FILM REVIEW: Miss Americana

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ok, so Taylor Swift's documentary, Miss Americana, is out and I've just watched it and wow, what a woman.

it's funny. my relationship with Taylor began as an odd one. I am a big fan of Katy Perry, and if you know anything of the 2 fandoms over the years, you'll know that Katycats and Swifties were fierce rivals a few years ago. In highschool, I would've given my life for Katy and wanted nothing to do with Taylor at all. I'd read stuff online about her and believe it.

It's crazy to think that now I'm a massive fan of her music, and her as a person. It was around the beginning of the Reputation era when I really began to respect her, and realise that drama like us fans had on twitter was literally so ridiculous. I am now completely and utterly in love with her, and kinda regret not falling sooner haha!

I think this documentary will be for some people, like the Reputation era was for me. A real wake up call to someone who is just trying her best to love and feel loved. Life is tough without the world throwing more at you, and if you're famous, you get a truckload more on top. People are people, whether they have multiplatinum selling albums or not.

So that's me, and where I stand on her. So when I heard that a documentary was coming out, I couldn't wait. I really love music biopics and documentaries (shout out to the Katy Perry one!!), which meant I couldn't wait for this one. I'd love to give my thoughts on it as a film, and also as a fan.

The following goes into depths on the film, so there will be spoilers!

The film follows Taylor, from her receiving a guitar and penning her first songs, to performing on her most recent stadium tour. We see her surrounded by family, friends, band members, managers, music people, paparazzi, fans, haters, people who either adore the girl or hate her. Even though it seems like she's never alone, it appears that's exactly how she feels.

We learn of her aims for her career and the changes that took place to get there, and I really loved the style of seeing present day Taylor, happily chilled and talking about all these things, with archival and recent footage over, really letting us see how the world saw/sees Miss Americana, and how Taylor sees herself. I also loved how they paired this with the building of her 2 most recent albums, really showing us how Taylor is a storyteller, and uses her own story for inspiration.

I loved the layout and overall story of the film, letting us see Taylor grow in front of us. Building a documentary is a difficult thing, and to see the life of someone so full of tales and turns, to put it all together and organise it in such a way must've been tough, but it really is worth it.

It's crazy to think that all this has happened to such a young girl, who only recently turned 30. How someone's life can feel so good and exciting, yet it can be riddled with doubt and fear. Taylor is living her childhood dream, but we also discover how it can be her nightmare.

One of the main topics throughout the film is politics, and how Taylor felt that she couldn't share her opinions to fit the mould of what she felt was needed of her. There's a meeting with some managers and her dad, about whether she should post her thoughts, and after some tough words and thoughts, it's agreed that she will break her silence and speak up for what she believes in.

It's a heart-pounding yet moving moment, when it all comes out and Taylor can really begin to be the person that she wants to be, rather than the person that she thinks the world wants her to be.

Following on from that, we really learn how being a woman in the music industry, and just in general really, can be a tough thing. Whether it's dating, building a business, or fighting for the truth, we're often belittled and told to pipe down which completely sucks. And even though Swift has been through a lot, it was so inspiring to see her challenge that through this documentary and her songs.

I loved the mix of handheld style, archival, and professional TV footage. It really helped us see Taylor from all angles and learn of her struggles and growth in many ways. It was cute to see the lil home videos, it really was. Whether old or new, to capture such wonderful moments really makes this film a treasure trove of love and creativity.

To begin with us seeing a grown Taylor, scanning through her childhood diaries, really looking at her thoughts and feelings over the past years all hidden away, to a Taylor who is confident and strong, really sharing her thoughts and what's important to her, really is quite something. It's fun to see this inspiring lady really become an inspiration to herself, wanting to continue pushing past the boundaries and keep her head above rocky waters. But hopefully with love and light from herself and those around her, she'll be able to stay happy, healthy and storytelling.

Miss Americana is on Netflix and rated a 15 in the UK. And is really really good.

