brigidandlydia

[brigidandlydia]

Monday 11 May

Not very creative with this title! I’ve just gone on a short walk and was feeling nice and sunny (listening to Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place haha) and thought it a good time to write to you :) I think my last post was a bit negative - sorry!

How are you?? Has lock down eased up in NZ? We had an announcement from Boris yesterday evening which really didn't say much at all. So I think for now we go on as we have been, staying home as much as possible!  We have had some beautiful weather recently which has made it nice being off work - I kept thinking if I had been working we would have been flat out at the restaurant and you’d be missing out on the sunny evenings so that is nice. I have been living back home with family which has been ok for the most part, I’m still paying rent for my flat though so I need to decide what I’m going to do - whether to move out properly.. I think lock down has made me think about what I want to do after it’s lifted.. I’ve managed to make myself a bit of a digital marketer for the brewery - keeping up with social media posts and campaigns, keeping the website looking good, etc. ... which has made me think that I manage to force my direction into anything creative when I can and maybe I should be doing that kind of work as a full-time job. It’s made me think anyway! I do miss graphic design - but I worry the grass is greener on the other side sometimes!

I’ve just had another look at Stoked On Local - how has it been received? Is it going well? Are you able to get in and print in the studio too? Had a ‘good’ week last week - felt productive which always keeps me happy. Trying to keep riding that wave! I have a bit of work to finish for a course I am doing and am really trying to motivate myself to get it done so I can forget about it over the summer months! Maybe I can get some more freelance jobs which would be great to keep me going - both $$$ and creatively!

I have been thinking of investing in an iPad and pencil for a while now and keep putting myself off the idea cos of how expensive they are but I think I’d make a lot of use of it for working on artwork and designing so I might bite the bullet and go for it. 

I’ve been watching a lot less TV / Netflix recently which is good. I finished Stranger Things. I haven't watched any of the new Killing Eve series so I will get onto that soon. Have you watched Normal People? I loved the Sally Rooney book and her other one Conversations with Friends, I watched one episode but there is a lot of hype over it and I didn't feel that the people in it were the way I had imagined them when I was reading the book so I haven’t made it past the first episode.

I am feeling a bit lonely and probably over-thinking with too much time on my hands but worried about what will happen after lock down. I feel a bit like I haven’t found ‘my people’ as my sister put it the other day. I suppose now more than ever it’s easy to think that you haven't got many people you feel close to. I just feel a bit that I’m just wandering along and not really on a path I feel excited about. Now is as good a time as ever to figure out what to do about it though!

What made you move to NZ? I’m not sure if I need to pursue a specific job or a place or people! Any helpful advice is welcome!

Here are some photos from recent:

This is from a round I did of a quiz - 1, 2, 3, 4 - what are their names 5 - what popular TV show is this picture in? 6 - name of the character 7 - what am I? 8 - what is her name? 9 - what song is playing in this scene? 10 - what Wes Anderson film is this taken from?

Hope you are keeping well!

B x

[brigidandlydia]

Lock Down

Hello!

It was lovely to read your post and hear about how things are going all the way over there with you! 

I go from one way of thinking to the opposite day to day - in one sense embracing how good it is that we have all slowed down and can just B.R.E.A.T.H.E for a while, I feel a bit that life/the world has been like a snowball rolling down a steep hill gathering speed and getting bigger and bigger and at one point it was going to hit and explode. I feel a bit like there's only so much anyone/anything can take and maybe this is the world or nature being like STOP.

Sometimes I am so frustrated because now I have stopped, there is all this room for a lot of negative thoughts and worries to bubble up in my head :(

I should limit my social media - and put down my phone more. I have been making more of an effort to leave it even at times like going for breakfast (leaving it in my room). It’s not so much the news that is getting to me but all of the things that everyone is doing. There is this feeling of failure that I have not started working out and running and doing yoga every day. (I did one day of couch to 5k two weeks ago, and I try and do yoga but sometimes I worry I am not doing it because I want to, but because I feel I need to) Or been doing loads of baking and cooking. All of these stupid thoughts add to the already bizarre situation we are in... and I can find it a challenge to get myself in a more positive mindset.

But.

Positive things! It has been nice for us to be back together as a family. We are all back with our parents for now, I didn't want to lock down on my own in my flat it would have been way too lonely!

The weather is beautiful. We have had a nice sunny Easter, the sun being out definitely lifts your mood, just being able to sit outside the back door!

I’ve been doing an online course through work learning about Digital Marketing. It’s good, it’s on the site Udemy - they seem to have lots of online courses available!

I recently did the design for Reevah’s new EP (no illustration this time but still good to be doing a bit of design work) I think she is releasing it before the end of the month and there is talk of some merchandise too - t-shirts with some illustrations! So that will be good!

HAVE YOU WATCHED TIGER KING ?

I think that defines quarantine entertainment hahaha

I finally started watching ‘Stranger Things’ when it came out and everyone was chatting about it I tried it and didn't like it at all - I’m not big into anything like aliens or sci-fi but I’m getting into it - maybe its the way its been shot, or the actors in it, it’s got a good soundtrack!

That’s great getting the job at the Screen printers! It’s funny how things happen sometimes. It will be good to be in that environment around like-minded people, and it’ll probably help you start thinking of ideas for your own work! I look forward to see it! 

How have you got on with your To-Do list?

I’ve just looked at the list I sent you, haha some were wishful thinking.. but I think I’ve managed a few! 

With all my instagram time I’ve a couple to share that you might like:

https://www.instagram.com/emilycoxhead/?hl=en  This girl writes The Happy Newspaper - she’s been doing up a house with her fiancé and the decor is so nice! Also her IG feed is just so bright and colourful!

https://www.instagram.com/catsarsfield/?hl=en

This girl! Food photos that will make you hungry! She’s started a newsletter since this lock down #sincenooneasked - basically chatting away about meals and what she is ‘throwing together’ - it’s a good newsletter just to look at some new things online and distract yourself. This is the link if you want to sign up : https://mailchi.mp/d9b4ac25f970/sincenooneasked

Hope you are doing ok & had a nice Easter weekend!

Brigid xoxo (I have also started watching Gossip Girl .. think it may be come a guilty pleasure)

[brigidandlydia]

Missing Post

Hello,mmm it seems my last post disappeared, unlike the Covid-19.

I can’t promise that this blog is going to be as good as the one i did before that for some reason didn’t even want to save in the drafts.

It’s day 6 on lockdown in New Zealand. It’s honestly been a bit of a whirlwind of a year! I did finally get a job after hundreds of rejections. But I honestly think it was one of those meant to be moments. I was moving to Christchurch and just causally messaged i guy who ran a really small screen printing company. I didn’t even think to ask for a job as i kind of just wanted to be friends with them, so i just emailed him saying that i was moving to the area and could we be friends. Ha. A bit weird but he emailed me back and said yes of course and if i needed a job. It kind of weirdly fell into be place and i honestly needed the break. So i started working for Against the Grain mid February. It was really good the month i worked there before the pandemic happened. My boss and friend has taken it badly but small businesses do have some help from the government. But the company is manly tourist and sports based the future is a bit uncertain. It’s made me realises what i am capable of. Brainstorming ideas, working on social media, i am just starting up a newsletter and working on their website from home.

So its exciting to have a job similar to my degree, I didn’t think it was every possible. 

So far the lockdown haven’t effected me quite as much as others, i am a bit of an introvert at heart, i may be saying differently in a couple of weeks however.

I am missing the city life and the art gallery’s and library’s. I moved back to methven to be with Cam my partners and honey (the cat) during the lockdown, so i am grateful to be in the country and be able to do some isolated walks.

I guess my kinda to do/ achieve list on lockdown is as follows:

-write blog to Brigid

-decorate kitchen 

-deep clean kitchen

-practice yoga 6 x a week

-read everyday and let you know what I’ve read and if it was good. 

-run 5 x a week

-work on ATG website

-work on ATG newsletter

-sort out clothes

-bake a lot of sourdough

-become more confident at cooking (i made my first ever cottage pie last night)

-write 3 things what i am grateful for everyday

-watch a lot of Netflix and also report back whats good 

-try not to spend all my money online shopping

-add music to the ‘Covid 19′ playlist

-keep to a maximum of 2 hours on my phone daily 

-design a tee/jumper to be screen printing when i return back to work

-draw

I hope some of these ideas help you too, as yours got me thinking. 

