This month: Brooke Fraser

I love this artist, and recently I've found I have so much in common with her, its probably why I find her lyrics so inspiring, capturing much of what I wish to express in my own music. Brooke Fraser, is an New Zealand artist that not only has a secular career but leads worship alongside inspirational worship leader Darlene Zschech at Hillsongs church in Australia. Only 26 years old, Brooke Fraser has accomplished so much in her short life.

I've just purchased the album she created in 2007 named 'Albertine' the album is named after a child she met in Rwanda. I went to Rwanda this year also and absolutely fell in love with the country, it has changed me in so many ways, many subtle ways but equally as life changing. My worldview has been changed and from listening to Brooke's music I believe so has her's.

These Lyrics are from 'Faithful':

There's distance in the air and I cannot make it leave

i wave my arms' round about me and blow with all my might

I cannot sense you close, though I know you're always here

But the comfort of you near is what i long for

[CHORUS]

When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same

When I can't hear you, I know you still hear everyword I pray

And i want you more than i want to live another day

And as I wait for you maybe I'm made more faithful

The lyrics below are from Brooke's first album, she released at 19, the song is far more secular but it expresses something I have been trying to capture in my own for a long time. This is 'Better':

Take my shoulder back now

Your head's too heavy for me

Please don't come around here no more

'Cos I asked you to stop

And you wouldn't

[Chorus]

I would give anything to make you better

I would give anything to point you to free

I would give anything to help you realise

I loved you 'til it killed me

So my logic wouldn't hurt you

I know you might blame me anyway

Well I'm sorry, I'm so sorry

You're not helping yourself to me

I've tried all the things they told me

Trying to close up the wounds left open by you

And if I seem doubtful, distrusting.....I am

You said you wouldn't do it agin

You said you wouldn't do it again

You're not helping yourself

You're not helping yourself by hurting me

Anything just to try and help you see

You ain't helping yourself by hurting me

Time to let you go, time for you to see

You ain't helping yourself by hurting me

My Vintage Pretties

Tonight my family and I went into Winchester to visit the Christmas market and ice rink beside the cathedral. Its a stunning set up and certainly puts you in the christmas mood waltzing from chalet to chalet dressed snugly with a hot cup of mulled wine in one hand and a warm minced pie in the other. I may write about it later on in the month but for now you can read about it on their site: http://www.winchesterchristmasmarket.co.uk/

Recently, I have taken to spending hours searching for vintage perfume bottles, jewellery boxes and dressing table mirrors on 'ebay'. I absolutely adore Victorian cut glass. A great great aunt of mine passed away earlier this year, she was 103 years old. Auntie Beatrice was a lovely lady and back in her day she had real class, her old flat was like a time capsule, the house still had its original fashionable padded doors and rich decor, it all seemed strange by today's simple modern standard (equally beautiful just very different), yet it remained very elegant and charming. My father was given an exquisite wind-up wooden mantle piece clock, I have already begun begging for it for my own home one day! My mother and I were given Victorian cut glass pots/jars, ever since I'm desperate to start my own collection.

At the market, there was a chalet hired by a company named borlace foskett, an English company set up in Lymington that see quirky vintage accessories. I love vintage so much, I could have bought the whole chalet! Some of their items can be found online at: http://www.borlacefoskett.co.uk/, however, my favourite items are unfortunately not on there!

Winter is here..

So I woke up this morning to -6 degrees outside my window, we had to defrost the car before setting off for the first time since last February! I put on my coat and wrapped a woolly scarf around my neck before leaving the house, winter has finally arrived and I cannot decide whether or not I'm happy about it. I love winter woolies, especially the cosy hats and snuggly scarves out this season, I adore winter landscapes and I love the build up to Christmas, but its just so cold, and it gets dark far too early!

That rant over, here are some toasty woolly accessories that I am considering adding to my christmas list:

Barts Faux Fur Paws £37 (ASOS)

Sheepskin Mittens £30 (ASOS)

Wool Fairisle Mitten £10 (ASOS)

Deerham Mittens £29 (Jack Wills)

Lightweight Beach Scarf £34 (Hollister)

Socal Beach Scarf £34 (Hollister)

People Tree Pom Pom Beanie Hat £20 (Topshop)

Fairisle Trapper £13 (Fatface)

ASOS Pom Pom Trapper Hat £15

Rainbirt Beanie £29 (Jack Wills)

Tweed Trapper £15 (Fatface)