Hey everyone, how are you feeling on this warm summer's afternoon?

I'm currently writing this while relaxing on Stradbroke Island with my two best friends, but I do know I have a few apologies I have to make.. First of all, I know I promised you guys a 4-part Christmas series (and due to a few of your messages) I know I may not have totally stuck to my promise. I'm sorry, I know I promised I would write a lot more often and this Christmas series would have been the perfect way to prove this. But the sun is hot and the weather is too nice to be cooped up inside, writing blog posts. I have been trying to travel and soak up the Australian sun as much as possible before Autumn comes again, and the uncertainty of the new year reveals itself (okay maybe not that intense, hey, it sounded cool when I wrote it). Speaking of the new year, I think it's about time I did that classic blog post that everyone does called New Years resolutions, and some of my personal achievements throughout 2015, and goals for 2016.

Now before you all roll your eyes, I think it's really important to reflect upon different things that happen throughout our lives. Otherwise, we can lose our sense of what's important to us, and what we have to be grateful for. So without further ado, here are my 2016 New Years resolutions that, like the 4-part Christmas series, I will probably forget to do.

1. Drink at least two full bottles of water a day - I've been trying to do this throughout 2015, and I think it's a healthy habit to try to maintain.
2. Meet new and interesting people - with a lot of unknowns happening in 2016 for me, I feel it's important to meet people willing to support me embracing these challenges. At the opposite end of the spectrum, I will attempt to cut out people who have a negative impact on my life.
3. Give all my old clothes and unused belonging to a thrift shop.
4. Travel to at least one other country (technically I'm on a island right now though).
5. Try to do at least one nice thing for someone a day - I made this exact resolutions at the start of this year and while, I don't believe I totally achieved it, even something as simple as smiling at someone having a bad day could be considered helpful.
6. Try to write a lot more regularly and periodically - and to post more short stories since I know how much you love them!
7. Love unconditionally.

So there we go, there are some of my New Years resolutions. Whether I'll stick to them, no one can know for sure, but I sure as hell will try! Looking back at the year just gone, there's been a lot of both firsts, and lasts on the list - some memories which I know will stick with me throughout my life.

So here's a toast to you, 2015. What a year!

As for next year, Bring. It. On.

Gina xx

Welcome back everyone to part 2 of my Christmassy series!

Good afternoon everyone,

As November draws to a close and December is right around the corner, I can already hear the Christmas Carols and smell the Gingerbread - it's almost Christmas! As the silly season approaches, most of us can feel overwhelmed by the festivities of Christmas, and sometimes don't even know where to start! Because I can't help but feel the Christmas spirit this year, I've decided to do a four part series in the lead up to the big day. Part 1 is going up a little bit before December because I'm showing you guys how to create some super easy DIY Advent Calendars & Gifts.

I personally love advent calendars - they were one of my favourite parts of Christmas when I was little. There's nothing more exciting than opening up the little doors everyday and receiving presents/chocolate. I drew inspiration for these particular advent calendars from one of my favourite YouTubers Fleur De Force, who did a similar type of thing for Christmas last year. I also thought that if you may not have enough wrapping paper rolls to do 12 days or 24 days, they would also be the perfect gift for someone to hang on their tree until Christmas so I've shown you how I did that as well. Not only are they absolutely adorable, but they're so easy to make and are perfect for the busy mum's out there who need something to occupy their kids with! So without further ado, let's get into the "tutorial."

What you'll need:

• Wrapping paper rolls (I used 4 rolls cut into three)
• Some kind of twine (To string up the calendar)
• Sticky tape (I have plain, and decorative)
• Scissors
• A ruler
• Coloured markers
• Number stickers
• Treats (To fill the advent calendar with)
• Any kind of decorations you like

Method:
Step 1: Start by pushing down the cardboard rolls flat with your hands like so:

By Gina Hartley

• Headspace AU - visit their website
• Lifeline - call on 13 11 14 or visit their website
• Kids Helpline - call on 1800 55 1800 or visit their website
• Beyond Blue - call 1300 22 4636 or visit their website

And if you ever need to vent about anything happening in your life - whether it be good or bad, always feel free to send me an email (thehartofwriting@gmail.com) or tweet me (@hartofwriting).

Hopefully I didn't dull down your spirits too much with this post, and that you enjoy reading my short stories as much as I enjoy writing them for you. Leave me a comment down below with any suggestions or improvements you might have,

And until next time,
Gina Hartley xx

I could have only picked the quote because it reminded me of being on a boat in the Caribbean with two of my best friends (but I guess you'll never know).

