Christmas Term 2011

It's been a while since I last wrote, so I have a few things to mention.

I'm in the third year of University now and I only managed to read one book this term that wasn't on my module list. The much hyped book, 'The Night Circus,' which was written by Erin Morgenstern. Morgenstern is also a painter, check out her website here: http://erinmorgenstern.com/

The book was very imaginative, but was definitely more style than substance. It's the kind of book you should read for a distraction/escape but nothing more than that.

I have been working for Oxfam Bath as their Press and Publicity Co-ordinator which has been exciting, helping them to secure them coverage in The Bath Chronicle etc. No doubt I'll be using this blog to write about this a lot more over the next few months.

Check out and join these groups:

Oxfam Bath Blog: http://oxfambath.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/oxfambath/

The African Climate Connection: http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/african-connection-more

If you're interested in getting involved, then follow the blog or join the Facebook group.

On a final note, I recently published a travel piece I wrote about Thailand on The National Student website. Take a read here:

http://www.thenationalstudent.com/Travel/2011-11-03/The_Colours_of_Thailand.html

A fair few links for you this time, sorry about that! :)

Costa Rica and Niffenegger

I just returned from a two week trip to Costa Rica, in Central America, and had a fantastic time. I went dolphin watching, snorkelling, spent lots of time on the beach, swimming in natural volcanic hot springs, feeding monkeys, surfing and zip lining through the cloud rainforest. Pretty incredible. One of the best parts of travelling is finding inspiration from new places, which provides you with a lot to write about. But another great part is having some time to read. I spent hours reading under a tree, by the beach, relaxed in a hammock.

The book I was reading was called 'Her Fearful Symmetry' which was written by Audrey Niffenegger. Niffenegger also wrote, more famously, 'The Time Traveler's Wife.' The later is one of my favourite books and the reason I decided to read 'Her Fearful Symmetry' in the first place. It was a gripping, occasionally uncomfortable ghost story with unique, well developed characters. The story is centred around two twins, Valentina and Julia and what happens to them with they come to live in a London house left to them by their deceased Aunt. Niffenegger is fantastic at creating characters and a story that is out of the ordinary. However, this book didn't quite compare to her debut. But she's going to have a tough job trying to beat that! I'm not put off however, and plan to read more of her novels in the future.

Films and Turquoise Ink

26th July 2011

Quick post. Wanted to mention a couple of films that I've recently watched and enjoyed. First of all, 'The English Patient.' Apparently one of my Mum's all time favourites and I can see why, it's right up there on my own list of must sees.

The film came out in 1996 and is based on the novel of the same name. It won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The story is set during the second World War and focuses on a burns patient, a Hungarian Count named Laszlo de Almasy. Flashbacks show us the fleeting memory of his affair with a married woman, Katherine Clifton, in the Sahara Desert where he was making maps. The film switches between the past and present, slowly unfolding the background story and how Almasy has come to be in the position in which he finds himself. It is gripping, beautifully shot and the acting is fantastic. The cast includes, amongst others, Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Juliette Binoche. All three were Oscar nominated for their performances. Rent this film asap, but be prepared for an upsetting end.

The second film that I wanted to mention is 'A Good Year' starring Russell Crowe. Here the protagonist, the hard and ambitious stockbroker Max, inherits a large French House from his recently deceased Uncle Henry. He visits France with the intention of selling the property, but soon falls in love with the place and people there. Including a spirited young French girl. He learns how to soften up and eventually takes on the house and the vineyard attached.

'A Good Year' was a light, easy film to watch. It caught my attention, as usual, because of the cinematography. The lighting was soft, which I like, and the story was very sweet. Another aspect that caught my attention was a scene in which Max uses turquoise coloured ink to write a letter. I thought it was a really nice touch, using a unique coloured ink to write letters is almost like creating a trademark for yourself. So now, I am in search of some turquoise coloured ink to write with!

