tension & thrill

Massively Great Quotes #27

2010-02-02T21:30:00.004Z

There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.
- Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

The Best Thing About Today #36

2010-02-01T21:29:00.003Z

My friends!

My friends are wonderful. I don't know what I have done to deserve such a wonderful injection of people into my life in the last 2 years but they have come in abundance and I wouldn't be without them. I think the reason I'm so enthusiastic about my friendships is because I've never become comfortable with them, and tried desperately not to take them for granted. Each of my friends possesses the ability to encourage me and build me up, and for that I hope not to become used to them, and not to think of them as a given but instead, be so grateful for their presence in my life. Saccharine and sickly sweet, perhaps. But the reality is, that love is the most powerful force working in this world, and they are a part of that. My love for them, and them for me. But forget inward love, all my friends possess qualities and are passionate too about outward love, loving other people and demonstrating a love that cannot be fathomed or explained.

So there we go. My friends are brilliant.

Women of Win #6

2010-01-28T21:31:00.000Z

image from www.myspace.com/katyperry

I love Katy Perry. I love pop music made by great, genuinely awesome singers (Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera etc.) as long as it's not too pretentious and genuinely awful (Lady Gaga). Katy Perry is the epitome of fun. I want to be her BFF. She's also very attractive, seemingly lovely and witty and down to earth. Let's look over the Russell Brand newpaper stuff and name some of the great songs she's been a part of: I Kissed A Girl: pop gold; If We Ever Meet Again with Timbaland: pop gold; Mannequin: pop gold. Infact... debut album: pop gold.

Also, she dresses up as fruit. What's not to love.

Hope for Haiti.

2010-01-27T21:54:00.000Z

YOU can give Haiti a helping hand by signing this to free them of debt and help them to receive the aid and help they deserve. Please sign, it will take all of seconds to make a real difference.

HOPE
HOPE
HOPE
HOPE
HOPE

Wicked Cool Bands #13

2010-01-24T22:02:00.000Z

Lucky #13. Here's Lee Mitchell.

IN STORES NOW#28: LEE MITCHELL / Part 1 / Heart Over Head from Bandwidth on Vimeo.

IN STORES NOW#28: LEE MITCHELL / Part 2 / Regrets / Please Don't Leave from Bandwidth on Vimeo.

2010-01-23T17:19:00.001Z

today I mainly feel awkward.

Wonderful Websites #12

2010-01-19T21:20:00.003Z

FormSpring.me is mental. It's essentially just one long quiz? I like it. Ask me some questions.

http://www.formspring.me/emmahlg
http://www.formspring.me/emmahlg
http://www.formspring.me/emmahlg
http://www.formspring.me/emmahlg
http://www.formspring.me/emmahlg

2010-01-13T22:54:00.003Z

This is Lee Mitchell.

He's doing a tour of Holland this weekend and I am very lucky to be going too! So off to Amsterdam I go tomorrow and across Holland then back to Amsterdam next week. I am going to write a blog every day.

A week off work, a beautiful (snowy) country and hearing lots of great songs by a great person every night.

Wicked.

Hope you all have a great week too!

2010-01-06T17:51:00.003Z

Happy Snow Day!

If you had one, I hope it was a good one. Personally I didn't have anyone to build a snowman with, which was the same disappointment felt last time it snowed this much! I did however have chicken soup, lots of cups of tea and Super Mario Bros for the Wii which I spent too much time playing. I think it'll be the same tomorrow. And possibly the next day! Not a lot of working going on considering it's the first week back to work after Christmas...

The Best Thing About Today #35

2010-01-05T21:07:00.001Z

This song:

Review Of The Year

2010-01-04T19:28:00.004Z

I didn't do this last year, mores the pity, but 2009 has been a relatively good year for blogging on my part (when I remember and don't spend an evening doing back dated entries... not that this is one or anything...). So here I am, I'm going to share with you some wonderful things that have happened to me or that my eyes and ears have been exposed to over the last 12 months!

2008 ended for me in one of my favourite places, Weymouth with some great people. 2009 began with me having a bad headache, hiding under the covers of my friend Vicky's spare room and then making the journey home to my parents house with a self inflicted 'illness'. We all know what that means. So altogether not the best start, although I'm happy to report that 2010 began rather differently.

Personally, 2009 has been a good year for me, although not without it's difficulties. Perhaps the most noteable thing to say from this year was that I have made lots of new friends! I love new friends. And without wanting to sound like this is turning into one of those awful scenes from Sex and the City where Carrie sits writing endless nonsense about men whilst looking out of the window of a New York apartment she blatantly can't afford, I also fell in love with one of those new friends and he with I! So that was quite good.

Things I enjoyed in this year:

Lee Mitchell. He is my absolute favourite.
Becoming an auntie again to Evie Rose. I held her when she was just half an hour old, and she was so perfect and small. I cried.
Going on holiday. I went to Cornwall with the best bunch of people ever, I went to Northern Ireland 3 times, Greenbelt festival, and I also went on endless trips at the weekends, Southampton, Winchester, London... The time and money I've spent on trains has been ridiculous!
Buying a Mac. Probably the best technological decision I've ever made, 2008 and all previous years before, you are nothing compared to the amazing times me and my Mac have shared this year. Without any technological errors whatsoever. Thank you Apple!
Photography. Although I still haven't mastered taking photos in any way, I am still enjoying the ongoing learning curve that is my SLR. It's been brilliant to capture memories, look at things in a different way, and taking up a hobby and finding a passion.
My friends! I am fortunate to have many strong friendships despite being away from every single one of them. I'm hoping that this fact changes in 2010 when I move to Winchester where I will be that little bit closer to lots of wonderful people. But if you're reading this and you're a friend of mine, many thanks to you. I consider myself epicly blessed in the friends department and hope that I can be a good friend to you in 2010 and get to know you more, spend more time with you and generally sharing in your life as you will hopefully do in mine. Love.

Music in 2009 has been great in my opinion. I've enjoyed many albums, mostly in the latter part of the year, I don't know maybe Autumn Winter has just been a great time for great albums this year? Artists and albums that I want to mention are as follows, so get involved.