My post before was way better am sorry i thought i would bash one out, am sure we will write more in these strange times. 

Stay safe and healthy Brigid xxx

Lyd

[brigidandlydia]

Isolation

Hey Lyd, this feels a bit bizarre trying to find the words to write today but a couple of days ago when we closed down work because of the Coronavirus I made a list of things I could do and writing to you was on there.  

It’s nice having this to come to and write on - since everyone is being advised to self-isolate and really minimise outside interaction this seems more relevant than ever and you also don't seem so far away.

We are certainly living in a frightening time at the moment, with so much unknown. I think at the moment that is what is scaring me the most. I am very lucky that in my immediate family we are all healthy enough so I am not worried about losing anyone, but there are definitely other family members and people that I hold close that I am concerned for. 

We were told on Sunday that we would be closing for a while, tomorrow I have a meeting at work to find out more on what is to happen but I am not feeling too good about it. Every industry has been hit and jobs are going. I feel sad to have thrown myself into something so much for the past 10 months for it to be gone but I know that so many of us are in the same boat right now. 

On to more positive news...!

Since I last posted here we had a really exciting event through work!  We launched Derry city’s first gin! It’s a project I’d been working on since the start of January, I did all the packaging and branding for it - it was so good to get back and do some of that kind of work again, I felt like I was in my element. It was a really quick project so there was some pressure but it turned out well in the end and we got really good feedback :) it’s been sold in some off licenses and restaurants here which is great!

I went to Brussels as well at the end of February which was good to get away and have a real break - I always find that getting away from home is the best way for me to switch off properly. It was a chilled time really - mostly spent wandering around and eating a lot! We went to Amsterdam one of the days which was fun (3 hour bus there, 3 hour bus back and 6 hours in between in Amsterdam haha). We went to this place called ‘The Avocado Show’ in Brussels  - a cafe where every dish is around avocados. It was cool decor and yummy food! I didn't know that moules et frites were a Belgian thing either... but had those too - washed down with some great Belgian beer!

I had planned to go to Amsterdam again this coming weekend to visit my sister who was out there this year studying - but she ended up coming back home last weekend so i won't be going anywhere anytime soon! 

I went to the beach today for a solo walk. It was good to get some real fresh air. It’s finally starting to get brighter and you can feel Spring trying it’s hardest to happen - so far 2020 weather has been pretty bleak! If that is one good thing that I see happening is people turning to nature and simple places and things to hold onto when it seems like everything has changed so drastically around them.

Now more than ever I am after some recommendations on how to use this time well! Here are some of the things I have on my list:

My To-Do

• Clear out for charity shop

• Yoga daily

• Go for a big walk a few times a week

• Read - list of books...

Why be happy, when you could be normal - Jeanette Winterson

Uncommon Type - Tom Hanks

• Write to friends & granda

• Blog to Lydia

• Get my coursework done for the tech course

• Clear laptop onto hard drive

• Online courses - creative, languages,...

• Upcycle furniture

• Paint wall in flat

• Plant some seeds

• Organise email inbox

• Watch some great films/Documentaries

Planet Earth

Twin Peaks

Stranger Things

Fracture

The Captive

Bird Box

• Take some film photos, send off to get developed

• Printmaking

• Have a bath

• Swim in the sea

• Try new hairstyles

• Find new music & make some great playlists

• Make the Paella from Valencia

• Clean car

Some are more likely to happen that others haha. My mum has already baked a banana bread and two loaves of bread yesterday.

I think the most important thing is to try and keep some kind of routine, stay productive, inspired and healthy physically and mentally! 

There are some people really reaching out and coming together through online platforms which is amazing and so good to see. I seen groups of people celebrating Paddy’s Day over FaceTime with people. And I know that there are bands and musicians doing live gigs from their homes.

I hope you are doing ok - anything I can do (even from so far away!) just shout :) 

Looking forward to hearing from you !

B x

[brigidandlydia]

Happy Galentines!

Ha I hope you don't cringe too much at the title of this post! I say it and laugh but I think it’s pretty great. This year will certainly be another Galentines for me...I’m going to Brussels with a friend to visit another friend who is living there at the moment! I have never been but looking forward to it! Definitely looking forward to getting out of Derry for a few days - I can’t really switch off from work, even on my days off here so I am really hoping to get a proper break when I am away.

I felt a lot reading your post. I felt sad that you had a hard time - to have someone hurt you like that at work is so hard. Even if you have a good team and friends around you to feel like someone is really trying to hurt you and get at you is, as you said, tiring. I’ve had a few situations at work since starting this job where I’ve been left feeling very drained. It’s a really sore feeling -  emotionally and I can see how it’d put you into a bad place. As regards to happy pills... snap! Haha I’ve been on those for a few years now - recently I didn't take time to go and get my prescription and so pretty much went cold turkey which ended in a very low few days :( I found it really hard to take them at the start - I felt like I didn’t really need them. From what you wrote in your post I think that the same kind of thing happened to me... years of anxiety and smaller issues finally coming to a head and needing a doctor to get some professional help.

When we met up that time you were in Derry I was still very ill, I am a whole lot better than were I was then but in my own head day to day, sometimes it can be hard. It’s a difficult thing to live with - whatever IT really is! I feel like so many people of our generation are struggling emotionally and it’s a whole bunch of things about the world today that is making us this way. I do think that genetics means that some of us are more prone to anxiety, depression... but it is a very difficult world.

I am glad to hear that you have got some help, that you have left that job and have moved. That is so great that you have made these things happen. Proud of you!!!!!

I hope that 2020 has been treating you well so far. I feel like I have been busy at work - I can’t remember if I said before or not, I am working at the Walled City Brewery since June, as restaurant manager. I do love it there, have you ever been?

I think that I am not good at a work/life balance though, I tend to throw myself into something, which can be good but more and more I am feeling a bit lonely and lost when I take myself out of work. It doesn't help working unsociable hours - which I don't mind but I have little time to see family or friends. Never mind trying to find anything more :(! 

I am happy to hear about Honey! I do think that pets especially cats are great to have around. I miss my Ginny - I moved out into a flat in the town so she has stayed at my parents. I do love going to visit her and they enjoy her too, so it’s not all bad.

Ginny at Christmas haha

At the moment we are getting battered with Storm Ciara here! We aren't used to this weather at all! We already had a storm in January but Ciara is definitely more intense! I came home on Saturday night after work and found my big skylight window in my living room had blown open and there was rain EVERYWHERE. Literally puddles on my floor. Not fun. Hoping my landlord can fix my window as it won't close properly so the wind blows it open and then all the heavy rain comes in!

Creatively... I have been working on a project for something to do with work.. which I will let you know about when we are able to be more public. It’s been good to do something creative and use my experience but also it’s really added to the work load pretty much doing a freelance project on top of my regular job.

Before I go away I’m going to see Bombay Bicycle Club play in Belfast on Wednesday with my sister. I’ve seen them once before and they were really great so that will be a good start to my hols!

Here’s some music I’ve been enjoying recently!

Want to send you a big hug Lydia, I really hope you are ok! Since feeling kinda lonely it was a lovely surprise to have you post again x

Take care gal, Happy Galentines! x

[brigidandlydia]

C U L8R 2K19

Hello,

Remember me! Lydia from the other side of the world. I’ve been very quite. I apologise. But at the same time I think, at least I hope, I might have needed it. I felt like after America I really wanted to write an amazing post on it. But there was so much to write about I didn’t know where to start. It was amazing but I really do get the holiday blues. 2019 kind of ended on a bit of a low. But am starting 2020 way more positively. I got a new job shortly after getting back from America, I thought ‘This is it, this is the job for the rest of my life’ I have to laugh at my self now. But then i think i got it into my head that it was. I was sold this idea that there was so many paths I could have taken with this job, it was all a lie. I then (and this is in know why trying to sound ‘big headed’) but I am sure it was from my popularity with all the staff bar one person who tried to make my days hell, because (I think) she was jealous. It was tiring feeling picked on so I decided to leave at the end of November. I think discovered I had been holding on to years and years of anxiety and self doubt. Well I guess it wasn’t a total shock, but to have a doctor back you up, it all of a sudden feels very real. So I’ve got these ‘happy pills’ as one might call them, for my anxiety and self doubt. It’s to get the serotonin in my head working, i think.