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My Thought's On Halsey's Album 'Manic'

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I love Halsey. just everything about her is so cool and true and I completely adore how real and herself she is! her new album 'Manic' is out, but life has been a little manic, so I haven't had chance to listen to it in full yet, so I thought better late than never and I'll do it today!

so, like all my album reviews, I jot down my thoughts to each song as I hear it and then I'll give my thoughts on the album overall. I have heard some of the songs previously if they were released as a single, but I'll let you know what's what for each song! ok, let's go!

Ashley

aliens? hello? ooh the lyrics in this are so interesting, it's like she's battling who she is and who she is to everyone else. it's not one that I think I'll listen to unless I have the full album on repeat, but it's really sad to get into Ashley's head and really understand how she feels and how unsure she is on life, who she is, and what she wants. I guess that's the thing with being famous, you kinda give yourself to the world without realising, so what would happen if you take control of that and hide yourself away?

clementine

this is one of the songs from the album that was released early and omg I completely adore this track. it's so gorgeous and raw and that lyric: "I don't need anyone, I don't need anyone, I just need everyone and then some" is so on another level. This is the first album where we're seeing Halsey as Ashley, rather than a character she has created and I think that is so beautiful. I just have so much love and respect for every single section and second in this track. we really see Ashley and Halsey in this, almost fighting when she does sing that special line, really trying to escape.

Graveyard

ok, yes yes yes, again, this song was one of the singles released, and it has been constantly on repeat since it was posted! I love the pop-y-ness and just how alive and excited it is, yet it feels like someone is running and jumping and their heart is beating to be with someone who possibly doesn't;t want them back. the clicks and lyrics just feel so powerful, and it is constantly stuck in my head! am I angry? nahhh! how could I be? it's so gorgeous!!!

You should be sad

I've heard this before on the radio, it was the last single to be released before the full album came out and this break up song IS THE BREAK UP SONG! like Halsey says, country has perfected this type of song so I'm so glad she's gone down that road with this, yet added her own edgy twist. "I'm so glad I never ever had a baby with you, cause you can't love something unless there's something in it for you." WOW, that is some songwriting. I just love how petty and unapologetic she is, and too right, she absolutely should be! what a song!

Forever ... (is a long time)

this really is a beautiful song. as well as the lyrics, it's the melody and instruments that add feeling and emotion. through the lyrics we learn how she feels sour, yet with someone to love her, she has grown and feels strong compared to others. I love how it's broken up with the instrumental in the middle, it really adds to it's beauty. yet after this when we return to the singing, Halsey just can't comprehend how someone can love her. it's really sad, yet she adds this amazing twist which really makes the song her own.

Dominic's Interlude

ok I don't know who Dominic Fike is but ooh what a mood, I love the vibe of this interlude so much! ok there are lyrics on this that were in the previous song, I guess this one just helps to tell the story and ok...

I HATE EVERYBODY

... the song goes straight into this one, so yeah, we really are seeing Halsey's storytelling come into play here fully. from the title being all capitals, I thought the song would be quite angry but it actually has such a cool vibe. it feels a bit like a kids song with the beat and lightness of it, yet with all the words Halsey is cramming in just really proves how amazing she is. I love how full of truth all these songs are and I think this HAS to be one of my favourites! "if I can't make you love me then I'll just hate everybody"

3am

heavy dirty soul vibes? oh mm hmmm ok yes this is cool. this really gives me rock n roll vibes, yet with a Halsey twist. it feels like an old song, if you listen you might know what I mean. "I'm the worst of my enemies and I don't really know what to do with me." through the lyrics, we're seeing how Halsey is calling everyone she knows just to feel loved and cared for, and I guess after the previous song it's really what she wants and needs. In a few of her previous songs on other albums, she uses lyrics that look at calling people and not getting through and stuff, so a shame that it's still happening. It reminds me of 'Come On Then' by Lily Allen and the chorus in that, and this blog. Gosh, people are always on their phones but never use them when others need it haha. The song ends with a voice note from John Mayer which leads into the next song and he predicted it'd be massive, which it is, so cool to link the phone call and his review of 'Without Me'!

