My Creative Everyday

Social media has become a major player in our lives. The creativity adds to my writing in wonderful ways. Here are some of this weeks posts worth highlighting: Questions and Point of Views I learnt about Solomon's paradox from @sobergirlsociety's carousel . Perhaps that's what I enjoy about writing - it is the chance to explore my problems through another lense. Meanwhile, George Styles asks: "What is humanity's longest consistent habit?" The responses were largely around human nature but also it stirs up other ideas. I liked this one : "It's fascinating to me (tangent, I know, sorry) for how long humans have wished and pursued to express themselves and share their story and figure out new ways to express and share, from ancient cave paintings to myriads of detailed typefaces and intercultural pictograms." @shelbyn_23's viral thread  is a thought that has often troubled me.  "Am I the only one that sees a problem with working 8-9 hours ...

2022 has been ridiculously busy which has been overwhelming and I felt I needed a new way to manage my time. In fact, I posted about it on Instagram and ended up asking how others coped in my first poll, one of the cool features the social media platform provides. My IG friends were so helpful, offering support, empathy and kindness.  I took on new projects this year, which involved a change in my schedule. My evenings were swallowed up by this big black vortex and my days became longer.  I'm grateful for all of the new opportunities and the chance to learn more. However, I've realised consistently pushing myself beyond 150% is a horrendous habit. I want to be happy and find a healthy balance. Family and friends are important. They help me keep my head above water.  Nature and creativity nourish me too. They played a part in formulating a new system for myself, as well as reframing my mind in a positive and productive way. I'll share more about this in my blog and social...

On a wet Friday May morning in London, it seems fitting to be writing about Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Come rain or come shine,' which I read this week. When I attended the Faber Academy, many years ago, Ishiguro was one of the special guests. It was a small class and I remember asking him a question, the precise wording of which I can't remember. What struck me about his response, was that it reminded me he was just like most other people. He had dreams, fears and hopes.  The short story captures some of that feeling, but dramatises it in a page turner. In this 80 page book, Ishiguro packs in multiple new problems for the main character and there are moments of humour, particularly around an old muddy boot. He sets these up like the master story teller that he is, amidst the scatterings of secrets,lies and misunderstandings.  The beginning of the story took me back to my own formative years at University - the friendships, the longing and the expectation life would bring us ama...

A few weeks ago, I blogged about how I started an April daily dance challenge .  The reason I started the dance challenge was a  calendar from Action for Happiness .  These were some of the other songs I danced to. 11. ABCDEFU - Gayle 12. Mamma Mia - Maneskin 13. Like a G6 - Far East Movement 14. Bad Habits - Ed Sheeran 15. Celebration - Kylie Minogue After April ended, I planned on stopping my morning dancing. I was inspired by a good friend who mentioned someone she knows who goes dancing every night. That used to me, though not quite every night, but lots of dancing was involved. I've always enjoyed it and I figure one song a day is not much of a chore. Actually I look forward to it and makes my mornings more fun. What you need to do your own daily dance challenge: 5 minutes a day A small space to dance - I use my living room Music - I pick a song on spotify but youtube, radio, cd, record player or whatever floats your boat works too It's super simple. A monthly chall...

Blinis, brownies and gammon - it's a funny mix but I'm feeling satisfied. Sometimes I binge cook. It's especially helpful since I've been so busy with work and need a timeout.  Blinis I've been having blinis the last couple of days. It turns out mackeral with egg is tasty. I drizzled some mignonette (a peppery vinagarette usually for oysters) on top. The creme fraiche brings it all together. I love how it's so easy.  The blinis were wonderful with some roast pork shoulder too.  Brownies   Of course since I'm having a light lunch, I can indulge in a brownie slice or two, maybe more. Today I made pecan and cherry brownies with a cream cheese frosting. Add grated milk Green & Black chocolate on top.  It's a bit of a cheat, but I use the Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix plus crushed pecans, morello cherries and a tablespoon of Green & Black cocoa. An interesting tip on Instagram @sugarlogie101 which I discovered on making frosting is to mix the sugar...

  Tonight I watched the first episode of The Blacklist . In 2013, The Blacklist was NBC's highest testing drama in 10 years. It was renewed for its tenth season in February. From 2014 to 2020, the series was nominated for numerous major awards.  Jon Bokenkamp is The Blacklist's writer and producer. He was encouraged to enter a script writing competition by a friend. After he won the competition, he landed an agent along with his first paid assignment, rewriting a horror film   I first watched The Blacklist years ago. From memory, the first season was great, but it became less compelling viewing over time. I remember, they introduced some cool characters and there were always twists.  It's fascinating studying tv shows, films and books when you're writing a novel. I've written more than 30,000 words of a 80,000 word novel. I edit as I go and think about how can I make it better.  WARNING - This post contains spoilers as it explores the episode's plot. ...

10 days ago I challenged myself to dance to one song every morning until the end of April.  I didn't know if I could do it, but I was looking forward to it as I love to dance but rarely do any more.  These are the songs I've danced to in the last 10 days.  Shake It Off - Taylor Swift Thunderstruck - ACDC Pump It - Blackeyed Peas  Gangnam Style - Psy Heat Waves - Glass Animals  Glad You Came - Liilz (Ziezie) There's Nothin Holdin Me Back - Shawn Mendes Shut Up and Dance - Walk The Moon The Motto - Tiesto Giant - Calvin Harris I confess, on day 3 or 4, I forgot so I made up for it the next day. Today's song I got through 3/4 of it and had to do the last 1/4 a few hours later.  My living room has been an excellent dance floor. I'm definitely less stiff and have found my rhythm again.  The benefits of dance: reduces stress, supports physical, mental & emotional health, improves agility and flexibility, and provides better coordination, strength and bal...