A few of my favourite things

Hey guys, so I'm not feeling up to much emotionally, but I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite books, films, bands and things! I've got really varied tastes, but I'll dabble with a bit of anything, as long as it's not scary! If you like any of the things I mention, tell me, and if you have anything to recommend, let me know! I'd love to hear from you.

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book. And then there are book which you can't tell people about, books so special and rare and yours that advertising your affection feels like a betrayal.” -The fault in our stars, John Green

'The fault in our stars' is my all time favourite book, it's such a beautiful portrayal of illness; chronic and terminal, and also romance. Green touches on some raw nerves with such delicacy and charm, that you have to read on. This story warms your heart on one page, then rips it out on the next, the emotions are so tender and true. Yet there's a spark of humour and lightness to it- it's not a heavy read. I've been listening to it on audio book almost every few days, and I think it's simply the best.

Another book that I've found great to read recently had been 'The woman who went to bed for a year' by Sue Townsend. This is a brilliant novel that hilariously de-constructs modern family life. With the characters developed sensitively and many common family issues tackles with a lot of tact and grace, I really enjoyed reading this book whilst on holiday in New Zealand- I bought it at the airport. When Eva's twins head off to university, she climbs into bed and stays there for a year. It's such a honest tale, and I really enjoyed reading it as it was funny too, making me laugh and cry on the same page.

I've also been introduced to some new music of late; my friend Patrick sent me a link to a song by a band named 'Templeton Pek' and I really love the sound they make, it's classic English rock but somehow it feels fresh and new. I think they're really talented and although they are reasonably well known in Europe, the British 'pop culture' means that they're overlooked in our country. Such a great up-and-coming band shouldn't be ignored! (If anyone wants to buy me their new album, 'signs' I will bake you cookies!)

Recommended by the Author of 'The fault in our stars' John Green, I listened to some of Ruby Day's music. This London teenager is so amazingly talented, I cannot stop listening to her. This song in particular, 'doubts' really spoke to me as the lyrics say so much of what I feel. I really hope she makes it as a top singer/songwriter.

'I guess it's just one of those nights, where I can't get out of my head. I guess I'll be all right, I should probably just go to bed.

But the future scares me I'm not gunna lie, 'cause although I'm bright I'm not smart enough to try- for fear of failing when I've really done my best.

And I've come dangerously close, to giving this all up. I stare into my tea like the answer's hidden in a flipping cup. So put that record on again, I'll confess this to you like we're old friends, but we're not.'

Another song that really hit home was one I found as backing track on a parkour video (yes I watch people jumping off buildings and stuff for fun- don't judge me) and it's 'Modern Leper' by frightened rabbits. The lyrics again and the style of the music was so powerful. These words remind me of how I felt with Jacob sometimes.

'Well, is that you in front of me?

Coming back for even more of exactly the same.

You must be a masochist to love a modern leper on his last leg.

Well, I am ill, but I'm not dead

And I don't know which of those I prefer,

because that limb which I have lost-

well, it was the only thing holding me up.'

On a more positive note, I have some of my all time favourite films to share with you. The first of which being 'The Aristocats.' I just find it so cute, I mean who doesn't love Disney?! Thomas O'Malley is so cool and Duchess is so prim and proper, and with my love of all things feline- who can blame me for loving this?

I really like watching kids films, especially when I'm poorly. Jacob introduced me to Studio Ghibli, a Japanese anime film company, and when I watched 'My neighbour Totoro,' I fell in love with the characters and the animation style. I like other films by them too, such as 'Howl's moving castle,' and 'The cat returns.'

Onto TV shows now and I have to admit I am a sucker for medical dramas! I have no idea why though seeing as I really really hate hospitals- they're terrifying. I first got into the BBC's Casualty when I was fifteen and then found out about 'Holby City' which is a mid-week drama set in the same hospital. My favourite character; Tara Lowe- a first year doctor with a brain tumour and a wit as sharp as any razor, unfortunately died during an operation to reduce the size of the tumour, and I actually cried- sad I know! But when you're so isolated with a chronic illness, book and television characters become your friends- they are a part of your life that doesn't change, and who don't abandon you because of your illness or disability. 

So now I've bored you to death with some of the stuff I like, I have a couple of announcements to make. I will not have internet at my new place, which although disappointing might give me some time to work on some stuff that I've been meaning to do for ages. However- have no fear! I will still be blogging once a week, on whatever regular day I can manage to get over to my parents old house and use the internet! (I think it'll probably be Friday) I'm moving today so a little apprehensive, but hopefully it'll all go well and I'll update you soon!

Much loves, Peace out!
Alice xxxx
© Alice Daley 2013