Anyway, I got them mid December. I have been in a bubble of applying for jobs constantly for the past two months, with no success. With that I have decided to move to the city on Christchurch. This Monday (20th Jan) and from there hope to get something, maybe bar work. I really miss the city and crave walks in parks and public libraries a bike right from the house. So hopefully this is the beginning of an amazing exciting 2020. So wait better way to get back into the swing of everything and say hello to you :)

The end of 2019 wasn’t all misery, you may have seen I got a cat! She is a rescue cat, someone bought her into work, when I worked at the vets. It was true lay love at first sight, for both of us. So the ball of black fluffy came home with my and become a lovely companion. I called her Honey. She sleeps at might feet and then wakes me up in the mornings by purring very loudly in my face.

I also made some really awesome friends at the job, one of which i went up and spend some days with her family and we went on a two day hike. It was amazing, such a weird feeling, going out for a walk, no phone reception, no electricity, all you have to do is walk and eat. Such a simple yet enjoyable experience. We swam in rivers and seas and pools. I read, I justed finished ‘How To Fail’ By Elizabeth Day. it was very fitting for what’s been going on I think.

I really want to try and make a sort of zine from the trip, just as a memory and to say thanks for the people that took me on it. I think you might have seen most of the photos, I put them on instagram.

Also towards the end of 2019 I discovered my love for sourdough, I think I make a truely amazing loaf! One day i shall make it for you!

I am still working on my Kumbucha, I keep loosing the fizz! But have rediscovered my soda stream...sorry I just realised how I’ve gone off on a very boring chat.

Anyway am off to finish my quiche, feed my cat and start my zine.

Love

Lyd

[brigidandlydia]

Holidays & new beginnings.

Heya!

Thought I would write a new post as feels like its been ages! Seen you are away on your holidays at the moment -  looks great! You’re doing and seeing loads. And trying lots of yummy food! I do think that when I travel or visit somewhere new a big part of the experience is trying the food there.

I was in Valenica last weekend, a kind of last min break away! I only booked it about a month ago, I’d been thinking I’d like to get away for a few days and find it hard to organise friends to go with. Everyone has different commitments and things, also its been a bucket list thing – wanting to holiday on my own so I just went for it. I was away three nights, four days which was perfect. I’ve never been to Valenica before but my cousin has been a few times and he has great things to say. I did study Spanish at school up to AS level and I love the language, so I guess that gives you a bit more confidence when you go somewhere foreign.

Honestly I think it is one of the best trips I’ve been on!

I absolutely loved being there on my own. It was a real confidence boost just taking myself away and little things like finding my Airbnb, asking for directions or recommendations in Spanish and just planning my days all added to it. I love staying in Airbnbs – have you stayed in many? This one was lovely, pretty basic but just little things like the tiled floors and the little balcony off my room were beautiful. I think when you are creative person then you really buzz off things like that! I love shopping home wares and things – cannot wait to have my own little nest to decorate.

One of the things I loved about the city was the Turía gardens, they stretch quite a way down through the city and have paved areas, running routes, big grassy areas and lots of trees. I visited these nearly every day I was there, just walking through and sunbathing on the grass, reading my book, drinking Sangria! On the Sunday I was walking through and at one part there is this paved area with fountains in the middle and there was a traditional band playing and all these people in traditional dress and castanets performing these set dances, it was really cool to just come across it. There were lots of orange trees too, which were beautiful and I had proper freshly squeezed orange juice a few times – there is something so much better when it is that fresh, the taste and smell!

I walked loads just taking in all the buildings and enjoying the sun, it did rain a bit but it didn’t take away from it at all. I visited the beach on the Sunday as a lot of things were closed, it took me ages to find it and then when I finally did it started to pour with rain! I also went on an Airbnb experience one day – I think it’s a relatively new thing, when I booked the place to stay they came up with advertised things to do in the area. There are difference things like tours, cooking lessons, etc. all run by people in the area. I booked a bike ride with a host. It was only me and another couple; which was really good, you felt like you got chatting and the host was really great making sure everyone was getting on fine and enjoying it. I think it was about 30 kilometres we cycled! I haven’t ridden a bike in ages so I was a bit wobbly but it was a great way to see more of Valenica. We cycled along a few beaches that were further out of the city and more popular with locals, ending up at at Albufuera National Park. On the way back we went to an authentic café for lunch - this photo above was seafood in tempura batter and aioli - its like a garlic mayonnaise - so good! And paella! I found that even though I was only there a few days I just slotted into their way of bigger lunches and then a more tapas style dinner. I did get my shoulders pretty burnt that day as it was sunny.

On the last day I made sure to get in all the Spanish specialities in! I went to the Central Market – it really reminded me of the big market in Barcelona - La Boqueria. Just walking around and seeing all the fresh food, the fishmongers and butchers was so interesting. I’d been told to try this drink that they have in Valencia – it’s actually the only place in the world they have it! It’s called Horchata and its made from tiger nuts. It kinda reminded me of a nut milk – like almond milk. It was really good, usually they have it with these pastires called Fartons (lol)! I didn’t get one of those as I had a big croissant from the market for breakfast. I think that’s one of my favourite breakfasts – especially on holiday – croissants, coffee and fresh orange. So good!

I brought home some paella mix and paella rice – so will have to do that some night for my friends or the fam!

I also had paella for my last lunch – I love it, my favourite is seafood paella, traditionally Valencian paella is chicken and rabbit – I have been pescaterian for a few years but this time when I was away I let myself have some things with meat or chicken in them – as I said I do think it’s part of the experience.

I would recommend visiting Valencia if you ever get the chance, I’d probably go back!

I had a lend of a few books from a friend when I was away that I found easy reading as they were good stories. One was called ‘The Wife between Us’ by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. If you liked ‘Girl on a Train’ and ‘Gone Girl’ this would be up your street, plenty of twists! I also read ‘Lullaby’ by Leïla Slimani which was pretty short – it was originally written in French but has been translated. It was a bit dark but I read it really quick I was enjoying the story so much.

I found that I came back on a high from my break away, sometimes a change of scenery really does you good. Things are grand here, I can’t really believe that we are at the end of May. In some ways Christmas seems so long ago but then I feel I cant account for the last few months.

I have been applying for jobs – looking for part time ones to add to my part time hours at the salon or another job, full-time in creative or hospitality. On my last day on holidays I was sitting having gelato and got the call that I’d been offered a new job! It is in Derry and is a Restaurant Manager position! I was over the moon! I have worked in a few different cafes and I love being on my feet, keep busy and working with people. It’s an independent place, which really appeals to me as I think you can have more input and really make a difference to a place. I start next week, it’ll be a big change with a lot more hours and responsibility but I am ready for a new challenge and to take on a higher role. Of course I am nervous about starting and a bit apprehensive but looking forward to it! Wish me luck!!!

Also – one of my aims this year was to move out – something that I think would really benefit me mentally as well. I am in a very luck position that my parents are fine with me being at home and coming and going as I like but I don’t feel like it is my space and still feel a bit like there is always that parent – child relationship where I feel I’m a bit accountable to them all the time. So this new job will mean that I can hopefully move out – definitely an incentive and something to look forward to.

I do believe in the right thing happening at the right time and although part of me wonders about design and illustration I know that in this new job I will be able to be creative. Also I can always be creative outside of work too. I brought my film camera on holiday with me, but I didn’t take many photos on it, using my phone far more. I am currently talking to a girl about helping design t-shirts for her boutique, based in Derry. It’s that worry/struggle though of any kind of freelance work – keeping yourself organised and on track with projects and juggling this with more work. It is good to be keeping up with a creative project though.

I am hoping that this new job will help me with my time management a bit! Sometimes when you are busier you get more done. I have been trying and failing and trying and failing to get on track with regular gym and eating better. Why is it so hard sometimes?! I find that I can be better during the day with eating well but my downfall comes at evening and I just crave all the junk!

I have a wedding at the end of June which I am keeping in mind to try and encourage myself to stay on track.

