Change of pace...

Hello all!

I know it's a been a while since I lasted posted (according to the previous post, it's been since just following Christmas/New Years). I realise I've had this for a while (three years exactly this August), and I'm starting to think it might be time to shut this particular blog down (or just change directions). Now that social networks have provided us with the ability to check in on our friends and loved ones on a daily basis, it seems a bit futile to keep this as well.

That said I need a narrower focus; book reviews perhaps? Being in publishing does provide me with an endless access to books and what better way to pay homage to the ones I adore (and perhaps the ones I don't) than a good review.

On a different note, I'm on my way back to the US for a good two week stint (Philly, New Jersey, Maryland, Long Island -- same crazy list as always) . Adam is meeting the entire family; poor boy doesn't know what he's gotten himself into (nothing like a family made up of overbearing, but none the less loveable, Jews to really test his devotion to this marriage eh?).

Hopefully my return to the UK will provide me with the drive to change this blog into something less personal and more interesting.

In the meantime, happy spring kids! Get out there and enjoy the weather!

Winter Winds

My last blog expressed my feelings about changing my 'Christmas' tradition for the first time in 16 years.

As I would have guessed, my first Christmas in the UK was fabulous. Much like with my time in Long Island, the amount of food consumed was ridiculous. Only difference was that now it was spread out over three days. Doesn't seem as though I've gained any (noticeable) weight, which, after the chocolate, alcohol, turkey, duck, chicken and everything else, is rather surprising. The food, to put it simply, was nothing short of incredible.

While we were singing carols on the Green with a majority of the villagers, I realised that I was in the middle of something that closely resembled Stars Hollow (a nice Gilmore Girls reference for those of you out there). Not only is the village small, but everyone knows who you are and are beyond genuine. I can't even count the amount of times I went up to introduce myself to someone in the village and they already knew/heard 'quite a lot about [me]'.

After 18'' of snow hitting the north a week ago, the landscape was something out of a storybook; a lovely picturesque scene. Going down the pub was a great time. Once again, people were nothing but friendly and the atmosphere was lively. Over all, I had a fantastic Christmas experience. And even though I was 3,000 miles away from the Levin/Fleischhacker family in Long Island, I still was able to Skype via the computer here!

I put a few pictures up for those of you don't have facebook. We'll hopefully be staying up North until the new year (though it's possible we'll be spending our time by the Thames for fireworks). I must admit, this is the first time in three years I won't be with Salcock for New Years. Love, have a good glass of wine and a few shots in my name and tell everyone hello for me.

As usual, I'll be posting my reflection update towards the end of the week with a look back at 2010. In the mean time, enjoy this grey area in the Holiday season!

Festavis for the rest of us...

According to The Guardian, England could see a 'white Christmas' this year.

And for the first time since 1994, I won't find myself squeezed into the back of dad and Lori's car between various food items and bags of presents. We won't be dodging pot holes and snow mounds on Route 17 and 4. I will not watch as the vein on my father's neck grow larger and larger, close to the point of exploding (almost like clock work despite Lori's best efforts) somewhere between the Cross Bronx and the L.I. E. There will be no flipping back and forth between the 660 'traffic and weather' and our mixed 'Christmas tape' (All three Channukah Songs inclued) as we bound towards Melville, Long Island to celebrate the holidays once more. Instead, I'll be forging the crowds at King's Cross/St. Pancras headed north for Lincolnshire. Bags in hand rather than on seats. The vein will now be popping out of my neck (and possibly some colorful words from my mouth) as Adam now tries to calm me. Mumford and Sons will more than likely be music of choice.

And for the first time in 16 years, I will not find Amy commandeering the CD player (which changed to iPod in 2001). Kid's 'gift time', comprised of presents wrapped in both 'Star of David' and 'Christmas Tree' wrapping paper, will no longer seem like something out of Animal Planet. There will be no need to ask 'can Ashley eat this?' (regardless of not being Koshar for over a year). And while goodbyes take twice as long as normal, for we are all either Jewish or Italian, I do not know what this year's goodbyes will have in store. Instead, I'll be eating mince pies, sipping mulled wine, putting up a stocking for Father Christmas, and going down the village pub on Christmas Eve (just to name a few things I've heard about).

Goodbye Festavis Pole of Rout 110.

Hello North Kelsey Christmas Tree on the Green.