Without Me

This was the first song released after Halsey's previous album (I think) and I still think it's such a powerful petty yet pretty and emotional breakup song. it was written after G-Eazy cheated on her, even though they wrote the song 'You & I' together which I love as a modern love song, but it's quite ironic listening to it and hearing his lyrics and then listening to this song. it really does give Halsey the power, because when you've been cheated on, you can feel not good enough, but instead Halsey has risen up and been like: I know what you've done, you've messed up, and you're gonna regret it, you're gonna be lost without me, but you're not getting me back. love that.

Finally // beautiful stranger

this was one of the singles released and I completely adore this style of song from Halsey. it tells the story of Halsey going through her breakup yet meeting someone. Maybe not looking at a future, but in this moment, what have they got to lose? As she sings the chorus, we see a love has been formed and Halsey feels fixed so she feels she can love again. woah, this song truly is just a wonder and the music video really matches that. we basically see Ashley and Halsey on a stage playing this song with a guitar. Ashley is alone and simple, whereas Halsey is all dressed up with a bright audience, and I love how she loves the Halsey side of her, but Ashley is also important and this album is Ashley rather than her stage persona. I just think it's the most beautiful song ever ever everrrr!!

when this song came out last year, I did a lil review for the first time hearing it, so you can read that here if you want: https://annasnothere.blogspot.com/2019/12/new-music-friday-woop-woop.html

Alanis' Interlude

I LOVE ALANIS MORISSETTE oh yes the edge and coolness. oh wow ok this sexual empowerment is SICK. we get to learn a lil more about Halsey coming out and how important this love and feeling is to her and so cool that Alanis is on this as her songs are just so powerful and without her, we may not have song artists like Halsey continuing to tell the message!

killing boys

ok so this is kinda like a breakup song, kinda taking back her power after what's happened and I love that! love the intro from Jennifer's Body and the Uma Thurman reference. She really ins't scared to take back her power and make a scene if that's what it takes. it feels like quite a short song but it's a super strong one.

SUGA's Interlude

wow, I don't listen to BTS but how cool to have a song on this album that looks past the language barrier and sees 2 artists just sharing their emotions together. this song really looks at dreams and what people want and how to get there and how it can be hard and it really is a good one to see the 2 sides of Ashley and Halsey. so cool!

More

oh my, ok this is really sad. I've just looked and Halsey has suffered from miscarriages and wants a family and is worried that it may not happen. I guess to have your whole life laid out for everyone to see, it must be so hard to go through things like this, so beautiful to hear Ashley's story. "and when you decide it's your time to arrive I've loved you for all of my life."

Still Learning

despite having everything, Halsey feels that she doesn't have it all. it's so important for people to realise that celebrities are just people too, so beautiful to see her be really raw and share how she feels about her love and herself. "no one around me knows" it's crazy to imagine she's always surrounded by big teams of people or arenas full of fans, yet people only know Halsey, not Ashley, but quite nice to know that even she sometimes feels like that. She's learning to love Ashley.

929

wow, it's like we've just ripped a page out of Ashley's diary and read it. I love how vulnerable she's been on this whole album, especially this song. wow, I just stopped writing and just listened to the song with the lyrics infront of me, and what a song. we feel like we know Ashley after listening to this album, but at the same time, we don't. we're still learning, just as she is, but that's ok because things take time. love takes time, and it's beautiful to hear this song and the truth. gosh, I hope Ashley is truly ok. it must take a lot to put something like this out, but I know the world appreciates the truth.



ok, so that was Manic by Halsey, and well, Ashley. I genuinely feel that was one of the most beautiful and truthful things I have listened to in a long time, and I just feel so proud of her growth, and even though she still feels she has a long way to go, that she should be proud of the life she has had so far. genuinely, listen to this album ,but if you've not got time, here are my favourites: clementine, Graveyard, You should be sad, I HATE EVERYBODY, 3am, Finally // beautiful stranger, and 929.

all the respect and love for Ashley and I'm excited to see what she does need, especially after being very revealing with this project. I'd love to see more country style and acoustic stuff from her, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

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Doctor Who's "Orphan 55" and The Future of Earth

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yo, how's it hanging future anna? it's been a lovely day, and to finish it, we had a new episode of Doctor Who!

The rest of this blog post will contain spoilers to the Orphan 55 episode of Doctor Who which broadcast tonight, so you have been warned if you haven't seen it!