Saying this I also believe in enjoying your food – when I was away it was the most relaxed I’d been about food for a while, and I didn’t overeat or over do it on the drinks. I think that I was just feeling in control of everything as I was on my own and when I am at home then my emotions and food become a bit wrapped up in each other :(

I’ve been watching ‘The Assassination of Versace’ on Netflix at the moment. I’m about half way through the series and I think it’s really good. I liked the other docu-series thing on Netflix about O.J. Simpson and I think that this programme was produced by the same people. I also watched ‘Top of the Lake’ recently – some episodes were a bit slow but over all I enjoyed it, I think that the actress Elisabeth Moss is great. She was in Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale too.

Have you watching the Beyonce documentary? I’m not a massive Beyonce fan to be honest, but I’m kinda interested in it. I haven’t been to the cinema in a while, but Rocketman is in now – the one about Elton John. I thought Bohemian Rhapsody was good and I like watching films where you learn about people through the story line. So I might give that a watch soon.

Music wise – I heard this track on Annie Mac’s show on Radio 1 one evening, he’s called Joesef and I think hails from Glasgow. Just thought it was something a bit different!

Did you see I posted on my Instagram stories I did some artwork for a musician in Derry – Bairie, for her latest release, ‘Rambling Boys’. Look it up on Spotify!

What do you think of Billie Eilish? I wasn’t so sure the first few times I heard her music but I now really like her stuff.

I am going to see SOAK play on Friday, she recently has brought a new album out, so much music talent that comes out of Derry! My favourite song off her new album is Déjà vu.

I cannot wait to hear about your big trip! I hope it’s got you feeling inspired – I think I seen your sketchbook out in one of your pics! Enjoy the rest of your time away & take care!

Brigid x

[brigidandlydia]

A book a day keeps...

hello!

I am pretty sure one of my New Years habits was to do this more, thats not happened.

But I am defiantly keeping up with reading at least a book a month, I have know idea where this new found love of reading has come from! I love it. I am spending less time on my phone because of it, i am convinced. I also to feel less anxious for it too, I just feel i use my day better if i am reading. I thought maybe it was just the self helps book where my thing but since discovering Sally Rooney, I am a changed woman...a book worm, maybe? I have just started ‘Conversations with Friends’. (Only a couple of chapters in so far but really enjoying it, as much as ‘Normal People’) I was reading the Lena Dunham book ‘Not That Kind Of Girl’,which i did enjoy, its kind of a memoir I guess, its written more like a story book than laying out fact after fact like the Lily Allen book. I enjoyed it, properly how I enjoy the series she's did ‘Girls’, whist hating Lena and her choices the whole way though, but she almost always take the root in life that you are curious how they would end but feel its always safer to take the other lane. If that makes any sense, I feel like I am making to many word here!

Also can’t believe Sally Rooney is only 27! What a woman!

I am really lovely Dolly Alderton’s podcast too! I feel its takes a couple of goes listening to the ones where you know who she is interviewing then you can get stuck into the ones that you don't know and its easier to follow I feel. But yes when she had Matt Haig on it was just the best!

Ive gone a bit dark on the podcast front I started listening to the Madeleine McCann one, whist also watching the documentary of it on Netflix! So much Maddie at the moment. 

One of my favourite podcast ‘Wobble’ is back too, presented by Jules Von Hep and Sarah Powell. Its a really good self care one, very honest and they both lovely people to listen too. 

I have to be honest I've been listening to so many podcast recently and reading so much my music has been very limited if i do end up listening to anything I end up just chilling out and listening to my favourite music youtube channel ‘BecomeSupreme’ its just really nice and chilled.

Ive just ordered some more books as I only have ‘Conversations with Friends’ I have ordered just some more self help book, some of Fearne Cottons ones, and also a Bryony Gordon. I have also been enjoying her podcasts. I can’t work out though if her books will annoy me or I will love them. I shall see.  

I will defiantly look into that ‘Eat It Anyway’ book, in the newest episode of ‘Wobble’ that i was talking about they interview Laura Thomas she's the nutritionist everyones going crazy about at the moment, the ones that wrote ‘Just Eat It’. I kinda want to read that too, I nearly said eat it! Think I need to start about cooking dinner.

Also going back to talking about New Year habits, another one of mine was cooking more food. Which I think I am getting back it, I recently bought a bread maker and I love it! just made my first load of Wholemeal in it today, and it went well! I also am really lovely making Granola, just tried a different flavoured one today, Orange, pecan and cranberries. I feel want to get better in the kitchen but finding it hard. i have a recipe book but its always so difficult to prepare for the future I find someones. I would love to know how people have such good food sometimes! I am thinking about ordering some of Jamie Olivers 5 min meals or what ever they are called. How are you in the kitchen? 

I made an amazing risotto, but that about it. And I am not really a big rice fan which i think eliminated a lot of food. 

As for Netflixs I don't really watch much, although I do find I watch more in winter than I do in summer and its getting on to winter over here so I could come though with more soon enough! Like I said further up I have just started the Madeleine Documentary thats going ok, but I really loved ‘Working Mums’ and Ricky Gervais ‘After Life’ which is awesome and couldn't recommend more! Which says a lot because i really struggle someone with series I get a bit bored and fidgety and always fine washing to hang out or bed to make!

Gigs coming up...sadly not there isn't many artist that come out here, and when they do they normally perform in the North Island (I live on the South Island) There are local that would perform in Christchurch but sometimes the drive is really of putting especially when i drive for a job. I dread getting in my car on my days off, which is another reason I would love to change jobs. There has been a couple of little events that have past and because of the nature of my job i never know if i can attend them until the last minute, when they tickets have sold out. I know this job isn't forever and will get a structured life soon enough, which is what i dream off! So it might improve when I do. I have never been to Glastonbury even though It was kind of close when I was at University, but I just loved Bestival so much! 

On to job, its by far my list favourite thing to do. Ive been getting a lot of rejection letters from all my applications so i really feel you! I honestly think I am just going to have to start my own business but know one will hire me! But I just I will just keep trying, there is something out there for everyone isn't there!

(i feel like this is a really long post, I have learnt my lesson I need to do this more so they are not so bloody long!)

Ill try and bring this post to an end as I do really need to do something for dinner!

Yes America plans have all been sorted, Ill do you a run down in my next post, as been a bit more creative so ill get some photos up too!

Do you own a cat, i always seen one in your Instagram?

I really want to get a Dachshund, Ive wanted one all my life and now am getting a bit closer to getting my residency am considering getting one...but not sure if am ready for that kind of adulthood, but maybe its like anything, there is never a right time, right?

Hopefully you enjoy these songs...

(also I really liked the Widowspeak song)

love 

lyd

x

[brigidandlydia]

WDC?

Hey! Hope you are happy & well!

How’s the New Year habits going??

I have actually been reading more - long may it last! To be fair, it was Sally Rooney - I really enjoyed ‘Normal People’ so when I finished it I was a bit sad - thankfully she had a previous book - ‘Conversations with Friends’ so immediately ordered that and read it so quick! Was pretty gutted when I finished it and started googling ‘similar authors to Sally Rooney’... I just found her books so easy to get into, it was all about the characters, they were well developed, warts and all - without being over-dramatic I think. And their relationships were believable and relatable. What did you think yourself? Also it’s amazing that Sally Rooney is only like 27, inspiring lady!

I found ‘Notes on a Nervous Planet’ very interesting. There was a lot of thought provoking ideas about our lives today. I definitely think that as a planet we are overloaded with information every day - and we continue to do it to ourselves, it’s crazy that yoga and mindfulness and retreats have become so mainstream and popular but it just shows that we know that we are feeling overloaded and stressed yet at the same time we are constantly looking for more more more. Dolly Alderton’s podcast - Love Stories - has a second series now. I’ve listened to her interview with Matt Haig and at the end she gets him to read her favourite passage from his book, ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ (it’s the very last bit) and she actually sobs. It is kinda heart wrenching, he is so good at putting thoughts and feelings into words. I listened to it in the car, (finding it a nice time to listen to podcasts these days!) and it was a good reminder that even on the bad days when you think I will never enjoy anything again, you will.

At the moment I’m listening to her interview with Stanley Tucci - it’s great, made me love him a bit! And also left me craving proper pasta...!