I feel very lucky to say that I know many talented people, one of them includes Lee Mitchell. 2010 is going to be a very good year. Expect brilliant things and expect me to keep you updated with these brilliant things. Myspace HERE.

Songs: Shy to Say, Love is Here, Heart Over Head, Regret.

Foy Vance. My discovery of Foy was perhaps later than diehard fans but the second I heard his album Hope I was hooked, and luckily for me I was due to go and see him live the following fortnight. I was not disappointed. He remains one of my favourite artists, however underground his talents remain. The world deserves to hear him however, and you can read what I've blogged about him HERE.

Songs: Indiscriminate Act of Kindness, Treading Water, Don't Please Yourself, Homebird.

Mumford & Sons. Brilliant debut album Sigh No More. Ignore the hype and concentrate on the incredible lyrics of Marcus Mumford & co. Blogged about them HERE.

Songs: Sigh No More, Little Lion Man, Awake My Soul, Roll Away Your Stone.

James Yuill. A good friend of mine was playing this very Postal Service style album in his car one day and I bought it the second I got home. Once again, I've blogged about him and his album Turning Water Into Air HERE.

Songs: No Pins Allowed!, This Sweet Love, No Surprise.

Imogen Heap's third album Ellipse has been played a lot on my iPod too, and I can't wait to see her live in February. Long live female electropop, the genre of which Imogen is queen.

Songs: Bad Body Double, First Train Home, Swoon.

Luke Leighfield. Luke's third (and amazingly slick) album Have You Got Heart? is still available for a pay-whatever-the-hell-you-like-even-nothing HERE. Pride emanates from me that I have the privilege of knowing such a hard working and talented person as Luke. Expect big things from him in 2010 including another Russia and China tour, UK dates, a fourth album and lots more fun.

Songs: 60,000 Miles, When You've Reached Your Limit, By My Side.

Bon Iver is one of those artists that you hear important people talking about and it takes you ages to get round to listening to their music. I usually find that when this happens I either love it or wonder what the fuss it about. This was definitely the former. For Emma, Forever Ago would be an incredible album with or without the use of my name, it just so happens that it makes me love it that little bit more. His latest EP has also delivered greatness.

Songs: For Emma, re:stacks, Blindsided, Blood Bank, Woods.

A Fine Frenzy aka Alison Sudol has also been a favourite of mine, especially her latest offering, Bomb In A Birdcage. Beautiful stuff from a beautiful lady.

Songs: Near To You, Almost Lover, What I Wouldn't Do, Electric Twist.

On the subject of music, I've seen some brilliant bands live this year including Foy Vance, Paramore, Idlewild, Brand New, The Maccabees and many friends including Being Jo Francis, Lee Mitchell and Luke Leighfield.

I don't think I've been to the cinema nearly as much as I have wanted to this year, but I have seen a few films that I have loved!

Most recently, Where The Wild Things Are exceeded my expectations and Spike Jonez has made a children's book into a wonderful film capturing the essence of childhood adventure without alienating an adult audience. In fact, possibly appealing more to it.
The fifth sixth installment of Harry Potter, whilst not being the epic I was expecting, was still really enjoyable given my obsession with all things Hogwarts related.
500 Days Of Summer was another odd love story to add to my collection of favourites. Zooey's fringe is uncomparable and the music was also excellent. Uncomparable fringes and excellent music are 2 of my favourite things in life, so you can imagine my joy.

Book wise, I didn't do alot of reading. However.

I'm currently re-reading Sex God by Rob Bell which is still as great as the first time round. I also bought his coffee table style book Drop Like Stars this year which has some great photography in and is also provides a very interesting slant on the issue of suffering in relation to God.
The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Clairbourne made me cry on many train platforms. One man's opinion on how we can all be warriors in the fight for justice, love and grace.
Non Christian literature wise, I loved The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I'm yet to see the film as I'm told it's dire but the book had me hooked.
I'm currently enjoying The Complete Works of John Keats. Poetry in a non education context? How absurd! But it's beautiful.

TV wise, I continue to be astounded by the stupidity of Hollyoaks and Gossip Girl. I fell in love with and watched the entire 7 seasons of Entourage and also got fairly involved with Flash Forward although I'm still not entirely sure if it's good or not... the jury's out on that one. I'll keep you posted.

I hope 2009 has been a good year for you all, and you enjoyed this mini-review. Spread the word about the blog, and I will continue to provide inane insights into my world!

Love,
Emmah xo

TWO THOUSAND AND NINE

2010-01-01T19:02:00.001Z

Credit to Tom Price.

Dearest 2009,
As Dickens wrote, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

You've been turbulent, but joyous. You've been love-filled, but heart-wrenching. You've been beautiful, but imperfect.

You began where I end, in a nice 4 bedroom house in North Dorset, filled with objects and possessions that remind us of times gone by, yet they reside in a place relatively new to memories. They are slowly building though, and 2009 has added to these significantly.

There have been some births, and though all deaths are significant, I am thankful and grateful that you spared me heartache this year. There have been some especially noteable friendships that have developed, changed, been re-born and continue to astound and amaze. There have been new people within your period of time which have crept upon me and left me wondering what I did to deserve them. There have been holidays, hard graft, endless train journeys, failures, hope, despair, endless photos, tears, uncountable laughs and a new favourite thing; falling in love.

You, 2009 have been a good one. I remember saying good bye to 2008 in a somewhat drunken state, dressed as a clown, standing with friends and ready for a fresh start. In this readiness, I lifted a glass and said something along the lines of 'good riddance 2008'. You were supposed to be filled with a bullet point list of hopes and now I realise it... demands. Some have been fulfilled, some have cropped up time and time again and remain an ongoing struggle, but like 2008, you too have been a steep learning curve.

I am a small percentage but a percentage nonetheless wiser, and consider the journey that little bit lighter given the events of the last year. Specific details aren't needed, you and I know both the pitfalls and blessings you have bestowed upon me, but let's just say that I hope by the end of this new friend of mine 2010, I have the same bursting heart of hope, faith and above all love that is beating in my chest right now.