The Doctor and her pals win an all inclusive 2-week break at an alien spa. All seems to be fine until monsters start to attack. We learn that they are mutated humans, and the gang are on Earth, just a few years later, after people have stopped caring for the planet and wars have started.

It was a really powerful episode, with the unexpected twist really getting to us all! It really prompted me to want to talk about it.

First off, I think it's really great that large platforms are talking about and sharing stories about such big world issues like climate change. It's so important, and still after so much media attention, not everyone is doing what they can. It should be celebrated that such a mainstream show is talking about important things and getting points across to so many generations.

Next, Doctor Who was created to teach kids about science and history, and it's so cool that this series and the last one really did focus on that. The previous series' and Doctors have had complicated story lines and episodes, and no one can really follow them hahah! So it's nice that it's going back to its basics. It's nice to see simple episodes that do still have a meaning or allow us to learn about figures in history who are so important to the people we are today and the technology we have. To be able to learn about people, science and our planet is so cool. I know sometimes it isn't super realistic with aliens and all sorts chasing our favourite characters, but it is a great show that educates, entertains and brings us all together.

And finally, I know people won't like the episode. The characters (that lady who was gonna marry Benny was so annoying and bad lollll soz but not really) weren't super exciting, a few plot holes from old Doctor Who and the future of Earth (although the Doctor did say it was just one of many strands of the Earth's future), and the story felt a little rushed and not quite right, but overall, if it gets the message across that big things are happening, and we can be the change, then I'm all for it!

I feel so passionate about the future of our planet and what we're doing to affect it, so I was really surprised when this was the message of the episode and how glad I was that the message will be getting into more people's minds.

It isn't Doctor Who's job to educate us on topics like this, but when it does, I think rather than criticising the episode, we should be praising the writers that they want to push the message that climate change exists and we need to do something about it!

I love Jodie as the Doctor and I'm excited to see what happens in the rest of the series, especially after that explosive and excited first double bill episode! Hopefully more good messages like this! Enjoy future anna!

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How to Find a Creative Job/Project

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Hello future anna! How are things? I'm currently looking into creative jobs and stuff after moving back home and I thought it'd be good to share some of the websites I use/look at to try and find what I'm looking for! This is just a short list, but it's full of useful websites! I might do another post if it's helpful!

Mandy and Backstage Mandy.com/ backstage.com

Some good websites to sign up to are these 2. They're very similar, but I'd say if you want more acting/modelling/performance work, I'd use Backstage, and if you want more runner/director/etc work, I'd use Mandy, however all that I've mentioned is on both sites.

You can join the sites for free and get emails everyday about new things happening that you can apply for and get involved in. The only thing is, they are subscription based, so unless you're on a free trial, or you pay, you may not be able to apply to every job that is listed/rake in the benefits.

For me, I stop my subscription until I find a job I really want, and then pay, as for free, everyday I get emails with jobs still posted to me and I don't apply to new things each month, so that's how I save money hahha! However, if you're wanting to kick start things and apply to all you can, it might be worth paying!

Flare Studio https://www.flare.studio/#

Flare Studio is a platform where big companies (such as Gilette, Galaxy Chocolate, Dolmio, etc) put out briefs for creatives to apply to work with them to create whatever they need. Whether it's an animated advert or photographs for a worldwide campaign, Flare is all about getting creatives, starting out or established, talking with clients and understanding the world.

If you're interested in marketing, advertisements, or just practising briefs and how to talk to clients, definitely have a look at this website!

I've never used Flare, but I am signed up to it and occasionally look at jobs on there, but the reason I don't use it is because I haven't found a project right for me yet. Because of that, I cannot really comment, but it's free to use and apply for things, so go for it!

Linkedin

A basic one. Set up an account and add to it as you work. Make connections and get jobs. It's like having one of your social media accounts, but it's like a dedicated professional space rather than just a random photo sharing thing! Might be something to look into especially if you've already completed a few jobs to start filling out your profile.

Facebook Groups

A good way to find small projects around you is to use social media! one of my favourites is facebook because you can easily find groups near you and join them. You can post your ideas or projects, and see what others are posting. You can make contacts, get the ball rolling, and help others too! I've never really found anything that I feel passionate about on them (lollllll), but it's good to be part of them and get the notifications! I find that when I see someone doing a project, it inspires me to want to get my projects moving along too! Whatever helps ay!