Good afternoon everyone,

Now I know it's been a few weeks (okay, you got me, a lot of weeks) since my last Fri-tation but gosh, life just had to get in the way didn't it? Does anyone else feel like this week was never going to end? (Just me? okay). Thank goodness Friday's here, and I think, as I hope you do as well, that we need something to appreciate the week just passed, and to motivate us to get through this weekend. Today's quote is by the none other then one of the founding father's himself, Benjamin Franklin.

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Now being an aspiring writer, I see these kinds of quotes and I just smile. When you read something like this, it seems so simple - write something worth reading or do something worth writing. However, I believe that while this may seem like a choice, a Mexican cuisine ad on Australian TV taught me por que no las dos (why not both?). Any of my Australian readers who get that reference feel free to leave me a cheeky comment down below! Back to present, why should we limit ourselves to only choosing one of the two options that Franklin gives us? Do something worth writing, and then write about it! Write about something you've dreamed of doing and then do it! Intend to lead an extraordinary life that people want to write about. Do it for you, and nobody else.

That's what I believe is truly inspiring about this type of quote. Which leaves me to one final question on this Friday night. What are you going to do this weekend? Write something worth reading? Or do something worth writing? Or por que no las dos?

Until next time,
Gina xx

It's Gina here!

Another week, another blog post my friends. Sorry for the late update but I have just finished re-reading my latest obsession- the Maze Runner Series. I cannot even begin to explain the impact that this series has had on me (in the best way obviously). Aside from a lack of sleep, I feel enlightened and thankful to live in the world we live in today.

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Good afternoon everyone, it's Gina here,

Today is just going to be a quick post letting you guys know what I've been up to lately. I'm so sorry I haven't been active. Recently, my work schedule has been insanely busy and every time I sit down to write, I always think of other things that I could be doing (sigh). Unfortunately for me, that means that writing has been taking a back seat as well. And I know that people say that you need a healthy amount of work, and socialising, and doing things you love but it just hasn't been happening for me. The next few weeks I'm counting on to be equally as busy, if not more, so sorry in advance if we don't get to chat until sometime then. I really do support any, and all of you who take the time out to read this blog. It honestly means the absolute world, and I promise, once this "term" is over, I'll be a whole lot more active :) xx

Now that the mushy stuff is out of the way!



I recently teamed up with my internet, (and real life), best friend Bella to do a little project for the Mater Chicks in Pink. The mission of Mater Chicks in Pink is to raise funds which have a positive, significant and real impact on people who are affected by breast cancer and contribute to the better understanding and treatment of breast cancer through medical research. They aim to do this through fun, and interactive events that many people (just like you!) can do at home. The event that Bella and I have taken part in is something known as "The Breast Ever Brunch." We got together a few of our closest friends to take part in a morning tea/lunch to help raise awareness, and a little bit of money, for breast cancer. Unfortunately for you, this event has now closed, as it was only run during the month of August, however, the Mater Chicks run many worthwhile events throughout the entire year that many of you can get involved in!

If any of you are interested in donating to this worthwhile cause, you can sponsor Bella and I through our fundraising page on the Breast Ever Brunch website: https://secure.artezpacific.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=908216&langPref=en-CA

And here are a few piccys I took throughout the day!






Bella's links:
Blog: http://bellaseymour.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjId5rn0pxRRYWsmot43dPw
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bella_seymour
Tumblr: http://bella-seymour.tumblr.com/

Until next time,
Gina xx

Hello everyone!

Wow, it's almost the end of yet another month! Is anyone else kind of like 'where is my year going??'

However, I suppose the good thing about us nearing the end of another month is that it's time for my Monthly Favourites (yay)! I love reading "favourites" posts probably as much as I love writing them. Personally, July has been a full-on month for me. There's been times this month where the stresses of my life have almost gotten through and it really makes me feel relaxed when I can go through my cupboard/makeup drawer and just think, "What have I been loving this month?" and then sit down at my computer with a hot cup of tea and write away. Pure bliss.



MAKEUP
1. Skin Illuminator Shimmer - The Base by Lara Bingle
I love, love, LOVE this stuff! If you have never heard of The Base before, it's an Australian brand founded back in 2013. It originally began as a collection of the ultimate bronzing and tanning products to help achieve a natural, safe and healthy golden glow. Recently, they've branched out into highlights/illuminators and I have to say, I'm very impressed. Use along the tops of your cheekbones or browbones - anywhere you feel as though the light would hit you naturally! Otherwise mix with your foundation for an all-over glow. This was lucky enough to have been gifted to me along with the Instant Tan Mousse from the same collection. They're both definately winners in my book!