I started reading ‘I Am, I Am, I Am’ by Maggie O’Farrell. It intrigued me - it’s about 17 brushes with death and its autobiographical. After reading two Rooney books though, I am finding it a struggle but I know I just need to get stuck in. I do love kinda dark things! 

I actually got a book called ‘Eat It Anyway’ it’s by the two writers who set up the website notplantbased.com - it’s great. If you ever feel like you are confused about what/when/how/why you should be eating it cuts through the BS and backs it up with proper (understandable) scientific fact. The two writers suffered from eating disorders and so can really relate to all the confusing crap that causes so many anxiety around food these days.

As I said, I do like pretty dark things - as can be seen from my Netflix profile.. I recently watched the Ted Bundy thing on there, did you see it? Also ‘Abducted in Plain Sight’ - pretty shocking that one. I’m a big Jake Gyllenhaall fan - so I watched ‘Velvet Buzzsaw’ it was funny seeing him play quite a camp role, quite a quirky film but I’d recommend! Also it has Zawe Ashton in it - I reckon she’s going to go far in film, she’s a pleasure to watch, there’s something a bit awkward about her but it’s a part of her charm.

I’ve been looking at design jobs online and researching studios, etc. Back to sending out portfolios over email - you forget how long it takes and then remember what it’s like sitting waiting for your inbox to ping with a response... no matter how unlikely it is!! But will continue to persevere :)!

Music wise I’ve been listening to this loads last few days haha (off the back of the Matt Haig & Dolly Alderton podcast) :

Also came across this and quite liked it:

I really liked ‘Goodie Bag’ by Still Woozy been listening to them a lot too! I like ‘Lucy’ and ‘Habit’ too! Did you listen to Joshua Burnside? I think I sent you one of his videos in a post a while back, he’s from Belfast. Something about him reminds me of Bob Dylan - just the storytelling in his songs and all the instruments he uses. He’s got some gigs coming up in a couple of months so I’ve booked to see him in Belfast with my sister, it’s a full band show too which will be cool! Have you any gigs coming up? Feel like I haven't been out for ages, even just into town for a night out, I often consider it then stay in! End of this month I’ll be going to see a few girls from uni so looking forward to that now. I had a ticket for Glastonbury but had to sell it as I have a family wedding at the same time! Will hopefully make it another year!

Are you any further forward with your US trip planning? Bet you are looking forward to a bit of an adventure, being somewhere different always gets me so excited and feeling inspired. Just good to have a change of scenery every now and then!

Any music recommendations would be appreciated need something fresh!

x

[brigidandlydia]

2019?! & Some recommendations right back at ya!

Hello - a big belated Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Great you have started the ball rolling again with posting - been ages since we’ve posted and I don’t even know what has happened in-between! I actually started writing this post and then you sent me the message you’d put one up on the blog and reading over it now it’s nice to hear you’re on the same page with the New Year New Me malarkey…

I hope you had a good birthday & festive period. I feel like it is only really this week that life is finally getting back to ‘normal’, it’s like I approached the 1st of Jan as usual full of ideas of what I wanted to be like once the clock struck 12 and of course within a couple of days I was still eating leftover Christmas cheese and chocolate and wine! And I haven't been back to yoga or the gym... but New Year Resolutions are just the worst. Thinking maybe look at this month as still the start of 2019. I have been thinking it would be a good idea for me to actually have a goal or something that I am looking forward to, at the moment I am still living at home, working part time and it’s fine, but I’m not living my best life, it’s a bit empty in comparison to what it has been like and the potential that I could make it isn't being fulfilled. That being said I still don’t exactly know where I’m headed or what will make me happy!

I’ve been thinking recently that I think I would really love my own flat. So that is something for me to work towards in the next 6 months, that throws up all kinds of questions - do I move out into somewhere here, close to home, do I look a little further, like Belfast or maybe think about going back to England - then do I go down South or up North - back to Manchester direction. And need to get more hours or another job to save up a bit! But that’s one thing I really would like - is my own little place this year.

Have you any intentions or ideas for 2019?… I like what you mentioned about habits - a much gentler approach to RESOLUTIONS! I do think that reading more is always an intention I have. I have been meaning to get my hands on the Sally Rooney book - literally been into Eason’s 3 times looking for it and it was sold out!!!! So many people have recommended it and I cannot wait to read it!

I am also reading ‘Notes on A Nervous Planet’ at the moment, real good food for thought, I feel like a read a bit then that is enough as my brain has so much to digest! He has a wonderful way with words I think.

Yes - I have seen that ‘Dumplin’ film come up on Netflix I wasn’t sure when I seen the trailer, feel like it would be an easy watch but nothing too ground breaking.

I binge watched ‘You’ on Netflix, so creepy, but I loved it! Have you been watching it?? Also watched ‘The Sinner’ - I loved the first season but wasn’t so fussed on the second.

I am craving some good releases in the cinema, I love to go, I find it such an escape more so than watching at home. I went to see ’The Favourite’ which was kinda like a Coen brothers humour mixed with Wes Anderson mixed with period drama type thing! It was funny but not something I would usually go and see.

I watched ‘The Kindergarten Teacher’ it was on as part of the Foyle Film Festival. It really stayed with me, I love Maggie Gyllanhaal as an actress. It said a lot about how natural sensitivity and artistic brilliance can be so easy lost in growing up and within the society/world that we live in today. I’d recommend!

Creatively ... things are kinda stale. At the Fashion Hub I kind of came to the realisation that my heart really isn't in setting up a fashion brand/business. I love love love creating a brand and identity for a range of clothing, I do think is branding and packaging something I should turn back to... but when it came to pattern cutting and then sourcing fabrics and things I was feeling a bit doubtful about where I wanted things to go. I loved my logo for the brand I created, I loved the clothes I was designing but ultimately I couldn't picture myself being happy trying to source manufacturers and the reality of the day-to-day of setting up a fashion business, which is the aim of the program. That being said, I might think of what I can make out of what I’ve started.. do I make things based on my illustration - maybe think of tote bags and screen printed t-shirts, or more of the pom pom earrings… 

December was pretty busy at work, I love the run up to Christmas more than the day itself! All the music and seeing people you don’t see much! Best present I got this year was probably a wee bluetooth speaker, we do Secret Santa in our family and make suggestions, it’s just something I’ve wanted for a while, its handy enough size and just great to not be playing music out of my phone at home! 

I got a wee kitten at the start of December too, I had a cat that died in the summer, he was pretty old - 19! But the house has felt funny without a little cat around and I find them such a comfort. You have probably seen her on my Instagram - wee Ginny! She is just lovely.

I will have to have a listen to those podcasts - I’d recommend The High-Low with Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes - especially now you have read her book!

I actually just booked to go and see some friends from uni in March! We are all meeting up in the New Forest which is an area outside Bristol - booked like a little lodge/cabin thing at a resort complete with Hot Tub, self-catering… will be a great gals getaway!!

Your trip to America sounds amazing! I have only been to New York but I will have a think and let you know of any recommendations!

Thanks for the music recommendations - always love something new!

I’ve been listening to these recently, hope you enjoy!

Sending you big hugs across the ocean!

B x

[brigidandlydia]

Netflix, Books, Podcasts and chill

Hello, How has 2019 been so far for you! I feel like the whole new year, new me thing has now become quite a taboo area for some people I follow social media platforms. I get this and I don't. I personally don't think the whole, right am guns go on a diet and loose a stone by August. Or only eat chocolate on a Friday between 6pm-7.30pm. Or dry January or Veganary. If anyone does it that cool but it doesn't work for me...I mention her podcast a bit further down. But i was listening to ‘The Emma Guns Show’ Podcast and she set herself 26 habits she tried though out 2018. I though that was such a better approach to things. I think its better to start good habit as thats something you can to a lifestyle. Thats what i think anyway. So i guess in 2019 i just want to develop good habit. One of them being read more, I want to try and read atlas one book a month. I also want to spend less time on Social Media, so i have add time limits to my social media apps (these are the ones i use the most) in hope that will limit it. Have you anything you want to work toward planned for 2019, Any holidays? I have just booked mine, i am off to America for a month in May. Flying to Houston then going to New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, then flying to New York. Have you ever been to any of these places and have any recommendations? Ive only begun planning but i am really excited! This is just a short little message....i bet it will end up being really long but I've been so pumped up by podcast and books recently and just really needed to share with someone!!!!! 

