Writing Wednesday #8 ~ Race

Just Another Race

It's just another race, I remind myself, feet slapping against the floor as I continue to run, hardly daring to look back, just in case I don't like what I see. Some days I wonder just when my stupidly stubborn head will actually get me killed. A low, rumbling growl sounds behind me, sending a tremor  through the ground. By the looks of it, that day might not be that far away.


It wasn't supposed to go like this, this was not made to kill. We were just playing, another game that had a cool prize at the end. That prize seemed so far away now.

We were together at first, the sinister being who had set the lot of us off, his resounding countdown reverberating through the clearing in which we stood. He gave us 2 minutes' head start, 2 minutes to run before he began the hunt.

We thought it was a game. We think we're all grown up, but like children, we were too transfixed by the end to consider the complications of the middle.

The growl is louder now, gaining on me rapidly. I'm next, I realise. There's no point in ignoring it. I'm going to die, another casualty of the game.

All fight dissipated from my being, slowing my legs to a stop, allowing me to look to the sky as the growling stalks closer. Here's hoping somebody wins this in my place.

* * * * *

This one is actually alright for once! It's kind of a Hunger Games hybrid, I know, but it's a random thing! Hop you enjoyed this week's theme of Race. It's still Wednesday (It's 11:42 pm). I'm actually doing better at getting these up each week, I'm quite proud of myself :)

Love, Eve <3

Writing Wednesday #7 ~ Fish

Something in the Water

You wouldn't be able to tell what's wrong with us, not from the outside. Even some people on the inside don't understand.

There's something in the water, you see.

Not the water we drink, nor the water we bathe in. It's in our rivers, and in the ocean that boxes us in, keeping us here.

The fish don't swim beneath the waves as they would in your world, but rather, they glide along the ripples, leering over the water, waiting to strike. Our fish can fly, can yours?

It's not just that, though. Our fish, though not sharks or any other type of predator species, are carnivorous. However, only do they show this vindictive trait when the moon shines its light upon their scales. Only in the twilight can they reveal their fangs. Only in darkness can they show appear in their true light.
* * * * *
I'm going to stop that there, otherwise, it'll end up too much like my original Writing Wednesday, Shark Woods.
So, yet another disappointingly short Writing Wednesday, I'll just let myself out now.
Eve <3

February Favourites 2015 ~ Pen and Key

Again, this is only going to be a few items long, because I'm rubbish at thinking of favourites, I need to start taking note of them.

Lynx Attract for Her ~ Bodyspray and Body Wash Set

This was a Christmas present, which, you can never go wrong with body spray or shower gel with me, really. I love the smell of it, and that's really all I can say. It smells nice, and works? *shrugs*

Barry M ~ Matte Top Coat

Over half term, I got to wear a couple of nail designs, which I was very happy with, as during a school week, I don't get the chance to do my nails up. So, I've been wearing french tips with a matte finish, which looks brilliant to me.

The first was worn over half term, using Ciate polishes, and the second was worn on Friday to school for the heck of it using an Avon French Tip duo.

Hollister ~ Solana Beach ~ Hand and Body Cream

I bought this last year when on exchange in Zaragoza, Spain. It was literally the cheapest thing in the shop, which isn't exactly surprising. However, I think I paid 7 euros for this, I mean, seriously? It smells gorgeous, though. I've been using it as a hand cream lately, because my hands need some maintenance!

w7 ~ Eye Lust Mascara

This was a Christmas present from my sister, alongside some other subtle makeup items (she's my older sister, so she's not too keen on me making myself up too much). This mascara has a lovely wand (I prefer the types that are bristles over plastic, as they hurt less when they go into your eyes!), great coverage, and makes my eyes look really wide, which, as I've mentioned before, I like my eyes to be the focal point of my look.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Bit of an odd favourite, I know, but this month I went to see my friend Emily in her school's production of Sweeney Todd. She may have not had a big role, but I was so proud of her, simply seeing he on that stage and knowing she'd worked so hard to be there.

Also, the music of Sweeney Todd has a haunting beauty that is so enchanting. The story may be creepy, but with good acting, it was pulled off spectacularly, and I ended up with shivers whenever they sang the Ballad of Sweeney Todd.