2. Persian Rose Lipstick - Coral Colours
For my second makeup favourite this month, I've been loving the Coral Colours lipstick in Persian Rose. It's such a beautiful peachy colour with just a hint of shimmer throughout. Once again, it's an Australian brand and since it's winter down under at the moment, this has been my go-to everyday winter colour. I wouldn't go too far as to say it's a 'natural' shade but it is very pigmented and gives a really nourishing, moisturising finish. Here's a swatch for you all to enjoy~



Do I need to say more?

BODY
3. Chocolate Body Butter - The Body Shop
Chocolate. Body. Butter. Do I need to divulge further? Unfortunately this was part of a limited edition collection, I think around Christmas time last year? Now while I do love myself a good body butter in the summer, I often felt as though the chocolate scent was a little too heavy for summer...but boom! Welcome to winter, and the immaculate joy of this glorious scent. Not only is it important to keep your skin hydrated throughout winter, it's also very important to keep cravings at bay (trust me)!

PERFUME
4. Daisy Dream - Marc Jacobs
This is a new scent that I've added to my collection throughout the month of July and I honestly have fallen in love. Now I'm totally horrible at describing scents but to me, I would say it's quite floral - definitely not a fruity scent. Perfumes tend to give me a headache if they're too strong, and I often can't stop sneezing. I really like this perfume because it's an Eau de Toilette, which means it's not as heavy as a parfum - If you're ever in the perfume aisle at the department store, I'd definatly recommend giving it a sniff. 

SHOES
5. Jonnie Boots - City Beach Australia
It appears that after looking and looking, I cannot find these boots anywhere in shops - it appears the collection isn't in stock anymore (sad face). I did however, find a very similar pair, also from City Beach called the "Forever Boots". They are designed by the brand Jonnie and stocked in all City Beach stores across Australia. I'm not kidding when I say these are the comfiest shoes EVER! I bought them at the beginning of winter because I wanted a really classic, nice pair of boots. I was not disappointed. Not only have I worn them almost every day this season, but I haven't gotten any blisters. Not a single one. How's that for a favourite?

BOOKS
6. Eleanor and Park - by Rainbow Rowell
Oh my goodness. If you're stuck on something to read at the moment, go and check out Eleanor and Park. It's a book about family, romance, and misfits. Without giving too much of anything away, it is one of those novels that sticks in the back of your mind when you read them; it's utterly wonderful. But enough from me, read the blurb yourself~

"Set over one school year in 1986, Eleanor & Park is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try."

Let me know on Twitter (@hartofwriting) or in the comments below if you'd like me to do a full review on this book! Thanks Rainbow Rowell for many restless nights. So worth it.

That's it. Another month over and done with. What shall the month of August bring?

It's such a wonderful feeling to know that while this month may have been a tough one, there's still things you've been loving, and maybe things you've been hating. It's not often that you can take the time to appreciate all the things that you have in your life, and all the things that you can look forward to in the future.

What have you been loving this month?

Until next time,
Gina xx

By Gina Hartley

"My heart was for some reason, beating really fast as I’d finished making dinner. Myer skipped ahead of me and sat down in front of the TV. My beautiful girl is growing up so fast it’s hard to believe she’s already 5 years old. It seemed only yesterday that she had been born. She had big blue eyes and long brown hair which seemed to part automatically in the middle. She was going through a dress stage where she wouldn’t wear anything but dresses and it was proving hard for me to keep washing them in time. As I sat on the couch and turned on the TV, she had already started eating her Spaghetti as I flicked through the TV channels. Myer likes watching children’s shows so I was making my way to the children’s channel when I paused on the NEWS. Usually I never watch the NEWS but for some reason my jumpy heart was telling me this is what I should be watching. I saw Myer protesting but one look from me and she knew she shouldn’t be arguing. She started eating again. I kept telling myself to relax and breathe but for some reason I just couldn’t. My heart was aching as I tried to think through my chores. I know I’ve locked the door, I remember to turn off the oven and the stove and everything around the house is childproofed so it’s safe. So why do I feel like this? Just as I turned my attention onto the TV as the “Breaking NEWS” segment came on. “There has been a major plane crash into the Atlantic Ocean,” The lady on the NEWS said, “No reported survivors so far and there has been a search for the last 2 hours to find any people stranded. Police are trying to find the cause of the crash--” I suddenly wondered what plane number it was and then I felt my stomach drop as an awful thought occurred in my head. “The police have now currently figured out the plane was JIL083 flying from New York to Australia.” That’s Katie’s plane…

