Author of The Month: Juno Dawson

Juno Dawson is an Author who I admire as her work is of an incredible standard.

She has written some amazing books and is currently one of my

favourite authors who I have so much respect for.

I have read 3 of her books so far and all have received some great reviews,

My favourite was definitely Margot and Me as it was a powerful story which 

surrounds important topics and tackles family issues.

I recommend all of Juno's books especially her new book;

The Gender Games

This lets a cisgender and heterosexual male see whats its like to be 

included in the LGBT community and has so many important topics

in which society has never been taught.

This was such an inspiring book and everyone should pick up.

September Author of the Month

Juno Dawson

Lana Del Rey - August 23rd 2017 - SSE Hydro Glasgow

Who knew that the 23rd of August would be the best day of my life!? This was the day I got to be in the presence of the goddess herself Lana Del Rey. The night started with a lovely meal with my best friends in Tony Macaronis followed up by some drinks and desert in Wetherspoons. Side Note: Rum Punch Pitcher was enjoyable but got me going after a few sips. As mentioned my 2 best friends were present along with a girl from college who I hadn't seen since I left in June. After a Catch-up and all that jazz, we then got to head to the concert. The Train was packed and everyone was squashed up together. You could feel the excitement on that train. I need to however mention, Flower Crowns and Black Hats were a popular choice of outfit and I didn't sport any of these looks.

We arrived at the Hydro about 8 pm as there was no support act but we had the Hydro Club Passes due to my Dads work, Thank You Clyde Scaffolding, which allows you to sit in the Capital Star Suite before the event. By this point, I couldn't drink any more alcohol because I already had the thoughts of being sick etc. and I wanted to enjoy the concert. Also, The Hydro is an expensive venue so if anyone who reads this is preparing to go and have a few drinks, take plenty of money.

Row A, Seats 160 and 161 were where one of my friends and I sat, while the others sat in C 158 and 159. The 45 minutes of waiting was so intense as I just wanted it to begin. My heart was beating so fast and I already was feeling overwhelmed by the full experience. 9 pm struct and the stage lights beamed and music started to blast. I was in my element.

God, she was gorgeous! She was everything I expected! She brought so much joy to my life.

The Setlist was as follows;

1. Cruel World

2. Cherry

3. Shades of Cool

4. Blue Jeans

5.White Mustang

6. Born To Die

7. Music To Watch Boys To

8. Ultraviolence 

9. Change

10. Ride

11. Video Games

12. Summertime Sadness

13. Love

14. Off to the Races

For me, The highlights have to be Cherry as I appreciate and love that song with all my heart, Born to Die as it was a dream to see it finally performed on stage and Change as that song gives a lot of feels and is one of my favourites from Lust For Life. I can't no mention Video Games and Summertime sadness. After all those years, I finally got to hear them performed in person and it was Fantastic.

Another Surprise was Off to the Races. This turned out to be an amazing finale song and it was just sung so beautifully and her dance was cute. The Concert was everything I imagined.

This Concert was on my bucket list and it's finally been fulfilled.

Thanks to my friends who had to put up with my excitement.

A fantastic way to end Summer 2017.

Photos:

2. 
   

Courtney Act: The Girl from Oz - 13th of August - Edinburgh

Last week, I got to see the very talented Courtney Act
at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

She performed songs by Australian Artists as the show was
surrounding her home country.

Some Highlights included her Sia Section and an amazing
 Kylie Minogue medley. She definitely knows how to put on a show.

I give the S6 Drag Race Star:

★★★★

I totally recommend you grab tickets before

she moves onto her next stop!

Amazingly Talented!

New Friendships - A Short Note

New Friendships

Yes, New Friendships.

Let's start with a girl from Tesco,

A girl who I thought was fed wrong information,

A girl who is friends with an old friend.

Laughter is endless when she is around.

Smiles shine and memories are made.

Respect gained and secrets shared,

A friendship made with a girl who cared.