This Christmas, if you haven't already noticed, is going to be slightly different from previous years. From the traveling to the dinner itself, the Levin holiday shenanigans will be left to those out on the Island while I participate (and absurdly excitedly might I add) in the Lane family Christmas traditions. And yet, while I will miss what I've known since childhood, I am eager to experience what is in store for this 25 of December.

Turkeys, Tunes and Talks

First, and foremost, a massive Happy Thanksgiving to friends and family celebrating back home today. Enjoy your extra two days off with one another (God only knows you all deserve it). I miss you guys so much, but know you'll have an extra turkey leg or piece of pie for me. I think the weather knew it was Thanksgiving at home and decided to be extra nice today; sunny, crisp, and clear. Can't get much better than that.

Adam and I went to see Jimmy Eat World on Tuesday night. The arena, O2 Academy in Brixton (London) was the perfect venue for a band such as this. High ceilings, massive, stadium-like, standing area (so vertically challenged people, such as myself, aren't left to watch the back of some guys head for two hours), multiple bars on both levels (negates long lines), and lower side areas so that you have the option to lean while still enjoying the music. Not to mention the decor was what you would expect of an old British performance area. Simply beautiful. It's been almost over 3 years since I last saw them (I think it as at the DAR in DC), and I have to say they get better with time (unlike a some bands, *cough* Eve 6 *cough* who, perhaps, should call it quits). 23, Big Casino, Table for Glasses, The Middle, The Sweetness were amongst some of the songs played. Though I think their final song, Goodbye Sky Harbor, in full performance, might I add, was the perfect way to end their set before the encore (the fact that they were able to incorporate a bit of technology with that one, and still have it sound brilliant, was mind blowing). Personally, I thought one of the best parts of the performance was the audience itself. There was a part of me that was a bit worried that they were going to attract 'teeney-boppers' and really young university students; luckily, I was wrong. People of all ages attended (I even saw a few pensioners there) making for a fantastic night over all.

Adam also came in second in The Guardian (Like the NYTimes) 2010 Travel Writing Competition (out of 2000 entries) last weekend. So incredibly proud of him. Check out his article at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/nov/20/reader-competition-adventure-winner

(Second from the top titled 'Mongolia or Bust').

Now, I've saved the best for last in this post. Some of you already know this because of facebook or because of my frantic texting, but if you haven't been updated, I had an interview yesterday with a publishing group. By the end of hour, I had a job. I will be, as of January, starting as the PA to the director of Elwin Street. Even better, I get to start off as an intern (unpaid of course) tomorrow until Christmas, which means that I have the opportunity to really get to grips with the company and see if this is the right place for me (of course this will also mean that she gets to monitor my progress and see if she thinks I'm still a good choice by the end of the few weeks).

It seems like good news all around.

Pens, flashes and cups of coffee

Well well well...hasn't the past few weeks just been one surprise after another.

Let's start with one of my newest writing obsessions: Yelp. For those of you who have never heard of and/or been on the Yelp website, to put it frankly, 'get in.' Your online ratings guide to just about everything and anything, almost anywhere in the world, Yelp was brought to my attention by my lovely boyfriend after suggesting we attend one of their London events. So we journeyed a whole 5 minutes down the road towards Portobello to taste (for free might I add) the various cuisines and drinks from a variety of locally owned restaurants. Two hours later, we left delighted; stomachs full with sushi,crepes,quesadillas, and couscous, pockets filled with vouchers/menus, and ever so slightly drunk. Over all, a very successful evening. After that, I decided Yelp was to be my newest writing obsession, and, seeing I have a bit of time on my hands at the moment (ha), there was no reason not to make it so. For those of you interested in using Yelp, you can find it at: http://www.yelp.com (or .co.uk if you're in the UK). For my profile/reviews see: http://www.yelp.co.uk/user_details?userid=nO-AlmeSHteTNx3N8yKxWA

Right, from there came a second idea to bide my time in the world of fun-employment. Seeing as I'm always trying to promote my photography services, I decided to follow along with some of my other friends/fellow photographers and create a facebook page for Ashley Bess Photography. If you look on the side panel of this blog, you'll see I've put a direct link, for your viewing pleasure. So far, I have 122 likes, meaning that 122 people are following my page, hopefully resulting in clientele.