Turquoise Ink:

7th July 2011

I have just spent the afternoon finishing off Chris Stewart's 'A Parrot in the Pepper Tree,' which is the sequel to his hugely successful 'Driving Over Lemons.' Both books talk about Stewart's life in Las Alpujarras, south of Granada in Spain. It is here that he runs a sheep farm with his wife, Ana, and daughter, Chloe.

Both books are beautifully written and very funny. He talks about the locals, the landscapes and how he deals with this new life after leaving England behind. As someone very interested in travel writing, I admire his style very much.

Very inspiring. Give both of these a read.

20th June 2011

Have been so busy with finishing off the second year of Bath Spa university that I haven't been blogging as much as I should have been. Or reading as much as I should have. However, I did recently finish a book entitled 'Jim Thompson: The Legendary American of Thailand,' by William Warren. My Mother's partner, coincidently named Jim Thomson himself, gave me this book to read. I went to Thailand in the Summer of 2009. Whilst I was there I visited the house of Jim Thompson in the country's capital, Bangkok, which is why I find the subject of Jim Thompson so fascinating and why I wanted to read this book about his life.

Jim Thompson was an American businessman that went to live in Thailand during the 1940s. He re-established the failing Thai silk industry and promoted it all around the globe, especially in the U.S. Thanks to his contribution Thailand now has one of the most well known and successful silk industries in the entire world. During an Easter Sunday afternoon in 1967, he went for a stroll in the Malaysian jungle and was never seen again. His disappearance is a huge mystery and remains unsolved today. William Warren aims to give the background of Thompson's life and success and provide some of the facts surrounding the man's disappearance.

My trip to Thompson's house, made of teakwood and filled with antiques, was one of the highlights of my visit to Bangkok. The silk was extremely beautiful and now, after reading Warren's book, I know more about its background. I would love to visit the place again.

Photographs from my visit to Thomson's house:

Read the book by William Warren and then go to Bangkok to see for yourself!!! :)

'Think Floyd' and Fuji Velvia.

I discovered Pink Floyd when I was about ten years old. At the time I was really into theatre and performing and went to a drama club every weekend. Pink Floyd tribute band, 'Think Floyd' were looking for some kids to sing in one of their concerts, I was one of the kids and ever since I have loved them. It was a trip down memory lane, then, when I found out 'Think Floyd' were playing at Komedia in Bath on the 17th March, where I am now a University student ten years later.

They were just as amazing as I remembered. Pretty near perfect, both instrumentally (if that's a word) and vocally. They concentrated mostly on Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here with a little of The Wall.

Check them out. If you're a Pink Floyd fan they are unmissable:

http://www.thinkfloyd.net/

I was slightly disappointed when they didn't play 'Another Brick in the Wall' but pretty thrilled when they played 'Echoes.' 'Echoes' is not my favourite song ever but I think it has some of the most amazing lyrics I have ever heard in my life. Which I will put below here, so take a read or try and get hold of this song for a listen:

Overhead the albatross hangs motionless upon the air
And deep beneath the rolling waves
In labyrinths of coral caves
The echo of a distant tide
Comes willowing across the sand
And everything is green and submarine.

And no-one called us to the land
And no-one knows the wheres or whys
But something stirs and something tries
And starts to climb towards the light

Strangers passing in the street
By chance two separate glances meet
And I am you and what I see is me
And do I take you by the hand
And lead you through the land
And help me understand the best I can

And no-one calls us to move on
And no-one forces down our eyes
And no-one speaks and no-one tries
And no-one flies around the sun

Cloudless everyday you fall upon my waking eyes
inviting and inciting me to rise
And through the window in the wall
Come streaming in on sunlight wings
A million bright ambassadors of morning

And no-one sings me lullabies
And no-one makes me close my eyes
And so I throw the windows wide
And call to you across the sky

On another note I recently watched 'What Dreams May Come.' The film itself (plot-wise) was pretty good/interesting. But what made it so great was the way it was made with Fuji Velvia film. Visually, it was stunning.