It remains trite when people say a new year a new start but there are so little opportunities to begin again in this life that I would like to embrace the ceremony of goodbye to you 2009, and say bring on 2010.

In this year, resolutions will most likely be untouched or discarded within the first week so I shan't make them. Instead I will continue to seek the kingdom, and all the rest I am guaranteed will follow.

Yours in accepting old beginnings and looking forward to the new,
Emmah xo

The Best Thing About Today #34

2009-12-29T17:07:00.002Z

Happy Christmas!

2009-12-25T09:01:00.002Z

Happy Christmas!

Today we celebrate something wonderful, the birth of a small baby. And just like the joy that surrounds any birth of new life, it is an exciting thing to remember and share with the world. But this birth was so different from any other baby born in our world today, yesterday and in the future. From humble beginnings lying in simply a pile of straw, this baby would go on to challenge love and create a whole new level of love for the world that He so desperately wanted to save. With His whole being He lead a life purely for you. For you, and for me and ultimately for love. Little did those parents, shepherds and wise men know just what or who they were witnessing. Jesus Christ, the saviour of the world and my saviour and best friend, was born to show a furious and unstoppable love.

So I hope you all have a wonderful time with your friends and family, unwrapping your presents, eating too much and watching the inevitable BBC Christmas movie and double bill of Eastenders, but take this day as a gift. Enjoy time with those you are with no matter what the circumstances, be thankful (whoever you end up thanking) for what you have and above all, just love. Love today, love Christmas and love those who need it.

Amen.

2009.

2009-12-24T16:30:00.001Z

I've got a feeling my review of the year is going to be pretty analytical.

Coming soon.

Personification: Self Esteem.

2009-12-20T22:28:00.003Z

Hi Self Esteem,
Hey mate! How are you? What do you mean you're awful? I was counting on you being really brilliant. Wow, that's sad news.
I have been meaning to write for a while to bring up a few things that have been troubling me, probably not best that we talk about it whilst you're in such a fragile state. I don't want to be accused of kicking you when you're down but there are some annoyances that cannot be kept silent for much longer.
I've been finding it quite difficult lately to juggle your moods. One minute you're up, the next you're down, and I'm not finding that it's very helpful for our relationship. It is a relationship we have, somewhat of a friendship, and like all good friendships they do have their ups and downs but I find it's useful if most of those times are ups. This has not been the case of late.
I've got some helpful advice I hope you don't mind me sharing... you shouldn't need a constant reassurance to be up. It's not healthy for you to resemble a fuel tank that needs refilling by nice comments and reassurance. Obviously these things are great, but they should be more of a bonus that compliment your already strong existence. No one likes a whiner.
Anyway, I hope I haven't come across brash, I know how difficult it must be for you to move with the moods of your owners and especially if that owner is a) female b) mid twenties c) me. But you're doing okay, just work on being okay most of the time, it makes it much easier for me and many others around me.
Great. Glad that's sorted.
Yours in worry, woe and empathy,
Emmah xo

The Best Thing About Today #33

2009-12-04T20:01:00.003Z

Earth is bloody amazing:

More incredible images!

Women of Win #5

2009-12-03T19:04:00.000Z

Jessica Stevenson

Jessica Stevenson (now Jessica Hynes) starred in the great British comedy Spaced. She was amazing. She was also in the great British film Confetti. She was great. She is an incredibly witty lady who also happens to be quite beautiful. She also once wrestled Simon Amstell on the telly.

The Best Thing About Today #32

2009-11-27T11:33:00.001Z

The only thing that's brought me the spirit of Christmas so far this year:

This week I've mostly been #1

2009-11-08T13:35:00.004Z

Hello! So this is pretty self explanatory as much of my features are.

Mainly:

Skipping: My new favourite way to exercise! I can now walk up stairs without feeling like I might die any second. Always a good thing to not want to end your life after walking for a few seconds I think.
Listening to remixes: Especially Fake Blood, Jakwob and Rusko. Hello greatness. Fake Blood remix of the week for me is definitely Calvin Harris' Ready For the Weekend which you can listen to on Spotify. Jakwob is definitely the remix of Ellie Goulding's Starry Eyed which has been floating about various blogs for months now, always receiving rave reviews. And finally, Rusko's remix of Adele's Cold Shoulder is simply brilliant. These tunes often accompany the aforementioned skipping.

The Best Thing About Today #31

2009-11-07T23:35:00.001Z

This song & video:

The desires of our heart.

2009-11-06T23:39:00.001Z

This week I've learnt that if you want something enough then it won't arrive when you want it to. The meaning of trust is more real now than ever before, and all this springs out of an affirmation of the word love. Such a simple throwaway verb to some, used as lightly as a common noun but such a crucial and devestatingly concept to others.

Nothing you desire with all your heart will be served upon a silver platter with a side salad of anything worth your time. I am discovering that real life is hard work, out of the student bubble and facing a life that I didn't imagine or expect. Maintaining relationships is hard work, juggling emotions is hard work, facing disappointment and having your expectations challenged is hard work. All things that are worth waiting for require a dedication to the cause.

Within a time of longing where you strive for a moment to finally arrive or find yourself sitting in a pool of uncertainty - remember that it's not good things that come to those who wait. Let's redifine those thoughts and believe that it is amazing things that will come and distill a negative and blurred vision of need.

I'm trying. I'm trying to believe that hope and trust and above all, love, will reap many rewards.

i don't own my clothes but i own my mind
it's not what you've lost it's what you find

Cat Hat.

2009-11-05T21:53:00.001Z

EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE A CAT!
COS A CAT'S THE ONLY CAT,
WHO KNOWS WHERE IT'S AT!

Women of Win #4

2009-11-04T21:42:00.003Z

Kristen Schaal

(Why wouldn't you pose with a cockerel?!)

