I do not wish to treat friendships daintily, but with roughest courage. When they are real, they are not glass threads or frostwork, but the solidest thing we know - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wednesday 31st July 2013 - Long time, no see.

After taking a classroom break, to which I will return tomorrow, today saw me escape to the Essex coast to meet up with an old school friend James. Having not seen him since last November, it was great catching up with him. I had nothing to bring to the conversation however; I still love university and everything about it and there hasn't been any particular moments that I felt the need to share - one day, when he asks me in his own way 'so, how's the love life?' I will actually be able to answer 'really well' rather than 'I've thought of what to name my twenty second cat!' It's good that when we meet up, we can just pick up where we left off - unfortunately he won't be able to ring me up randomly next year so I will miss our impromptu conversations (yes I know there is such a thing called Skype but it's not the same.) We saw The World's End - I enjoyed it; not as much as Shaun of the Dead & Hot Fuzz, but I still recommend it.

This picture is just an excuse to have Martin Freeman on my blog!

After the film, we ended up walking along the seafront and sitting by the beach for a chat (with chips!) I also bought a book that needed to be replaced - the spine had cracked and a page fell out of one of my Rachel Caine books...that just DOES NOT HAPPEN TO ME so I needed a new one; it's now in its rightful place on my bookshelf between book twelve and fourteen in the Morganville Vampire series. 

In other news, the packing has started - yes, I know I have 2 weeks until I go but considering I lose next week due to being on holiday, I've had to start early. Stressful business - I'm taking eleven pairs of shoes and don't get me started on my t-shirt collection (the scary thing was sorting that out and realising I've not even taken half of my collection....really need to sort those out next summer and get rid of the ones I don't wear!)

A faithful friend is a strong defense; And he that hath found him hath found a treasure. - Louisa May Alcott

Saturday 20th July 2013 - Wednesday 24th July 2013  - Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...

Saturday- Picture this. It's a hot Saturday at midday and you are waiting at Waterloo Station for a train to Poole. The platform is announced and there is a mad rush to get the good seat on the train; that's right folks, the seat with the table. You get it, you get the seat...UNTIL SOME IDIOT SITS DIRECTLY OPPOSITE YOU AND EVERYTIME YOU NEED  TO MOVE YOUR LEGS BECAUSE THEY ARE CRAMPING UP, HE GIVES YOU THE DIRTIEST LOOK EVER. If he wanted the table to himself, he should have arrived earlier. Besides a horrible man sitting opposite me for the TWO HOUR journey (yes, two hours, not allowed to move legs, think on that), I finally arrived in sunny Poole. Abi kindly greeted me, we went to her house, I had to climb up the demon stairs to get to my room for the short stay, and then we went swimming. That evening, we went for a very nice meal alongside Poole Quay. 

I took a picture of my dessert, which was supposed to be vanilla cheesecake but tasted more like panna cotta. It is a good job I like both.

Sunday-We went for a picnic in the New Forest. Firstly, we had a drink in a pub and I made friends with a horse, before we went picnic-ing. I ate too much food (naturally) and attempted to play tennis. Afterwards, we went for another swim. I've done more exercise today than I have over the entire year.

Horses terrify me, but this one was alright. 

Monday-The weather is still tropical. Granted, it wasn't as hot as the day before, but it's still perfect beach weather. Abi always complains about the confusing bus timetable 'down South' as I like to put it, but let me just say she complains too much & she greatly exaggerates. Bournemouth beach was fairly quiet when we arrived so we got a good spot. The local football team arrived and did what can only be described as 'manly water aerobics' in the ocean and I had to stop Abi from running away with one of them (just kidding...) I also tried to educate Abi on a few good films - The Muppets (she did not appreciate the comedy genius) & My Big Fat Greek Wedding (as you can't be my friend unless you like the film, it comes in the terms & conditions.)

Abi went swimming in the sea whereas I didn't have that kind of luxury with a bandaged foot. I like to think my face reflects this anger. Can I also add that my t-shirt reads 'I love boys with superpowers' - I'm not available to just anyone.

Tuesday-We went to Southampton and I didn't buy anything of interest I'm afraid. I mean, I did buy a book yesterday (Rachel Caine's Total Eclipse if you're wondering - no way am I going an entire year without finding out how the series ends.) We also watched My Week With Marilyn - BECAUSE OH MY GOODNESS KENNETH BRANAGH PLAYED SIR LAURENCE OLIVIER. I love Laurence Olivier. I need to have an Olivier movie marathon (although I've been saying for the past year that I need to have a Star Wars marathon....) 