On that note, I did a shoot for The Baytree Centre yesterday for their 2010 Knit-Off/Clothing Drive, which was a huge success. To further this, for those of you who have been following along my photography via my flickr account, lifelessordinary7 , thank you and please keep up the viewing. However, after being given a wonderful tidbit of advice from another fellow photographer, I've decided to split my photography one more time. Now, if you're interested in viewing anything 'business' related (community events, weddings, photo shoots etc.) please see www.flickr.com/Ashleybessphotography. For all other 'personal' shots (artistic photographs) continue following lifelessordinary7.

Finally, and this is an exciting one, there is an opening with a literary agent in London for an internship/assistant position; we're meeting for coffee today to discuss the position. While it's not paid, it's much welcomed experience; experience that will most definitely help me transition into the editorial/literary world.

'The news man gives information, everything is under control'

Hello all!

It's been some time since I last updated. A few things have happened, though at the moment I'm still in what one might call 'limbo'.

Currently, my job situation (something that has been the main form of both contention and excitement in my life over the past few weeks) is still up in the air. At the moment it seems I have two main prospects:

1. Working at an estate agency in London writing up contracts (writing and picture taking included).

2. A major publishing house in Singapore (yes, Singapore!) has been in contact with me regarding a position with their company. I'm still waiting to hear back about an actual interview, but I've been answering questions for them left and right. I had to submit a 'written test' for them yesterday. This prospect is beyond exciting.

Yet the most exciting bit is graduate school. It seems that King's is very interested in my application. However, because I did get my application in rather late (two days before the deadline), they've asked me to defer my application until November for the 2011 entry rather that 2010. To have the opportunity to study at King's would be out of this world (it is, after all, according to The Times Online, in the top 20. In the world! And to think back to the struggle I went through when trying to get into a decent university out of high school. How things change).

As a lot of you know, I'm coming home on Monday. I'm not sure how long I will be home for (depending on my VISA situation), but I will definitely be in the States until the 11th of October. Those of you in NJ/NY/MD/DC I've sent out an 'invite' for various dates I'm trying to get people together. Let me know if you're interested in meeting up. It would be great to see everyone!

Oh, and for you food buffs out there, have a look at this nifty little thing they have in London.

http://www.chinchinlabs.com/

Waiting

At least this time off has offered me the opportunity to start writing again. Enjoy.

Waiting…

A continuous cycle.

Up. Eat. Run. Write. Wait. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.

One day you hope to find what you are so desperately seeking. What you have sought after for so long. For now you just sit. Sit and hope and think and wait. Watch the clock. Or don’t. It rarely changes its long uneven arms. Those wiry arms that crawl around its face. Perhaps one day it will drip right off the wall. Why not? Anything is possible when one is uncertainly waiting.

Eventually, you lose your purpose. Your reason ‘to be’. Draw the shutters and turn the lights off. Allow the darkness to consume you and you it. Devour its soul. Feast on its vastness. It will fill you to the brim, with only an inch to spare.

Or perhaps you triumph over the never-ending feeling of infinity. Forever is such a long time. Make lists. Plans. Jobs. Continue waking and walking until the clock begins to spin its outstretched arms once more and you lose track of its movement.

Weeks roll by. Perhaps even months. You keep your lists. Continue with your plans. Move on with your jobs. Until one day you look to the clock and the stark, painful realisation hits you once more. A blow to the brain, or perhaps ego: you are still waiting. You still lack purpose. No list, no plan, no job can fill the ever lasting void. A mere plaster over a festering wound.

What now? Where will you go from here? Weeks and months seem like eternity and one knows the length and torture of forever. Change paths or create trails? How long until you find what you crave or simply what will satisfy you? Do you give way to other options? Other ideas? Diverge from your original plan and make for new possibilities? Apparently, they are endless.

Your mind is made up. Make for a new path. Find a new way out. Out of the woods and into the clearing. The wolves have found something new to bide their time. You are free. Or at least you can feel freedom breathing down the back of your neck. Not hot and heavy, but light and sweet. A signal of things to come. Hope temporarily fills the void that has haunted you for so long.

For now continue with your lists. Keep making plans. Enquire new jobs. There is the light at the end of the tunnel and the clearing is just ahead. Eventually, your love of life will be restored. It will be slow, hesitant, cautious. It has been burned before and fears the flame that sits before it. One can never be too careful with fire.

One day, in the midst of your lists, you will look to the clock. Something has changed. It no longer melts off the wall. Those outstretched arms will embrace you. The time is now. Your suffering has passed and your reward is great. The wound has healed and the void filled. In the absence of the darkness, welcome the light and look forward to the new day.