I sat frozen there staring blankly at the TV trying to process the news that my beautiful wife. The loving mother to my daughter and my other half had not made it back home. That she was somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean; that she was….no she couldn’t of been. Not Katie, I just can’t imagine her dead. I can’t imagine her gone. Never seeing her beautiful smile again, she could light up a darkened room with her smile. I saw Myer staring up at me with wide eyes. She looked frightened. I wonder if she knows what just happened. My heart feels with sorrow as I realise she’s going to grow up without a mother. And am I really a good enough father for her? Without Katie I would be a wreck but right now I just couldn’t bring myself to move. What am I to do without my beautiful baby with me? “Daddy,” Myer said, “Is that Mummy’s plane?” I stared into Myer’s beautiful blue eyes- she has her mother’s eyes- and said, “Yes baby, it is.” I watched as Myer’s eyes burst into tears as she ran up to me and sat in my lap. I held her as we cried together until there were no more tears left. My phone had rung many times but I hadn’t been able to go and get it. I just didn’t have to energy anymore. But I had to stay strong for my beautiful little girl looking up at me with bright tear-stained eyes. Suddenly a breeze blew and the whole room went cold. The lights flickered and I felt better for no reason at all. “What was that?” Myer whispered to me. “I think it was your mother,” I whispered back, “She’s come to say goodbye.""

Good afternoon everyone, I hope Friday's treating you pleasantly,

I was in the mood to do a little bit of baking today and I felt like bringing you all along with me. In trying times, baking often brings me absolute comfort and simplicity. There's something of a calming sensation about gathering ingredients together and following a recipe. In the end, I decided on making my grandmother's infamous Lemon Yoghurt cake. It brought me back to all these childhood memories; about helping my grandmother make this for family afternoon teas (well I mostly just licked the bowl)! I also had a large number of fresh lemons in the fridge that our lemon tree had grown - 'tis the season as my grandmother always says. So without further ado, I hope you enjoy.

What you'll need:

• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• rind of 2 lemons 
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup oil (used as a substitute for 100g of butter)
• 1/2 tsp of salt 
• 1 cup of yoghurt 
• 2-3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 
• 2 cups of self raising flour 

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a floured ring pan 
2. Peel all the yellow peel from the lemons using a potato peeler. Using a food processor (you can also use a rotary beater),  beat the sugar and lemon peel together until the lemon peel is finely chopped through the sugar. 
3. Add the eggs, oil and salt, and process until thick and smooth. 
4. Add the yoghurt and lemon juice and blend until just mixed. Note: You can use any kind of yoghurt for this step - plain, sweetened or flavoured (If you use flavoured yoghurt, make sure you choose a flavour that will blend with the flavour of the lemon).
5. Add the flour, one cup at a time, and process just enough to combine with the rest of the mixture
6. Pour the cake batter into your prepared ring pan and bake for 40-45 minutes depending on oven. Make sure to keep an eye on the cake!!! 
7. Remove the cake when the sides start to shrink, the centre springs back when pressed, and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Leave to cool for about 10 minutes before transfering carefully onto a rack
8. Sprinkle with icing sugar, drizzle the remaining lemon juice and enjoy! 

Hello again, my lovelies, how are you doing this week? I just have the very simple and completely unoriginal TMI tag for you this week because I do realise that many of you know absolutely nothing about me. I understand that this is a very lazy blog post but exams and assignments lately have been absolutely crazy and I couldn't leave you guys with nothing!

So without further ado, this is my *adapted for bloggers TMI tag, enjoy!

