Rome was undeniably beautiful. It’s such a beautiful city steeped in history and the most amazing architecture. I think I spent most of my time staring up at church ceilings, giving myself a sore neck. Unfortunately both Hilton and I picked up rather nasty colds that left me quite grumpy at times, given that all that walking with a headache wasn’t that pleasurable. That said, I did have a wonderful time with him and we were fortunately blessed with mostly good weather, and shared many a little kiss and cuddle (I imagine much to the disgust of Catholicism!) Here’s a photo taken inside the Vatican (of course there will be many many more to come, when I have the energy to sit at the computer):
Weee! In 24 hours I’ll be soaking up some Italian culture in Rome. I am so so so excited, although not as excited as Hilton who has made a slightly obsessive itinerary and is probably going to wet himself when the plane takes off, given that he’s not been on one for about ten years. He will, of course, be claiming the golden Window Seat. I’m really looking forward to meeting Simona’s family (including Osso the dog) and being spoilt with deliciously yummy food. And then of course there will be the obligatory sight-seeing (scoff) and hopefully some quieter more secluded places for me to shoot. This is also mine and Hilton’s first holiday together (ooh ahh!) so it’s all very thrilling.
Had a rather nice weekend. Had a job interview late afternoon on Friday - not sure where that’s going, but then was back in London on Saturday for much debauchery. Had a quick wander around Camden with Eva seeking larger-than-life eyelashes and a few tidbits for our outfits for Torture Garden. Then we popped along to see the wonderful Tyrone and battled strange first year uni students for some privacy whilst I got body painted in bright red with beautiful black hearts. Stripey tights, stripey skirt (well I say skirt but it was more like a belt), glowing body! I must say I looked rather dashing. Eva looked beautiful with her ivory underbust corset, poofy red petticoat, and rather dashing fur. The tube journey was rather odd as passengers decided to take photos, and make little videos of me uh, just talking. Christ, people, have you never seen someone off to a fetish night?! It was a really great night and lovely to spend some one-on-one time just with Eva. And lots of dancing did ensue..
Today, however, was slightly less fun. As I was getting changed after leaving the club (into some suitable attire) I realised that I had left my normal shoes (I was wearing some big ol’ black sparkly boots like these ones - we seem to be collecting a lot of these shoes in my house) at Tyrone’s house. Cue utter devastation at the thought of having to travel back to Brighton, on a Sunday service, in some ten inch sparkly platforms boots whilst hungover. I started to cry! I have now had three showers trying to remove the red stains from my body (still no luck). I accidentally ruined someone’s towel (what kind of person allows me to shower with a white towel?!) and had to steal a stranger’s shoes that were at least two sizes too small just so I didn’t look like a weirdo on the journey home. Alas, today has been a little stressful. Sadly I couldn’t fit my camera in my bag so I didn’t take any photos, but here’s the underbust corset that Eva was wearing (my my she is so so so pretty!)
She’s not exactly Shakin’ A Tail Feather any more, but god damn you gotta give it up for the old girl.
Can’t tell whether I think she’s better on crack or not. Bless her. It’s like she just needs to calm down a little when singing, because she is a bit of an awful warbler..
This is all I have to offer today, sadly.
Laura Marling’s live on this radio show. She’s 1hr 10mins in.
Always so beautiful! 
A couple of days of broken sleep deprivation can send a person crazy. Despite feeling physically exhausted (all my own fault - birthday celebrations a go go) I can’t seem to just sit, concentrate, or even attempt sleep. I find myself perusing vast amounts of photography websites searching for inspiration, given that my creative mind has been slightly desolate of late. In these moments I desperately crave valium.
My birthday was in general.. great! It had moments of ups and downs, but I enjoyed the company in which I spent it and the various events that took place. On my actual birthday I was spoiled with chicken and sushi, beautiful gifts (notebooks galore!) and the beautiful presence of Hilton and those that make me feel that life is great. We had lots to drink, an absolutely delicious tapas meal, and then went for a late night boogie. On Friday I woke up slightly dishevelled and rushed off to London to meet that beautiful girl called Eva, and was absolutely spoilt with delicious seafood cooked by Leo. It was a really great relaxing afternoon spent giggling in the kitchen, drinking wine, and roaring with laughter at very silly YouTube videos (namely this one - which still gets me every time). We didn’t stay out long after having a quick drink in Leo’s local, then making our way back to Eva’s Mama’s house to be spoilt with yet more yummy food and a well deserved few hours sleep. Saturday afternoon was spent lazing with bad television, a few naps, and then making our way to The Purple Turtle in Camden for The Festival of Sins. As we walked down to Camden from Mornington Crescent we witnessed huge clouds of smoke and glowing orange flames high in the sky. Sensing that something was terribly wrong we made our way towards the God awful inferno that had taken over part of Camden’s markets, watching the many shades of orange lick up at the sky, consuming buildings with a rapid rate. The atmosphere was devastating as hundreds of people on the streets looked on in astonishment whilst fire fighters aimed weak water torrents at the flames, seemingly struggling to keep it under control. We watched as roof upon roof set ablaze and devastation swamped through this corner of town. I, of course, had my camera with me and spent most of the time trying to capture a decent image whilst being a little overwhelmed. It was an odd atmosphere. A real sense of camaraderie became apparent as people would greet each other, ask if they were OK, and show an interest of concern for another’s well-being. We thought it was sad that it really does take something so tragic for British people to acknowledge each other without the constant underlying sense of suspicion one seems to notice when a stranger greets you. Here are some photos:
Eventually we did make it to The Purple Turtle feeling highly under dressed (we’d left earlier in the evening and chose not to wander around in corsets and and hot pants etc - Eva in the corset, of course!) and a little baffled. A few hours later and we had both perked up, spending some great time with KT & Roger who were working as stilt-walking green gimps (naturally). It was the perfect way to end a three celebration of my birthday, driving home in the car a little merry in such wonderful company. I crawled into bed with Hilton at 4am and fell asleep in his arms, feeling very pleased to have someone to come home to. Some photos from Festival of Sins:
Now it’s just Italy and Devon to wait for. One week ’til Rome! I am so excited!
This really makes me think of the Bat For Lashes song, Sad Eyes. Particularly these lines:
Autumn’s hue in those sad eyes
Makes me love and love them more
I’ll have a bath, I’ll make the dinner
And then I’ll go wait for a long long time
But still you’ve not passed my door