Why did God bless me with this face? Did I say bless? I meant curse.

Wednesday-I had no horrible man sitting in front of me this time. Instead, I ended up playing peak-a-boo with a toddler who kept poking her head around the seat. I finished the day with a trip to the cinema with school friends - we saw Now You See Me which had lots of twists & turns...and Mark Ruffalo. I love Mark Ruffalo.

Books Read; Andrew Miller's Pure; in which it appears I like reading books set in 18th century France. It lacked a plot however. Not in a 'Catcher in the Rye' kind of a way, but in a 'I quite like character development and action to a story' kind of way!

"The truth is, I sense myself to be in the presence of a singular soul. A woman who is not afraid to follow her own mind wherever it leads. I would enjoy accompanying her." - Amy Belding Brown's 'Emerson'

This is by no means a book review blog. I had one of those before university got in the way. This is simply a post talking about a book. Considering my 'summer of fun' involves a lot of reading (I have a lot to catch up on), I felt this blog post was worthy.

I bought Mr. Emerson's Wife as a joke. With a blurb that contains 'Lidian is gradually drawn to the erotic energy and intellect of close family friend Henry David Thoreau', how was I not going to buy this book? (I'm also wondering how far his neck beard can be considered "erotic".) 

It's ostensibly a love triangle. Lidian Jackson is in an unhappy marriage and Thoreau provides an escape. Also, Margaret Fuller is painted as the 'other woman' & Louisa May Alcott as a teenager, with a crush on Emerson, is absolutely adorable!  I encountered a problem however - I began to see these characters as fictional and had to keep reminding myself that no, these were real people. While I am fully aware this is a work of 'historical fiction' in which the author wishes to 'fill in the gaps', it was nice to see Emerson's wife thrust into the limelight, being relieved from the secondary role she gets in his numerous biographies. On the negative side, Emerson was painted so negatively & I love Emerson so that made me kind of angry. Once again, I reiterate the fact that I know this was fiction.

Now, imagine the shock of my life when the book involves "sex" scenes with Emerson, and then later with Thoreau. I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO READ THEIR ESSAYS AGAIN. I shared my disbelief with mum only for her to tell me that he did actually have four children and how did I think babies were made. Twenty is too late for the birds & bees talk but I consider it had. Thanks mum, thanks.

I wish to buy every historical textbook on Lidian Emerson now, along with a collection of her letters, but with less than a month until America, I don't have the luxury. Something for fourth year perhaps?

To finish, a few quotes used in the book that I really liked, all by Thoreau, the transcript of the essay I have read online and am now going to read in it's entirety.
Love is the profoundest of secrets.
In love and friendship the imagination is as much exercised as the heart.
Love must be as much a light as a flame.

 That's the thing with the transcendentalists, or the writers that surrounded them. You get given them to read in the first Norton Anthology, and with a great sigh, you do so. It's long, arduous, and inappropriate to make a first year undergraduate to make a first year undergraduate read long essays when they would much rather spend their evenings socialising. However, wrappd up in this love of trees and the environment in general, are single quotes that make the world stop due to their extreme beauty. Quotes that make you put down the book for a second and contemplate in your mind the greatness of what is in front of you.

That's a reason why I would like to become a writer. So I too, could create a moment that makes the world stop.

Some people build fences to keep people out and other people build fences to keep people in - August Wilson

Monday 8th July 2013 - In which it appears I never actually leave the theatre...

Tonight saw me return to the theatre yet again, but this time with Jessie who kindly agreed to come and see Fences with me. After having studied the play in American Literature, and having enjoyed it, it was a 'why not' moment. Also, we like to think Tom would be proud of us.

Moment of confusion on my part when we first stepped in to the theatre and found out our tickets were on the front row of the dress circle. I have not sat that close since I saw We Will Rock You and considering that musical is a hazy memory, it was a long time ago. However, they were correct and I experienced a front, centre view.

I really enjoyed it - it was interesting to see the differences between me reading the text and imagining the action, to actually seeing it on stage. Parts were funny that I didn't read as such, and other parts were deadly serious. I found myself quoting along to some of the words so I probably looked like a muttering mad (wo)man to the people around me.

The only bit that freaked me out was Gabriel at the end grieving his brother. I just sat in my seat feeling socially awkward (no change for me there then.)

It was good to enjoy the night before I receive my results and see how badly I've screwed up.
Edit on 11th July - I've actually gone up from first year. This information agrees with me. :)

Books Read; Catcher In The Rye by J.D.Salinger - when people have told me this book had no plot, I was in disbelief. How can a book that appears endlessly on those '50 books to read before you die' lists have no plot? Actually, how can ANY book have no plot? Surely in order for it to be published there needs to be a plot? There was no plot. I'm not sure what I read for 192 pages, but I read something. I didn't entirely hate it all either. 

