Three Days of Thanksgiving!

I realized this morning that I forgot to mention my three days of Thanksgiving, just like the Pilgrams and Native Americans did on the very first Thanksgiving. 

24, November 2011:
Thursday afternoon, on the actual day of Thanksgiving, I went out for a Thai lunch with a friend from the states. Then after Writer's Workshop, we went to the pub - we always go to the pub - and made a turkey from the tinfoil of mince pies.

Mince pie tinfoil turkey. 

25, November 2011:
We had a large dinner at The King's Tun, where anyone who wanted to be part of the Thanksgiving Spirit was invited to come. It was a lot a fun, and great to spend time with people outside of the classroom. We then moved to another pub where I had dessert of the american beer Blue Moon - oranges included.

26, November 2011:
A few of us from the States were invited to a friend's place in the campus halls. We all contributed to the meal and it was delicious. I made my traditional apple pie, except against tradition it came out perfectly well! Also, it was square, which was pretty cool. After dinner and pie - which I could not eat one bit of - we went out for a little karaoke. It was terrifying but I did sing Set Fire to the Rain by Adele and I think it went okay - although I felt like I was screaming into the microphone.


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
xx, Kristin

Wales - A week later.

I was so incredibly busy this week with schoolwork and trying to figure out Thanksgiving plans that I forgot to post about Wales. Now, I have to hope that I can remember all the wonderful details of that Christmas themed weekend.

PS: This is one of my infamous, un-edited posts - I apologize for any mistakes...

18, November 2011:

A Christmas Celebration in Cardiff, Wales. 

We left London at 12:30pm - I think - for Cardiff, Wales. It took about an hour and thirty minutes to get out of the city - but it was such a pretty drive. London really is a gorgeous city with its old buildings and the Thames river. Once we got out of London, I remember what grass was - the grass, and trees and flat open fields ending with rolling hills. It was wonderful that we left in the daylight just so I could remember how much I love being in the country - even though we were not able to leave the bus to grab some fresh air. The countryside was as beautiful as London. It has pushed me towards planning a trip to some small English town in the future.

When we arrived in Cardiff the sun was just beginning to set - it gets so dark so early here now. Ruth knows her way around Cardiff like the back of her hand, so just as we landed she directed us off to the hostel. It was one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. There was security everywhere, and lockers where we could leave our backpacks while spending time out in the city.

Cardiff Castle. 

Once we settled in a bit and cleaned up from the ride, we decided we needed a roast for dinner. After getting directions from the woman who had checked us in, we headed to a local pub and spent a few hours eating and chatting. It was a very nice relaxing time. After this, Ruth showed me Cardiff at night - we walked around the city for HOURS. We found a Christmas market that would be open in the morning, many really cute shops, and a Christmas festival. They had ice skating, rides and food.

On the way home from our exploring, we walked past a cinema and decided that to keep our Christmas weekend theme going we should watch Arthur Christmas. It was a really cute movie, a new holiday favorite about Santa's youngest son who is desperate to make sure not one child is left out on Christmas morning. It made me laugh, made me cry and made me get OVER excited about Christmas.

19, November 2011:

Myself and the Keep in Cardiff Castle. 

We woke ourselves up pretty early - Ruth did a much better job than myself - showered, and then headed into Wales. It seemed like a whole different place in the daylight, and I was pretty confused again as Ruth directed us through the city - which is a lot smaller than I had thought. Our first stop was Cardiff Castle. I have to say, every town in the world should have a castle - what a cool concept! It was a lot of fun walking around inside it, and discovering where they turned part of the castle into a bomb shelter during WWII. That part of the castle was very spooky and took my breath away as we walked through the dark tunnel. I cannot imagine having to hide out in there during wartime.


We also climbed up the keep, and explored inside the palace. It was full of monkeys and other jungle animals - like birds. It was really gorgeous, and had the most brilliant library.