Netflix (not to sure why i added this section in, i need some recommendation really)

Dumplin’ :

I jumped on the bandwagon and gave this a watch the other day, I liked it. I liked the message it wanted to give out but don't think ill sit down and watch it again. Just glad i know what people are talking about when I see they watched it.

Tidying up with Marie Kondo :

Ive tried watching this because also...everyone is obsessed with it. I couldn't get into it. I feel that i am already an organised person and enjoy cleaning and getting rid on unnecessary clutter. I wonder if thats why i didn't like it? Have you watched it?

7 Days Out :

This was a bit weird but i ended up watching it all, its a series of build up to different events all over the world. I love the Chanel fashion show one and Westminster dog show one. 

Book

Normal People by Sally Rooney :

So i read it! And i loved it! It properly the first fiction book I've read in years, I've just being reading lots of autobiographies and self help books. I really want to read her Conversations with friends now. 

Everything I know About Love by Dolly Aderton :As you saw on Instagram i just finished this book the other day and as you know i loved it! I really didn't want it to end, i loved Dollys stories and way of writing. God it makes me think maybe i could almost write a book about love! Its been done now but even so just makes you think how much Dolly achieved that girl never gave up i feel.

What would the Spice Girls do? by Lauren Bravo

This was good, it really made you think about how much the Spice Girls was so underestimated. I found at time the writing style i got a bit lost, but all in all nice easy read with lots of little broken down chapter. 

Notes on a nervous planet by Matt Haig :

Just started reading this about an hour ago. Only 20 or so pages in and am already liking it. Written in the same style as Reason to stay alive. I had someone mention to me that they like Reasons to stay alive more so am even more interested to get the whole way through it to see my thoughts on it. 

Podcasts

The Emma Guns Show : Emma Gunavardhana #26habits

This was what i mentions earlier go have a listen to her habit ones to begin with!

Jules and Sarah The Podcast : Jules Von Hep and Sarah Powell

I can't remember if i have told you about jules and Sarah, but they describe themselves as two northerners living in London. They meet up once a week to make a podcast which i pretty much the two just having a good old chat! Its super lovely, relaxed and i always finish the podcasts feeling super positive! 

Desert Island Discs : Episodes Tom Daley

This episode was amazing I listening to it while out on a run and i had to stop to to take it all in. He's so lovely. hey also have a new presenter for Desert Island Discs and she's not bad!

Headspace....

I have really struggled with headspace i gave it a go again not to long ago but find it really hard to concentrate for that short amount of time, i know that sounds terrible! But have you any times for just sitting down and doing it?

Music

Zee Avi - Poppy

The Magic Gang - Slippin’ 

Xinobi - Far Away Place

Lykke Li - Dance, Dance, Dance

hope to hear back from you soon!

Lyd

x

[brigidandlydia]

She returns

hello hello! 

Its certainly starting to feel like summer over here, just had a couple of 25 degrees days, so things can only get hotter! My favourite time of year but also the most busiest for me and my work. I just sat down to do this worried that i wouldn't have any news or things to talk about, but all of a sudden I've thought of a million and one things to write about!!!! So sorry in advanced if this jumps around a lot I have so much small things to talk about! And also so much to reply to in your previous post! Yay for you going to the gym! I am really enjoying the gym, I've always enjoyed exercise. I use to do a lot of running which i still love but i found I wasn't able to push myself as much as it was just me. But when i did do it i found listening to podcasts was much more motivating than music at times. I find that i can become distracted by music, i want to listen to one song then another song or the beats off for what am doing. Where as a good podcast you end up just getting so involved in it you end up running 30 minutes without realising. I have switched over to classes at the gym something that has scared me for so long. That might sound silly but i always though i was never good enough for classes, never fit enough. But one of my friends also started the gym and we decided to go to a class together. BEST IDEA EVER! Now i am hooked! I go to RPM and X-Fit. They are in the morning so I get a good hour of exercise in before the days even started! Sets me up for a good day! So i would totally recommend classes!

I love your book idea! I haven't got a book on the good at the moment, I got Charly Cox ‘She Must Be Mad’ poetry book so have just been dipping into that every now and again. Have you heard of her? I have never been big on poetry but i came across her and found her poetry so relatable. I have seen people talking about ‘What would the Spice Girls do’ by Lauren Bravo, which i am quite keen to read. But have also heard about ‘Normal People’ which i would be keen to read also.

Your new job does sound amazing! Does it still have that wee cafe in there too! I always though that it was a lovely place nice views too! Do you get discounted hair cuts too!? That would be amazing! And I full back you up if you went peach! Sounds lovely!

Oh thought websites!!!! Makes me want to start making clothes. It something I've always wanted to do, but would defiantly need to do a pattern making course. I feel like we chatted about this when we meet up about drawing clothes we wished we had! Mums a seamstress, I have a couple of her pieces and love them so much! I am really trying hard to just have and buy well made staple items of clothing. I just purchased my first Gormans item.

https://www.gormanshop.com.au

They have lovely fabrics and another shop i love to look at, having bought anything yet from it as its very expensive.

https://kipandco.com.au

Ah there is always so much amazing stuff on BBC iPlayer but we don't get it out here, sometimes some of the shows do make it to tv out here but that ‘Killing Eve’ hasn't, I have seen lots of people posting about it. Might see if there is a way I can watch it out here. 

Um creative wise I have been doing little bits and piece. I saw an artist I follow post imaging of pages of her journal and it was such a mix of her writing, poems, quotes and images. Made me think that a journal or diary doesn't just have to be ‘Dear diary today i did...so and so’. It can be anything so Ive kinda started doing that. I've always wanted to have a diary so when am older i can have something to look back on but didn't want to do all the writing. This way I don't feel pressured to write. I can draw, make a quote or poem. Something i just draw what i had for breakfast!

I am super envious off your trips to the fashion shows and events. There just isn't anything close by that does things like that. You will just have to tell me all about it as these events come by.

I am currently sat in the living room with Cam (my boyfriend) watching a loud action film so it not the time to listen to the music you have recommend me but i have always loved Lana Del Rey and didn't realise that she had some new stuff out!

I went to Christchurch the other weekend with a friend who was over visiting. Most of the exhibitions were the same as before but I did notice this necklace which i really enjoyed. I liked the fruit beads!

Afterwards I had a stroll though the Botanic gardens. I do love a good Botanic garden. I have been several times throughout the year. As it hasn't been open much due to the earthquake damage it had to it. But I've realised that with each season there seems to be different plants in the glass house. So there is always something new to see. I really loved the colour of the flowers this month.

I have discovered the world of Jules Von Hep and Sarah Powell, if you haven't heard of either of them you will thank me that i introduced you to them. They have serval podcast but I really love their ‘Jules and Sarah The Podcast’. There are two friends both from the North of England living in London. They just meet up once a week and have a good chat. They have another podcast called ‘Wobble’ i haven't got started on that yet as there is just so many episode to binge on, which is great.

Do you have Audible? if you don't you can sign up and you get one free credit and then leave after that. i got the Lily Allen autobiography. It was really amazing, i also loved that it was read by Lily Allen! But my mum has recommended me ‘Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear’ by Elizabeth Gilbert. Have you heard of it? I have only just started listening to it. So maybe on my next post ill have something to say about it.

I am super excited for you for your next step! I wore you pom pom earring you gifted me out the other day and got so many complements!!!! There is a market for you in New Zealand! I am 100% down for this book challenge so let me know and ill order one when we decide which one!

love

lyd

p.s i would love a cake date

[brigidandlydia]

October Already!

Hello! Been wondering how things are with you? Sorry my last post was a bit lacking! 

Thought I’d send you some things you might enjoy checking out :)

I’ve nearly finished ‘Killing Eve’ - a kinda funny crime drama thing thats on BBC iPlayer - hopefully you can get iPlayer over there? It as a great cast, really nicely produced too. It’s got Sandra Oh in it, you’ll def recognise her and this other young actress Jodie Comer who’s just great!

