Poet Spotlight: Carol Anne Duffy

Good Evening All!

As poetry is one of my passions and if I ever hope to get my current work published in a poetry journal I can't self publish anything on the internet I thought I'd talk about a poet that inspires me: Carol Anne Duffy!

After hearing Tea (which is one of my favourite poems of all time) on Lucy Moon's YouTube channel I got myself a copy of Rapture by Carol Anne Duffy. I'd heard of Duffy before due to her status as Poet Laureate but I had never thought to read any of her work. Boy was that a mistake! Duffy is now one of my ultimate favourite poets. I absolutely adore her use of unusual imagery when writing about commonly explored themes, such as love and heartbreak. I especially love her use of natural imagery when discussing ideas surrounding love, which to me suggests a healthier and less shameful attitude to romantic and sexual love. This is simply my understanding but isn't all poetry reliant on interpretation?

It could be said that since reading Rapture Duffy's work has in some ways affected my own style. I have been fair more eager to explore natural metaphors and imagery when writing about my own feelings. I have especially played around with the idea of birds which has been a delightful process. In her video Poetry for Punks Savannah Brown explained that the only way to improve your own art is to surround yourself with those who are the best at what you do. I'm definitely no where near as good as Carol Anne Duffy yet but perhaps one day...

I will be sure to get some more of Duffy's works when I have money next and would obviously recommend Rapture to anyone who is interested! I am actually required to do some coursework based on my own reading in English Literature next year so maybe Duffy's poems are something to considered. It would be interesting to explore how Duffy approaches love in comparison to earlier writers!

Is there anyone who inspires you to better your own work? If there is than let me know who that certain individual is. If no one person who inspires you what does? I'd love to hear all your answers!

"I see soul in your eyes and I forget"

I hope to speak to you again soon.

-GirlUnEdited <3

Life should always be lived with a soundtrack!

Hi guys,
Two posts in one day! I know, what's happening? I guess I just have a lot to talk about at the moment!
Having recently got a new Sound-cloud account and having gone to a concert for one of my new favourite bands "Waterparks" earlier this week I wanted to talk to you about some of my new and old favourite bands/artists. As the title says I truly believe that life should always be lived with a soundtrack! Music just makes any experience feel a 100% more real and tangible!
Waterparks
I am so glad that my friend introduced me to Waterparks! One of my best friends messaged me inviting me to their gig in London and it was AMAZING! The first song I heard of theirs when I looked them up on Sound-cloud was "I'm a Natural Blue" which is now my favourite of all their songs. Not only does the song have an awesome sound but the lyrics are also fantastic. Furthermore, they are also just as amazing live and as far as I can tell they are really cool guys.
Angus and Julia Stone
While I have listened to everything this duo has produced I absolutely love what I have heard so far! Their songs are another example of breath taking lyricism. I looked into them after hearing Meowitslucy on YouTube talk about them several times. The vibe is really chilled and every song is basically poetry. My favourite song is probably "Yellow Brick Road" simply because of the imagery.
Juli
Juli is actually a German Band my German teacher recommended me in the lead up to my exams. The band is actually really cool as they have set up a bursary to help up and coming artists in their area, giving them the support they didn't receive themselves. This band is probably good for those who like indie pop, with my favourite song being "Insel."
Hamilton
Now I'm not entirely sure if this counts as cheating, being the soundtrack of a Broadway Musical, but Hamilton has been one of the things getting me through my AS exams! Not only have a learnt about the American fight for independence but I have also found it a brilliant soundtrack for revision, as it always leaves me pumped. I would also recommend that anyone who has previously written off musicals to give this shot and listen to the opening song "Alexander Hamilton." I now REALLY want to see the musical!
Elton John
Now I know that Elton John is very different to the other artists I have discussed but he has ALWAYS been one of my favourites and also a really big role model. While I know many of you may be familiar with much of his work my favourites are probably "Sorry", "I guess that's why they call it the blues" and "Tinderbox."
Florence & the Machine
Florence Welsh was probably my first introduction to popular music, having previously only listened to 80's pop! While I am less familiar with her most recent releases I have always loved her older songs, specifically "Girl with one eye" and "Howl." I have actually seen Florence live and she was absolutely brilliant! Plus I got to meet Matt Smith at that concert so....
Marina & the Diamonds
I don't think I could ever not love Marina & the Diamonds! Marina is on my list of dream artists to see live. While her sound has definitely changed over the years I don't think she has released an album I haven't liked! I think her mix of Electronic Pop and stunning lyricism is undeniably beautiful! Personally my favourite songs are probably "I am not a Robot" and "Hermit the Frog."
Well, those are 7 artists/soundtracks I have been obsessed with both recently and throughout my musical journey. It is clear that my taste is eclectic but I think that is what is so fun about music, there are no restrictions! If you'd like me to discuss music again just let me know and tell me who you have been obsessed with recently in the comments.I'd love to know!
-GirlUnEdited x