After walking around the castle for a few hours, we then decided to get lunch at one of the Christmas markets. It seems to be a thing in the United Kingdom to have German Markets to bring in the holiday season. We have one in Kingston and that was what we found in Cardiff. I bought myself one of the most delicious hotdogs I have ever had and we then proceeded to walk around the market. There we many cool - and very Welsh - stands, and I found myself always having to pull myself away from the Love Spoons. They are so fantastic and I found so many that I wanted to hang on my walls.

Cardiff Bay. 

We then went exploring for some Doctor Who memorabilia and that is when poor Ruth discovered that her favorite place in the world - The Doctor Who Experience - was closed so they could update the exhibits. Luckily, she had already gone to a Forbidden Planet - google it - and filled up on her geek for the day - haha!

Next, we headed to Cardiff Bay where we bought ourselves some Welsh Cakes - SO GOOD - and walked to the waterfront. Industrial life could be seen in almost every direction I looked. After staring out at the water for a moment, Ruth then led me to the entrance of Torchwood - google it - where fans of the show had taken to posting sympathy letter when one of the more popular characters was killed off. It appears they were not pleased with the writer's decision of cutting him out of the series.

While reading all the notes, I noticed that there were some boat tours heading in and out of were we stood in the bay. The tour was only 5GBP and I figured because we lost a few hours of our planned day because of the Doctor Who Experience being closed, we should see the bay. Ruth sucked up her fear of boats really well for me as we headed off to see a close up of Cardiff Bay.

Torchwood Letters, Cardiff Bay. 

Then next planned step in our journey was to watch Santa light up Cardiff. They had set up another market here in front of the world famous Millenium Center - including rides, food and live entertainment. Ruth and I spent hours walking around the tents and exploring the center. It was really good Christmas fun and it really got me in the mood for celebrations. The fireworks were really excellent, even better then the ones I saw for Guy Fawkes and it was fun to see the whole city light up.

Millennium Center at Cardiff Bay. 

That is when I decided we needed to have one last bite of Christmas before calling it a weekend - as our bus would leave at 4:30am. I suggested to Ruth we use this Welsh market to buy each other Christmas presents. We took turns with a 10GBP limit and exchanged the gifts to Ruth's ipod which she has playing Christmas Carols. IT WAS WONDERFUL.

On the way home, we again passed the cinema and with little hesitation ran to the 3rd floor to again watch Arthur Christmas. As I said, I loved that movie - and it seems that so did Ruth!

20, November 2011:
We left Cardiff at 4:30am. After attempting to sleep the whole way home and failing, I crashed in my bed for many hours on that Sunday afternoon.

T H E  E N D . 

Fireworks for the Christmas Celebration at Cardiff Bay. 

xx, Kristin

PS: Did I mention I got to hold an owl?!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Family and Friends,

I would like to start out this letter with a massive THANK YOU. Although I have said it before and I will say it again, the support you have given me has always been incredible. I know I could not be more blessed with the family I was given, and the friends I have earned. Even over here from across the pond, I can still feel the positive encouragement from you all. From taking the time to post a small comment on this blog, or on my pictures, sending me emails and letters, or finding a moment to skype with me, I am grateful for you all. 

Even though I am unable to sit around the dining room table today for the Thanksgiving feast, I am still thinking about you all and making my annual list of everything I am thankful for. Family, friends, the chance to return to London, the ability to continue getting my education, being lucky enough to have a home here in England, and having something to bring me back to New York, everything on my list makes me ecstatic. 

Nothing can stop me from smiling today. 

I wish you all the happiest Thanksgiving and the reminder that it is not the turkey that makes this day great, it is knowing you have a reason to be thankful. That is enough, and I have enough. 

H A P P Y  T H A N K S G I V I N G !!!

I love you all very much, and for those counting I will be seeing you in less than a month!

xx, Kristin

Fact -

I  L O V E  W A L E S

(more to come soon).