I’ve been listening to Lana Del Rey quite a bit recently, really like her new song ‘Mariners Apartment Complex’.

Also loving the new Maribou State album - ‘Kingdoms in Colour’ - nice name for an album too I think!

You might have seen my Instagram story last weekend - I went to Fashion Fest, it’s a catwalk show that’s been on the last few years in Derry featuring Irish Designers. This year it was in the Guildhall, which is such a great venue. I went, being a part of the Fashion Textile Design Centre - I hadn’t been other years so wasn’t sure what to expect. It was cool though, nice to go out for something different! Time is flying by and I’ve got so much to do with the collection I am designing. Last week a few of us went over and back to London in the day to check out this Textile Forum event to source fabrics. There were a few good people there that I ordered some samples off so they’re due to arrive next week and that’ll help me move forward! It’s funny, I was pattern cutting for the first time in my life this week, but there are certain cross-overs in creative fields even though I never ever thought I’d do anything fashion-y!

Belfast Design week is coming up at the start of November. There’s a few different things happening so I might try and make it to a few events. I’ve applied to be a part of a pop-up shop thing that’s on that weekend too as part of the Design week so fingers crossed they accept me. I reckon I’d sell some earrings and prints and things! Good motivation to get some things together anyway!

I watched a really eye-opening program - also on iPlayer this week - ‘Stacey Dooley Investigates Fashions Dirty Secrets.’ Pretty good watch, definitely recommend!

I’ve really stopped reading recently, it’s something I just cannot find the time to do, I always feel I should be DOING something yet there are lots of books I want to read :/ 

Maybe we could both decide on a book to read and then give our opinion/review to each other? Just to motivate me to finish one and stick with it!

I did actually end up joining the gym recently, motivation comes and goes though! I’ve been doing far less yoga and I feel a bit guilty as I know it really helps me mentally and I am always glad that I made the effort to get out my mat. 

Have you any recommendations, maybe some good music you listen to when you run/exercise? Maybe that would motivate me! Have you been making anything yourself recently?

Hope all is good with you!

B xxx

[brigidandlydia]

Flat out!

Hey lovely! I am sorry that it has been so long since I posted anything here - I have just been really busy this past month with different things & haven’t sat down to get on here! How is life with you? As the days become increasingly autumnal here I keep thinking that it must be the opposite with you - I imagine you will be happy to be getting more summery weather.

I totally agree with what you were writing about - having coffee or meals out on your own. Actually was talking to someone about that recently - I LOVE IT! Maybe not in Derry, cos I swear you’d have someone who knows you come up and be asking who you are out with etc. haha! I don’t mind going for lunch or coffee on my own though. I like the idea of ‘dating myself’ is that a bit sad? I think that everyone should do it every now and then, take yourself out for a pizza and glass of wine! Buy yourself some flowers! Take yourself to the cinema! 

Loved hearing about your visits to the galleries. I agree, I love going to see work that gets a response from me emotionally. Sometimes I like how it gets me excited as I feel my creativity getting worked up and feeling inspired as to what I might make having seen a certain piece or exhibition, other times I am happy to learn through artwork. There was an exhibition on at the Nerve Visual Gallery over at Ebrington this summer by the painter, Colin Davidson. It was really very moving and emotive. The exhibition consisted of a series of portraits of people who were affected by the Troubles. I remember learning about that time in History at school and about all the parties and dates and protests - I much prefer being able to learn about times like that through film or writing or artwork that allows you to connect with the people at the time. It was really very powerful.

I love that Len Lye film you posted! The music is so happy, I like how playful the video is.

I have been working at the hair salon, RoCo, now for about a month and am really enjoying it. It is Front of House - so receptionist work, booking appointments, getting clients set up, keeping things running really! It’s pretty fast paced which suits me, never a quiet moment really and I love that it’s a customer facing role. I’ve actually already taken full advantage of working at a hairdressers now and gone a bit blonde with a balyage! I’m tempted to try a peachy colour through it maybe. 

I’ve also started on the Design Enterprise program at the Fashion & Textile Centre in Derry. It’s the same one that Han* did, she is currently based in one of the studio spaces upstairs in the Hub where I am based. The program is basically about setting you up as a fashion based business. So far I have basically been researching lots - different brands I like, shapes, styles, materials, clothing I like and aspire to... and collecting and ordering fabric samples. It’s not a long program - only 9 months - so I know it will fly. I’ve been kinda juggling my time this month and this past week I barely got anything done in regards to the program so need to get on it this week really!

Some things/people I’ve come across you might also like!

https://lucyandyak.com

http://atelier-bingo.fr

https://www.annieportelli.com

https://thedesignfiles.net

I went to see Nick Mulvey play in the Belfast Empire this week - it was so lovely. I think he has such beautiful music and it’s a great venue.

Before, we went for dinner at this Chinese~Japanese place that does teppanyaki. It was fun to see the chef cook it all in front of you - have you ever have a teppanyaki meal before?

Been enjoying a lot of food a lot recently - keep thinking I should join the gym, there’s one near work and it would be handy to go after work I think. Specially when the evenings are getting dark and it’s harder to get outside - but also good to be reminded of my priorities & being kind to yourself, came across this on Facebook:

I haven’t been good at sitting and reading or even watching anything recently I’m afraid! I have heard great reviews on a new book by Sally Rooney called ‘Normal People’ also my sister has just finished the book ‘This is Going to Hurt’ by Adam Kay and highly recommended it. My intention is to read both!

I can’t wait for the cinema to get all the good movies in; always seems to happen round October and November! I am looking forward to going and seeing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ the film about Freddie Mercury.

I’ve been listening to Joshua Burnside quite a lot recently, love this music video too, so simple but done really well.

Wish we were closer so could meet up for a cake date! 

Sending ya love & hugs!

Brigid 

[brigidandlydia]

A rainy day to write about Wellington

Hello, it’s a wet old day in Methven today so i thought i would crack out the Wellington trip this afternoon. I realised i should have maybe done this sooner as my head a bit more foggy about it now but i’ll give it my best shot!

There was a lot of coffee shops! I think i drank enough coffee to last me till christmas and i am defiantly still working off all the brownies i ate. I honesty think i am a brownie connoisseur by now. I do think spending hours in coffee shops is up there with my favourite past time. I love listening to the music they by, admiring the cabinet food and the art on the coffee. Listening to peoples conversations. Admiring peoples clothing or picking up on the scent of there perfume. Watching what other people have come to cafes to do. Feed babies, read the news paper, write a last minute birthday card, catch up with friends. In Methven we do have a lot of cafes but I feel a lot of the time the cafes here about last minute snacks before work, or before going skiing. Its not a places where you relax. I found myself doing more of that in Wellington. 

Dinning out on my own was something i did a lot more of than i have ever done before. I don't know if its a confident thing that comes with ages or... i don't really know. I always though people would look and think i was lonely. But i lovely it. There is a weird peacefulness that comes with it, i think you think about the flavours more, when you have company sometime i think its lost because you are thinking about other things and talking. Being on your own you take in the interior of a place and the music! 

I hope i haven't just come here to write the whole time about eating on my own!

I went to two of the main galleries there, there are also loads of little small ones i pop into but i wasn't that keen on what they had at the time. I also seemed to have gone at a bit of the change over period. 

I went to the City Gallery Wellington, it has quite an intense show on at that time ‘Iconography of Revolt’ A lot of intimidating imaging and art around resolutions and protests. I totally get why this art insists and why people do it. But its not something I feel inspired by. This isn't at all what i really want to say about it, but it really just made me quite speechless.

https://citygallery.org.nz/exhibitions/iconography-of-revolt/

From this is went onto the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. There was some really lovely eye catching ones here, A Kaleidoscope one, ones about reflection of light. Which is always up my street. I defiantly am more inspired by art that makes me feel happy, thats full of colour. 

A New Zealand artist which i had forgotten about had some films being displayed. Len Lye, does amazing abstract colourfully films and when he made them because of the years it was produced it was very different to what else was being produced by film. 