Living Life Regardless

Hey Everybody,
Sorry about the hiatus there but I really felt like I had something I needed to talk about today and that blogging is something that I would like to try and get back into. It is for that reason that today I want to talk about making time for the things you love.
Now I am not saying that you can abandon all your responsibilities to go live in a cabin and perfect your art isolated from mankind. We all have commitments that are important and that we need to fulfil. As some of you may know I am currently a full time student in her first year of sixth form and like many other people my age I also have commitments outside of school. These aspects of my life are important and many of my commitments are also things I am genuinely passionate about. However, there are also things I am passionate about that no one is going to give me the time or the permission to do but these things are also important because they are important to me. Some of these things are even things I want to be making a living out of one day, so regardless of what other people think these aspects of my life are significant. They are significant thing to me.
Recently one thing I have been trying to give more time to is my writing. I have been working on poetry as well as more recently attempting to develop a novel idea. In the past when I have told people that I want to be a writer I have not always received a positive response, with some people not understanding how writing can be a viable career. To that I say that writing is a viable career but it requires work and practise and that needs to start NOW! I still need to still need to work hard at school to ensure my grades, not only because I am passionate about my subjects but also because the opportunity to study English Literature at university would enviably help my writing. I also need to and want to remain committed to my other activities. However, I am not going to let other people's opinions dictate what I allocate my time to and if writing is something I want to pursue than that is what I will do. If I truly want it I will just have to find time.
Look at it this way, life is hard regardless and there are always things that are going to make it so but we have the opportunity to make the most of it. I know as well as anyone just how challenging life can be and I am also aware that there is always something you have to do. The choice you have to make is where you put the time you can control. If there is a dream you have you need to give yourself the authority to follow it because I can promise you that in a world driven by status quo and work no one else will. I want to write a book, I want to travel to Tibet, Japan and Berlin (again), I want to create but no one else can do those things for me. You only have so much time on this Earth and you have to decide what you do with it.
-GirlUnEdited

Toxic Friendships: AKA how not to be a people pleaser

First things first sorry for not posting for a while. I know this is just an excuse and you don't want none of that BS but school has just been a bundle of stress. But I survived (just!)

Now, friendships, another thing that can cause a ton of stress, especially in your school career. I don't know what catalysed this but recently I have been learning so much in regards to this topic and I have come to a lot of conclusions relevant to my own life.

First, as I have learnt from the great Destrey (uh oh my inner Youtube fangirl is escaping!) you don't need a load of friends, just a few that really matter. Now don't get me wrong I've never been one of those people who want a thousand BFFs, but at the same time I don't want to not get along with people. I do have a bit of a rep for a people pleaser and I love nothing more than making someone happy, but the problem occurs when I put that before my own happiness, changing what I want to do and be for others. A few good friends who like ME are better than a million who want to change ME.

Next, you don't owe anyone your friendship and if they don't appreciate it they don't deserve it. I often reach a point in friendships where I'm too scared to leave for two reasons:

1. I don't want to hurt them

2. I don't want to be alone

But I have now realised that if they just hurt me I shouldn't be concerned with whether leaving the frienship hurts them, I need to put me first. And concerning being alone, it's better to be on my own than to be surrounded by people who put me down, especially as a bit of an introvert who can entertain herself for hours! If you're worried about confrontation you don't need to immediately cause conflict. Keeping things under control and taking things one step at a time is often an awesome idea. Deep down you know who truely has your friendship and trust. That's what really matters.

Lastly, never feel the need to justify what positions you give people in your life. I definitely got into the habit of giving people different titles, just to prevent offending them. I reached a point where I had school best friends, best best friends, club friends, out of school best friends, etc. This exhausting exercise was completely unnecessary as how I relate myself to people is completely up to me. If I want one best friend and a selection of friends that's completely okay. If someone is really that miffed about not being your bestest friend they obviously don't properly appreciate your friendship in the first place, and as I've explained you don't need people like that.

Please make sure all your relationships, whether that be friendships, romantic or family, are healthy and that the people around you treated you right. You all deserve to be treated with respect and love because you are truely amazing individuals. Period.