Create Your Own Stuff

And to finish.... create your own projects! If you can't find something, or feel you're being rejected, write your own script, create a fake marketing campaign to apply for experience. Don't just sit and wait, go out and do something whilst you're waiting. Make the most of your time and stay being creative. Even if it's just practising with your camera to learn how each setting works, or creating an audio story with your friends, get out there and make your stuff work if you can't seem to get anything else too! It's ok for it to not all be fine and dandy all the time, especially at the start, but believe in yourself and other people will start to believe in you too! p.s. I believe in you!!!


So those are some of the things I use and do when looking at creative jobs! If you have any you can share, please do! Good luck finding jobs future anna!

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OMG @ BBC's Dracula

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hello future anna! how are you doing? so, a few weeks ago, I saw a trailer for the new Dracula short series on BBC and it looked so good that I knew I had to watch it when it came out. and here we are, watching it and freaking out and OMG-ing and just having a whale of a time with this gory yet brilliant show! I thought it'd be cool to give my thoughts on each episode in the 3 part series, along with a little synopsis! I'm writing my thoughts after seeing each episode, so it'll take a few days to finish, but I'm excited to watch this show as it looks so new and different! let's go!

THE REST OF THIS POST CONTAINS QUITE HEAVY SPOILERS FOR THE BBC SHOW 'DRACULA'

Episode 1: A lawyer goes to Count Dracula's castle in Transylvania as the Count needs to sign some papers for an Abbey he is buying in England. The Count says the Lawyer must stay for a few weeks, much to his dismay, however through this time he begins to learn the truth about Dracula, as well as begin to lose his soul as the Count absorbs it! We learn this story as the Lawyer (post knowing Dracula) explains it to 2 nuns at a convent. One is Agatha Van Helsing (The name of the well known vampire hunter/slayer) and the other is his wife who they have disguised. They discover he is undead/slightly bad, and must try and keep Dracula away to keep everyone safe, however Dracula is invited into the convent and causes chaos. We end on a cliffhanger, not knowing if Van Helsing and the Lawyer's wife will survive the attack.

Thoughts: I really liked this episode! If you know me or listen to the podcast, you'll know that I hate horror, and even though this was spooky, I really liked it! For me, it was the acting and makeup/prosthetics which really were amazing in this. Thewolf scene is just another lever *claps*. They really helped build a believable story filled with twists and turns that no one expected! It's such a clever and cool yet old school take on the story of Dracula. I don't know all the facts, and I've never read the book, but I thought it was such a cool tv episode. I knew as soon as I saw the trailer that I wanted to see it. It had moments of comedy, really tense parts where I was literally gripping the sofa with my legs up in case something wanted to grab me from under the sofa hahah! It genuinely was such a good show, and I hope the BBC do more like it! I'm so intrigued after this first episode to see what will happen next! Will we see Dracula in modern day? Will he go to England? Will the Lawyer who has a proper name that I can't remember be ok??? OMG!

I've googled the Lawyer's name and the history, and how cool that he is one of the first characters we meet in the Bram Stoker book!

I wanna talk more about the set. We welcome ourselves into this big, gothic castle, yet suddenly the only right option seems to leave. It's crazy that Jonathan, the Lawyer, wants to stay and help, but I guess that's him and I'd be OUTTA THERE! hahah! And of course we can't forget the costumes, and THAT cloak. It's gorgeous with red lining, and the shot when Dracula is carrying his undead Jonathan up the stairs is genuinely to die for. It's caring and warm yet unsafe and just perfectly sums up Dracula. And that shot from above where all the nuns are dead, glorious. And RIP, it was sad too. (but pretty)