Check out what Velvia is, here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velvia

Some images of the film:

Here is the trailer, watch between 1.40 and 2.40 for some of the best looking scenes (in my opinion.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pHCtLzmras

Enjoy!

Haruki Murakami

Just a quick summing up. Just finished reading 'Sputnik Sweetheart' by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, which is the second novel I have read by him. The first I read a while back, entitled 'Norwegian Wood.' My housemate, Hannah, is heavily interested in Japanese culture and has nearly all of his books, so i'll definitely be planning on borrowing and reading a few more in the future.

'Sputnik Sweetheart' is narrated by K, a teacher in love with his best friend, a writer named Sumire. Unfortunately for K, Sumire is in love with an older married woman called Miu. Miu takes Sumire with her on a journey across Europe. Eventually Sumire disappears on a small Greek island and K is called to come help Miu search for her. This is where things start to get more and more surreal concluding in an ending that I didn't altogether understand. However, I think that is actually what made this book more intriguing to me and defines Murakami's unique style. The actual prose was very vivid and dream-like which I liked. If you enjoy metaphorical writing or are looking for something a bit different to sink your teeth into, start reading some Murakami!

My kind of cinematography

Just watched an Alfonso Arau film at the weekend called 'A Walk in the Clouds.' Really sweet film but I was more interested in the cinematography than the plot. The lighting of this film was completely beautiful and reminded me of one of my favourite films 'A Little Princess.' (Yes, very cheesy I know ;) ) So when I looked into who the cinematographer for 'A Walk in the Clouds' actually was, it seemed natural to find out that he also did the cinematography for 'A Little Princess!' Emmanuel Lubezki. When I looked at the list of other films he has done I found a selection of films that, funnily enough, I find completely astounding to look at as well. A couple of examples including 'Sleepy Hollow' and 'A Series of Unfortunate Events.' I will definitely be paying more attention to the films he will be working on in the future and plan to rent out some more of what he has already done.

http://www.empireonline.com/features/beginners-guide-to-cinematographers/29.asp

A Little Princess:

Lonely Planet

Just finished reading 'Once While Travelling- The Lonely Planet Story.' I bang on about wanting to be a travel writer a lot, and obviously as a result of wanting to get into that industry I really admire 'Lonely Planet.' So reading the story of its founders, married couple Tony and Maureen Wheeler, was really interesting. It talks about how they started it up from scratch on the kitchen table expanding until it became the massively successful company that it is today.

The book talks about all the places they have visited and how they have juggled a pretty hectic lifestyle with raising a family at the same time. I would have liked to hear a bit more about their personal life in actual fact, as at times the book was very dense with facts, names and figures that a few more 'human-type' stories would have been welcome. I think a second read of the book would be a good idea in the future as it was hard to take it all in after only one read. However, if you are interested in 'Lonely Planet' and regularly use their guidebooks etc then i'd definitely suggest picking up this book.

Risoul January 2011, Boardsports Trip - Review

Photos by Marc Le Galle:

I went to Risoul, France at the beginning of this year with the BSU Boardsports Society. It was absolutely amazing and there has been a lot of talk and hype since about what went on. So I wrote a review for others to read and worked with a photographer, Marc Le Galle, during the trip to get some photos. The trip was for students and so, unsurprisingly, there was some drink involved. Because I mention this in the review it's been a bit of a unexpected struggle to get it published. Whether or not this will ever be published in a Uni magazine, I'm not sure. However I wrote it and Marc's photos are wicked so I'm going to share them all here. The photos are above (obviously) and the article below:

The review:

'The wildest week of my Bath Spa experience so far? The Boardsports society trip to Risoul, France wit Wasteland Ski. Being only in second year I’m sure there is a lot more university-styled madness coming my way, but it’s going to take a lot to top the start I had to January 2011. Nursing mammoth hangovers from New Year celebrations, a total of 70 Bath Spa students and friends piled onto coaches from Newton Park Campus on January 1st. After 24 hours of attempted sleep, plenty of The Inbetweeners, and a ferry crossing from Dover to Calais we had arrived at Yetti Hotel, our home amongst the Alps. Rooms were allocated. I would share with 5 others in the largest two-story room, but most rooms were made up of 4 people. We had a kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room and a balcony. Comfy but cramped, or cosy if you’re the positive type. As the week progressed we lost our electricity and hot water. Cold showers? Character building, I say. Popping next door to borrow a plug socket? Good excuse to meet the neighbours.

Greeted by puke from previous occupants in the bathroom sink meant only one thing. It was time to get drinking. After a little unpacking we made our way down to the Yetti bar for welcome drinks. Discounts and free shots? Yes please. There were over 700 students from different universities staying in Risoul thanks to Wasteland Ski, most of them packed in the Yetti bar, and good looking Wasteland reps a plenty. Our own Bath Spa reps were Tom and Jonny. As

one of them grabbed my head and started pouring free shots into my mouth I knew this was going to be a week to get social.

The next day, after a wait for skis, boots and boards at Ski-Set, it was time to hit the slopes. For beginners, skiing and boarding lessons with ESF were on offer from 2 o’ clock each day. Those with more experience went off to make the most of the slopes. For the majority of the week the weather was sunny and clear, with two days of snowfall in the mix bringing fresh powder. I don’t think we could have expected better conditions.

There was Risoul to explore and Vars, the neighbouring resort, a little further afield. There was a range of pistes to at- tempt in Risoul, a highlight being the natural half pipe. In Vars there were more open plains and off-piste runs to try. Snowball fights, photo stops, heated discussions over which sport was better (boarding or skiing? Skiing, naturally) and stops for beer, pizza, and some immensely tasty crepes divided the day up between runs. But although the skiing and boarding was amazing, I think most of the memories of this trip will be taken from the nights out.

Besides the welcome party, the first in a series of unforgettable nights out was ‘Wingman night.’ Pick a partner, attach yourself to them and for the rest of the evening go where they go. Drink what they drink. This, followed by an intro- duction to Morgans club, made for some messy results. But not as messy as the following night, however. ‘KY Jelly wrestling.’ Get kitted up in a costume fi t for a wrestler, pick an opponent and fi ght to the death in a paddling pool full of lube. Girl vs girl. Boy vs boy. Boy vs girl. Boy vs chicken (seriously). But most importantly, Bath Spa vs Hull Husskis. Bath Spa won hands down, of course. Clothes and reputations went fl ying as Impact of the Drop played an amazing set and I think it is safe to say everyone had a brilliant night. After showers, everyone headed to Morgans to continue the party and the next morning, nobody’s head was thanking them. Nor was their hair, especially mine, which was only KY Jelly free after three intense scrubbing sessions with washing up liquid.

To follow there was ‘Geeks and Freaks’ night, where people looked like they’d either fallen out of a fetish club, mental asylum or library. Interesting mix. A party on the slopes, starting late afternoon outside of the Anna Perna bar, was next. People arrived in ski gear for a BBQ, Impact DJ set and bum-boarding. Tom and Jonny organised races down the slopes, for those who were willing to get cold. People slid their way to victory as I face planted my way to the bottom. Rounds of drinking games followed before heading to the club once again to fi nish the night. The grand fi nale, ‘Acid Rave night’ involved plenty of glow sticks, boiler suits and visors. People moved between Yetti bar and Anna Perna before moving onto Morgans, where they danced and drank through to the early hours. The night passed in a blur of break dancing sessions and florescent paint.