Black Heart by Holly Black - the finale book in the series & it was most definitely the best. I also realise how emotionally involved I get in fictional character's relationships! No change there then.

The only way to have a friend, is to be one - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday 2^nd July – Sunday 7^th July 2013 - Abi's adventures in Essex (Part III)

Tuesday: We saw Macbeth at the Globe Theatre – my second favourite Shakespeare play (after A Midsummer's Night's Dream) and I was so excited to see it as I'd never seen the play acted out before. I had a few criticisms however; the fact certain parts were “funny” losing the tragedy of some scenes. Lady Macbeth was too hysterical throughout the play – by the time her madness cometh so to speak, I felt no sympathy for her. It’s a shame as LM is one of my favourite female characters of any play/book as so much could be said about her. Perhaps I would have enjoyed the play more if I'd taken off my literature hat! 

Wednesday: I worked & Abi explored London. I took pictures to prove that she actually did come & visit.

Thursday - The day saw our adventures in London continue. Firstly, we explored the Natural History Museum (which I must say, still takes my top museum spot in London!), and then we made our way to Hyde Park to simply sit in the sunshine & read for a bit. We then met mum in the evening to see Pride & Prejudice in Regent's Park - much like Macbeth on Tuesday, it was enjoyable but there are a few changes I would have made. Here is where I explain my love for Elizabeth Bennet. Out of the many books I have read, I have only related to two characters. The first, is Jo March from Little Women - we both like to read, write and have a soft spot for men older than us. The second, was Lizzie - headstrong, sarcastic & witty so I take any adaptation of these two women very seriously. Unfortunately, I didn't much enjoy the Lizzie in this production as her 'feistiness' was a little too modern. However, I would have happily run off with the actor who played Mr Darcy. The three of us also had a discussion in the interval on who our favourite classic literature male was - did the prize go to Mr Darcy, Heathcliff or Mr Rochester? None of these are for me however; this prize is won firmly by Du Maurier's Max de Winter (It's the older man thing, it must be the older man thing!)

This was my 'excited to see the dinosaurs' face. 

And the taxidermy animals.

Who can forget the taxidermy animals?

Friday - We had a lazy day. I say lazy day but what I really mean is we collected a parcel from the post office, had a garden picnic & then I had to do some more of mum's marking while Abi read the last of Brave New World. I can't complain too much about the marking - not only have I been bought a t-shirt, I was surprised with series 1 & 2 of Suburban Shootout. I like the fact mum supports my Tom Hiddleston obsession. 

Try telling me this isn't the greatest t-shirt known to mankind.

We also dragged ourselves out of the house once more just to go to the pub...then finished the evening with board games. Hashtag student life.

We tried to make an effort before going out. Can you tell how unbothered I am? It's like I'm smiling through gritted teeth!

Abi had a drink that resembled the taste of soap, whereas I went for the best drink on this planet - a gin & tonic. Okay, it wasn't the best gin because it wasn't Hendricks but it was better than soap girl's choice!

Saturday - We had our last trip to London before Abi went home on Sunday. First in order was a trip to Borough Market where I had the greatest roast beef brisket roll. I also bought cheesecake (although at the time of writing, I am yet to eat it!)

Ah look, sunshine!

Then I was DRAGGED to look at Kensington Palace because I'm friends with a royalist so passionate that even Charles I would be proud. 

Look at Abi's photo taking skils - LOOK AT THEM.

We stood outside for all of 5 minutes going 'what a lovely house' and 'what a lovely statue' and finally, 'what a lovely pond surrounding the lovely statue.' Then came the real fun...a much needed rest, sitting in the sunshine shade ; Abi immersed herself into the world of To Kill A Mockingbird whereas I tried not to lose patience with the kid in The Catcher in the Rye.

For the last time Abigail, you do not have a massive head.

Fast forward in time, and you'll find us in Westfield in Stratford. I bought a skirt and I'm finding myself using the 'it's for America' excuse for everything. Buy a pair of jeans, for America. Buy some new shoes, for America. Buy a cake, for America.

Would like it to be known that I can now get Bubble Tea in Stratford.

Best news ever.

As it's Abi's final night in Essex until 2014(!!), we went for some Indian food. You know when you eat so much food that you need a nap after to recover, I had that feeling. So good.

