Monday 22 May 2017

Review: Black Widow by Chris Brookmyre


I had every intention of writing a post this week about my overall university experience, but since I only finished yesterday, I haven't really had a chance to process the fact that I have actually finished university forever. I really don't know how I feel about that yet.

As a result, I'm going to rely on my favourite subject instead - books. Finishing university means that I get to read all of my own books again, and I'm so excited.

Black Widow is not a book that I brought myself, it was a gift from my aunt, and therefore I knew absolutely nothing about it. I've never personally heard of Chris Brookmyre, but from what I can tell, he is an extremely successful author, and I can see why. I really enjoyed this book. I'm very into detective fiction at the moment anyway, having finally moved on from the dystopian fiction hype that I was on a couple of years ago.

The detective in question here is Jack Parlabane, who has been in trouble in the past and therefore has to tread carefully when it comes to investigating cases, especially high-profile ones such as the case in this novel. It wasn't until I'd finished it that I discovered that Black Widow is actually the seventh Jack Parlabane novel, but this one works perfectly well as a stand-alone, and therefore I'll presume that all the others are too.

I thoroughly enjoyed this - the story didn't release all the information at once, it slowly worked up to the big reveal at the end, and therefore you feel a sense of completion and finality that you don't get with some detective novels. The story twisted and turned all the way through so the suspects kept changing, and when it eventually came together, it was brilliant.

Highly, highly recommend this. I will certainly be checking out the others in the series.

Sunday 14 May 2017

How To: Meditation

Image Credit: http://wccftech.com/meditation-app-aura-health-suit-fast-paced-changing-moods/

I've talked about this in the past, but I SWEAR by yoga and meditation. Without sounding too 'new-agey', I believe that it is a combination of these things that have completely changed my outlook on life.

Meditation is one of the most relaxing things you can do, but I think there is a big misconception about what it actually entails. One of the biggest misconceptions about meditation is that after your first session, you're meant to feel some sense of complete bliss and enlightenment. There is a lot of talk about 'getting it', as if there is one feeling that you HAVE to experience in order to meditate successfully. And this is not the case at all. There is no 'correct' way to meditate, and there's no right thing to feel during the process.

In theory, it's simple. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and clear your thoughts. And by that, I don't mean think of nothing. That is a literal impossibility for the majority of people. I mean just notice the thoughts that you have, and then let them pass. The trick is to not focus on anything in particular, just let thoughts come and go in your mind. The first few times you do it, you'll probably feel like it's a waste of time. Personally, I didn't feel much different after meditating for a long time. But meditation is one of those practices that benefits you over a long period of time. Even sitting and being still for as little as two minutes a day can benefit you long term. Do it last thing at night, before you go to sleep. Do it first thing in the morning, when you're getting ready for the day. It doesn't matter when you do it, the important thing is that you do. There are no downsides.


I'd recommend starting with guided meditations, to get into the swing of things. Just YouTube guided meditations or download the Headspace app, and start with just a ten minute session. Bear in mind that some of the ones you find on YouTube are a tad ridiculous and a tad too much, but make sure you find one that suits you.

Image Credit: http://wondergressive.com/meditation-help-cure-cancer/

Sunday 7 May 2017

A Letter To My Sister, On The Day She Moves Out

Dear Millie,

I can't quite believe you are moving out of our parents house, at the ripe old age of 18. And before me, no less. Well, sort of. Over the last eighteen months, you have grown-up so much, and become a proper little adult. I'm so proud of the person that you have become, and the direction you are taking. In some ways, I think you've always been more of a grown-up than me. You know what you want and you go for it, taking no prisoners in the meantime. You are stubborn in the best possible way, and I'm so happy that you get to move on to the next stage of your life. Enjoy this time together - life is too short to argue about furniture and colour schemes.

Millie, no matter how old you get or how far away you move, you'll always be my little sister.

Love N x