1. What are you wearing?
I am currently wearing the comfiest pajamas I own, because hello, who wears actually clothing around the house?!
2. Ever been in love?
Yes, and I am extremely lucky to still be in love with the most incredible man ever
3. Ever had a terrible breakup?
No thankfully, my current relationship is probably my first real relationship so I consider myself lucky to not have been in that situation yet
4. How tall are you?
I’m 160cm on my license and I think that translates to about 5’1½ ” (so short)!
5. How much do you weigh?
I’ve never been a real advocate for telling the world how much someone weighs as I believe that if a body is healthy, and happy, who cares what that body weighs?
6. Any tattoos?
No, although I’d love to receive one someday
7. Any piercings?
I’ve currently only got one piercing in my lower ear lobes
8. OTP?
Haha oh my goodness! Now before the internet goes haywire because of my nerdiness, it would have to Merthur (Or Merlin and Arthur from the BBC TV series Merlin)
9. Favourite show?
Currently my favourite show is Brooklyn nine nine, it’s hilarious! 10/10 would recommend!
10. Favourite bands?
My favourite band is Train, closely followed by the Script, Maroon 5, and MKTO
11. Something you miss?
One of my friends shut me out of her life about a year ago, it was difficult for me to recover from something like that; when my best friend suddenly wasn’t my best friend anymore..
12. Favourite song?
Hey there Delilah, Plain White T’s
13. How old are you?
For confidentiality reason, I may not answer this question…
14. Zodiac sign?
Scorpio!
15. Quality you look for in a partner?
They have to be able to make me laugh, and have a great sense of humour, very light-hearted but can also be serious when needed
16. Favourite Quote?
“Either write something worth reading, or do something worth writing.” –Benjamin Franklin
17. Favourite actor?
Favourite female actor- Anne Hathaway : Favourite male actor- Hugh Grant
18. Favourite colour?
Lilac purple (the colour of Jacaranda trees if we’re being specific)
19. Loud music or soft?
Hmm probabaly medium volume, depends on my mood
20. Where do you go when you’re sad?
I enjoy going down the my study and just typing, typing, typing ;)
21. How long does it take you to shower?
Roughly 4-8 minutes depending on whether I’m washing my hair or not
22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
About a half hour
23. Ever been in a physical fight?
Nope
24. Turn on?
Sharp jawline, sense of humour, kind, gentle
25. Turn off?
Smoking, chewing gum loudly, rough
26. The reason I joined Blogger?
I felt it was time to share my writing with the world and I hope that the world is enjoying it
27. Fears?
I’m scared of the dark, and of sleeping and snakes
28. Last thing that made you cry?
The movie Fast and Furious 7, I was completely gone- RIP Paul Walker
29. Last time you said you loved someone?
Last night
30. Meaning behind your URL?
I wanted people to understand my love for writing- also I may be a sucker for puns…
31. Last book you read?
Jodi Picoult- Change of Heart (let me know if you’d like me to do a review)
32. The book you’re currently reading?
Nickolas Sparks- The Guardian
33. Last show you watched?
Veronica Mars- who misses it?!
34. Last person you talked to?
My handsome boyfriend
35. The relationship between you and the person you last texted?
He is my lover
36. Favourite food?
Indian
37. Place you want to visit?
I’d love to visit Rome at some point in my life as doing Ancient History in school taught me so much about Roman Civilisation
38. Last place you were?
The Dance Studio
39. Do you have a crush?
Since I have a boyfriend, I’m going to reword this into “Celebrity Crush” and I have to admit Logan Lerman is big for me right now
40. Last time you kissed someone?
Last night
41. Last time you were insulted?
A couple of days ago, my “friend” told me I was gaining too much weight
42. Favourite flavour of lolly?
Orange! Funny story about this- it’s because when I was little all my friends absolutely hated the orange lollies and I just liked any flavour but because I always got given the orange ones they’re now my favourite (haha)
43. What instruments do you play??
I once learnt piano for a brief stint- worst decision ever
44. Favourite pieces of jewellery?
Statement necklaces
45. Last sport you played?
I danced a couple of days ago!
46. Last song you sang?

47. Favourite chat up line?
Person A: How much does a polar bear weight?
Person B: How much?
Person A: Enough to break the ice…
48. Have you ever used it?
No but I’ve had it used on me…no it didn’t work!
49. Last time you hung out with anyone?
Last night
50. Who should answer these questions next?
I tag any of you reading this right now! Whether you film a video or just do a lazy blog post like I am right now, make sure you tweet me and let me know!

Hopefully you learnt enough about me haha, which I know isn’t necessarily a good thing but I can trust you guys right?

Until next time,
Gina xx

By Gina Hartley

"As I wait for my mum to pick me up, I catch a glimpse of my distorted reflection in the cars that drive past. My medium length hair covers most of my face and the part of my face you can see, looks sad. I give the reflection of me a half-hearted smile, but even distorted, it looks empty; fake. I spot mum’s car pulling up beside me, and I try to force my smile wider and more genuinely happy to see her, as I give a small wave. She smiles and waves back, seemingly unaware of how I feel like I could fall apart at any given moment. I make my way to the car.