After a final day of exploring the mountains, we returned everything to Ski-Set, tidied our rooms as best we could and crawled back into the coaches. I could barely keep my eyes open for the entire 24 hour journey home. It seemed I was fi nally crashing after the extreme adrenalin rush that was Risoul 2011. As we approached Newton Park Campus I was overwhelmed with disappointment to be home. For only 300 pounds I had had the best week of my University experience to date. And that’s saying something. Without a doubt I will be going again next year and would encourage everyone to do the same. I’ll see you on the slopes. You’d better be ready.'

Free cake!?

I recently joined the Bath Spa Oxfam campaigns group. At the moment we are trying to promote the 'Robin Hood Tax.' If you are unaware of what this is exactly, take a look at this link:

http://robinhoodtax.org/

The website can explain the whole concept a lot better than I probably can!

Tomorrow (14th February 2011) we will be in the Bath Spa Student Union, swapping cake for signatures. Yep, it's all about spreading the love on Valentine's day after all. So, if you fancy some free food (you know you do) and want to put your name down in support of something that might actually make a massive change to this country and other countries, then come and visit us between 11 and 3!!!!

Portfolio

Just a quick one. Putting up a link here to my more 'professional' style blog/work portfolio. The one for the CV etc. It includes some of my writing, PR work, volunteer work etc etc.

www.chloetonkin.wordpress.com

Take a look if bored!

Old posts taken from old blog. Future posts will be a bit different!!

7th February 2011

I'd never been that interested in writing poems and short stories until starting my course at Bath Spa last year. I had a go at both and actually found I enjoyed both these styles of writing more than I thought I would. I still struggled with poetry but found out about 'prose poems.' They are similar to short stories and therefore more my cup of tea. I recently decided that I wanted to start reading some more flash fiction and some more prose poetry. My friend has lent me the following books.

'Discovering a Comet.' Published by Leaf.

'No Boundaries.' Prose Poems by 24 American Poets.

I've especially enjoyed 'No Boundaries' and the poems in there by Nin Andrews and Christine Boyka Kluge. Amazing stuff. If you like prose poetry or are looking for a book to give you an introduction to it, look no further!

27th January 2011

Another entry about the cinema I'm afraid! About 'Black Swan' this time, directed by Darren Aronofsky. Lots of Oscar buzz around this one, especially for Natalie Portman's performance (love her!)

The story is about a ballet dancer who is given the leading role of Princess Odette in 'Swan Lake.' Although she suits the character of the 'white swan' she cannot seem to portray the darker side of the character, the 'black swan.' As she tries to make the role perfect, she slips further and further into madness. Mix in some scenes contemplating her confused sexuality and this film makes for some gripping viewing.

It was intense, dark and thrilling. Also pretty grim/terrifying in parts. The costumes and make-up were fantastic. In other words, go book yourself a ticket now.

20th January 2011

Went to see Danny Boyle's (director of 'Slumdog Millionaire') '127 Hours' last night. The film is about the true life story of Aron Ralston, a climber who got his arm trapped by a rock and eventually had to amputate it himself in order to survive. I was slightly nervous about going to see it, as i'm not great with blood/gore but the reviews were all great.

It took me a little while to get into the film but by the end I was hooked. There are some really original moments in terms of filming style and the way in which the plot developed. As well as that it was really inspiring. So go see. :)

12th January 2011

Haven't written in far too long. Spent the beginning of the year in Risoul, France on the university 'Boardsports' trip. I will be writing an article about the trip soon and hoping it will be published in Milk Magazine, i've been working with a photographer called Marc le Galle so it should be a great result.

