Writing Portfolio

Book Review - The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is steeped in lush writing and folklore. Set in medieval Russia, with wintery landscapes and thick forests. It’s like being transported back in time without having to suffer the brutal cold and hunger like the characters. The story follows a young girl into her adolescent years, and how she lives and handles being a free spirit in a strict community. Told in the third person POV, the reader gets to experience several different perspectives without losing touch with the heart of the story.

Folk tales are intricately laced throughout, but what really makes everything come alive is the writing style. It’s like reading a fairy-tale and then becoming a part of it. The vivid descriptions transport the reader into the story and take them on a journey along with all their senses. The descriptions of food were enough to make me crave an array of plain yet tasteful dishes. My favorites are honey-wine, cheese and mushroom pie, and a loaf of black bread. Russian names and words are scattered throughout, immersing the reader even further into the story. The fairy tales served as a basis for the story and were weaved into the main plotline. It was refreshing to read fairy tales I didn’t grow up with, especially in the context of a grander fairy-tale.

The story was solid from start to end. The characters are intriguing, and each memorable in their own way. Reaching the end left me craving more. Luckily, it is part of a trilogy, so two more books are waiting for me to devour them. I recommend this book to anyone who loves fairy tales, folk tales, and medieval settings. If the writing doesn’t pull you in, some other element will.

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Day in Cape Town

I visited Cape Town when I was young, but when we are young, we often don’t take in everything around us, or our focus centers on specific aspects. Our memories change and we forget details. Years later I visited Cape Town again and it was a new experience with some faint recognition. I remembered basic moments, the blue ocean, the haunted castle, and of course, Table Mountain. I’m sure if I think about it more memories will surface. But for now, I’ll share the new ones.

My favorite part about my day in Cape town was being able to spend it with my best friend. With Table Mountain to the one side and the ocean to the other, the V&A Waterfront was where our day started. This shopping destination is divided into five sections. The Watershed was first on our agenda. A building dedicated to local talent and crafts. With something for everyone, whether you need a gift or want a souvenir. When we finally built up an appetite, the V&A Food Market was next. The old building has a variety of food and beverage options. Whatever you prefer, there is sure to be something to satisfy your craving. We decided on an amazing stall called Lua Poke, where you choose fillings for a spring roll or toppings for a bowl. We went with bowls and had the option of rice, noodles, or kale. The next step was choosing a protein – I chose tofu. And then vegetables and toppings. It was delicious and I highly recommend it.

From there we walked to Cape Town city center. It was an easy path to follow between maps and signs provided along the way. And when in doubt follow the tourists. As we approached the center, we came across a market that sold all kinds of items, from clothing to books. I would suggest keeping your valuable belongings close by, some parts of the city are quite crowded, and tourists stand out like gold.

One of our main agendas for the day was to meet up with the friend who introduced us. It was lovely to catch up, reminisce about times past, and discuss our future plans. We met at Truth, one of the best coffeehouses in the world. It is steampunk themed, which added to the ambient atmosphere. All the staff dressed in steampunk clothes and the decor was on point. I suggest visiting the restroom, even if it is just to wash your hands, you won’t regret it. Afterward, we made our way back to the waterfront. We found a great spot to have a mini photoshoot. It overlooked the water where numerous container ships, fishing boats, and sailing boats hovered on the water. It was very picturesque. Throughout the city, the diversity of buildings offers some great photo spots.

Cape town is a combination of unique sights, natural beauty, unforgettable cuisine, and multiple attractions. Visiting as an adult made the experience feel like revisiting the past. If you visit, prepare to fall in love, because some parts of Cape Town will capture your heart.

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3 Reasons to Visit Prague

Visiting Prague is like stepping back in time or falling into a fairytale. Amongst the cobbled streets is not only breath-taking architecture, but also memorable cuisine, and endless photo opportunities. The appeal isn’t necessarily in one aspect, but how they entwine to form this magical city.

ARCHITECTURE

Unlike some cities where certain art styles are more prominent, Prague boasts Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque architecture. They morph the city into a map of curiosities. The Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava River, connecting Old Town with Lesser Town. This walk over the water gives one various viewpoints of the city. Along the way one passes various painters, musicians, and vendors, sharing glimpses into the heart of the city. Other points of interest include Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Lesser Town, Old Town, and the famous Astronomical Clock. More modern architecture can also be found. The Franz Kafka Statue, the Dancing Houses, and the Crawling Babies in Kampa Park are some of the most bizarre, yet intriguing. Even if you don’t have a set agenda, and you’re just strolling around, you are bound to find some interesting landmark or unique building.