Episode 2: Dracula is on his ay to England on a boat with 7 (I think it's 7, haha) other passengers. Whilst we see the story playing out on the water, we see Dracula telling the story to Agatha who is sat playing chess with him in the castle. Odd because it suggests he kept her alive after the previous day at the convent and the cliffhanger. It turns out Dracula "kissed" Agatha, so she now has the vampire's kiss and is slowly dying, like the Lawyer did in the previous episode. It also comes to light that Dracula is telling Agatha the story before they're on the boat, and she is one of the passengers on the boat. Back to the boat, people have started dying, and they suspect one of the passengers. It's a bit murder mystery which is fun, but there is a passenger who isn't allowed to be seen by anyone but the captain under strict instruction. Due to the murders, the passengers demand to know who is in the private cabin, and that's where we discover Agatha and she realises what has happened. Dracula frames her, she gets the others to see Dracula is truly the bad guy. Death, drama, and a few pages of the bible later, the boat explodes, leaving Agatha floating, possibly dead, in the water, and Dracula in his soil coffin. He bursts out, swims to shore, and suddenly he's surrounded by modern day police and Agatha in present day clothes.

Thoughts: Ok, so like I said in the lil synopsis, this episode was more of a murder mystery style one, but it still had the gore and the excitement of the first one, just slightly more toned down. I liked it, I feel I can cope with this horror now, and was sat on the edge of my seat, but not in fear, just wanting more! I wanted to work out what was happening, but I couldn't and that is what is so good about this show. I genuinely can't work out the twists and turns, and it's so shocking when the truth appears. Again, the makeup and prosthetics were phenomenal, and to add to that, the sets and costumes were exquisite! I'm a total sucker for things like that, so to see the detail in everything was amazing. The blood dripping through the boat, the mist around it, the candlelight, it was just so well done.

Also, the acting was so good like the previous episode. I love Dracula and I hate him. Claes Bang who plays him is truly on another level. I love his sassy-ness and his anger, and just his physical parts for the role too. Sacha Dhawan as the doctor, woah is he good or is he good! Seeing him in Doctor Who and then this really shows what an actor he is. I'm really excited to see more of him in the future, but his role in this short series has definitely become one of my favourites of his. And the actress who plays his daughter is so hauntingly beautiful in her own way. Wow, what a gal!

And I was right, we end up in modern day!!! That cliffhanger was so insane omg this show is just something else, and like nothing I've ever seen! I can't wait to see what happens next! Will Dracula be stopped? Is Van Helsing real? OMG!

Episode 3: In present day, Dracula is taken to the Jonathan Harker Institute, set up after Dracula let the Lawyer's wife, Mina, go free, and using her inheritance, she set up the place in her husband's name to learn about the vampire and how to stop him. Van Helsing turns out to be Agatha's great great niece or something, and takes some of Dracula's blood for research. Dracula is given an iPad (stupid thing to do) and gets a lawyer so he is released from the Institute. Van Helsing drinks Dracula's blood and connects more with Agatha. Dracula meets a young girl who is makes his bride. She gets killed. Dracula realises the things he thinks will kill him won't, and Van Helsing reveals to him that he is afraid of death. She is dying of cancer, and Dracula sucks her "poison" blood so he can die too.
Thoughts: So, after the last episodes cliff-hanger, I was confused as to what may happen next, so it was cool to see the next generations of the characters and what they had done whilst Dracula had been under the water. The story made sense and there was nothing off about it, but it didn't please me as much as the previous 2 episodes had. I did however love the way it was shot, and the use of neon lights and the slightly jittery editing to give it a modern yet still not 100% right vibe! It annoyed me how Dracula had been given an iPad, like ummm stupid mistake hahaha! But I don't know how he would've been able to continue the story otherwise, unless he was able to get into the heads of the guards or something.

The set and lighting really did made this episode special, especially at the end when we full enter Dracula's lil flat and the curtains open to reveal daylight. Was anyone else heavily satisfied when Dracula walked towards the window and the shadow of the window panes looked like the cross on him!! mmmm that's good stuff!

However, I was heavily freaked out, thinking about people not being dead when they're buried or burnt and I did not like that little boy who wanted to play EW NO THANKS!!! But again, big shoutout to the makeup department for creating the undead bodies, like wow. That is TALENT and I'm so glad this show has given them a chance to shine! Also, how much time did it take to get the fake blood out of clothes. props to you guys!

