Loosey Goosey, baby

Last week my boyfriend and I, along with another couple, headed to Nottingham's annual Goose Fair. After a quick bout of research (hello, Google) I've discovered that it began as a trade fair in the 1280s, making it almost 700 years old. Wow. The name is thought to have come from the large numbers of geese which were driven to Nottingham from Lincolnshire and Norfolk to be sold.

Today, however, it is your typical (huge) fun fair with as many kinds of rides, game stands and food stalls as you can imagine. Think impossible hoopla stands where the ring is just that little bit too small to fit over the iPad you're trying to win, basket ball shoot-outs with tempting life-size stuffed animals as prizes and hook-the-duck-everybody-wins-type stalls (these are the best kind, obviously). Lets not forget the terrifying rides which spin you round and round and up and down at ridiculous speeds, either! Anyway, I'm sure you get the picture. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun; the waltzer and the wobbly ferris wheel were definitely highlights, and we came out of the fair two multi-coloured footballs richer. Winning. 

We went at night so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to take my camera and try and get some interesting shots of the fair ground's bright attractions. I'm pleased with how they turned out so I've included some below. It also reminded me of the Bristol Harbourside Festival which I went to in the Summer during a half day photography course. They had a funfair as well as food and craft stalls, boats strewn with bunting on the river and ample sunshine so I've included some shots from that day as well.

I thought it would be nice to use this blog as somewhere to show my photographs as I am trying to improve my photography and editing skills. I always enjoy looking at other people's photographs so I hope you will too!

Chem x

Keep on running

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Running.

It’s quite a strange type of exercise when you think about it; running to a place just to turn around and go back the way you came, or running in a loop and, quite literally, ending up where you started. It seems quite disheartening and pointless when it's put in those terms. If you believe these things, however, you're wrong. Just over a week ago my Mum and I competed in the Bristol Half Marathon and I can honestly say that I've never experienced anything like the elation I felt when I crossed the finish line after 13.1 long and sweaty miles. 

I convinced my Mum to take part in the half-marathon with me in a moment of inspiration following a couple of friends completing marathons – if they could do that surely I could do a half marathon?! It seemed like such a good idea at the time. Needless to say that once it came to the training, the reality of that godforsaken distance really hit home. I don't think people realise just quite how long 1 mile is, let alone 13. I can  now announce, with insider knowledge, that it's really bloody far. Yes, that is the technical description. Despite the struggles with training, the thoughts of 'WHY?!' everytime a run loomed and the inevitable unsightly blisters and black toenails (c'mon, we're all friends here), we crossed the finish line with a time of 2hrs 24mins and an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. 

I've never been a 'runner'. I try to keep fit in different ways such as going to the gym, doing exercise DVDs (The Tracy Anderson Method Dance Cardio is a firm favourite, in case you're wondering) and following YouTube videos but running was never ever my first choice. Needless to say I never thought I'd finish a half-marathon high on life and having loved every minute of it. But I did, I really did. The atmosphere, the people shouting encouragment throughout, the sensation of thinking 'I can do this...I am doing this!';  all of it. The post-run lunch of gourmet sausage rolls and chips wasn't bad either.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that if you're thinking about taking up running, do it. Sign up for a local fun run or perhaps a half-marathon that's taking place in your city; I think having an event to work towards is really inspiring. You will at times be ready to give up and wonder where the hell this ridiculous idea came from (ahem, guilty) but if you stick at it, you'll achieve something great, I promise. It doesn't even have to be running; my point is that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, and the feeling when that happens is amazing. I did, and I can't wait to surprise myself even more in the future.

If a person who hasn't run in a week and is in bed wearing a onesie whilst eating pudding doesn't inspire you, then I don't know what will... Can you say 'hypocrite'?!

Chem x

First things first...

So here goes, my first blog post ever, deep breath.

Starting a blog is something that I've been meaning to do for a while, and after much debate over template and background designs, I have finally arrived at the point at which I must write! I've always struggled with the first bit of writing, be it with an essay or a poignant card but I've discovered that the best thing to do is, surprise surprise, just write!

It seems fitting to introduce myself first, the person whose ramblings you will be perusing. I'm Chem, pronounced Sh-em; not K-em or CH-em. I mean you don't say Karlotte, do you? Understandably it may take a moment or two to get ones head around it, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it. The first time is always the hardest, I promise. In case you're wondering, my full name is Charlotte and my middle name is Emily, so I've been known as Chem/Chemmie since I was tiny. Hopefully the title of my blog  makes more sense now as well (it rhymes y'see, do you get it?...There we go.)

Anyway, I think that's enough about the pronunciation and origins of my name.

Welcome to my blog, a place where I will be spilling my mutterings and mumbles on any number of topics. I'm a 21 year old student in my final year at University studying History. Amongst other things, I'm interested in literature, fashion, beauty and photography, and eventually I'd like to be part of the world of writing and journalism. How I will endeavor to do this is a work in progress, but I thought a blog would be the perfect way to start the journey. I hope you'll join me for the ride!

Chem x