CUISINE

The food has a medieval atmosphere to it. Simplistic recipes enriched with flavors and lingering aromas. Most dishes in Prague are comforting and filling. Some popular dishes include goulash, schnitzel, grilled sausages, dumplings, pancakes, and bread bowls. For a proper historical atmosphere, one can partake in a medieval dining experience. Beverages are often overlooked. But if you like alcoholic drinks, you are sure to find something you like in Prague. Known for its potency, absinthe can be found all over. As well as Becherovka, a herbal bitter liqueur drink. Beer lovers will be happy to hear that Prague has a variety of some of the best beers on the planet.

PICTURESQUE

Whether you use a DSRL or prefer to snap memories with your phone, Prague has an abundance of picturesque places. The Charles Bridge is amongst the most popular. Each area brings serves up a different background, making it perfect for those throw-back-Thursday travel posts. If you want to avoid other tourists, head over earlier in the morning. The fewer people around, the more magical the atmosphere and photographs. Other photo approved placed include the John Lennon Wall, along the Vltava River, Nerudova Street, and Letná Hill.

Artistic undertones run throughout the city. Whether you love art, history, food, or adventures, Prague is a city that will offer you something of everything. Have a few landmarks on your list but don’t hesitate to stroll down empty streets and see where they take you. Let the city show you its secrets.

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Reading What You Want

If you love reading like I do, you know reading a book you don’t like is torture. I’m grateful for the required books that came into my life. Some had decent life lessons, others became favorites, but most introduced me to the kind of book I wanted to avoid (if not burn). They have served their purpose, whether they had a negative or positive outcome or influence on me. In university most of my English Literature books were bearable. My introduction to Angela Carter was godsent, and I do thank my required reading list for it.

But school isn’t the only influencer of reading material. Those summer-reading lists and NYT bestseller stickers are just as much to blame. Yes, those books are regarded as great reading material for several reasons. But that does not mean that those reasons apply to you. Just because a thousand people have left 5-star reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, does not mean you have to force yourself to read it if you know it’s not your cup of tea.

My reading decisions are finally my own.

Opening a book physically or on your reading device should bring joy, not dread and urgency to just get it over with. The last several books I have read have been on my reading list for a while. All books I knew I was going to fall in love with. The first one gave me so much satisfaction and fullness, that I’ve only been reading books I want to. Not only have I been reading faster (because I enjoy it), but I’ve also been reading more because I look forward to it.

Of course, sometimes I must sit through boring books in the name of research. But for the most part, I’ve learned how important it is to keep the embers of intrigue aglow. Make a list of books you want to read before you die or want to complete before the end of the year. But make sure it’s books that excite you. Yes, the cover can be beautiful, but if the synopsis doesn’t stir something inside of you, maybe pick a different book.

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Art-O-Mat

ART-O-MAT

The vending machine waited patiently for me to make up my mind as I scanned the pieces of art and descriptions for the third time, making sure I didn’t miss one. Most slots were tempting, but one stood out from the rest. I pulled a crisp five-dollar bill from my wallet and fed it to the machine, watching as it swallowed Benjamin Franklin. I pulled the lever and was rewarded with a loud ‘clunk’ that vibrated through the quiet museum room. Smiling, I picked up the object. My five dollars were replaced by a piece of unique pocket-sized art. I thanked the gods for the marvel that is the Art-o-mat and for Clark Whittington who invented it. Do you have any questions? Are you wondering what exactly I’m talking about? Good. Because I have all the answers. Today I’ll be sharing everything Art-o-Mat-related, from its birth, locations, artist contribution, and even some tips when you decide to go find one in the wild!

WHAT IS AN ART-O-MAT?

An Art-0-Mat is a “retired” cigarette vending machine that now dispenses art instead of cigarettes. Yes, you heard right. Instead of a box of death sticks, one gets a piece of art. Some artworks are painted blocks of wood, while others are boxes with a piece of art inside. There are a variety of different art mediums from artists all over the world.

WHERE DID IT START?

It all started with the Pavlovian theory. This is when something triggers a certain response. Like smelling coffee and then craving it, even if you don’t like it. In this case, a friend of Clark Whittington’s had a Pavlovian reaction to the crinkling of cellophane. When he heard a snack being opened, he had the overwhelming craving to have one as well. As most smokers would know, opening cellophane packaging can create the same effect. When a packet is being opened it often triggers the craving to smoke a cigarette, especially if it isn’t your packet.

In 1997, Clark Whittington debuted the re-used cigarette machine at a local café in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Inside were wooden blocks mounted with some of his black and white photographs and wrapped in cellophane waiting to be purchased for $1 per piece. Cynthia Giles, the owner of the café, asked if the machine could stay permanently, and by doing so, started the Art-o-mat revolution. Today the artists of the Art-o-mat are known as Artists in Cellophane (AIC for short). The popularity has grown over the years and there are currently more than 100 Art-o-mats in use. The Art-o-mat has appeared in various magazines, newspapers, and news shows.

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