She keeps me strong,

keeps me happy,

keeps me stable.

A girl who can sign,

an admirable talent.

She makes me feel proud,

Makes me feel good.

A girl who makes me feel understood.

Another Girl who is miles away,

A girl who I found on social media.

A group chat formed,

a girl was found.

a friendship created.

A girl who is beautiful, kind and sweet

and most importantly loves ma teeth.

Tomorrow we will be in the same venue.

Seeing the goddess who brought us together,

Lana, you're a doll and I couldn't thank you more.

Girl, you are special,

you are cute,

funny, amazing and just fantastic.

Thank you for being there.

Two Girls.

Two different scenarios.

Two Friends,

I have gained for life.

Everything, Everything - Book to Film Comparison and Review

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon has been my most anticipated Book to Movie adaptation this year and finally, I have been blessed. This Cinematic Feature stars Amandla Stenberg as Maddy ( A girl who cannot go outside due to a disease) and Nick Robinson as Olly (Maddy's new                   next door neighbour).  

Photo - RainyDayEarlGrey - Instagram

Now, for me personally, This has to be one of the BEST books to movie adaptations I have witnessed in a long time. It was similar and the film has definitely done the book justice. Yes, there were some differences and I will say I enjoyed some such as seeing the character of Rosa has more of an impact and some just annoyed me. An example would be the final scene of the film is different and if you have read the book, you know what I mean.

Overall, I give the film an 8.5/10 rating as I really enjoyed seeing it brought to life and I love the actors chosen to portray Maddy and Olly but that end scene really wasn't how I wanted it to be! Be warned I did cry at a certain scene but I am an emotional person.

Rachel Tucker: Unplugged - 7th Of August - Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Fringe sees acts from all over the world come to Edinburgh to show thousands of people of different cultures over the world their talents. I travelled through to Edinburgh on Monday with my friend to see my favourite actress who has ever portrayed Elphaba in Wicked,  Rachel Tucker. This would be my 3rd time seeing the singer take to the stage except this time she wasn't painted green and she wasn't in the land of Oz. We were in a room of maybe 150 people and it was just a lovely evening. You were up close and personal with Rachel and as always she blew everyone away. Some highlights were "Waving Through The Window" from Dear Evan Hansen and the emotional "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", Originally by Elton John. Of Course my biggest highlight of the evening had to be "Defying Gravity" From Wicked as it was the 3rd time she has blessed my ears with this amazing musical hit. Her high notes were gorgeous and she put so much emotion into every song. This was a great evening and I hope to see her again soon.

Rachel Tucker: Unplugged - Edinburgh, 7th of August 2017

My Review - ★★★★★

Old Friends: A Short Thought

A year has gone by since we last spoke.

Do I really mean nothing to you?

Do you think the constant scowls,

the disrespectful comments and eye rolls 

are not seen. heard. felt.

A girl who was basically family,

a sister figure but more importantly a friend.

Someone who knows my hidden secrets.

Someone who I helped with problems

and you who helped with my own.

Do you not remember when we cried together?

The laughter after the tears?

No? Well, I do.

Hurt is an understatement.

It has recently just affected me.

I managed to stay strong but now,

I feel like I will break down at a slight thought,

a picture or even a Facebook status.

I know.

 We will never be the same.

All those years of friendship ruined by 

repetitive mistakes and unwanted opinions.

Sly comments being thrown back and forth.

Rumours being spread among groups of people.

No, I don't blame all of this on you.

I blame it on me too.

I miss you.

I really do.

And maybe you miss me too?

Probably not and I am just in an illusion.

I miss the old you.

If there was something I could do,

to talk to the old friend who meant so much to me,

I would.

However, people change.

I did too.

Hopefully, you enjoy life now with new friends.

I love mine too.

Just remember,

I'll always miss you.

Audiobooks: My Opinions

In terms of reading trends, Audiobooks have become a real crowd pleaser and are very popular on social media. I've created a list of my opinions on books I have read... or listened too.