Cardiff Castle 2011 : Photographer Kristin Bergene

xx, Kristin

THANKS MOM AND DAD FOR THE POPCORN!!!

Norbiton Train Station - towards Kingston.

I am much worse at updating this blog than the one I kept in 2009, I wonder if that means something - haha.

From the last time I posted I have accomplished quite a list of activities - if that is what you want to call them, haha. I had a conference on publishing at Stationer's Hall, I dorked out with Ruth in various geek shops in the center of London, I went shopping for warm clothes, I wrote a paper on production in publishing - which required me to take books from the library - I agreed to attend the mid-night premiere to see the next Twilight movie, I emptied my fridge and have not restocked it, I booked a spontaneous trip to Wales for their Christmas events, and I got a ton of popcorn in the mail from my parents - etc, etc...

In other news, NaNoWriMo is going terribly and I do not know when I will focus on that. Maybe today, before class, and while finishing my laundry, packing and preparing for tonight. Also, I have yet to find a place to live, and I am completely unable to keep up with my incoming emails - so much stuff, all the time. Thanksgiving plans have failed to move forwards, and I am not really motivated to work out the kinks without help. BUT the golden light at the end of this tunnel is -

I AM GOING TO WALES THIS WEEKEND. 

(Cardiff to be exact). 

Mentally - I am still doing really well, and I am really loving everything about being here. But do not worry, I am super excited for Christmas and to see my family and friends. Also I am super excited for New York Pizza, wings and an antipasti salad - So, if someone wants to put that order in for me? All the doubts I had before coming are gone now, and honestly I cannot even remember the details of those extreme moments of panic - I am sure they are in this blog somewhere.

Ruth and I at M&M World, London. 

Sure, I do not know what will happen once I get my degree.

But, I have a plan, and I know what I would like to happen.

But that is all in the future, and there is no point is killing myself today about what will happen in a year. A year ago today, I had no idea I would be back in London. I had the plan of moving to New York City, or Boston - maybe even Seattle - after getting decent experience at The Freeman's Journal. Working towards a degree in publishing and creative writing was not even a real consideration and it took a few more months to bring me to that single decision. Which is silly of me after all, because I love books, so working with them is just the correct answer.

My point is, right now is really good, and in one year the most important thing will be that I am still able to feel confident and happy. That is really the most important thing for anyone. If all I have in one year is the memory of this experience, and the knowledge I have gained, I want that to be enough. However, I am sure my dedication to carving out a niche for myself, and my stellar work ethic will continue to pull me through.

And on that note,

Myself, new winter gear
and a poppy. 

THANKS MOM AND DAD FOR THE POPCORN. 

(It's one of my favorite foods). 

Here's for constant optimism,
xx, Kristin

'Kristin Bergene' & A NEW BAG!

So, I accomplished some things today. I accomplished getting out of bed. I accomplished getting into Kingston to accomplish some schoolwork. I accomplished making it my class on time at 18:00 (6pm) and I accomplished some stuff to help market myself better.

Our lecturer today was talking about social media, and frankly it brought me to the conclusion that I am not doing enough - cue laughter. I have no idea how to market myself, and I really never considered that it was something I should be responsible for. However, there was a very good point brought up which was if you have a pre-existing group of followers you are more likely to be published. This includes self-publishing, which I may just have to give a shot - eventually. Anyway, this has me planning out a new marketing strategy which involves making 'Kristin Bergene' the product I want it to become.

Once Jane from The Office (US) said: "Dress for the job you want." In a way that is what I am trying to do, I am making my name recognizable as a brand. A brand of what?

That is still to be determined.

But today I worked towards my newly organized ambitions - not new ambitions, just reorganized. I have two blogs for my professional life, two blogs that I have failed to touch seriously once arriving here in England. Today, I changed their URL's to a more appropriate name.