So those are some of my favourites for February! I've got to go work on tomorrow's Writing Wednesday now, which, spoiler alert, is FISH! I can barely contain myself!

Eve <3

Best Blogging Buddies Award ~ Pen and Key

Guess who's been nominated for another blog award! It may not be an Oscar, but I'm not Benedict Cumberbatch, so...

This is the Best Blogging Buddies Award, for which I was nominated by M of the Life of Little Me. Thank you M!!!

Award Requirements

Make a post to show the award on my main blog

Tag the person who nominated me in the post (and also take the cute owl with me)

Nominate all my best buddies, and the people who I want to be buddies with, who, to my knowledge, have not been nominated yet

Ask at least 15 questions in my post

Answer the questions my buddy asked me in this post

So now I'm going to answer M's questions, which I can see taking a while!

Why do you blog?
Writing has and always will be my escape, I suppose. I've tried journals and diaries numerous times over the years, but I've never been able to stick to them. But this blog, my little corner of the internet, it's somewhere I can go, somewhere I can rant, go on about my life, or just write the most random of things. I blog because it's my escape, because it' my little corner, and because it's more me than anything else.

What are on your bedroom walls?
So, on my left wall, I have the mounted cap, ISAF badge and pog my sister brought back from a tour she was on; a notepad; a windchime I made a few summers ago from driftwood, seashells and bottle caps; a couple of pictures that my sisters used to have in their room; a set of bunting my mum stuck up for my birthday in September; a Harry Potter quote art I wrote last year; Twilight: Breaking Dawn posters Maya gave me ages ago (out of shot)

Then, to the left of my bed I have my Sherlock calendar (yes, you do shave for Sherlock Holmes, stop lying, John), a picture I made in year 6 with drawings of all the things I like on it, a certificate from my year 6 choir, and a bit of bunting from my year 6 prom, which has loads of things written about me from all my primary school friends. there should also be my leaver's certificate from primary.

I didn't take a picture of my other wall, as that has a picture of the girls from my primary (I'm barely visible) and I don't want to put that up if they don't know about it, even if there is a very cute picture of five-year-old me.

Type out some lyrics you love
I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies
 A white blank page, and a swelling rage
If I cannot fly, let me sing
Writers keep writing they what ... write, somewhere another pretty vein just ... died
When just one mistake is all you can take, we'll go down in history, remember me for centuries
Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound
Cause good girls are bad girls that never got caught
And my head told my heart 'Let love grow', but my heart told my head 'This time no'
Keep the earth below my feet, for all my sweat, my blood runs weak
You find yourself on top as the leader of the flock, called to be a rock, for those below

There's a lot more than I can think of right now, but there's ten sets of lyrics I love

Describe one of your friends in lots of detail, without naming them
This friend, he's so sweet. He's always enthusiastic whenever he sees me, offering high fives and hugs, and even allows me to rest on his shoulder if I'm feeling tired (always a sign for a good friend in my book if they let you rest on their shoulder). He's always so hyper whenever he starts spouting in accents or another joke, which he always seems to have up his sleeve. His sweet innocence is so refreshing compared to how un-enthused I am in a lot of situations, especially his determination to keep singing high notes until the moment his voice breaks. He's great, and I'm glad he's the one I made friends with in choir.

One photo. Any photo, as long as it's of you or taken by you.

This picture was taken by me on Saturday at our local park while I was out with my mum and her friends taking a test run for a duck race they're doing for Comic Relief. I love photographing nature (sunsets are a particular favourite) and the scenery of the park could not be passed up on such a bright day (it later went on to snow for 20 minutes).

What's the last book you read, and what are your thoughts?
The last book I read was Glimpse (Zellie Wells #1) by Stacey Wallace Benefiel. I liked this book, though I do think it got to the action quite quickly when you expected it to last, then you get a load of filler chapters that, if the first arc lasted longer, would have suited better as a second book, in my opinion. It's still free on kindle if you want to take a look yourself :)
Oh, and the book I'm currently reading (as well as a lot of Sherlock x readers) is Fractured by Danie Atkins.

