Weather-themed Groaning.

Whilst it is technically British Summer Time (yes apparently that happened) it certainly doesn't feel like that. I'm getting a little disillusioned with winter - it seems to be greedily demanding far too much of my year, and whilst I enjoy the first few months of good knitwear, hot chocolate and film evenings, by April I'm eager for flowers, picnics and a tan. 

Since arriving home on Saturday there's been a few glimpses of sunshine, and like the fool I am I've assumed that they've meant warmth. Apparently not. I've gone on a few brisk winter walks, through the New Forest and over Hengistbury Head, sunglasses in hand, in the hope that I don't look too ridiculously mish-mashed with all of my layers. 

Light breaks through the gloom.

An avenue of trees in Holmsley

On Tuesday I caught up with a good friend from London that also lives locally. It was so, so good to meet and talk away from the buzz and crazy environment of the City. We sat on the top of Hengistbury Head discussing life, and the things God is speaking to us about, and gazing at the horizon. There wasn't a tower block in sight, just clear blue ocean. Perfection. 

Pretend Summertime

Hengistbury Huts

Yesterday became a day to bake and relax in a friend's warm kitchen. Another London friend, but someone I've known since we were 11. It was great to see her family, and spend time in a place that I lived in almost as much as my own home as we were growing up. We made bread, and then attempted macaroons. Sadly we were lacking ground almonds, and had to lessen our ingredients, which resulted in some not very peaky egg whites. Needless to say, the cake below is not so much a macaroon, but a red velvet ring...with almond flavouring. I was pleased that we managed to salvage something out of the baking wreckage, and for unintentional cake it was pretty tasty!

Baking Endeavours

I hear that it's begun snowing in London. It makes me glad that I'm not there. I have no time for that crunchy white stuff when there have been years when I've been swimming in the sea by this time. So I'm going to continue my hibernation with some reading and a hot cup of tea. I'm not sure there's much else to be done right now!

The Brilliance of Sundays

With a cup of Earl Grey in hand, I'm looking at my day and am just blown away by mercy. My afternoon at church and evening at Vine Sessions was absolutely what I needed after a fairly rubbish morning. 

Today was ChristChurch London's eighth birthday and it was incredible looking at what has gone before, and what the next year will look like. I cannot wait. There were also Krispy Kreme doughnuts as birthday cake. Best. Church. Ever. 

Tonight was also Vine Sessions, a music night that my friend Raz runs. We have similar music taste so I seriously love the people that he has play. Hilary Repko was one of them (she lives near me and is super cool, with a voice like gold.)

The bar was absoluuuutely packed with people, so it was kind of like playing a giant game of sardines. I somehow acquired a tiara amongst the thoughtful thinking and dancing things. Coming home I was warned that I needed to avoid social media or watch Downton Abbey immediately. Little bit heart broken that I did the latter rather than remaining in ignorant bliss. Still, it's reduced my desire to live in the twenties (I would rather have proper medical care thank you very much!)

So on that note, this tired lady is heading to bed. I have a ridiculous amount of reading to do, as well as phone calls to make. Socialising postponed for now.

Laters alligators xxxxx

Tea Cups and Grace

After what has been an absolute mad week, full of illness, visits, dinners, parties and, of course Uni, I was all set to have a bit of a restful weekend. 

Unfortunately I had plans that meant I needed to be the other side of London by 9.30am on Saturday. Doubly unfortunate was the fact I slept through my alarm, to be awoken by the friend I was travelling with, calling me to ask where I was. Needless to say I was late, but said friend was an absolute BABE and came to my house so I wouldn't be late on my own.

Now that's friendship.

It was a great day of training though, and the team I'm doing some things with this year get on so well that it was an absolute joy to spend time planning things, even though it was a tad intense. Still, there was a continuous supply of coffee and pastries, and I came home with a plate of cake, so I definitely shouldn't complain. 

My evening was gloriously chilled. I watched Notting Hill for possibly the hundreth time, and laughed at the naked welsh man just as much as ever. 

Today was another busy one, with things to do, and Church to be at. Still, with so many new people about at the moment it was great to get to meet some of them! The night was finished off with a sweet potato and chick pea curry (an attempt to boost my terrible immune system) and then some Downton Abbey and the first new episode of Homeland. Bit of a contrast, but equally loveable. Downton has the affect of making me 'oooh' and 'ahh' and pine for the twenties. Homeland just has meet falling off the edge of my seat. And possibly flinching in fear. 

The result has left me feeling somewhat alive for the early hours of the morning. Yet I'm in charge of letting the gas man in tomorrow morning and looking after the TV delivery, which means being awake and probably dressed by the time that either of those things is possible. Woops. 

Still, the highlight of all that's gone on, is just the assurance of grace. The past few weeks it's felt as if I've been stacking plates on top of tea cups, higher and higher, and ever more unstable. Too much on my plate. Try too many plates. And yet, life continues, and has yet to crumble or collapse. That is grace. And it's grace that I'm even aware how blessed I am. Days like today, I count my blessings and marvel at where my life is.

Despite fresher's flu, a tower of things to read, and a kitchen that desperately needs a good clean, I'm feeling like life is fairly sweet. 

During the Hail

"March winds and April showers, bring forth May flowers"

I won't lie, the sky has been a little bi-polar the past few weeks, what with icy winds, torrential rain and the odd outburst of glorious sunshine. It's made spending time outside an adventure in itself, and I've successfully managed to destroy two umbrellas in the space of three weeks. 

