I Remember You by Harriest Evans - Book Review

There are not enough hours in the day for all the books that I want to read or the places that I want to go.

There are not enough hours in the day for all the things I want to learn or delight my five basic senses with.

However, when I do have the time to snuggle up with a good book, I’d like to think I’d be reading something that helps me to appreciate the English Language more than I already do.

Years ago, when I was still in training to become a personal trainer, my teacher and friend, Brendon Andrade, explored the shelves of a local bookstore with me one fine day.

I stumbled across a feminine looking paperback novel, a mixture of purples, peaches and pinks as the cover with bold italic writing scribbling the title, ‘I Remember You.’

It is written by a woman by the name of Harriet Evans.

I’m not sure if she just chose a really bad editor or if she became a published author by fluke, but the grammar and a lot of the writing is actually appalling. If this is what is getting published these days, then there must be hope for the likes of my little novella! 

I was attracted to this novel as it

A) was a story of a heartbroken woman (relatable for me at that stage of my life as I had recently ended a three and a half year relationship with my high-school sweetheart)

B) it involved Italy (the one place in this world that I am DYING to travel to. Not to mention it is where my novella is set…)

and

C)  The novel was set in Langford, which is where Jane Austen resided once upon a time (and everyone knows I am her biggest and most devoted fan…) the book was filled with plentiful delicious detail about her and her beautiful town which just warmed me entirely and made me smile as each page passed.

 

It was basically the story I had dreamed of being my own.

It was so relatable in fact that at some stages in this book I was actually uncannily reminded of myself.

The story line, for me, was fabulous. It was the only thing that kept me turning the crisp pages as alas the poor grammar and spelling errors in a Harper published book is so disappointing!!!

Step it up guys.

There's Something Exciting Around Every Corner

It is such an uplifting feeling when you’re told that your blog is being read.

I had the pleasure of hearing such news on Wednesday afternoon while up in the staff canteen having lunch.

Usually, while having my lunch, I tend to keep to myself. I shovel down my miniscule portion of food and type furiously away onto my blackberry keypad while I can; catching up on the day outside of the resort.

For a change, two women in different sections of the resort asked to join me today.

Of course I welcomed them to the table, though stubbornly still attached to my mobile while I could be.

They asked me about my party, how it was and if I’d enjoyed it.

Its pretty much all I have been talking about for the past few days, so like a broken record, I gushed out how amazing it had been for what seemed like the millionth time.

Surprisingly, one of the ladies said she had seen the photographs from my blog. I then realized I had actually connected with her via facebook some time ago due to a failed attempt to organize a book-club.

Anyway, she must have opened the link and had a gander around what is basically my whole world wrapped into one little webpage.

Knowing that people out there really do read it and browse through the vast amount of entries I have created over the years really is something that makes me go warm and fuzzy on the inside.

So this is just a shout out to all of my loyal readers…

Thank you for all of your time and support.

May blessings surround each and every one of you!

It’s a beautiful day to be alive.

Live it.

What to do for your twenty-first birthday

The night was just one big creation of utter beauty.

In my teal green fabric I flowed around the room brazenly, letting my new look elect me to the highest of highs.
I had never felt so exuberantly alive, like I could go anywhere or do anything.

Everyone who attended made such an effort to dress to the theme; everyone was merry and full of joy.

Things planned out perfectly – I could not have asked for a better crowd, or for any thing else for that matter. It was spectacular.

I was overwhelmed by the abundant supply of gifts I received and just the feeling of overall love and well-being in the air.

I am a spoiled, blessed and lucky woman, now of age and ready to make the most of it.

Its all peaches and cream in the end

Today is my twenty-first birthday party - honestly, I thought I'd be a lot more highly strung than I am but the nerves seem to have finally said goodbye.

So far this has been my day:

I woke up with my 4h30am alarm that I stupidly forgot to switch off as I'm off duty for the weekend.. after a few restless turns I finally dozed back off until Shaun had to get up for work.
Slowly I kicked myself out of bed and plodded sleepily into the kitchen to brew up a cup of coffee.
I go started on washing and packing away the dishes, then moved on to clean the undeniably disgusting litter box. I folded up our clothing and put them back into the cupboards and then finally dunked myself into the bath to freshen up.
Once I'd changed into a dark orange high waisted skirt and an old Pick n'Pay vest I wondered off into the town to try to find heels for this evening.

Let me just say this once - mother's are a lifesaver. Well, mine is.
I met up with her in town and together we trudged the stores flat with no success. Eventually we found our way into Memories, a beautiful little dimlit shop selling the most amazing vintage items; and there, beneath piles of shoes in all shapes, colours and sizes, was my destiny.
Not only are they Guess... they are peep-toe style (something I've been after for months) and are gold with black sequences striping down them.
Above all, they are so comfortable!!!

I've been slightly down about my hair turning ginger... which was my own fault really. I'd tried to turn blonde again as I've been dying to do it for a while. Alas, Loreal Paris box dye prevented this and I have now turned into a mixture of platinum blonde and ginger.
Every time I look into the mirror I get a fright... but I'm going to have to get used to it because my hairs far too damaged to do anymore chemical processing for a while.

So the big night has finally arrived. Now I am back in my old home, snuggled up with my sausage dog waiting for the hours to tick  by.
I have a massage booked in for 3pm which I'm very excited about and after that my hair is getting styled and I'll be fiddling around with makeup and my outfit!

I have planned a big black tie, cocktail party up at Pezula Hotel. There will be flair bartending, fire breathers, a jazzy / blues band and more. 

Sorry that I've been so  quiet.
Living away from my folks has both its advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, there's no DSTV or internet now (we don't even have a computer since mine finally completely packed in and buggered off to technical heaven,) but I write things down on pen and paper much more now which is actually a lovely change.
So the blog posts are a little few and far between but I'll get better at it eventually.

To those of you that are not coming to celebrate my "coming of age" tonight, enjoy the weekend! And for the rest of you, get ready! Its going to be an amazing night! See you there x