Share a good post from any blog, including yours
I'm going to blow my own trumpet with my two advice posts (I know it meant singular, but the posts go hand in hand). Take a Break  is a post with advice for when school is stressing you out, what to do to help relieve your stress, and a little information about what was causing me stress. At the End of the Day is set a week afterwards, after all was said and done, and is my reminder to you that nothing lasts forever, and to not pay attention to the unsettling things, in favour of the little things that will keep you happy.

Share a story of something that happened recently
OK, so on Tuesday night, I was performing in our local castle. Our town holds a festival every February to try and entice the youths over half term, and we were one of the night entertainments for it. I was both singing and taking part in some performance poetry, which we'd been working on for a couple of sessions before half term. 
As part of the poetry, we had to wear all black, so I arrived in my school trousers and shoes, as well as a black v-neck, which also fits in with my school sixth form dress code of black and white, so I was just stood with my choir looking like a sixth former. So, of course, I got a few comments off Maya and Sarah for the fact that I was wearing a v-neck, due to the fact that I couldn't angle my body forward at all without flashing at last a little bit of cleavage. So, the show started, we sang, the songs went well, we did our poetry, we sang again (apparently my harmonies were well-received), then we were doing a closing poem. 
During one of the other performances, the woman in charge of the performance poetry came sidling down giving everyone a line each of this final poem. I was sat at the end so I had easier access to get out to sing. So, when we get up, I'm last to walk out of the pew. I tried to slide past a walking stick prop, which I managed to knock over, more on that later. We get on stage, and it all ends up a bit jumbled; to quote my friend Sam at the time, 'We're so organised'. It ended up with one person reading another person's line, so that other person took the original person's line, until we get to Maya beside me, who took my line, which I knew was the last line, so I ended up stood like a wally, because it was the last line, there was nothing for me to say. 
So, then we return to our seats, and me being right at the end, I get to the pews first. I walk past the aforementioned waking stick, which I noticed that it was missing half a foot off the top, which was snapped off beside it. I took a moment to put the two pieces on the pew so it's out of anyone else's way, then go to my seat and just sit with my head in my hands because I BROKE THE STICK. I was in hysterics for two minutes, whisper-yelling at Maya that I BROKE THE STICK, and Jack leaning down the pews telling me that I BROKE THE STICK.
Then it all ended, and I'm stood outside waiting for mum - it was actually warmer outside in the  February air than it was in the chapel - and then this man comes walking past with the stick tucked under his arm, and I'm stifling a laugh, and just turn to my teacher, who was standing around waiting until I left, saying I BROKE THAT STICK.
So yeah, that's the story of the time I BROKE THE STICK.

Go on facebook and message someone you haven't talked to in at least a year, or someone you've never spoken to at all.  If you don't have facebook just text, call or go visit.  What was your conversation?  Word for word:
I've decided not to do this, as a) my friends take forever to answer their phones, and b) I don't particularly want private conversations of mine on the internet.

What are your thoughts on selfies?
In moderation, I think selfies are empowering. I personally take them on good hair days (I pride myself on doing hair). But I'm not too keen on them when you're literally shoving them in people's faces by posting them all the time on instagram and things. I understand that they can heighten self esteem, and they do for me, but if you're fishing for compliments, then I'm not that impressed.

What's your favourite movie and why do you like it?
EEEEEK, hate these questions. I absolutely love the film Mulan, since I was a child. I can't remember what I liked about it as a child, but now I love the music (I'll Make a Man Out of You is a real hype song for me), the story of it, the lessons it teaches, the lines. I just love Mulan, OK?

What's a quote you love, and why do you love it?

I originally read it in a fanfiction a couple of years ago, and it is just a reminder to live in the moment, and it still has the same impact today.

Have you ever been kissed?
No comment

What country do you live in and what's it like?
I live in England, specifically the North-East, where I've lived my entire life. It's alright depending where you are. In my town, you can have a mix of people, and accents, which can be interesting.

Write a paragraph on your train of thought. Anything that comes into your head.
What is going on with shockwave at the moment? WHY DO YOU CRASH? Reload! No feedback, I didn't mean to click you, go away. Imma move this window over here. Ugh, wrong you're. Being a fanfiction writer does not excuse you from correct grammar. Corsets are weird, I mean, it's loads of patterns. I hate doing things under pressure. Tags tab, bugger off. Everyone on target? Never am, probably never will be, but at least I'm going places.