Still, it's leant me some time to do some reading, and some chilling, both of which I don't do that much of. And, as I hear you scoffing at my lack of reading, let me qualify that...I read a lot. But that's because my degree makes me. (And don't get me wrong I love the learning, geek that I am!) But, it's not the same as picking up any ol' book that you find on your shelves, and hiding away with dusty pages and a cup of tea.

So, that's what I did these past few weeks. Whilst it hailed outside, I've been working my way through a number of books, mainly about dragons and magic, and elves and dwarves. What can I say, I like fantasy. It's been pretty delightful.

Unfortunately imagination isn't reality, and I've had to break into the real world on occasion. Fortunately for me, that's not too difficult when there are lots of friends to catch up with and new cafes to try.

Yesterday I went to a new deli, about 15 minutes from where I live. This place opened a few months ago, and as they have bunting in the windows, I rather expected to like the place. I wasn't disappointed. Armed with vanilla chai, a friend and I whiled away a couple of hours, pausing our conversation to buy some earl grey and marvel at the cuteness of the cafe. Everything was really reasonably priced (one of the benefits of not being in London!) and the staff were so friendly. Made me want them to sit down and join us. 

Anyway, following my lovely morning of civilised tea and chat, I joined some other friends for lunch before heading home (in the rain and hail I might add). Today I paid my respects to Nero and got some work done in there, following a trip to T.K.Maxx where I ogled their handbags and debated buying half of them. 

I was very restrained you'll be pleased to know. Anyway, the tiresome task that is packing needs to be done as I head back to London tomorrow. I love home, but living in that tiny-box-harry-potter-couldn't-fit-in room, has stretched me to my limits. 

I'll be sure to note any interesting people on my travels tomorrow, and write about my appalling performance at the pub quiz in the evening. For now, I'm going to ignore the looming deadlines and exams that require my attention, they along with the hail can remain outside of my thoughts. 

Love and nuzzling friends.

xxx

Derrida, Creepham and Cherry Blossom

It's late Sunday night and therefore perfect time to blog away the general things I've done this weekend.

First though, I was rather surprised by some of the reading I've been given for lectures tomorrow. I'm used to some weird stuff, it is English Literature after all, but this just leapt out at me. Now I don't know the rest of the paper, but the extract we've been given from Derrida's Cosmopolitanism and Forgiveness is just jaw-droppingly good.

"Forgiveness forgives only the unforgivable"

I'm often struck by the enigma that is forgiveness. As a Christian it's pretty core to who I am and all that I believe, and whilst I've grasped the concept, so often the depth of it eludes me. Derrida's words hit home though. When Christians talk about being forgiven by Jesus, it's not to say that all of our rubbish, our sin, has been swept under the rug because He's a pretty nice guy. Quite the opposite. In fact, Jesus has chosen to forgive the unforgivable. That which is repulsive, disgusting, vile, and offensive has been dealt with on the cross and I don't face judgement for any of it. Forgiveness changes everything. And, when it comes to me forgiving others, it's not brushing things under the carpet either, it's knowing that they've done the unforgivable. That it is awful or cruel. But also that it is possible to choose to forgive. Wow. 

So, that little nugget of gold was a nice surprise in otherwise dull Uni work. Still, it's been a great weekend. Nellie, my American friend is here, so we had a great time catching up and shopping yesterday. I managed to get to this incredible jumble sale down Mile End Road yesterday, where I picked up a huge pile of vintage clothes.

I must confess I have that fear that I'm never going to wear it, but it only cost me £10 for 8 or 9 things so it's not the end of the world. A belt and some confidence might make them into miraculously cool outfits. Well, one can hope. 

Last night we went out for drinks and dancing in Clapham, which is a fair trek from our neck of the woods. It was a weird group of people but as we eventually found an O'Neill's with a live band playing, we managed to have a great night moving and shaking to some 90s classics. Quite ridiculous but very fun. There were creepy guys in abundance however, which led to some great photos such as this one, and renaming Clapham, Creepham. Excellent. 

Today I went to church and had dinner with loads of friends after which was great. A friend that works in Whittards bought me TEA which was very exciting. It's cherry blossom yummy stuff and smells like cherry sweets. I've yet to make any so that's a job for tomorrow.

On that note it's time for me to sleep. We're out in Shoreditch tomorrow evening and so it's about time I got a bit of rest.

So, in honour of the american with the crazy drawl, g'night y'aaaaall!

Love and such xo

A Saturday in the City

I think they're meant to look like this.

Wake up at a friend's house following a lovely evening of chilling, eating and catching up, as the sun is pouring in the window, after you've slept for a sufficient time that you're no longer tired. 

Enjoy breakfast with her and her housemate. This should involve porridge, nuts, coffee and juice. Maybe some raisins if they can find them. 

Travel home, managing to catch the train as it arrives at the platform, and not get stuck with mess ups on the tube, despite crazy construction work.

Arrive home, check emails, and such, and then settle down to do some reading. Possibly get distracted by the beautiful sun that, though beginning to set, is making the sky the colour of candy floss and golden syrup as it lowers behind the gherkin and the rest of the London buildings you can see from your window.

Chat about cheese, being a bird and budgets with your Norwegian flat mate. 

Have a tea break with some Earl Grey and English Muffins, listening to some folk music.

And then write about how much you love the City.

I think that's a pretty good achievement by four in the afternoon. 

x