1. In my above introduction, I've already told you one of my issues. Do you read or listen to an audiobook. Over social media, A lot of people will talk about audiobooks and say "This month I read blah blah etc. " But did you really read it? Yes, you are consuming words that make a story but you are literally listening to someone speak through your earphones. This to me is an issue!

2. It's good for long journeys in which reading may make you feel sick and cause migraines. A problem for me is I cannot read in moving transport such as Buses or Cars. This doesn't affect me on planes or trains. So being able to listen to a book on a 6-hour journey is a godsend! 

3. My biggest issue is that it is literally just a voice in your ears. I found it quite uncomfortable in scenes of a book which were meant to give fear as you didn't know if the character would survive.

I think they need some music in the background like a wee melody to keep you going.

4. It's efficient and arguably takes a shorter period of time than actually reading the book.

5. Audiobooks are actually quite expensive and I'd rather just buy the book for a similar price?!?

6. I definitely prefer a physical copy of a book and that's my opinion.

If anyone is reading, please write your opinions in the comments!

A Letter to my Best Friend

You! Yes, You!

This letter is about you!

2 years later and we still are best friends.

How have you actually put up with me!

That annoying blonde guy from up the road.

The same guy you eat chips with on the stairs.

Mind him?

This is a letter to tell you how I feel.

I am so thankful for you being in my life,

I am so thankful for you listening to me

and I am thankful for all you have done.

I mean, sometimes you smell but I get over that...

you are alright I suppose,

and I wouldn't change you one bit.

Now I think it's time for the inside joke paragraph.

Firstly, Luigi how are you? Because....

In the Italian, you gave us more of a Chinese vibe,

you're safe.

Also, Tyra Banks is calling...

You are still in the running to become

Americas Next Top Model.

Congrats!!!

Let's get serious...

Without you, in my life, I would not function,

(I mean alcohol is my fuel)

How would I survive?

Who would I throw all my worries at?

Thank You.

Also, thanks for helping me read...

I wouldn't be writing without you either.

In hard times you always knew what to say,

to comfort me, make me feel safe and make me smile.

Now, I know life for you can be rough at times,

I want you to know,  I will always be your greatest support.

I shall listen when you are down,

I will listen when you cry

and of course, I will always try to make you laugh.

I try to be the best friend I can because you deserve it.

so again, thank you.

This letter was for you.

You know who you are.

I love you best friend.

No matter how far away you are.

My August Plans and Goals 2017

Every year, August seems to be my busiest month as it is always filled with reunions, events and of course my final long lies. I have some cool events coming up and some goals I have set for myself.

Events

Firstly, I get to reunite with my college class... well only a few of them as we have our inducation day coming up! I can't wait to meet the new members of the class and also just see my best friends! I am so excited. Another event coming up is Rachel Tucker in Edinburgh. I am far too excited! Im going with one of my best friends and I have wanted to see Rachel's Concert for a while as she is my favourite actress who has ever played Elphaba in Wicked as I seen her in London and in New York.

I then get to see RuPauls Drag Race star Courtney Act, also in Edinburgh,  with another one of my best friends! I actually can't wait to see this show as it will be different from anything I have seen before. I really don't know what to expect. 

Now for the BIG event which I can't actually belive I am about to type!  I am going to see MY FAVOURITE... LANA DEL REY!!!! Yes, I am currently screaming!!!!!! Lana is someone I alwyas dreamed I would get to see and I never expected it to actually come true. Prepare for a blog about that. Finally, I start Higher English again this month. I am hoping for a higher grade this year and I really will try.

Goals

1. Return to a regular sleeping pattern as I am sick of falling asleep at 4:30 am.

2. Read the entire Spinster Club Series by Holly Bourne. (Except the new year one)

3. Be Happy! Enjoy the final days of summer vacation!

4. Try to eat healthy again.

5. Be more organised!

I doubt all these goals will come true but I can't wait for the month ahead.