So, here are my 15 questions
~ Favourite sweets? (this includes chocolate)
~ Write a sentence describing a moment of your childhood
~ Something you learned recently, not related to your school curriculum
~ Favourite breakfast cereal?
~ Favourite clothing brand?
~ Favourite makeup brand? (if you're a boy, or don't wear makeup, feel free to skip this)
~ If you had to live in another era, when would you live?
~ What would you want on hand in a zombie apocalypse, you have 5 items
~ Flying or sailing?
~ Early to bed and early to rise, or lie in and stay up till 3 in the morning?
~ Favourite hobby, besides internetting?
~ What's you superpower, and would you use it for good or evil?
~ Biggest nightmare or fear?
~ If you could play God and change an aspect of all humanity, what would you change?
~ Do you like trying new foods? What's the most bizarre thing you've tried? Did you like it?

I hereby nominate:
Ohemgeeitsmaya (obviously)
Open Letters
Hairychimp123
Jack's short blog
Dorama Minaoshi
Alice May
Glitter and Carousels
This Teenage Blogger

Writing Wednesday #6 ~ Bread

You wait for your moment, standing proud your brothers. One of them got lucky the other day, leaving you next in line.

You were created to seduce, you were created to satisfy, you were created to tempt.

You were made for midnight feasts and 3 pm snacks; you were crafted for the morning rush and the lunchtime lull. 

You were not created to display your age with splotches of green, marring your bright surface. You were made for the sweet tooth, for the savoury touch; you were made for whatever you were needed.

As the bag opens, allowing light to illuminate your perfect body, you know that it is your turn, and you are ready.

* * * * *

A really weird one this week. A friend of mine suggested I write about the life of a piece of bread on a counter, so I kind of took it a little bit further. Thank you for the suggestion :)

I'll be posting an award on Friday, then hopefully a Favourites on Saturday or Sunday, if I get around to thinking about what I'd class as my favourites.

Bye, Eve <3

Writing Wednesday #5 ~ Clip

“You’re not scared of a few YouTube clips, are you?” He slid onto the couch, laptop in one hand, the other resting on top of her shoulders.

“Only you would find it funny to look up jump scare videos.” Although she didn’t mind jump scare videos herself, there was only so many times you could watch someone play Five Nights at Freddy’s before you started contemplating working there.

“There’s a rumour going round that these phantom clips are appearing. There’ve only been a few reports of it, but apparently they’re just a minute long, and when they’re done the video you actually clicked just starts playing.”

“I think they’re called adverts,” she quipped with a smirk.

“No, no, no. They’re different, they appear with no warning, then they’re gone. No title, no channel; people try and search them and they don’t exist. People who find them, they test their computers for bugs, search their files for phantom downloads. I want to find it!”

The maddened glee in his eyes was slightly perturbing, in all honesty. He was never particularly enthused by anything, but this, it brought an excitement into his voice, a gleam in his eyes, and she couldn’t deny him that.

He set the first YouTube video playing, sat enthralled, quickly switching to another video as soon as this phantom video did not appear. His eagerness dwindled with each passing video.

Two hours of browsing had left the two weary, her head drooping against his shoulder as the skies darkened outside. Finally, 150 minutes after that first video was set away, he shook her awake, pointing manically at the screen.

“There it is!” The black screen, dark as the room around them, was slowly filled with words, stark white, blinding them momentarily.

You shouldn’t be sat in the dark

He sucked in a breath, she looked blearily at the screen, eyes barely adjusting to read the words before they changed.

You never know what could be lurking

His eyes darted around, hands searching for his phone to add some light to the room, but he was caught by a changing of words once again.

I hope you don’t mind

A knock sounded against the door.

You looked like you needed some company

The word company graduated into red, painfully accompanied by the screeching sound of fingers on a blackboard. The phantom video ended with a picture of a sightless woman, eyes nothing but pitch voids that nonetheless seemed to be staring straight into his. With a click, the lights in the room awakened as the video switched to another gameplay of Outlast: Whistleblower.

* * * * *

I know it's not exactly the season for this sort of thing, but it was the first thing that came to mind when 'video clip' was suggested for this week's prompt!

How Did I End Up With Such Amazing Friends?