I think it's the kind of show that if you've read the Dracula books and are a big fan, you'll get all the references and know what it all means and squeal in delight at it all (especially the sun image at the very end which confused my mum a heck of a lot haha), however as someone who only knows small facts about vampires (like garlic is not good, but it didn't mention it in the show so who knows!) and not much about the main man Dracula himself, me and my parents really did enjoy the show and how it was something new and fresh, like we'd never seen before.
I think my favourite was the 1st episode, and then the 2nd and 3rd, but I think the script writers did a fantastic job in presenting a horror icon to a new audience! I'm a scaredy-cat, but really loved this, and would recommend it! It is 3 episodes, each lasting an hour and a half, but I'm glad they did that as it gave each chapter time to really come into it's own and not rush the story. Obviously Dracula doesn't survive the show (we assume), but it'll be interesting to see if they do anything more with this series, or other horror icons in the future! I just think the whole thing was really clever, and I really hope the BBC keeps things fierce and fresh with shows as exciting as this!

Are you watching anymore spooky thing future anna? If so, I hope you're sleeping ok hahaha!

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I Guess I Have A Car #2

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hey future anna, you got a car!!!

it's funny because in a previous post I chat about getting my second car and how my life and plans were so different then, but when I think about it, I'm now kinda back in the same place. It doesn't make me sad to think that, just excited to see what I'll do next!

buying my first car: https://annasnothere.blogspot.com/2017/10/i-guess-i-have-car.html

so, I didn't move to Manchester, I moved to London. I really loved having my first lil car and I'm so glad I now have my next! people asked me what I'd miss about London, and obviously my friends, but mainly, the transport! haha! it's just so easy to get around, but not where I live now! I'm in the middle of no where and the nearest cinema is about 20 minutes drive away. but luckily ya gal can now drive herself there in her new red lil car! how exciting!!

I've been looking since before Christmas at lil cars, and we've looked at a few, test driven some, but as soon as I saw this one, I just knew! you know when you know don't you!

I'm just really glad it's all sorted! eeee I have a car!

will this car be your buddy for a while future anna or will this one not stick with you? I can't wait to see!

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My Thoughts on the Romance in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

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hello hello on Christmas Eve I went to see the final Star Wars film in the saga with my dad and brother. it's been a Christmas tradition to see the new Star Wars film in the cinema for the past few years, so it was lovely to continue that tradition!

HOWEVER, when the lips of Rey and Kylo/Ben locked a shiver of disgust went up my spine.

First reaction: ughhhhh I hate romance and stuff in films like these. understandable that characters will start to like each other, but are you joking me!?!?!?! it was such a good and powerful moment and for me, it just completely ruined it. GET TO THE BATTLE, NOT THE KISSING!!!

A week-ish later: so, it seems that it wasn't just me annoyed by this scene. John Boyega, sweet sweet JB, also didn't like it. yay. it's caused quite a stir in how Boyega has tweeted and Reylo fans have reacted.

I'm completely on his side. if you have watched the previous films, and even this one, with Rey and Kylo in, you'll know that they have a connection through the force, but are constantly at war/confusion over it. Understandable that one is good and the other is bad, and there is a lil crossover with the dark and light side in both of them, but when push comes to shove, it appears that both characters aren't keen on each other, and Kylo is only kind when offering Rey a joint throne for the dark side. Understandably, the whole world (apart from Reylo fans, soz guys, not attacking, just giving my thoughts like you have been) was very confused when they went from hating each other to suddenly kissing.

Did I miss something? did I take a nap in the cinema? did they suddenly become bffs? Things in the story had changed, Kylo did morph (I don't think this is the right word but you get what I mean) back into Ben and they used their connection to fight the evil to help the light side win, BUT WHAT THE HECK THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE.

I liked the connection they had in the final moments. Throughout the films they were connected, they were soulmates in some ways, but at the end of the day, I feel that the kiss ruined the final moments for me personally. If I had done it, I would've kept it exactly the same, but instead of the kiss, I definitely would've had them hug in a friendly and accepting way of each other. They have forgiven each other and understood what has happened, and I think it would've been nicer than the kiss.