Kristen Schaal plays Mel, the super super super stalker superfan in Flight Of The Chonchords. As Mel, she has many fine moments. As Kristen, she probably has a lot more such as when she was on Never Mind The Buzzcocks and this happened:

The Best Thing About Today #30

2009-11-02T21:41:00.000Z

This song & video:

The Best Thing About Today #29

2009-10-23T11:17:00.001+01:00

The new video by a previous Woman of Win, Ellie Goulding.

My Friends Are Talented #3

2009-10-21T18:46:00.004+01:00

image from www.myspace.com/beingjofrancis

Say hello to Josh, Jon, Chris and Mike. They are in a band called Being Jo Francis who write wicked songs about life and circuses. Maybe you would like to listen to them? Lucky for you, they have a myspace here which I and they would very much like you to visit. They also like to pose in fields with their hands in their pockets but don't judge them solely on that.

Massively Great Quotes #26

2009-10-20T21:50:00.002+01:00

A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.
- John Keats

The Best Thing About Today #28

2009-10-18T18:56:00.002+01:00

This brilliant cover:

Image Share #6

2009-10-16T18:59:00.002+01:00

Via Ricky Gervais' blog:

Wonderful Websites #11

2009-10-14T19:03:00.003+01:00

A website called Inspire me, Now! Inspiration, essentially and a collection of brilliant photos, ideas, sites etc. I love it already.

http://szymon.tumblr.com/

Women of Win #3

2009-10-13T22:06:00.006+01:00

Ellie Goulding's debut single Under The Sheets is insanely brilliant. Listen here or her myspace at the address below and then marvel at her greatness.

www.myspace.com/elliegoulding

The Best Thing About Today #26

2009-10-07T06:54:00.005+01:00

My friend and musician Luke Leighfield has just put up a song from his anticipated third album on his myspace. It's called By My Side and features some stonking guitars and loads of other good features but the stonking guitars have blinded me upon first listen. Well done Ben Price.
Anyway, you can listen to it here:

www.myspace.com/simplylukeleighfield

And you can also pre-order the album now by becoming a fan on facebook. The pre-order is exciting, there are t-shirts and photo books involved.

There is also a tour.

BIG THINGS PEOPLE, BIG THINGS.

Wicked Cool Bands #12

2009-10-05T08:20:00.008+01:00

Love it will not betray you dismay or enslave you;
It will set you free.
You will be more like the man you were made to be.
- Sigh No More, Mumford & Sons

image from www.myspace.com/mumfordandsons

Every so often, a band will come to your attention and startle you. You will wonder how you have ever looked at your album collection without theirs in it, you will wonder who else you would play first thing in the morning and last thing and night and in the time inbetween. You will try to think of any other band who has affected you quite the same way in the past year, and falter.

Hello Mumford & Sons.

I won't claim the victory that this band was a self discovery, I was introduced to them a few months ago via a music loving boyfriend of mine, and until yesterday had only heard limited tracks on their myspace (which you can visit here) and their single release from their debut album, Little Lion Man which has been available via Spotify for a couple of months. This one track was one I played a lot, reveling in the folk glory that it is, and the wonderful lyrical talents of the band. Previously mentioned boyfriend managed to wangle the album prior to release by means that shall remain nameless (cough) and I have had to make do with a 5 track release on Spotify. Totally worth it though, since yesterday I've listened to it non stop and like a new love affair, am wondering what I ever did before this album (or the 5 tracks at least) were in my life!

The album is officially released today, 5th of October. Buy it, and get ready for some intensely brilliant lyrical genius and an album full of stonking folk tunes that will no doubt make you want to dance, stamp your feet and take on the world.

The Best Thing About Today #25

2009-10-04T20:50:00.003+01:00

What a better The Best Thing About Today than The Maccabees. Less today though, and more yesterday.

image from www.myspace.com/themaccabees

Last night I went to see The Maccabees in London's Brixton Academy. A wonderful, beautiful venue. I saw Brand New there a couple of years ago and was truly mesmerized by such a stunning place, full of haunting atmosphere and wonderfully captivating open space. This space was widened upon my second visit, as at the previous event I had been front center stage, taking in the wonder of the show whilst sharing in hundreds of others sweat pouring out from every crevice. This was suitably welcomed however, as being in the upper circle was a lovely if entirely different experience. My friend Vicky and I did some of the best seat dancing I've ever done in my life and risked life and limb (it's steep okay!?) by dancing stood up at some of the best points. In fact they were all best points. It was a wonderfully put together show, void of light displays, clever banter or any other gimmicks other than simply great tunes played by a bunch of humble and grateful men. These character traits were the best things about the gig, and me and thousands of others realised just how grateful the band were for the opportunity to play at such a venue. Latchmere was a particular highlight, and Can You Give It and of course the fine slab of indie brilliance that is First Love which was of course the encore.

If you ever get the chance to see The Maccabees, you won't be disappointed. I don't know that I've felt the urge to dance at a gig quite as much as I did last night, and I've seen The Spice Girls live. Twice. Yeah that's right, you heard me.

So to sum up, The Maccabees live experience: more dance-worthy than The Spice Girls.

Women of Win #2

2009-10-02T13:38:00.004+01:00

Paloma Faith:

image from www.myspace.com/palomafaith

Hello incredibly talented and beautiful redhead. I love pop stars who ooze glamour yet down-to-earth-ness. She is wicked.

Photo Post #8

2009-10-01T22:21:00.004+01:00

The Best Thing About Today #24

2009-09-30T19:26:00.003+01:00

This soundtrack:

[500] Days Of Summer - Music From The Motion Picture

YouTube Win #7

2009-09-28T21:07:00.001+01:00

MAD LANDING SKILLZ:

Personification: Autumn.

