Trains

I'm on a train. Story of my life. I used to really really hate train journeys but I guess I've warmed to them a little. 

I enjoy people-watching at the platform cafes, and feeling as though you're being productive enough to rest for a few hours because you know that you're heading in the right direction. And that's enough for now, right? 

For journeys I take regularly, I like the part of the journey that I can guarantee I will have signal for because it gives me time to call a friend that I've not spoken to for a while. And as for the rest of the free time, being creative, being creative is always lots of good fun. I read and I write and I draw. And sometimes, just sometimes I'll do a little bit of work. But only ever enough to cross a couple of items off that day’s to-do list before reverting back to sleep or creativity. 

But the best sort of train journey is a train journey to the unknown. A train journey to a place that you've never been before or to start a new adventure. Because travelling has given to the ability to open new doors and the possibilities are endless.

Keep smiling, 
Kathryn x

Detoxing

 

I'm currently blogging from Florida and I'm absolutely loving the experience. Disneyworld is such a magical place and I couldn't have asked for a better summer holiday! But be expecting a full post about my holiday sometime in the near future. 

First, I feel as though I have to explain why I've been absent from here as well as my other forms of social media recently. 

I've been taking a bit of a social media and technology detox. I don't mean completely avoiding technology, I've got too many projects, jobs and hobbies that rely on the use of communication across continents (even when I'm at home). I just mean that I've been making decisions about how much time I spend 'just scrolling through Facebook' and 'Snapchatting'. I've made a conscious effort to appreciate the small things, like that book I was saving for the aeroplane or that game of cards I could play with my grandad (admittedly was interesting considering he's VI). I've been spending time appreciating the environment I'm in and making the most of it because the moments in living in right now won't come again.

And all of that sounds so cliche to say but, at a time when I'm not feeling particularly relaxed or calm, it has allowed me to feel at peace. And I can assure you it won't last forever, because my peace never does.

So maybe I've selfishly written this post for the next time I need to find peace, to tell me how I've done it before. Or maybe I've written it for you. To tell you that taking an hour away from social media and the pressures of society, finding enjoyment in your own company and the company of those directly around you, may be exactly the break you need. 

Keep smiling, 
Kathryn xx

My Hogwarts Story

I cannot possibly think of a more appropriate time for me to get the opportunity to talk about my love for Harry Potter and the way that Rowling's work shaped my childhood. I'm currently lay on the sunlounger on the patio of the villa we're staying in, waiting for dinner and planning tomorrow's adventure to Universal Studios in Florida!

I have been tagged by the lovely Megan to answer some questions all about My Hogwarts Story. If you haven't already checked out Megan's blog I'd definitely recommend that you went over and gave it a read - she's definitely one of my favourite bloggers!
And now here goes....

1. Are you Pure Blood, Half Blood or Muggle Born?

 To be honest, this seems like an odd place to start because I hadn't actually thought about it before, but I imagine I'd be muggle born.

2. Which wand chose you and what is it made of?

According to Pottermore, this is the wand that would choose me. And I think it fits quite well, unicorns are quite rare and I am a bit of an oddball

3. Did you take an Owl, Cat or Toad with you?

I think it'd definitely be an owl for me. I like that they're so clever and versatile but don't need to be constantly mothered

4. Where would the sorting hat place you?

According to Pottermore I'm a Gryffindor which I think is probably accurate because I have always been a very determined one but there may be a little bit of Ravenclaw in me

5. What house did you want to be in?

I didn't honestly have a preference, I'd rather be myself and sorted to suit me than feel as though my characteristics needed to fit a certain role

6. What lessons are your favourite and least favourite? 

I have always been interested in learning so would enjoy the wide spectrum of classes that are available to me. I'd really enjoy Care of Magical Creatures and Defence Against the Dark Arts too. Herbology would be my least favourite because I always hated plants in Biology

7. The form your patronus takes is?

I imagine my patronus would be a fox, it just sounds right for me

8. When confronted with a Boggart, what does it look like to you?

A lot of people won't realise this but I'm scareed of lots of things so my Boggart would be spoilt for choice really. I'm pretty sure it would be a combination of failure and rejection though

9. Do you partake in any school sports, or magical hobbies?

I'd definitely try everything (probably with the help of a time-turner) then work out what I enjoy. I really enjoy the idea of trying for the Quidditch team

10. If you have any free time, where would you be hanging out?

I tend not to have free time. I'd have already signed up to every extra-curricular activity on offer and be planning my every second around that but would love to spend the odd weekend exploring Hogsmeade

11. You are most likely to get detention for what?

I haven't ever really had detention but I imagine if I did it would either be some misunderstanding or trying to help out a friend

12. What career do you want after leaving Hogwarts?

I think after studying I'd spend a couple of years travelling, learning about wizardry around the world and then return to Hogwarts to teach

I tag anyone who fancies adding a little bit more magic to their lives.

Keep smiling,
Kathryn x