Maya Angelou

I am currently in my second week of two that I have to study for my final school exams before I can matriculate and officially finish school once and for all. I have been studying a lot of English Literature recently because there is so much of it, and I write it in a week and a half. We do a lot of poetry, which i actually really enjoy, and one of my favourite poems is one called 'Old Folks Laugh'. I know this is a bit of an odd thing to post, but I wanted to share it with you, just because I am going mad from all the studying, so any procrastination is appreciated, and also because maybe you'll like it as much as I do. 

The poem is by Maya Angelou, who is an American woman who is an author and poet. She really just writes so beautifully, and I really recommend that you go onto Pinterest or We Heart It or something and search some of her quotes, as they are so beautiful too! 

Old Folks Laugh- Maya Angelou

They have spend their
content of simpering
holding their lips this
and that way, winding
the lines between
their brows. Old folks
allow their bellies to jiggle like slow
tambourines.
The hollers
rise and spill
over any way they want. 
When old folks laugh, they free the world. 
They turn slowly, slyly knowing
the best and the worst
of remembering.
Saliva glistens in
the corners of their mouths,
their heads wobble on brittle necks, but
their laps
are filled with memories.
When old folks laugh, they consider the promise
of dear painless death, and generously
forgive life for happening
to them. 

Make of it what you will, but I really like it. I think that it is such a lovely reflection of old people and a rather quaint but effective way of rebelling against the stereotype that old people are grumpy and unhappy. So anyway, very random, but I just thought I'd share it cause I have just been really enjoying studying it. 

"I've learnt that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life". I've learned that sometimes life gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that everyday you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I learned that I still have a lot to learn. I  learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Yes, I'm a TV Series Addict

So with the Emmys just recently showing, and me having just finished my holidays, I realised just how many TV series I'm watching at the moment. A whole lot of my favourites have just come back on (in America) so I'm frantically downloading and getting very excited that my favourite shows are back! I thought I'd share some of the ones I've been loving with you. 

1) NEW GIRL

This is possibly the best show ever. I kind of consider it a more modern version of Friends, but I love it even more. Firstly I loove Zooey Deschanel and paired with the amazing Smidt and the rest of the characters, this show is actually just brilliance. It is pure comedy, very light-hearted and I cannot get enough of it. I feel like I can' even properly sell how good it is to people, so just take my word, if you're not watching it already, start this second... Season 3 has just started, but it is very easy to catch up, I like to use this site. Episodes are only 20 mins, so a perfect length for a good, genuine laugh. 

2) PRETTY LITTLE LIARS

This is a show I have constantly told you how much I am loving it. Each season is just as good, and the drama and astonishingly hot cast  never fail to entertain. A lovely show that I personally consider my favourite along with New Girl. It is more of a girly show, but seriously brilliant, and while some may say predictable, I say 'who cares'- isn't every romcom on the circuit like that too?

3) COUGAR TOWN

The fantastic Courtney Cox has grown up a bit from Friends, but has not lost her humour. This show is most definitely not intellectually challenging and doesn't follow a very serious or dramatic plot, but it is a perfect 20 minute break from studying or work, or after a long day. It is very funny, and while very occasionally  the humour is a little too obvious for me, I always watch it and you find yourself gradually watching more and more. 

4) NCIS LA 

This had literally just restarted in the US again, and I love it. Not only is it clever and actually requires one to follow on with a bit of intellect, but it also is packed with action and every episode I find myself super excited to watch and egging on the two characters that one day will (very obviously) fall in love. It really is just a great show, that I think is very unrecognised. 

5) THE BIG BANG THEORY

Ah, I love love this show. It came back on this week, and I'm so excited to start again. Sheldon Cooper, the main character, is just too great for words, and along with the rest of the cast, it is just a hilarious show that for me, has become completely addictive. Again, the 20 min episodes are short and sweet, and always provide me with a good laugh. 

6) THE BACHELOR

(I didn't include a picture, because I'm scared that if I google it, I will find out which girl wins, and that would just be a disaster! haha)

Season 17 has just restarted, and I can't wait to watch Sean, who let's just get out there, is unbelievably hot, and who he ends up picking to propose to. This is really a pretty crap show, utterly cliched, predictable, unrealistic and not actually reality, not to mention the fact the the so called 'quest for love' never works out. Buuut, I love it, and I bet you'll find that even thought you know its crap, you'll watch it anyway. 

7) HAWAII FIVE-O

Also a show that I feel is underrated. I never hear people raving about it, but I think it's great. I love that it is absolutely packed with action and drama and what not. 

8) REVENGE

One of those shows that I can't watch too much of at once, but when I do watch it, it is great. Clever, scheming and full of romance, drama and the life of those in the Hampton's, its a show that I really enjoy. Emily Vancamp really does a fantastic job playing the role of Emily Thorne/Amanda Clarke, and you'll find you can't help but love her. 

So,  that's it... I have left out a ton of other shows that I like because these are just ones that I have been watching recently, or have just come back on TV, that are some of my favourites. Enjoy!