April has been a slower month than the past and for that I am grateful!
Favourite part?
I’ve had a bit less on this month which has been great, especially after such a hectic month as March when I didn’t get much chance to relax. I got some long extensions for my uni assignments which has definitely helped me go at the slower pace I needed. I’m now spending most of my days ensuring I get the sleep I need, doing some essay reading or planning, going to my job, and doing fun things when I can. Not too bad.
My friend Rosie and I went to a Made Up North independent sellers’ market at the Biscuit Factory art gallery and had a great time looking at all the businesses, chatting to the people selling things, and bought some snazzy stuff too. I came home with a print, some vegan fudge (!!), a book, a coaster, and a plant! It was such a nice way to spend a Sunday morning.
I’ve had quite a few great evenings and afternoons with friends this month actually. Whether that’s going for a gin and some ice cream or wine and cake... Okay, so there seems to have been a lot of alcohol and desserts but you know what, what better past time can you have?
I took myself to go see Eight Grade at the Star and Shadow Cinema. It was such a good film – I can really understand all the praise it got when it was released. I used to go the cinema by myself loads before the big panini so it’s nice getting slightly back into that comfort habit. Self-care people!
I had a great beach day at Tynemouth with FemSoc. We had a look around the market, I had a doughnut (it was amazing!), and then had a barbecue at one of the beaches. It was decent weather and a couple of us even had a quick dip in the sea – I can confirm it was still pretty cold!
A couple of days ago I went to a rage room also with FemSoc. We had a great time basically just smashing lots of things up. I wasn’t expecting it to be such a workout but as I’m writing this there are many muscles in my body which are still aching!
Best read?
I finished off The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte – a potential text to write on for uni but plans changed! I still enjoyed it though, Anne is the underrated Bronte.
I then also finished off reading Becoming Abolitionists: Police, Protests, and the Pursuit of Freedom by Derecka Purnell. This book is incredible in so many ways and I really urge you to read it, especially if you’re unsure on what police and prison abolition actually means in practice.
I then read Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers, which I still haven’t figured out my opinions on. It was a slow start but an interesting premise, and I got much more into it as it went on, only to be very confused by the sudden and quite annoying ending. I didn’t feel like I had closure with the characters or any kind of resolution. I feel like I need to speak to someone who has also read it and has out some of my thoughts.
I borrowed a copy of Hands: An Anxious Mind Unpicked by Lauren Brown from a friend, and read it pretty quickly it. It’s a memoir primarily discussing the author’s anxiety and experiences of dermatillomania, or compulsive skin picking. I felt very emotional reading this book, as I experience the same compulsions, except in different areas of my body to Lauren Brown and also alongside hair-pulling. I think this book really gave me a push to realise just how much I’m affected by my anxiety and skin and hair-picking and to do something more about it. Would highly, highly recommend!
I finished read Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center by bell hooks. As always, bell hooks is incredible. I made so many notes which I know I’ll be going back to.
Sesame and Lilies by John Ruskin among chapters of various other books and articles relating to the essay I’m currently writing for uni.
I’m part way through several books at the moment. First Reputation by Lex Croucher,
Abolition Feminism Now by Angela Davis, Gina Dent, etc. and The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy which I started for Shado Mag’s new Book Club!
Favourite listen?
I’ve mixed it up a little bit this month and have listened to something other than Taylor Swift or Little Mix. I know, wild right? The Regrettes, Orla Gartland and Olivia Rodrigo, along with some dodie nostalgia, have been some faves this month, as well as their artist radios on Spotify.
Favourite watch?
I’m on season 11 in my Grey’s Anatomy rewatch. I’m currently behind on Interior Design Masters and the new season of Derry Girls, so I need a chill catch up day!
What did I learn?
Even if you love some projects it can be a relief to let go. Having a slower life is actually the goal, and I’m gradually getting there. It’s a good thing to ask for help more often.
What’s happening next month?
I’ll be doing more prep for and writing up my next essay! Some pals are coming up to visit me and I’m going to visit pals and family too!
It’s now my final month on the committee for my unviersity’s Feminist Society and our last events of the year! It’s going to be emotional but it’s the right time for me to stop. We’ve got some time to celebrate too with some awards evenings at the Students’ Union.
I’m hoping to get cycling more now that I’ve had some recovery time after having Covid again and to have some more time to see friends.
What’s been on my mind?
I’ve been thinking a lot about my own mental health recently. Or maybe just being more aware of it, and noticing changes or habits, especially after reading Hands.
Favourite post?
Haven’t written any posts other than this one! I’ve come up with several ideas but I’ve just not had the capacity to write them. Hopefully when a few things come off my plate soon I’ll be able to spend more time on this here blog!
Biggest inspiration?
Honestly I’ve been getting a lot of creative joy from TikTok and it’s genuinely giving me so much energy. It may seem a bit ridiculous but it’s true! If you’re not following me already, go and have a look at some of the videos I’ve made. They’re mostly in relation to fashion/the climate and I hope they’re a good way of engaging people and getting them into movements for change.
Any other favourites?
I treated myself to a new candle from Nook Candles! I got the Machlud candle, which is quite a citrusy one. It smells lush, and it’s amazing getting to support a Welsh independent brand!
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