Sunday -I have discovered that 1) Emerson's house will not be open to the public when I go during Thanksgiving break and 2) He married his second wife exactly 157 years before I was born. I told mum it was a sign, she said for what, I shrugged my shoulders and walked away. Needless to say, disregarding the eleven unread books on my bookshelf already, I have bought Mr Emerson's Wife as I have just discovered it exists and if the author herself puts this on her website - 'It's clear from reading Lidian's letters and, especially, Emerson's journals, that the Emerson marriage was not a happy one. After the death in 1842 of their oldest son, Waldo, at the age of five, Emerson withdrew emotionally and Lidian spent much of her time in the company of Thoreau, who was grieving the death of his brother,' I am not not going to read it. I have just re-read this paragraph and realise I have a problem - my fangirl is showing. 

I went to GWNN in the evening and we had a water fight. Seemed a good idea at the time, but then I realised how horrible I feel afterwards...

Also, Abi left me. Back to reality...back to marking. Oh, and I've eaten the cheesecake. Yum! 

Books read – Markus Zusack’s The Book Thief. One of the best books I've read in an awfully long time.

I had to tweet my enjoyment to the author and was lucky enough to receive a reply.

What is that feeling when you're driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? - it's the too-huge world vaulting us, and it's good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies - Jack Kerouac

Thursday 27^th June -  Sunday 20^th June 2013 - To Brighton & Back

I went to help at the University open days; something I like doing as I enjoy sharing my passion for my subject.

The amount of times I said; ‘as I do American Studies & History, I thought I’d be focusing mainly on the history of America – however, after taking a literature course, I realised that I not only have a passion for modern American Literature but of the 19^th century, finding the essays of Emerson & Thoreau but to name a few’ was actually ridiculous.

Yes I took a picture of part of campus before leaving. No I do not claim to be a photographer.

In fact, my photo taking skills are abysmal. My year abroad photographs are going to be tragic.

That's if I don't lose the camera.

It's not like I haven't done that before.

3 times

I also met the lecturer who runs the Herman Melville course in 4^th year (a course I expressed I wish to take) only to be told he was thinking of changing it to Emerson/Thoreau – may have actually screamed ‘yes’ at him. Poor guy probably thinks I’m insane... He got many 'you are a cool academic' points though.

Hannah kindly housed me for a few days (even if the bed did squeak every time I turned around – darn being a light sleeper!!) and because we are students who like to “party hard”, naturally we spent every night before bed watching movies. Before I am mocked, Oliver & Company, 101 Dalmatians & Back To The Future 3 are all top films [although I did once again ignite the dilemma – if BTTF 1 is the best film in the trilogy, which one is better out of 2 & 3?]

(We decided to go for breakfast on Sunday morning before I went home)

Leaving was sad; knowing that I won't be seeing the campus & Brighton again until September 2014, and at the age of 22(!!!) was rather upsetting. However, Louisiana awaits.

If music be the food of love, play on - William Shakespeare

Wednesday 19^th June 2013 - The Book of Mormon

Genius, absolute genius. I loved the songs, the staging, the costumes, the choreography, the script – hilarious yet heart warming. I found myself wanting the Mormon missionaries to convert people at the musical’s close!! 

Books read – Alyxandra Harvey’s Blood Moon. Note to self – read the last book in the series before America or you’ll have to wait a year to find out what happens.

The beginning is the most important part of the work - Plato.

I have decided to do this in order to keep you at home informed on my adventures in America. It’s also to satisfy mum who can’t text me whenever she wants to anymore (sorry mum!) However, as you may note, the start of the blog captures what I have dubbed 'the summer of FUN.'

Things Sophie hopes to achieve on her year abroad;

1. Not screw up my studies too badly. (This also includes not breaking down halfway through the year as I lose confidence in myself and have no-one to reassure me that I can do this.) 
2. Visit Massachusetts and live my transcendentalist dream in Concord.
3. Conquer Walt Disney World – I am going to sob as a 21 year dream is REALISED. (*puts on best speech acceptance voice* And I’d like to thank mum and dad for raising me on Disney films...)

It’s not a long list really – I am easily pleased and of course, some things go without saying; making friends, passing classes, running off with Tom Hiddleston or Benedict Cumberbatch...

This will only be updated for the big events (see above list points 2 & 3) so for everyday updates on how hot the weather is, how much work I am not doing & how many times I’ve been asked if I’m Australian (I can’t only be asked this in Sussex!!), please check out the following link; https://twitter.com/star_girlsophie

I promise not every blog post will be this dull. Believe it or not, I am occasionally funny, witty and charming. It’s compensation for the size of my nose.

Onwards.