Bookworm

Dear You,

Since I have finally finished classes, and am well into my internship, I have had a lot more time for myself lately! This means more time for thinking up ideas for things to write to you, and much more time to do something which I have not had the time nor the inclination to do for years -- read. I have been reading a great deal lately, purely for enjoyment, and I am loving every minute of it.

As a child, I always loved losing myself in the make-believe of a good book, making friends with the characters, and inserting myself into the story. If you've ever seen the movie "Matilda" (or read the book, which... let's be honest... in a letter about books? I hope you've read the book.), she and I had the same affinity for books and their characters, to give you an idea of my mentality back in the day.

Today, I still love a good book, although not necessarily all of them fictional. I do enjoy non-fiction as well. I have learned to appreciate the truth as much as imagination. After having studied English as my University major, I needed to break from books for a while. I found myself unable to read anything without dissecting it. Thankfully, I seem to have got over that quite nicely now, and am able to sit down and enjoy a good book for the sake of just enjoying it.

I'm looking forward to writing updates and reviews of what I'm reading, but if you'd like to follow me on a more current basis, you can go ahead and follow me on Goodreads. (The link to my profile is here) I have created a list of books I have already read that you can feel free to browse through. I haven't reviewed or even rated them all, but they're there. (Also, please note that this list is nowhere near exhaustive. I don't think I could ever remember all the books I've ever read!) I've also compiled a secondary list of books that I want to read or will be reading soon. If you would like to see a review or summary of any of those books, please let me know and I will do my best to write something here!

Actually, all of this reading I've been doing has me curious how many people out there still read hard-copy books? That is -- do you read paper books, or do you use an e-reader or tablet? Do you read at all, or do you simply listen to audiobooks? My father, who drove a transport truck for much of his working life, used audiobooks, rather than actual reading. That was predominantly for the fact that one should not read while driving, of course. But, if you don't drive for a living, and you're going to sit down to read, what medium do you use? I've been enjoying the convenience of using my iPad, but I find I sometimes miss carrying a paper book with me. I've also noticed a great number of people on my commute to and from work reading from e-readers and tablets. I have a feeling that this is the way that reading is going to go from here on out.

Pensively Yours,

- A.

Shady's Back

Dear You,

I'm nearly finished! Term 4 of my college year has flown by faster than I could possibly have anticipated. Never before have 6 weeks gone by so quickly!

I have a school holiday today, and tomorrow, so I'm going to use that time to (hopefully) write you some good letters to send at a later time. I make no promises, especially considering that my last several attempts to keep up with writing you have been an utter fail.

I won't spend all of my time apologizing in this one, I promise. I will only say that changes have occurred, and are occurring in my life as we speak. I met someone (a boy). We have been seeing each other since January (about 6 months). I am finishing up the class aspect of my education (finally). I start my work placement in 1 week (next Monday)! I am happier and more excited now than I think I have ever been.

I'll give you the story about the boy in my next letter. I swear. For now, just know that he is the force in my life around which the entire world revolves for me. The sun rises and sets with him. I still consider myself to be an independent person, and I still enjoy my time alone, but I feel the most like myself when he is around.

Okay, I'll stop gushing... for now.

Joyously yours,

- A.

Nail It... #1

Dear you,

I wanted to share my latest colour obsession with you! This polish was a gift from my bestie, it's OPI's DSOpulence, and is a gorgeous rosy pink shade with silver glitter. I think this shade looks fabulous on my skin tone, and will look great going into the summer, too!

Changes

Dear You,

Hi! I know, it's been a while. I've been busy, and things have changed in life.

I've decided to widen the scope of our letters! I have always had a love for fashion and beauty, and I have decided to share that with you. I hope that you will not mind the change, and that you will love what I have to say as much as I love sharing my thoughts with you.

I'm hoping that this change will help me to update you on things more frequently.

Lovingly yours,

- A.

Catching Up

Dear You,

It's been ages since I wrote you, I know.

News-wise, I'm happy to report that my life has been relatively placid of late. My first term in college whizzed by at the speed of light, and I'm already into term two. I seem to have passed all of my final exams, and things are going quite smoothly. I have a couple of stories coming up for you, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

So far, I'm finding college to be the most difficult and rewarding experience of my life to date. I haven't written you, because I have lately been dividing my time equally among being in class, studying, sleeping, and once in a while having a meal. Utter madness!

The lack of balance in my life has really begun to weigh on me. I am, as we have discussed, happy to be on my own, but I find the lack of social aspect in my current lifestyle to be somewhat unhealthy. I basically only seem to see my classmates and my room mate on a day-to-day basis. I very rarely see friends, or even family, because I am so weighed down with school.

I have made the decision that I not only need to make more time for my friends and family, but also for you, and for myself. I need to find balance in my life.

But first, I'm moving, so I need to pack.

Steadfastly yours,

- A.