Distracting Cupcakes and Unfinished Sketches

I am glad I have had a fiddle with my blog layout. I prefer it muchly. It feels more like my own, instead of a rubbish template (although it still technically is a template, there is more freedom with the new template maker).

I figured I should get used to writing more on here especially since I am giving my blog address out to everyone before I go travelling - the pressure is on to write something extremely witty and impressive.

Hmm.

Here is a picture of a cupcake to distract you:

I stumbled across this picture by accident and thought it was too cute not to show. It is by an artist called Marc Johns. You can see more of his work at http://draw.vox.com/.

Looking at little cartoon drawings make me want to run for my sketchbook and start drawing. On my travels, and definately over the summer is my time to start sketching again. I think it's been so long, I've misplaced my pencils. Here is a random unfinished sketch that I did a long time ago:

It's no where near perfect, but it's a sketch of one of our wine glasses. I was bored one day and this was the result. Although, I apparently got bored of sketching too as it remains unfinished, haha!

Some lovely pics for you to stare at:

I have been looking through past photos I took when I was holidaying in various places. I figured that I should probably start doing some photography in preparation for my holidays.

The Beautiful City of Bergen, Norway

A View from a Norwegian Dock

Cloudy Sky and Norwegian Fjords

I am a little bit in love with the 'Antique' effect you can use on iPhoto. Hence, why I seem to use it on every photo. I just can't help it though.

If you are interested in my photography, please feel free to email me: samantha.howell@hotmail.co.uk

Floral Fantastique!

(Floral top - Primark, Pink Crop top - New Look, Denim Shirt - New Look, Leggings - Primark, Heels - New Look)

I am completely in love with this floral Primark top. I am now wearing it everywhere. Who would have thought a £4 top could bring someone so much joy? Completely by accident, I bought this crop top which matches the Primark beauty perfectly. YAY! I do love it when things like that happen.

This week has been crazy busy. I currently have concerts coming out of my ears! This is the best way to be though, I kinda love the rushing around like a headless chicken feeling. Keeps me out of trouble and I think I strive under pressure.

Today it is T-minus 3 weeks until we go a-travelling! Earlier this week, the kids at school found out that I am leaving for a term. Their response was so lovely, it made me a bit sad that I am leaving. I feel a little bit like I am abandoning them, especially my jazz banders. Sigh. I am sure that it will feel like I never went away as soon as I step back into school, haha.

Over and out... xxx

I would like to write an inspiring melody...

Ok, so I am getting seriously excited about going away and have a holiday outfit to share! To top the day off there is even some sunshine today - hurrah!

(Hat-H&M, Body/Top-New Look, Trousers-River Island, Wedges-Matalan)

The sunshine always motivates me - I practically jumped out of bed and skipped downstairs to wash my car which hasn't happened for about a year!

On a completely different note, today I have been listening to some old CDs that I don't listen to much any more. I am currently listening to 'Classic FM at the Movies'. I love film soundtracks. I find listening to soundtracks fascinating and after seeing the visuals there is an added depth of emotion that instantly swells within me. It is amazing that just listening to something can do that.

(Gladiator shot from Google images)

One of my all time favourite soundtracks is 'Gladiator', composed by Hans Zimmer. There are parts of that soundtrack that create contrasting emotions; for example the battle theme is rivoting and makes me want to grab a sword and march off into battle whereas the love theme makes me want to cry a little bit because it is that beautiful.

I definately need to fill my ipod full of classical soundtracks since I had forgotten how beautiful they can be.

(The Piano - image from Google images)

I am still trying to play the main theme from 'The Piano' called 'The Heart Asks Pleasure First'. The film I found strange yet beautiful, and knowing the context of this piece changes how I play it. It is taking me forever to learn this piece since I've not been playing piano for very long and my fingers don't want to move in the way they should. More practice is needed!

On that note... I should actually go and do that practice I keep threatening to do...

Over and out x

Long time, no see...

So I haven't written on here for ages. I think it is due purely to the fact that I haven't had much time to myself lately. I think it is also due to a complete lack of funds to buy any new pretty clothes... Well, I say this, but technically it is a complete lie. I have spent a lot of money on clothes but they are mainly plain boring t-shirts and the like which I can take on my travels.

One of my main concerns (I really should sort my priorities out) of travelling is what the heck am I going to wear with my not-so-flattering-or-stylish walking boots?! I am all for comfort and I actually have to have them - it is a requirement for my New Zealand trek, but I have no idea what to wear with them. It is a problem which is troubling me greatly!

On a more positive note, I did buy some lovely things from Topshop which has brightened my life. Some fabulous new leather shoes and a glorious satchel which makes me think of school bags from the '50s.

I really should talk more about my travels instead of what clothes I am going to wear...

Well, firstly, I start in Bangkok, Thailand with two of my bestest chums in the whole world; Claire and Kerry.

(Us being silly)

Then after a week of roaming about Thailand we head to Oz to catch up with GRAHAM! YAY!

Then I am off to travel New Zealand and California alone. It is daunting but I am am so unbelievably exciting right now. It is T Minus one single month until we leave.

This blog will take a new turn once I am on the road. I intend to update it with photos and fun experiences :-)

Well, since I feel a bit like I haven't had a life recently, I will keep you posted on things once I get things back on track.

Over and Out! xxx