“How was work?” She asks me in the same happy tone she always does,
“It was good,” I say neutrally. Translation: It’s never good.
“What did you have to do this time?”
“Just deal with customer service, you know, in case they don’t like a product and want to return it,” Translation: The people I have to deal with are so rude; they tease me and treat me like I’m a child.
“This sounds good,”
“It was,” Translation: It wasn’t.
“I’m really glad you’ve gotten that job, I’m so proud of you!”
“Thanks mum,” Translation: I hate it and I want to quit.
“How was school today?”
“It was alright,” Translation: Alright is an understatement.
“Do you have any assignments due soon?”
“Yes, I’ll need to do that when I get home,” Translation: I don’t even know when to start. 
Mum pulls into the driveway and I make my way up to the house. Before I enter the front door, I turn around and catch her talking to our elderly neighbour. She’s smiling and gesturing in my direction and I know she’s talking about how I’m supposedly doing well in school and how I’m the perfect daughter. The thought makes me sadder than I realise as I blink back tears. I’m living in a world where my mother doesn’t even know who I am, or what I’ve done, or how much I hate myself for it. I walk into the house trying to banish that looming thought from my head as I close the door behind me.

That night, as I lie in bed and stare at the ceiling, I feel my eyes watering up. I begin to question my existence, as I do almost every night. I make up scenarios in my head that both frighten and intrigue me. What would it be like if I was gone? No one would really remember me would they? The demons inside me already know the answer, and they chant it softly, dangling my life like a thread they believe I’m willing to chop. Taunting me with my life and the worst part is sometimes, I think I believe them. By now I’m really crying as giant sobs wrack my body. To think my parents are sound asleep under the same roof. Never knowing, and never going to find out.

The next day at school, I’m sitting down with my group, eating lunch. They all seem happy, smiling and blissfully unaware. I stare into space feeling more disconnected from life since, well ever.
“Hey Livy,” my friend Tess says to me, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine seriously,” I say, trying to smile. Translation: Why do you care?
“Are you sure?” She presses on, “You just look kind of sad.”
“Nah, I’m all good, just super tired.” I say faking a laugh. Translation: You wouldn’t understand.
“Livy, I know you well enough to know a fake laugh when I see one, what’s gotten into you lately?”
“Tess, I’m fine can you please just drop the subject?!” I say harshly to my surprise. Translation: Please drop the subject before I start crying, I don’t want to be selfish and make this about me. 
My whole group exchange looks and I sigh. Sometimes I feel like there’s nowhere I really belong, and nowhere that’ll be willing to take me.
“Well just remember Liv, we’re always here for you in thick and thin okay?” My whole group’s nodding in agreement as a wave of confusion goes over me. Why do they care? And that’s when I know the tears started rolling. Tess puts her arm around me and puts my head on her shoulder. As I stain her shirt with my tears, she whispers softly in my ear,
“This too shall pass.”"




I wrote this story as part of an assessment for an Literature unit we were doing. The main themes that we had to incorporate into the story were fighting, family, and friends. I decided to take a different angle on the topic and while I made reference to the family and friends, I tried to make the main focus about the character fighting with herself. I hope to put emphasis on the fact that often there are times in our lives where we may say something and mean the complete opposite. The true meaning that we're trying to express may be, for lack of a more-perfect phrase "lost in translation." And I want anyone reading this who may be going through their own hardships to understand that you. are. not. alone. It's perfectly okay to be feeling that way. There's nothing wrong with you and while I know it may seem like the world is just one big scary place and you're just one tiny person, you are capable of things beyond even your wildest imagination.

Stay strong, and send me an email when things seem almost unbearable, my inbox is always open,
Until next time,
Gina xx
thehartofwriting@gmail.com 

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Hey everyone, it's Gina here,

Sorry I've been so MIA lately; I finished my first major exam block and it was a lot more full on than I was expecting. Due to a series of other commitments as well, I was left feeling very lethargic and had no self motivation. It's taken a bit but I've managed to get back up and now I'm feeling better than ever and ready to re-kickstart  this blog again. Writing out my feelings on here, or maybe just writing in general, makes me feel like a better, more accomplished version of myself. I've found such a welcoming community on this website and I'm so grateful to every person who takes time out of their day to read my stories- it honestly means the world. Hopefully this is a new beginning for The Hart of Writing and one that lasts a really long time to come.

Again, I'm so sorry it's taken so long for me to find my feet but now I'm standing and I feel better than ever! Here's to 2015 being our most successful year yet!

P.s. my quote of the day goes to Oscar Wilde;

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Until next time,