As always, this Valentine's Day, I'm single as the proverbial pringle, so I'm taking this time to think about my friends, how amazing they are and how on earth I ended up with them.

* * * * *

I'll start with Maya. I've talked before about how I'd wanted to be her friend since I'd learnt even the slightest bit about her interests. Now, we share so many interests that it is just commonplace for us to get excited over the same things (from Mumford & Sons to BuzzFeed marathons). I honestly don't know what I'd do without Maya; she's always there when I need her, whether it's feels abounding, or just a down moment, she's a listening ear, and a damn good one at that.

Also, small thank you for letting me mess on with her hair. She's a very patient model who's always happy with the end result :)

Next up is Sarah. I haven't talked about Sarah much, but she is very important to me. Sarah and I have known each other since nursery, so for the last twelve years. Though we weren't the closest of friends in primary, over the last few years, she's become a friend I wouldn't go without. There's always a sense of nostalgia with Sarah, someone who's seen me through my weird stages as a child (I mean seriously weird) and through some rough patches. Thank you Sarah.

I've mentioned Olivia once, but she's brilliant. She's always laughing (at me a lot, :-/), but she's lovely to talk to as well. She's patient, but also quick-tempered. Olivia, you're my favourite small person (bar my nephew).

This is Arcanum, a band I know. I've known them all for varying lengths of time, and I'm quite proud to say that I've known the band since the very beginning (I was there when it was formed). They're two months away from their 1st anniversary as a group, and I couldn't be more proud of how far they've come. Their music is inspiring, their group dynamic is amazing, and they compliment each other so well.

In order, Sam, Jack, Jane & Sarah (M)
Also, sorry for my crap photography!

I'll talk about Jack first. Again, I've known Jack since nursery. I can't help but remember when we used to play in primary and Jack, being outgoing as he was, was always in charge. We didn't talk much in year 7, but I'm glad that in the last couple of years we've fallen back into step with each other. Jack, he's comedy, he's a laugh, he's wacky as ever, and I hope that never stops.

Sarah (M), I've known since she moved to our primary in year 1. We got on amaingly, and I'm glad to say that we can still talk like that now, even if it's not as frequently. I envy her guitar skills, like seriously, teach me!

Jane is the vocalist of Arcanum. When I first met her in choir in year 7, I was quite honestly intimidated by her voice, and even though she's in the same year, I was quite happy to sit on my own rather than try to make friends, hoping people would come to me. Since then, I started singing lessons, at first with my friends, then I was moved into a class with Jane. Even then, I didn't think my voice was up to par with hers (still kind of don't, but I'm getting better). Now that I know Jane better, I've found her to be a listening ear, very encouraging and complimentary, and I thank her for that. Jane, you're an inspiration, and if I someday have half your voice, I'd be happy.

Sam, the acoustic guitarist, I've known for the shortest amount of time in all of Arcanum. I first met him at a talent show in year 8, but I didn't start to get to know him until we were put into History and Geography classes together. Recently, I've been a lot more comfortable around him, and I think that's the same for him, which I'm happy about.

Then there's Emily. We had a rough start in year 7 (I've mentioned before, I'm a violent child) but we've become fast friends over the years. I can't believe how far she's come as a performer. I went to see her in Sweeney Todd the other night (thoroughly recommend this musical) and I couldn't help but be proud to see her where she is now, where she always wanted to be. Best of luck, Emily.

Next up is Lara, my twin. We met through Sarah (M) and ever since people first saw us side by side, they swore us off as twins. Even today, I still get called Lara every so often by people on her side of the year. Lara introduced me to anime; I may not watch it as much now, but I am so glad she did. Whether it was through my short-lived fanfiction career or now, my wacky attempts to actually complete an idea, Lara has and continues to be a great support for my writing.

Last, because I didn't realise I actually had this many friends, is Jake. Jake, you're an amazing boyfriend to Maya, and I'm glad that you're trying to get along with the rest of us *insert Spice Girls rendition*. I felt like I really got to know you whilst helping you plan Maya's Valentine's day present, and I hope I can get to know you better in the future.

So there you go, my appreciation of all my amazing and talented friends. I love you all!

Yes, I know it's three days after Valentine's Day, but I had to wait until I knew I could include the pictures of some of my friends!