have half your voice, I'd be happy.
Sam, the acoustic guitarist, I've known for the shortest amount of time in all of Arcanum. I first met him at a talent show in year 8, but I didn't start to get to know him until we were put into History and Geography classes together. Recently, I've been a lot more comfortable around him, and I think that's the same for him, which I'm happy about.
Then there's Emily. We had a rough start in year 7 (I've mentioned before, I'm a violent child) but we've become fast friends over the years. I can't believe how far she's come as a performer. I went to see her in Sweeney Todd the other night (thoroughly recommend this musical) and I couldn't help but be proud to see her where she is now, where she always wanted to be. Best of luck, Emily.

Next up is Lara, my twin. We met through Sarah (M) and ever since people first saw us side by side, they swore us off as twins. Even today, I still get called Lara every so often by people on her side of the year. Lara introduced me to anime; I may not watch it as much now, but I am so glad she did. Whether it was through my short-lived fanfiction career or now, my wacky attempts to actually complete an idea, Lara has and continues to be a great support for my writing.

Last, because I didn't realise I actually had this many friends, is Jake. Jake, you're an amazing boyfriend to Maya, and I'm glad that you're trying to get along with the rest of us *insert Spice Girls rendition*. I felt like I really got to know you whilst helping you plan Maya's Valentine's day present, and I hope I can get to know you better in the future.

So there you go, my appreciation of all my amazing and talented friends. I love you all!
Yes, I know it's three days after Valentine's Day, but I had to wait until I knew I could include the pictures of some of my friends!

Infinity Dreams Award ~ Pen & Key

So the rules of this award are:
1) Thank and follow the blog that has nominated you
2) Tell us 11 facts about yourself
3) Answer the questions that were set for you
4) Nominate 11 bloggers and set questions for them

So thank you to Gee of This Teenage Blogger, and I'll give you a few facts now.

11 Facts about Me!
1 ~ I was nicknamed Spike as a baby because of my hair
2 ~I love having my achievements and things on display
3 ~ I love Top Gear
4 ~ Whenever I'm book browsing on the kindle store, I look up 'Free YA Paranormal' or something of the like.
5 ~ Although the history we're taught in school is interesting, I'd love to learn about something pre-20th Century (that does not include Hitler's date of birth)
6 ~ My favourite Disney movies are Mulan and Beauty and the Beast
7 ~ My natural hair is messy curls (more of a curse than you realise)
8 ~ My favourite colour is either blue (cerulean or navy blue) or purple (violet or mulberry)
9 ~ I have a habit of picking at hangnails
10 ~ I've recently become obsessed with Kitchen Nightmares
11 ~ I went to a gig of my friend's band on Friday (they were amazing)

Now to Answer Georgia's Questions!
1:  What would you tell your younger self if you could?
You're amazing, the people who annoy you now, they aren't even going to be there soon. The people who look down on you for your appearance and the fact that you're going through puberty, they'll be replaced by people who remind you all the time that you're beautiful and amazing, and you are where you are now, and you always will be. Keep shooting for the stars Eve, because that's where your friends are going to be.
2: If you could have any pet you wanted, what would it be and what would you call it?
I'd have another dog (husky, because they're awesome) and I'd probably name it Silver or something to match its' coat.
3: Who is your favourite blogger?
Aaaah, no fair. Maya's blog is awesome (if she'd update more often!), same with Lucy's, but outside of my friends, I'll probably say Alice May,  because she posts such good content.
4: What or whom inspired you to start a blog?
Inspirations are probably Maya, seeing as she started her blog just a few weeks before I did, and I though it was going to be cool, a year and a bit later, I still think that.
5: Who inspires you in general?
Again, Maya, because she's very inspirational in general. Probably my family too, because they're each of them so successful in their own work and lives. Also Emma Watson, because, do I need a reason?
6: What's your favourite pastime?
Internetting, but if I'm not on the internet, I'll generally read on my phone, on my kindle, or an actual book!
7: What bit of makeup is your favourite?
Probably eye makeup, because I love my eyes and love them standing out.
8: What is your favourite TV show?
As I said already, I'm now obsessed with Kitchen Nightmares, and I've also been watching the series Grimm, which I'm about 8 episodes into or something.
9: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
EEEK, ummmm, I'd love to go to Italy on a sight-seeing trip.
10: What are your goals this year?
~ Get good grades for my coursework
~ Focus on myself
~ Sod the drama
~ Take as many opportunities as I can
~ Do a bit more than laze around in my room
11: What would you say to inspire or motivate someone?
Depends on what I'm motivating them to do. I'd say:
Hey, you've come this far. Just think how far you can go. I've watched you this whole journey, and I'll be sticking with you until you've reached your destination. Remember I support you, and I'm here always.

Bloggers I Tag!
Jake @ Hairychimp123
Lara @ Dorama Minaoshi
Lucy @ OpenLetters
Tasha @ xBeYOUtifulx

My Questions for You Lucky People Are!
1) What do you like about blog awards?
2) Name one destination you want to visit, and one you don't.
3) If you've already decided your future job, what's your backup? If you haven't, what's your dream job?
4) What are you never without? (phone is not allowed)
5) What is your favourite film or film series?
6) Who is your favourite author, an what is your favourite book of theirs?
7) What is your prized possession?
8) What toppings are on your ideal pizza?
9) What is your favourite blog post of yours?
10) Pick a youtuber to live with (not romantically)
11) Age old question, which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Friday 6 February 2015

Pen & Key Rants ~ Who do You Think You Are?

In this episode, I talk about people who feel entitled to help. And if you know who I'm talking about in this post, I swear to god, do not mention it to them.
* * * * *
So, on Wednesday, we were covering straight line graphs in maths. Maths first thing on a morning is bad enough, but add trying to get your head around lines and y=mc whatever and you honestly want to just crawl all the way back to bed. Luckily for me, I've had a natural mathematics ability that has yet to let me down, so I got through it pretty quick.

Anyway, my friends behind me were asking how big we had to make the graph for the extension questions. I didn't know, so I couldn't offer any help (as you have probably gleaned already, if I don't know something for sure, I don't claim liability, or just won't offer an answer). However, when Maya didn't know how to answer a question, I moved over to help her answer it (and I really wanted to get away from the boy I sit next to, who had been annoying me to no end). So when I moved next to Maya, the ones who asked about the graph, who sit behind her, were outraged. 

Now I'm sorry, but I'm not the best authority to tell you how to draw a graph, but I can help you work out how to plot it.

So, let's fast forward to next lesson. IT, spreadsheets, eh. I return to my seat at the end of the lesson to have a pen chucked at me. My pen, as it turns out. My pen, with the hook on the cap snapped off.

Apparently, it was payback for not helping him in IT.

HOW BLOODY ENTITLED CAN YOU BE? Ever heard of an eye for an eye? If I ask you for help, refuse it to me, don't let me copy off your homework when I forgot to do it. You, sir, have legitimately damaged my property. If we weren't in school and it weren't a pen, I could sue you. The way I was feeling, I would have.

So yeah self-entitled people, be less dick-ish around me, or a slap may be heading towards you face.

Happy Friday, Eve <3