Summer '15

Dear Summer,

You've been the best Summer that I've ever had. Ever.

This was the summer after my GCSE's, and when I finished school on June 16th, a massive weight felt lifted from my shoulders. This season felt endless, and like it would go on forever. And 11 nearly 12 weeks later, I've changed. Massively.

This was a summer of relief. Of feeling free, calm and relaxed for the first time in years. Of letting go of my worries and doing the things I'd wanted to do for so long. Of anxiously awaiting GCSE results.

I read so many books, both bad and wonderful. A few of my favourites were Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson, Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill, and Nimona by Noelle Stevenson. I caught up on OITNB (well, S2 at least), Once Upon a Time, and watched some truly incredible films.

Summer brought changes of plans - and instead of going to YALC like planned, I ended up in Wales, which is where the most changes happened. I learnt about how I utilize my time, expecting it to trickle slowly, even when it's fast flowing. How there is so much more that I want to do with my life than what I do now. Countless book clubs, meetings of friends and wanderings later, I'm here. And I'm different. Summer brought a version of me that was carefree, and loosened their control on their surroundings.

Summer brought a version of me that is hopefully here to stay.

Writing this, A Levels are 3 days around the corner. They are going to hit me like a train, you can guarantee that. And as much as I'm dreading that aspect, I'm ready. I'm ready for the next step.

Thank you, Summer.

Holly x

Wales 2015

Leading up to July, my family had vigorously planned a holiday to London. However, some circumstances meant that our holiday had to be cancelled, two days before leaving. With no holiday to go on and all the money prepaid returned, we spontaneously chose another place to journey to a few days later - Anglessey. 

Anglessey is a place that my family visited for five consecutive years when I was younger. From the ages of 7 to 12, Wales was a place of escapism and extensive freedom. Although we only went for a week at a time, visiting pretty much the same places each year, it became my favourite place. Four years is a long time, but island is exactly the same.

One of the things I love about Anglessey is the way it feels untouched by the mass market. All the shops are independent and so you never know what will be lying inside. It's a place of peace where although it is busy with tourists, I feel like I can actually hear myself think. 

We spent three full days and 2 half days in North Wales, visiting Beaumaris, Bangor, Conwy, and the majority of Anglessey's island. Going to places where you've been in the past is incredibly nostalgic, as this island holds so many of my childhood memories, but it was also interesting going to new attractions. My Aunt and I's main aim was to reach the beach, as living in a city, it's very rare to ever get to see the sea. We did reach Benllech Beach, and it was glorious. 

If anything, Wales taught me a lot about myself, even if we were only there for five days. I've learnt that the internet isn't my best friend, and there is so much in the world that I want to see with my own eyes and not through a screen. Also, as a book blogger I've always felt obligated to keep reading, and going away taught me that reading is great but it's okay to be doing other things with my time too. Finally, I've come to the conclusion that I loathe living in a city. I don't like the business, the hassle and the sheer amount of people. Despite the fact that I'd already made this choice, I've decided that I'm going to apply to University in North Wales when I start the applications next year. It's a place I want to be, permanently.

Holly x