2009-09-27T17:56:00.005+01:00

Dear Autumn,
Hi, I think that we've met before, but never really been fully acquainted. I mean I've enjoyed your past endeavors, and I've definitely noticed you before but only recently have I really been able to call myself a fan. Your previous work has passed me by slightly, so the new collection of colours you've brought to the table have really surpassed earlier times, because I'm definitely loving it.
Orange is a difficult colour to make work, but you've definitely done wonders with it, and fancy bringing in the yellows and slight greens! I never thought that would work, but congratulations, you've achieved colour success.
I often wonder if it's more difficult for you to follow the success of my good friend Summer, but I suppose it's probably easier for you as you just tend to strip the trees to their bare essentials and let them get on with it. Wise choice.
Anyway, hope that this letter of encouragement finds you well and I look forward to experiencing a bit more of you come October.
Yours in fallen leaves,
Emmah xo

Massively Great Quotes #25

2009-09-17T19:25:00.002+01:00

"'You were a million years of work,'
Said God and His angels, with needle and thread.
They kissed your head and said,
'You’re a good kid and you make us proud.
So just give your best and the rest will come,
And we’ll see you soon.'"
- Needle & Thread, Sleeping at Last

Women of Win #1

2009-09-16T19:58:00.002+01:00

A new feature demonstrating some of the fine women I'm a fan of.

Zooey Deschanel

image from www.myspace.com/zooeydeschanel

Great actress, impeccable style and hair. In a folk band. Dresses ridiculously well at all times. Cute. Funny. Girl next door. In films with hot boys (NB: 500 Days Of Summer). Oh, Zooey.

Great Things About Life This Week #18

2009-09-07T16:40:00.004+01:00

Hair cuts: a liberating feeling to know that you have just cut off months of damaged and split ends so that if only for a few weeks, your hair will be healthy for a while.
Discovering something you love: I took some photos of my friends band this week and it just instilled in me a definite love for photography. It's a great feeling to have something to feel passionate about.
Greenbelt festival: my boyfriend and I got back on Tuesday from a great weekend in Cheltenham, we worked at the festival in the hospitality lounge (that's backstage teas and coffees to you and me) and got free food and a free ticket to the festival for the privilege of doing so. Hard work, but a great weekend. http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/

My Friends Are Talented #2

2009-09-06T21:43:00.003+01:00

Hello! Welcome to the second part of My Friends Are Talented! Last time I featured Adam Guest, Luke Leighfield and Kim Masters and now it's the turn of some other lovely person to be talked up via Tension & Thrill.

And so brings us to the brilliant and marvelous Dave Shearn.

He takes photos of lots of things in life: gigs, weddings, people... I'm sure he'd do your gig or wedding or person if you asked him nicely. He is a very funny, great and handsome chap who loves Jesus and photography a lot. He has taken these brilliant photos and you can visit his Flickr to look at some more of his wicked photography.

The Best Thing About Today #23

2009-09-05T17:20:00.001+01:00

This cover:

Great Things About Life This Week #17

2009-08-31T22:10:00.005+01:00

A week with my favourite ginger: say hello to Sarah Ashworth. She is what is known as a ginger winner and I spent lots of time with her this week. We went to Starbucks and other coffee establishments, talked alot and ate too many eggs and drank too much gin and tonic. Standard times.
Grace: astounds me, always.
Greenbelt: Lee and I are currently at Greenbelt and having a wonderful time despite the turbulent night temperatures and the fact that we are working! Home tomorrow.

The Best Thing About Today #22

2009-08-24T12:46:00.002+01:00

image from www.myspace.com/imogenheap

IMOGEN HEAP'S ALBUM IS OUT TODAY!

Image Share #5

2009-08-23T13:40:00.002+01:00

Via Nataliedee

Do you not know? Have you not heard?

2009-08-22T22:05:00.006+01:00

This blew me away today. It's taken from a DVD called 'How Great is Our God' which describes the great magnitude of the universe, and how stupidly amazing the God is who made it all. It has made me truly consider how insignificant Earth is in comparison to the rest of the galaxy, and the stars, and the insane big-ness that is the universe. And amongst all this epic existence, I am set apart. I have been chosen as a dwelling place.

Incredible.

Massively Great Quotes #24

2009-08-21T23:15:00.004+01:00

"People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering."
- St. Augustine

Ellipse.

2009-08-20T08:47:00.002+01:00

What follows is the genius that is Imogen Heap's new album!

Listen, love and enjoy.

Wonderful Websites #10

2009-08-19T13:43:00.004+01:00

http://www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

Does exactly what it says on the tin, awkward family photos.

Great Things About Life This Week #16

2009-08-17T22:23:00.001+01:00

Northern Ireland! I'm in Bangor in Northern Ireland this week and today me and my boyfriend, his dad and his brother are off on an adventure across the border to Ireland for some camping and some traditional Irish music!
Meeting new people is wicked.
The sun is shining!

The Best Thing About Today #21

2009-08-15T07:17:00.004+01:00

Today I am going to the lovely place that is Bangor, in Northern Ireland to see the lovely person that is Lee Mitchell.

The Best Thing About Today #20

2009-08-14T22:45:00.003+01:00

This song:

Great Things About Life This Week #15

2009-08-10T13:25:00.003+01:00

Weddings: I went to a lovely lovely wedding on Saturday! My friends Si and Jo from University got married and they both looked wonderful and celebrated the best day of their lives in style complete with all things Cath Kidston, Laura Ashley and with plenty of sunshine.
Books: I have received 2 amazing books in the post this week, one is called Jesus For President by Shane Clairborne, and another is called Drop Like Stars: Some Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering by Rob Bell. Both have some amazing photography in and feature some wise words on how God and Jesus are oh so relevant to today's society, and the economic and social suffering going on all around us.
My new camera lens: I got a 50mm lens (known online as the nifty fifty) and it's a massive winner so far. I can't wait to use it when I go on holiday to Northern Ireland on Saturday. Win.

