Wreak Weak Wreck Week

Heavenly Morning Cycling

Stonehenge, Salisbury 

Last Sunday I went to Stonehenge, visiting old friends +Adam Teusner and +Brittany Richardson. I woke up early for my 8am train and look what I found on the way! The daffodils are beginning to bloom in Cardiff, just in time for St. David's Day.

Outside College, the Air Is Crisp, the Flowers are Peeping Out

It was really great to see Adam and Brittany! They were on the final leg of their (5 week) Europe trip, and we planned to go see those ancient druid grounds that date back to 3500BC. Trust that the day was absolutely horrendous weather-wise. We were covered head-to-toe in protective clothing, and we still had little defences against the wind and rain. Our umbrellas caught in the wind and inverted themselves; our faces couldn't find relief from the elements! It was one of those days where you just laugh at how ridiculous your luck is, and we found our repose as we sat at a Carvery lunch that we stumbled upon at The Swan, a village pub. Now they're back in Sydney and are about to begin Uni. I secretly envy them... but hey, the weather's picking up here, and there's always tomorrow. Sydney, let's just wait 'til tomorrow, shall we?

Paper Route

So in my eagerness to do everything and anything, I agreed to do the local paper route today. I don't actually understand why I agreed; I had to turn up at 7:30 and pack my bags full of Sunday papers and ads, struggling with a very laden bike, all for less than minimum wage. The experience was surreal. Biking to the newsagency in the early morning proved a serene trip; the bustle to get the right papers was quiet and focused; the biking, albeit awkward with such a heavy load, was relaxed, calm. My route included a little nook called Rushbrook Close. Turning into the street, I was overcome with the scents of fresh plants, the promise of a wonderful garden come spring, and the most recluse, dreamy street I've ever encountered. It was as though I had stumbled upon the premise of "The Secret Garden", a hidden little place that cultivated the best plants around, emitting a sweet scent and emanating an aura of serenity. 

I was lucky enough to have good weather this morning, but will I continue to do the paper route? I'm not quite sure. I was pretty in love with it, I got my hand caught in a few letter slots, but it really isn't worth the money. TBC.

St. David's Day Today; Get Your Dragons Out, Show Your Welsh Pride!

Artistry Calls

Watercolours

This past week, Carol's sister Shan came to visit us here in Cardiff. This retired GP lives in Essex and told me stories about her home, but what wowed me about her was her dedication to art. She has knitted a portrait of Dill, our dog, and during her visit, she whipped out her watercolours and began painting. Paints, palates, and sketches littered our dining room, but I was so entranced by her artwork; she has been taking watercolour classes for the past year and a half, and she gave me two of her creations which she deemed unworthy for some reason, hehehe.

Carol whisked away to Whitchurch and came back with a frame, all for a few pence!

Shows

Carol and I are now commencing our "let's go for some theatre!" plans. Last weekend, we went to see some Am-dram (amateur dramatics), and I experienced my first Gilbert and Sullivan show in full! Although I could count on one hand who I thought were good singers, it was still a fun experience, and it's awesome to invest in theatre and formulate opinions. A true artist is one that soaks up as much as she can; I'm very glad to have gone.

Strong Lighting Choice for the Top of Act 2: Pirates of Penzance

We also went to see "Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage" at the Sherman Theatre, thanks to some complimentary tickets I get from volunteering. In the production, they tied together the increased suicide rates among Bridgend teens and the life of superstar rugby player, Gareth Thomas. The parallels they construed were very interesting, all to depict how a public figure like Thomas came out of the closet, first to his wife, his teammates, and to his fans. It's playing for another week, so if you're in Wales, go check it out! Who knows, I might be ushering and can lead you to the right seat. 