What do you look for in a friend. Tell me in the comments, and remember to stay UnEdited!

-GirlUnEdited x

Living Tree - Poem

Standing alone in these woods, I am the tree,

Strong, tall but vegetated in my own body,

As everything I'm experiencing is happening to me,

While, silently screaming, I just react to the stimuli.

Firm, I am the tree in the bustling forest,

Stuck in a cycle of being acted on and reacting,

Obeyingly I do what I'm told to,

My treacherous roots too securely planted for escape,

For breaking free,

For living, not being alive.

Seasons pass as I stand in the same old forest,

What seems to be pride being conveyed by my mighty, erect posture,

My roots forcing me up to hide my doubts.

Sceptical that this is living I just remain static, 

Whilst, guiltless, my environment continues to change me,

Undressing and dressing me like a barbie doll.

A climbing frame for tomorrow's today, in the well used forest,

Wise, I come to the realisation,

Making my bark covered branches shake with joy,

This hollow frame doesn't need new roots,

Just to be filled with new life to revive it,

New life to make this one worth living.

And when this old forest is no longer enough,

My graceful leaves will gently go where the wind takes them,

Resuscitated by the gust of fresh air,

And with these old roots and branches to keep me company,

I will relocate, reroot and revitalise my body,

And despite the scars left by wind, rain and lightening I will keep living.

I am the tree but I'm also it's leaves,

Adjustable, travelling, always inqusitive.

With the breeze to carry me I will find somewhere new,

Somewhere to break out of this continuous and tiring cycle,

Somewhere to live, not just be alive, because it will be worth living.

I love writing poetry and I thought I'd try sharing it with all of you guys. Let me know what you think in the comments and feel free to comment with anything you've written. I'd love to read it!

-GirlUnEdited

Getting Artsy!

Recently I've been painting to help me relax and distress. I have found that it's really being helping and I've been getting so much enjoyment out of it, so I thought I'd start sharing my creations to help give you guys ideas if you want to start creating!

This was something I painted when I was feeling really stressed and overwhelmed by everything I needed to get done, hence the dramatic sky and incredibly high mountains. It was actually inspired by a line from one of my all time favourite books, The Fault in our Stars! The line is,

"I got to the threshold and looked up and figured I couldn't do it, but also knew the only way through was up."

If any of you guys decide to create anything, whether that be a painting, a poem, a cartoon, etc. be sure to let me know! I'd love to see what you guys can create!

-GirlUnEdited

My Vision!

Inspired by my Queen Tyler Oakley I decided, as one of my steps towards making 2015 a positive year, I would create a vision board just like Tyler. Hopeful having thus board and seeing it everyday will remind me and inspire me to make what I want of my life!

My first section is there to remind me of the more mental parts of me I want to work on and to get help when I need to. It is there to tell me that everything is ok and to seek help in regards to dealing with my stress. It also reminds me to try to improve my confidence both in social situations and how am as a person. Most importantly is there to tell that is ok to talk and it can a great thing

The next section is all about self appreciation. Not only is it filled with words I need to get in to the habit of using to refer to myself such as "fabulos", "timeless" and "vibrant" but it is also filled with beautiful things and amazing people, such as roses and my saviour, Mr Elton John!

Moving on to the small but mighty right hand corner I have this section to remind my self that nothing is permenant. It is there to say that life is "your edit" and that it is perfectly okay to "update your look" when you feel like it. Something's it is nice to be remind that your life is in your hands.

This next section is all about positivity and doing what I love. Not only is it there to tell me to do the things I love, like "bloggings" and taking photos, but also to love life, to giggle, laugh, read, express myself, to dare, to have fun and most importantly "Make Everyday Beautiful." It also have references to red because one day I want to dare and dye my hair bright red, just to make me happy!

In the left hand corner I have a little section just to remind myself to appreciate Britain because I do moan about the weather and the school system but I do live in a beautiful and rich country. One day I will live in London because it is my favourite place in the world.

Next I have a tiny section to encourage me to occasionally be a rebel. I get so worried about upsetting people or getting in to trouble but sometimes you need to break the rules. I have a headline regarding to feminism to remind me to scream and shout about the issues I care about. 

Lastly the centre of my board is the main point and reasoning behind it, and that is who am I? I truely believe that if I live like the board inspires me to I will be living as the best and happiest version of me, and that's what I want to do this year. Be the best me I can?

What do you want to do with 2015? What is your vision for your life? Tell me in the comments, I'd love to hear!

-GirlUnEdited