So those are my current thoughts on the romance. when I first saw it, it really did throw me off, but now as I think back, it should've done, and if not, I should be concerned that I see love as violence. "if he's mean to you sweetie, it means he loves you." mmmm hun, if he's mean to me, I'm gonna get rid of him.

J.J. Abrams has said that the kiss wasn't meant in a sexual way, just that they have a connection and that's what it led too. https://www.indiewire.com/2019/12/jj-abrams-rey-kylo-ren-star-wars-kiss-explained-1202199074/

Anyway, I feel I could talk about it for hours, and for lots of other films too, so I'll stop before it gets crazy, but these are my opinions and great to know that it isn't just me who feels this way, funny that it was one of the main characters in the saga.

Overall, The Rise of Skywalker was good. It was definately more for the fans than the critics, and it did make me realise that basically every Star Wars film is the same, but for a cute lil family tradition, it was nice to see, and I'm intrigued to see what they do with the Star Wars franchise next!

can't wait to see what riles you up next future anna!

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Ring Ring, it's 2020!

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ARE YOU JOKING ME??? it's 2020!! what the heck???

no, I just can't believe it. genuinely.

ok, 2020 is gonna be good, so good that I don't know what's gonna happen yet but I know it's gonna be swell. I really wanna work hard and push myself and just do great things. it's the start of a new decade so let's make this the decade that anna does stuff and it's good and great! ok woooo!

right, that was all a jumble of words, but to start me on the right foot, I'm going to jot down my goals for this year to hopefully push myself to do them so at the end of the year when I look back, it's not another year of "wow, I didn't do any of this" hahaha! let's do this!


get 1000 followers on instagram

I'm not bothered about followings and stuff UM ANNA HAVE YOU READ THIS GOAL??? um yes anna, I have.... I'd really love to build an audience/lil family over on my instagram page where we talk about creative things, share what we're passionate about/working on, and just be there to support each other! I wanna share my favourite films and have others appreciate them. I want people to share their projects, and I wanna support them. I just want a cool community, and I want it to grow! It'd be cool to reach more people, and 1000 people for this year is my aim. It's a big one but we're over 10% of the way there, so why not do it this year! I hope that makes sense, i'm not bothered about being "internet famous" or whatever, I just want to be able to continue what I'm doing but also interact with more people!

finish book 2

if you do follow me on instagram (good self promo anna xoxox), you'll know that 2019 was the year of writing and working on my book! I'm working on a trilogy and I thought I may be able to get book 2 finished in 2019, but I think it'll be more of a 2020 project! I can't wait to work more on it and get this story finished!

make a ball gown

so, this past year, I realised I love fashion and costume after years of telling myself that I'm not good at it hahah! it'd be cool to work on creative fashion projects and things, but right now, it's just a hobby/love rather than a possible career. I have already sent myself a few sewing goals, but the biggest is to design and create a ball gown. no, I don't have an event to wear a perfect princess dress to, but what if I wanna feel fancy whilst wearing breakfast or practice for all the balls I may go to in the future. who knows hahah! I'm hoping to video my sewing projects and post them on my youtube, so you'll hopefully see my successes and failures over there!

visit family and friends

this year I really want to visit my friends and family all over the place and spend time with them! you never know what may change or happen, so you gotta make the most of everything and everyone whilst you can. I've already got a few trips planned, so I'll just keep adding to the list as 2020 continues. omg we're in 2020 what the heck!

live the life I love

and finally, one of the biggest steps to end 2019 was moving home. the reason is LONDON IS SO EXPENSIVE and there are opportunities but there is so much competition, and I'm not making excuses, I'm being realistic. by being home, I can work on creative ventures and opportunities here without worrying about bills. I know, I'm very lucky, but this year is going to be the one where I work on my career and my future. whether that be followers on instagram like I said before, or getting experience or an apprenticeship, I hope to work on my creative side and look at turning it into my job! also, if creative things aren't going so well, I hope to find a job I love where I can continue doing creative things for my hobbies! I'm staying positive and just gonna do what I love so I'm happy! fingers crossed it all works out guys!!!


so those are my goals for this new year! it's crazy to think another has passed, but I'm so determined to make this one count! let's get that bread guys and gals!!! good luck future anna!!!

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