The next day I went to see "Hood" at the Sherman, a production of their students. I couldn't say I enjoyed it as much, but I'm still gleaning what I can from these experiences. I also misplaced my bike key, spent an extra hour looking for it, and in my hazy tiredness decided to just walk home. I never found the key, but the owner of the lock (my neighbour) had a spare. I told St. Anthony he cheated, but it's all good. It was meant to happen, I'm sure of it. It's too convoluted to explain, but me walking home meant I could sell my neighbour's bike to my coworker Marina! Trust that it can be explained...

Sweet Café and Bakery

This week, I began my job at the bakery. It was much less baking/serving than you'd expect; we're mid-renovations, so I spent the week with a paint brush in my hand. I thoroughly enjoyed doing this work. I'm sorry to say I've probably scared my employers, denying the need for lunch, turning up early for my shift and staying late. There's something so entrancing about painting, and I fear I'm going into the wrong profession! Each day I was scheduled to work, I also practiced making coffees, and I realise now how critical each step is: the timing of the espresso, the heat of the milk, the amount of stiff foam vs foam vs steamed milk, the 8oz vs 10oz vs 12oz drinks. I'm in love with the place! I also helped test different hot cocoas and ratios... I think the reason I could skip lunch was because I my sugar levels were constantly being replenished with steamed milk!

4 Hot Cocoa Varieties.. The Winning Version is in Front!

You can find more information about the bakery here. I was so impressed with their ethical code in sourcing their products locally, investing in fair trade ingredients, and treating us (the employees) with the utmost respect. They want the whole process to be collaborative, and I find my ideas are being heard - even if it is about the paint colours!

Talking with the owner Mike, he said they had 70 applicants and they chose four employees; the other girls all have some combination of baking/barista and managing experiences. I was flabbergasted; I said, "Why did you choose me?"

"Well, there is value in personality."

Winning :) I will continue to make +Nick Horton and +Des Horton proud with my ace personality.

Local Attractions

Every day I visit Tommy +shijie xu, I debate whether to ride on the Taff Trail or the (new!) route that lets me evade large pools of standing water. When the rain has been pouring, I choose the latter, and I see a whole lot of graffiti, including this gem:  

Something about it really resounds with me; it isn't making art for art's sake, it's making a message. I think that's really important to remember. Sure, as an actress, I should want to take up every opportunity I can so I can grow in my craft, but in another sense, why join a production if I don't respect its message?

Talk about local attractions and acting, I've finished filming the music video for The Fjord's "Cusco". Yesterday we took a day trip to the Candleston Castle (which must've been grand long ago), but the atmosphere was awesome. Maciej and I smartened up this time and brought more layers to don while filming, and once my job was wrapped, I took time to document the area. Very cool stuff! Congratulations to +Edmund Townend for directing, filming and editing. If all goes to plan, the finished product should be out on Youtube tomorrow. 

See My Eyes for All of One Second! Trailer for Cusco

My Arty Photo of Joel in Aforementioned "Castle"

My Arty Photo of Fresh Snowdrops and Mossy Mound

The Boys, Nearing the End of the Shoot. Look How Yellow the Sand!

My Arty Photo of Feather Caught in Bush

Thatched Roof on Yellow Brick. Outstanding Structure!

Interesting juxtapositions from this trip: 

a) seeing cows chilling next to the tennis courts,  

b) seeing a woman horse riding with a cigarette in hand. 

To Conclude the Week, I Met Up with The Gals

Or at least some of my lady MAMTs! It was an eventful evening where my "I'm not drinking" became "oh, 2 for £10 cocktails?" became "I might just cry." It was a really good evening, an effective wake-up call for me, as I've not been dealing well with certain aspects of my life. Don't worry, still happy and after this morning's paper run, all I needed was some Clarity (i.e. John Mayer soundtrack as I type this post).

All Smiles.

xxx

Kelly
Emma
Johanna

xxx

Rando DJ



Oh yeah, and I went to visit Tommy, Matt, James and the crew who were chilling at The Crys. Met and danced with some ladies, one of which was astounded that I was biking home... Got my helmet, guys! I was safe!