They have now become:

• Writing Portfolio: http://kristinbergenewriter.wordpress.com/
• Art Design Portfolio: http://kristinbergeneartdesign.wordpress.com

With their new names, I hereby swear to market them the "right way" - as opposed to just having them there in the background. I will dedicate at least one hour a week to spreading the word on 'Kristin Bergene' - which I think is plenty enough time for one week, considering I am still doing my masters. 

My responsibilities are slightly overwhelming. It seems this easy / fun blog is my best source of stress relief that can be played with between serious responsibilities. Well, this blog, traveling into London's center and shopping - speaking of which...

LOOK A NEW BAG!

I thought a sleek bag like this would be perfect to get me in the right mindset of a professional. As I stared it down, I imagined going on interviews with a pencil skirt and this guy. It seemed like an unbeatable confidence booster - mostly because both my planner and kindle fit inside beautifully, along with all my other crap.

Bring it on world.

xx, Kristin

Guy Fawkes Night

I took some shots of the annual fireworks celebration for 

GUY FAWKES NIGHT 

& here they are:

xx, kristin

UPDATE: For those unaware on the other side of the pond, as requested by Aunt Sandy, here is a link to tell you what Guy Fawkes night is all about: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_fawkes


You may have also seen V for Vendetta which is loosely based on his story. 

My week was AWESOME

A quick shot with my Android of the Thames river,
a few boats, Big Ben and the London Eye. 

I began this reading week comparing it the last one I experienced in London. That reading week I travled to Norway and Wales. A piece of me was thinking about that time with a bit of longing, as I had no plans for travel. I figured that I could do a few day trips, but with the beginning of NaNoWriMo - a self-assigned project where you try to write a 50,000 word novel in one month - and all my assignments for school, the thought of leaving London became more unlikely. However, with an incredible and unexpected twist of events it turned out that leaving London would have been a mistake.

NOTE: This is poorly edited on account of time, excitement and exhaustion from the following week.

November 1st:
It was a successful first day with NaNoWriMo. I have an easy goal of 2,000 words a day, and the first day I finished the lot in under two hours. To celebrate my friend and I decided that the most important thing to do was to go see...

Backbeat - The Beatles the Musical!

IT.
WAS.
INCREDIBLE.

I laughed, I cried. It gave me a new idea of what it was like to live during the rise of The Beatles and I have to say, I really wish I was around for that. They played their music and told the story of the fifth Beatle, Stewart. I was so emotionally involved in this musical that when it ended I almost wanted to cry for not being able to listen to anymore of their music. They ended the musical by having a full blown Beatles concert playing four of five of their songs!!! I felt like a screaming fan girl as they asked the audience to get up and dance with them! The whole theater was jiving to the beat, and laughing. It was a blast!

BUT, it gets better!

The whole time we were watching, there was one actor on stage that I knew I had seen before. For a moment I considered that maybe he lived in London and I had walked past him on the street - he was attractive enough for me to remember if that was the case. However, I could not place him no matter how hard I thought about it, so I gave up to just enjoy the moment. When I got home however, I went right onto the internet and looked the boy up. My heart nearly broke as I looked at his name.

It was Andrew Knott.

The Secret Garden, 1993

Picture fromBackbeat website.

Andrew Knott, as in: Dicken from The Secret Garden, and little Joey from The Black Beauty. More importantly - My very first crush... EVER. Later he was in the History Boys, and that time I had no trouble recognizing him. The fact that I spent two hours in the same room as him, watching him preform live and did not recognize him - well, it nearly broke my heart.

So, you can imagine I will be going to see Backbeat again.


November 2nd: 
It was much less successful than the day before with my NaNoWriMo goals, I was 500 words short and for good reason.

I did NOT take this picture,
small credit to google images.

I went for a nice long walk in Richmond park with Philippa and Saxon, the temporary household dog. She drove us deep into the park to a place I have never been before, and as we began to stroll she causally mentioned that the London School of Ballet was the great building I could see in the distance.

The London School of Ballet.