Massively Great Quotes #23

2009-08-09T18:36:00.004+01:00

"I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination.
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Knowledge is limited.
Imagination encircles the world."
- Albert Einstein

YouTube Win #6

2009-08-08T13:38:00.003+01:00

Frankmusik doing some badass beat boxing:

Photo Post #7

2009-08-07T19:32:00.001+01:00

Image Share #4

2009-08-06T20:44:00.004+01:00

Via www.marriedtothesea.com

Wonderful Websites #9

2009-08-05T21:49:00.001+01:00

http://horribletattoos.blogspot.com/
http://horribletattoos.blogspot.com/
http://horribletattoos.blogspot.com/
http://horribletattoos.blogspot.com/
http://horribletattoos.blogspot.com/

Essentially, a website deomonstrating the immense stupidity of some people regarding their choices to get these things inked onto their bodies. For life.

Massively Great Quotes #22

2009-08-04T20:51:00.005+01:00

"Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.”
- Unknown

Great Things About Life This Week #14

2009-08-03T20:22:00.003+01:00

My mum: Yesterday we had a BBQ for my mum's birthday which was on Saturday. My mum is a great mum. It's hard living with her after 4 years of independence at University but she is such a wonderful person. Giving, loving and everything a mum should be and more. So I'm glad she had a lovely day, she's a winner.
Holga: My new Holga camera arrived this week! It's brilliant and I have had lots of fun taking photos with it today. The problem I have is that after years of using digital cameras, I need to work on my patience. My 4 year old niece didn't understand why she couldn't see the photo after I took it!
Watersports: On Saturday I went to my friends hen party and we did loads of watersports like water skiing and banana boating (not quite sure that counts as a sport but still). It was so much fun, I ached all weekend from it and have some impressive war wounds but great times!

YouTube win #5

2009-08-02T20:31:00.003+01:00

This kid has got some serious mooooovez:

Image Share #3

2009-08-01T08:26:00.004+01:00

Via Toothpasterfordinner.com

Your Future Is Mine.

2009-07-31T22:11:00.007+01:00

Reading or writing on another train platform.

Looking up at neon train times, contemplating life and creation - usually finding myself whimsically looking up to the sky wondering how clouds work or why that part is that colour or why that part is moving and that part is not.

It's either really hot or really cold, and whatever the weather, I am inappropriately dressed.

Now, what to do. Get coffee? Is there time? Will I have to run for the train coffee cup in hand and do the embarrassing thing of slowing down to edge my way to a doorway that's not crammed full of angry commuters or buggys? Which pocket is my phone in? How much battery is there left on my iPod? Will it last the journey? Will I last the journey is more the point.

There is usually an underlying sense of guilt attached to my contemplative waits on endless platforms. It has increased over the course of the last year, each time bringing with it more questions, more times of deep reflection, more times when I've simply had to shake myself out of thinking about it for fear of delving deeper into my narcissistic hours of thought and motion. This guilt comes from spending money, from alcohol, from boys, from ignorance. Mainly from ignorance. Mainly from not listening. The list is truly endless like no other list. Defying a plan, leading me to endless train stations, and feeling like I'm running from something.

Now this contemplative knot tightens, symbolizing uncertainty.

'Your future is Mine' a voice whispers.

The voice swims through me, exciting, unnerving, supernatural and wild. It rips through me daily, seeking me out and challenging me and all of a sudden it's a minute until the train I'm due to board arrives and I'm always grateful to get moving again so that the voice can reign supreme.

Your future is mine. It is louder now, and as quick as I am reassured, the knot in my stomach is gone.

The Best Thing About Today #19

2009-07-30T19:03:00.000+01:00

The other day I told you all to read The Time Travellers Wife, a wonderful book that I'm currently nearing the end of. Well they're making it into a film! Tonight at Tesco I saw a poster for it outside. It has the beautiful Rachel McAdams in it from The Notebook and Eric Bana from the awful first Hulk film. Here's the trailer:

Massively Great Quotes #21

2009-07-29T20:08:00.001+01:00

"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."
- Galadriel, Lord Of The Rings

Image Share #2

2009-07-28T20:52:00.001+01:00

Via nataliedee.com

Great Things About Life This Week #13

2009-07-27T20:56:00.005+01:00

My weekend was spent in 2 of my favourite places: Winchester and Weymouth. In Winchester I searched for a new house with a best friend, in Weymouth I slobbed out in an old house with a best friend.
Holga cameras: I'm sure you will be hearing much more about this, but I ordered a Holga camera this week, and I'm very excited about receiving it and messing around with it! They are 80s toy cameras that produce amazing light distortion effects and I have loved looking at Holga images on flickr for ages now, so am eager to get started with mine soon, exciting.
New babies: my friend Abi had a beautiful beautiful little girl very early this morning. Her name is Amelie Victoria and I'm very excited about meeting her soon.

The Best Thing About Today #18

2009-07-26T19:22:00.003+01:00

The first song of Imogen Heap's new album 'Ellipse' is on Spotify!

image from myspace.com/imogenheap

Listen to First Train Home on Spotify: HERE!

Wicked Cool Bands #11

2009-07-25T20:30:00.001+01:00

"If you ask me of my fondest memory,
I'd say take my hand and I'll show you where I've been.
As we tread through leaves you'd listen while I speak,
this moment that we share is ours to keep."
- Through The Leaves, Kissy Sell Out

Kissy Sell Out: DJ, electro pioneer, remix king. Summer songs. Big tunes. Best played loud accompanied by sunshine. Listen to Through the Leaves, the best track (in my humble opinion) from their 2009 record, Youth and try not to give in to the desire to run to the nearest park and lie back and think of the summer that we should be having. You might want to take an umbrella for the rain.

Official site.
Myspace.

YouTube win #4

2009-07-24T18:26:00.000+01:00

Wonderful Websites #8

2009-07-23T22:46:00.002+01:00

I love anything funny to do with animals. Me and my friend Sally often send really random pictures of animals to each other purely for the laughs. So this website pretty much ticks some major humour boxes for me.

http://fuckyeahanimalswithcasts.tumblr.com
http://fuckyeahanimalswithcasts.tumblr.com
http://fuckyeahanimalswithcasts.tumblr.com
http://fuckyeahanimalswithcasts.tumblr.com
http://fuckyeahanimalswithcasts.tumblr.com

Image Share #1

2009-07-22T20:53:00.005+01:00

New feature: I show you comics/images/pictures.

