Please read my first A Little Bit Lately post to find out what these are all about. I’m trying to keep on top of them a little more regularly so I don’t have loads to write about but I think this is only my second this year. Hoping to get better from here on in.
READING
I had such a good reading month in May and as I predicted it has all gone wrong this month. I think I’ve finished one book so far and I have about four on the go that I’m just not sitting down and reading, no reflection on the books I’m just not in the zone. The one book I have read is War Storm by Victoria Aveyard. It;s the final book in her Red Queen series and I was so happy with how it ended; it’s never easy to round up a four book series and I think she did an amazing job. I’ve just started Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine which I’ve seen SO many people read so looking forward to giving it a try.
WATCHING
I honestly don’t know what I’d do without trusty old Netflix; they’re smashing in at the moment with their original shows and films. I’m so pleased that the new Queer Eye series has come out this month! I don’t think there is a television show out there that makes me happier. I loved the original but this is so much better. I’ve heard a few people say they haven’t watched it as it doesn’t sound like there kind of thing but I’d definitely say just give it a try; it isn’t trying to be shocking or sensational, it is just genuine and sweet and if you watch it without crying I would be very surprised. We also bought The Greatest Showman over the holidays which, of course, has become a family favourite. It’s one of the few films we can get everyone to sit down and watch the whole way through.
LISTENING TO
I’ve recently got into Johnny Flynn who we discovered from our obsessive watching of The Detectorists. We loved the theme tune for that show then discovered that he also plays Dylan in Love Sick and before we knew it we had three albums. Its folksy and perfect for popping on in the garden when it’s sunny. Following on from what I’ve been watching, obviously we also now have The Greatest Showman album on repeat wherever we go. The boys all have their favourite songs that are getting requested over and over.
LOVING
I think it’s always been in the back of my mind that I’ve wanted to write, obviously I write all the time on this blog but I wanted to try my hand at writing a proper story. It was something I did a lot when I was a child when you can write without anything other than the love of it. I’ve had to build myself up to it now and try and forget about all the pressure and fear that comes along with pouring your heart out onto a page. I’ve recently read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert which I’d really recommend if you want to unlock a creative dream. I also loved this blog post from Wellies on the School Run, Gail has some wonderful tips for getting through your first draft and she has definitely inspired me to give this a go. So far I’ve jotted down a load of ideas; I’ve started something that I’ve thought about writing for about 10 years and I’m trying a few short stories to get used to writing fiction. I’m not sure that it will ever go further than my own computer but I am loving it all.
THINKING ABOUT
I can’t stop thinking about the summer holidays at the moment. Everything has been so hectic this term at school so I can’t wait to say goodbye to the school routine for six weeks. A couple of years ago I did a bit of a summer bucket list in my bullet journal and I’m hoping to do one this year to give us plenty of ideas. We’ve got a camping trip planned and a few days out but last time I had all sorts of things on there like picnics, baking, movie nights. Any other ideas welcome. I’m really hoping the lovely weather sticks around for when we’re off!
Some bits of life lately over on my Instagram
4 Comments
Love this Hayley, and thanks so much for the mention of my blog post. I really do hope your stories get further than your computer – I for one would love to read! Ah, I watched the first episode of series two of Queer Eye the other day – I loved it. Like you say it’s just so heartfelt and heart-warming. Oh the Greatest Showman is fab, isn’t it? I haven’t met anyone yet who didn’t enjoy it (and who didn’t get addicted to singing along with all the songs!) xx
June 27, 2018 at 10:38 amI’m telling anyone who’ll listen to watch Queer Eye and I’m now stalking them all on Instagram! It’s such a sweet show. You’re right too, everyone seems to love The Greatest Showman, I was reading it got slammed by the critics but then absolutely everyone who’s seen it loves it! I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of it xx
June 27, 2018 at 10:55 amI kept hearing about Big Magic — and seeing it on everyone’s IG feeds, which totally put me off!! It was a bit like the art of tidying book that everyone had last year!! But you’ve totally sold this to me H. Now you’ve said that, I really, really want to read it!!! Cxxxx
June 28, 2018 at 5:08 pmHa, I know what you mean. When I see everyone talking about a book it can put me off but I’d really recommend this one. Having read the tidying up book too I can say it’s nothing like that…much more practical, no bullshit advice but still encouraging creativity. I think it would be right up your street Caro xxx
June 28, 2018 at 5:41 pm