Skiing is one of my favourite things to do, I absolutely love it. This trip was one of the best times i've had, so much fun. Feeling more than a little nostalgic at the moment. We went with Wasteland Ski, who were pretty good and amazingly priced. Definitely want to go again next year!

http://www.wastelandski.com/

3rd December 2010

Last night I finished reading a book my friend Emily gave me called 'One Day' by David Nicholls. It's been pretty successful and is well known so you may have already heard of it. There is an upcoming film of it being made at the moment with Anne Hathaway. (Devil Wears Prada)

The book focuses on two lead characters, Emma and Dexter, and what happens to them on the same day (15th July, the day they met) for twenty years. It was a really good read and I was actually crying myself to sleep after I finished it last night :S. Very sad. But definitely pick it up and read it ASAP!!!!

xxxxx

18th November 2010

Talking about Vogue in the last entry has reminded me about Tim Walker, who is a regular fashion photographer for the magazine. I don't know a lot about photography at all but I think he's amazing! I can't really explain how brilliant his photographs are. I'll just add a few below so you can see for yourself. But he's inspired by surrealism and his photos always have a real fantasy/fairytale type of edge to them.

His website (definitely check it out):

http://www.timwalkerphotography.com/

Photograph examples:

Just type his name into a search engine and you'll see what I mean. :)

xxxxx

14th November 2010

Sorry I have been a bit lapse with the blog recently!

Last night, a friend and I went to see 'Lights Out,' which marked the end of the 'Illuminate Bath Festival.'

It featured projections of images on the sides of buildings and shops in SouthGate Place. There was also a performance by performing arts students from Bath Spa. It was slightly different to say the least but we definately had a fun evening and were caught on camera :) Footage of the festival will eventually be up on the Bath Spa website!

On another note i've been reading this month's British Vogue. I try and buy Vogue as often as I can. I find a lot of it really interesting and it always puts a smile on my face, despite the fact I can't really afford anything advertised in it. This month's issue is proving to be particularly good. :)

xxxxx :)

6th November 2010

Went with some friends to watch 'The Icebook' today, which is part of the 'Illuminate Bath Festival' being put on by Bath Spa Uni.

Website: http://www.theicebook.com/

It's being shown at 'St Jame's Wine Vaults,' and is on again tomorrow (7th November) and next Saturday (13th Novemeber.) It cost 2 pounds to go if you are a student, 4 if not. Very cheap in my opinion and definately worth going to see! Not like anything i've seen before. Planning to write a review on it, which will hopefully be up on this website over the next few weeks :)

xxxx

1st Novemeber 2010

Really wanting to go some of the events that are on for the 'Illuminate Bath Festival.' Especially the final night, 'Lights Out.' Takes place between today and the 13th November!

Link here:

www.illuminatebath.org

Might try and review anything I go and see.

xxxx

29th October 2010

I'm starting up my own website about travel. It's early days but something I am extremely passionate about and could see myself doing as a career. I would love to be a travel blogger/journalist. Getting paid to travel the world and write about it, can't think of anything better! Although my website may just be a small thing, it's a good place to start. I'm hoping to post up writing about my own travels but also other people's stories and interviews with other people. Want to see just how big I can make this.

Here is the link: www.travelcharms.co.uk

Very early days! But still exciting/interesting/something creative to do.

On another note I am nearly at the end of a book I have been reading. 'Eat, Pray, Love' by Elizabath Gilbert. There is also a film out at the moment which I have seen. I really enjoyed the film and the I think the book is also great. Just gets me itching to travel again!

So pick up a copy!! :)

xxxx

25th October 2010

I was given a 'Girlosophy' book by my brother as a Christmas present one year. They are really colourful and amazing to look at, especially the photographs used. None of the photos are edited or airbrused which is a specific wish of the author, Anthea Paul. Here are a few links to look at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girlosophy

http://www.girlosophy.com/

http://twitter.com/girlosophy

:)

xxxxx

First blog entry! - 23rd October 2010

I thought I'd use this blog for two things.

1. To talk about whatever projects i'm working on.
2. To share some of my inspirations. Photos, websites etc.

So for my first blog entry I'd like to share a website.

www.ffffound.com

There is some great unique art and photographs on this site. So have a look through! I've featured some that I found and liked today:

There is constantly stuff being posted on this site though, so you have to keep checking regularly :D

xxxx