As in where all the greats go for training, as in where part of Billy Elliot was filmed. It was another one of those classic movies in my life, and between this and the whole Andrew Knott surprise thing, my week was already emotionally draining.

That building is magnificent. I did not take any pictures, as I had not expected to need my camera while walking the dog, but I do intend to go back and get some incredible pictures to share. There is a path leading up too the front of the building with great trees and birds. I felt like I was in one of those old classic english movies.

I then had a LONG and fun lunch with one of my classmates at Jamie Oliver's restaurant in Kingston. It was delicious and also... Jamie Oliver - enough said.

Then I did a Pub Quiz with the Adam's family and crew. WE CAME IN FIFTH - also, really exciting!


November 3rd: 
So, I was sitting at computer, slowly waking up and trying to figure out what I was required to do today when I saw this:

Kingston University class of 2012The olympic torch will be on campus TODAY! Come down to have your picture taken with it from 12noon.

And I was like - UM WHAT?! So, as it was nearly 11am I hurried my butt down to campus and got this:

They had four different backgrounds... haha!

I am almost certain this one is my favorite.

I was then required to head into central London to meet up with some Publishing people and see some really old books at the British Library. But on the way, something really incredible happened...


I SAW THE QUEEN!

I snapped this picture after I
regained my ability to move.
 That was her caravan,
but not her car. 

As in, Her Majesty the Queen! How many people jokingly said, "Say hey to the Queen for me," as I got ready to fly over. I laughed, thinking, no one ever sees the Queen. But as we were walking in front of King's Cross station (yes, the one in Harry Potter!) all the traffic was stopped in such a weird fashion. A police man came through on his motorbike, directing traffic to pause - ignoring the traffic lights. After a few more motorbikes came through, two cars passed by. I had stopped, asking "Are we going to see a parade?" (Which I think not one of my friends heard me say) But as I finished the sentence and looked in the window of the car, I saw her. She was just sitting there, like a normal person - THE QUEEN. By god, I have seen the Queen of England - in real life and unplanned. 

Evidence that I went
to the British Library.

Now onto the Library, which for a book person is just as exciting as seeing the Queen. There were books dating to the 4th and 5th century, my jaw nearly dropped. Jane Austen, Bronte, old song workings from The Beatles, the Magna Carta and the list goes on. We were not permitted to take pictures of the books, but seeing old pages from well recognized text in person was humbling. It came with this surprising result of stealing my intimidation from the old greats as I look at their scribbles in ancient notebooks. My own handwriting was simliar to many of theirs, completely illegible and quick. I was inspired to grab a notebook and just write and write - though I may have to wait till after NaNoWriMo to play with that idea.


After the British Library Exhibit, we headed to a pub not so very far away to something called 'BookMachine.' It is a social where people in the publishing world can meet up and make connections. I talked to a few very exciting people, mostly from Random House and got to spend more time with the people from my course which is always fun.


The night was finished by playing Kings in New Malden, like the good Uni kids we are.

November 4th: 
Now is the day before November the 5th.

Remember, Remember the Fifth of November. 

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot.

All I want to do is have a night in and settle down from my week. Figure out how to send money home, fill out applications for a Railcard for the trains, a student Oyster card (which is cheaper), and work on NaNoWriMo and my other heaping pile of ever growing assignments. I would even perhaps like to paint my nails and relax with a movie for just one night, but no. The fireworks are starting and because I have to be involved with everything all the time, even after my amazing week, I am heading out again for fireworks at 8pm.



xx, Kristin

AHHHHHHH!

I have to apologize for the post I am going to create tomorrow which will not only be full of capitalizations, but also quite possibly very, very long! It will cover such topics as:

1. HOW I WATCHED ANDREW KNOTT IN BACK BEAT (as John Lennon)!
   
2. HOW I HELD THE OLYMPIC TORCH (even though it was not lit)!
3. HOW I SAW THE QUEEN (near the British Library)!

Till tomorrow,

xx, Kristin