Today's is via doghatesme.com.

image from www.doghatesme.com

Wonderful Websites #7

2009-07-21T19:44:00.001+01:00

http://failblog.org/

Fails. Epic fails.

Wins. Epic wins.

It's got them all.

Great Things About Life This Week #12

2009-07-20T10:12:00.004+01:00

Longleat Safari Park! My friend Massimo came to visit, and we went to Longleat with my mum, and it was amazing! We held a tarantula called Rosie and I also held a snake called... wait for it... Orville. Amazing.
Tarantulas are proper amazing creatures. I don't like spiders, don't get me wrong, but this tarantula was just beautiful. I'm sure 90% of you disagree with me, but it was just incredible to see it up close and realise that it wasn't going to hurt me. It just sat there all light and furry chillin' out. Amazing.
Today I get to see lots of my favourite people, including my lovely boyfriend, my wonderful nieces and sister, my wicked friends Laura and Vicky, and I also get to top all this off with a Chinese. Excellent.

Personification: Wisdom Teeth.

2009-07-19T20:31:00.007+01:00

image from www.nataliedee.com

Dear Wisdom Teeth,

You're probably wondering why I've singled you out amid the other 24ish teeth in my mouth, but that's because you in particular are making my life hell at the moment. Okay, so yeah, your friends Molar and Incisor and I have had our problems in the past, there was also that isolated incident in 2005 when one of them literally crumbled in my mouth like a biscuit that had been left in a cup of tea for too long, but this time... I'm talking just to you.

First of all, lets begin with your name. Who are you to just presume that your presence grants wisdom? You nutjobs. You so far have brought nothing but pain and misery as you've poked and prodded and bled your way into my mouth, and I'm seriously considering taking up some kind of lawsuit for false advertising. There is not an ounce of extra wisdom to be seen!

Now we've tackled that, lets move on to your purpose. Now you may think who am I to question your uses, but I simply must protest against your existence when you appear to do literally nothing. I gag when I brush you because you're simply too far back in my mouth, so how food reaches you for you to do your so called 'job' of chewing, I'll never know. Be sure to let me know if you actually get any of the goods during meal times, and then I might reconsidering labelling you USELESS.

I'm sure you can sense my want to bring some serious pugilistic rage upon you not just for your pointless existence but also many other reasons. You seem to bring me nothing but misery, and this misery is only to continue when I eventually give in to this constant pain and nausea and visit a dentist, one of my least favourite things to do in life. Ever.

So, the point of this letter was to simply make it clear if you haven't gathered already that I hate you. I will always hate you. I've hated you from the moment you first appeared through my gums, bleeding your way into the world like a tiny little annoying volcano erupting in my mouth. And I will continue to hate you, whether you lead a full and pointless life in the depths of my jaw, or whether your ultimate demise occurs with a minor operation, extracting you from this place.

So, to sum up; you bring nothing to the table.

Yours in pain, bleeding gums, headaches, ear ache and severe bad moods,
Emmah xo

The Best Thing About Today #17

2009-07-18T21:49:00.003+01:00

This photo:

YouTube Win #3

2009-07-17T17:07:00.002+01:00

I'm so ridiculously excited about this film!

Massively Great Quotes #20

2009-07-15T06:25:00.005+01:00

Therefore we do not lose heart.
Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
- The Bible,
2 Corinthians 4 v. 16 - 18

Wicked Cool Bands #10

2009-07-14T10:37:00.003+01:00

"There's a spanner in the works you know,
you gotta step up your game to make to the top.
So go!"
- Something Good Can Work, Two Door Cinema Club

image from myspace.com/twodoorcinemaclub

I love any opportunity to have a dance. Music that makes you want to move and dance is a winner in my book, so to discover Two Door Cinema Club's music is a massive win in this dreary month of July. They only have 2 tracks on Spotify but that hasn't stopped me from playing them over and over again and dancing around my room whilst it poured down with rain outside! They hail from the great wondrous place that is Northern Ireland, specifically Bangor which I hear on great authority is one of the best places on earth. True or not, it certainly churns out some very talented musicians, Two Door included.

Fresh from a brilliant set at Glastonbury (which you can watch here) they continue the summer of festivals with V and Leeds. So if you're going to either of those, then I urge you to go see them.

They have Twitter, they have Myspace and they have great songs. What are you waiting for? Go dance.

Great Things About Life This Week #11

2009-07-13T21:48:00.004+01:00

My new lumberjack shirt. Cost too much than I want to say, but it's really wonderful and I love it. (NB: Note the completely shattered/retarded look I manage to pull off in this photo. Not everyone can do that with such ease.)
I also bought a t-shirt with Madonna on. And I'm not talking about leotard Madonna who adopts Africans. I'm talking about super rad goth/eighties Madonna in the Like A Virgin video.
This lead to my Saturday night dancing around my room in leggings and said Madonna top to eighties classics and singing very loudly whilst tidying out my cupboards. Therapeutic and satisfying.

Brilliant Books #1

2009-07-13T12:08:00.006+01:00

Another new feature! This time I'm going to have a go at being Richard and Judy and recommend you some books. I'm not a massive fan of reading, I often find that I can't be bothered to make time to read, or that my attention span doesn't last long enough to warrant a 300 pager, but sometimes I will stumble upon books that just take me in, and I can't help but fall in love with.

The Time Travelers Wife is one of those books. A book thats main theme is that of love. Love stories to me are usually frivolous, they don't tell you the real, deep and addictive things about love that make it worth writing a book about. Usually, I find that books will paint a picture of love that screams cheesy valentines cards, awkward first dates and that moment where the initial lustful attraction is over and you're left with someone you thought you were in love with but in reality it was over before it had begun. The Time Travelers Wife tells a tale of real love, love that you can't let go of. Henry has a genetic disorder where by his body clock randomly resets itself and he is transported into his own past or his own future. His present is often blurred, and so this makes relationships difficult, let alone a marriage. But his love for Claire outweighs all impossibilities, and you will find yourself drawn in and captivated by their story, however strange the subject matter may seem. I know girls who love this story, and I know boys who've recommended it to me too, so don't presume that it is simply a throw away tale.