While I was there the New Zealand International Film Festival was on which was super lucky so i went to see one of the films being shown. I saw “She Shears’ which was amazing. They woman had such passion and determination and went intimidated with it being so male based as there is no woman section, so males and females compete together. Which really is how it should be, not intimidating and open to anyone who want to give it a go! Really beautifully shot, i am biased, and it is filmed in New Zealand so of course it is going to look beautiful! It also was interesting as I thought that if i had maybe seen this film five years ago it would have meant something completely different now. I didn't even realise shearing was a competitive sport really, but in New Zealand its very common. 

So I guess that is a wee summary of brief holiday to the North Island.

Love

Lyd

[brigidandlydia]

Sunday Mornings

Feeling positive this morning, so sending you over positive vides over the waters. I’ve working up feeling a bit under the weather but decided its not going to stop me doing anything today! I had the must loud and sweet carrot muffins in the oven. 

I loved your screen print that you made for your friend, I love looking at the one that i have by you, its right about my fireplace now and gets lots of complements. I feel that we all go in waves of creativeness, just take little triggers to get going again. I write more about Matt Haig in a bit, but i need to order his other book now, i would love to know how the ‘Girl on the Train’ goes, I've not seen he film but i am going to add it to my ‘To Watch List’.

Its funny because i have been doing a fair bit of cooking and baking too and I've really started to enjoy it and get what everyone else is on about! That banana bread looks so yum! I am going to have to make some myself now I've seen that picture of your one!

What is your new job? You were at the ‘Hidden City Cafe’ when I last saw you weren’t you? I feel like I am settled into my job even though i have worked at it since March. But I feel like with my Month break back home and each season bring new challenges its been hard to relax and enjoy things I like to do, but with the days getting longer i’ve felt more motivated to go for running and begin my days up and early at the gym and even trying to do some yoga in the evenings. Its defiantly made me mentally feel stronger. 

Winterchella was amazing, nights out in Methven can sometimes feel very similar so this was a nice chance and a chance to talk some next photos, and to get covered in glitter! I am super jealous of all you live music you’ve been of seeing. Something i really done get much of living out in the country. I do look at what gigs are happening at Christchurch, but the tickets are either sold out or so expensive. Florence and the Machine is coming to New Zealand, but only playing in Auckland, which is on the North island, this is something that normally happens with music over here.

Ive been up to quite a bit since the last post. Ive been to wellington which is in the North island of New Zealand and also took a mini trip down south to a place called Wanaka. It was really lovely to have a break from work and it was such a beautiful week for it too. I have decided i want to write a separate post on wellington, as it was a busy couple of days and i packed lots into them. Getting out of Methven to get some culture in my bones felt good and I've come back feeling stronger and inspired. I also took the book ‘Reasons To Stay Alive’ to Wellington, that i know you have spoken about to and after listening to ‘Happy Place’ with Matt Haig I really wanted to read. Well, its defiantly one of those ‘change your life’ kind of book! I took so much away from it and related to much to it too. Its so weird because I am fully away that there is people out there with similar feeling about life as me, some more extreme and less extreme but its not something i really want to talk to people about as I know way to control it and help. But this book really helps you to feel so much more ‘normal’. It was great!

Side note, I've taken a break from ‘Get Your Shit Together’ it was getting annoying I will try it again in a bit I just needed a break.

I have started on Ruby Wax ‘How to be Human’ so will let you know how that goes when am done with it, but as work started up again for the summer its going to be tricky to fit it in.

I have gotten right back into podcasts though, after ‘Happy Place’ I found to hard to fine another one to fill the spot, but i have discovered ‘At Home With...’ which as lead me to discover ‘Charly Cox’ who is a young poet. She has just released her book ‘She Must be Mad’ I have listening to a couple of other podcasts she has been in ‘Ctrl Alt Delete’ and found some of her poems online, and i think they are amazing. I will check out ‘Creative Pep Talk’ I've just added it to my list..(this list is getting longer by the minute!)

Ive also just started the series on Netflixs called ‘Rotten’ which is interesting, although mainly based around American issues of food. Which always seems to be where a lot of people get there food ideas from, which isn't so true for other parts of the world. But anyway its interesting what they cover, i have only watched the one about the honey bees and almonds, but it just made me think about what people will do for money and not caring about human health. Not sure if you get it on the UK Netflixs. 

Music for your ears:

Sorry this ones a bit wordy and hopefully my dyslexia doesn't shin though to much. But i will try and get round the the Wellington on soon...there less writing and more pictures to make up for this one!

Love 

Lyd

[brigidandlydia]

Sunday Blues

Hello! Thank you for all the music and writing in your last post - I feel like you’re being hard on yourself! You are definitely making the effort to get inspired and make the most of your days! Feeling a little fed up today myself - think it’s just that Sunday feeling - should really look at it more as a chill day and turn it around for myself, easier said than done sometimes though!

Feel like my last posts were very energetic and full of things as I’d been busy! Not sure what I’ve been up to recently (have to have a look back on Instagram haha!)

I went to see George Ezra at Custom House Square in Belfast this weekend. I’m not a massive fan but he’s pretty easy listening and always enjoy live music. It’s such a nice place to have a gig too - it was all dusky and the crowd were pretty chilled. Was a lovely eve with my little sister!

Discovered a new shop with lots of nice home things too - Sostrene Green  the items kinda reminded me of the stuff you could get in Tiger or Ikea, very reasonably priced too! I would love to make some party stationary things - like bunting, cake toppers, etc. and found some beautiful inspiration in this shop!

I’m going to see Nick Mulvey play next month too, really looking forward to it!

Really liked that Andrew Applepie song! Will have to listen to more of his stuff.

I am reading the new Matt Haig book at the moment - Notes on a Nervous Planet, so far so good. I read his first book; Reasons to Stay Alive earlier this year and thought it really easy to relate to. He’s very articulate and gives a lot of food for thought. Also reading The Girl on the Train, I seen the film a while ago, think it’s an easy read but sometimes nice to have that too!

My friend liked the print I did for her which was so nice! It was 25 things that remind me of her. I haven’t done any printing since :/ keep having little ideas then not motivating myself to do them. My own fault really! 

The photos of your walks look amazing, I try and get outside every day, so lucky to live somewhere it only takes about half an hour to get to a beach. Spent a couple of days in Ballyliffen with a group of girlfriends recently which was lovely! 

Was Winterchella good? Loved all the glittery photos! 

I went to a wee all day music festival in Portrush a few weeks ago! I haven’t really been there since I was wee and would go to Barry’s! Found a lovely wee coffee shop down on the beach called Babushka and had some amazing tapas at a restaurant there too! 

Love doing a bit of baking/cooking - been making lots of banana bread recently! Like to try different add ons too - tried one with orange zest and pistachios which was nice!

Reading the weekend paper found a funny article - you might have seen some of my favourite bits on my Instagram story - here they are here:

Did you ever watch Derry Girls that was on Channel 4? I thought it was really good! So odd seeing Derry places on C4! It was really successful, they’re working on a second series already.

Came across this song a few days ago, you might like it too:

I’ve started a new job last week so hoping to get into a bit more of routine by end of August, sometimes crave a bit of routine when you feel a bit all over the place! Have got out of going to my yoga classes and things like that so maybe this will help me! 

I changed my website to a Squarespace one recently in the hope it would get me to get a current portfolio together and hopefully get some little creative projects/work, so far the most I’ve done is my ‘About’ page... need to get some proper work up on it! Would love a wee freelance project, was thinking that now is probably the time to start thinking of Christmas cards and things to sell as Christmas gifts so maybe that is something I should think of working on next.

That exhibition you went to looked good! I liked the photo you took of all the little pieces together. I always wished that I was the kind of person to keep a sketchbook, they are so lovely to look through, but I’m such a perfectionist and would pull out half the things I’d drawn or look back and hate how nothing matched.. so have kind of given up on keeping one! 

Just remembered - I was chatting to my friend who I studied Illustration with, recently and her boyfriend had started listening to some of these podcasts : http://www.creativepeptalk.com I’d heard of them before and think I started trying to listen to one but it wasn’t my cup of tea at the time, I might try listening to one again as definitely enjoying listening to podcasts more these days. Think they are supposed to help creatives get motivated and inspired and he talks about how to get yourself out of that creative rut, or negative space in regards to creativity.

Not sure there is much to inspire you from this post! Sorry! Hope there is one or two things for you to enjoy anyway!

Sending you a hug all the way from Derry!

B xxx