So go forth and enjoy some literature!

Photo Post #6

2009-07-12T19:34:00.004+01:00

Imogen Heap!

2009-07-11T18:56:00.005+01:00

image from www.myspace.com/imogenheap

If any of you know me personally you will know that my favourite woman in music and possibly one of my favourite women ever is Imogen Heap! Perhaps you have heard her name about, and you might be familiar with her music, or you might be a big fan, or you might not see what the big deal is. (NB: if you hold that last option, then you are misguided and should seek professional help.) Whatever your affiliation with her or her music, allow me to be annoyingly excited about her new album!

The second solo album entitled Ellipse is ready for release on the 24th of August and Imogen has posted a link where you can listen to the first track from it, First Train Home. It's really great. Trust me.

FIRST TRAIN HOME

The Best Thing About Today #16

2009-07-10T18:32:00.002+01:00

This song:

Oh Ali Sudol. How I adore thee.

Massively Great Quotes #19

2009-07-09T21:49:00.002+01:00

"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens."
- J.R.R Tolkien

The Best Thing About Today #15

2009-07-07T22:20:00.003+01:00

THIS IS THE ALBUM COVER FOR IMOGEN'S NEW ALBUM! How. Bloody. Exciting.

image from www.myspace.com/imogenheap

Great Things About Life This Week #10

2009-07-06T21:53:00.003+01:00

THE BIG TENTH EDITION! But don't get excited it's the same as every week.

Idlewild! I saw them on Saturday night at a free festival in Coventry (http://www.godivafestival.co.uk/) and they were really amazing. They played some new songs which sound great, and I hope that they do a tour so that I can see them again in an environment that doesn't involve loads of drunk screaming chavs.
Cow vintage shop in Birmingham. I bought a lovely vintage denim skirt for £6ish today and my boyfriend bought some amazing brogues. Great value.
Thunderstorms. There hasn't been a good enough one to satisfy my longing for one, but I think that there might be a big one on the way this week. I fully intend to watch it from my bedroom window thinking about how amazing creation is and how I am but a mere insignificant blip in the grand scheme of things.

Wicked Cool Bands #9

2009-07-02T22:32:00.007+01:00

"My face blew up at such a casual sight,
this miracle is of ecstatic fright."
- Little Secrets, Passion Pit

image from myspace.com/passionpitjams

Think MGMT only loads better. Think soundtrack to your summer. Think music that makes you wanna go WHOOO. Passion Pit.

I'm gutted that they're doing a set at the Orange Rooms in Southampton tomorrow night and I'll probably be on a train. Hearing Little Secrets live would make my week perfect. So, there we go, recommendation number one is Little Secrets, a song that might make you don shades and run around outside praising the heat rather than complaining (like me) that you can't sleep and that it's too hot to do anything. Other awesome songs of theirs are Sleepy Head and The Reeling, both of which you can listen to at their Myspace and on Spotify.

So there we go, summer 2009, meet Passion Pit.

YouTube Win #2

2009-07-01T22:28:00.001+01:00

30.06.2009

2009-06-30T06:59:00.002+01:00

Hi, I'm Emmah and today I am 23.

Great Things About Life This Week #9

2009-06-29T21:34:00.004+01:00

image from myspace.com/brandnew

BRAND FRICKIN' NEW: I saw them live on Friday night for the third time. Third time lucky, third time amazing, third time so ridiculously tension ridden and atmospheric that I can't even consider putting the experience into coherent words.
Thunderstorms: Saw a couple this weekend and last week, I want more. More, more, more. Captivating. And they usually leave behind a lovely musty damp smell from the rain and humidity.
Train journeys still do it for me, and lucky me I've got a few long ones coming up. Namely to Coventry and back, but we'll see where my wages take me this month.

Massively Great Quotes #18

2009-06-26T22:42:00.004+01:00

"At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet."
- Plato

A Present For You.

2009-06-25T21:19:00.008+01:00

REALLY
GREAT
SONGS
ALERT!!

A Spotify playlist that I made featuring some really great music from Passion Pit, Kate Havnevik, Ben Folds, Foy Vance, Brand New etc. You will love it. If you don't, you've gone wrong in your mindtank. Just click the above link and it should open in your Spotify. Enjoy!

The Best Thing About Today #14

2009-06-23T22:51:00.002+01:00

This cover:

Great Things About Life This Week #8

2009-06-22T20:39:00.002+01:00

image from the absolute winner that is tim jones

Spotify: I'm still riding high on this craze, fo real.
The fact that even though I'm not on holiday anymore, it is only 4 days of work till 4 days of win. That could be made into some kind of fraction, or ratio, or any other mathematical equation.
The facebook tagging explosion of my holiday photos. Amazing.

Personification: Emotions.

2009-06-22T01:11:00.000+01:00

Dear Emotions,
I'm not entirely sure where you are located on or in the body, but where ever you are, I trust that this letter will reach you regardless. Just a small one really, mainly to inquire as to your erratic behaviour of late. Seriously, please could you just stick to one theme and run with that? Because I'm left feeling overwhelmed when you are going up and down like some kind of emotional Richter scale. If I had to favour any emotions, then I'd probably run with happiness, and less of the confused and inability-to-make-concrete-decisions ones you've been churning out sporadically over the last year. I don't really know if I can entirely blame you, I fear someone else might be in on this little game. Yeah, that's right brain, I'm talking about you. You're a sneaky bastard, so you're probably reading this over Emotions shoulder (if you have shoulders... I'm not sure you do). Either way, pull together. Sort something out. Maybe have a word with Motivation and just work together in some kind of stupendous trinity of perfection and work on this issue together.
That'd be bloody brilliant.
Yours in love, sadness, confusion, denial and oddness,
Emmah. xo

YouTube Win #1

2009-06-18T22:28:00.001+01:00

Pretty self explanatory new feature.